After explaining the memorial from the governor of Nanhai Commandery, Li Shimin then presented a memorial from Zhang Liang, the Grand General of the Pyongyang Road Army, requesting the court to provide supplies and stating that the sea was rough and the waves were high, requesting a temporary halt to the advance and a three-month rest period in Laizhou.
"Take another look at this. How did you approve it?"
"You actually agreed!"
"What kind of scoundrel is Zhang Liang? That guy is the biggest exaggerator. Besides, how can the sea be stormy for three months straight?"
"If you really let him rest for three months, what about Li Ji? Does he also have to rest for three months?"
"Father, what should we do? We can't just refuse, can we?"
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin asked in return.
Why can't I refuse?
"His claim of a three-month rest period was merely a ploy to gain favor from the court, hoping to win him benefits and grant his son an official position and title!"
As Li Shimin spoke, he scribbled on the memorial and then casually tossed it to Li Zhi.
"Look at how I replied!"
Li Zhi originally thought that his father would surely bestow some title upon his son, but when he received the document, he was surprised to find that the very first sentence was a vulgar expression.
"You damn bastard, if you keep dragging your feet, I'll chop your whole family up and hang them on the city wall to bleed them dry!"
"this……"
"Father, this is not what you said..."
Seeing this, Li Shimin hurriedly offered an embarrassed explanation.
"Cough cough!"
"Only I can write such words. If you were the emperor and your generals threatened you like this, you would still have to be more lenient..."
"Your subject understands, Your subject will follow Your Majesty's teachings!"
Looking at Li Zhi, who looked like an obedient child, Li Shimin suddenly thought of the one far away in Xianyang.
Although that one was not very obedient and even a bit mischievous, it was lovable in every way, far superior to the silly goose in front of us.
"Copy these two memorials once, and bring them to me when you're done!"
"promise!"
When Li Zhi went back to copy the memorials, Fang Xuanling came in to report on his work. Li Shimin immediately grabbed Fang Xuanling's hand and started complaining.
"Xuanling, did I really make a mistake in making Li Zhi the crown prince?"
Fang Xuanling was startled when he heard this. He wondered what His Majesty meant and whether he was being tested.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is benevolent and filial; how can you say he has made a mistake in establishing the throne?"
"Xuanling, don't be nervous. I was just venting to you casually. It seems that my son has no other merits besides being benevolent and filial. I am really worried about whether he can shoulder the responsibility of the vast Tang Dynasty after I pass away!"
Fang Xuanling carefully observed Li Shimin's expression, and only after confirming that Li Shimin was not testing him did he cautiously reveal his true thoughts.
"Your Majesty, Prince Jin's temperament is indeed too indecisive. After your passing, he could easily be swayed by powerful ministers and do things detrimental to the Tang Dynasty..."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin immediately recalled what his eldest grandson had said a couple of days earlier: that he should not provoke Changsun Wuji, and that Changsun Wuji would one day wield immense power in the court.
Hearing Fang Xuanling's pointed remark immediately put him on guard.
Are you afraid that Changsun Wuji will seize power?
Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling was so frightened that he immediately knelt down and begged for forgiveness.
"Your Majesty, I never said that! Please don't harm me, Your Majesty! Waaah..."
Seeing Fang Xuanling like this, Li Shimin felt even more frustrated. He had only mentioned it casually, so why had it frightened him like this?
It should be noted that Fang Xuanling was also an important official in the court, and his power and position were no less than those of Changsun Wuji!
"Xuanling, are you that afraid of Changsun Wuji?"
"Your Majesty, it is not that this old minister is afraid, it is simply..."
Upon seeing this, Li Shimin immediately expelled everyone from the palace, leaving only himself and Fang Xuanling.
"Xuanling, now that it's just the two of us, why don't you just say what you want to say?"
Fang Xuanling looked around warily, and seeing that there was no one else, he tearfully spoke to Li Shimin.
"Your Majesty, whatever you said or did in the palace reached Changsun Wuji's ears in less than a day..."
"What!"
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's expression changed drastically, his face filled with disbelief.
Such acts of spying on the palace were major events in every dynasty and were intolerable to emperors throughout history.
"He dares to spy on the palace?"
"more than……"
"Xuanling, you need evidence to support your claims. If you don't have evidence..."
"Does Your Majesty recall telling someone before that His Highness the Prince of Wu is as brave and decisive as Your Majesty?"
"Yes, I did say that before..."
"Then, a few days later, the censors collectively impeached the King of Wu for his illegal activities in his fiefdom..."
"this……"
Li Shimin's mind went blank upon hearing this. He had first said these words to those around him after Li Chengqian was deposed, and at that time he had indeed considered making Li Ke the crown prince. However, just a few days later, he received many memorials impeaching Li Ke, forcing him to abandon Li Ke and instead choose Li Zhi, who was born of the legitimate wife.
"Does Your Majesty still remember the Prince of Wei?"
"What's wrong with the King of Wei this time?"
"Although the Prince of Wei is not as valiant and spirited as Li Ke, his literary talent is unparalleled. However, simply because he is disliked by his maternal uncle, he is accused of plotting to seize the throne..."
"He did this too. I seem to remember that it was Chu Suiliang who reported it to me?"
"Your Majesty, Chu Suiliang is a close associate of Changsun Wuji..."
"ah?"
Li Shimin was shocked to hear this. He never expected that his own brother-in-law would form a faction in the court and secretly manipulate the matter of deposing and installing the crown prince!
"Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Wei has always felt wronged, but he is afraid of Changsun Wuji and dares not appeal to Your Majesty..."
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