Chapter 39: Li Shimin: Am I Emperor Jing of Han?

Come and take a look, everyone! This flyer says, 'Execute Zhangsun Wuji and purge the emperor's inner circle!'

Who is Zhangsun Wuji? Why execute him?

You don't even know who Zhangsun Wuji is? He is the current Empress's own elder brother!

Ah? So he is a royal relative! Has he committed any heinous crimes?

It is said that the Emperor's reduction of titles for the vassal princes is related to him...

As they discussed, the topic gradually began to change.

Do you know? Rumor has it that Prince Yi of Yan, Li Yi, rebelled because of him too!

What?! Wasn't he the hero who put down Li Yi's rebellion?

Hah, first instigate a rebellion, and then suppress it—wasn't that just a convenient way to claim credit?

Put that way, this Zhangsun Wuji truly deserves to die!

Hush! Have you grown tired of life? Quickly throw away the flyers in your hands...

As the flyers were scattered across various streets, more and more Chang'an citizens began to pay attention to the matter.

Before long, the entire city of Chang'an was gripped by anxiety and panic.

Many citizens even worried whether this incident would turn into another Xuanwu Gate Incident.

As the mastermind behind all this, Zhangsun Anyang hid in the shadows, quietly watching the gossiping citizens.

It was not until the imperial guards of the city rushed over that he quietly left his spot and headed toward a dark, secluded alley where two men were waiting for him.

Lord Zhangsun, everything has been taken care of. What should we do next? one of them asked first.

Zhangsun Anyang gave a faint smile, then raised a hand to signal: Come closer and lend me your ears.

This...

The two exchanged glances, but without much hesitation, they lowered their bodies and leaned in.

Slash! Slash!

In just a fraction of a second, Zhangsun Anyang drew two short daggers and fiercely plunged them into both of their abdomens.

You!

The two never expected that Zhangsun Anyang would suddenly turn on them.

Yet Zhangsun Anyang did not waste any words on them, continuously stabbing them several more times.

Until the two of them fell to the ground with deep resentment in their eyes, their deaths unavenged, Zhangsun Anyang pulled out his daggers, wiped the blood off on their clothes, and walked straight out of the alley. He instructed his two subordinates at the mouth of the alley, Handle the corpses simply, and remember to leave a flaw so that they expose the Prince of Yi'an!

Understood!

The two subordinates acknowledged the order and headed straight into the alley without another word.

.......

Meanwhile.

Liu Deyu and Yuan Hongshan also received the warning from Zhangsun Anyang.

Originally, their mission was to control Xuanwu Gate, the high officials, and the various city gates of Chang'an. However, Zhangsun Anyang reminded them that Li Shimin had ascended the throne through a coup, and their original mission carried immense risks.

In other words, the moment Li Shimin discovered a threat to Chang'an, his very first thought would naturally be the risks surrounding Xuanwu Gate and the major city gates.

Therefore, to successfully control Xuanwu Gate, the officials, and the city gates, they had to first control the people assigned to replace them.

Upon receiving this news, Liu Deyu and Yuan Hongshan were left in a cold sweat.

Although they could not figure out how Zhangsun Anyang possessed such tactical brilliance, they did not hesitate at all upon receiving the intelligence. They immediately altered their deployments and waited for their replacements to appear.

.......

On the other side.

Li Shimin, upon learning that someone in Chang'an was distributing flyers calling for the execution of Zhangsun Wuji and the purging of the imperial court, immediately ordered Dai Zhou, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to investigate the matter.

Now, nearly two hours had passed since the incident began, and Dai Zhou had just returned from outside the palace.

Li Shimin asked directly and without beating around the bush: Have the people distributing the flyers been caught?

They were found, but they have all been murdered! Dai Zhou replied with a dark expression.

Li Shimin furrowed his brow deeply: That is to say, you failed to uncover the mastermind behind them?

Although they acted very covertly, distributing flyers inevitably requires showing one's face. After careful searching and verification, Your Humble Servant has basically determined their identities.

Oh?

Li Shimin raised an eyebrow: Whose men are they?

The Prince of Yi'an, Li Xiaochang!

Dai Zhou reported truthfully: They are all guards from the Prince of Yi'an's estate!

It seems this is directed at me!

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly, then gave a decisive order: Take the Prince of Yi'an into custody for me!

Understood!

Dai Zhou acknowledged the order and turned to leave immediately.

What do you gentlemen make of this?

Watching Dai Zhou depart, Li Shimin shifted his gaze to Fang Xuanling and the other two.

Yet all three remained silent at this moment.

Especially Zhangsun Wuji, whose expression had turned utterly unsightly to the extreme.

He never imagined that this Prince of Yi'an would actually point the spearhead directly at him.

However, Li Shimin's question demanded an answer.

So, after a moment of silence, Fang Xuanling took the initiative to speak: Replying to Your Majesty, Your Humble Servant believes that the Prince of Yi'an's action is nothing more than an attempt to stir up public opinion and express dissatisfaction with Your Majesty's new policies. As long as the Prince of Yi'an is apprehended, this matter should subside...

Report—

Before Fang Xuanling could finish speaking, Wusha's voice came from outside the door again: Reporting to Your Majesty, the Imperial Censor-in-Chief Li Jing requests an urgent audience!

Li Shimin frowned and glanced at Fang Xuanling, then waved his hand: Let him enter!

Understood.

Wusha acknowledged the command, and soon Li Jing strode into the hall.

Your Majesty!

As soon as Li Jing stepped into the hall, he reported to Li Shimin: Prince of Changle Li Youliang has raised an army in rebellion!

Li Shimin's expression sank: Why did he suddenly rise in rebellion?

Your Humble Servant does not know the specific reasons, but the slogan he is using is: Execute Zhangsun Wuji and purge the emperor's inner circle!

This...

Li Shimin was at a loss for words, and subconsciously glanced at Zhangsun Wuji.

Only to see Zhangsun Wuji angrily stand up from his seat: If he wants to rebel, let him rebel, why drag me into it? Am I supposed to be Chao Cuo?!

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell dead silent.

They naturally knew what kind of end awaited Chao Cuo.

Yet, was Li Shimin Emperor Jing of Han?

No one could provide an answer, except Li Shimin himself.

Hahahaha!

Li Shimin suddenly threw his head back and laughed heartily, then swept his large sleeves: Men! Summon all court officials of the fifth rank and above, along with all titled princes, to the Taiji Hall immediately. Anyone who dares not come will be dealt with according to state law!

Understood!

A palace attendant acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Li Shimin glanced at Zhangsun Wuji once more, turned to the commander of the imperial guards, Yun Duan, and said: Yun Duan, immediately lead the palace guards and escort everyone from the Right Prime Minister's estate into the palace!

As you command!

Yun Duan accepted the order and departed.

Li Shimin issued another decree: Censor-in-Chief, lead twenty thousand troops immediately to Liangzhou, suppress the Prince of Changle's rebellion as swiftly as possible, and deter the borderlands of Liangzhou so that the Tujue do not make any reckless moves!

Understood!

Without another word, Li Jing rushed straight out of the Ganlu Hall.

At this point, everyone's gaze fell upon Li Shimin, awaiting his next commands.

After a brief moment of silence, Li Shimin spoke again: Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, the two of you must immediately overhaul the guard shift schedules for the northern gates of Chang'an over the past half-month! Any troop movements involving ten or more men must be reported!

Understood!

And place Chang'an under immediate martial law!

As you command!

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui exchanged glances, accepted the orders, and left.

.......

Meanwhile.

Li Chengqian used the chubby boy's palace prohibition token to sneak out of the imperial palace.

At this moment, he was sitting in a carriage, heading toward his destination.

Although he had not yet been restored to his position as Crown Prince, he already had some candidates in mind for the official posts within the Crown Prince's East Palace.

The place he was heading to right now was the residence of one of those individuals.

This person could be said to be one of the representative figures of the literati of Jiangnan.

Many later film and television dramas even portrayed him as a top-tier grandmaster of statecraft.

A so-called top-tier grandmaster of statecraft must first possess talent, and secondly, high emotional intelligence.

Cen Wenben was precisely such a person.

In history, he was a supporter of Prince Wei, Li Tai, and spent his entire life striving to help Li Tai secure the East Palace.

Though he ultimately lost to Zhangsun Wuji, it could not be said that his political plotting was lacking; rather, Li Tai's performance was simply too incompetent and arrogant, causing Cen Wenben's efforts to fall short of success.

However, setting all that aside, Cen Wenben was backed by the Jiangnan literati faction.

Winning him over was equivalent to gaining the support of the entire Jiangnan literati clique.

Therefore, Li Chengqian's trip out of the palace today was primarily to see if he could pull Cen Wenben into his camp ahead of time.

Laifu, do you know where Mr. Cen lives?

Li Chengqian abruptly asked the coachman in front.

Laifu was a personal palace attendant chosen by Empress Zhangsun for Li Chengqian, specifically responsible for his daily life and care.

For this covert escape from the palace, Li Chengqian had brought only him.

This showed just how much trust Li Chengqian placed in him.

Laifu looked slightly puzzled and asked: Mr. Cen? Is he the Cen Wenben Your Highness asked me to inquire about earlier?

Right! That's him! Do you know where he is?

I know, in Yongxing Lane.

Great! Take me there quickly! Li Chengqian urged excitedly.

Before long, they arrived at Yongxing Lane.

At this moment, Cen Wenben was anxiously waiting in his residence for an appointment from the court.

Some time ago, he had been recommended by Feng Deyi to serve in a new official position within the Secretariat, but Feng Deyi suddenly died, Zhangsun Wuji became the Right Prime Minister, and the matter was shelved.

As for his previous post as a Palace Scribe, it had already been taken over by someone else.

Thus, he was currently trapped in the awkward predicament of having no official post to serve in.

If no one helped arrange a new position for him, he would be stuck in a prolonged wait.

This was sheer torture for him.

And just as he was enduring this agonizing wait, a domestic servant suddenly came to report that the Prince of Zhongshan had come to pay a visit.

It startled him so much that he hurriedly got up and rushed out to greet them with his estate steward: Your Humble Servant, Cen Wenben, pays respects to Your Highness!

Haha, Sir need not be so courteous. Chengqian was merely passing by and dropped in to see you!

Li Chengqian smiled and waved his hand, then carefully sized up the thirty-something man dressed in scholarly robes.

One had to admit, this Cen Wenben possessed the distinct characteristics of a Jiangnan scholar, exuding a strong aura of refinement.

Hearing Li Chengqian address him as Sir, Cen Wenben felt somewhat flattered.

Although Li Chengqian claimed he was merely passing by his residence and dropped in, there were plenty of other Jiangnan scholars living around his estate—why choose him in particular?

Furthermore, an un-enfeoffed imperial prince of non-adult age could not easily leave the palace.

Could it be that Li Chengqian's trip out of the palace today was specifically for him?

Thinking of this, Cen Wenben felt a slight warmth in his heart and immediately bowed in welcome: Please enter, Your Highness!

After you, Sir!

Li Chengqian raised his hands in a polite greeting.

Soon, the two arrived at the estate's reception hall.

The arrangement of Sir's household is truly refined...

Li Chengqian sat in the seat of honor in the hall, looked around with great interest, and then smiled as he asked Cen Wenben: I wonder what hobbies Sir usually has?

Replying to Your Highness, Your Humble Servant has no particular hobbies, save for a fondness for reading books or tending to flowers and plants. Cen Wenben answered truthfully.

Li Chengqian nodded, picked up his teacup to take a sip, and consulted Cen Wenben on some matters regarding scholarship.

Although this was Cen Wenben's first encounter with Li Chengqian, he had heard a thing or two about Li Chengqian's past deeds.

Therefore, after a round of conversation, he formed a fresh judgment regarding Li Chengqian's scholarship, temperament, and the various rumors surrounding him.

It must be said that their conversation was exceptionally pleasant.

However, the purpose of Li Chengqian's visit today was not to engage in idle chatter with Cen Wenben.

Pondering slightly, he took the initiative to shift the topic: As far as I know, Sir should be on duty at this time. Why are you idling at home?

This...

Cen Wenben hesitated for a moment, and said with a hint of bitterness: To not conceal it from Your Highness, Your Humble Servant currently has no official post to serve...

Ah?

Li Chengqian was taken aback, and could not help asking: Why is that?

Alas!

Cen Wenben let out a sigh and, without hiding anything, immediately revealed his predicament to Li Chengqian.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian was overjoyed inside, though outwardly he put on a righteous expression: Sir's matter, Chengqian will help resolve as soon as possible. The Great Tang will never bury a talent like Sir!

This...

Cen Wenben was momentarily stunned, and then reacted as if suddenly understanding: To receive Your Highness's help, Your Humble Servant is immensely grateful. I hope there will be an opportunity in the future to continue discussing scholarship with Your Highness.

The opportunity will certainly be there; it all depends on whether Sir can grasp it.

Since Your Highness came here despite all the trouble, how could Your Humble Servant fail to understand the times?

Hahaha!

Li Chengqian threw his head back and laughed.

He truly enjoyed talking to clever people; they caught on at the slightest hint.

Although Cen Wenben was scion of a Jiangnan aristocratic clan, he lacked the self-admiration typical of such aristocratic scions, knowing full well what it meant to recognize the current times as a wise man.

After all, he was merely a down-and-out man without an office right now; even if he used to be a Palace Scribe, he was only of the lower seventh rank—not nearly enough to warrant an active recruitment by an imperial prince.

Now that Li Chengqian was proactively recruiting him, it felt to him much like Liu Bei visiting the thatched cottage three times; naturally, he would not let such an opportunity slip away.

Well then, the hour is late, and I must return to the palace. I hope Sir will serve the Great Tang well in the future!

With that, Li Chengqian prepared to get up and head back to the palace.

At that very moment, a commotion suddenly arose from outside the door.

Cen Wenben furrowed his brow and immediately summoned the steward to ask what had happened.

The steward replied in a flurry: Master, something terrible has happened! The court has issued a martial law decree, and the outside is now swarming with troops. We cannot go out!

This...

Cen Wenben was startled for a moment, then instinctively turned his gaze toward Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian was also completely bewildered, thinking to himself: Everything was fine when I came out, why can't I go back now?

Could it be that Zhangsun Anyang and the others had already launched their coup?

Recalling the rebellious strategy guidebook he had written back then, a triumphant smile flashed rapidly across the corner of Li Chengqian's mouth before vanishing instantly.

It seems Grandfather is still quite capable after all!