Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Ningyun Pavilion, the residence of the King of Wei.

The palace doors were tightly shut, and the candlelight flickered precariously due to Li Tai's agitated figure.

He could no longer maintain the composure he had been putting on at the family dinner; the color drained from his face, leaving only a pale complexion of shock and anger.

"Father... what does Father mean?!"

Li Tai's voice was shrill with excitement:
"To praise that greenhorn Li Zhi so highly in front of me and Li Chengqian! Reciting texts? Being literate? What kind of skill is that?! What is he implying?! Huh?!"

He whirled around, grabbed his trusted advisor Su Xu's sleeve, his eyes filled with the panic of betrayal and a near-desperate rage:
"Could Liu Xiang's previous speculation be true?"

"Did Father really have that thought? He wants to depose Li Chengqian, and then... then bypass me and install Li Zhi as emperor?!"

Once the thought became clear, it gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake.

All his previous schemes and forbearance seemed so ridiculous in the face of his father’s undisguised admiration and affection for Li Zhi!

If the Emperor really chose Li Zhi, then what is Li Tai?
A pawn used to check and balance Li Chengqian? A backup option that can be discarded at any time?
Su Xu's expression was equally grave. He supported Li Tai, who was almost unsteady on his feet, and said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, calm down! His Majesty's actions have a profound purpose!"

He lowered his voice and analyzed:

"His Highness the Crown Prince has achieved great merit and is extremely powerful. His Majesty is also very wary of him."

"And Your Highness... your recent actions, especially your performance in the poisoning case at the Crown Prince's residence, have probably made His Majesty see your ambition."

"His Majesty is in the prime of his life. He can neither tolerate a son who might seize the throne at any moment, nor can he feel at ease with a son who is also eyeing the throne!"

"Then why Li Zhi?!"

Li Tai growled.

"Precisely because the Prince of Jin is young!"

A glint flashed in Su Xu's eyes: "He is innocent and untainted, easy to control!"

"By establishing him as the crown prince, His Majesty will have at least another ten years to sit securely on the throne, calmly plan, and realize his prosperous reign! He will no longer need to worry about the threat from the crown prince!"

"Your Highness, don't forget that now that the world is at peace and external threats have been eliminated, what His Majesty needs is not a capable or ambitious successor."

"But a compliant heir who will not threaten his imperial power!"

Su Xu's words were like ice water poured over Li Tai's head, sending a chill through his body.

He recalled the bloodstains at Xuanwu Gate, and how his father had ascended the throne over the corpses of his brothers…

Yes, what does kinship matter in the face of absolute imperial power? My father himself is the best example!

"and!"

Su Xu leaned closer, his voice barely audible: "The Prince of Rencheng has just secretly sent a message."

As he spoke, he took out a secret letter.

Li Tai hurriedly snatched it and quickly read it by candlelight. An abnormal flush instantly rose on his face, a mixture of extreme surprise and excitement.

“Li Xiaogong…Cheng Zhijie…they…they actually…”

Li Tai's voice was trembling.

The letter was cryptic, but it clearly expressed support for the King of Wei in the event of a 'necessary moment'.

This is undoubtedly a timely help!

These members of the imperial clan and noble families hated Li Chengqian to the core because his sons were killed by Li Chengqian, and they also harbored resentment towards Li Shimin, who favored the crown prince!
If this power could be used by him...

"Your Highness, this is our golden opportunity!"

Su Xu said in a low voice, "But the most crucial thing now is His Majesty's attitude towards the Prince of Jin! We must find a way to break this deadlock!"

"How do we break this deadlock?" Li Tai asked anxiously.

A calculating glint flashed in Su Xu's eyes:

"Your Highness, tell me, who is most wary and dissatisfied with the possibility of His Majesty appointing the Prince of Jin?"

Li Tai was taken aback, then suddenly realized: "You mean... Li Chengqian?"

"Not bad!"

Su Xu gave a cold smile:
"His Highness the Crown Prince is still the rightful heir apparent! If His Majesty wishes to install the Prince of Jin as the new heir, the first thing to do is to depose him!"

"How can the Crown Prince sit idly by and wait for his death? Why don't we... casually let the Crown Prince know that His Majesty might favor the Prince of Jin? Let them fight to the death first!" "Then, no matter who wins or loses, Your Highness can reap the benefits!"

"Brilliant! This plan is brilliant!"

Li Tai's eyes lit up, and he slammed his hand on the table: "We'll do as you say, sir!"

He seemed to see hope again, and a fierce look returned to his face.

Meanwhile, at Chengxiang Hall.

Under the candlelight, Li Chengqian listened calmly to Pei Xingjian's report.

"Your Highness, there are unusual movements from the Hundred Cavalry Commandery and the Ministry of War."

"His Majesty has secretly mobilized a total of 20,000 elite troops from the Left and Right Valiant Guards and the Left and Right Martial Guards, who have been stationed in batches in the Qishan Mountains surrounding Jiucheng Palace. He has publicly claimed that it is a routine autumn maneuver, but the deployment is clearly aimed at encircling Jiucheng Palace!"

Pei Xingjian's tone was heavy:
"In addition, news came from Yang Nannan that the palace women His Majesty brought this time have very little luggage, and it does not seem that they will stay for a long time."

"Furthermore, after His Majesty arrived at Jiucheng Palace, he did not bring a large number of memorials with him and hardly dealt with state affairs."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian was not alarmed at all; instead, a meaningful smile slowly appeared on his lips.

He tapped the table lightly and said to Pei Xingjian, "Xingjian, how about I tell you a story?"

"story?"

Pei Xingjian was taken aback: "Your Highness, please speak."

"During the Warring States period, King Wuling of Zhao was a man of great talent and ambition. He adopted the Hu-style clothing and mounted archery, which made the Zhao state a hegemon."

In his later years, he passed the throne to his youngest son, King Huiwen of Zhao, and called himself "Lord Father".

"Later, out of pity for his eldest son, Prince Zhang, he wanted to divide the Zhao state and rule it separately, which led to the 'Shaqiu Palace Coup'."

"After Prince Zhang was killed, King Wuling of Zhao was besieged in the Shaqiu Palace. He was cut off from water and food for more than three months and starved to death in the palace."

Li Chengqian's voice was calm, but it sent a chill down Pei Xingjian's spine, sending a cold shiver down his spine.

"Your Highness! You mean..."

Pei Xingjian's voice changed tone: "Does His Majesty intend to emulate King Wuling of Zhao and confine you... to this Jiucheng Palace?!"

[He mobilized a large army to surround the enemy, while traveling light and neglecting state affairs...]

All these signs seem to point to that terrifying possibility!

[His Majesty intends to place the Crown Prince under house arrest!]

Li Chengqian did not answer directly, but simply picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and looked as deep as a pool.

However, at that moment, a eunuch's high-pitched voice announced something from outside the hall:
"Imperial edict has arrived! Crown Prince Li Chengqian, receive the edict!"

Li Chengqian and Pei Xingjian exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.

What will be the imperial decree at this time?
Li Chengqian straightened his robes and walked steadily out of the hall, but he did not kneel down.

The messenger, Wu She, who came to deliver the imperial decree, merely glanced at him before ignoring him, unfurling the yellow silk, and loudly proclaiming the decree.

"The eldest daughter of Secretary Su Dan, née Su, is gentle, virtuous, and of excellent character and appearance... She is hereby bestowed upon Crown Prince Li Chengqian as his consort, and an auspicious day shall be chosen for their marriage. This is the imperial decree!"

Arranged marriage?!
At this sensitive moment, with Jiucheng Palace seemingly surrounded by heavy troops, Li Shimin actually issued an edict to bestow Su Wan upon himself in marriage?!
This sudden imperial decree was like a boulder thrown into a lake with turbulent undercurrents, stirring up not ripples, but towering waves!

Li Chengqian stood there, head bowed, his expression unreadable.

But his brows furrowed slightly for a moment.

Pei Xingjian was dumbfounded, completely unable to comprehend the emperor's intentions behind this move.

Is it appeasement? Or paralysis?

Or is it another, deeper, and more dangerous scheme?

The game of chess surrounding Jiucheng Palace has become even more unpredictable and fraught with danger due to this sudden imperial decree of marriage.

Li Chengqian slowly raised his hand and accepted the heavy imperial edict.

His gaze turned toward the Danxiao Palace, and the smile on his lips grew increasingly cold and unpredictable.

"Your subject...accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude." (End of Chapter)