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

Chapter 89 What harm is there in flattering that cripple a few times for now!

Li Tai paced excitedly in the study, his face beaming with undisguised joy. He suddenly stopped and looked at Du Chuke.

"With the Crown Prince's recommendation thwarted, the important position of the Xizhou Promotion and Removal Commissioner is now vacant. This is a golden opportunity! How can such a position fall into the hands of others? It must be one of ours!"

"Cui Dunli, the Prefect of Dengzhou! He's one of our men. His sister is married to Wei Ting's cousin. This relationship, though inconspicuous, is reliable enough. He's the best choice in terms of talent and experience. It's perfectly legitimate for him to take the position!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, and was almost about to give the order to get it started immediately.

"Your Highness, please calm down."

Du Chuke stepped forward at the opportune moment, his voice steady, like a basin of cold spring water, slightly extinguishing Li Tai's overly obvious eagerness.

Li Tai frowned slightly and looked at his meticulous advisor.

"Sir, you don't think this is appropriate? Isn't Cui Dunli the best candidate?"

“Cui Sima is naturally the best candidate. He is talented and learned, well-versed in the classics, has made great achievements in his local post, and his resume is impeccable.”

Du Chuke first affirmed, then changed the subject.

"However, precisely because he is one of our men, Your Highness needs to be even more cautious. If Your Highness were to personally recommend him so hastily, the purpose would be too obvious, which might arouse His Majesty's suspicion, and that would not be good."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's feverish mind calmed down a bit.

"Does the gentleman mean... that it is not appropriate for me to personally intervene?"

"Not only should they not participate themselves, but they should also make this move appear respectable."

A meaningful smile played on Du Chuke's lips.

"Why doesn't Your Highness go to the palace to meet the Emperor and plead your case?"

"Chen Qing? What are you going to do with it?" Li Tai asked, puzzled.

"Your Highness only needs to enter the palace to meet His Majesty, and express your feelings, saying that as a prince, you see your elder brother, the Crown Prince, struggling to get started in politics, and you are worried about him. Therefore, you wish to recommend virtuous and capable people for the country and share your brother's burdens."

“We hereby recommend Cui Dunli, who possesses both talent and virtue, to serve as the Commissioner for Promotion and Demotion in Xizhou, to assist the Crown Prince in stabilizing the western border.”

He paused briefly, observing Li Tai's expression.

"Your Highness must emphasize that this action is not for forming cliques or for coveting the throne, but purely out of brotherly affection and for the sake of the court."

"The Crown Prince overseeing state affairs is a major event for the court. If His Majesty can gain the support of his brothers, the court and the public will surely praise His Majesty for his effective parenting and for the harmony within the royal family. Wouldn't that be a wonderful story?"

Li Tai's eyes gradually brightened, and his fat fingers unconsciously caressed the jade belt at his waist.

"Does the gentleman mean... that I should use the guise of supporting the Crown Prince to actually plant my own people?"

"Your Highness is wise." Du Chuke bowed.

"His Majesty values ​​kinship within the imperial family, and especially cannot tolerate brothers fighting amongst themselves."

"Your Highness's initiative in showing goodwill and displaying brotherly affection will surely please His Majesty. As long as His Majesty approves, the strategic location of Xizhou will then be yours for the taking."

Li Tai paced back and forth in the study, his expression shifting.

He truly loathed his lame elder brother and coveted his position as crown prince.

However, if we can take this opportunity to legitimately extend our reach into Xizhou, seize real power, and temporarily bow our heads to that cripple and say a few insincere words, it is not unacceptable.

"Okay!" Li Tai stopped and made up his mind.

"As long as we can take Xizhou, what harm is there in flattering that cripple a few times for now! We'll follow your plan, sir!"

He immediately ordered a sedan chair to be prepared, as he wanted to enter the palace to meet the emperor at any moment.

Inside the Liangyi Hall, Li Shimin had just finished reviewing a batch of military reports from Hexi and was rubbing his temples to rest for a while.

He was somewhat surprised to hear that Prince Li Tai of Wei was requesting an audience. At this hour, Qingque should usually be at the Literary Academy compiling the "Kuodi Zhi" with the scholars.

"Announce him to come in."

Li Shimin lowered his hand and straightened his posture. Li Tai's plump figure appeared at the palace entrance, his steps slightly hurried, his face carrying just the right amount of respect and a hint of barely perceptible worry.

He walked to the imperial desk and performed a proper salute.

"My son, I will meet my father."

"No gift."

Li Shimin spoke in a calm tone.

"What brings Qingque to the palace at this time?"

Li Tai stood up, but did not answer immediately. Instead, he took out a scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Father, this is a newly revised manuscript of the section on Henan Province in the 'Kuodi Zhi'. Your son and the scholars have repeatedly checked the ancient texts and examined the maps to ensure that there are no errors. We present it to you for your perusal."

Li Shimin took it, casually flipped through a few pages, and saw that the records of mountains, rivers, and the evolution of counties and prefectures were detailed and rigorously researched. He couldn't help but show a satisfied smile.

"Good, good. Qingque has put in a lot of effort. In compiling local gazetteers, textual research is of utmost importance. I am very pleased that you can settle down and do such solid scholarship!"

He put down the manuscript and looked at Li Tai gently.

“My son has been working hard lately, and he seems to have lost some weight.”

Feeling the care in his father's tone, Li Tai felt reassured.

"To share the Emperor's burdens and serve the court, I dare not complain of hardship. However, I have been writing books behind closed doors recently and have overheard some matters in the court. My heart... I am truly uneasy, so I have taken the liberty of coming here to express my feelings to the Emperor."

"Oh? What's making you uneasy?"

Li Shimin picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Li Tai's face showed just the right amount of worry.

"Your subject recalls that because of the selection of the envoy for promotion and demotion in Xizhou, the person recommended by your elder brother was questioned by the officials and ultimately... failed to pass."

Li Shimin put down his teacup, the smile on his face faded, and he looked calmly at Li Tai.

"There are many conflicting opinions in court, and I believe this matter requires further consideration. What is your opinion on this matter?"

His tone held a hint of inquiry, as he wanted to see how his son would evaluate his brother's defeat.

Li Tai bowed deeply, his tone extremely sincere.

"Your Majesty, I have no intention of speaking ill of the court or criticizing my elder brother. I am simply deeply worried."

“My elder brother has just gained the power to govern, and then he encountered this setback. He must be feeling uneasy.”

"As the younger brother, I feel heartbroken to see my elder brother struggling to walk. I also fear that this matter may dampen his spirits or cause the court officials to look down on the Crown Prince. This would be bad for both the country and the family."

He glanced at his father's expression and saw that Li Shimin was listening attentively and did not show any displeasure.

"Your subject knows that the crown prince is the foundation of the country, and your elder brother's position is too high for your subject to attain."

"Your subject usually only knows how to bury himself in books and is really unfamiliar with political affairs. I shouldn't say much on this matter. However, father and son, brothers are connected by blood. If I stand idly by and do nothing when my elder brother is in trouble, I will find it hard to feel at ease."

Li Shimin was slightly moved.

He knew Qingque was intelligent and competitive, so his words of consideration for his brother and the bigger picture came as a surprise and a relief to him.

He softened his tone.

"I am very pleased that you have this intention. Harmony is of paramount importance among the imperial family. However... this matter has already been decided in court and will be temporarily shelved. Do you have any better solutions?"

Li Tai knew the crucial moment had arrived. He took a deep breath, bowed again, and spoke with even greater earnestness.

"Your subject is foolish and dares not presume to offer any good advice."

"However, I have recently been reviewing the personnel files of the Ministry of Personnel and, in conjunction with the local customs and conditions of various places mentioned in the compilation of the 'Kuodi Zhi', I feel that there is one person who may be qualified to serve as the Xizhou Promotion and Removal Commissioner, which may relieve the worries of Father and Brother."

(End of this chapter)