Ignoring family ties
It was another court meeting, and as it was coming to an end, Emperor Li Lieo glared at the people below as the sunlight shone into his face. Seeing that no one else spoke, he made his final decree.
Li Lie'ao gestured at the air, "General Li Daohe recently died in Hebei Province. News of this spread to General Shi's troops, causing a drop in morale. General Shi then issued an order to execute anyone with low morale. This resulted in the immediate disbanding of General Shi's troops."
Li Lie'ao panicked. He thought to himself, "I thought the two would fight, but I didn't expect the whole army to be defeated. It was a bit extreme."
All the officials below had frowns on their faces, and Li Lin was in tears because of Li Daohe's death.
Changing the subject, Li Lie'ao pointed at Li Ji and said, "Two officials, Lu Fengfan, the Prince of Lujiang in Tanglu Prefecture, and Li Cheng, the Governor of Tangjin Prefecture, have abandoned their cities and fled. The two prefectures in Hebei Province have been reoccupied by the enemy. King Qi! Didn't you already go there? Why did you give up such a large area to the thieves?"
Li Jiancheng said, "I also want to know how the enemy was able to gather such a strong force so quickly at the place where the Xuan King won three years ago. If someone hadn't left a retreat last time, how could they have suddenly turned the tables on the enemy this time? Could they have revived the enemy? Could I ask how the Xuan King dealt with the situation there back then?"
Li Jiancheng knew the strangeness of the matter, so he took advantage of it and tried to shift the blame to Li Lin in a sarcastic way.
Li Lin panicked. He saw that Li Jiancheng knew that he had kept a backup plan, making it easy for the enemy to regroup. So since Li Jiancheng had returned from the battle in Hebei Province, it meant that he should also keep a backup plan to deal with Li Lin.
"He knew I had a backup plan, and he used it against me. Li Jiancheng, you've gone to great lengths to get rid of me! You were the one who made the first move this time, so don't blame me." Thinking of this, Li Lin suggested, "The Xuanwang Mansion army had already annihilated the enemy. Unless someone can prove that there were still survivors."
Li Ji immediately explained, "I can prove it. I learned something and sent someone to Kazan Post to investigate. They would have found out about the jade pendant that was pledged to the royal palace that day."
Li Lin was surprised and thought to himself: "How did he know?" He couldn't figure it out and couldn't guess. It was obvious that only people in Xuanwang Mansion knew about it, so why did others know it?
Li Jiancheng echoed, "Father, please don't blame Prince Xuan. This son's visit wasn't in vain. Since they've already taken the food, they won't be able to hold out for long. They'll soon surrender to us."
Li Lie'ao laughed heartily, then added, "It seems that Prince Xuan is no more than that. I also believe that the Second Prince did not intend to leave any trouble. So, if there are no other reports, the arrangements will be carried out as previously decided. Court is dismissed!"
"My dear father, Li Daohe and General Shi were ordered by you. Don't you know what you are doing..."
Just as Li Lin thought, those who sacrificed themselves and those who lost their composure were both at odds with each other. He knew that the two could not march together, but he still issued this order.
Under the open conspiracy and the emperor's order, Li Lin could only give these arrogant people a look and let them leave.
When I returned to the palace, I heard noise coming from the living room as soon as I stepped into the yard.
Chen Yan looked at Chen Siyu with anger in his eyes. She had her back to him.
"Chen Siyu! You and I are family. Why do you want to harm my palace? I was just casually telling you about my past experiences, but you told your husband about the incident at Kazan Station. Don't you know that concubines are not allowed to interfere in state affairs? Don't you consider me your elder sister anymore?"
Chen Siyu wanted to leave, but Chen Yin grabbed her hand, but she shook it off.
Chen Siyu bit her lower lip, her eyes red, and her voice trembled slightly: "Sister, you and I are family. But there are some things that should be done, and some things that should not be done."
Chen Yun was so angry that he could barely speak. He opened his mouth for a long time before finally speaking. "Let me say this one last thing: I won't attack you, nor will I use you to eliminate dissidents. I hope everyone will treat you the same way, so at least no one will suffer."
Li Lin walked in, his dignity intimidating without anger, "Please ask the Queen of Qi to leave the Xuan Palace."
"Sister, our relationship..."
Chen Siyu didn't finish her words. Chen Yun's eyes widened, her brow furrowed. She knew her sister was furious, and as someone else's concubine, she didn't need to say anything. Then she turned and left, leaving Chen Yun speechless and sulking.
Chen Ying was so angry that he turned around to avoid being annoyed by his anger, but he suddenly felt unwell and started to pant. Li Lin quickly helped Chen Ying to sit down.
"Look at you, you're angry again. Don't be angry. Your health is more important."
"Isn't it all the illnesses I accumulated when I braved the cold winter to save you that year... It's so annoying... I don't want to fall out with my family, what should I do?"
Chen Yun's breathing rose and fell, and his hands were still restlessly twisting the clothes.
Li Lin sat next to Chen Yan and looked at her in silence for a long time.
After Chen Yun's breathing calmed down, he spoke again, "I hope you won't be angry with me. Your third sister is already on the side of the King of Qi. No matter how much you value family, you can't befriend someone who opposes you. From now on... it's better for us to see each other less often."
Chen Yan naturally knew this, but she didn't want to tear her family apart. What should she do? This was what Chen Yan pondered silently.
"Brother...family should be warm and harmonious. I don't want her to become my enemy..."
Li Lin patted Chen Yun's shoulder and held her shoulder close to his chest, so that he could pass on his warmth to her. Chen Yun also naturally leaned her head on Li Lin's chest, which was full of security.
After a long pause, Chen Yun asked, "Second brother, why don't you accept partition?"
Li Lin patted his thigh and then let out a long sigh.
When Chen Yun was still wondering why she was sighing and was about to speak, Li Lin covered her mouth with his fingers to stop her from speaking.
"What is division? It means brothers govern separately. Once divided, central power collapses, military power weakens, and the people lose their morale. But looking back at the Qin Dynasty, due to the abolition of feudal fiefdoms, none of the princes were given important positions, which eventually led to the death of the second emperor. People like me, the descendants of meritorious officials, were relegated to small houses."
Li Lin let out a deep breath. "It's not that I don't accept it, but I can't decide, and there's no need to make such a decision."
"For you, yes, but not for your father and the other members of the royal family. So, second brother... I want to have another child."
Li Lin looked at Chen Yun, staring at him with wide eyes, unable to speak for a long time.
"Think about it. If I have an heir, I can use this opportunity to build good relationships with the concubines in the palace. I can have them whisper to my father and change his mind. You can also show weakness around him and let time prove everything, thereby lowering his vigilance against you. But on this premise, you have to give up the position of Crown Prince."
Chen Yun's words were actually an attempt to find out Li Lin's intentions: did he want to fight for the position of crown prince, or did he want to be a profitable and idle prince?
Li Lin made no secret of his intentions, saying, "Of course I want absolute power. That's why I've already made arrangements within the court for several years now. Even the imperial guards are my people. If I'm not allowed to be emperor, then I'll become a regional hegemon. This will ensure the safety of my people, and my retainers and staff will be well-placed, preventing them from rebelling against the court."
Chen Yun understood Li Lin's ambition and said, "Since you have no intention of seizing the throne, then become a vassal king! A vassal king with great power. I will support you in achieving this goal. But I hope you can also understand that since ancient times, those who are respected by everyone are those who are loyal, filial, benevolent, and righteous. Do not make enemies with your parents, even if they owe you a debt."
Li Lin embraced her hand and smiled faintly, "Thank you. But I can't smile right now... My cousin, General Li Daohe... was framed by our father and died, and then the entire army was wiped out. He was my good brother who I went through life and death with for so many years... Filial piety is difficult!"
Seeing Li Lin's tears falling, Chen Yun hugged Li Lin and comforted the person who had confided in him in the hall on a summer day.
Eight months later, Chen Ying gave birth as scheduled, but this time it was a difficult delivery. Fortunately, the baby was born safely, but Chen Ying suffered from hemorrhagic shock.
Li Lin finally found the first aid medical books that Chen Ying had prepared earlier, and finally rescued Chen Ying.
After Chen Yun woke up, he saw Li Lin's appearance. Although he couldn't speak, he was very moved in his heart.
One hundred days after giving birth, Chen Ying didn't hold a centenary party for her child, but instead had a simple meal with her family. She named the boy Li Shengxi, hoping that his life would be filled with hope.
Another six months passed, and by this time, Li Ziyin and Li Xin were able to run around freely, spending their days with Xue Lian and Li Lie'ao, creating a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, Xue Lian's cough became increasingly severe, and he could barely speak.
Chen Ying tried to offer to treat her, but Xue Lian refused.
On this day, Li Lin's personal guard Zifeng came to report, but saw Li Lin standing behind Chen Yun combing her hair.
"Look at you, you left the dormitory without even fixing your hair. How disrespectful!"
"Aren't you here?"
Zifeng looked embarrassed and coughed dryly before the two of them came back to their senses.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince has instructed you to have a dinner with your brothers at the East Palace tomorrow evening."
Before Zifeng finished speaking, Li Lin raised his eyebrows slightly and tapped his knuckles on the table beside him, making a crisp sound. His eyes were full of anxiety as he scanned the sunlight filtering through the carved window lattices.
Chen Yun looked at his ruffled beard and poured him a cup of tea. "Second brother, I have three children to take care of, so I can't accompany you. But do you really want to attend this Hongmen Banquet? The Crown Prince has been too close to the King of Qi recently..."
"The Hongmen Banquet?" Li Lin sneered, his fingertips swiping across the table. "Of course I know. The current Lord of the Eastern Palace doesn't have the same ambition as the Overlord. I must go to the banquet."
Soon, Li Lin and his retainers arrived for a night banquet at the Eastern Palace. Candlelight flickered in the bronze phoenix lanterns, casting the three brothers' shadows like twisting snakes on the gilded carpet. A dazzling dance was performed in the middle.
Li Ji poured wine for Li Lin who was standing beside him.
Li Ji said jokingly, "Ever since you were crowned king, we've been constantly working for the country, and have had all sorts of unpleasant experiences. Now that you're my second brother and my brother-in-law, we should get along even better."
Li Lin stared at Li Ji with wide eyes, his face showing a stern yet intimidating look that intimidated the thorn in his side.
Li Ji put down the bottle, his eyes slightly shrank, then he picked up the glass and said, "Second brother, we are brothers from the same mother. We shouldn't fight to the death over who will be the crown prince and let outsiders laugh at us."
Li Jiancheng also raised his glass and said, "From now on, let's put aside the unpleasantness of the past and work together to share our father's worries. If that's the case, I wouldn't mind giving the crown prince position to my second brother."
Huaiyang King Li Guangda raised his glass and proposed: "Come, let's drink to let go of the past grudges between you two brothers. Cheers!"
Li Lin laughed and pointed at them, "Sorry, no drinking tonight."
Li Ji shouted proudly, "Everyone present here, whoever can make King Xuan drink tonight will be rewarded handsomely!"
The Crown Princess, Zhen Yin, the wife of Li Jiancheng, came slowly, holding a wine jug in her hand and facing Li Lin with a smile. She couldn't help but recall what happened a few days ago when Li Jiancheng, Princess Yang Li of Qi and Li Ji met and left in the East Palace.
At that time, Zhen Yin personally delivered the wine back to the room. She saw the two people leaving from a distance in the corridor, muttering why they left in such a hurry. She put the wine jug in the hand of the palace maid Ronghua beside her and planned to quickly chat with them for a few polite words.
But when Zhen Yin reached the corner, she heard startling words. She saw Li Ji picking up a bottle and playing with it. Yang Li asked what it was, and Li Ji simply said proudly, "This is medicine! A small amount is harmless, but a large amount will kill you. I'm going to let my two brothers try it at this banquet."
"Husband, this...is not good, right?"
"My father ascended the throne at such a young age, and I have two older brothers. I...can't wait any longer."
Thinking of this, Zhen Yin felt a chill in her heart. She immediately picked up the wine jug and walked to Li Lin.
"I wonder how much the Xuan King can drink?"
Li Lin was wary of this inexplicable remark. After a few seconds of silence, he raised three fingers and said, "Three cups will make you fall down."
Zhen Yin cast away her seductive gaze and smiled faintly: "Two cups, would you please?"
Li Lin replied, "Princess, would you dance the Zhezhi dance after drinking?"
Zhen Yin poured two cups of wine and then walked to a place to dance.
Li Ji looked at Li Jiancheng's wine, which he hadn't touched, and said, "Drink more, big brother! This is the nectar of the frontier Chen State, a translucent purple wine with a sweet taste. I'm afraid I'll never have the chance to drink it again."
Li Jiancheng thought to himself, "If Yin'er hadn't told me, I would have fallen for your scheme, Li Ji. But this will make things easier for me. I have the antidote, and you, Li Lin, don't. Li Lin, I can't wait any longer."
“It’s really a good wine.”
Li Jiancheng saw that Li Lin had already drunk the three glasses of wine on the table, so he drank some too.
Li Lin was watching Zhen Yin's dance, and the soldier beside him had already poured him the third glass of wine.
Zhen Yin quickly picked up a glass of wine and came to Li Lin.
Li Jiancheng raised his glass and said, "My Lord, I toast to you."
Zhen Yin looked at Li Jiancheng suspiciously, thinking to herself, "Jiancheng, are you really going to poison your own second brother? No, that would be against the virtue of Yin De. Buddha won't bless such a person."
Zhen Yin poured wine for Li Lin, and Li Lin picked up the already full wine glass, but Zhen Yin quickly said, "King Xuan doesn't drink this kind of wine."
Li Lin looked at Zhen Yin's abnormality and saw the swaying of the steps on her head. Li Lin knew that he had entered the game. Since he was already in the dragon's den, he had to go with the flow.
Li Lin became increasingly suspicious, but at Li Ji's instigation, he shouted at Li Lin and Li Jiancheng, "Go!"
The other brothers who arrived at the table stood up, picked up their glasses, and drank them all in one gulp. However, Li Jiancheng did not drink too much, but instead started eating the delicious food on the table.
"Let go of past grudges? Who divided up all my retainers and troops? Who sent out so many dangerous messages at this banquet?"
Li Lin raised his glass and drank it, the wine in the glass sliding down his cheeks.
Li Lin's face suddenly changed. He rolled on the ground holding his stomach, then vomited continuously, with blood all over the ground.
Li Jiancheng and Li Ji beside him were even more panicked and stared at Li Lin who was rolling on the ground.
Li Guangda was panicked when he saw this, and he and Chen Feng quickly helped Li Lin up. Li Lin pinched Li Guangda's arm lightly, and Li Guangda immediately understood, then picked him up and left the banquet quickly.
"Quick! Send Prince Xuan back to the palace!"
After everyone dispersed, Li Ji said with a smile, "King Xuan really can't handle the alcohol! Haha!" Then he said to Li Jiancheng, "Brother, let's do it! This time, no one will compete with you."
Li Jiancheng's face darkened, knowing full well that Li Ji's words were full of hidden meanings, and he said, "It's true that no one is arguing. But the imperial physician has instructed us not to drink too much. I've already had a few drinks, so I'll call it a day."
At Prince Xuan's residence, Li Guangda's voice said, "Quickly vacate the room and save people!"
Chen Yun walked out of the living room, his heart tightening, and he hurried out. He saw Li Lin lying on the ground, his face pale, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, and he was in so much pain that he couldn't open his eyes. It was obvious that he had been poisoned.
"What's going on? Brother, what's wrong with the prince?"
The imperial physician entered the mansion and poured realgar water into Li Lin's mouth while saying, "From what happened at the banquet, the wine and food must have been poisoned. But the prince didn't drink the last glass directly, so it shouldn't be a big problem. Princess, don't worry."
After being force-fed, Li Lin vomited out the purple-red liquid. After repeated cycles of infusion, Li Lin finally recovered.
After a while, Li Lin was helped to the bed in the dormitory.
Chen Feng put his hands on his hips and said impatiently, "My Lord, the Crown Princess Zhen Yin is clearly reminding you with her hairpin, but you insist on drinking?"
Li Lin stared out the window blankly, and was silent for a few seconds before answering: "If I don't drink this, I won't be able to get out."
Seeing that the situation had reached a life-or-death situation, Chen Yun lost consciousness for a moment. After a moment of consideration, he slowly said, "Second brother... let's fight for the throne."
Li Lin's eyes turned from dull to trembling, and he quickly shook his head.
Chen Feng was also anxious: "Are you going to frame me again next year? You consider our brotherhood, but your life is in danger!"
Yuchi Muyan waved his hand and turned around and said, "If you don't kill me, I won't follow you! I hope King Xuan will think twice!"
Chen Yun waved his hand and left the room with everyone else.
After everyone left, Li Lin muttered a folk song negatively: Brother is playing and sister is laughing, Grandpa holds brother and says, Mother is coaxing sister to sleep, sister doesn't want to sleep and holds brother, and says to Grandpa that she loves you, Brother and sister are sorry, Grandpa and mother are smiling.
Chen Yun, who was outside the door, also heard the sad nursery rhyme that Li Lin was singing in the room, and he sang along unconsciously.
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