"Greetings, Father Emperor."
Li Chuan knelt down and bowed to Li Ming.
Li Ming looked at Li Chuan kneeling on the cold ground. There were only the two of them in the hall. Li Ming was silent. After a long time, he said: "I heard that you were injured. Are you alright?"
"Reporting to Father Emperor, I'm fine."
Li Chuan spoke methodically. Li Ming was silent. After a long time, he slowly said: "Zhen called you here today to have a good talk with you. You and I, father and son, haven't had a good talk for many years. "
"Yes, Son Chen is listening."
Li Chuan knelt on the ground and didn't raise his head. Li Ming listened to his words and said: "You blame me."
"Son Chen doesn't understand what Father Emperor is saying."
"Zhen knows that you blame Zhen in your heart. You think that Zhen favors Cheng 'er. You are kind and virtuous by nature. You are also born in the palace. In terms of status, character, and ability, you should be Zhen's best son. But Zhen has suppressed you in every way, so you have been dissatisfied for a long time. "
"Son Chen doesn't dare to think that way. Thunder and rain are emperor's kindness. Son Chen knows that Father Emperor is just afraid that Son Chen will be lax, so Son Chen is a bit strict."
Hearing this, Li Ming laughed. He pointed at Li Chuan and pointed in the air several times. Finally, he sighed: "You are just like me when I was young."
Li Chuan didn't say anything. Li Ming stood up. He lifted his clothes with one hand and slowly walked down from the high platform.
He walked with great difficulty. It was obvious that he was physically weak. Li Chuan didn't raise his head. He listened as Li Chuan walked and said: "Back then, Zhen also spoke to Father Emperor like this. Zhen is different from you. Zhen has six brothers. So Zhen is always worried that one day, Zhen will wake up and no longer be the Crown Prince."
"Zhen endured for many years before becoming the Emperor. After becoming the Emperor, Zhen understood Imperial Father's difficulties back then. Chuan'er, I don't want you to be the Crown Prince, not because I don't like you, but because you are my favorite child. I don't want you to be the Crown Prince precisely because I know that if you become the Emperor one day, it will be the greatest suffering of your life. "
After he finished speaking, he stopped in front of Li Chuan. Li Chuan could only see the hem of his gold-embroidered clothes. He did not dare to raise his head. He heard Li Ming ask in a low voice, "But now you can't retreat. You can only climb up. Do you know what is the most important thing for an emperor? "
Without waiting for Li Chuan to answer, Li Ming told him, "It's Wuqing."
"You and I share the bloodline of the Li family. I am the person closest to you. Today, Zhen will give you a chance, "Li Ming squatted down and looked at Li Chuan," A chance to ensure you become the Emperor. "
Li Chuan did not speak. He slowly raised his head and saw Li Ming take out an imperial edict.
"This is a posthumous edict. Your name is written on it," Li Ming stared into Li Chuan's eyes, "As long as you promise Zhen to thoroughly investigate the assassination of Prince Su in the military field and catch all the masterminds behind it, Zhen will give this posthumous edict to you."
Li Chuan and Li Ming looked at each other quietly in the hall. The moonlight fell on the black marble floor and flowed like a cold stream.
Li Ming pushed the posthumous edict forward, "You don't want it? The throne is at your fingertips. You don't want it? "
Li Chuan's gaze fell on the "posthumous edict". He looked at it quietly and did not speak.
Li Ming laughed, "You think Zhen is harming you? Silly child, Zhen is paving the way for you. The Shangguan Clan is already too prosperous. Under their rule, when you become the Emperor in the future, you will sooner or later make a move against them. Zhen is still here. If you make a move, it will be on Zhen's head. When you become the Emperor, if you make a move against the Shangguan Clan, kill your mother, kill your uncle, and kill your sister, Chuan'er, your reputation in history will be ruined. "
"Father Emperor means," Li Chuan said slowly, "If I become the Emperor, I will definitely kill my mother, kill my uncle, and kill my sister, right?"
Li Ming did not speak. After a long time, he lowered his eyes, "Chuan'er, if you were a bit tougher or a bit too weak, you might not be able to reach this step. But you are smart but not smart enough, weak but not weak enough, tough but not tough enough. You are just a slightly smart ordinary person. Zhen knows too well what it feels like to be in this position. If you want to sit in this position, the Shangguan Clan will definitely perish. "
"Son Chen understands." Li Chuan took a deep breath. Li Ming showed a gratified expression. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Li Chuan raise his hand.
He raised his hand and untied his crown, took off the nine-pearl crown that represented the Crown Prince, and put it aside.
Li Ming frowned, "What are you doing?"
Li Chuan did not speak. He stood up, took a step back, and then knelt on the ground.
"Father Emperor, Son Chen does not know what will happen to me in the future. But now, Son Chen is indecisive, loyal, and not as heartless as an Emperor. I have failed to live up to Father Emperor's expectations. Father Emperor, please forgive me. If Father Emperor feels that Son Chen's actions are not in line with the Crown Prince's way, Father Emperor can abolish Son Chen. It is already late, Son Chen will take his leave. "
After speaking, Li Chuan bent down, put his hands in front of him, lowered his head, and kowtowed. Then, he retreated.
His set of movements was done smoothly. When he walked out of the door, Li Ming finally reacted and shouted, "Stop right there!"
"Li Chuan, you are too soft-hearted! Zhen gave you such a great opportunity and you didn't want it. What do you want?! "
"I want," Li Chuan turned his back to Li Ming and looked at the gathering dark clouds in the distance, "to become someone different from Father Emperor."
Hearing this, Li Ming froze in place. Li Chuan stepped out of the hall and quickly left under the moonlight.
When Li Chuan left the palace, Su Ronghua looked at the teacup in front of him. His reflection was in the teacup. He took a long time to calm down.
"This dream, is it real, or fake?"
"I've tested it," Su Yongqing lowered his eyes, "it's real."
"So this is the reason you joined forces with Consort Rou to stop the Crown Prince from ascending the throne?"
Su Ronghua looked at Su Yongqing. Su Yongqing answered, "Yes."
"Because you killed the Crown Prince, you are destined to be enemies with Her Highness Ping L E, so you gave up on Her Highness Ping L E."
Su Ronghua said with certainty. Su Yongqing clenched his fists. After a long time, he still answered, "Yes."
"Isn't it a pity? You know the future, why don't you try to change it? "
"How do I change it?" Su Yongqing heard this and couldn't help but laugh, "Dage, how do I change it? Is it my Su Clan that has wronged Li Chuan? Or is it my Su Clan that has too much power? Is it Li Chuan, as a monarch, who has empty ambitions, but is reckless and ignorant, acting recklessly? "
"He rejoiced in grandiose achievements and wanted to go on an expedition to the north. He thought that the officials were greedy for life and afraid of death, but he didn't know that it was because we knew about the corruption in the imperial court. If we didn't clean up the corruption and rashly went to war, how could we possibly win? But he insisted on fighting, and in the end, the treasury was depleted. Halfway through the war, there was no more soldiers' pay and provisions. After that, the south suffered from floods as usual, and there was no more money for disaster relief. Corpses were everywhere, and the land was covered with corpses. "
"He didn't repent, and only thought that the aristocratic families had accumulated corruption. He blindly carried out the reform, and caused years of war. When he ascended the throne, there were 130 million registered people in Da Xia. Eight years later, there were less than 80 million registered people. There were 40 million people. "Su Yongqing looked at Su Ronghua," Where should we start to change it? "
"At that time, he also had this temper. He seemed virtuous and benevolent. Brother, I love His Highness Ping L. "When he said this, Su Yongqing looked at Su Ronghua," But I also have my bottom line. "
Su Ronghua didn't speak. He picked up the tea and took a sip.
"Rongqing, have you been to the north?"
Su Yongqing didn't know why Su Ronghua suddenly asked this question. He was stunned. Su Ronghua put down the teacup and said very softly, "You grew up in Huajing and have never been to other places. Human lives are just numbers to you. One million, ten million. I have been to the north. When I was there, I saw the battlefield with my own eyes. I saw the people being slaughtered like pigs and dogs. I actually have the same idea as His Highness. Da Xia must be established, and we must go on an expedition to the north. "
"But we can't be so anxious."
"When can we not be anxious?" Su Ronghua looked at Su Yongqing calmly. "You said that His Highness doesn't care about the reality. Then tell me, what is the reality?"
Su Yongqing was silent. Su Ronghua smiled and said, "The reality is that there are a lot of aristocratic families. In order to protect their own interests, they don't want to send troops. In order to protect their own interests, they don't want to spend money. The relationships between the aristocratic families are complicated, and it's to the point that they appoint people by favoritism. I guess the biggest reason for the failure of the expedition to the north is that the money sent to the north can't reach the soldiers. But whose fault is this? Is it His Highness's fault? "
"Rong Qing, you don't have to make our reasons sound so noble." Su Ronghua looked at Su Yongqing with sadness in his eyes. "Admit it. The aristocratic families are the cancer of Da Xia. Sooner or later, we will be drowned in the long river of history. Our so-called noble blood is the original sin from birth."
Su Yongqing looked at Su Ronghua. The two brothers looked at each other for a long time. Su Yongqing finally said, "So Big Brother, you still want to help Li Chuan get the throne, right?"
"I won't help anyone." Su Ronghua put down his teacup. "I just don't want you to get too involved in these things. If you have time, go out of Huajing. Go to the north and see the battlefield. Go to the south and see the flood. Rong Qing, seeing it with your own eyes and hearing it from others are two different things. It's better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books. "
"You rest first." Su Ronghua stood up and turned to leave. "I'm going to find Father."
Su Ronghua pushed the door open and went out. At this time, Li Rong heard Pei Wenxuan's question and chuckled.
"Isn't it already decided to go to Qingzhou?"
Pei Wenxuan heard this and sighed. "It seems that I'm still not charming enough to keep Your Highness. That's fine. "Pei Wenxuan raised his hand and scratched Li Rong's chin." Your Highness is charming enough to keep His Highness in check. I'll resign and go to Qingzhou to live off a woman. "
"Okay, I'll have three thousand gigolos." Li Rong laughed. "I'll let you be the boss."
"Your Highness." Pei Wenxuan heard Li Rong's decision and was still worried. "Are you really leaving?"
"With your personality, you're not someone who likes to be idle. I'm afraid you'll be bored if you stay in Qingzhou."
Li Rong was different from Li Chuan. Li Chuan didn't like power and was forced to be in that position. Li Rong, on the other hand, was greedy for the sense of control that came from power. That was why she didn't want to be a princess and wanted to establish the Inspection Department. It was the same in her previous life. She didn't want to marry and retire, but wanted to be the regent princess.
Li Rong leaned against Pei Wenxuan. She hugged the warm bag that Pei Wenxuan gave her and sighed. "What can I do? I can't keep fighting with Chuan 'er. I love power, but it's fine to fight to the death with outsiders, but with Li Chuan … "
Li Rong paused. "Forget it, it's annoying."
"Then you'll leave. Or will you leave by yourself like before?"
Li Rong didn't say anything.
Previously, she thought that Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua took the initiative to seek pleasure out of lust. Although she understood, she still hated it.
Now that she heard the whole story, she didn't know for a moment whether Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua were pitiful, or her and Li Chuan were pitiful.
She couldn't hate them, nor could she scold them. It was as if she was destined to be powerless. She punched cotton, and in the end, only pity and sadness were left.
"I don't know either."
Li Rong shook her head. "Do as you see fit."
Pei Wenxuan smiled. "Then I'll inform the Shangguan family when you leave the city and let them prepare in advance."
Li Rong weakly responded.
Pei Wenxuan was about to say something when they heard a message from outside. "Your Highness, Lord, His Highness the Crown Prince is here."
Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan looked at each other. Pei Wenxuan immediately said, "Go to sleep, I'll go pick him up."
"Let him in." Li Rong thought for a moment. "Since he's here now, it shouldn't be a small matter."
After all, Li Chuan was still injured. They had just met, so he wouldn't be in such a hurry to come over.
Pei Wenxuan responded. But he was worried that Li Rong would feel awkward, so he still had someone bring in a screen and received Li Chuan outside the screen.
As soon as Li Chuan entered the room, he saw the screen. Pei Wenxuan smiled calmly and said, "His Highness is asleep and doesn't want to get up, so I set up a screen."
Li Chuan pretended not to notice Li Rong's alienation. He responded expressionlessly. Pei Wenxuan asked him to sit down and smiled. "Why is Your Highness here now?"
"I'm afraid that Li Cheng is dying." Li Chuan said directly. "Tonight, Imperial Father summoned me to the palace and asked me to use my sister and the Shangguan Clan in exchange for my ascension to the throne."
"Oh." Pei Wenxuan nodded. He glanced at Li Chuan's empty head. "Then Your Highness must have refused."
"Yes." Li Chuan didn't say much. "But once Li Cheng dies, I'll be the only heir. I'm afraid that Imperial Father won't let my sister and the Shangguan Clan off. While there's still time, sister should quickly discuss with Imperial Mother and Uncle to find a way to leave the city. When the time comes, sister can ride a fast horse and reach Qingzhou in three days. "
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan's hand trembled. Without waiting for him to answer, Li Rong asked from behind the screen, "You're leaving tonight?"
"As soon as possible."
"Good." Li Rong responded decisively. "Then have someone prepare a horse immediately. I'll set off immediately and rush to Qingzhou as soon as possible."
"Then it's decided." Li Chuan nodded. The two siblings discussed and decided on this matter. At this time, Pei Wenxuan finally reacted and said loudly, "No, you can't!"
Li Chuan and Li Rong both looked at the source of the voice. Li Chuan frowned. "Why not?"
"Your Highness can't rush about like this." Pei Wenxuan's face was serious. "She can't ride a fast horse. She needs to be comfortable now. Even if she goes out, she can only walk slowly to Qingzhou in a carriage."
Hearing this, Li Chuan couldn't help but scold Pei Wenxuan. "What time is it now? Why do you still have so many bad habits? Pei Wenxuan, this is escaping, not an outing. Sister has already agreed, so why are you still grumbling? "
"That's right." Li Rong agreed with Li Chuan from behind the screen. "Let's keep things simple. I'm fine."
"You're fine." Pei Wenxuan looked at the two people echoing each other and was a bit anxious. "But Pei Xiaobao can't."
"Who is Pei Xiaobao?" Li Chuan was a bit confused. Li Rong heard this name and her heart suddenly beat faster. She couldn't believe it and stuttered a bit. "You said Pei … What is Pei?"
"It's the one in your stomach."
Pei Wenxuan stood up and turned his head behind the screen. He half knelt in front of Li Rong and put his hand on Li Rong's stomach. He looked up at her and said, "It's here."
Li Rong was stunned and looked at Pei Wenxuan. Li Chuan saw Pei Wenxuan turn in and suddenly found out that he had a nephew. He couldn't help but turn to the side of the screen and secretly look at Li Rong.
Li Rong was in a daze and seemed to be shocked for a moment. Pei Wenxuan saw Li Rong's expression and couldn't help but laugh. "The doctor diagnosed this morning. You fell from the cliff and the pregnancy is unstable. You need to take care of yourself. I was afraid that if I said this in the morning, it would affect your judgment. You can't see your own heart clearly, so I didn't tell you."
"So," Li Rong recovered and looked at Pei Wenxuan. "I can't go to Qingzhou?"
"You can't go to Qingzhou. Go to a closer place and pretend to be Qingzhou."
Pei Wenxuan's gaze fell on Li Rong's stomach. "I'll solve it as soon as possible."
"I've solved everything for you. What can I do?"
Li Rong raised his hand and put it on Pei Wenxuan's hand, feeling a little embarrassed. Pei Wenxuan smiled. "Take good care of my daughter."
"How do you know it's a daughter?"
Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan's certainty and couldn't help but feel a little amused. Pei Wenxuan sighed. "It's fine if it's a son. A daughter is better. "
"That …"
Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were talking. Li Chuan held back for a long time, but finally hid behind the screen and spoke nervously.
He knew that Li Rong didn't like him, but he still couldn't help it. When he saw the two of them looking over, he looked at Pei Wenxuan enviously. "That … Can you let me listen to Big Sister's stomach?"
"Your Highness, what do you want?" Pei Wenxuan was a little confused. He didn't understand why Li Chuan would make such a request.
Li Chuan was a little shy. "That … I want to hear how he kicks people."
Li Rong: "…"
Pei Wenxuan was stunned for a moment. He looked at the seventeen-year-old Li Chuan and was a little speechless.
"Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but remind him. "He's not even three months old yet."
"Huh? What does it matter? " Li Chuan didn't quite understand. Li Rong glanced at him coldly. "When you were three months old, you were like a stillborn. How can you kick people? Using your brain? "
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