Upon hearing those words, everyone turned to look at him.
As the Crown Prince, Li Chuan had always been cautious. Over the years, Li Ming had thought of dethroning the Crown Prince countless times, but he had never found an actual mistake. Cui Yulang, a small official from the Ministry of Rites, had actually just accused the Crown Prince?
Li Ming heard this and was quite interested. He immediately said, "I remember that Official Cui is an official from the Ministry of Rites, right? How come you're also involved in the matters of the Censorate? "
"Although this humble official is from the Ministry of Rites and has a lowly position, this humble official doesn't dare to say anything when it comes to important matters of state."
Cui Yulang said this with a face full of righteousness. Li Rong couldn't help but turn around and wonder if Cui Yulang really had any evidence against Li Chuan.
She was a bit flustered. She had asked Cui Yulang to participate in Li Chuan's performance, not for him to act recklessly.
Li Chuan raised his eyebrows. He knew what he had done, but he couldn't think of anything that would endanger the state. Thus, he was also curious and directly said, "Since Official Cui is speaking so seriously, then there's no harm in saying it."
"Your Majesty," Cui Yulang heard Li Chuan's playful words and braced himself to say, "In recent years, natural and man-made disasters have caused the people to have no way to make a living. Not to mention last year, just this year's ice disaster caused the people to be filled with resentment. Such a phenomenon from the heavens was caused by the Crown Prince's immorality …"
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Without waiting for Cui Yulang to finish, Li Ming became angry.
In these kinds of natural disasters, the first to be immoral was usually not the Crown Prince, but the emperor. How could Li Ming allow him to continue speaking? He grabbed the booklet next to him and threw it at Cui Yulang. He angrily said, "Drag this bastard away and beat him! Is there any place for you to speak such strange words in the imperial court? "
"Your Majesty," Cui Yulang hurriedly knelt down and said anxiously, "Last year, when the Ministry of Rites was preparing for the Autumn Sacrifice, His Highness sneezed during the ceremony. I'm afraid this action has angered God and committed a great disrespect!"
Hearing that Li Chuan was in the wrong, Li Ming's expression softened a little. The Minister of Rites, Gu Zidao, coldly looked at Cui Yulang, who was kneeling on the ground, and stepped forward. "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince caught a cold last year, but he still completed the sacrifice despite his illness. His sincerity can be seen by the heavens. The heavens were virtuous, and the Crown Prince was wise. He would not be dissatisfied with a sneeze. Although there have been some disasters in some areas in recent years, there's nothing special about them. Da Xia is vast, so it's normal for there to be disasters every year. It's too much of a stretch to forcefully involve Tian Fa. "
Gu Zidao turned his head and looked at Cui Yulang. He lightly shouted, "Such a scoundrel who misleads the public with his lies, he should be punished!"
Gu Zidao opened his mouth, and the officials echoed his words. Li Chuan's expression did not change. He was too lazy to pay attention to a clown like Cui Yulang. Li Rong was also too lazy to look at him. He only wanted to beat this idiot to death in the imperial court.
What could he have said? He deserved to be punished for speaking such nonsense.
Cui Yulang saw Li Rong's expression and turned his head away. He felt wronged and embarrassed. This was the first time he had worked with Li Rong, and he also felt a little embarrassed. But what could he do?
He really couldn't find anything else to complain about.
After shouting at him in the imperial court for a while, Li Ming finally opened his mouth. He only said, "Although what Official Cui said is a little absurd, it's not unreasonable. How about this, Official Cui's salary will be penalized for two months. The Crown Prince … the Crown Prince will go to the ancestral temple today and kneel for one night. This will be considered an explanation for last year's Autumn Sacrifice."
When Li Ming said this, Li Chuan's expression did not change, but his eyes were a little cold.
All the officials present frowned, but they did not say anything.
After all, going to the ancestral temple to kneel for one night to show filial piety was not a big deal. There was nothing wrong with it. It was just that Cui Yulang was the one who caused trouble, but in the end, two people were punished. From this point of view, no matter how one looked at it, it was unfair.
Li Rong could see clearly that Li Ming's meaning was very clear. Nothing would happen if they caused trouble for Li Chuan.
What he hoped was that the people below would cause more trouble for Li Chuan.
Li Rong couldn't help but smile, but his heart was a little cold. If she was already like this, what about Li Chuan?
After all, Li Chuan was still young. Although he tried to hold it in, there was still a little anger on his face. After the imperial court, Li Chuan led his people out of the main hall. When he passed by Cui Yulang, he couldn't help but stop and call out, "Official Cui."
When Cui Yulang heard this, his heart was a little cold. However, he couldn't back down now. He was still waiting for the people behind him. Thus, he maintained his imposing manner and replied, "Your Highness."
"In the future, you must be careful about the matters of the imperial court. Official Cui has not been an official for long. There is no harm in asking senior for advice on matters of the imperial court."
"Thank you, Crown Prince, for your advice."
Cui Yulang's back was covered in cold sweat. Li Chuan didn't reply to him. He led his people down the stairs and walked out.
Li Rong stepped out of the main hall. When he passed by Cui Yulang, he said in a low voice, "It's fine."
No matter how angry Li Chuan was, he wouldn't do anything to Cui Yulang.
If it was the Li Chuan in her previous life, he might have done something. However, she knew the 17-year-old Li Chuan very well.
He wouldn't do anything to Cui Yulang because of his personal matters.
However, if her mother heard about this matter, she might do something. She still had to go to the palace and talk to her mother about this matter.
Moreover, ever since she divorced Pei Wenxuan, she hadn't entered the palace. Her mother must be worried about her.
As Li Rong thought about it, he first sent someone to the palace to inform Shangguan Yue. Then, he directly went to the back of the palace.
When Li Rong went to the back of the palace, Cui Yulang had just reached the entrance of the palace when he heard a palace maid call out to him, "Official Cui."
Cui Yulang stopped in his tracks. The palace maid walked forward and said in a low voice, "Today, His Royal Highness Prince Su's painting teacher is sick and can't come. Her Highness Consort Rou asked this servant to ask if Official Cui is free today?"
When Cui Yulang heard this, he smiled and said respectfully, "It's this humble subject's honor to be of service to Your Highness."
When Li Rong arrived at Weiyang Palace, there was a commotion inside again.
This was common. Every time something happened in the previous dynasty, Shangguan Yue would scold Li Chuan.
"You're too soft-hearted. You can't even handle such a small matter. How do you expect me and your sister to rely on you in the future? Cui Yulang, since you've started this, what will you do in the future? Will you just watch those officials make trouble for you? "
When Li Rong heard Shangguan Yue's scolding, he turned to look at the palace maid who led him in. This palace maid was Shangguan Yue's dowry and could be considered one of Shangguan Yue's trusted aides. When she saw Li Rong looking over, the palace maid said in a low voice, "Everyone has been cleaned up. Your Highness, don't worry. This old servant will only send Your Highness here."
Li Rong nodded. He knew that his mother had stayed in the palace for so many years, so it was impossible for her to be careless about this matter.
He walked in and said with a smile, "What's going on? Why am I seeing Imperial Mother scolding my younger brother when I come back? "
"You still dare to say that?!"
As soon as Li Rong spoke, Shangguan Yue immediately turned around and scolded, "Divorce is such a big matter, but you didn't even discuss it with me in advance. You didn't even come to the palace to discuss it with me when something happened. How long has it been? You only came now. Do you still have me as your mother in your heart?!"
"Imperial Mother, Sister is also sad." Li Chuan hurriedly said, "Don't scold her …"
"Shut up!" Shangguan Yue scolded her daughter and son, then turned to stare at Li Chuan, "You should reflect on yourself."
Li Rong was used to Shangguan Yue's temper. She treated her well and rarely scolded or beat her since she was young. However, she was extremely harsh to Li Chuan. Now that she was married, she was related to Li Chuan's future as the Crown Prince. Shangguan Yue slowly treated her equally and wanted to control everything.
Li Rong smiled and helped Shangguan Yue sit down. He said gently, "Imperial Mother, don't be too angry. It's easy to get heaty and hurt your liver. Everything can be discussed calmly."
As he spoke, Li Rong served Shangguan Yue a cup of tea and sat down beside Shanghai Yue, "Why are you arguing today?"
"I heard that Cui Yulang accused him." Shangguan Yue slammed the teacup on the table and pointed at Li Chuan. She said angrily, "I told him to teach that arrogant brat a lesson, but he refused. Don't you understand what your Imperial Father is trying to do? Today, he started Cui Yulang. If Chuan'er doesn't suppress them, who knows how many people will come looking for trouble with Chuan'er in the future! "
Li Chuan pursed his lips. Shangguan Yue was angry when she saw his expression. She turned to look at her daughter and saw Li Rong's smiling face. She didn't know why, but she felt a bit afraid. She thought of Li Rong's methods in the past and felt that it wasn't good to speak too harshly. Thus, she softened her voice and said with a bit of grievance, "Although you and I are both in high positions, we are still women. Honor and disgrace are tied to Chuan'er. If something happens to him, what will we do? I'm thinking for him, but he doesn't listen. How is he like a Crown Prince at all? If I had a son … "
"Imperial Mother," Li Rong interrupted Shangguan Yue and said calmly, "Let's drink some tea first."
Shangguan Yue also knew that she had misspoken and fell silent. Li Rong stood up and helped Li Chuan up so that Li Chuan could sit up. Li Chuan lowered his head and didn't say anything. However, when Li Rong wanted him to sit next to Li Rong, he sat next to Li Rong.
Li Rong felt a bit awkward being sandwiched between mother and son. She took a sip of tea and calmed herself down. Then, she coughed lightly and said, "I came today to talk about Cui Yulang."
"Older Sister," Li Chuan lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, "Cui Yulang didn't do anything wrong. There's no need …"
"Cui Yulang is one of my people."
Li Rong spoke boldly. Li Chuan suddenly raised his head. Shangguan Yue also looked over in shock. Li Rong took a sip of tea and said slowly, "I was the one who told him to accuse you. Don't touch him."
Although she said 'you', Li Rong was mainly looking at Shangguan Yue.
Shangguan Yue stared blankly at Li Rong and asked in confusion, "Rong 'er, you …"
"Imperial Mother," Li Rong smiled and looked at Shangguan Yue. She said gently, "Chuan 'er isn't young anymore. We can't always wait for Consort Rou to grow up, right?"
"You want to touch Consort Rou?" Shangguan Yue frowned. "But what does Cui Yulang have to do with this? Moreover, your Imperial Father has always been protecting her. If you want to touch her … "
"Imperial Mother, don't worry," Li Rong comforted her, "I know what I'm doing."
Shangguan Yue hesitated for a moment and nodded in the end. After they finished talking about business, the atmosphere became a little awkward. Shangguan Yue took a sip of tea and hesitated for a moment before asking about Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, "I know a lot about the divorce between you and Pei Wenxuan."
She said slowly, "It can't be helped. If you still like him, you can get back together when the time is right."
It was just that her daughter might not choose a man who would choose to divorce for the sake of power.
As her mother, she knew Li Rong's temperament very well.
However, she only knew the nineteen-year-old Li Rong.
Li Rong smiled and didn't say much. He chatted casually with Shangguan Yue for a while. Shangguan Yue comforted her and the three of them had lunch. Shangguan Yue felt tired and went to take an afternoon nap, leaving Li Rong and Li Chuan to sit.
Li Chuan didn't say anything. Li Rong glanced at him, "What's wrong? You quarreled with Imperial Mother and don't even want to talk to me?"
"Why would I?"
Li Chuan smiled bitterly, "I just feel a little tired and want to rest."
Li Rong knew that he was lying. No matter who it was, after being treated like this by their father in the morning and then being told by their mother that it would be good if they had another son, they wouldn't feel good. Li Rong calmed down for a while and said slowly, "Don't take Imperial Mother's words to heart. She's just angry. "
Li Chuan listened and said in a low voice, "It's okay."
He raised his hand and poured Li Rong a cup of tea, "Imperial Mother is right."
The sound of tea trickling into the cup, Li Chuan seemed to be really tired. He was clearly still a teenager, but he showed signs of weariness.
"If Imperial Mother had another son, perhaps everyone's lives would be much better. I don't have to be the Crown Prince, and Imperial Mother doesn't have to count on me. "
Li Rong looked at him. Li Chuan put down the teapot and leaned back in his chair, "If Imperial Sister was a prince, I wouldn't have to be tired."
"Chuan'er …"
"I'm just saying," Li Chuan smiled, "I know Imperial Sister won't blame me. I'm just saying. I know, "Li Chuan didn't know if he was saying this to Li Rong or himself," Imperial Sister and Imperial Mother have done a lot for me. Since I've enjoyed this glory, there's no reason for me to shrink back. Don't worry, Imperial Sister, I'll take it easy. "
Li Rong didn't say anything. The siblings sat for a while. Li Chuan lay on the chair and closed his eyes to rest for a while. Li Rong stayed by his side. The siblings sat in the courtyard. Li Rong looked at the blooming spring flowers in the courtyard and stayed by Li Chuan's side. She suddenly felt an indescribable sadness.
In this life, she had Pei Wenxuan. When Li Chuan became the Emperor and the dispute between the aristocratic families was resolved, she would have power, love, and freedom.
But Li Chuan's life had no end. He would be trapped in the Imperial Palace for the rest of his life. For Imperial Mother, for her, for the Shangguan family, for the common people, for Da Xia, but not for himself.
"How is Qin Lin in the Northwest?"
Li Chuan seemed to have recovered. He opened his mouth and asked. Li Rong turned around and nodded, "He's fine. He and Uncle are alone at the frontline. There's a war at the frontline. Xiao Su doesn't want to send his own people, so he put them at the frontline. When Qin Lin needs soldiers, he sends the people he can't control. When these people arrive at the frontline, they all become Qin Lin's people. "
Li Rong slowly said, "Now, except for the lack of money, everything else is fine."
Li Chuan nodded. He thought for a while and said, "The money, I'll send it privately …"
"I'll think of a way," Li Rong interrupted him, "Go to your side. If you're found out, you won't be able to explain yourself."
Li Chuan hesitated for a moment and agreed.
After the two of them discussed the details for a while, Li Chuan was about to leave. Before he left, he suddenly remembered, "Speaking of which," he hesitated for a moment and finally asked, "How is Xun Chuan?"
Li Rong didn't expect Li Chuan to ask about Xun Chuan. She looked up and couldn't help but smile, "Why are you asking about her?"
"Because of me," Li Chuan smiled bitterly and said with some difficulty, "She was forced to go far away. So in my heart, there's always a bit of guilt and concern. I hope she can live well, but at the same time, I feel like I'm avoiding my own guilt. If she's living well, I won't feel so guilty. "
"Is there nothing else?"
Li Rong asked with a smile. Li Chuan thought for a while and turned to look at the blooming spring flowers in the courtyard. He smiled, "Occasionally, I'll dream about the first time I met her. I don't know why. After all, we're not familiar with each other. What else can there be? "
Li Rong listened and believed him. After all, the two of them had only spoken a few times in their lives.
"She's living well." Li Rong said slowly, "A few days ago, she wrote that Qin Lin took her to fight a few battles and gave her some men. Originally, I asked her to gather information in the northwest and make trouble for Xiao Su. In the end, she followed him to the battlefield a few times and liked it. She even asked me if she could. How could I stop her? " Li Rong took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "She's been writing to me recently, and her tone has become much lighter."
"That's good."
Hearing this, Li Chuan thought for a while and smiled.
"It's good that she's living well."
After saying this, Li Chuan bowed to Li Rong and separated from Li Rong.
Li Rong stayed in the palace alone for a while before she stood up and left the palace alone.
She sat in the carriage for a while and felt that it was a little noisy. She couldn't help but lift the curtain of the carriage and saw that there were many people on the street. It seemed like someone was serving porridge.
Li Rong stopped the carriage and looked in that direction for a while. She sent someone to find out what was going on.
The guards rushed over. While Li Rong waited, she saw a young man in white gesturing something in the crowd. His figure flickered in and out of sight.
Li Rong recognized that person and could roughly guess what was going on. During the years of famine, the Su Family would provide relief on the streets for three days every month.
Li Rong knew the situation and lost interest. Just as she was about to put down the curtain and leave, she saw a young man in plain clothes walk up to Su Yongqing and hand him a piece of paper. Su Yongqing said a few words to him. The young man nodded repeatedly and then had someone lead the young man away.
Li Rong saw this scene and couldn't help but frown.
She stared at Su Yongqing. The other party seemed to have noticed Li Rong's gaze. He raised his head and looked at her through the passing crowd.
The two of them looked at each other for a moment. Su Rongqing nodded and turned around to do her own things.
The guard also came back and whispered, "Your Highness, today the Su Clan is serving porridge."
Li Rong nodded and then said, "I just saw someone take a piece of paper to ask Su gongzi. Then he was led away. What was he doing?"
"He just asked," the guard replied, "The Su Clan is taking special care of the examinees this year. As long as they are scholars and have their own poems, they can directly find any member of the Su Clan. They can be placed there until the results of the imperial examinations are released."
Li Rong frowned.
Su Yongqing's move was more attractive than being an imperial examiner.
Li Rong was silent for a moment and then whispered, "Go find Lord Pei. Tell him that tonight …"
Li Rong hesitated for a moment and thought of the most suitable place. Finally, she said, "In front of the temple, I will wear a peach blossom mask and wait for him on the street."
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