Chapter 2: Li Chengqian: Father, You Are Unfilial!
Crown prince for eighteen years? Rebellion failed? Returning to the throne as crown prince?
Huh?
Wait... is the person on this panel really me?
And one more thing.
My leg isn’t crippled!
Li Chengqian was baffled and couldn’t help but shout in his mind, “System?”
[Here!]
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
“What year is it now?”
[The seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era.]
“Who are you kidding? It’s the ninth year of Wude now!”
[Please adhere to the system’s recognized timeline.]
“Damn it!”
Li Chengqian had inherited the memories of his original self, so he naturally knew the current year. But this system was clearly running ahead of time.
Unable to resist, he asked again, “Who am I?”
[Deposed crown prince, Li Chengqian.]
“No, you must be mistaken. I’m only eight years old now, not the twenty-six-year-old deposed crown prince Li Chengqian!”
[Upon verification, you are indeed Li Chengqian.]
“Alright, alright, so this is how it’s going to be! I’m about to be made crown prince again—does that count as returning to the throne?”
[No.]
“Why not? I’m the deposed crown prince, right? If a deposed crown prince is reinstated, doesn’t that count as returning?”
[Verification complete: you are the deposed crown prince.]
“I...”
[Deposed crown prince.]
“Fine, you’ve learned to answer before I finish.”
Li Chengqian raised his hand to his forehead, unsure whether to call the system intelligent or utterly rigid.
Something that made perfect sense ended up being absurd—why?
Could it be that my soul and body don’t match, causing a bug in the system?!
“Can I not rebel against fate?”
[Rebellion system activated. Host must reclaim the throne as crown prince. Reward: Supreme Dao of Longevity, capable of curing a crippled leg.]
“I want a different task!”
[Once assigned, system tasks cannot be changed.]
“What kind of lousy task is this? It’s impossible to complete!”
[Please complete it as soon as possible. Your lifespan is limited; otherwise, you cannot defy fate!]
“Damn!”
Li Chengqian couldn’t help but swear, startling Empress Zhangsun nearby.
“Chengqian, what’s wrong?”
Empress Zhangsun looked at Li Chengqian, torn between confusion and concern.
“Mother, I...”
Just as Li Chengqian was about to seek her help, the mechanical voice echoed again.
[Host must complete the task alone. No discussion of task contents with others.]
Li Chengqian was so frustrated he nearly spat blood but had no choice but to carry out the system’s orders.
He had already died once; he had no desire to die again.
“Chengqian, what’s really wrong with you?”
Seeing him hesitate, Empress Zhangsun’s heart tightened with worry.
“Nothing, Mother. I’m just tired and want to rest a bit more...”
Facing her worried inquiries, Li Chengqian forced a brave face.
“Alright, then rest.”
Empress Zhangsun hesitated, sensing somehow that her eldest son was different from before.
...
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Li Chengqian’s uncle, Zhangsun Wuji, arrived, saying he was to take Li Chengqian to the Xiande Hall.
It was obvious without guessing that Emperor Taizong was preparing to officially appoint him crown prince.
But Li Chengqian still hadn’t figured out how to complete the system’s task.
Because the system made no logical sense.
And it might have bugs.
After weighing the pros and cons, Li Chengqian couldn’t help but ask Zhangsun Wuji, “Uncle, can I not go?”
Zhangsun Wuji refused outright, “No!”
This was the most crucial moment for their Zhangsun clan. Only if a member of the Zhangsun lineage became crown prince could their family rise with the nation.
“But I...”
Li Chengqian tried to find an excuse to slip away, but Zhangsun Wuji grabbed his arm earnestly.
“Chengqian, today is your most important day and the one your mother has been looking forward to the most. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”
“I...”
Li Chengqian opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself.
He knew there was no way to avoid it; he had to face it head-on.
However, as they arrived at the front courtyard of the Eastern Palace’s Xiande Hall, a voice of admonition came from inside.
“Your Majesty, the retired emperor has abdicated for many days but still resides in the Taiji Palace. I believe this is somewhat inappropriate.”
Hearing this, Li Chengqian frowned slightly and turned to Zhangsun Wuji.
“Uncle, are they trying to drive Grandfather Emperor away?”
“Uh...”
Zhangsun Wuji’s mouth twitched awkwardly, unsure how to respond, so he smiled and changed the subject.
“Chengqian, wait here. Let me go in and see. You shall obediently wait for His Majesty’s summons.”
“Oh, alright...”
Li Chengqian nodded obediently and watched Zhangsun Wuji enter the hall.
Inside, he heard Emperor Taizong’s calm voice.
“This matter—I have not not considered it, but have not yet come to a decision. Since it has been brought up today, discuss it as you wish.”
Li Chengqian rolled his eyes.
You pretend you haven’t thought it through? You probably want to move to the Taiji Palace yourself!
That place is low-lying, cold, and damp every winter—what’s so great about it?
Voices echoed inside the hall.
“Your Majesty, the matter of the retired emperor’s relocation must be handled cautiously!”
“And what is His Majesty’s wish?”
“I can inquire on Your Majesty’s behalf...”
“That’s good. But if the retired emperor agrees to move, where should he go?”
“Your Majesty, I suggest Hongyi Palace!”
“Hm, Hongyi Palace is indeed a fine choice!”
Emperor Taizong smiled and nodded.
“But the name should be changed. Let it be called Da’an Palace, where the retired emperor can enjoy his twilight years in peace...”
“Father—!”
Before Emperor Taizong could finish, a shout came from outside the door.
The courtiers were surprised and turned to see.
Li Chengqian stumbled in angrily, his face flushed with fury.
“Chengqian, do not be rude!”
Zhangsun Wuji was startled and rushed to stop him.
But Emperor Taizong frowned in displeasure.
“You entered without summons. What business brings you here?”
“Your servant has something to say!”
“A mere child...” Emperor Taizong interrupted sharply. “The court is in session. Speak later!”
“What’s wrong with a child? Gan Luo was twelve when he was sent as an envoy to Zhao. I’m already eight, two years older than Xiang Tuo, Confucius’s teacher!”
“You!”
Emperor Taizong looked at Li Chengqian in surprise, not expecting such boldness, then furrowed his brow.
“Speak.”
“Father, you just said you wanted to inquire about Grandfather’s wishes. Now the palace name has already been changed. This is unfilial!”
“Ungrateful son!”
Emperor Taizong slammed his hand on the dragon desk in anger.
“Who told you to spout nonsense here?!”
“Your Majesty...”
Zhangsun Wuji opened his mouth to speak, but Emperor Taizong shot him a cold glare, silencing him immediately.
Li Chengqian straightened his neck and said, “I am not spouting nonsense. Our Tang dynasty governs by filial piety. You have often taught me to honor my elders. How could I, fearing the power of the Son of Heaven, ignore your teachings and fail to speak justly and truthfully?”
A stir erupted!
Some were stunned speechless by his words.
Others felt a turning point, their eyes lighting up.
Li Chengqian’s statement was undoubtedly a compliment to Emperor Taizong, who was delighted and laughed heartily.
“Ha ha ha—”
Laugh all you want, just don’t overturn the table later, Li Chengqian prayed silently.