Chapter 633: Chapter 412: Fury_2

“Hmm, just as Assistant Minister Xiao states, we shall display the executed body to the public. Do any of you have objections?” Li Shimin asked.

The assembly bowed and chorused, “We have no objections, Your Majesty.”

“Then, let it be done,” Li Shimin said casually, brushing the matter aside. “The ministers may present matters if there are any; if not, you may leave.”

“We have no matters to present,” they once again spoke in unison.

Li Shimin seemed as calm as a still well at the moment, but he could explode at any second. At such times, unless the sky was falling, everything else was considered trivial. Anyone who carelessly crossed the line would inevitably face dire consequences.

One by one, everyone left the hall and proceeded slowly towards their respective Government Offices. They walked slowly, mainly to see if the Emperor would summon anyone to discuss further matters. But once every silhouette of the Cabinet Ministers had disappeared from view, no one was called.

Xiao Song had witnessed the roundup last night, hence he was someone everyone wanted to inquire with. He didn’t linger either, striding back to the Ministry of Criminal Justice, occasionally overhearing a buzz of discussions along the way.

“What’s going on? I heard the Crown Prince barged into Ganlu Hall last night; how come there’s no follow-up?”

“The Crown Prince did not attend court today…”

“Stop asking. Now the Elders all act as if it’s none of their business. Why crowd around for nothing?”

Xiao Song couldn’t help but smile wryly. He had been determined to withdraw from the raging current right from the start, but now he found himself deep in the tumultuous waves. To retreat from the crest of the wave without injury or damage was impossible! The only way was to become the wave-rider himself, facing the surge head-on and riding it back down.

…

In Ganlu Hall.

Li Shimin had changed into casual clothes, leaning against a round-backed armchair, absently staring at a stack of letters in his hands.

After a while, he finally moved slightly and said, “Summon the Crown Prince.”

“Yes.” Zhong Rui had been serving beside Li Shimin for over twenty years and could clearly discern the Emperor’s mood, predicting a brewing storm. He hastily retreated.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, Li Chengqian rushed in, catching Zhong Rui’s warning glance and knowing Li Shimin was in a foul mood. He cautiously said, “Your son pays his respects to you, Father Emperor.”

“Father Emperor… Hmph!” Li Shimin snorted with laughter and slapped the items in his hand onto the table, suddenly roaring, “So you still remember I am your father and that I am still sitting on this imperial throne? Of the same root, why rush to annihilate each other? Your father isn’t dead yet, and you can’t wait to get rid of your siblings. When I pass away, will you even hasten to kill them all!”

Li Shimin flung the items in his hand at Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian, looking at the papers scattered at his feet, murmured, “Your son does not understand.”

“You don’t understand?” Li Shimin grabbed the incense burner in front of him and hurled it. Although furious, he had not lost his mind to anger; the incense burner whizzed past Li Chengqian without actually hitting him.

The incense burner clattered against the glazed screen, silencing even those outside the hall.

Li Shimin had been in wars for years and was known for his volatile temper. However, no matter what, he could relatively maintain his composure and control his actions.

“You know very well what you’ve done!” Li Shimin yelled, holding his waist, “Instead of admitting your wrongdoing, you use these to accuse your brother of treason! Should I execute Qing Que or send him to the army?!”

“Father Emperor!” Li Chengqian threw himself to the ground and vehemently protested, “Your son is innocent! These evidences are indeed genuine. Why can’t your son accuse him? If Li Tai is plotting treason, am I supposed to just sit and wait for doom?!”

“Your father is not dead! Nor is he blind!” Li Shimin roared again, “What kind of nonsense is this? I have seen through all of you!”

Li Chengqian let tears fall suddenly, “Father Emperor! Your son felt compelled! You favor Qing Que, you love him. You want to depose me and elevate him as Crown Prince, and that frightens me! Father Emperor, I also fear being deposed, fear becoming the one to be killed!”

“You fear being deposed!” Li Shimin banged the desk, passionately berating, “You neglect your duties! Indulge in excessive pleasure! Dismiss loyal advice! You never mend your ways! You show outward compliance but inward opposition to your teachers! And treat Courtiers with wanton brutality! Is this how you act as Crown Prince?! You are the rightful heir! The legitimate Crown Prince! If you were virtuous, who would dare to rebel? Who would depose you without cause? I indulge Qing Que, but to depose the elder in favor of the younger? The entire world regards me as a wise ruler, are you the only one who sees me as senile?!”

Li Chengqian had no retort to the scolding. That was right; his father wasn’t wrong. It was his own frivolity that allowed others to harbor ambitions. He lacked the courage to bear the responsibility of the realm, yet he feared his downfall. Except for An Jin, no one understood him.

“Father Emperor, your son is wrong.” Li Chengqian lay prostrate on the ground, weeping bitterly.

The fire in Li Shimin’s heart was slowly extinguished by his tears, leaving him sitting on the mat, breathing heavily. He also felt pained for this son who had never enjoyed his care since childhood. Li Chengqian’s helplessness and distress reminded him of the child who had shrunk into a corner inside high walls, listening alone to the sounds of conflict.

“I ask you.” Li Shimin cooled his emotions and asked, “Those Courtiers, was it your doing?”

Li Chengqian ceased crying, carefully replied, “Your son just… lost his temper and struck them, but no one was killed.”

“A moment of loss of control!” Li Shimin leapt from his seat and grabbed Li Chengqian by the collar, swinging a punch down, “Do you think I am so easily deceived? Speak!”

Zhong Rui saw Li Shimin strike several punches, with Li Chengqian’s mouth bleeding, he sprang forward to shield him, begging, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger! The Crown Prince is suffering from an illness; he cannot be beaten further!”

“Get out!” Li Shimin fumed. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, we welcome you to vote with your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)