Chapter 10: A Detour to Salvation [New Book, Please Support]

Actually, Changsun Wuji had long been paying attention to Li Chengqian. The reason he only came forward now was because he found his nephew increasingly perplexing.

In the past, Li Chengqian was quite obedient, and as the eldest son of his sister, Empress Changsun, he knew that she had great expectations for this heir. So, he wholeheartedly wanted to help Li Chengqian be established as crown prince early, paving the way for the Changsun family.

However, after what happened yesterday, to be honest, he felt quite disappointed.

Although Li Chengqian’s words impressed him—especially those three questions, which made him think Li Chengqian was the most suitable candidate for crown prince—

The fact that Li Chengqian, just after being appointed crown prince, immediately petitioned to be deposed truly infuriated him.

Yet, no matter how angry he was, it didn’t justify him striking someone who was smiling in his face.

Li Chengqian cheerfully approached Changsun Wuji, holding a food box, and said, “This is water chestnut cake my mother just made. She asked me to bring some for you to try.”

As the saying goes, everyone has a tinge of curiosity.

Not only had Changsun Wuji noticed Li Chengqian long ago, but the other officials had as well. They slowed their pace and pricked up their ears to listen.

“How did the shortest-reigning crown prince in history show up again? Why didn’t the Empress send the water chestnut cake to His Majesty? Could it be that the Empress and His Majesty are at odds?”

“That shouldn’t be. The Empress and His Majesty are deeply devoted to each other; there’s no news of any discord! Could it be about the crown prince appointment? Looks like the matter isn’t settled yet. Who will be appointed this time? Whoever it is, it can’t be the shortest-reigning crown prince again—I’d eat this tablet if it were!”

Sensing the gossipy atmosphere around him, Changsun Wuji’s face turned stern as he scolded, “Nonsense! This is the court; what food are you bringing here?”

Moreover, it wasn’t clever at all—His Majesty was still inside, so how could he be eating?

He guessed his sister must have sent a message through this method, using Li Chengqian as the messenger. Then, shifting tone, he warned, “His Majesty has already decreed that you are not to cause trouble in Xiande Hall. Behave from now on, understand?”

“Understood, uncle…” Li Chengqian muttered, thinking to himself that Emperor Li II indeed had a strong sense of vengeance.

Changsun Wuji glanced at him, saw he was fairly obedient, and waved his hand, “Come on, let’s go outside and talk.”

“Yes!”

Li Chengqian nodded and whispered to Yunduan, “Just pretend I never showed up, okay?”

Yunduan: “......”

……

“Speak. What did your mother send you here for?”

Once outside Xiande Hall, in the pavilion, Changsun Wuji cut straight to the point.

Li Chengqian paused, then smiled wryly, “It wasn’t my mother who sent me to find you. I came on my own…”

“Hmm?”

This time, Changsun Wuji was stunned. “Then what’s with the breakfast?”

“I was having breakfast with Qingque. There were so many people around, I had to find an excuse!”

“You rascal!”

Changsun Wuji raised a finger at Li Chengqian, about to scold but stopped. He truly didn’t understand how the boy had changed so much—he hadn’t been this slick before.

Still, curious about what Li Chengqian wanted, he put on a serious face and said, “If you came to admit your mistakes, there’s no need. It was your choice. Your uncle won’t blame you, but be careful from now on.”

“So, from what you say, you’re giving up on me?” Li Chengqian blinked innocently.

Changsun Wuji’s heart skipped a beat. He had indeed thought about giving up on Li Chengqian, but only as a passing thought, since no suitable alternative had emerged.

Although Li Tai was a decent candidate, he was wholly focused on currying favor with Emperor Li II and rarely close to his uncle. Furthermore, Li Tai’s mentors wielded considerable influence. Joining them would only add to their strength, not provide critical support, so it held little significance for the Changsun family.

But how had Li Chengqian sensed this? Could the boy really have become wise?

After a brief pause, Changsun Wuji spoke calmly again, “Chengqian, some matters are beyond your uncle’s power.”

“I know, but I still want to ask you for a chance!”

“What kind of chance?”

“I…”

Li Chengqian opened his mouth, about to say, “I want to remain crown prince,” but reconsidered. Having just been deposed yesterday, to want to reclaim the title now would be ridiculous. So he decisively changed his words: “I want to get closer to cousins like Changsun Chong. You know, after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the Hedong princes all died, and no one plays with me anymore!”

“Hmm?”

Changsun Wuji was taken aback again, not expecting such a request.

The Hedong princes he referred to were the sons of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. He knew Li Chengqian had been close to them but couldn’t help asking, “Don’t you have your younger brother Qingque?”

“Qingque is too young…” Li Chengqian said with a hint of grievance. “You know I just recovered from a serious illness; I need company. I don’t dare tell Mother or Father, afraid they’d worry…”

“Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I see the Hedong princes—covered in blood—coming to find me… I’m scared… Uncle…”

At this, Li Chengqian’s voice trembled.

Oddly, Changsun Wuji felt a pang in his heart. No wonder his nephew was acting so abnormally; he was frightened.

In truth, he understood Li Chengqian well. Not only was Li Chengqian scared, but Emperor Li II had also been terrified for months.

If it weren’t for Yuchi Gong and Qin Qiong guarding the emperor’s door every night, the emperor might have lost his mind.

“Alright, Chengqian, don’t be afraid. Your uncle will petition His Majesty to let your cousin Chong and the others come to the palace to keep you company…”

Changsun Wuji comforted him, patting his small shoulder.

Li Chengqian breathed a long sigh of relief. It seemed his indirect strategy was working. No matter how cunning Changsun Wuji was, he would ultimately consider his nephew’s welfare.

Changsun Chong was indeed a good breakthrough.

As long as he showed Changsun Wuji the future of the Changsun family, those previous unpleasant moments would simply be fleeting memories.

“Thank you, uncle…” Li Chengqian obediently bowed, then took a piece of paper from his bosom and handed it to Changsun Wuji.

“What’s this?” Changsun Wuji asked, puzzled.

“You’ve been so kind to me, of course I want to return the favor!” Li Chengqian said with a bright smile.

“This…”

Changsun Wuji hesitated as he took the paper and unfolded it. At first glance, he was shocked. “Did you come up with this yourself?”

“Yes, just something to do when bored. I found that since I recovered, my mind has been clearer. Mother says it’s because of divine protection, but who knows if that’s true,” Li Chengqian said casually.

Changsun Wuji looked at him deeply, then glanced around to ensure no one was nearby. He immediately crumpled the paper into a small ball and said solemnly, “Don’t tell anyone about this, understand?”

“Got it, uncle. We’re family. When you become Right Imperial Chancellor, don’t forget your nephew!” Li Chengqian laughed, waved his hand, and ran off.

“That brat!”

Changsun Wuji chuckled softly, his heart stirred.

Right Imperial Chancellor, huh! That old seal, Feng Deyi, was so out of touch!

But…

Thinking back to the contents of the note, his confidence surged. He couldn’t wait to return to Xiande Hall.