The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 103 What is the Crown Prince hiding?
He didn't say anything more, but doubts suddenly arose in his mind.

Li Chengqian might become interested in something on a whim.

But it is by no means someone who has the patience and meticulousness to personally supervise the specific production process, let alone someone who attaches such unusual importance to secrecy and protection.

There must be something wrong here.

What is the Crown Prince hiding?
What exactly is going on in those heavily guarded imperial estates?
Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.

He absolutely did not believe that this was merely for the purpose of making some kind of toy or offering.

An intuition told him that within the Eastern Palace, the "shadow" he had been searching for, the one who could influence the Crown Prince's decisions, might be pushing forward some major event that he had not yet discerned through these seemingly insignificant actions.

Li Chengqian, however, was completely absorbed in his "great cause" and was unaware that the gaze from the dragon throne had become increasingly deep and unfathomable.

The next day.

The imperial edict was finally issued.

The content was largely as expected: Cui Dunli, the Prefect of Dengzhou, was promoted to the position of Commissioner for Promotion and Removal of Officials in Xizhou.

He was given overall authority over matters concerning the resettlement of people in the Western Regions, land reclamation, water conservancy, and negotiations with various tribes in the Western Regions. He was granted special permission to "act at his own discretion" and was to make preparations immediately and take up his post as soon as possible.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the court.

Many officials who had originally spoken out for the Crown Prince or were waiting to see the Eastern Palace's reaction were somewhat taken aback.

So... you've accepted it?

So decisive?

Given the Crown Prince's unusually low profile recently, some speculate that he may be disheartened by the setback in his recommendation, while others feel that a bigger storm may be brewing beneath this calm.

Li Shimin summoned the newly appointed envoy for promotion and demotion, Cui Dunli, to a side hall of the Liangyi Hall.

Wearing a brand-new scarlet official robe, Cui Dunli walked steadily into the hall, looking radiant, and performed a grand salute with meticulous care.

"Your subject Cui Dunli pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Li Shimin sat behind his desk, his gaze lingering on him for a moment.

"The affairs of Xizhou are of great importance to the stability of the border. I entrust this important task to you. I hope you will be humble and diligent in your duties and not let me down."

"Your Majesty's teachings will be followed, and I will do my utmost to repay Your Majesty's kindness and favor!"

Cui Dunli's voice carried just the right amount of excitement and gratitude.

"Hmm." Li Shimin nodded and added casually.

"The Crown Prince has offered many suggestions and shown great concern for the development of Xizhou. Before and after you take office, if you encounter any difficult issues or need to coordinate, you may communicate with the Crown Prince. It is the Crown Prince's duty to care about border affairs, and you should also be aware of this."

These words sound like a routine admonition, reminding the subjects to respect the crown prince.

But when Cui Dunli heard it, it made him feel a slight chill.

"Yes, Your Highness understands. I deeply admire Your Highness's concern for the affairs of state. If I have any questions, I will certainly report to Your Highness in a timely manner and seek your advice."

Cui Dunli answered smoothly without the slightest hesitation.

He was making quick calculations in his mind.

What does Your Majesty mean by this?
Is it a genuine desire for him to cooperate with the Crown Prince, or... merely a test?
He knew that his appointment to this position was due to the support of the King of Wei and the Emperor's desire to see brotherly affection and respect.

At this moment, we must not appear too distant from the Crown Prince, lest we give others ammunition to criticize us.

However, the Crown Prince must never be allowed to interfere in the specific affairs of Xizhou.

"Good, go ahead. Prepare well."

Li Shimin waved his hand.

"My minister retire."

Cui Dunli bowed again and then withdrew from the Liangyi Hall.

After leaving the Liangyi Hall, Cui Dunli did not immediately leave the palace, but instead went to the East Palace.

Regardless of what you think inside, you must put on a good show.

His Majesty has just instructed that he communicate more with the Crown Prince, and this first audience after taking office is essential. Inside the Xiande Hall of the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian sat upright, watching Cui Dunli enter and pay his respects.

"Your subject Cui Dunli pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince. I have come to express my gratitude for the great trust Your Majesty has placed in me."

Cui Dunli adopted a very humble posture, and his manners were impeccable.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Li Chengqian's face as he raised his hand slightly.

"Minister Cui, you need not stand on ceremony. Your Majesty has a discerning eye and has chosen you, which is a blessing for the people of Xizhou and a good thing for the court."

He paused, then calmly fixed his gaze on Cui Dunli.

“Xizhou is located in a remote area with complex local customs, and its development involves many complex issues.”

"Your journey is arduous and far-reaching, so you must do your utmost to complete every task well, so as not to disappoint the Emperor's good intentions and... the court's expectations."

He spoke slowly and softly.

Cui Dunli bowed to the archer and said, "Your Highness's teachings are etched in my mind. I will certainly do my duty diligently and conscientiously to repay Your Majesty and the court."

However, a hint of disdain flashed deep within his lowered eyes.

The Crown Prince's words sounded like encouragement, but in reality they contained a hidden warning, and he was trying to use the greater good of the "court" to pressure him.
Cui Dunli's rise to his current position was not due to the Crown Prince's patronage.

He would never allow this crown prince, especially one whose position seemed so precarious at the moment, to interfere too much in the affairs of Xizhou and to extend his reach into the territory he was about to control.

While thinking this to himself, he became even more respectful on the surface.

"Your Highness, the preparations for Xizhou are complicated, involving many trivial matters such as personnel allocation, inventory of supplies, and correspondence. I need to go to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Civil Affairs immediately to coordinate, and I dare not delay any longer."

"If Your Highness has no further instructions, I... will take my leave now."

This sounds grand and the reasons are sound.

However, the few officials from the Eastern Palace who were standing in the hall all frowned almost imperceptibly.

Cui Dunli appeared respectful, but in reality, he was emphasizing the "independence" of Xizhou affairs in his words and actions.

They even skipped the polite formalities of reporting any issues that arose.

He requested to leave directly, citing being busy with preparations.

This attitude clearly indicates that he intends to exercise the power of decision-making in matters concerning Xizhou and does not want the Crown Prince to interfere.

The faint smile on Li Chengqian's face disappeared.

He quietly looked down at Cui Dunli, who was bowing.

A moment later, Li Chengqian's voice rang out again, still devoid of any discernible emotion.

"Since Minister Cui is busy with official duties, I will not keep you any longer. Go."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I shall take my leave."

Cui Dunli bowed again and steadily withdrew from Xiande Hall.

Watching Cui Dunli's figure disappear outside the palace gate, a surge of anger rose in Li Chengqian's heart.

This Cui Dunli dares to so blatantly disrespect the Crown Prince!

Did they really think that just because they had Qingque backing them up and received the Emperor's appointment, they could disregard him, the Crown Prince?
But then, Li Yichen's words echoed in his mind.

“Your Highness, if he behaves himself, you can reap the benefits. If he acts recklessly, he will be courting death! ... This is a golden opportunity, a perfect chance for Your Highness to establish your authority in the court and demonstrate your abilities!”

Very well, Choi Don-rye, you'd better keep this attitude.

The more arrogant you are, and the more you try to turn Xizhou into an impenetrable monolith, the worse it will be when you fall from grace!
He was almost impatient to see what kind of expression Cui Dunli would have when he discovered that all his efforts had ultimately benefited him, the crown prince.

Li Chengqian sneered inwardly, beginning to plot how to use Cui Dunli to stage a grand show of establishing his authority.

The anger in my heart has been replaced by the excitement of a hunter eyeing its prey.

On the same day that Cui Dun held a ceremony at the Eastern Palace, the Minister of Justice and the Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review entered the palace together to report to Li Shimin on the progress of the Liu Shi case.

The atmosphere inside the Liangyi Hall was solemn.

(End of this chapter)