Chapter 5, Cunning and Calculating

However, Li Shimin would not agree

Li Yuan's gaze was fixed, lingering on Li Shimin for a long time before he turned to Li Yuanji and asked in a deep voice: "Fourth Brother, what do you think?"

Li Yuanji immediately prepared to slip away.

When Li Yuanji heard Li Yuan speak, he also made a decision in his heart

Li Yuan himself misspoke, leaving behind a handle for others to grasp. Naturally, Li Yuanji would not let this opportunity slip by, and immediately seized upon Li Yuan's words to pursue him relentlessly.

If the words are fulfilled, three legitimate sons and one legitimate daughter will turn the world upside down, and the Tang Dynasty will also be thrown into chaos

Li Yuan fixed his gaze on Pei Ji and said: "Do not pretend to be confused with me. If you had not noticed some clues, you would not have praised Si Lang for his bravery and wisdom in front of me and Er Lang just now.

The Crown Prince is unable to suppress Li Shimin, and it would be somewhat embarrassing for him to engage in battle without armor. Currently, Li Yuanji shows signs of a rift with the Crown Prince, and he has also demonstrated a certain level of wisdom.

Pei Ji suddenly interjected, "From the moment His Second Highness took Yu Wenxin under his command, His Fourth Highness could no longer assist him"

The doggone Pei Ji, I will deal with you sooner or later

He had previously thrown Yin Ashu out of the residence, and Yin Ashu immediately went to Li Yuan to report him. Now he has beaten Yin Ashu again, and Yin Ashu will surely find a way to trouble him afterwards

The beating you received today is something you brought upon yourself

Pei Ji suddenly pulled him out, subtly praising him for his bravery and wisdom. Wasn't that putting him on the hot seat

He could completely support Li Yuanji, allowing Li Yuanji to help him counterbalance Li Shimin

You should quickly return home and take a break for a few days, and refrain from provoking Erlang and Silang again

Pei Ji provided a way out for Li Yuan

Li Yuan furrowed his brow and stared at Li Yuanji, saying: "I remember that you have a close relationship with Yin Jianmen, don't you?"

Yuwen Xin, he is the one who almost caused the death of the Fourth Young Master

If he speaks up to help Li Shimin now, there is a good chance that Li Shimin and the others will turn the tables.

The reason he chose to use the matter of Yin Ashu to admonish Li Shimin today is that Li Shimin's influence has grown to a point where even the Crown Prince cannot suppress it, and he himself feels threatened.

He merely wants to deal with the trouble, while Li Shimin not only wants to handle the trouble but also seeks to turn the tables

Li Yuanji nearly stumbled and fell to the ground

Li Yuan was momentarily taken aback, glancing at Li Yuanji and then at Li Shimin, and did not dare to speak.

Then it would be better to lend a hand to Li Shimin, first dealing with Yin A-Shu, making him wary and reluctant to act recklessly

Yin Ashu, relying on the support of Yin Fei, abused his power and nearly harmed a talented individual of our great Tang dynasty. It is only right to teach him a lesson.

Li Yuan, with a darkened face, angrily rebuked, "I merely got drunk and uttered a few drunken words, yet you brothers are glaring at me and puffing your cheeks. What do you intend to do, rebel against me?"

Li Yuan nodded in agreement

Pei Ji disguised himself as a mute

Not lacking

Li Shimin stood upright and fixed his gaze on Li Yuan, stating emphatically: "Father, Du Canzan rode his horse in front of the National Marquis's residence, which was indeed inappropriate. However, how to punish Du Canzan should be determined by you, not by Yin Ashu.

Today, Sir Lang indeed displayed some cleverness, but it is still insufficient for you to commend him

A wise person, Li Yuan has encountered countless, and Pei Ji is no exception

After pondering for a moment, Li Yuan looked at Pei Ji and said, "Pei Jian, when did Si Lang become so clever as to use my words against me?"

Li Yuanji decisively bowed and quickly made his way out of the hall.

Although it may not necessarily be effective, it can help alleviate a considerable amount of pressure for him

After Li Yuanji and Li Shimin left, the anger on Li Yuan's face dissipated. He walked back to his throne, his brow furrowed. He glanced at Yin Ashu, who was sprawled on the floor like a dead dog, and said in a nonchalant tone: "It's one thing to provoke Erlang, but you also went to provoke Silang. You are a frequent visitor to Silang's residence; you should understand his temperament."

Did he offend Pei Ji

Upon hearing this, Pei Ji immediately said: "Even if Yin A-Shu possesses extraordinary abilities, he cannot escape the punishment of the master"

Li Shimin and Li Yuanji immediately bowed their heads

Li Yuan nodded with a smile, but as he continued to smile, the expression on his face suddenly changed. He said, "Pei Jian, do you think Si Lang might have already given up on the Crown Prince and gone to assist Er Lang?"

Although the matter of sowing discord between the Heavenly Father's relationship with His Son has nothing to do with him

Would Li Shimin mind having an intelligent and exceptionally skilled younger brother by blood

Li Yuanji was somewhat surprised to hear Li Shimin say this

As soon as Yin Ashu left, Li Yuan sighed at Pei Ji, saying, "Pei Supervisor, I have truly lost face today; it is one thing to be outmaneuvered by Erlang, but to be outmaneuvered by Silang as well is simply unacceptable"

I remember that he was on good terms with the Crown Prince, and Yin Ashu was also one of the Crown Prince's people, frequently traveling between the Eastern Palace and the Wude Hall. Logically, he should have spoken up for Yin Ashu just now.

Pei Jile chuckled and said: "Your Highness the Fourth is correct, a gentleman may be killed but not humiliated. However, the Sovereign wishes to use the matter of Yin A-Shu to admonish His Highness the Second, and it would not be appropriate to directly confront Yin A-Shu. Your Highness the Fourth should assist the Sovereign in this matter, and the Sovereign should be pleased with that."

Can Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin not think too much?

One must find every possible way to trouble him

Pei Ji quickly stood up to smooth things over, "I am drunk, I am drunk, the master has consumed a jar of wine and has already begun to speak drunkenly"

Er Lang took Si Lang's enemy under his command, and naturally, Si Lang would not assist Er Lang

Pei Ji sat behind the long table, smiling bitterly as he said, "I am ashamed, for I have been unable to assist Your Majesty, causing you to be troubled by the two princes."

Li Yuan spoke incorrectly and could not confess to the crime himself; thus, the blame for the book-related offense could only fall on Yin A-Shu.

After saying this, Li Yuan coldly stared at Li Shimin and Li Yuanji, questioning, "Are you satisfied now?"

As Li Yuanji just arrived at the palace gate, he heard Pei Ji say to Li Yuan: "I believe that the Fourth Prince was merely exceptional in martial arts in the past, but today he appears particularly astute."

Although the troubles caused to him in the identity of Yin A-Shu are not enough to cause him serious harm, they will be quite unpleasant

Although Li Ji's performance today had some highlights, it has not yet reached a level that would cause Li Yuan and Pei Ji to take notice.

Li Yuan coldly snorted and said: "Get back to the residence!"

Can he still live a leisurely life

Li Yuan stared at Pei Ji with suspicion

Li Yuan's brows furrowed into a knot

Pei Ji smiled and said, "The Fourth Prince possesses both martial skills and wisdom, thus he is capable of shouldering great responsibilities and assisting His Majesty in alleviating concerns"

Mind

He almost killed Yu Wenxin over this matter, but it was Li Gang who interceded on his behalf. Additionally, he felt sympathy for the accomplice Dou Dan's son-in-law, which is why he let Yu Wenxin off the hook

Did the predecessor offend Pei Ji?

Li Yuanji had no intention of currying favor with Li Shimin, so he spoke very harshly. However, both Li Yuan and Li Shimin understood his meaning clearly

Why did Pei Ji have to poison the mind of Li Yuan and Li Shimin in front of them

His demands are not high; it is sufficient to handle the trouble caused by Yin Ashu.

Although the struggle for the imperial throne of the Tang Dynasty has not yet escalated to a heated confrontation, the situation has become clear.

The reason why Sir Si is speaking up for Sir Er today should be to express his dissatisfaction to the Crown Prince, rather than to support Sir Er

Pei Ji pondered and said: "Perhaps Yin A-Shu offended the Fourth Prince when he went to the Wude Hall. Otherwise, the Fourth Prince would not have disregarded the Crown Prince's face and had him thrown out."

If the royal family were to have another legitimate son who is both brave and resourceful, it would be a disaster

In the future, the emperor of the Tang dynasty, whether it be Li Jiancheng or Li Shimin.

I dare not!

Li Yuan cast a glance at Pei Ji and said irritably: "If you are unwilling to speak, I will speak on your behalf. I previously punished Si Lang, and the Crown Prince did not intervene to plead for him. Si Lang must have developed a rift with the Crown Prince because of this matter"

It seems that there isn't any, is there?

Li Yuanji and Li Shimin, upon hearing these words, continued to gaze at Li Yuan

Since Sir Lang will not help Er Lang, why do you still praise Sir Lang

Li Yuan nodded thoughtfully, "Yin Ashu must have offended Sir Si, otherwise Sir Si wouldn't have been so ruthless just now"

Li Yuan sighed and said: "It is not your fault; it was my momentary indiscretion that led to my words being misinterpreted, and those two little rascals seized upon my words."

However, the enmity between Silang and Yuwen Xin has been established

Father, a gentleman may be killed but not humiliated. If Yin Ashu were to slay Du Ruhui at the gate of the residence, I would still commend him as a man. However, he has humiliated Du Ruhui, which I cannot tolerate.

Li Yuan sat up slightly and candidly said: "When Fourth Young Master was reprimanding Yin A-Shu just now, I indeed showed some leniency. I have met Du Ruhui, and he can be considered a rare talent, capable of serving our great Tang dynasty, which is indeed a fortunate matter.

I spoke incorrectly today, causing you to be dismissed from your position and stripped of your title. In the future, I will find a way to compensate you.

Pei Ji stepped out from the long table and approached Li Yuan, speaking in a slightly tipsy voice: "Yin Jianmen has sowed discord between the imperial family and its father and son, and should be dismissed from office and stripped of his title; Empress De has allowed her father to commit acts of violence, and should be punished; Prince Feng has permitted his maternal grandfather to commit acts of violence, and should have his title and household reduced."

Li Yuan ran down the steps on horseback

Li Yuan nodded with a mix of belief and skepticism, saying: "Since this is the case, he should understand that my earlier reference to Yin A-Shu as the national father-in-law was merely a slip of the tongue and does not hold any weight. Why then would he still speak in favor of Erlang?"

If he helps Li Yuan, Li Yuan should be able to protect Yin Ashu

Li Yuan gritted his teeth and said: "Apart from your mother, I will not establish another empress. Are you satisfied now? If you are satisfied, get out of my sight!"

Li Shimin suddenly stood up and said in a deep voice, "Is Father serious?"

Pei Ji knew that Li Yuan had already found the answer in his heart, so he laughed and said, "I am not trying to make Your Majesty uncomfortable, but rather to add some annoyance to them."

Pei Ji spoke briefly and did not elaborate, yet Li Yuan had already understood Pei Ji's meaning

Li Yuan pointed at Pei Ji and said with a mix of laughter and tears, "You, indeed, are like a tapeworm in my belly."

Li Yuanji retorted, "Can this become his excuse for absolving himself after he has sowed discord between us father and son? Is it not the case that what my father just said was mere drunken talk?"

Li Yuanji left the Hall of Two Instruments with a heart full of resentment

Did Li Yuan lack intelligent sons

Li Yuanji harbored resentment in his heart, thus he was not in the mood to converse with his cheap second brother, the eternal emperor, nor did he have the inclination to admire the grandeur of the eternal emperor. After Li Shimin exited the Hall of Two Forms, Li Yuanji's precious carriage had already traveled far away.

Or simply slip away quietly

Li Shimin also left the Hall of Two Instruments

Even though Li Yuan was esteemed as an emperor, he did not dare to respond to this statement

After Li Yuan finished speaking, without waiting for Yin Ashu to respond, he had someone carry Yin Ashu out of the palace.

The father wishes to establish Yin as the empress

Li Yuan's gaze lingered on Li Shimin and Li Yuanji for a moment, and he said solemnly: "Let it be as Pei Jian suggested..."

Yin Ashu abused private punishment and used this matter to sow discord between my father and me, causing us to almost misunderstand my father, which warrants punishment

Li Shimin is also the same

In an ordinary household, having an exceptionally brave and resourceful legitimate son is indeed a fortunate event

Pei Ji hurriedly said: "Perhaps it was that bolt of heavenly thunder that bestowed wisdom upon the Fourth Prince, or perhaps the Fourth Prince has been concealing his talents all along"

So who should he help