Chapter 21: Being the Crown Prince Is Not About Fighting and Killing, but About Sophistication and Worldly Wisdom

Within the Taiji Palace, inside the Ganlu Hall.

Li Shimin had just finished dealing with the state affairs reported by Fang Xuanling. The two were now sitting in the Ganlu Hall, chatting idly.

Li Shimin smiled and said, "The matter of reducing the number of palace maids that I mentioned to you some time ago was turned around by that brat Chengqian. Now, instead of actively reducing them, we are letting them decide for themselves whether to stay or leave!"

"I have heard about this matter. It seems the Empress has even established a new office called the Imperial Manufacturing Bureau. I assume it must be related to the reduction of the palace maids?" Fang Xuanling said with a smile.

"Hehe, it seems the Secretariat Director has become increasingly diligent in his duties lately."

"I dare not deceive Your Majesty; I am truly willing but lack the strength!"

"Oh?" Li Shimin raised an eyebrow. "What is going on?"

Fang Xuanling pondered and said, "Previously, we established the reign title 'Zhenguan'. The so-called 'Zhenguan' emphasizes neutrality and uprightness."

"However, if one truly wishes to be neutral and upright, some things become difficult to accomplish..."

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing this: "What do you mean by that? Do you think I am incapable of neutrality and uprightness?"

"Your subject..." Fang Xuanling hesitated for a moment, then, as if having made up his mind, said, "I wish to advise Your Majesty to look further ahead!"

"Look further ahead? What do you mean?" Li Shimin frowned and pressed him.

Fang Xuanling thought for a moment and said, "After the uprising at Jinyang, through all the battles to the present day, the Retired Emperor granted countless titles and promises. In terms of winning the world, this was a strategy to secure the support of the masses. It was a good plan."

"Anyone who seeks to conquer the world does the same."

"However, for Your Majesty, this has become a burden."

"I still do not quite understand what you are trying to say!" Li Shimin said calmly.

Fang Xuanling smiled bitterly to himself; it was not that he did not understand, but rather that he wanted him to say it out loud. Although Fang Xuanling had long guessed Li Shimin's intentions, he could not avoid this topic. If he avoided it, he would never be able to advance further.

After a brief silence, he straightened his expression and said, "Although Your Majesty is the noble Emperor, the influence of the Retired Emperor still persists."

"Even if the Retired Emperor’s faction has not obstructed the policies we are currently implementing, one must always prepare for the unexpected. If our policies were to touch upon their interests, old officials like Pei Ji and Feng Deyi would definitely jump out to hinder us."

"In that case, even if we wanted to serve Your Majesty with all our might, we would not be able to use our full strength!"

"Moreover, Your Majesty's control over the imperial government has not yet reached its peak."

"First, the officials appointed by the Retired Emperor, and second, the princes enfeoffed by the Retired Emperor—they all dilute Your Majesty’s governing power."

"In this situation, even with Your Majesty's great talent and bold strategy, it is difficult to act with ease!"

"Ha!" Li Shimin let out a sound and nodded with a smile: "What you say makes sense..."

Fang Xuanling also smiled, exhaling quietly, and continued: "Therefore, I believe that neither reducing the palace maids nor reclaiming governing power can be fully achieved by just the two words 'Zhenguan'!"

"No!" Li Shimin shook his head. "I have already discussed it with the Retired Emperor, and he has agreed to my plan to reduce the rewards."

"However, I will only reclaim the power of those princes who have no merit and were granted titles indiscriminately in the past. For those who have rendered meritorious service, I will further bestow upon them royal titles and dukedoms."

"And all of this depends on whether they have made contributions to the Great Tang. That is what 'Zhenguan' truly means!"

Upon hearing this, the smile on Fang Xuanling's face froze instantly. He had not expected Li Shimin to act in the opposite direction.

But Li Shimin did not care whether he had expected it or not, and asked him abruptly: "If I intend to make Zhangsun Wuji the Right Chancellor, what do you think?"

"Ah? This..." Fang Xuanling’s heart skipped a beat. He had not expected that after speaking for so long, he would end up paving the way for Zhangsun Wuji.

Since Li Shimin had asked, he could not refuse to answer. He braced himself and said, "If Zhangsun Wuji can keep old officials like Pei Ji and Feng Deyi in check, it would be a good method!"

"However," he said, changing the subject, "the reaction from the imperial court might be quite strong..."

"Hehe..." Li Shimin smiled noncommittally and said with a sigh, "Zhangsun Wuji is a smart man, and he is one of our own!"

"To accomplish what we just discussed, we must have someone like him!"

"But..." Just as Fang Xuanling was about to say more, he heard a report from outside the door: "Your Majesty, Minister of Personnel Zhangsun Wuji requests an audience!"

Hearing this, Fang Xuanling's expression changed slightly, and he swallowed the words he had been about to say.

"Your Majesty, your subject..."

"Hmm, you may step down first..."

Soon, Zhangsun Wuji walked in, and Fang Xuanling nodded to him before walking out. Although both were veteran officials of the Qin Prince's Mansion who had assisted Li Shimin in conquering the world and launching the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a competitive relationship had always existed between them.

Originally, Fang Xuanling had proposed reclaiming governing power, hoping to secure the position of Right Chancellor for himself; he had not expected Li Shimin to give it to Zhangsun Wuji instead.

Logically speaking, Zhangsun Wuji was Li Shimin’s brother-in-law, but how could an Emperor governing the world rely on nepotism?

"Alas, if only Wei Zheng were here..." Outside the Ganlu Hall, Fang Xuanling let out a long sigh.

Just then, a crisp voice suddenly reached his ears: "Does the Secretariat Director have something on his mind? Why are you sighing so heavily?"

"Hmm?" Fang Xuanling was slightly startled and looked toward the source of the voice. He saw Li Chengqian blinking his beautiful, dark eyes, looking at him with confusion.

"Uh..." For this prince, who was historically the shortest-reigning crown prince, Fang Xuanling actually admired him quite a bit. Although his actions were somewhat absurd, in terms of courage, Fang Xuanling felt he was even bolder than Wei Zheng.

However, why was he here? He wasn't about to go and pick a fight with Li Shimin again, was he?!

Seeing the increasingly strange look in Fang Xuanling's eyes, Li Chengqian seemed to realize something. He smiled awkwardly and explained proactively: "Director, please do not misunderstand. I am just accompanying my uncle here; I will not bother my Imperial Father..."

Hearing this, Fang Xuanling nodded in sudden realization, followed by a sense of inexplicable disappointment. He cupped his hands and said, "In that case, this old subject will not disturb Your Highness!"

Having said that, he prepared to leave. Just then, Li Chengqian quickly stepped forward and caught up with him: "Director, please wait!"

"Hmm?" Fang Xuanling was stunned again and could not help but frown: "Does Your Highness, the Prince of Jinyang, have any other business?"

"Hehe, actually, there is nothing. I just wanted to ask you, what is your opinion on my uncle serving as the Right Chancellor?"

"What!?" Fang Xuanling’s heart was shaken. He wondered how he could know that Li Shimin intended to make Zhangsun Wuji the Right Chancellor. Li Shimin had only just finished telling him this. Unless... unless this kid had supernatural hearing?!

Subconsciously glancing at Li Chengqian's ears, Fang Xuanling straightened his expression and said, "The appointment of the Right Chancellor is decided by His Majesty; this old subject has no opinion..."

But Li Chengqian detected something unusual from his expression and tone just now. He feigned realization and nodded: "So you mean my Imperial Father has already decided to let my uncle serve as the Right Chancellor!"

"This..." Fang Xuanling stood frozen, not knowing how to respond.

Li Chengqian looked at him, the smile on his face deepening. This supporter of the historical Prince of Wei, Li Tai, appeared to be backing Li Tai for the throne, yet when Li Shimin was truly considering an heir, only a few unimportant officials like Cen Wenben had stood up for Li Tai.

What did this mean? It meant that Fang Xuanling could be won over!

Although Li Shimin had clearly stated that he would not restore him as Crown Prince anytime soon, it did not mean he could not win the support of his officials. Therefore, Li Chengqian wanted to see if he could win over Fang Xuanling.

He restrained his smile, glanced around, and lowered his voice: "Actually, it is not impossible for Master Fang to be the Right Chancellor. However, if you were to take the post, you would have no way back..."

"What?" Fang Xuanling was horrified, wondering what this meant.

He heard Li Chengqian say lightly: "Master Fang, think about it. What is the Right Chancellor for? It is to shield my Imperial Father from the wind and rain. If you block it well, everyone is happy. If you don't, it doesn't matter for my uncle; at worst, my Imperial Father will arrange a leisure post for him..."

"And you?" Speaking of this, he looked at Fang Xuanling meaningfully and smiled: "It is hard to guarantee that you won't end up like Chao Cuo..."

Boom!

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his head buzzing. Why hadn't he thought of that? The Right Chancellor was meant to hold the old Wude-era officials in check and deal with the princes. If successful, it was fine; if not, wouldn't he be finished?

Thinking of this, he looked at Li Chengqian with gratitude, tears shimmering in his eyes, and bowed toward the direction of the Ganlu Hall. Then, he bowed to Li Chengqian and sighed: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance. It was this old subject who misunderstood His Majesty..."

"Hehe..." Li Chengqian smiled knowingly.

Being a prince is not just about fighting and killing; it is about human sophistication.

...

Late at night.

Li Shimin, having finished a busy day, finally returned to the Lizheng Hall. The gentle and virtuous Empress Zhangsun personally helped him undress and change into his casual robes.

Li Shimin lay on the soft couch, relaxed and comfortable, let out a long sigh, and laughed: "I have something I want to tell you!"

"What a coincidence, I also have something to tell Your Majesty!" Empress Zhangsun covered her mouth and smiled.

"Oh?" Li Shimin's eyes lit up. He turned over, climbed up, hugged Empress Zhangsun, and said dotingly: "Are you pregnant again?"

"What are you saying!" Empress Zhangsun gave Li Shimin a coquettish look: "I am talking to you about something serious!"

"Hehe, then speak..." Li Shimin gave a sheepish smile.

But Empress Zhangsun was very tactful: "Your Majesty should speak first; I am also very curious about what you want to tell me..."

"Is that so?" Li Shimin raised an eyebrow and, without standing on ceremony, sat up and said: "Fang Xuanling understands my intentions. He said that the remnants of the Retired Emperor's influence in the court are detrimental to the new dynasty, and I think so too."

"Tell me, if I reduce the power and wealth of the princes, how should I go about it?"

"This..." Empress Zhangsun’s eyes flickered, and she shook her head with a light smile: "I will not interfere in court affairs!"

"Hmph, you won't interfere," Li Shimin huffed, clearly somewhat displeased, but he did not hold it against her. He continued: "Then we can at least discuss Wuji's matter, right?"

"What about Wuji?" Empress Zhangsun blinked, curious.

Li Shimin smiled: "Two days ago, Wuji offered two pieces of advice that were very much to my liking. Even the reign title 'Zhenguan' was suggested by Wuji. I think he is truly excellent!"

"So, I want to make him the Right Chancellor. What do you think?"

"I..." Empress Zhangsun’s expression changed, and she could not help but say: "I remember that during the Wude era, you served as the Secretariat Director. To avoid taboos, no one has used the title of Secretariat Director since. There are only Chancellors."

"I also know that the Left and Right Chancellors of the Secretariat are effectively prime ministers."

"Hmm, you are correct." Li Shimin nodded with a smile.

Empress Zhangsun changed the subject: "However, Wuji is my brother, an imperial relative! There are too many examples from past dynasties of the evil consequences of imperial relatives interfering in politics..."

"Although I trust Wuji, I do not want outsiders to gossip about him like that..."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Li Shimin's face vanished instantly: "Did you not just say you would not interfere in court politics?"

Empress Zhangsun: "..."

"Fine! You are right. Imperial relatives interfering in politics certainly has its lessons, but imperial relatives also have a reliable side!"

Empress Zhangsun bowed her head and remained silent.

Li Shimin became somewhat angry: "If this is your attitude, I insist on making Wuji the Right Chancellor!"

"I do not agree!" Empress Zhangsun looked up instantly, staring directly at Li Shimin, and said solemnly.

Li Shimin was stunned. In all their years as husband and wife, this was the first time Empress Zhangsun had defied him. He even thought he had misheard: "What did you say?"

"I said!" Empress Zhangsun’s face was stern, and she said word by word: "I do not agree to Wuji becoming the Right Chancellor!"

"Hah!" Li Shimin stood up abruptly from the soft couch, looking down at her with a dark expression: "I said, I have decided!"

"I do not agree!"

"What is the matter with you?" Li Shimin seemed to be facing a determined Empress Zhangsun for the first time. He could not help but raise a hand to his forehead: "On one hand, you say you won't interfere in court affairs, and on the other, you say you don't agree to Wuji being Prime Minister?"

Speaking of this, his tone became somewhat angry again: "Wuji has been with me since childhood and later went through life and death with me. If I don't use him, who should I use?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent again.

Li Shimin was so angry he could not speak, and he stormed out of the Lizheng Hall.

As he reached the door, thinking that Empress Zhangsun would yield, he stopped and looked back at her.

He saw Empress Zhangsun still kneeling on the floor, silent. The anger in his heart was completely ignited, and he could not help but roar angrily: "Tell me, who should I use?!"

After saying this, he ran out of the gate of the Lizheng Hall barefoot.

At the same time, the little fatty and Li Chengqian, who had just come out of their rooms, stood there dumbfounded, at a loss.

What was going on? Weren't they a famous, loving couple for the ages? Why were they always having conflicts? And what was it about this time?!

Li Chengqian felt depressed, thinking to himself that Empress Zhangsun died young—could it be that she was angered by Li Shimin?

If things continued like this, forget about the "Supreme Profound Longevity Sutra," even cultivation manuals wouldn't be of any use!

"Empress, Empress, what is wrong? Quickly, call the imperial physician—!"

Before long, the panicked voice of the palace maid Xiangling came from inside the hall.

The brothers' expressions changed drastically. Without another thought, they rushed in.