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The Emperor replaced the Crown Prince's guard with his own, primarily to prevent any rebellion. Upon hearing Yang Su's report, he immediately dispatched Yang Su to investigate.
The investigation naturally led to the pile of locust tree sticks. When Yang Su summoned the drunken Crown Prince for questioning, the Crown Prince could hardly articulate anything, mumbling and swaying, completely unaware of what he was saying.
Behind him, a eunuch quickly knelt and exclaimed, "Duke of Yue, spare us! This is a plot prepared by the Crown Prince for rebellion. Not only has he hoarded so many torches, but he has also raised a thousand horses outside the palace, intending to set fires at night with his trusted followers and then take advantage of the chaos to launch a surprise attack on the palace and kill Your Majesty."
"Nonsense! You vile creature dare to slander the Crown Prince and sow discord among the royal family. You deserve to die a thousand deaths. Duke of Yue, you must see through this! The Crown Prince has always been simple and filial; how could he possibly harbor such treasonous thoughts? This is nothing but baseless slander!"
"Duke of Yue, we must wait for His Highness to awaken and explain himself before Your Majesty and Her Highness. We cannot trust the words of such a eunuch. As the Crown Prince, he would never dare entertain such thoughts."
"His Highness will surely remember your great virtue in the future; we only ask that you help the Crown Prince now!"
While the Crown Prince remained unconscious, his consort's children understood the gravity of the situation and hurriedly pleaded for an explanation. However, Yang Su paid no heed and ordered the Crown Prince to be taken away. The children of the Crown Prince were confined in a palace chamber while he returned to report back.
Li Jian Cheng watched this chaotic scene with cold indifference as eunuchs and palace maids were forcibly apprehended, turning the entire Eastern Palace into disarray. Nearby, several thatched cottages appeared utterly ridiculous.
At the court meeting held the next day, the Emperor sat on his dragon throne, civil and military officials standing on his left side while royal family members stood on his right. The now sober Crown Prince Yang Yong knelt in the center with his head bowed.
"Crown Prince, do you have anything to say?"
Yang Yong looked up with tears streaming down his face, glancing around at familiar faces that seemed filled with disappointment. His mouth was dry; he wanted to defend himself and plead for mercy but could not utter a single word.
Yang Jian could no longer bear to see him in such a weak and helpless state. He waved his hand for Minister of Internal Affairs Xue Daoheng to read out the edict for deposing the Crown Prince: "The position of Crown Prince is essential for the nation; if it is not held by the right person, it cannot be established in vain...
The Crown Prince is brave; however, he has shown poor judgment in matters of affection since ascending to his position. He has built a spring palace with hopes for new virtues but has displayed ignorance and lack of filial piety while surrounding himself with rogues and appointing sycophants. His actions have caused numerous offenses that are difficult to enumerate.
I respect Destiny; I must ensure stability. Though I wish to love my son, I fear Heaven's judgment. How could I allow an unworthy son to disrupt the realm? Both he and any princes or princesses shall be demoted to commoners!"
Kneeling on the ground, Wenwu Zong listened to the decree, while Yang Yong appeared as if he had lost his senses, showing no reaction. Yang Jian coldly stated, "Your sins have angered both gods and men. It is not that I lack compassion as a father; you must take care of yourself from now on."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yong trembled. Did this mean he would not have to die?
For some reason, he suddenly felt a sense of clarity and peace, as if breaking free from shackles. The muddled years of his life seemed to fade away like clouds in the sky.
Without excessive sorrow or joy, the deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong gathered his spirits and proclaimed, "I am deeply guilty and should be executed in public as a warning to others. To receive Your Majesty's grace and be spared from death is something for which I am eternally grateful. I bow in thanks to Your Majesty—long live the Emperor!"
He was then taken away by Li Jian Cheng and Dugu Kaiyuan, destined to be confined within a palace until his death or until the next emperor granted him clemency.
...
Inside Jin Wangfu, there was no grand banquet, yet every person present savored their tea as if indulging in divine nectar. In a short span of time, they had dealt with the Chancellor who had held power for over a decade and had also deposed the Crown Prince.
They could not help but feel elated; without the Crown Prince, Prince Jin became the legitimate eldest son. Moreover, with both literary and martial prowess, the position of Crown Prince was almost within his grasp. Their contributions to the rise of the new regime were assured.
Li Jian Cheng sat behind his father, observing the joyous crowd while contemplating that after today, many officials who had supported the Crown Prince would face demotion. Among them were many who were not even closely related to him; the Crown Prince's ascension would bring them no significant benefits.
Yet these individuals were willing to sacrifice their political lives to uphold the legitimacy of seniority and hierarchy, akin to moths drawn to a flame. In contrast to those officials here, one could not help but lament how good and evil go unpunished and loyalty and treachery remain indistinguishable.
Once Yang Guang ascended the throne, those present would seize control of state affairs. This was precisely what happened when virtuous paths faded and unscrupulous ways prevailed; it would not bode well for the world.
However, for Li Jian Cheng, it was a fortunate turn of events. He had already instructed someone to note down the names of those officials. Once this storm passed, he would mobilize his family's influence to provide them with more support.
Such righteous gentlemen were loyal to the court and the realm; they would not be swayed by small favors. Yet ten years later, after Yang Guang's misrule left the people suffering, perhaps they could be turned to his side.
Yang Guang conversed warmly with everyone until he reached Li Yan and his son. He took Li Yan's hand and said, "Brother, I truly admire Jian Cheng. It is a pity that he can only have one daughter who is already promised to another, so we cannot become in-laws. Fortunately, the princess has a niece who is as graceful and gentle as an orchid, making her a suitable match."
"I wonder if the Li Family is interested in forming a marriage alliance with the Xiao Family?"
Li Yan, moved, lowered his head and replied, "Of course we are willing. Since I left the capital, my son has greatly improved under Your Highness's guidance. Today, we are also remembered by Your Highness and the princess. How could our Li Family not be devoted to repaying such kindness?"
Li Jian Cheng stood by with his hands at his sides, his expression filled with gratitude. Yang Guang smiled and winked at him before turning to speak with others. Achievements must be acknowledged to encourage further efforts.
After sitting down, Li Jian Cheng quickly accepted the marriage proposal. The Lanling Xiao Clan was a family of imperial lineage from both the Qi and Liang dynasties. Although they faced some suppression after entering the Sui dynasty, with Yang Guang ascending the throne and becoming emperor, their status would surely rise again.
They would be under Yang Guang's rule for many years to come, and establishing a connection with Empress Xiao was undoubtedly beneficial.
Moments later, everyone took their leave, and the Li Family convened a family meeting. The Old Matriarch supported herself as she came to listen. The wife of the Li Family's eldest son, who would be the future matriarch of the family, was also present as this matter concerned the entire clan.
The Dugu Clan said, "Since there is an intention to form a marriage alliance, we should visit Jin Wangfu tomorrow to pay our respects to the princess and inquire privately about which branch of the Xiao Family the lady belongs to."
The Dou Family responded, "My wife will go tomorrow. I have had some connections with Consort Jin in the past; if there are options available, I will choose a virtuous lady for Jian Cheng."
The Dugu Clan nodded and said, "I have heard of Consort Jin's character as well. The Xiao Family is a prestigious clan with a long history; I believe their niece will not disappoint."
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