Although the emperor has not changed the crown prince yet, everyone in the world can see that the emperor is not satisfied with the current crown prince. In addition to Li Chengqian, there are two other legitimate princes, namely Prince of Wei Li Tai and Prince of Jin Li Zhi.
Although the two have not yet fought openly or secretly, they have also tried to win over Changsun Wuji to varying degrees. Changsun Wuji has not expressed his stance with either of them, but there is definitely a close relationship between them. As a younger generation who started later, Li Xiang naturally has to use some methods to overtake on the curve.
To today's lunch, Changsun Wuji only invited Prince of Wei Li Tai and Li Xiang, which means that the relationship between Prince of Jin Li Zhi and Changsun Wuji is not that close. After all, the guy is still a little kid. In history, Li Chengqian was deposed for a long time before Prince of Jin Li Zhi became the crown prince. It seems that he has not yet made any effort. His current competitor is Prince of Wei Li Tai.
However, Li Xiang did not worry. He had to remain calm and not give Prince of Jin Li Zhi any chance. That guy was very slippery. In history, he had defeated all his brothers.
Chang'an City, as the capital of the Tang Empire, had many new things happening every day, but this was the first time since the founding of the country that Li Xiang visited Changsun Wuji in such a high-profile manner.
The common people had not seen the royal family on tour for a long time, and many curious people followed them all the way, so when Li Xiang left less than half an hour later, the news had spread throughout the city.
Changsun Mansion.
"Father, I think we should support the King of Wei. Li Xiang is still young and can't tell right from wrong. There are so many princes and grandchildren of the Tang Dynasty, but not one of them displays a full carriage. Look at what he did, the whole city of Chang'an knows about it. Isn't that stupid?"
Chang Sun Chong drank a large cup of tea. He had just received news outside, and this guy came back to report.
When Changsun Wuji came back yesterday, he had already told him that he would host a banquet in the mansion today for Prince of Wei Li Tai and the emperor's eldest grandson Li Xiang. No one else was invited, which meant that it was a private banquet. It was also Changsun Wuji's first test of the two. However, he didn't expect that before noon, Li Xiang had already shouted that he knew the whole process.
Looking at his son, Changsun Wuji shook his head. Although his son was better than the fools in other families, this son could only be ranked second-rate at best.
Even Changsun Wuji did not expect that Li Xiang would dare to come in such a high-profile manner. This was clearly an announcement to the world that, apart from the emperor in the palace, Li Xiang regarded Changsun Wuji as his second elder. If Changsun Wuji did not support Li Xiang in the future, he would be branded as a person who did not support the younger generation. What's more, he had already given you the first piece of meat in the plan to pacify Goguryeo.
"Father, this Li Xiang truly deserves the reward from my uncle."
The fragrance of orchids wafted by, and Changsun Pingting, the eldest daughter of the Changsun family, also walked into the study. When it comes to strategy between the two children, Changsun Wuji still prefers to talk to his daughter.
"Sister, isn't Li Xiang a fool? Father originally wanted to secretly consider the uncle and nephew, and this was supposed to be a secret matter, but you see, he shouted it out so loud that the whole city of Chang'an knew about it. Moreover, he is so arrogant and domineering that he even displayed his own imperial grandson's ceremonial procession. Who is he showing off to?"
Chang Sun Chong said in confusion that although this boy was arrogant and domineering outside, he had admired his sister's brain since he was a child.
"Show it to you and me, show it to the world, show it to my father. He treats my Changsun family with sincerity. How can my Changsun family not return the favor?"
Changsun Pinting's words made Changsun Wuji smile bitterly. This kid Li Xiang was definitely not an easy person to deal with. He disrupted his steps from the very beginning. But this was interesting. In order to select truly capable people for the Tang Dynasty, it would be better to give himself more surprises.
Chang Sun Chong repeated his sister's words over and over again, but unfortunately his brain was slow to work and he still didn't understand what was going on. He still felt that Li Xiang was too particular about pomp and circumstance and would not survive more than three episodes in the current Tang Dynasty.
"He's simply arrogant and extravagant. Father told us to live frugally, but how on earth does this brat manage to make ends meet? He mobilized hundreds of people to clear the way for him. The entire Chang'an City was alarmed by him. Even when Father went out, he didn't make such a big scene."
While the father and his two sons were in silence, the voice of Prince Wei Li Tai came from outside the door. Ever since Li Chengqian started to make trouble, Prince Wei Li Tai often came over, but this guy was purely for the sake of appearances and had not had in-depth exchanges with Changsun Wuji many times. This was also the reason why Changsun Wuji had been hesitating.
According to the ranking order of the Li brothers, if Li Chengqian is finished, Li Tai will definitely take over. But given this situation, how can he sit firmly on the throne?
Changsun Wuji is not afraid of Li Tai's incompetence. If you are incompetent, your uncle can still assist you well as long as you are obedient. But the problem is that you are incompetent and disobedient, which is really difficult to deal with. So Changsun Wuji is also thinking about King Jin Li Zhi.
For Changsun Wuji, these three princes were all his nephews. It didn't matter much to him who became the emperor, as he could still sit firmly in the position of the emperor's uncle.
Moreover, as long as he is there, he can help the prince block the attacks of other princes. But if he is gone, King Wu Li Ke is not easy to deal with. The chosen prince must have the ability to resist.
Changsun Wuji thought about this problem every day, so he was unable to make up his mind. It was at this time that Li Xiang emerged as the emperor's grandson. Although he was a generation apart, he was also a blood relative of the Changsun family and the grandson of Empress Changsun, so Changsun Wuji had another candidate.
In Changsun Wuji's mind, the prince can not only support the Changsun family but also resist the attacks of other princes, and at the same time be good to the entire Tang Dynasty. This is the best choice. Of course, supporting the Changsun family must be the first priority.
"uncle?"
Prince Li Tai of Wei had been in for a long time, but Changsun Wuji was still thinking about something and was actually a little distracted.
"What did you say, Jiro?"
After hearing this, Li Tai was so angry at Zhangsun Wuji that he was speechless. I have racked my brains to attack Li Xiang, but you didn't hear a word I said.
"Your Highness the Prince of Wei said the same thing as I did. That brat is too arrogant and domineering. He's caused chaos throughout Chang'an City. Father should give him a good scolding later."
Changsun Chong had already doubted his own words and deeds, but when he heard that King Wei Li Tai said the same thing as he did, he immediately became interested and felt that he and Li Tai had the same idea.
Only Changsun Pingting, standing by, looked at the two of them as if they were two idiots. "Did you two drink too much before you even had dinner?" It was obvious that her father wasn't worried about this.
"His Royal Highness the Grandson has arrived..."
The gifts arrived before the person. The people in the room thought that Li Xiang would have to wait a while, but they didn't know that a large number of gifts had already been transported into Changsun Mansion.
The Changsun family was the wealthiest family during the Zhenguan period, and they never lacked all kinds of luxurious items. However, they were also shocked by Li Xiang's generosity. More than a dozen servants came in carrying all kinds of gifts. If you didn't know, you would think they were giving betrothal gifts. It didn't look like they were visiting relatives at all.
"Master Changsun, Miss Changsun, our Royal Highness has specially presented a small gift to you two..."