As the time approached, Yang Su and Li Jian Cheng stepped into the Eastern Palace. From a distance, they could see the disheveled Crown Prince, his face twisted with anger. The two approached him at a leisurely pace, performing their greetings.
Yang Yong was also struggling to suppress his rage, attempting to adopt a posture of grievance and humility. However, having indulged his emotions for decades, it was not easy for him to change.
Li Jian Cheng remained silent, merely observing as Yang Su used a few probing questions to strip away the facade that Yang Yong had desperately tried to maintain. The Crown Prince, now completely unraveling, began to loudly berate Yang Su and his companion, accusing them of being mere lackeys of Yang Guang, even feeling an impulse to rush at them.
Li Jian Cheng quietly regarded the Crown Prince of the Sui Dynasty, whose complexion was pale with deep dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. He understood that this position was not one that could be held easily; any sign of weakness could lead to being pulled down and trampled into oblivion.
Having received satisfactory answers, they paid no further attention to Yang Yong and headed straight to Yong'an Palace to report back. Upon their return, the equally displeased Yang Jian directly inquired, "What did the Crown Prince say?"
Yang Su lowered his head and replied honestly, "The Crown Prince spoke with me only of extravagance and declared: 'If there are those who advise against me, they should be executed. If I do not kill a hundred or so people, then naturally there will be no peace.'"
"He also raised his voice and said: 'A true man will surely have his day; he will never forget it and will act with pleasure! I will make an example of one or two among my officials so they know the consequences of disrespecting me!'"
As the Emperor's expression began to darken, Yang Su delivered the final blow: "Your Majesty, I do not fear the Crown Prince's resentment towards me; I am merely concerned that his hatred extends beyond just his subordinates."
Upon hearing this, the couple exchanged glances before ordering the two men to withdraw.
Once they had left, Yang Jian spoke up: "Our foundation cannot be entrusted to such children. It is no small matter to replace the elder with the younger; Gao Shan in court would certainly not agree."
Dugu Qialo coldly remarked, "Does Your Majesty still trust Gao Shan? Last year, when Lady Gao Shan passed away, I advised Your Majesty to consider remarrying. Yet what did he say? He is old and only spends his days reading Buddhist scriptures in seclusion. Just yesterday I learned that he has fathered a son with another woman; his deceit is evident."
"Moreover, when Your Majesty wished to campaign against Goguryeo last year, Gao Chun was unwilling to proceed. You forced him into action; I knew then that this battle would likely yield no results. Indeed, our army returned empty-handed after wasting resources."
Yang Jian had long harbored misgivings about Gao Shan's influence in court for over a decade. Seeing the Queen abandon him provided an opportunity for him to say: "Such disloyalty deserves demotion as a warning to others!"
...
Li Jian Cheng paused in Eternal Alley while Yang Su left the palace on his own accord, clearly not as appreciative of him as rumors suggested.
Returning to the Guard Room and chatting with Dou Dan until his shift ended, he headed straight home. At the entrance of the Li Family estate, there was finally some commotion—several rows of carriages and more than ten servants were quietly conversing.
Li Yan had returned; relatives and acquaintances of the Li Family were rushing over—no doubt bringing complaints.
Upon arriving at the Main Hall, it was evident that several other elders from the Li Family had gathered. Li Jian Cheng stepped forward and bowed deeply to his father, Li Yan, who occupied the main seat. "Father has returned to the capital, but I was unable to greet you outside the city. Please forgive me."
Li Yan was not particularly handsome; he had a thin face, a high forehead, and a sturdy build. His smile was warm and inviting, making others feel at ease around him.
Li Yan rose and helped his son up. "My son has always been filial. Now that His Majesty trusts you at such a young age with the position of Thousand Cattle Guard, I am extremely pleased. There is nothing to blame."
After expressing his gratitude, Li Jian Cheng bowed to the other elders, who were also generous with their praise, including Li An.
"My son, go change your clothes and then pay your respects to your grandmother."
"Yes."
Li Jian Cheng was about to take his leave when he was stopped by Li Shao. "Uncle De, you may not know this since you have been away from the capital, but Jian Cheng's reputation has soared. Even the Left and Right Ministers speak highly of him. He can no longer be considered just a child. This concerns our family; let Jian Cheng stay for the Consultation."
Li An spoke up directly. "Jian Cheng, your father has returned as well. If there is anything to discuss, feel free to speak."
Li Yan was pleased with this development and did not insist otherwise; he cheerfully pointed to a seat nearby for his son to sit down.
At this moment, Li Jian Cheng had nothing to hide and proceeded to summarize the situation. The elders occasionally furrowed their brows and then relaxed, clearly surprised by how deeply involved Li Jian Cheng had become.
Li Shao stood up impatiently and addressed Li Yan. "This is good news for our Li Family as well. Since the Emperor and Empress have made their intentions clear, it is necessary for both the Crown Prince and Duke of Qi to step down. With Jian Cheng's contributions, our family can fill several vacant positions."
After speaking, he worried that Li Jian Cheng might misunderstand their intentions and added, "Jian Cheng, it's not that we uncles want to shamelessly take credit for your achievements. You are the heir of our family; everyone will look up to you in the future."
Li Jian Cheng smiled in response. "How can we speak of two families when we are one? Being recognized by Her Highness and Prince Jin is also due to our family's influence. As long as it strengthens our family, what is there to regret?"
"A tree without roots will perish; please rest assured, uncles. I will do my utmost before Prince Jin to restore our family's former glory!"
"Well said! No wonder you are the pride of our Li Family!"
"With our ancestors' blessings, if we unite as one, we will surely revive our fortunes."
So Consultation for half an hour before dispersing, Li Yan's warm smile also slowly disappeared, looking at his son said: "I want to drink soup, your merit, may not be able to." Li Jian Cheng disapproved: "I didn't intend to help them reach the sky in one step, but it's enough to ask the family's children to join Military as school officials." LiFamily There are too many idle children nowadays, and these people have suffered A good education, not to mention virtuous and talented, is at least capable of both literary and military skills. As long as there is a better starting point, plus Court can have a decent and noble elder, seven or eight years down, how can also mix out some look, so that the future gathering, is also a not small force, and belongs The direct descendant. Li Yan suddenly looked at her son and wondered: “Originally, my son only knew how to play, why in just half a year, he became Qilin Child. ” “Duke of Qi and Duke of Yue really appreciate you that much?” “Wake up one day and suddenly feel clear and clear Why.” “As for Duke of Qi and Duke of Yue I guess they want to kill their son.” Li Yan didn’t want to understand, but how to think this was a good thing, just as ancestors blessing, open He happily led him to meet the Old Matriarch and said he would test his bow shot later. Dugu Clan was holding A'Zhu, but when he saw the eldest Grandson coming, he hurriedly handed the younger one to the Dou Family and waved to hug the eldest Grandson with tears: "Yang Jian that beast, Very shameless, their own late festival is not guaranteed, even to anger me Grandson , Dugu Qialo is also very cruel heart, bah, a nest of snakes and rats!
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