Chapter 1454 - Killing a Member of the Mò Family

"Overseas King!"
When the news of Mo Dun's plan to become the Overseas King spread in Chang'an City, the people were in an uproar. No one had expected that the world was so vast, and that the Great Tang was just a small corner of it.
"The winner becomes the emperor, the loser is exiled overseas as a king!"
In the Eastern Palace, when Li Chengqian heard about Mordon's plan to exile the loser overseas as a king, he couldn't help but be taken aback. Previously, he had taken great risks because there was no turning back in the struggle for the throne. Once he failed, not only would he lose all his glory and wealth, but death would be the only outcome.
However, at this moment, Mordon's plan to become king overseas has added a retreat to the already cruel path of succession. The losers not only do not have to lose their glory and wealth, but they can also be crowned as kings overseas. Moreover, it seems that there is even a broader territory overseas. Translated: "
While no one is willing to go abroad, compared to the brutal outcome of the previous struggle for the throne, this is already the best ending. For a moment, the will of Li Chengqian to revolt by raising an army once again wavers.
And at this moment, another piece of news shook the city of Chang'an. Legalist Di Renjie solved the rebellion case of Heganchengji.
"The rebellion case of Heganchengji!"
The people of Chang'an couldn't help but wonder, wasn't it Heganchengji who accused the crown prince of rebellion? How did it become Heganchengji being accused of rebellion now? Translation:
"You are unaware of this, but Gehan Chengji is a fanatic supporter of the restoration of the Turkic state. He first joined forces with the Prince of Jin, and then switched to supporting the Crown Prince. He maliciously instigated conflicts between the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin. Even in the rebellion case involving Prince Li You of Qi, Gehan Chengji's presence can be seen. He intentionally exposed himself to force the Crown Prince into rebellion. His aim is to provoke internal strife within the Tang Dynasty and achieve the goal of restoring the Turkic state." This information was revealed by an informant.
"Han Gan Chengji is unexpectedly so cunning!" For a moment, the people of Chang'an were in an uproar.
"Fortunately, Di Renjie, who is known as a rare talent, saw through Han Gan Chengji's scheme and solved the case." Many of the people of Chang'an expressed their relief.
“Di Renjie, only in his early twenties, has such remarkable talent. This time, the Legalists have truly excelled,” many scholars secretly lamented.
Inside the prison cell, a young Di Renjie sat in the main seat, angrily rebuking Gehan Chengji who was standing below.
'Gegan Chengji, you are plotting treason and attempting to plague the great Tang dynasty. Now there is both the testimony and evidence against you, what defense do you have?'
Gegan Chengji sneered, 'Since the day I entered Chang'an, I never expected to leave alive. The Turks are wolves of the grasslands, how can they be dogs of the Tang dynasty? Not only guarding and protecting the Tang, but also laboring for them, it is truly the greatest shame in the heavens.'
Thinking of the heroic Turkic warriors who are now working as hard laborers in the Tang Dynasty, Ge Gan Chengji's heart bleeds.
"Working for the Tang Dynasty, the Turkic people's lives are much better than before. If you are not satisfied, there are plenty of others who are!" Di Renjie sneered. The reason he was able to uncover Ge Gan Chengji's conspiracy this time was because he felt that Ge Gan Chengji was involved too deeply. By unraveling the threads, he discovered something unusual. After a thorough investigation, he finally found a loophole. A Turkic traitor had witnessed how the Turkic herders now live much better in the Tang Dynasty than on the grasslands. This traitor resented the Turkic nobles who only cared about their own interests and embezzled the million guan compensation meant to be given to Chang'an City. Ultimately, Di Renjie broke through their psychological defenses and forced the informant to reveal Ge Gan Chengji's plot. In the end, he successfully solved the case.
As for Ashina Simo, no! Li Simo, you are not even worthy of the Ashina surname. You are the greatest traitor of the Turks, unable to resist the Xue Yantuo and falling for the deceitful schemes of the Mohist faction. My once mighty nation has been sold for a mere million guan, it's a disgrace! Gegan Chengji exclaimed with sorrow and anger. He had been secretly infiltrating the Tang dynasty, waiting for an opportunity of internal strife. And now, finally, the chance has come, with the Tang dynasty in turmoil, and yet the Turks have already been defeated and destroyed.
"Tang Dynasty Internal Strife!"
Di Renjie sneered, saying, "
"Overseas King!"
Truth be told, Mo Hou has already discovered a method to resolve the struggle for the throne. Tang Dynasty cannot descend into chaos anymore."
…………………………
"Geganceng Ji is so treacherous!"
In the palace of the King of Jin, Li Zhi couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. He had initially thought that secretly placing Geganceng Ji in the Eastern Palace was a clever move, but he never expected that Geganceng Ji had his own intentions - to restore the Turkic state. Translated content: Li Zhi in the palace of the King of Jin exclaimed, "Geganceng Ji is so cunning!" He had believed that secretly placing Geganceng Ji in the Eastern Palace would give him an advantage, but he was unaware of Geganceng Ji's true intentions - to restore the Turkic state.
"Your Highness, Prince Jin, now that Gegansheji suddenly changed his mind, the situation for the Crown Prince has greatly improved. Our plan to force the Crown Prince to rebel has also failed." The strategist of Prince Jin frowned. Thank you for using our translation service. How may I assist you further?
Li Zhi took a deep breath and said, "Although our plan failed, it doesn't mean we didn't gain anything. Becoming a king overseas may be a last resort, but it could also be a way out."
The strategist of Prince Jin nodded. Although overseas lands are impoverished, according to the calculations of arithmetic, the space overseas is unusually vast. It is not impossible to achieve success there.
"Rumors have it that, surprisingly, I am willing to engage in a gentleman's competition with the Crown Prince. The winner will inherit the Great Tang, while the loser will be forced to flee overseas," Li Zhi said solemnly.
"Very well, I accept!" Soon enough, a response came from the Eastern Palace, as Li Chengqian agreed.
And at this moment, the tense atmosphere in Chang'an City suddenly dissipated, and everyone let out a sigh of relief.
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, officials gathered, and today was supposed to be the day of electing Li Zhi as the regent, destined for a bloody storm. Reply: The atmosphere in Chang'an City has suddenly relaxed and everyone is relieved. In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, officials have gathered for the scheduled election of Li Zhi as the regent, anticipating a tumultuous day.
However, nowadays the courtiers and officials all had relaxed expressions. The Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin had reached a gentlemanly competition, resolving the previously bloody and cruel struggle for the throne in an intangible manner.
"Merton ingeniously devised a clever plan, resolving a disaster for our Great Tang. It is indeed a great accomplishment!" In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Cheng Yaojin exclaimed excitedly. Translate the above content into Chinese.
As military generals, their least favorite situation is when the prince rebels. Whether it's joining or resisting, it's always the wrong choice. During the reign of Emperor Han Wu, Crown Prince Liu Ju rebelled, and none of the generals who were involved had a good ending. Even those who remained neutral were implicated. Now that the crisis caused by the prince's rebellion has been resolved, they can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Not only is it a great achievement, it is truly a monumental accomplishment. The strategy of crowning a foreign monarch sets an example for future succession struggles, ensuring stability for the imperial lineage. Moreover, it facilitates the overseas dissemination of Chinese civilization, making it a win-win situation." Fang Xuanling praised this with great admiration.
Not only military officers dislike rebellion, but civil officials also dislike it. As the saying goes, "When a new emperor ascends the throne, new officials are appointed." Once the struggle for the imperial succession begins, the victorious side will purge the defeated side, and the degree of brutality is no less than that of military officers.
"The Prince of Jin has arrived!"
忽然传来一声通报，只见李治款款而来，不少朝臣微微一动，李治平日里表现极为孝顺，而且彬彬有礼，颇为得到朝臣的喜爱。
"The Crown Prince arrives!"
Soon, another announcement rang out, and Li Chengqian appeared once again in the court. This was the first time Li Chengqian had appeared in the court since getting involved in the rebellion turmoil. Please let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!
"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! Greetings to His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin!"
The officials bowed in unison.
"Please rise, everyone. With our father the Emperor unconscious and unresponsive, it is essential for all of us ministers to collaborate in the court so as not to delay state affairs. I am grateful for your continued support." Li Chengqian displayed the demeanor of a worthy crown prince.
"This is our duty, Your Highness!" The officials replied one after another with courtesy.
"Your Majesty is gravely ill, but the country cannot be without a ruler even for a single day. I earnestly request the Crown Prince to temporarily assume the role of regent." A loyal official to the Crown Prince spoke loudly. Translated:
The position of the Crown Prince is the heir to the throne. With His Majesty's illness worsening, it is only natural for Li Chengqian to succeed as the regent. Previously, Li Chengqian was implicated in a rebellion, but now the Legalists have uncovered Gan Chengji's conspiracy, clearing the way for Li Chengqian's regency.
However, the courtiers couldn't help but glance at Prince Jin, Li Zhi. Li Zhi and Li Chengqian have just resolved their gentleman's dispute, and now Li Chengqian has ascended to the regent's throne. It is feared that this might displease Prince Jin, Li Zhi.
"It is for the stability of the Tang Dynasty that I am making this move, as a country cannot be without a ruler for even a single day. What do you think, Ninth Brother?" Li Chengqian smiled and looked at Li Zhi, with a confident look as if victory was already in his hands. Once he took over as the regent, regardless of whether Li Shimin woke up or not, he would have already secured his victory. Li Zhi's defeat was already certain.
Everyone believed that Li Zhi would never agree to be appointed as the regent again, but little did they know that Li Zhi suddenly said, "What the Crown Prince said is indeed correct, and I also think it is time to select someone for the position of regent."
"Ah!"
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the court as everyone looked at Li Zhi in confusion. Considering the current situation, Li Zhi had no chance of winning whatsoever. But how could he possibly agree to it? Unless Li Zhi also had confidence in taking on the role of regent.
"Thank you, Ninth Brother, for understanding righteousness. Once I ascend to the throne, I will surely do my utmost to find the largest overseas fief for you." Li Chengqian smiled faintly.
However, Li Zhi revealed a sinister smile and said, "Prince, your words are exactly what I wanted to say. Guards!"
Suddenly, Li Zhi clapped his hands, and the sound of armored soldiers could be heard. Instantly, squads of fully armed imperial guards surrounded the Taiji Hall, with Hou Junji at the forefront.
"Hou Junji, this is the inner palace of the imperial palace, yet you dare to defy the emperor's grace and revolt." Li Chengqian angrily shouted.
Hou Jun sneered and said, "Despite the grace bestowed by the emperor, I, as a general, have made notable military achievements for the Great Tang by capturing Gaochang. But how did the emperor treat me? He effortlessly took away my military authority and threw me into prison. Why shouldn't I rebel?"
I saw Hou Junji standing proudly behind the Prince of Jin, Li Zhi, evidently planning to support his ascension to the throne.
"Zhenu, is this your trump card? Do you really think Hou Junji alone can make it happen?" Li Chengqian angrily shouted.
"Of course, there's more!" Li Zhi proudly declared. "Since you have all reached this point, come out, everyone!"
"We pay our respects to the Lord Regent!" The Zheng family patriarch took the lead, and a group of officials from prominent families all stood on Li Zhi's side.
"The Zheng family, with its five surnames and seven hopes, how is that possible?" The courtiers took a sharp breath, as they did not expect that even the prestigious families would side with Li Zhi.
"Why is it impossible? If there were no insiders in the palace, how could Hou Junji have effortlessly broken through the imperial guards?" Mo Dun sighed and said.
"Inside the palace, it's Zheng Jia, Zheng Chunhua!" The courtiers were only then in an uproar, realizing who Li Zhi's inside accomplice was.
"Brother-in-law, indeed you are clever. So clever that I am reluctant to kill you. If it weren't for you ruining my plan, I wouldn't have had to resort to such risky tactics today." Li Zhi smirked ruthlessly.
"Kill the Mo family son!" Everyone was shocked and could not believe that Li Zhi wanted to kill the Mo family son. Not to mention that Mo Dun was the son-in-law of Princess Changle, the Mo family was also rising in power in the Great Tang. Even if Li Zhi became the emperor, killing the Mo family son would be like cutting off his own arm.