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Li Yuanji hurriedly arrived at the Eastern Palace with the evidence collected by Yuwen Bao. The Eastern Palace was bustling with activity at that moment. Li Jiancheng had just returned from the Training Ground, his clothes soaked with sweat. He was discussing with several aides how to further enhance the combat effectiveness of the Changlin Army and strategizing against potential counterattacks from Li Shimin. Upon seeing Li Yuanji enter with an anxious expression, Li Jiancheng felt a stir in his heart and immediately dismissed his aides, rising to greet him.
"Fourth Brother, you’ve come in such a hurry. Is there something important?" Li Jiancheng asked, noticing the tightly held letters and scattered documents in Li Yuanji's hands, sensing something significant.
Li Yuanji, not bothering with pleasantries, directly handed over the evidence to Li Jiancheng and said, "Elder Brother, take a look at this! This is irrefutable proof that Yuwen Bao risked his life to gather in Luoyang—Li Shimin is secretly recruiting assassins and stockpiling supplies in Luoyang, plotting rebellion!"
Li Jiancheng took the evidence and began to read through it carefully. His expression grew increasingly grave, and a flicker of barely perceptible surprise crossed his eyes. The evidence was detailed and specific, documenting letters exchanged between Zhang Liang and various factions, lists of recruited personnel, as well as locations and quantities of stockpiled supplies. After finishing, Li Jiancheng placed the evidence heavily on the table and said, "Fourth Brother, this evidence is crucial, but we must not act rashly. Li Shimin has deep roots in court and many supporters; we must proceed with caution to ensure our strike is decisive."
Li Yuanji anxiously replied, "Elder Brother, at this point, what are we waiting for? We should take this evidence directly to court and expose him so that Father can punish him!"
Li Jiancheng shook his head slightly and patiently explained, "Fourth Brother, you may not understand. Although Father has sensed Li Shimin's ambitions, he is still deeply attached to him as a son. Moreover, Li Shimin has achieved great military success and holds considerable prestige in court. If we present this evidence recklessly, Father may not believe it; he might even think we are framing him. We need to prepare thoroughly first and gain the support of more ministers so that Father cannot doubt the authenticity of this evidence."
After hearing this, Li Yuanji felt that Li Jiancheng's reasoning made sense and asked, "Then what do you suggest we do?"
Li Jiancheng pondered for a moment before responding, "First, we need to find a few respected ministers who hold significant influence in court and discreetly share this evidence with them to gain their support. Their words carry weight in Father's heart; with their backing, we will have more confidence when speaking in court. Secondly, we must find a way to make the source of this evidence more credible so that it cannot be doubted. Yuwen Bao's identity must remain concealed; we need to present this evidence appropriately."
Li Yuanji nodded in agreement and said, "Elder Brother thinks things through thoroughly as always. Let’s start taking action now!"
Thus, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji began their separate tasks. Li Jiancheng selected several ministers who were close to him and held high esteem in court, such as Minister of Personnel Pei Ji and Zhongshu Ling Feng Deyi, inviting them for a private discussion at the Eastern Palace. These ministers had always supported Li Jiancheng and were concerned about Li Shimin's ambitions. After reviewing the evidence, they were all shocked and expressed their willingness to testify for Li Jiancheng in court to support him in exposing Li Shimin's conspiracy.
"Your Highness, this matter is of great importance; if true, then Li Shimin's actions are indeed treasonous. We will fully support you in safeguarding the Tang dynasty," Pei Ji said solemnly.
Feng Deyi also nodded in agreement: "Rest assured, Your Highness; I will argue persuasively before the Emperor to ensure he believes in the authenticity of this evidence."
Meanwhile, Li Yuanji arranged for Yuwen Bao to hide to avoid detection by Li Shimin's people. He also sought out skilled forgers to process the collected evidence from Yuwen Bao so that it appeared more authentic and difficult to question.
After several days of intense preparation, Li Jiancheng felt that the time was ripe. He decided to present the evidence to Li Yuan in court to expose Li Shimin's conspiracy.
On that day, as the morning bell rang out signaling the start of court proceedings, civil and military officials gathered in the hall. Li Yuan sat on the dragon throne looking down at the ministers as he inquired about recent state affairs. Stepping forward respectfully after bowing to Li Yuan, Li Jiancheng said, "Father Emperor, your humble son has an important matter to report."
Li Yuan looked at Li Jiancheng and nodded slightly: "Jiancheng, speak freely."
Li Jiancheng took out the evidence from his robe and handed it to a nearby eunuch for presentation before Li Yuan. He stated: "Father Emperor, recently your humble son obtained some crucial evidence indicating that Prince Qin—Li Shimin—is secretly recruiting assassins and stockpiling supplies in Luoyang with intent to rebel. This evidence is conclusive; I hope Father will scrutinize it closely."
Upon hearing this, Li Yuan's expression changed dramatically. He picked up the evidence and began reading through it carefully; his face grew darker with each page turned. After finishing reading it all, he slammed the documents onto the table angrily exclaiming: "What is going on? Has Shimin truly committed such treasonous acts?"
The court erupted into chaos as officials whispered among themselves while discussing fervently. Those loyal to Li Shimin displayed panic; they had not anticipated that Li Jiancheng would suddenly produce such evidence.
"Father Emperor! This matter cannot be taken lightly! This must be a scheme by the Crown Prince to frame Prince Qin by fabricating evidence!" one of Li Shimin's confidants—Wen Yanbo from the Ministry of Personnel—stepped forward to defend him.
Li Jiancheng scoffed coldly: "Lord Wen, you claim these pieces of evidence are fabricated; what proof do you have? These documents have been verified multiple times—they are absolutely true! If Prince Qin has nothing to hide, why engage in such activities secretly in Luoyang?"
Wen Yanbo found himself momentarily speechless without a response. At that moment Pei Ji stepped forward saying: "Your Majesty! I believe that what Crown Prince presented is certainly not fabricated. I have also heard rumors of unusual activities occurring recently in Luoyang; it seems these actions cannot be separated from Prince Qin."
Feng Deyi quickly added: "Your Majesty! This matter concerns the safety of the Tang dynasty; it must be investigated thoroughly. If Prince Qin truly harbors rebellious intentions, he cannot be spared; otherwise there will be endless troubles ahead."
The other ministers supporting Li Jiancheng also echoed the call for Li Yuan to thoroughly investigate the matter. As Li Yuan looked at the ministers below, embroiled in heated debate, he fell into deep thought. He understood the gravity of the situation; if mishandled, it could lead to a tragic conflict between brothers and even threaten the stability of the Tang dynasty.
"I will handle this matter with caution. Summon Li Shimin back to court immediately; I need to question him personally!" Li Yuan finally ordered.
Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji exchanged a glance, feeling a sense of satisfaction. They knew this was just the first step, and the ensuing struggle would be even more intense. Meanwhile, Li Shimin, far away in the south, remained unaware of the turmoil unfolding in Chang'an. He was about to face an unprecedented crisis. In this power struggle, it was still uncertain who would emerge victorious, but at that moment, Li Jiancheng seemed to have the upper hand, steadily advancing toward his goal, while Li Shimin found himself in a passive position, forced to confront dual pressures from his elder brother and their father.
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