Chapter 533: Chapter 50: Return to the Court, Palace Coup
Actually, Li Shimin’s move was indeed deliberate.
People have always been like this.
Only when one reaches old age can they truly calm down and think over many things. Reflecting upon it, compared to his other sons, he indeed was much harsher on Li Chengqian.
Now... it’s a bit of compensation.
Moreover, in his view, the regency by Li Chengqian has indeed been handled well, at least in the big picture, the Great Tang has continuously progressed in the direction he desired.
Seeing this scene, a flash of fear instantly passed through Li Tai’s eyes.
He wanted to say something.
But it was not appropriate to rush in at this time, so he could only bow his head, silently following behind the father and son as they returned.
This was a grand celebration.
Although Li Chengqian’s proposal was blocked, the populace went ahead and held corresponding celebrations.
Including the officials of the court who did the same.
At the celebration feast.
Rarely was there any matter of the court.
Perhaps influenced by the atmosphere, Li Shimin even had two cups of wine, and his body was in a rare state of comfort.
He generously rewarded the ministers.
Li Shimin’s greatest strength is perhaps his clear distinction between rewards and punishments for the soldiers.
Those with merit were all granted rewards.
Of course, the one receiving the most attention was still Gu Jing.
Now the ministers, both in court and commonalty, all knew the key to this battle and understood how significant Gu Jing’s contribution was.
Although it was expected, when hearing Li Shimin decreed once again to ennoble Gu Jing as the Grand Tutor, the ministers couldn’t help but show signs of astonishment on their faces.
How old is Gu Jing anyway!
He’s only two months older than Li Chengqian, and the future has much time left for him.
It’s truly like an invisible shield.
Even if the ministers didn’t feel Gu Jing could compare to the most outstanding of the Gu Clan members throughout generations, the abilities he demonstrated made everyone understand the baseline of the Great Tang.
The ministers had countless thoughts in their minds, but no one opposed it.
Although no one has explicitly brought up the matter.
But the position of "Grand Tutor" had unknowingly been bound to the Gu Clan, the implications of which were not something everyone could bear.
After a flurry of rewards, the atmosphere of the celebration feast reached its climax instantly.
Amidst the sound of music and laughter,
In the end, even Li Shimin became somewhat drunk.
And this celebration feast finally dispersed.
Perhaps because of too much joy, even Li Shimin didn’t notice the strange atmosphere in the court.
...
At the Champion Marquis Mansion, everything was as usual.
Gu Jing’s promotion didn’t change anything at the Champion Marquis Mansion.
And at this moment, Gu Jing was recounting his maritime experiences to a few remaining elders of the clan.
It didn’t differ much from when he reported to Li Shimin.
Only instead of the Great Tang, the content focused on the Gu Clan.
This is the most crucial plan for the Gu Clan at present.
It has already deeply penetrated into the hearts of every family member.
The unknown ocean greatly concerned all family members.
"The act of maritime voyage is indeed fraught with danger, nine deaths and one life." Standing in front of the hall, Gu Jing spoke with a calm and powerful voice, "Yet, where there’s a peril, there lies an opportunity for breakthrough!"
He scanned the young faces present, continuing his analysis: "The massive supplies gained by our army were all safely transported via sea route."
"This is clear evidence!"
"As long as one is familiar with the sea conditions and cleverly takes advantage of the weather, the speed of transport and the volume of cargo will far surpass land routes by tenfold, hundredfold!..."
Gu Jing meticulously elaborated on the extraordinary potential and strategic value of maritime transport.
However, as his gaze swept over, he keenly captured Gu Lei in the corner, whose eyebrows were furrowed, eyes wandering, with an inexplicable oddity and unease written across his face!
Gu Jing’s heart sank slightly, yet he maintained an impassive demeanor, merely pausing imperceptibly in his words, before casually concluding his unfinished points.
Until the discussion ended, each family member took their instructions and left, the large hall gradually fell into silence.
Gu Jing didn’t leave; he walked straight towards Gu Lei, who was somewhat restless and was about to leave, his tall figure silently blocking his path.
"What’s going on?"
Gu Jing fixed his gaze on Gu Lei, directly asking, "Is there a change in the court?"
He knew Gu Lei was very close to Li Chengqian, clearly having guessed the general direction.
Gu Lei involuntarily avoided Gu Jing’s stern gaze, then after hesitating for a moment, smiled bitterly, "Why is elder brother asking this?"
"What do you mean by change in the court?"
He wanted to conceal it for Li Chengqian.
But his expressions were too obvious in front of Gu Jing.
With his understanding of his younger brother, he immediately confirmed it must be related to Li Chengqian.
In an instant, Gu Jing couldn’t help but frown.
Without any unnecessary words.
He directly dragged Gu Lei back into the room, slammed the door shut, turned around and stared at him, his expression extremely serious: "Did you participate in the struggle between the Crown Prince and Prince Wei?"
Gu Lei immediately shook his head, "How could a member of the Gu Clan be involved in such matters?"
But seeing Gu Jing’s gaze remained sharp, he knew he couldn’t hide it, and heaved a deep sigh, "Brother... the Crown Prince, he murdered two ministers of counsel!"
—A bolt from the blue!
"Murdered two ministers of counsel?!" Gu Jing’s pupils suddenly contracted.
Gu Lei nodded heavily, "I tried to persuade the Crown Prince... but he insisted on doing so."
Saying this, Gu Lei sighed spiritlessly and began to recount to Gu Jing the changes in the court during these days.
Gu Jing’s expression grew increasingly serious.
When he heard that a group of ministers were targeting Li Chengqian everywhere, he already believed it.
He had long known what kind of character Li Chengqian had.
At this moment, countless thoughts immediately emerged from his mind.
He knew very well what this meant.
With Li Shimin’s character, once he found out, he would be tremendously furious, and by then the court would surely undergo enormous changes.
—As for keeping it secret.
How could it possibly be kept secret?
Even if others didn’t expose it, Li Tai would certainly choose the most appropriate time to act.
"From today on, you must not leave the mansion."
Gu Jing couldn’t help but shake his head, looking at Gu Lei and saying again.
"Big Brother!" Gu Lei’s expression changed dramatically, and he hurriedly grabbed Gu Jing’s arm, "The Crown Prince is being framed."
"As a ruler, how could he endure being constantly restrained?"
Gu Lei truly wanted to help Li Chengqian, even hoping to emulate Gu Jing’s actions in the past.
He was completely different from the other members of the Gu Clan.
Not infatuated with court politics, he merely enjoyed poetry and song, always wanting to do what he thought was right.
But how could Gu Jing give him this chance?
Moreover, in Gu Jing’s view.
Even if they could make Li Chengqian emperor, so what?
Could his extreme temperament really make him a good emperor?
The current situation is at a critical juncture.
The Great Tang must maintain its prosperity to sustain the current educational initiatives, as well as expand overseas.
Although Li Chengqian has talents.
But for the current Great Tang, this is actually not the most important.
Just as Liu Shan during the Yan Han era.
In times of change, what is needed is maintaining stability, not continuous transformation.
He couldn’t let Gu Lei get involved.
Of course, Gu Jing himself would not interfere in this matter either.
No matter what happened to Li Chengqian.
Gu Jing didn’t waste any words and immediately had the mansion guards put Gu Lei under watch.
And he himself acted as if he knew nothing about it, continuing as usual.
Time passed by.
Even as Li Shimin’s health gradually declined, he regained control of the court, reviewing everything that happened during Crown Prince Li Chengqian’s regency.
The memorials piled up like mountains.
Although there were some minor issues that displeased the Emperor, they did not majorly affect the foundation of the state.
After reviewing, Li Shimin said nothing.
In the court, everything seemed calm, as if all was normal.
No one brought up old issues.
However, as time went on, Li Shimin gradually sensed something was amiss—why had Li Tai, once eager to offer salutations, become so silent?
Since his return to Chang’an, apart from responding to summons, this Prince Wei had never once stepped foot into the palace!
The emperor’s heart was deep like the sea, sharp like a hawk.
A trace of strangeness flitted through his heart, and he immediately issued a solemn decree: "Summon Prince Wei Li Tai urgently!"
In the Taiji Hall, only father and son were present, the air filled with tension.
Li Shimin’s eyes were like torches, piercing straight at Li Tai: "Qingque, why haven’t you come to see me lately?"
Li Tai’s entire body trembled, he raised his head to look at his father on the throne, his eyes suddenly welling with tears.
In the next moment, his robes rustled as they fell to the ground, and he bowed heavily, his voice carrying an uncontrollable trembling and sobbing tone: "Replying to Father!"
"I... dare not!"
....
(Ps: Kneeling and begging for monthly votes, asking brothers for more support for Yuyi!!!)
