I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 539 - 53: Great Tang Upheaval, Gu Jing Establishes Authority

Li Shimin did not concern himself with Gu Jing’s actions and silently watched him, expressing his judgment from recent days: "The Crown Prince is stubborn. Although he is capable, he is also extreme."

"If he ascends to the throne, Prince Wei will undoubtedly perish, and no one can stop it."

"By then—"

"Future generations of the Great Tang’s imperial family will be embroiled in brotherly conflicts, unstoppable."

Perhaps because the person he was facing was a member of the Gu Clan, Li Shimin concealed nothing, fully expressing his thoughts.

This is certain.

Xuanwu Gate; the Eastern Palace contends with Prince Wei.

The Great Tang has trapped two successive generations in this cycle.

If left unchecked, the struggles among future generations will not decrease.

Such is human nature, and no one can prevent it.

Gu Jing’s expression slightly changed, but he did not speak further.

"Do not find my words abrupt," Li Shimin’s voice was low and weary, as if bearing a heavy burden, "The Crown Prince... resembles me in my youth."

He paused, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes, and slowly said, "He said recently: If I dethrone him, he would immediately end his life at Zhao Ling; if I leave him in place, in the future... he will certainly rebel!"

Those words were as sharp as knives and spears.

"Such temperament," Li Shimin sighed heavily, filled with endless disappointment, "How can I entrust this vast nation to him?"

He closed his eyes in exhaustion, and when he opened them again, only an icy determination remained: "As for Prince Wei... even less suitable for use!"

Regret was useless now, and Li Shimin had accepted reality.

This was also why he had summoned Gu Jing.

"What do you think should be done with the two of them?" Li Shimin opened his eyes again and looked at Gu Jing.

To kill them, that was impossible.

After all, they were his own sons.

Moreover, by now, Li Shimin understood that there was a fault of his own in this.

He needed to find the most suitable way of dealing with the situation.

Li Tai was manageable.

The main issue was Li Chengqian.

His status as the eldest legitimate son was right there, and combined with his temperament and the words he had spoken, it was as if he was forcing Li Shimin to harden his heart, becoming a thorn in Li Shimin’s heart.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jing’s expression changed involuntarily.

Looking at the Emperor who seemed to be a withered man before him, he remained silent for a long time before finally making up his mind and said in a deep voice: "Recently, news came from Lingnan."

"It is said—A great ship is about to be completed."

"The Crown Prince once studied military tactics with my late father, and my father praised his outstanding talent."

"Though he has a foot ailment, he might still become a commander of some region."

"Your Majesty could allow the Crown Prince to venture out to sea."

"If the Crown Prince is truly capable, he will surely establish a legacy overseas."

—To go out to sea!

This is the most suitable option at present.

With Li Chengqian’s character, wherever he goes, once Li Shimin’s era ends, he will undoubtedly rebel.

Unless he is truly killed!

But going out to sea is different. The sea is boundless, fraught with peril.

This is also the realm where the Gu Clan is about to tread.

It’s currently the best solution.

Upon hearing these words, Li Shimin’s expression immediately grew complex.

Though he was aging.

He could instantly understand the pros and cons of this plan, even if knowing it was the best choice, his heart could not help but tremble.

After all, this was his eldest legitimate son.

To venture into the sea?

Wouldn’t that be a journey of nine deaths and only one life?

Li Shimin indeed retained his original resolve, and he would certainly proceed with the seafaring venture, but how could one avoid personal bias?

Such is human nature.

Countless thoughts flashed by, and Li Shimin fell into silence, unable to make a decision.

"Your Majesty, given the Crown Prince’s temperament..."

"Upon knowing this matter."

"He would certainly agree without hesitation."

Gu Jing spoke again with his head lowered.

He wasn’t direct in his words.

But Li Shimin understood his meaning.

Just like his previous thoughts towards Li Yuan, he wanted to prove through his capabilities that Li Yuan was wrong.

Clearly, he had succeeded.

With Li Chengqian’s character, there would be no hesitation.

Li Shimin’s eyes reddened once more, and he sighed deeply, suddenly waving his hand.

"You may go."

"I appoint you to lead the Imperial Censorate and investigate recent affairs."

"Anyone who breaks the law—"

"Will not be forgiven."

The topic shifted abruptly to state governance.

Gu Jing paused in silence, his gaze slightly shifting, and bowed to Li Shimin: "I take my leave, Your Majesty."

"May Your Majesty take care of the imperial body!"

Though neither mentioned candidates for the Crown Prince explicitly, they understood each other tacitly.

The Crown Prince cannot be established, and Prince Wei is inept.

The only remaining candidate is King Jin, Li Zhi.

Though Li Shimin has many sons.

Only these three were truly suitable to be the Crown Prince.

King Jin, Li Zhi, was renowned for his benevolence, though it spoke more to his gentle nature.

Li Shimin’s action here was clearly to help Gu Jing quickly build authority within the court.

He was laying the groundwork for matters after his time!

.....

Gu Jing evidently knew what Li Shimin wanted.

And precisely for this reason.

His actions were devoid of mercy.

Such matters could only be undertaken by the Gu Clan.

Handling official governance tightly.

For any other clan to undertake this task, it would inevitably create countless enemies.

The Gu Clan was no exception.

But unlike other clans, the Gu Clan did not fear these consequences.

Now the Gu Clan relied on the reverence of the people across the nation.

The benefit of being tied to the Kyushu was that anyone who wished to oppose the Gu Clan would have to pay an immense price.

Though the Gu Clan was at the center of the political whirlpool, it was entirely different from others.

—A political upheaval.

Gu Jing acted decisively.

The Imperial Censorate had always been under the sway of the Gu Clan, merely lacking a trigger point, yet it possessed an abundance of information.

This action was bound to instill fear in everyone.