Chapter 73 Poisonous Scheme
After the conversation in the side hall of Da'an Palace ended, Li Yuan stood alone by the window, watching Wang Yi's departing figure, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
He hated this woman. He hated her betrayal back then, he hated her current smugness, and he hated even more how she could live such a glorious life—she was deeply trusted by Li Shimin, was revered as the "Protector of the Nation," and even the Crown Prince respected her greatly.
But mere hatred is not enough to support his current actions. As a former emperor, even though hatred has clouded his judgment, Li Yuan still retains the calculations and strategies of a statesman. He knows that to completely destroy Wang Yi, he must use the most ruthless and irreversible methods.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian was the most crucial link in this plan.
Li Yuan recalled the information he had gathered over the past few days: the Crown Prince frequently visited Qixia Garden and had a close relationship with Wang Yi; Wang Yi was involved in many affairs of the Eastern Palace; even the Crown Prince's concubine, Wu Meiniang, was cultivated and mentored by Wang Yi.
To outsiders, this appeared to be the Crown Prince's respect and reliance on the "Guardian of the Nation." But in Li Yuan's resentful interpretation, it could be a completely different relationship—a young heir apparent's admiration and infatuation with a mature and intelligent woman.
"Since Erlang (Li Shimin) stole my woman, I will make his son fall into the same woman's arms as well." Li Yuan muttered to himself, a twisted smile appearing on his lips. "Then, I will personally tear off this fig leaf and let the world see what kind of faces this father and son... and that slut really have."
This plan was insidious and ingenious. If Li Yuan acted directly, it would be easily detected and stopped by Li Shimin. However, if it was done through a third party, especially through Prince Wei, Li Tai, who seemed to have no grudge against Wang Yi, then the situation would be different.
Li Tai and Li Chengqian were already vying for the crown prince position. If he were to "discover" the "affair" between the crown prince and the Protector of the Nation, he would be overjoyed and eager to spread the news, damaging the crown prince's reputation.
Once this matter is made public, regardless of its truth, it will become a huge scandal. The Crown Prince having an affair with his father's concubine (although Wang Yi did not have an official title, it was common knowledge that she was Li Shimin's woman) is incest, the greatest disgrace to the royal family.
At that time, in order to maintain the dignity of the royal family and quell public opinion, Li Shimin had no choice but to sacrifice one side—either depose the crown prince or execute Wang Yi.
Given Li Shimin's high regard for Li Chengqian and his affection for Wang Yi, this choice would be exceptionally difficult. But no matter what choice he made, the result would be what Li Yuan wanted: either his most valued son would be disgraced, or the woman he hated most would die, or perhaps both.
"As for Qingque (Li Tai)..." Li Yuan sneered, "Does he think he can reap the benefits? He's too naive. Once this matter is exposed, as the whistleblower, he will also be resented by Erlang. Would Erlang entrust the country to a son who would expose his brother's scandal in order to seize the throne?"
This was a triple win. It served to retaliate against Wang Yi, dealt a blow to Li Shimin and Li Chengqian, and incidentally weakened Li Tai. This was exactly the effect Li Yuan wanted.
However, implementing this plan required meticulous planning. Li Yuan knew that many of the court officials had spies of Li Shimin, and if the information was spread through his former officials, its source could easily be traced. Not only would the plan fail, but his newly repaired relationship with Li Shimin would also be shattered once again.
He needs a channel that is both powerful and difficult to trace.
"The Five Clans and Seven Noble Families..." Li Yuan murmured. These powerful families wielded immense influence in the court and among the people, yet remained relatively independent, making them difficult for the imperial family to fully control. More importantly, the intricate relationships between these families and the rapid, secretive transmission of information made them ideal channels for spreading rumors.
He had already laid the groundwork when he summoned the heads of the aristocratic families a few days earlier. Those scions of these families who were dissatisfied with the status quo and eager to revitalize their family's influence were the perfect candidates to carry out this plan. They had no direct conflict with the royal family, and their motives seemed simple (to damage the crown prince's reputation and create more opportunities for their families). Even if they were investigated, it would be difficult to trace them back to the retired emperor.
As for the specific procedures...
Li Yuan summoned his trusted eunuch and whispered, "Go find that young man from the Cui family of Qinghe, Cui Mingyuan. Tell him that I have some words to say to those who should hear them."
Cui Mingyuan, a member of a collateral branch of the Cui clan of Qinghe, was exceptionally talented but had a frustrating career, and he harbored resentment towards the court's policy of promoting officials from humble backgrounds. At the last banquet, Li Yuan made a point of talking to him for a while and realized that he was an ambitious and adventurous young man.
More importantly, Cui Mingyuan's sister was a cousin of a concubine in the Prince of Wei's household, thus having indirect connections with the Prince of Wei's family. Through him, the news could naturally reach Li Tai's ears.
The eunuch obeyed and left. The next day, Cui Mingyuan secretly entered the palace to pay his respects.
"This humble subject, Cui Mingyuan, pays his respects to the Emperor Emeritus." The young man bowed respectfully, his eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.
"Rise," Li Yuan said gently. "At the last banquet, I saw that you spoke with remarkable eloquence and were a person of great insight. Where do you serve now?"
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Cui Mingyuan's face: "Your Majesty, this humble subject... this humble subject is currently a proofreader in the Secretariat."
The position of Proofreader, a low-ranking official of the ninth grade, was extremely incongruous with Cui Mingyuan's talent and family background. This was precisely why Li Yuan chose him—a talented but unappreciated scion of a noble family, harboring resentment, was most easily manipulated.
"Your talent is wasted," Li Yuan sighed. "With your abilities, you should have achieved much more. It's a pity that the current atmosphere in the court..."
He didn't finish speaking, but Cui Mingyuan already understood the implied meaning, and a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes.
“However,” Li Yuan changed the subject, “opportunity always favors the prepared. I have some news here that might change your situation and also… secure more opportunities for the aristocratic families.”
Cui Mingyuan's eyes lit up: "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."
Li Yuan lowered his voice: "I recently learned of something concerning the Crown Prince and the Protector of the Nation... their relationship seems to be extraordinary."
Cui Mingyuan was taken aback, then understood, his eyes flashing with shock and excitement: "What the Emperor Emeritus means is..."
"I don't mean anything by it," Li Yuan said calmly. "I just think that if the people who should know about this matter know about it, it might make some people restrain themselves and let the court understand that the eyes of the powerful families are discerning and that not everything can be hidden from the heavens."
The words were veiled, but the meaning was clear—to have Cui Mingyuan pass the message on to Prince Wei, Li Tai, and use the Prince Wei to escalate the matter.
"I understand," Cui Mingyuan said solemnly, "but... this matter is of great importance, and without evidence..."
“Evidence?” Li Yuan laughed. “What evidence is needed for this kind of thing? The Crown Prince frequently visits Qixia Garden, the Protector of the Nation repeatedly advises the Crown Prince, and she is in charge of arranging the concubines in the Eastern Palace... Aren’t these facts? As for how people interpret these facts, that’s up to them.”
He paused, then continued, "Moreover, once things get out, there will naturally be 'interested individuals' who will 'discover' 'more evidence.' Do you understand?"
Cui Mingyuan understood completely. It wasn't about concrete evidence, but about creating public opinion, making people associate and speculate. Once the rumors spread, the truth or falsehood became irrelevant; what mattered was the destructive power they caused.
“This humble subject understands.” A resolute glint flashed in his eyes. “Please rest assured, Your Majesty, this humble subject knows what to do.”
"Very good." Li Yuan nodded in satisfaction. "After this is accomplished, I will not treat you unfairly, nor will I treat the Cui family unfairly."
This was both a promise and a temptation. Cui Mingyuan's resolve hardened even further.
After leaving Da'an Palace, Cui Mingyuan did not take immediate action, but instead returned home to make careful plans.
He knew the risks involved—if he were found to be spreading rumors, not only would his own career be ruined, but the entire Cui clan could also be implicated. But the greater the risk, the greater the reward. If he successfully helped the Emperor Emeritus complete his plan, strike at the Crown Prince, and support the Prince of Wei, then he, Cui Mingyuan, would be the greatest contributor, and the Cui clan would gain more influence in court.
More importantly, he had long been dissatisfied with the court's policy of suppressing powerful families. This matter could both retaliate and secure benefits for the powerful families, achieving two goals at once.
A few days later, Cui Mingyuan "accidentally" met an official from the Prince of Wei's residence at a poetry gathering. The two chatted happily, discussing everything from poetry and songs to current affairs and the political situation.
"Speaking of the court, something strange has happened recently," Cui Mingyuan said casually. "I've heard that His Highness the Crown Prince is getting very close to the Protector of the Nation, and often stays alone in Qixia Garden until very late. This... seems a bit against etiquette, doesn't it?"
The official's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly composed: "Brother Cui is joking. The Protector of the Nation is His Majesty's man, and it is only natural that His Highness the Crown Prince respects him and often seeks his advice."
“It’s normal to ask for advice,” Cui Mingyuan said in a low voice, “but if you ask for advice until late at night, even the concubines in the Eastern Palace have some complaints… that’s a bit intriguing.”
He paused, then continued, "Moreover, I've heard that the Protector of the Nation is exceptionally concerned about the Crown Prince's affairs, not only offering him advice but also inquiring about the selection of concubines for the Eastern Palace. This level of concern goes beyond the scope of ordinary subjects, doesn't it?"
These words were deeply meaningful, and the official understood them, his heart filled with turmoil. If what Cui Mingyuan said was true, then this matter was the perfect weapon to bring down the Crown Prince.
But he was also cautious: "Brother Cui, you can't say things like that lightly. This concerns the Crown Prince and the Protector of the Nation; without solid evidence..."
“Real evidence?” Cui Mingyuan laughed. “Where would you find real evidence for something like this? But there’s no smoke without fire. Since there’s such a rumor, it means there’s a problem. Your Highness Prince Wei is wise and will make your own judgment.”
That was enough. The official returned and immediately reported the matter to Li Tai.
Li Tai was initially shocked, but then fell into deep thought. He had long suspected an unusual relationship between the Crown Prince and Wang Yi, but had never considered it in that direction. Now that it was out in his head, recalling the details of the past—the Crown Prince's trust and reliance on Wang Yi, Wang Yi's wholehearted assistance to the Crown Prince, the tacit understanding between them that transcended that of ruler and subject…
"Could it really be true?" Li Tai murmured to himself.
The advisor Liu Ji cautiously said, "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. If it is just a rumor, our rash actions will only give others grounds to accuse us of framing the Crown Prince."
“But if it really is…” A glint flashed in Li Tai’s eyes, “this would be a golden opportunity.”
He paced back and forth, carefully weighing the pros and cons. If this were true, once exposed, the Crown Prince would undoubtedly fall. The incest scandal would be enough to disqualify Li Chengqian from being the heir apparent. At that point, the throne would naturally fall into Li Tai's hands.
But if it's fake, if he rashly exposes it, not only will he fail to bring down the crown prince, but he will also be accused of "framing the crown prince" and completely lose his qualification to compete for the throne.
Risks and opportunities coexist.
"Investigate." Li Tai finally made up his mind. "Investigate secretly, but thoroughly. In particular, check the records of the Crown Prince entering and leaving Qixia Garden, the time the two spent alone together, and... whether there are any unusual reactions from the Eastern Palace."
"Your Highness is wise," Liu Ji said. "However, we must be extremely careful in this matter and not let the news leak out. If the Crown Prince or the Protector of the Nation finds out, they will be on guard and it will be difficult to investigate."
“I understand.” Li Tai nodded. “You make the arrangements yourself, using the most reliable people.”
The investigation began quietly. Li Tai used all his informants in the palace, and even contacted some concubines and palace maids through Princess Wang, the wife of Prince Wei, to gather information from multiple channels.
The result both excited and shocked him—the Crown Prince did indeed frequently visit Qixia Garden, sometimes staying for two or three hours at a time; Wang Yi was particularly concerned about the Crown Prince's affairs, even exceeding the scope of his duties; on the Eastern Palace side, the Crown Princess and several concubines seemed to have some complaints about this, but dared not speak out.
Although there is no conclusive evidence of an "affair," these signs are enough to spark speculation.
“That’s enough.” Li Tai looked at the collected information, his eyes flashing with a cold light. “This is enough. The truth doesn’t matter; what matters is what people believe.”
He decided to take action. But he wouldn't directly report it to the emperor; that would be too abrupt and easily refuted. He wanted to let the matter "leak" naturally, let the rumors spread among the court and the public, and then, when public opinion had fermented to a certain extent, he would be "forced" to make it public.
This was exactly the effect Li Yuan wanted—to expose the scandal to the public through Li Tai, forcing Li Shimin to confront it, leaving Li Chengqian with no way to refute it, and leaving Wang Yi with nowhere to escape.
At this moment, Wang Yi, though vaguely sensing the undercurrents, was completely unaware that a trap had been quietly set up against her.
She was still worried about Li Yuan's hatred, still busy with court disputes, and still working hard to advance various practical matters.
Little did she know that she was about to face a life-or-death test.
What they didn't know was that behind this ordeal lay the mad revenge of a dying old man, the cold-blooded scheming of a contender for the throne, and the prejudice and malice of an era.
The game had reached its most dangerous moment, but Wang Yi was still completely unaware.
Outside the window, the warm breeze of late spring blows, bringing the fragrance of flowers, and also... the calm before the storm.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com