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

Chapter 22 He, Li Chengqian, is no rotten piece of wood!
He truly hadn't expected that the Crown Prince would be so calm and composed, and that every sentence he uttered was based on sound reasoning, citing classical texts and turning a severe impeachment against him for "rebellion" into a miscarriage of justice where "the Crown Prince's love of learning was met with criticism"!

This response was flawless, the counterattack was perfectly timed, and it even displayed a kind of... almost shrewd political skill!
This is nothing like his impulsive and easily angered son!

This would be absolutely impossible without careful guidance from someone behind the scenes!
The subtle smugness in the Crown Prince's eyes, which he tried to conceal but still managed to catch, aroused his suspicions and made him extremely displeased.

This sense of triumph was not due to winning the debate against the censor, but rather... because he had successfully outmaneuvered everyone, including his own father, the emperor!

Changsun Wuji lowered his head, deeply shaken.

Sure enough! Sure enough, there's a mastermind behind it all!

Such a strategy of turning defense into offense and turning the tables is something the Crown Prince could never have come up with!
Moreover, this method is... precise, ruthless, and hits the vital points!

Who exactly is this "expert"?
Was his true purpose to assist the crown prince, or did he have other motives?
A chill began to creep into his heart.

Standing at the head of the officials, Prince Li Tai of Wei had a face so gloomy it was almost as if water could drip from it.

He originally thought that by using the censor's words, even if he couldn't completely bring down the crown prince, he could at least make him lose face and lose face in front of his father and the court officials.

To my utter surprise, this cripple seemed like a completely different person today!

Not only were they unharmed, but they also took the opportunity to greatly promote their image as "diligent learners and deep thinkers"!

This made him feel that his efforts to secretly push things forward had instead become a stepping stone for the other party!
Jealousy and anger gnawed at his heart.

At this moment, another minister stepped forward—Chu Suiliang, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

His expression was solemn, clearly indicating that he had discerned the unusual nature of the Crown Prince's response and had adopted a different approach to the attack.

"Your Majesty, I have a question, not to question the Crown Prince's desire to learn, but out of concern. The questions His Highness asked recently all touched upon subtle matters, concerning... matters of the imperial family's past. I fear that His Highness is young and naive, easily swayed and misled by treacherous and wicked people around him, and that his words may not reflect his true feelings. I implore Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate those around the Crown Prince to prevent future troubles!"

Li Chengqian was first taken aback, then sneered.

As expected! Yi Chen had anticipated even this step!
They want to muddy the waters and dig out Li Yichen?

dream!

He turned to Chu Suiliang, his expression showing no panic, but rather a more open and even slightly surprised look, as if he had been insulted.

"Why do you say such things, Minister Chu? When I read the classics, I have thoughts and doubts, and when I am confused, it is only natural for a student to seek guidance from the emperor and father. Does Minister Chu think that I am so dull and stubborn that I have no opinions of my own and need others to instigate me in everything, and that I cannot even ask questions in my studies?"

He raised his voice slightly, his gaze intense: "Is your speculation a sign of disrespect towards me, or—disrespect towards His Majesty's selection of a tutor for me and the results of his years of teaching?"

This hat is even bigger!
This directly questions the emperor's educational achievements and the crown prince's basic intelligence!
Chu Suiliang was speechless for a moment, and hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty would never have thought that! Your Majesty would not dare!" Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he knew that his roundabout attack had been easily neutralized by the other party, and he had only ended up covered in blood.

Having said that, no one dared to press the matter further.

Wei Cong, Zhang Xingcheng, Chu Suiliang, and the others retreated sheepishly, like defeated roosters, wishing they could disappear into the ground under the silent gaze of the officials.

Li Shimin, seated high on his throne, took in all of this.

He remained silent for a moment before finally speaking, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable conviction: "It is a good thing that the Crown Prince is diligent in his studies and eager to learn. The way of the sages is profound and subtle, and it is only natural to have questions. However..." He shifted his tone slightly, his gaze falling on Li Chengqian with a subtle warning, "You should also be mindful of your words and observe the proper conduct of a son. Let's leave it at that; there is no need for further discussion among you."

He appeared to be giving both sides equal blame, but in reality, he preserved the Crown Prince's dignity and prevented further disputes in the court.

Then, as if casually changing the subject, he glanced at the assembled officials and said, “The Crown Prince’s proposal to relocate prisoners to the border regions is quite insightful. Based on the main points of his proposal, the Secretariat and the Chancellery should refine the details and submit a report later.”

This sentence is even more meaningful.

It was as if the turbulent waves had never happened, and instead it affirmed the Crown Prince's ability in another political matter.

The court assembly ended in this strange yet calm atmosphere.

The officials left the Liangyi Hall in order, but many still couldn't help but whisper among themselves, exchanging surprised and uncertain glances. The Crown Prince's performance today was truly unexpected, almost like that of a completely different person!
Li Chengqian maintained a calm and composed demeanor, trying his best to control his almost leaping steps, and gradually, as normal as possible, he withdrew with the crowd.

Only when he returned to the East Palace and the heavy palace doors slowly closed behind him, blocking all prying eyes, did he finally let out a long sigh of relief. His tense body instantly relaxed, and his back was soaked with cold sweat.

But then, an overwhelming wave of excitement and triumph swept over him!

He almost wanted to burst out laughing!
He did it! He really did it!

Not only did they avert a fatal impeachment without suffering any damage, but they also left those censors speechless!

He even saw a fleeting look of surprise in his father's eyes!
And look at Chu Suiliang's disheveled appearance!
Most importantly, his political views were actually approved by his father, the emperor!

Although it was only the four words "quite insightful" and was left to be elaborated by the Secretariat, it was an unprecedented affirmation for him!
He paced excitedly, seemingly oblivious to the pain in his right ankle.

His mind raced through every scene in the court, savoring the awkward expressions on the faces of the censors who were rendered speechless by his questions. The exhilarating feeling he experienced was even more delightful than drinking ice cream on a sweltering summer day!
The feeling of turning the tide and achieving victory amidst crisis in the highest hall through wisdom and strategy was far more exciting and powerful than his past willful rebellion of smashing cups and beating palace servants!
He suddenly remembered Li Yichen, and those strategies such as "game theory," "prisoner's dilemma," and "tit-for-tat."

What he used today was merely a small test of the skills taught by Yichen, yet it had already produced such remarkable results!

At this moment, he couldn't wait to see Li Yichen immediately, to tell him in detail everything that happened at the court meeting, including the ministers' embarrassment and his father's final reaction!
Let him know how successful his plan was!

Li Chengqian is no ordinary person!
(End of this chapter)