Chapter 16 The Sixteenth Chapter Hou Junji Disappointedly Killed the Emperor and His Ministers and Discussed the New Crown Prince

King Qi's rebellion led to the fact that the princelings wanted to force the palace, as if the sky above the clear sky was suddenly shrouded in dark clouds.Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, Gao Shilian, Changsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang, Sun Fujia, Liu Dewei, Ma Zhou and others were ordered to try the case, which shows how much Li Shimin attached importance to the case.These people did not dare to be negligent, and hurried to the Zhengshitang after leaving the palace, and began to discuss how to handle the case. After all, Xiao Yu is the oldest and has a deep relationship with the Li family, so Fang Xuanling suggested that his prime minister should do this job.

With the confessions of Hegan Chengji and Helan Chushi in front, it is relatively easy to interrogate a group of criminals.Li Anyan, Du He, Zhao Jie and others heard that Hegan Chengji had reported the case, and saw that the emperor had sent so many important officials in the court to try the case. Confess. Xiao Yu, Gao Shilian, Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling entered the palace and came to the house where Li Chengqian was imprisoned. After Li Chengqian was placed under house arrest, he vaguely knew that his father knew about his plot, so he sighed in the room, washed his face with tears, his face haggard, as if he had changed into a different person.When the four of them entered the room and saw Li Chengqian's appearance, it was difficult to distinguish the feelings in their hearts for a while.

Li Chengqian still had a little luck in his heart, and asked Gao Shilian, "Granduncle, my grandson has been imprisoned here for some reason. I don't know what happened? Are you here to rescue me?" Gao Shilian sighed, and said: "Chengqian, you should be your prince well, why do you have evil thoughts and be tolerated by the emperor? Alas, what you do yourself, others are afraid that others will not be able to save you." When Li Chengqian heard this, his face immediately turned pale, and he turned to Changsun Wuji and said, "Uncle, you have always loved your nephew. Chengqian is ignorant, so he will inevitably do some wrong things. I hope you will take more care of Chengqian in front of your father." .”

Changsun Wuji shook his head and said: "Chengqian, you usually mess around, after all, it's a trivial matter. You caused too much trouble this time, even if uncle loves you, he can't save you. Sigh, I can't think of your weak temper. , how can you do something wrong.” Li Chengqian had seen the matter so far, and knew that some of the people involved in the conspiracy had revealed the matter, so even if he tried to defend himself in every possible way, it would be useless in the end.With a heartbroken heart, he stepped forward and grabbed the hands of Gao Shilian and Changsun Wuji, knelt down on the ground, tears like waterfalls, and sobbed: "Uncle, grandpa, uncle, I shouldn't have done this. But Ah, as the crown prince, why did I make such a bad move? If Li Tai hadn't invited his pampered emperor to manage the position of crown prince, would I be able to do this?"

The four were silent, they had been by Li Shimin's side for a long time and knew the origin of this matter.If it wasn't for Li Shimin's preference for Li Tai, Li Tai had the desire to seize the heir, and Li Chengqian had been his prince well, how could he have the desire to force the palace? Xiao Yu sighed: "Prince, no matter what the cause is, after all, you did it yourself. To be a prince, you must have a heart of benevolence and filial piety, and you must not have a heart of prying eyes. When you are in such a situation, what can you say?" Everything else is useless. I advise you to go before the emperor, and the only way to forgive yourself is to sincerely intercede."

Li Chengqian looked directly at Xiao Yu and said: "Xiao Gong, is it possible that the father is going to abolish my crown prince?" Xiao Yu shook his head and said: "According to the law, treason should be punished. It is the emperor's kindness that you can save your life. Do you still expect to keep the crown prince?" Fang Xuanling watched Li Chengqian's actions silently, and felt a little sigh in his heart.Since ancient times, there is a saying that "a tiger father has no dog sons", but among Li Shimin's many sons, none of them has Li Shimin's ability.It's fine if you don't have the ability, you can live a rich life by being your prince and prince well, but Li Chengqian and Li You can't judge the situation, it's really unwise to think of trouble.

The four saw Li Chengqian chattering and complaining that they were forced by the King of Wei, but they had already admitted to conspiring with Li Yuanchang and Hou Junji.They felt that they had achieved their purpose of coming to inquire, and they didn't want to see Li Chengqian's pitiful face anymore, so they walked out the door amidst sighs. When Li Chengqian saw the crowd leaving, he suddenly took a few steps, knelt down with a plop, and shouted: "Uncle, grandpa, uncle, I kneel to you. I hope you will go to the front of the father and tell my helpless behavior. To save my life."

The eldest grandson Wuji watched Li Chengqian grow up, and knew that although this nephew liked to play, he was neither bad nor evil, so he had affection for him.He turned his head and saw Li Chengqian's tears streaming down his face, tenderness suddenly arose in his heart, he turned around and stepped into the room again, helped Li Chengqian up, choked up and said: "Chengqian, you have committed such a serious crime, your uncle and grandpa and I It's hard to save you, and if you want to keep the crown prince, it's impossible. You are here these days, don't think wildly, in front of the emperor, I will save your life for you no matter what I say to your uncle and grandpa."

Gao Shilian also came over and said: "Chengqian, you can rest assured about this. I will talk to Xiaogong and Xuanling later, and let them jointly protect your life." Li Chengqian knew the importance of Gao Shilian and Changsun Wuji in front of his father, and at this moment, his face was a little bloody. Hou Junji had a different attitude. Facing the interrogation of Sun Fujia, Liu Dewei and others, he was full of disdain, and he never admitted that he had participated in the rebellion.When Sun Fujia and Liu Dewei presented the arguments of Hegan Chengji and others, he rolled his eyes and scolded: "I am a high-ranking official, how can I deal with such villains? I have fought countless battles in my life, and I have conquered Tubo , Tuyuhun, and Gaochang Kingdom, if I wanted to rebel, I would have rebelled long ago, how can I be framed by such a villain?" At the end, he closed his eyelids and ignored them.

Seeing the confessions made by the criminals, Xiao Yu said to them, "Although the prince's conspiracy to force the palace has not been carried out, they have been conspiring together for a long time, each of them has a division of labor, and there are steps in how to act. Now it can be concluded that the opposite has taken shape. Hou Junji has not uttered a single word so far, but in front of other people's testimony, they can cross-examine each other, even if he denies it in every possible way, it will not affect the overall situation. I think that the trial of this case has ended, and I can report it to the emperor."

Fang Xuanling felt pity, and said: "If this case is determined to have been reversed, then everyone below the prince will be guilty of a serious crime. According to the law, the nine clans must be exterminated. If this is the case, many people will be involved in this case, and it will become a major crime for our court. It is the largest case since its establishment.” Everyone was silent, knowing that there are many people involved in this case, if they are severely punished according to the law, blood will flow like rivers. Ma Zhou broke the silence and took the lead to say: "Since the emperor came to power, he has said many times that the law should be lenient and the punishment should be lenient. We studied this case and felt that the opposite was true. However, his work was secretive and did not cause a big disturbance in the government and the public. I want to punish the chief culprit, leaving his wife and relatives alone." Chu Suiliang shook his head slightly, and said: "What Ma Zhou said is really reasonable. It's just... it's just the emperor's will, and it's hard for us to tell for a while." "Why is it difficult to distinguish for a while?" Changsun Wuji asked in confusion. "The emperor experienced Qi Wang's rebellion, and his mood is already very bad. Now that the case of the prince has been brought up, I see his expression, and he is very angry. If we say lenient law and careful punishment at this moment, I'm afraid the emperor will not agree." Xiao Yu said: "Amitabha, saving a life is better than building a seven-level pagoda. The emperor is wise and wise, and he must understand this truth. If the emperor is not clear for a while, we must unite as one and work hard to persuade the emperor. Sui Liang, we will press the horses Zhou’s words and deeds should not be worried because the emperor is confused for a while.” Xiao Yu made a final decision, and everyone prepared relevant case files according to this tune, and then reported to Li Shimin together. Li Shimin was in a bad mood for a while, he stayed in the palace and didn't want to go out.It can be imagined that Li Chengqian and Li You's successive riots shocked him greatly. He was speechless for a while after hearing the trial results of Xiao Yu and others, and then asked after a long time: "Then Hou Junji really doesn't want to confess?" Sun Fujia replied: "Since Hou Junji was imprisoned, he has been ignoring the people who inquired and shouting that he has been wronged." Li Shimin pondered and said: "Sun Qing, Hou Junji is a hero after all. You have to tell the jailers not to treat Hou Junji badly." "The minister obeys the order." Li Shimin looked around the crowd and said: "How about this, I will meet the crown prince and Hou Jun together first, and then we will discuss. Alas, I have already ruined one son, and now I have another one. How can I face the world?" Under the leadership of Sun Fujia, Hou Junji came down to the West Nuan Pavilion of the Taiji Hall. Hou Junji entered the door and kowtowed: "My subject, Hou Junji, has been accused by others. Your Majesty wants to make decisions for me." Li Shimin sat still, and scolded: "You should call yourself a sinner, why are you using hypocritical words? Now I ask you: you participated in the prince's case, did you take the initiative to contact me? Or did you follow the prince's request?" Hou Junji raised his eyes and said, "Your Majesty has followed His Majesty all your life, so how dare you conspire against him?" "Hmph, don't you want to deceive me into being blind? You did a great job in defeating Gaochang, but if you take treasures privately, you should suffer. You claim to have been with me for many years, don't you know that I have clear rewards and punishments? Don't you think It's a mistake, but instead, I have a heart of resentment towards me." "I dare not feel resentful." "I want to ask you, when Shi Danai came to Beijing to visit you in the mansion, what did you provoke him at that time? I have been holding back all the time, hoping that you can change your past, but who knows that you got worse and even joined the prince's party?" Come fight me!" Hou Junji kowtowed again and said, "I really don't dare to offend the emperor." Li Shimin sighed and said: "Get up, sit down and talk. You and I have been monarchs and ministers for many years, and I really don't want to see today's scene. You have stayed in prison these days, Sun Fujia has not treated you badly, right? I miss you As a hero of Lingyan Pavilion, I can't bear to let the prison guards punish you more. But when you came in front of me, you kept your mouth stubborn. Do you think you can get away with it just by denying it?" Hou Junji stood up and did not dare to sit down, so he stood there with his shoulders down and his head bowed. Seeing Hou Junji's insistence on refusing to admit his participation in the rebellion, Li Shimin recalled what Li Jing said in the past.I thought to myself that this person's determination is like iron, and he has been by his side for a long time, and he will jump out when he encounters an opportunity, because the nature of thinking about others is natural, and he can't force it by blindly embracing benevolence and persuasion .He waved to Sun Fujia and said, "Go and bring Helan Chushi in." Sun Fujia knew that Hou Junji was in front of the emperor, and he would not easily admit that he was involved in the rebellion. He had already made preparations and brought Hegan Chengji and Helan Chushi out of prison and brought them into the palace. The documents and files related to Hou Junji that came here are also brought with me. When Hou Junji heard Helan Chushi's name, the muscles on his face stiffened a little. He knew that the emperor would have a showdown with him today. Helan Chushi entered the hall in panic and prostrated himself on the ground, Li Shimin shouted: "Helan Chushi, do you know your crime?" Helan Chushi kowtowed and said, "Sinners know their crimes, sinners know their crimes." "Well, you will repeat what you confessed to Dali Temple." Helan Chushi raised his eyes and glanced at Hou Junji. He was usually very afraid of this stern father-in-law. Now that he was in such a situation, he couldn't care less about trying to alleviate his crimes.He didn't dare to get up, and lowered his head to tell the whole story of the conspiracy he knew. After Helan Chushi finished speaking, Li Shimin glanced sideways at Hou Junji, and found that he was standing there with his eyes slanted to one side, and there was no expression of joy or anger on his face.Li Shimin didn't want to ask Hou Junji in front of Helan Chushi, so he waved to Sun Fujia, and Sun Fujia obediently led Helan Chushi out of the hall. Li Shimin pointed to the pile of files, and said to Hou Junji: "Helan Chushi is your son-in-law, if it is false, he will not force you? If you don't admit it, there are Li Anyan, Hegan Chengji and others here." Confession, you can read it yourself." Hou Junji seemed to have come back to his senses, and watched Li Shimin silently for a while, before he sighed and said: "Your Majesty, the matter is as it is, and the offender has nothing to say, so please punish him according to the law." By saying this, he obviously admitted his crime of treason. Li Shimin also stared at Hou Junji for a long time, and finally asked softly: "Junji, you have been with me for many years, and you have made considerable military achievements, and I have treated you well. You have been idle at home recently, and there will be a day when you will be used again. For this Waiting for trivial things, you actually hate me to the bone, do you think, should this be right?" Hou Junji said: "Things of rebellion have always been tolerated by the monarchs of all dynasties. If the conspiracy of the criminal minister is revealed, he should be executed according to the law. The criminal minister has nothing to say. As for the cause of the incident, your majesty, the criminal minister has the courage to ask today. : It is true that the criminal officials have taken some treasures privately, but compared with the achievement of conquering the Gaochang Kingdom, which one is more important?" Li Shimin said grimly: "Up to now, it seems that your resentment is still not gone. Yes, you led the army to defeat Gaochang, and you have done a lot of credit. However, you have offended my Tang Dynasty by stealing treasures and plundering your troops. Military discipline! Since Gaozu Taiyuan raised his troops, our army has never violated the common people wherever we go. You have been with me for many years and have experienced many victories. Do you think that the root of our victory lies in our ability? No! Military discipline is strict, Being able to satisfy the hearts of the people is fundamental. You led the army to fight against Gaochang, and you had a good grasp of military tactics. However, you violated the military discipline of the Tang Dynasty, and made the Gaochang army and people despise our court. You say, this breaking military discipline is compared with breaking a country , which is more important?" Hou Junji was not convinced, but he didn't dare to argue with Li Shimin again.He stood there blankly, not knowing what to think.Xu Shi thought that if the crime was established, he would not escape the disaster of killing himself, his heart suddenly softened, and he begged: "Your Majesty, the guilty minister knows that he is wrong. The guilty minister has served His Majesty for many years, and this conspiracy is only a discussion, not revealed in the public opinion." In the open, can His Majesty spare the guilty minister's life?" Li Shimin sighed: "Since I came to power, I have favored the heroes the most. I did this not because I only cared about the reputation of killing the heroes on my back. I really want us to win the world together. After the big event is done, we can stay together for a long time and be rich and honor the heroes. You are a hero, you have made great contributions to the country, and I have my own sense of proportion. It’s just that such a serious crime cannot be tolerated by the laws of the country. Even if I want to pardon you, can the people of the world agree? Junji, don’t force me. Can I feel better when I encounter this kind of thing?" When Li Shimin said this, he thought of Li You who had been given to death, and Li Yuanchang and Li Chengqian in this case. Heartbroken, the corners of his eyes flushed. After hearing Li Shimin's words, Hou Junji knew that his life and death were uncertain, and that he was more likely to be punished.He suddenly fell down on the ground again, and begged: "Your Majesty, the death of the guilty minister is not a pity. After all, the guilty minister did it himself, and he can't blame others. If the king must die, the guilty minister has something to ask." "Go ahead." "Your Majesty, please leave a son for Junji to worship." Li Shimin groaned and did not answer. After a while, he ordered Hou Junji to be taken back to prison. When Li Chengqian came to see Li Shimin, when he entered the hall, he prostrated himself on the ground, crawled all the way up to Li Shimin, kowtowed and said, "Father, a son is not filial, so he shouldn't conspire with others to make his father angry." When Li Chengqian crawled, his legs and feet were inconvenient, and his posture was very ugly, which made Li Shimin feel even more disgusted and angry. He couldn't help cursing: "I have been a hero all my life, how did I give birth to a son like you? If you have the ability, you will be born overnight." If you succeeded in forcing the palace, or beheaded me, that would be considered your ability. But what about you? You want to be the Taiping Prince, and you are making troubles there, can you still pretend to be a human being?" Up to now, Li Chengqian has no illusions about retaining the crown prince, and he only thinks about keeping his life alive.He didn't dare to argue, just kowtowed blindly. Li Shimin continued to scold: "I made you the crown prince because I want you to inherit the great power. But what about you? You spend all your time with your incompetent uncle, don't think about learning, don't think about self-cultivation, but act like Turks in the palace." You want to play those boring games. You want literary incompetence and military incompetence, but you want to win the throne out of thin air. Let me ask you, can you sit on the throne with this ability? I just give you the throne. Can morality and deeds without virtue and talent convince the people of the world?" Li Chengqian, who had always been submissive, heard his father's scolding like a storm, and suddenly there was a trace of strength in his heart, and he raised his head and said: "My father scolded, my son will feel ashamed. If the father can put himself in his son's place and think about it, if the father What should you do if you are in a situation like your son's?" Li Shimin was taken aback, he really couldn't figure out that Li Chengqian dared to speak against him at this moment.He focused slightly, and then scolded: "How to do it? I sent many important officials to teach you, what did they say to you?" "All the good teachers teach the son the way of sages, and the son understands these principles. However, the son is the prince, and he is not happy to be the father. The father is more partial to Taidi, and promised Wei Wangfu to set up a literary museum. When the grandfather was in power, Xu father once set up a literary museum in the Qin Palace, and later father became emperor. What will Taidi think when father does this?" "Nonsense! I asked Tai'er to set up a literature museum in Fuzhong because I saw that Tai'er was not as playful as you, but loved literature like me. He recruited bachelors, and he compiled a "Kuo Di Zhi". How about you Thinking about it, I still thought about it wrong.” Li Shimin lived an upright life, but killing his brother and forcing his father during the Xuanwumen Incident was his greatest private part.Now that Li Chengqian mentioned it openly, although Li Shimin continued to scold him, he couldn't help feeling short of breath. Li Chengqian paused again and said: "Father, my son has long been established as the crown prince, so what can I ask for! If Brother Tai wasn't there to force you openly and secretly, how could your son do such a foolish thing?" "Why did Tai'er force you?" Li Shimin asked knowingly, he had experienced the change of Xuanwumen himself, and as a person in the game, didn't he understand the right and wrong?Li Chengqian suddenly changed his tone, and wept, "Maybe Brother Tai didn't force each other, it's all because of his son's thoughts. My mother was in Japan, and she often taught me to love my younger brother and treat my brother with brotherhood. Now I am acting insane. Ashamed of the father and the deceased mother, please ask the father to punish the son to show the son's fault. I hope the father thinks that the son is a person who lost his mother and is disabled, so he will leave a way for the son to serve his father with his remaining life. Emperor." Li Chengqian, who has always been submissive, encountered a critical juncture that determined his own destiny, and he was able to appeal clearly for himself in an attempt to impress his father's heart.In his life, such a wonderful dialogue is the first time he has encountered it. After Li Shimin heard Li Chengqian mentioning his mother, the scene of his eldest grandson Jiamin before his death flashed through his mind.On that day, the grandson Jiamin earnestly warned the three brothers Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi to love each other before his bed, and asked Li Chengqian to cultivate virtue, cultivate his health and be a good prince, and asked Li Tai and Li Zhi to assist his elder brothers well.When they exited the palace gate, the elder Sun Jiamin stretched out his hand to hold Li Shimin's hand, and begged, "Erlang, I beg you for one thing, okay?" "Sister Min, please tell me." Li Shimin replied at that time. "I still have lingering fears when I think of the scene when you fought against Prince Yin and King Qi. They are unworthy, but you are brothers after all! Erlang, after I leave, Chengqian and the others will be tired of taking care of you. Regardless of their future Whoever becomes the emperor must not let them fight for the throne, causing bloodshed and even killing their lives. You must promise me this matter." Thinking of this, Li Shimin couldn't help sighing in his heart: "Miss Min, when you talked like this back then, have you already seen the situation today?" Li Chengqian was still sobbing on the ground, Li Shimin was not in the mood to talk to him at this time, so he waved his hand and asked someone to take Li Chengqian down. On the second day, Li Shimin summoned Xiao Yu and others to discuss the case. Li Shimin looked around at the crowd, and said in a deep voice: "I asked you to discuss this matter together, but I really don't like it. They are either younger brothers, princes, or honored ministers. Sometimes I want to forgive them with kindness. But the country The system must not be abolished, and I cannot disregard the righteousness of the country because of my own selfishness. Let's talk about it, how should we deal with them?" Xiao Yu said: "Your Majesty, the ministers and others have discussed it in private several times. If it is dealt with according to the law, the crime of treason will have to kill the nine clans, and blood will flow like a river. Your Majesty has said many times that the law should be lenient and the punishment should be lenient. The ministers think that In this case, only the chief culprit should be punished, and his wife and relatives should not be questioned. His Majesty dealt with the case of King Qi’s rebellion a few days ago, and only the direct criminals of King Qi were punished, while the concubine Qi and her son were not questioned. I think that the case of the prince can be handled in a similar manner. This example." "Ask only the chief culprit, not the rest? What do you think?" Li Shimin looked at Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji and others and said humanely. Changsun Wuji said: "What Xiao Gong said is the opinion we have discussed. Everyone thinks that since the Qin and Han Dynasties, it is too cruel for the monarch to kill the nine tribes on his own initiative. Since my dynasty strictly enforces the spirit of enlightenment with lenient laws and careful punishment, we will not be afraid of rebellion. Of course, the matter should be sanctioned, but it cannot be dealt with strictly as a special case." Fang Xuanling, Gao Shilian, Ma Zhou, Chu Suiliang, Sun Fujia and others all nodded, obviously agreeing with this proposal. Speaking of the words "lenient law and cautious punishment", Li Shimin felt depressed again, and said: "Huh, I said that I should be lenient in law and cautious in punishment, and I did the same. But what about the crown prince and the king of Qi? As an act of weakness, you see, they have no virtue and no talent, and they want to raise troops to cause chaos, which is really arrogant and ignorant, and if you go back to the source, it is still too lenient to deceive me." As soon as Li Shimin said this, everyone didn't dare to say anything.They have been by Li Shimin's side for a long time and are familiar with Li Shimin's temperament.Li Shimin is now in a fit of anger, whoever bumps into him rashly will be bored. Everyone was silent for a while, and Ma Zhou took the lead to play: "Your Majesty, the prince and the king of Qi conspired against each other. It is really arrogant. However, it is wrong to say that the spirit of practicing lenient law and prudent punishment is wrong. I think it is biased. The first emperor made strict laws, and Yang Di Advocating tyranny, so the two dynasties of Qin and Sui died in the second generation. From this point of view, strict laws and tyranny, against the heavens and harming the people, killing virtuous men, and people in the world are united in rebellion. Your Majesty comforts the people and only emphasizes education , so that the world will be in great order, and the chaos between the crown prince and the king of Qi is all because of the instigation of villains around them. In fact, they are still uneducated. I think that lenient laws and strict punishments should be adhered to, and cannot be easily abolished. Your Majesty has done so, People in the world will not regard it as weak, but can gradually accumulate it, transform it with virtue, and make it invincible." "If you talk about the truth, it's this truth. However, people's hearts and minds in the world are uneven. It takes too long to rely on the power of virtue to transform them blindly. Sometimes, it is necessary to use some decisive methods. Forget it, we will come today To resolve this case, stop discussing these meaningless topics. This case is naturally headed by Crown Prince Chengqian, what do you say, how should we deal with Chengqian?" In the past, Li You, the king of Qi, rebelled and was bestowed to death by Li Shimin; now there is another prince, Li Chengqian, who should be executed according to the law. The prince is not worthy of death." Li Chengqian's crying has already moved Li Shimin, and he recalled the last words of his elder Sun Jiamin, and his heart has already softened.Ma Zhou's words were obviously in line with his wishes, so he said, "Okay, just tell me why he didn't deserve to die for his crime." Ma Zhou said: "After careful investigation of the case, I feel that the crown prince is the head of the case. However, he did not take the initiative to do it, and he followed the trend. First, His Majesty favored King Wei back then, and the whole family of King Wei was suspected of being ostentatious, so he ordered The prince is under pressure; the two, Han Wang Yuanchang and Hou Junji each have their own selfish intentions, and want to use the name of the prince to plot great things. The prince is naturally cowardly, so he listens to him if he doesn't know. This plot has been going on for a long time, why haven't we seen To act, because the crown prince is hesitant and dare not act resolutely. From this point of view, the crown prince is certainly guilty, but he is not a vicious person, and punishment is enough, and it is difficult to sentence the death penalty." "According to what you said, is Chengqian just a puppet?" Ma Zhou bluntly said here that Li Chengqian was incompetent. After all, Li Chengqian was Li Shimin's son. Li Shimin couldn't help but asked angrily. "No, the prince is not a puppet. The prince was motivated by the king of Wei, so he has the heart to protect his position. It is natural for outsiders to see it." "You defend Chengqian in every possible way, just to save his life. Ma Zhou, isn't that right?" "That's right, I really want to plead for the crown prince. Your Majesty, the crown prince has been designated as the crown prince since October of the ninth year of Wude. , the prince assists His Majesty, there are certainly absurd acts during this period, but there is no great evil in the end. People all over the world know the name of the prince's benevolence and filial piety, but they don't know anything else. Now that the dynasty has abolished him and killed him, people in the world can't understand why, and even some The unruly people talk absurdly. The minister thinks that it is not too much to abolish his position as the crown prince, or even demote him to be a commoner, to punish his crimes." Ma Zhou paused and said again: "If the crown prince is not killed, your Majesty will be a loving father, and the crown prince will live to the end of his life. There is nothing good about it." Changsun Wuji, Gao Shilian, Fang Xuanling and others all had the same feeling and agreed with Ma Zhou's words. Seeing this, Li Shimin pushed the boat forward and said: "Forget it, you talk about the reasons for not giving Chengqian death, so I have no choice but to obey. You can depose Chengqian as a commoner, and temporarily confine him in the right leader's mansion and keep him under strict supervision. What about the others? ? Yuanchang is my younger brother, Hou Junji is an honored minister of the country, Du He is my son-in-law and Ruhui's son, Zhao Jie is my nephew, how should we deal with them?" Xiao Yu said: "Your Majesty, I think that Hou Junji and Han Wang Yuanchang are the core of the case. In the early stage, Han Wang Yuanchang was the main one. He didn't think about business. He taught some of the prince's absurd behaviors, and he even abetted the prince. Introduce Hou Junji to join the gang. At the later stage, Hou Junji joined, the case went a step further, and the conspiracy to force the palace became more concrete. The so-called eradication of evil, we must punish these two people." Chu Suiliang also said: "If this case is only investigated, it is right for His Majesty to pardon them from death with a benevolent heart. However, conspiracy is a serious matter. If future generations do not get warnings from this case, and then contemplate treason, That is not your Majesty's original intention. Han Wang Yuanchang and Hou Junji should be killed, and Zhao Jie, Du He, Helan Chushi, and Hegan Chengji cannot escape the death penalty. If your majesty wants to show mercy, you can pardon their mother, wife and son A death penalty, like this, is a great blessing." Sun Fujia said: "Hegan Chengji has the merit of being the first to report, if he is killed indiscriminately, it will kill the way for people to confess frankly." The monarchs and ministers discussed for a while, and Li Shimin finally decided to give Li Yuanchang to commit suicide in his house. Hou Junji, Li Anyan, Zhao Jie, Du He, etc. were all executed, and their family members were pardoned for the death penalty, and they were exiled to the frontiers.Inheriting Gene's first accusation, He Gan not only saved his life, but was also appointed as the captain of Zhechong in Youchuan Prefecture. This is the end of a failed attempt. Princess Changguang was born to Li Yuan and Concubine Wan Gui, and Zhao Jie was her son.She learned that Zhao Jie participated in the prince's treason case and might be killed, so she went to the palace to see Li Shimin, and begged Li Shimin to pardon Zhao Jie's capital crime.Li Shimin refused, and said: "Sister, you must know that the crime of treason should be exterminated according to the law. This time, at the request of all the ministers, I only asked the first offender, not the family members. You and Zhao Jie's wife are still living in Beijing, which is already very lenient. .The pardon of Zhao Jie's death crime, will the people of the world agree?" Princess Changguang cried and begged again and again. Li Shimin said resolutely: "Rewards do not avoid hatred, and punishments do not avoid relatives. This is the most fair way in the world. Even though I am the emperor, I dare not violate it. I have to blame my sister." Seeing that Li Shimin's heart was so hard, Princess Changguang knew that it would be useless to beg again, so she had to leave sadly.As she was walking on the road, she thought angrily: What punishment can't avoid relatives?What your own son did, if you don't kill your son, but find someone to do it, after all, you can't bear to part with your own flesh and blood! The season has entered summer and April, and people have already taken off their winter clothes and put on thin clothes.After the hour of the day, I saw a row of cars leaving the prison gate and rushing to the execution ground.People in Chang'an know that the sensational princeling case has been settled, and today is the time to execute the criminals.People either stopped to watch, or flocked to the execution ground with the carriage, and some people who knew a little bit about the inside story pointed and commented there. "The person who takes the lead is Du He. He is the son of Ru Huigong who has passed away, and he is the emperor's son-in-law. Alas, it is unexpected that such an honorable minister will end up like this in the end." "The second-ranked Zhao Jie is also an extraordinary person. His mother, Princess Changguang, is the elder sister of the current Holy Majesty. He doesn't want to be the governor of Yangzhou, but prefers to stay in the capital and do some conspiracy. Listen. It is said that Princess Changguang went to the emperor to beg several times, begging to save Zhao Jie's life, but was finally rejected by the emperor." "Oh, if I knew this earlier, why bother!" "If you want to say that the most worthless person is Hou Junji, the former Minister of the Ministry of War. Look at him, even though he is staying in the carriage now, he still holds his head high and looks arrogant. I heard that his arrogant temper killed him." Today's prison general is Chang He.Chang He held a glass of wine in his hand, and said: "Everyone, Chang He is the prison general today, and I will prepare some wine and meat to send you on the road. Come, please drink a glass first." Hou Junji and Li Anyan held their heads up to finish the drink, while Du He and Zhao Jie took a sip and found it hard to swallow.Thinking that he was dying, his inner fear caused chaos. Hou Junji gulped down a piece of meat, drank a few more glasses of wine, suddenly felt sad, tears came to his eyes, stopped eating, turned to Chang He and said: "Chang He, I, Hou Junji, was a hero all my life, but in the end I failed I ended up being beheaded. I have been fighting with His Majesty all along, and I have made new achievements in conquering the two kingdoms. Has the Emperor forgotten my achievements?" Chang He said: "General Hou, Chang He has been in the army for many years. You have always been my favorite role model. In terms of military achievements, there are very few people who can stand shoulder to shoulder with you. But, you just forgot one thing, that is, you must be loyal to the army. Excuse me. You said just now that you have been fighting with His Majesty, how could you have a rebellion? Even though you have committed a serious treason, the Emperor will still pardon your family members without questioning their crimes. .Come on, Chang He Dan respects you." When Hou Junji heard Chang He mentioning his family, he didn't dare to say any more nonsense, so he put away his tears, got up and had a drink with Chang He.After Hou Junji had drunk, he still couldn't get enough of it, and begged Chang He: "Chang He, after all, you and I have been together in the army for many years. After I die, you will take care of my family more." Chang He said: "General Hou, don't worry, you understand my personality, and what I promised will definitely count. After you die, your family members will be my relatives. If they have any difficulties, I will take care of them in time." At this time, a person reported to Chang He: "General Chang, it's noon." Hou Junji bowed to Chang He and said, "Chang He, I, Hou Junji, have never bowed to anyone in my life. You promised to take care of my family. I am grateful for your great kindness under the nine springs." After finishing speaking, he Throwing the wine to the ground with a wave, he boldly walked out of the auditorium and walked towards the execution platform. When Zhao Jie and Du He heard that the time for execution had come, they immediately collapsed on the ground, and Chang He instructed several people to escort them to the execution platform. Hou Junji knelt on the execution platform, looked up at the noon sun, and the sunlight narrowed his eyes.He no longer complained about Li Shimin, because he was afraid that if he complained again, his family might be affected, but how could the resentment in his heart be calmed down?At this moment, he suddenly thought of Li Chengqian again, and finally said angrily: "Zhuzi is useless! Pity me, Hou Junji, a lifelong hero, how can I join forces with you, an incompetent?" Sorry to myself without thinking of any fault of my own. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the executioner chopped off the big blade tied with red silk, and there was a flash of light in the sun, and the souls of Hou Junji and others came out of their bodies together and rushed to the Lingtai to report. Li Chengqian was demoted to a common man and imprisoned in Youlingjun Mansion.There is no one in the world who is happiest about this matter than Wei Wang Li Tai. Ever since Li Tai learned that Li Chengqian had been convicted, he was overjoyed in the mansion, and felt that the crown prince was his own.The members of the Prince of Wei's House couldn't help celebrating with each other, and Sima Suxu even persuaded alone: ​​"The emperor has a new chaos with the king of Qi and the prince, and his mind is in chaos. Your Highness should come to the palace to serve and greet him more." Li Tai understood the meaning of Su Xu's words, and also knew that it was a critical period to fight for the crown prince, so he entered the palace every day.When Li Shimin was frustrated, seeing his beloved son in front of him, his empty heart was comforted. That year, Li Tai was twenty-four years old, nine years older than Jin Wang Li Zhi.Fifteen-year-old Li Zhi is still young, and he hasn't participated in the battle for the reserve position for a long time, so naturally he can't think of inviting his father to be happy. Finally one day, Li Tai was happy to talk with Li Shimin, Li Shimin said on the spur of the moment: "Tai'er, your elder brother has been reduced to a commoner, and I am getting older day by day. You're here to worry." Li Tai was overjoyed when he heard the words, but he didn't dare to show joy and ecstasy. He got up and threw himself under Li Shimin's knees, saying: "I will be your majesty's son today, and it will be the day of rebirth. I have a son, and the day I die , should be killed for His Majesty, and passed on to my younger brother." Li Shimin liked Li Tai's obedient appearance very much at this time, but he didn't take his words seriously, and said: "If you want to pass on the country and rule children, then that's fine, why kill my grandson again?" Li Tai had no words to answer, but no matter what, it was great news that his father had verbally agreed to make him the crown prince.After he left the palace, he secretly spread the words of Prince Li Shimin Xu Li. With the end of the princeling case, the position of the prince is vacant, and it is imminent to establish another prince.On this day, Li Shimin summoned important officials to gather in the political affairs hall to discuss the matter of establishing a new crown prince. Cen Wenwen and Liu Jie obviously heard the news that Li Shimin wanted to make Li Tai the crown prince. They learned that the topic of today's discussion was the selection of the crown prince, and immediately submitted their memorials to Li Shimin. Li Shimin flipped through the two books, read them, and said: "Well, you two asked Taier to be the crown prince. It was said in the book that Taier's body and career are solid, his style is strong, he studied comprehensive policy, and he was a scholar of Ci Lin. , Leshan is shown in Suye, and good people are shown in Tuga', the words are quite appropriate." 刘洎奏道：“陛下，庶人承乾新败，晋王年龄尚小，唯魏王有陛下之风，又有储君之才，臣等愿请立之。” 岑文本与刘洎新任宰相职，平日里与李泰来往不多，李世民知道他们请立李泰为太子，非为私情，实出于公心，遂赞赏道：“好嘛，二位所言甚合朕意。昨日泰儿投吾怀中，并言说其继位百年后，当杀其子，传国晋王。泰儿的话有些不合人伦，我当面斥责于他。然他欲传国治儿，有这片心，实属难得。” 李泰这些年延揽人物，像苏勖、肖德言等人皆为其幕僚，周围更是聚集了一批功臣子弟，如柴绍之子柴令武、房玄龄之子房遗爱等人，为其亲信。朝中重臣如长孙无忌、褚遂良等人眼瞅着李泰一班人在京城中气焰嚣张，此前坚持立李承乾为太子时，这些人态度坚决，不肯易储，这些风声早刮入李泰耳中。他们知道，若李泰被立为太子得势后，断不会给他们好颜色。岑文本和刘洎今日上来就提名李泰为太子，早惹得他们怒火填胸。现在又听李世民夸赞李泰，他们心中更不是滋味。长孙无忌向褚遂良使了一个眼色，褚遂良会意，遂起身说话。 褚遂良首先将矛头对准刘洎，说道：“陛下，刚才刘大夫所言，臣不赞同。记得陛下说过'国家立太子者，拟以为君。人之修短，不在老幼'之语。今太子失德被废，若由嫡次子继之，而不考究其功业与德业，显然有失公平，且与陛下立贤之原则相悖。”褚遂良现兼任谏议大夫，掌握着进谏的话语权，长孙无忌让他率先说话，显然再合适不过。 李世民听此话语感到有点不顺耳，反问道：“不错，朕说过这样的话。然魏征在时，你们与魏征一起坚持立嫡长子为君，那个时候你们怎么就忘了这句话呢？”李世民早就想易储，然由于魏征、长孙无忌、褚遂良等人坚决反对，只好作罢。事后每每想起此事，犹耿耿于怀。 “此一时，彼一时也。若太子承乾未废，臣等依然坚持立嫡长子为君。如今时过境迁，须在诸皇子中挑选一名贤能之人立为储君，如此方是天下苍生之幸。” “好嘛，你说说诸皇子中以谁为最贤者。” “臣不好评判其他皇子，但知魏王泰非最贤者。” “褚卿所言，有点危言耸听。泰儿虽不像岑卿、刘卿刚才所言那样尽善尽美，然他爱好文学，编撰《括地志》，且谦恭有加，折节下士，这是有目共睹的，怎能如此不堪？” “譬如陛下刚才转述魏王之行，臣以为是陛下失言。陛下，人爱其子，为人伦大道。魏王所出此言，臣以为是虚伪之言。安有为天下主而杀其爱子，授国晋王乎？魏王不惜爱子而杀之，天下人中他还能爱谁？” 这句话驳得李世民哑口无言，顿时默然不应。 刘洎近一段时间往往在朝堂之上与褚遂良争辩，他看到李世民在那里默然无言，遂问褚遂良道：“若依褚大夫所言，定是要举荐晋王为储君了？晋王年仅十五岁，脾性过于柔弱，你刚才说要举贤者为君，晋王能成为泱泱大国之主吗？” 褚遂良早就不喜刘洎这种聪明外露，说话时充满棱角的劲头，张嘴反驳道：“我什么时候说过要立晋王为储君了？” 李世民历来强调君臣共治天下，非常尊重股肱大臣的意见。自魏征逝去后，朝廷动议权隐然转到褚遂良手中，而长孙无忌，以国舅之身，又是勋臣，敢于直言，俨然成了重臣的领袖。按说房玄龄也有这样的地位，然其子房遗爱与李泰相交甚密，他怕招致嫌疑不敢多说话。长孙无忌为李承乾、李泰、李治的舅舅，向来不喜李泰那副装模作样，内里恃宠而骄的劲头，所以他坚决反对立李泰为太子。他见褚遂良按照自己的意图向皇上进言，不识时务的刘洎犹在那里喋喋不休，心中的一股无名火就升腾起来，遂斥刘洎道：“刘大夫，你不可妄言误国。你说晋王柔弱，我却以为不然，其柔弱恰恰是晋王仁孝的表现。” 岑文本和刘洎提议李泰为太子显然是听到李泰散布出来的风声，然后揣测李世民的心意，觉得立李泰为储君，还是比立李治为佳。现在看到长孙无忌激烈反对，又想到底立何人为储君，最终还要皇上来定，臣子徒争无益，遂退坐一边，不再争执。 长孙无忌复向李世民道：“陛下，臣反对立魏王为嗣，非出于私心，魏王与晋王皆是臣甥，臣又有什么分别呢？臣以为为国君者，须以仁孝为先，魏王在此点上，就比晋王逊色。刚才褚大夫所言，足证魏王为人矫饰，缺乏明君谦然之风。臣还有一件事，须向陛下禀报。” 李世民抬头问道：“又有什么事了？” “陛下这些日子定是见过晋王，是否发现其神色之间有些异常？” 李世民低头思忖道：“是了，治儿这些日子颜色失常，忧形于色，朕询问其故，他支支吾吾不肯回答。” “臣也莫名其妙，私下里盘问他多次。他被逼不过，方才吐露实情。” “什么实情？” “太子和汉王被拘后，魏王曾三次找到晋王，威胁道：'你平时与汉王来往甚密，如今汉王与太子一同谋反，难道就没有你的事吗？'魏王以此来惊吓晋王，可怜那晋王胆小，竟然惊惧如此。” 李治毕竟年龄尚小，少年皆有爱玩的心性。李元昌游玩时，也常常叫上李治，此为众人皆知的事。 李世民毕竟为聪明之人，马上明白了其中的来龙去脉，问道：“无忌，依你所言，泰儿欲图太子之位，以此想吓阻治儿，是吗？” “不错，当此关键之时，魏王此举，其意显然如此。” 李世民想起李承乾、李祐反叛自己，又得知李泰此举，眼泪止不住忽然涌出眼眶，骂道：“唉，都是朕生的好儿子，你们若有德有能，尽可将这皇帝之位夺去，何必玩这些阴谋诡计？”看得出来，李世民对李泰此举深为伤心。他停顿一下又愤愤骂道：“真是无知，这太子之位靠暗自经营能够谋得吗？” 褚遂良趁热打铁，又奏道：“陛下若欲立魏王为储君，臣实在有隐忧。” 李世民抹去眼泪，询问详细。 褚遂良道：“陛下昔以承乾为太子，又宠爱魏王，以致嫡庶不明，造成纷扰至今。今若立魏王为嗣，非别置晋王不可。”褚遂良说出这段话，实际上是警告李世民，他百年之后，弄不好会有一场亲子之间的浴血争斗，甚至会引发大臣之间的火并。 褚遂良又追问一句：“陛下，立储事大，唯愿慎思，无令错误也。若皇子相争，定会惹动天下大乱，想陛下也不愿意看到如此局面吧？” 李世民判断形势，知道若立李泰为太子，其大权在握时，定会对李承乾、李治不利。李治性子柔弱，且年龄尚小，未参与兄长之间的夺嫡之争，其继位后定然会善待二位兄长。李世民想到这里，涕泗交加向褚遂良摇摇头，说道：“我不能！” 马周这时起身奏道：“陛下，臣以为选立太子，须德才兼备。选嗣固然重要，然太子良佐亦不可偏失。自古以来不管立嫡立庶，若无良佐，何尝不倾败国家？” 李世民抹去眼泪，深为赞同马周之言。自己即位十七年来，各项国政方针皆已定位，自己百年之后，新君即位，只要其在重臣辅佐下，坚持自己的治国方针，国势也不至于发生偏差。李世民细究马周话中之意，认为他既然提出良佐之言，将之用在李治身上，还算合适。李治毕竟年方十五岁，还有可调教的余地。他想到这里，言道：“马卿这样说，显然是不赞同立魏王了？” 马周躬身道：“陛下多次说过要君臣共治天下，臣等所言，各有倚重，最终还须陛下酌定。臣不敢说立何人为太子，然刚才听褚大夫等人言说魏王之状，觉得魏王为争太子位，性子有些太急，且手段失于敦厚。陛下多次说过，不论官职大小，须选择贤良者居之。何为贤？臣以为德为先，才其次，若人心术不正，其才愈高，贻害愈大。魏王与晋王相较，晋王毕竟年轻，且心怀仁孝，有可教之余地。若让魏王居储位，天下人定会以为职位可以靠经营所得，而失却争贤比德之心，如此，则弊端无限。” “嗯，你兜了一个大圈子，最后还是支持晋王嘛。你们，”李世民手指众人，“都谈谈你们的想法。” 萧瑀道：“陛下多次说过要立贤为嗣，臣以为诸皇子可以不分嫡庶，只要贤德，皆有选嗣的资格。老臣听说吴王恪有文武之才，处事敏达，可堪为用。” 众人皆知道李世民对长孙嘉敏的情感，又明白长孙无忌的分量，轻易不敢提出立庶为储的言语。唯有自恃老资格的萧瑀，可以无遮拦想说就说。 李世民目视房玄龄道：“玄龄，你以为呢？” 房玄龄躬身道：“臣觉得承乾已被贬为庶人，现在不管是立魏王或晋王，皆可行。臣子遗爱与魏王来往颇多，臣不敢在此议题上多置言，毕竟处于嫌疑之地。” 李世民听言后非常不喜，斥道：“玄龄，你近来怎么了？整日里唯唯诺诺，模棱两可，昔日的干练劲儿都跑到什么地方了？什么处于嫌疑之地？你为朕的重臣，唯有替朕着想，不用理会遗爱与谁交往深。遗爱还是朕的驸马呢，朕若像你这样，什么事都不用议了！” 房玄龄遭此训斥，不敢吭声，将头垂得更低。 贞观以来，李世民每遇到大事，皆召群臣共议，此已成为定例。众人见李世民训斥房玄龄，皆发言阐述自己的主张。不过他们说来说去，多说大道理，不像褚遂良、长孙无忌那样旗帜鲜明欲立李治。 李世民坐在那里，耳中听着群臣说话，心中始终翻腾着一个问题：到底是立泰儿还是立治儿？凭李世民对长孙嘉敏的情感，他不可能在庶子中挑选太子，他认为自己这样做，实在对不起长眠地下的敏妹。若从李泰和李治二人中选择，从情感上，他还是属意李泰。李世民始终以为李泰之行颇似自己年轻之时，反观李治，其唯唯诺诺，遇事没有主张，实在过于柔弱了。他不喜李泰以矫饰之行来谋取储位，对此行为，其心内甚恶之。但他认为此举毕竟为小节，以此来剥夺李泰的太子之位，其心内十分可惜。 长孙无忌观其神色，知道他在那里举棋不定，遂凑近李世民身侧，轻声说道：“陛下难道忘记了皇后临终语吗？” 李世民心内如电光火石一闪，惊愕半天，暗道：是了，不可让他们为争储位再酿流血之举！