Chapter 57 Do you know what a crime it is to kill your lord and your father?
Inside the Hongwen Hall, the fragrance of sandalwood wafted through the air, yet it could not dispel the heavy atmosphere.
This was Li Yuanzhao's first visit to the Grand Tutor since returning from the hunting grounds.
She sat at her desk, her fingers gently stroking the pages of the book.
The more people who know about the thrilling assassination attempt at the hunting grounds, the more dangerous it becomes.
Those around her, Ru Mo only knew the basics, and Su Qingci knew nothing about it from beginning to end; she only guessed a little about it herself afterward.
Not to mention the Grand Tutor, who always advocated "governing the world with benevolence and virtue," she naturally didn't reveal a single detail.
Besides, she doesn't trust him anymore.
But she never expected that her teacher, known as "Liu Banchao," would uncover the truth simply by observing a series of unusual events in the court.
They even dared to criticize her in such a harsh tone at this moment.
"Li Yuanzhao, do you know what kind of crime it is to kill your emperor and your father?"
Liu Jinzhang's voice, unable to conceal his emotions, echoed in the empty hall.
This was the first time he had ever gotten so angry at a student he had personally taught, and it was also the first time he had ever called her by her full name.
Li Yuanzhao raised her eyebrows slightly, her tone revealing little emotion, "Grand Tutor, you mustn't make baseless accusations against me. If I hadn't risked my life to protect the Emperor during the assassination attempt at the hunting grounds, he would probably be dead by now."
How could Liu Jinzhang believe her words?
He looked at the child he had taught since she was a child, watching her grow from a bright and cheerful little girl into the sharp and ambitious person she is today, and he knew all too well the ruthlessness in her bones.
Although he did not go to the hunting grounds, he pieced together a chilling truth from the clues at the scene.
This assassination attempt was clearly a pretext for her to use someone else to do her dirty work, and her ultimate target was probably the emperor on the throne.
"You're still trying to hide it from me?"
Liu Jinzhang slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly. "I personally trained you. Is there anyone in the world who knows you better than me? Do you really think your schemes can fool me?"
Li Yuanzhao looked at him very obediently, feigning confusion, "Grand Tutor, how could I dare to deceive you?"
Deep disappointment and heartache were evident in Liu Jinzhang's eyes. "You are the legitimate heir, so why do you have such rebellious thoughts?"
"Inheriting the legitimate lineage?" Li Yuanzhao sneered.
Grand Tutor, you are mistaken. Li Yuanzhao is merely the son of a peasant woman and cannot be considered legitimate.
If she is not rebellious, how can she ascend to the throne?
She slowly raised her eyes. "Grand Tutor, don't tell me you didn't see the purpose behind Father's recent actions?"
Liu Jinzhang was taken aback upon hearing this, as he had naturally also noticed the recent unusual activity in the court.
The Emperor issued an edict ordering the Second Prince, Li Yuanyou, to attend court and participate in government affairs, and also promoted him to the title of Prince Cheng.
The treatment he received was exactly the same as that given to Li Yuanzhao when he first entered the court.
Liu Jinzhang remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh, his voice low and deep: "His Majesty is indeed trying to check and warn you."
He raised his eyes, his gaze complex as he looked at her. "Even so, with your current power and prestige, you still have a good chance of winning. Why take such a risky step?"
Li Yuanzhao continued to look at him coldly, "Are you just going to let me watch and do nothing? Wait for Li Yuanyou to grow stronger and seize my throne?"
"The slightest oversight will result in your utter disgrace and your complete destruction!"
Liu Jinzhang was truly terrified. If the matter had failed or been discovered, no one would have been able to save her.
"This move is risky, but the odds of success are high." Li Yuanzhao met his gaze, the sharpness in his eyes undiminished. "Are you really going to just watch the world fall into the hands of that incompetent fool?"
Liu Jinzhang's throat bobbed, and he was momentarily speechless.
He knew very well that the second prince was indeed not up to the task.
He usually only knows how to cockfight, dog racing, and lingering among women; when it comes to court affairs, governing the country, and ensuring peace, he is completely ignorant.
The reason he wholeheartedly assisted Li Yuanzhao was precisely because she possessed extraordinary talent and the courage to shoulder the responsibility of governing the country.
But... the path of regicide and patricide is ultimately too contrary to the natural order.
"But have you ever considered that even if you succeed, the world isn't stupid! What will the public say about you?"
Liu Jinzhang's voice trembled slightly, "With the words 'murdering your father and seizing the throne' weighing on your head, how can you sit on that throne with a clear conscience?"
"Grand Tutor..." Li Yuanzhao smiled, stood up, slowly approached, and said softly, "At that time, I will appoint the historians and write the history books myself. As for what future generations say, why should I care?"
Looking at her arrogant and domineering demeanor, Liu Jinzhang felt a tightness in his chest.
Once she's made up her mind about something, no one can dissuade her, not even him, her nominal teacher.
After a long pause, Liu Jinzhang finally spoke with difficulty, “No matter what, things haven’t reached a dead end yet. Although His Majesty has the intention to maintain balance, he hasn’t cut off your path.”
He looked at Li Yuanzhao, his voice hoarse with a hint of weariness, "You now hold power and have many confidants in the court. Take it slow, and you might still have a chance of winning. Why be so impatient and take this risky step?"
Li Yuanzhao merely curled the corners of his lips slightly. "Take it slow? Grand Tutor, this isn't a game of chess where you can 'take it slow.' Every extra day you wait adds another variable."
The most secure thing in the world is to hold it in your own hands early on.
Looking at her, Liu Jinzhang suddenly realized that this was no longer the child who would look up at him and ask, "What is the way of the king?"
He opened his mouth, as if to say something more, but in the end he only sighed heavily, "In that case, I have nothing more to teach you. Go."
He waved his hand dejectedly, his voice hoarse, "I will keep this a secret for you, but I still advise you, even if it is slow, even if it is difficult, it is better to stick to your principles than to be doomed."
Upon hearing this, Li Yuanzhao's expression changed slightly, but he did not reply.
She straightened her sleeves, bowed deeply, and said, "This student takes his leave."
After saying that, she got up and left.
Li Yuanzhao walked out of the Hongwen Hall, looked at the sky at the end of the palace wall, and a trace of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
She should have realized long ago that Liu Jinzhang couldn't always stand by her side.
He appears fair, but in reality, he always stands on the side of what he considers "justice" and "social order".
If he is so angry today because of her "heart to kill the king," will she still stand on his side if she finds out in the future that she is not of royal blood at all, but is just the daughter of a peasant woman?
Based on his understanding of himself, this would likely become his biggest obstacle.
Li Yuanzhao slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was only a resolute look in his eyes.
Liu Jinzhang cannot be allowed to stay.
Rather than waiting for him to discover the truth in the future and turn it into the sharpest knife in your heart, it's better to nip this potential threat in the bud as soon as possible.
He was her teacher, who taught her to read and write, and to navigate complex situations.
In this game of power struggles, even the bond between father and daughter cannot be relied upon, let alone the so-called "teacher-student relationship."
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