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Li Jiancheng was well aware of Yuwen Bao's intense desire for revenge, which made it highly likely that he would act impulsively and jeopardize the entire plan. Therefore, he closely monitored Yuwen Bao's every move. Li Jiancheng's goal was not only to eliminate Li Shimin but also to remove Li Yuanji. To achieve this, he needed to use Li Shimin's hand to eliminate Li Yuanji. Thus, the historical Xuanwu Gate Incident presented a perfect opportunity.
Before that, Li Jiancheng had to keep Li Yuanji in check. The best way to do this was to pretend to ally with him against Li Shimin.
One day, Li Jiancheng summoned Li Yuanji to the Eastern Palace to discuss strategies for dealing with Li Shimin. In the study, they sat across from each other, their expressions serious. Li Jiancheng broke the silence first: "Fourth Brother, we can no longer delay regarding Yuwen Bao. His thirst for revenge is intense; if he acts on his own, it could backfire."
Li Yuanji nodded in agreement: "Eldest Brother is right. So what should we do? Yuwen Bao is consumed by thoughts of revenge and will likely be hard to persuade."
Li Jiancheng had already prepared his response: "We need a plan that can utilize his hatred while ensuring everything remains under our control. I believe we can set a trap that will provoke Li Shimin into revealing his true intentions. This way, Father will be thoroughly disappointed in him, and we can act without any hesitation."
Li Yuanji's eyes lit up as he quickly asked, "Eldest Brother, how exactly should we proceed?"
With a slight smile, Li Jiancheng explained slowly: "We all know that Father despises brotherly conflict. We can exploit this by creating some illusions that make Father believe Li Shimin intends to harm me, thus inciting Father's anger."
He elaborated further: "We will spread rumors suggesting that Li Shimin has been privately complaining about Father's unfair treatment and has even threatened to take action against the Crown Prince position. At the same time, we will place some people close to Father who can subtly leak this information so that he hears it."
Li Yuanji frowned: "But will Father really believe these rumors?"
Li Jiancheng confidently replied: "Of course, it won't be that simple. We need actual actions to convince Father. I plan to host a banquet soon and invite Li Shimin. During the banquet, we will arrange for some people to deliberately provoke him, causing him to lose his composure in front of Father. As long as he shows even a hint of disrespect towards me or any rebellious intent, Father will not let him off easily."
Li Yuanji clapped in approval: "Eldest Brother's plan is brilliant! However, we must be cautious in our arrangements so that Li Shimin does not catch on."
Li Jiancheng nodded: "Naturally. We need to select reliable individuals to execute this plan and ensure everything goes flawlessly. Additionally, before the banquet, we must prepare thoroughly—this includes setting up the venue and arranging personnel."
The two discussed further details such as who would provoke whom at the banquet and how to control the situation if Li Shimin did not take the bait. After meticulous planning, they finally devised a detailed strategy.
Next, Li Jiancheng began preparing for the banquet. He chose a spacious and lavish courtyard in the Eastern Palace as the venue and ordered meticulous decorations to create a festive atmosphere. Simultaneously, he selected several capable and loyal individuals from the Eastern Palace guards and confidants and briefed them on their tasks.
"Remember," Li Jiancheng instructed them sternly, "at the banquet, find ways to provoke Prince Qin without being too obvious; make it seem like an unintentional act. Once he gets angry, you must seize the opportunity and guide him into making some extreme actions."
The group acknowledged their orders and promised they would fulfill their tasks.
Meanwhile, Li Yuanji was secretly contacting several ministers in court to share parts of their plan in hopes of gaining their support. Most of these ministers had close ties with Li Jiancheng and were wary of Li Shimin's power; they readily agreed to stand by Li Jiancheng when needed.
Once everything was ready, Li Jiancheng sent an invitation for the banquet to Li Shimin. Upon receiving it, Li Shimin felt puzzled. He knew well that the conflict between him and Li Jiancheng had escalated beyond reconciliation; this banquet surely held ill intentions. However, he did not want to show weakness nor miss an opportunity to gauge Li Jiancheng's movements; thus, he decided to attend.
"Your Highness," Wei Chi Gong cautioned worriedly, "it may be dangerous; Li Jiancheng must have some scheme behind this invitation. Perhaps we should not go."
Li Shimin smiled slightly: "Not going? That would only give him satisfaction. I want to see what tricks he has up his sleeve. Bring more men along for my protection nearby."
Wei Chi Gong reluctantly nodded: "Very well, Your Highness; please be careful."
On the day of the banquet, Li Shimin arrived at the Eastern Palace as scheduled with Wei Chi Gong and several trusted aides. At the entrance, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji warmly welcomed him with smiles plastered on their faces as if there had never been any conflict between them.
"Second Brother, it's truly wonderful that you could come. I was worried you wouldn't honor us with your presence," Li Jiancheng said with a smile.
Li Shimin responded with a grin, "How could I dare to refuse the invitation of my elder brother?"
As everyone arrived at the banquet venue, the hosts took their seats. The table was laden with fine wines and exquisite dishes, and the atmosphere was lively with music and dance. However, Li Shimin remained vigilant, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
Halfway through the banquet, Li Jiancheng's arranged scheme began to unfold. A guard intentionally spilled some wine on Li Shimin while offering a toast.
"Prince Qin, I sincerely apologize; it was an accident," the guard feigned panic as he spoke.
Li Shimin immediately understood that this was Li Jiancheng's plot, but he suppressed his anger and replied, "It's nothing; just be more careful next time."
Yet, the guard did not stop there. He continued, "I have heard that Prince Qin has always been dissatisfied with the position of Crown Prince. Is that true?"
At these words, the entire hall fell silent, all eyes turning toward Li Shimin. Meanwhile, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji observed Li Shimin's reaction from the side.
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