Chapter 55 Volunteering His Services

“Of course, when Father mentioned recruiting soldiers, the Prince would not oppose it; faced with an inevitable situation, anyone would choose to compromise.”

“That is why what should have been severely investigated was so easily permitted.”

At this point, Yingying fully understood why Li Chengche wore that expression. Without any reason, a rebel’s label was placed on his head. His Highness the Crown Prince’s expression was due to his usual composure and caution.

Had it been someone else, they might have already started smashing things by now!

“Your Highness, what shall we do?”

“Do nothing. At this moment, any action would be suspected of ulterior motives.”

Having said that, Li Chengche closed his eyes and continued to sleep.

[Observation: System detects the host choosing to lie low in the face of imminent crisis, classified as top-tier passive resistance. Points +80.]

Yingying looked at Li Chengche with a complicated expression. He knew that what Li Chengche said was right.

For now, doing nothing was the best way to stay alive.

Meanwhile, at the Prince of Qin’s residence—

Emperor Taizong sat solemnly in the main hall, surrounded by Long Sun Wuji, Xu Maogong, Cheng Zhijie, Yuchi Gong, and others.

“This is the situation, gentlemen. Do you all understand?”

Xu Maogong stroked his beard and said, “Your Highness, this is a heaven-sent opportunity. The Crown Prince recruited soldiers without reporting to the throne, violating the sacred laws of the imperial family. You can use this chance to completely eradicate the Crown Prince’s faction.”

“But… my elder brother has not rebelled. If I do this now, when Father realizes the truth later, wouldn’t I be in danger?”

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling hurriedly interjected, “Since Your Highness is unwilling to act harshly, perhaps you can devise a clever plan to expel the Crown Prince from Chang’an.”

“If there is a clever plan, it is ready now,” Xu Maogong said, stroking his beard. “The Turks have invaded the border. It just so happens that your elder brother has not commanded troops for some time. This mission can be his burden—to send him to the frontier to confront the northern barbarians.”

Cheng Zhijie agreed, “Indeed. Though Xue Wanche is brave beyond compare, he lacks the talent to command troops. Giving him five thousand men under Li Jiancheng is a sure way to ruin them.”

Yuchi Gong frowned, “But what if Xue Wanche truly masters the troops? Training soldiers depends not only on personal valor but also on command talent, which is tested on the battlefield, Old Cheng.”

Emperor Taizong smiled faintly, “Brother Wang, you worry too much. Even if he succeeds, it won’t matter. I know my elder brother’s military talent well. He is upright and possesses the spirit of a gentleman. Even in battle, he fights honorably.”

“With his abilities, even the most elite units at the border would be defeated by him, as his past military records tell us.”

Just then, Xue Rengui suddenly burst in. “Your Highness, confidential report! Prince Yi’an has been placed under house arrest by His Majesty’s order. His residence is being searched. Over eight thousand Turkic warhorses were found there. His illicit trading of warhorses is now indisputable. The horses used by the Crown Prince to recruit soldiers all come from this source.”

The assembled officials exchanged knowing glances.

Xu Maogong said, “Excellent! Cut off the horse supply, and the Eastern Palace cavalry will dwindle with every loss!”

Emperor Taizong smiled slightly. “Indeed. By the way, sir, the Crown Prince is seriously ill and likely to remain in Chang’an. Do you have any way to bring him into my Prince of Qin’s residence?”

Cheng Yaojin looked at Emperor Taizong in puzzlement. “Your Highness, why do you concern yourself with that young boy’s life or death?”

“Brother Cheng, mind your words. That young boy is the future emperor of the Great Tang. How could I not care?”

Hearing this, Xu Maogong’s heart sank. Now he was certain that what Emperor Taizong said before was true.

He truly no longer desired the throne. If that were the case, then the Wagang brothers aligned with the Prince of Qin would be in grave danger!

No! He must not let Emperor Taizong’s idea of letting Li Chengche ascend the throne take root!

With this thought, he nodded. “If the Crown Prince is to be sent to the frontier, the seriously ill heir apparent naturally cannot go. If Your Highness wishes to bring him into the Prince of Qin’s residence, you should speak directly with the Crown Prince.”

“Very well, sir. Now, let us discuss official business. I will recommend my elder brother for the expedition and appoint a military supervisor for him. Who would you suggest for this role?”

“After all, I do not want my brother to lose the entire northern army. If that happened, and the Turks invaded the south, who would defend us? Then, when the Five Barbarians again take control of Central Plains, I, Li Shimin, would become a sinner for all eternity.”

Xu Maogong pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Your Highness is wise. To stabilize the frontier without appearing to oppress the Eastern Palace, I suggest inviting Imperial Uncle Li Xiaogong out of retirement. He is highly respected and close to the Crown Prince. Having him as military supervisor would both intimidate the border and silence the Crown Prince’s grievances.”

Emperor Taizong nodded in approval. “As you say. Tomorrow’s court session, I shall petition Father to appoint the Crown Prince to command the northern troops against the Turkic incursions, with Li Xiaogong as deputy military supervisor to jointly repel the invaders.”

At that moment, Du Ruhui hurried in, breathless. “Your Highness, urgent report! Prince Yi’an suddenly died in his residence. There were marks on his neck as if strangled.”

Emperor Taizong frowned. “Died soon after being placed under house arrest? That’s fast.”

“Whoever did it, the blame will surely fall on the Crown Prince. Prepare yourselves. After tomorrow’s court session, I will close my doors to visitors and focus on recovery. I want all under heaven to know that I, Li Shimin, only wish to preserve the Great Tang realm, not to seize a speck of power.”

“Yes!” the officials responded in unison.

The next morning, at the Taiji Hall—

Officials stood in ranks, the atmosphere heavy.

Emperor Gaozu sat on the dragon throne, his face dark. He had barely slept, pondering Li Shimin’s petition—that the Crown Prince had recruited five thousand soldiers, seized the stables of Gonglin, and other signs eerily reminiscent of Yang Guang’s usurpation.

At that moment, Li Jiancheng stepped forward and loudly declared, “Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!”

The entire hall was stunned.

Gaozu said coldly, “Speak.”

Li Jiancheng bowed, “Prince Yan, Luo Yi, sent urgent news that remnants of the Turks have repeatedly invaded Youzhou’s borders, causing the people to flee and the border to be in danger. I am distressed to hear this and have recruited five thousand elite cavalrymen, willing to personally lead them north to defend the frontier, safeguard the northern borders, repay Your Majesty’s nurturing, and bring peace to the realm and its people!”

At this, the court erupted in uproar.

Li Shimin secretly smiled: what a brilliant move to advance by retreat!

Originally, he intended to recommend Li Jiancheng’s mission, but now the elder brother had volunteered himself.

In that case, lending support would only enhance the matter.

With this in mind, Li Shimin immediately took his place and respectfully petitioned, “Father, your son believes this proposal is excellent! Although the Turks were defeated, their remnants are not yet eliminated. Strong troops are needed to guard the borders. The Crown Prince personally leading the troops will both gain military experience and intimidate the enemy. It is truly a blessing for the nation!”