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

Chapter 195 Li You's Rebellion
After listening, Li Shimin simply nodded slightly, and finally looked at Cen Wenben.

"Wenben, you have just taken charge of the Secretariat, and many people have recommended you. What are your thoughts?"

Cen Wenben stepped forward, his demeanor upright and his words clear.

"Your Majesty, I was originally from a humble background in Jiangnan. I have been honored by Your Majesty's promotion and placed in a key position. I am always afraid that my talents are not worthy of my position and that I will fail Your Majesty's grace."

"Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, a teacher and role model for the world, what virtue or ability do I possess to dare occupy this position?"

His tone shifted, revealing the sincerity and persistence characteristic of a scholar.

“From a young age, I have been well-versed in the classics and history, and have some knowledge of literature. I am well aware that the upbringing of the crown prince is related to the cultural lineage and destiny of the world.”

"If Your Majesty does not consider me lacking in talent and learning, I am willing to use my trivial skills to serve His Highness the Crown Prince, to discuss the classics, to exchange ideas on literature, to cultivate his benevolent heart, and to refine his refined manners."

"Your Majesty, I will work diligently day and night to repay your kindness and favor."

His answer highlighted his own scholarship and literary talent, positioning himself as a "model teacher for the world," responsible for the Crown Prince's cultural literacy and moral cultivation.

They also expressed their willingness to accept it, but their perspectives were completely different from those of the eldest grandson and the Fang family.

Although the three people gave different answers, their core meanings were surprisingly consistent.

He no longer declined and agreed to accept the position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.

The officials inside the hall were all somewhat taken aback.

These three are all usually very cautious, especially when it comes to matters concerning the crown prince, which they avoid at all costs.

what is it today?
The sun comes out in the west?

Surprisingly, they all showed interest in this seemingly high-ranking and powerful position, which is actually very easy to cause trouble.

Some astute officials glanced at the inscrutable emperor on the throne, then at the three high-ranking officials below with their subtle expressions, and, recalling the recent changes in the Crown Prince, vaguely sensed something unusual.

The struggle for the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince is probably not just a simple matter of vying for the position of Imperial Tutor.

Li Chengqian stood before the officials, his head bowed slightly throughout, as if none of this concerned him.

He didn't particularly care who would take the position of Grand Tutor.

Because he knew that true power and direction came from the master's abilities.

These Grand Tutors, upon their arrival, are merely newcomers in this Eastern Palace.

He has his own way of dealing with it.

Li Shimin looked at the three important ministers below him, his mind racing.

All three were willing to accept, which put him in a bit of a dilemma.

Who is it?

Li Shimin pondered for a moment, knowing he could no longer remain silent.

He spoke slowly, his voice regaining its imperial majesty.

"I understand the intentions of my ministers. The position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince concerns the foundation of the nation and should not be taken lightly."

His gaze swept over the three people, finally settling on empty space, where he made his decision.

"This matter requires further consideration. Court adjourned."

He did not make a decision on the spot.

This result was both reasonable and unexpected.

Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Cen Wenben exchanged a complicated glance before bowing and retreating.

Li Shimin sat on his throne, watching the crowd file out, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

The selection of the Crown Prince's tutor will become the focus of attention in the court.

It seems we'll have to postpone it for now.

March of the seventeenth year of Zhenguan.

Spring is already stirring in Chang'an.

However, the atmosphere inside the Liangyi Hall was completely out of step with the increasingly warm season, and was heavy with a somber and oppressive air.

Li Shimin sat high on his throne, his face ashen, clutching a military report from Qizhou delivered by express courier.

He just announced at the court meeting the details of his personal campaign against Goguryeo.

He was discussing matters such as the allocation of provisions and the deployment of troops with his ministers.

This sudden urgent report was like a bucket of ice water, extinguishing his long-brewing passion for conquest and igniting the raging fire in his chest.

"The traitor! This traitor!"

Li Shimin's voice was squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with suppressed rage.

The echoes reverberated in the silent hall.

He slammed the military report onto the imperial desk, scattering the paper and glaringly dark ink.

The officials were horrified, all holding their breath and bowing their heads, not daring to look directly at the emperor's face.

For His Majesty to lose his composure like this in court, something earth-shattering must have happened.

"Wang De, read it,"

Wang De took a deep breath, steadied himself, and faced his ministers.

"Urgent report from Qizhou! Prince Li You of Qi, heeding the slanderous words of his uncle Yin Hongzhi, Zan Junmo, Liang Mengbiao, and other villains, has secretly recruited strong men and privately amassed armor and weapons!"

"Chief Secretary Quan Wanji repeatedly advised against this, but was instead imprisoned and coerced! Now... now the Prince of Qi has brazenly murdered Quan Wanji, a court official and Chief Secretary of the Prince of Qi's Palace, and has rebelled in Qizhou!"

"They falsely bestowed official titles and ranks, opened the treasury to distribute rewards, and drove officials and civilians to defend the city!"

"boom--"

A thunderclap seemed to explode in the imperial court.

Everyone was stunned by the news.

Prince Qi, Li You, is the fifth son of His Majesty. He is violent, brave, and belligerent, and has a history of misdeeds in Chang'an.

He was later appointed as the governor of Qizhou, the original intention of which was to send him away from the capital to gain experience and discipline.

Who would have thought that he would dare to do such a treasonous thing!
To murder the chief secretary of a prince, appointed by the emperor and responsible for his education and supervision, is a blatant challenge to the laws of the court, an act of rebellion in the city, and tantamount to treason!
"Your Majesty, calm down!"

Fang Xuanling stepped forward first, his voice solemn.

"The King of Qi was young and reckless, and was misled by treacherous people, which led him to commit this heinous crime. However, his territory is located in Shandong, and his military strength is limited, so he cannot last long."

"The most urgent task is to send troops immediately to quell the rebellion and prevent it from spreading to other states and causing a major disaster!"

Changsun Wuji immediately chimed in, his tone resolute.

"What Prime Minister Fang said is absolutely right! This trend must not be allowed to continue! I urge Your Majesty to issue an edict immediately, ordering neighboring prefectures to be on high alert, and to dispatch a general with elite troops to suppress the rebellion with thunderous force, capture Prince Qi, Li You, and his cronies, and bring them to justice!"

"We second that proposal!" the assembled officials in the hall responded in unison.

When faced with a crime like treason that touches the very foundation of a dynasty, everyone shares the same stance.

Li Shimin's chest heaved violently, and the anger in his eyes was almost bursting out.

He was not entirely unaware of his son's character, but he never expected him to be so arrogant!
They murdered high-ranking officials and raised an army in rebellion!

This was like a slap in the face to Li Shimin, and a great mockery of his prosperous reign!

"Good! Well done, Li You!"

Li Shimin suddenly stood up.

"By imperial decree, Li Ji, Minister of War and Duke of Ying, is appointed Grand Commander-in-Chief, and Liu Deyu, Minister of Justice, is appointed Deputy Grand Commander. Troops from the nine prefectures of Huai, Luo, Bian, Song, Lu, Hua, Ji, Yun, and Hai are to be dispatched to Qizhou immediately!"

"Suppress the rebels and capture the traitor Li You alive! If there is any resistance, kill him without mercy!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Li Ji stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the order. His face was expressionless, displaying only the cold sternness of a soldier carrying out a mission.

"Furthermore," Li Shimin's gaze swept over the assembled officials like a knife.

"An imperial edict is issued to all prefectures and counties in Shandong Province to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that not a single member of the rebel party escapes! Anyone found to have colluded with Li You will be executed without mercy!"

"Retreat!"

Li Shimin stormed off, leaving behind a hall full of uneasy officials.

The plan to personally lead an expedition against Goguryeo had clearly been completely disrupted by this sudden rebellion. Everyone's attention was forced to turn to the land of Shandong, where flames of war had suddenly risen.

The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching every corner of Chang'an, and naturally also reached the Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian was reviewing the latest documents sent from Xizhou in Xiande Hall when he heard this news, and his hand holding the pen froze in mid-air.

He slowly put down his pen, waved away the eunuch who had come to report, and sat alone in the empty hall, remaining silent for a long time.

The spring light outside the window seemed to have dimmed a bit.

Li You... his fifth brother.

They were close in age and had played together in the palace when they were children.

Li You was impulsive and fond of martial arts. He didn't have much of a close relationship with the Crown Prince, who was inconvenient due to a foot ailment. In fact, they occasionally clashed because of their different personalities.

But in any case, he was his younger brother, the emperor's son.

Now, he has actually rebelled.

A complex and indescribable emotion welled up in Li Chengqian's heart.

There was shock, there was anger, but more than anything, there was an indescribable sense of desolation.

He could almost see Li You's frantic struggle in Qizhou, like a cornered beast, and foresee his tragic end, defeat, and death.

The Emperor's wrath and the imperial army will not give Li You any chance of survival.

"The odds are against us..." Li Chengqian muttered to himself.

He subconsciously touched his right foot.

In the past, when I was so resentful, desperate, and acted erratically, would I have...?

He didn't dare to think about it any more.

"Someone come here!" he called out.

"Go and invite Li Yichen over."

Li Yichen soon arrived at Xiande Hall.

"Your subject, Li Yichen, pays his respects to Your Highness."

"No need for formalities." Li Chengqian waved his hand, gesturing for him to come forward and sit down. There was no one else in the hall.

He looked at Li Yichen and asked directly, "Have you heard about what happened in Qizhou, sir?"

"I just heard about it," Li Yichen nodded.

Li Chengqian sighed, his brows furrowed.

"Li You... how could he be so foolish! To commit such a heinous act, he's courting death!"

"Father is already furious and has ordered Li Ji to lead troops from all over the country to attack him. He has no chance of winning."

There was a hint of barely perceptible sigh in his tone.

Li Yichen looked at Li Chengqian quietly, without responding immediately.

He certainly knew about Li You's rebellion, and he was also aware of its process and outcome.

In the original historical trajectory, Li You's rebellion was like a flash in the pan, quickly suppressed.

However, the chain reaction it triggered directly led to the downfall of Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

During the trial of Li You's treason case, He Gan Chengji was implicated. In order to save his life, He Gan Chengji confessed that the Crown Prince had once sent him to assassinate Li Tai and Yu Zhining.

This is where the real crisis lies.

Thoughts raced through Li Yichen's mind.

His arrival from another time did indeed change many things.

He forcefully changed Li Chengqian's mindset in his own way, pulling the crown prince, who was filled with anger and despair and was thinking of taking risks, back to a relatively rational and pragmatic path.

The game theory, the art of weighing options, the credit system, and even the understanding of "the professions of all trades" that he instilled in Li Chengqian were subtly reshaping him.

It is a fact that Li Chengqian no longer conspired with Prince Li Yuanchang of Han, Hou Junji and others to rebel.

Since Li Yichen truly began to exert his influence, Li Chengqian focused his energy on consolidating his position and strengthening the power of the Eastern Palace, rather than on desperate, reckless actions.

However, there is one thing he cannot erase.

That is, before his arrival, Li Chengqian did indeed send the assassin Hegan Chengji to attempt to assassinate Prince Wei, Li Tai, and the Crown Prince's Left Vice-Minister, Yu Zhining.

Although the operation failed and no one was injured, the incident itself is a huge, potentially fatal stain on the crown prince's record.

He Gan Chengji was like a ticking time bomb.

Historically, he was arrested after the Li You case because of his association with the Qi King's faction.

In order to protect himself, he did not hesitate to reveal the whole story of the Crown Prince's assassination attempt, which became the last straw that broke Li Chengqian's back.

Now, history has reached this crucial juncture.

Li You has already rebelled, so what about Hegan Chengji?

Where is this assassin who was dismissed by Li Chengqian long ago?

Will he be arrested again due to other entanglements, as has happened in history?
Would he betray his former master just to save his own life?
Li Yichen's gaze deepened.

Instead of directly answering Li Chengqian's reflections on Li You, he suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"Your Highness, where is Hegan Chengji now?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian's body stiffened abruptly.

The sigh and sorrow on his face froze instantly, replaced by a hint of unexpected panic and... embarrassment.

He looked up at Li Yichen, whose gaze was calm and unwavering, yet seemed to penetrate his heart and reveal his deepest secrets.

He felt his cheeks getting hot.

Li Yichen really knew!

He must know that he once sent Hegan Chengji to do those shady things!

Although Li Yichen never explicitly stated it, his sudden question about Hegan Chengji at this moment made his intentions clear.

A subtle silence fell over the hall.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

Now that things have come to this, there's no point in hiding it, especially in front of Li Yichen.

Since he brought it up himself, he probably already has a plan.

“Sir…” Li Chengqian’s voice was slightly hoarse.

“Last May, Hegan Chengji was removed from the Eastern Palace and given gold and silk, and ordered to make a living on his own.”

"After that, there was no further contact."

He paused, then added, "I know that my previous actions were absurd and unbecoming of a crown prince. However, since your teachings, I have come to my senses and will never do such a foolish thing again."

He spoke sincerely when he said these words.

The experiences of the past year, the knowledge and ways of thinking that Li Yichen instilled in him, have long since transformed him from a desperate young man who only wanted to vent his anger with violence into a crown prince who knows how to weigh the pros and cons and plan for the long term.

He knew all too well how foolish and dangerous it was to assassinate his brothers and high-ranking officials; it would not only fail to solve the problem, but would also plunge him into an abyss of no return.

Li Yichen looked at Li Chengqian's slightly flushed face and sincere eyes, and nodded.

He believed that Li Chengqian was telling the truth.

This reflects his confidence in the results of his "education" and is based on his assessment of Li Chengqian's behavior over the past year.

Li Chengqian has indeed distanced himself from that path of self-destruction.

"Your Highness, I believe you," Li Yichen said slowly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable certainty.

"However, Your Highness, some things are done once they've been done. Hegan Chengji is a cunning and opportunistic man."

"Although he has left the Eastern Palace, he is still alive. Now that the Prince of Qi has rebelled, the court will surely launch a large-scale search for his followers and investigate his past."

“He Gan Chengji used to roam the Jianghu and had a wide circle of acquaintances from all walks of life. It’s hard to guarantee that he won’t be involved with some of the people under the command of the Prince of Qi.”

(End of this chapter)