Li Chengqian immediately knelt on the ground and replied without humility or arrogance: "Your Majesty, I don't suspect the queen mother, but all the evidence does point to the Lizheng Palace. That's why I'm here to tell you. ”

Li Shimin's expression eased slightly, paced to the desk and sat down, and then asked, "What are you going to do next?"

"Follow the vine and find out the people behind the scenes. The prince replied.

"Aren't you afraid of involving your mother?" Li Shimin continued to press the prince.

Li Chengqian's expression was calm, and he replied loudly: "Erchen was taught by his mother, and I believe that my mother will not be involved." And those with sinister intentions, the sons must be caught and severely punished. ”

"Even if that power is tilted towards the opposition?" Li Shimin had calmed down and looked at the whole situation coldly. Now, he sees it as a test for his future heir.

Li Chengqian was silent.

What to do, he already made a decision in his heart. The only thing he wasn't sure of was what kind of answer his father wanted to hear. The person in front of him is not only his father, but also the unpredictable emperor.

"What should you do?" Li Shimin's voice unconsciously became a little more majestic.

Li Chengqian didn't dare to continue to be silent, so he stubbornly said: "Back to my father, if my son is Zhang Sizhi, I will definitely do my best to report the case, no matter who the other party is." But the son is the crown prince, and he must be cautious in what he does. One is to see if the court is in turmoil, and the other is to see whether this force can be uprooted. If it is irresistible, it may cause great turmoil in the court. Then, put it aside for the time being, simmer it, boil it in warm water, and when the time is ripe, remove it together. ”

When Li Shimin heard this, he was slightly relieved, and his expression eased slightly. He didn't want to continue persecuting his eldest son, so he said, "All right." You also worked hard all night, you took Zhang Sizhi to have lunch together, and continued to check along this line. ”

"Yes. Li Chengqian didn't understand his father's arrangement, but he didn't dare to object, so he answered straight and withdrew with Zhang Sizhi.

The two withdrew, and happened to meet the eldest grandson Wuji. Li Chengqian still saluted him very politely and affectionately called him uncle. The eldest grandson Wuji looked tired, nodded at Zhang Sizhi and Li Chengqian, and hurried into the Manna Palace.

Li Chengqian stood in place, looked at the sun in the sky, and asked a little confused: "Zhang Sizhi, what do you mean by my father?"

Zhang Sizhi was stunned, quickly shook his head, and said, "The minister is stupid, I don't know what the Son of Heaven means." ”

Li Chengqian glanced at him and sighed: "You are very shrewd, but you are also very boring." ”

"Yes. That's what people who know me say. Zhang Sizhi pretended not to understand Li Chengqian's teasing.

"Hey, you, that's boring. Li Chengqian had no choice but to stride forward. Zhang Sizhi followed cautiously.

Li Chengqian walked a few steps, then suddenly turned around and asked, "Did you recruit the thief who killed Fang Xiangguo?"

"Returning to the prince, recruited. Zhang Sizhi replied.

"So, who is it?" Li Chengqian was very interested. He was very nervous in the Manna Hall just now, and even a little confused, forgetting to ask about the interrogation of those thieves.

"Returning to the prince, the confession points to the eldest grandson's fourth room. Zhang Sizhi said.

When Li Chengqian heard this answer, he laughed and suddenly said, "I see." I said that the thieves were so rampant that they dared to assassinate the prime minister of the country in broad daylight. ”

Zhang Sizhi was stunned, a little cloudy.

Li Chengqian looked at him with a confused expression, and asked with a smile: "Zhang Sizhi, you don't understand, right?"

"The minister is stupid. Zhang Sizhi said very sincerely.

They thought that it would be more than enough to poison a Dugu Sinan, but they didn't expect that Dugu Sinan had already prepared, and the improvised plan must be full of loopholes, and it would be a matter of time before it was found out. Instead of annihilating the whole army, it is better to learn from the gecko to cut off the tail, abandon one tail, and save yourself. Li Chengqian said slowly.

Zhang Sizhi suddenly realized that he had finally figured out what he couldn't figure out before.

"I see. Originally, their plan was only to kill Dugu Sinan, and then entering Zhang's Mansion and killing Fang Xiangguo were just a ploy to lead us to investigate thoroughly. Zhang Sizhi said.

"Exactly. Li Chengqian nodded, but his expression became solemn, and then he couldn't help sighing.

"I don't know why the prince sighed?" Zhang Si looked directly at the young man's expression and felt that there was something different. The more he wanted to know the ins and outs of this case, he didn't care that the other party was the prince, so he asked directly.

Li Chengqian glanced at him, smiled a little helplessly, and said, "Zhang Sizhi, the result of you and I checking is the result that people want." ”

"What does the prince mean ——, we, in fact, are already chess pieces on someone else's layout?" Zhang Sizhi said incredulously.

Li Chengqian didn't speak, just looked at the blue sky in a daze for a moment, then sighed, and said very firmly: "Have lunch first, and check it carefully when you're full." Even if you can only break one of its tails, you have to make the other party unforgettable. ”

In the Ganlu Palace, Li Shimin threw the prisoner's confession to the eldest grandson Wuji, and asked earnestly: "Auxiliary, look, what are your eldest grandsons doing?"

The eldest grandson Wuji suddenly knelt on the ground, said in fear, and said with an incredulous face: "The minister doesn't know that this is the case, the minister doesn't know." The minister must investigate thoroughly and give His Majesty an explanation. ”

"Ridiculous. A thorough investigation has Dali Temple and the East Palace cooperated together. As a suspect, is it appropriate for you to conduct a thorough investigation?" Li Shimin said displeasedly.

"The minister is confused, please forgive your majesty. The eldest grandson Wuji still knelt on the ground.

"Auxiliary, you and I have to say this. Li Shimin ordered the chamberlain to retreat, personally helped him up who was kneeling on the ground, and said, "You and I will calm the world together, and vow to let the people live a good life, and we will be born and die together, I don't know how many times." You and the queen are my right-hand men, and my friendship with your brothers and sisters is unknown to others, but you should know it. ”

"Your Majesty, in the heart of the minister, Your Majesty is the minister's best friend, the minister's heaven, and the person the minister respects the most. It is also willing to protect with life. The eldest grandson Wuji whispered.

Li Shimin thought of the past, his heart was a little melancholy, and he said to him: "You sit down first, we should talk." ”

The eldest grandson Wuji looked terrified and sat down on the side.

Li Shimin sighed, sat down in front of the desk, and then said: "How many meritorious people are proud of their merits and forget the rules. But my auxiliaries have to keep a low profile in the dust. ”

"That's what you should do. As a relative, you must avoid suspicion that all dynasties and dynasties have had disasters, and ministers must avoid suspicion. The eldest grandson Wuji replied.

Li Shimin seemed to smile and said: "The heart of the auxiliary machine is engraved in my hearts with the queen. However, you are a talented person, and in my court, you are a meritocracy, and you never avoid the suspicion of your relatives. Therefore, you should go to the height where you should go. ”

The eldest grandson Wuji beat a drum in his heart: What does the emperor mean by this? Isn't he here to ask about the matter of the fourth room? Why does it seem like he wants to be promoted to an official?

Even if the person in front of him is his friend for many years, he can't see through his thoughts, but now he is the son of heaven, his mind is as deep as the sea, and his means are becoming more and more sophisticated.

"Chen thinks it's just right at this height. Your Majesty is sage, the sages from all over the world follow it, and talented people are like carp crossing the river, and the ministers will not join in this fun. "Even if the eldest grandson Wuji doesn't know the will of the Son of Heaven, no one can resist his low-key attitude and flattering words.

Li Shimin didn't speak for a while, but just carefully sorted out those confessions. The hall of manna was very quiet, and the cicadas outside the house had been caught by the attendants, and the surroundings were quiet. The wind came in through the screen at the door, and the curtain rustled in the hall.

Li Shimin sorted out those confessions neatly before saying: "Lizhi is my beloved daughter with the queen, and she is my favorite princess." Chong'er is also older, and after two years of their marriage, we will be closer. ”

The eldest grandson Wuji didn't understand why the emperor suddenly got involved in Chong'er's marriage, he could only echo and say that it was the emperor's love or something. Li Shimin waved his hand and told him to stop, don't say these clichés.

"Yes. The eldest grandson Wuji sat down respectfully.

Li Shimin slowly stood up and paced in the hall with his legs thumped. The eldest grandson Wuji also stood up immediately, stood aside very respectfully, and asked, "Your Majesty, has you committed this leg pain again?" ”

Li Shimin's eyes sank, and he remembered that Li Chengqian had said that his uncle always sent doctors to his mother's harem, but did those doctors really have miraculous results?

At that time, he also reprimanded Li Chengqian, saying that your uncle and your mother depend on each other, and the brother and sister have a deep affection. Your mother is not in good health, and your uncle cares, what's wrong with that?

Li Chengqian only said that he was wrong. But yesterday, the queen personally came to interfere in Cheng Qian's marriage, implying that the uncle was too strict and always stared at the princes, which was very bad.

At that time, Li Shimin was shocked into a cold sweat. He knew that the queen spoke and acted in a very measured manner, and she would definitely not say any inappropriate hints at will. When the queen said this, it must be that the uncle did something that made the queen feel that she had to say it, and the stakes were very high. The queen also deliberately mentioned that the uncle was staring at the princes.

What does this mean by staring at the princes?

Previously, he only thought that the eldest grandson Wuji had an opinion on Ke'er. He was afraid that Ke'er would threaten Chengqian's status, so he felt normal as an uncle to defend his nephew and as a minister to protect the dignity of the future heir of the Tang Dynasty.

But what the queen means now, the eldest grandson Wuji is still staring at his nephews Chengqian and Li Tai, but he cares about the unborn child in the queen's womb. It's a scary thing to think about.

Therefore, after a long night, Li Shimin asked the chamberlain to summon relevant personnel and check the doctors sent to the palace by the chief Sun Wuji. Without exception, they are all good hands to ensure the birth of the little prince.

Li Shimin shook his head, his heart like falling into an ice cellar. Zaochao lost his temper, and as soon as he returned to the Ganlu Palace, he received a confession from Zhang Sizhi's interrogation overnight.

Eldest grandson Wuji, do you also have to follow the old path of all your relatives?

Li Shimin only felt that Chang'an at the end of April was as cold as winter.

However, the eldest grandson Wuji is a close friend, a confidant, the queen's brother, and a minister of the humerus of the court. Whether it is reasonable or reasonable, it is still necessary to save it.

So, he summoned the eldest grandson Wuji and wanted to have a long talk with him and do something to weaken the eldest grandson's family.

"The doctor, the doctor is the business of the Pharmacy, you are a courtier, don't go beyond the rules. Li Shimin replied unhappily.

"The minister is afraid, but the minister is not thoughtful. The eldest grandson Wuji was shocked, and keenly felt that His Majesty had something to say. He muttered: Could it be that the queen said something?

Thinking of this, the eldest grandson Wuji only felt that his underwear was wet with sweat.

Li Shimin didn't care, only said: "Auxiliary, you and I have known each other for many years, and I also know your situation." When you and the queen were young, they embezzled your property from every house because of the absence of your parents, and drove you out. I am a witness to the past when you lived in the mountains and lived a difficult life. ”

"Yes, when His Majesty came to receive the vassals and queens, we were living in the mountains. The eldest grandson Wuji heard the emperor talk about the past, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He still knows a thing or two about His Majesty's parallelism, and if he is still willing to talk about the past, then things will not be so bad.

"There is no shortage of talented people in each room of the eldest grandson, however, I don't look down on the conduct of each room. At the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, they came to talk to you and the queen. However, at that time, I was not the crown prince, they intentionally or unintentionally wanted to be the grass on the wall, you must know these things better than anyone else, right?" Li Shimin glanced at the eldest grandson Wuji.

"Clear, sir. Eldest Sun Wuji didn't dare to say anything, so he could only try to reduce his words.

"When the Qin Wangfu and Jiancheng Party fought the hardest, although you didn't tell me about the rebellion of the Seven Houses in person, I knew it. The eldest grandson Qifang wanted to take refuge in the construction and put me to death. You strike first, and let the thieves ambush you. I am grateful, you would rather bear the sin of killing your own people, but also protect my integrity. When Li Shimin said this, his eyes were also wet.

When he thought about those difficult years, he felt that it was difficult and extremely moved. So many people follow Him and really think about Him. As an emperor, he remembers their kindness.

However, now that everything is peaceful, he wants to keep these people who are willing to follow him and have been born and died with him.

"Your Majesty, that's what a minister should do. The eldest grandson Wuji hurriedly said.

Li Shimin took a handkerchief and wiped his tears, turned to look at the eldest grandson Wuji, and asked loudly: "But, auxiliary, do you know why I will bring the eldest grandson to each room after I first ascend to the great treasure?"

"Minister, the minister has always thought that it is because His Majesty loves the queen and the minister. The eldest grandson Wuji replied.

The reason why His Majesty reuses the Changsun Clan, His Majesty has never said, but he knows it. This is the love for him and the queen. As a descendant of the eldest grandson family, he took control of the eldest grandson family and became the patriarch of the eldest grandson family. And the queen also needs a strong maiden family.

"Yes. Although there are many authoritarian politicians in previous dynasties, there is no strong maiden family as a backstage, and there are not a few queens who died miserably. Moreover, those historical things are someone else, not me, not an auxiliary machine or a queen. Li Shimin spoke earnestly and said his original thoughts.

He was full of confidence in himself, the queen and the eldest grandson Wuji. But what happened now made him wonder if he was too conceited.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. The eldest grandson bowed and saluted.

At this moment, he is also agitated in his heart, full of guilt for what he has done in the past two years and all kinds of plans.

"Auxiliary, I don't think you'll let me down, will you?" asked Li Shimin.

The eldest grandson Wuji only felt that this question weighed a thousand pounds, and his next answer was undoubtedly a promise to His Majesty. And this time, His Majesty has talked with himself for so long, recalling so many old friendships, or the last tolerance His Majesty gave himself.

At this moment, the eldest grandson Wuji knew that the eldest grandson clan had temporarily survived the difficulties, and finally breathed a sigh of relief. But at the same time, he also understood that His Majesty had become suspicious of him, and there was no going back between them.