abcnovels
Chapter 239
Chapter 239
Chapter 239
Hou Junji struggled to conceal his excitement but couldn’t completely mask the tremor in his voice as he asked, “Your Highness, have you reached a decision?”
Li Chengqian scoffed and replied, “You’re correct. Living with a constant threat looming over us is more unsettling than taking a risk. Why not seize the opportunity?”
On his way back to the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian had been pondering this question. He believed that Hou Junji understood the formidable abilities of Su Li. Hence, if Hou Junji orchestrated an operation to eliminate Su Li, it would likely succeed.
But would everything truly improve after Su Li’s demise? Initially, Li Chengqian thought his father’s attitude towards Su Li was more rooted in fear than reliance. However, his father was growing older and less courageous. Additionally, he had grown complacent, benefiting from the laurels Su Li had earned for him. His ambitions had dwindled, causing him to turn a blind eye and lack the determination to sever ties with Su Li completely.
Li Chengqian had already decided on behalf of his father, knowing that even if he didn’t voice it, his father would not blame him in his heart. But today’s events had opened his eyes. His father truly valued Su Li wholeheartedly.
In that case, eliminating Su Li would lead to dire consequences. His father had many sons, and even if he were to strip Li Chengqian of his title as Crown Prince, he could easily find another suitable successor. These realizations spurred Li Chengqian to make a persistent choice.
“Father, you wanted me to learn from Li Tai, but don’t forget, I am your son. The person I should learn from the most is you.”
That evening, in the distant northwest corner of the Eastern Palace, a discreet opening was made in the surrounding wall, allowing numerous military supplies to be secretly brought in. Simultaneously, over a thousand unidentified individuals had gathered at one of Hou Junji’s suburban villas. The villa, sprawling over hundreds of acres, was hidden behind thick curtains under the guise of renovations. These individuals practiced relentlessly in a hidden training ground within the main hall, concealed by layers of curtains.
Five days later, Hou Junji returned to the Eastern Palace and met with Li Chengqian in the same secret chamber.
“How are the preparations progressing?” Li Chengqian inquired calmly.
He had also sent an invitation to the princess’s residence after their last covert meeting. In it, he expressed regret over his distant relationship with his younger sister and mentioned Princess Changle’s upcoming birthday. He hinted at his potential absence due to state affairs but extended an invitation for Changle and Su Li to visit the Eastern Palace.
Li Chengqian’s invitation was warm and sincere, emphasizing his desire to mend his relationship with the couple. As expected, a swift response arrived from the princess’s residence, confirming Su Li and Princess Changle’s attendance.
Hou Junji kept his head lowered, avoiding Li Chengqian’s gaze. Despite Li Chengqian’s recent normal behavior in public and his growing affability with court officials, something felt amiss to Hou Junji. In his eyes, Li Chengqian appeared to be teetering on the edge of madness, but Hou Junji understood that brilliant minds often tread close to that line.
“Your Highness, you can rest assured. Everything is in place,” Hou Junji confidently reassured Li Chengqian, outlining his plan. They had strategically positioned flammable materials within the grand hall during Su Li’s banquet. Outside, eight crossbows were ready, while three hundred robust men armed with iron chains and a thousand death soldiers were poised inside.
As soon as Su Li entered the palace, the three hundred men would surround and immobilize him with iron chains. Even if Su Li were an unparalleled warrior, he couldn’t fend off such a determined assault. If, by some chance, the thousand dead soldiers failed to kill Su Li, they would ignite the fire without hesitation. A mere spark would ensure Su Li’s demise in the ensuing flames.
Even if Su Li managed to escape from the palace, dozens of ox crossbows were stationed outside. These formidable ox crossbows possessed seven channels, and their arrows could travel several miles. This was the Tang army’s most potent weapon, primarily used for siege warfare. When dozens of these ox crossbows fired in unison, releasing a barrage of ten thousand arrows, even a sturdy city wall, let alone someone like Su Li, would crumble.
“With over a thousand dead soldiers who have diligently trained for days, and supported by such an intricate trap, even if Su Li were a deity, he would undoubtedly meet his doom!” Hou Junji declared with a ruthless expression.
Li Chengqian nodded and inquired, “And what’s the next step?”
Hou Junji’s body trembled slightly at Li Chengqian’s words. He replied, “Your Highness, at the moment Su Li is ensnared, I, along with Lieutenant Feng Shijin and Left Protector Li Anyan, will lead the six units of the Eastern Palace forces and march directly to the imperial palace.”
Li Chengqian asked with concern, “Do you have confidence in this plan?”
Hou Junji’s expression grew serious, and he sighed before responding, “Your Highness since you have not led troops, such doubts are natural. In military operations, there is no guarantee of victory. Furthermore… His Majesty is a renowned general himself.” Hou Junji paused but quickly added, “However, I have confirmed that Wei Zhang will not be on duty at the palace tomorrow. There are no skilled warriors within the palace. With preparation against an unprepared enemy, I am eighty percent confident even when facing His Majesty!”
Li Chengqian nodded and reassured him, “That will suffice.”
Following their conversation, a silence settled between them. Moments later, Li Chengqian suggested, “Let’s go for a walk.”
Soon, the two found themselves outside the grand hall. Li Chengqian pointed to a palace in the northeast corner of the imperial palace and reminisced, “Lord Taishan, do you know that when Li Jiancheng assumed control of the Eastern Palace, the Wude Hall was your father’s residence?”
Hou Junji nodded, recalling those days when Li Er was King of Qin, and he was a trusted confidant who often met with him in the Wude Hall.
Li Chengqian continued, “I didn’t understand when I was younger. I thought my father was persistent and brave in those days. Now, it seems that the Wude Hall and the Eastern Palace conflicted back then…”
As Li Chengqian spoke, he suddenly turned his head, gazing at the darkened grand hall behind him, and muttered, “Everyone envies my position as the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. Little do they know… this place is not auspicious. It’s best to move away early.”
Hou Junji chuckled and praised, “Your Highness has profound insights.”
However, Li Chengqian was more absorbed in his thoughts and continued to gaze towards the imperial palace, musing, “Father, on that night when you came to the imperial palace, did you ever think as I do now, wondering what the Taishan Emperor was doing at the time?”
As night fell, Li Chengqian’s voice resounded with determination, “Tomorrow… I entrust everything to Lord Taishan!”