Insufficient balance

  As a small figure under the general trend, Dr. Xu Zhen of Taichang Temple felt great pressure.

  He used to be an insignificant clerk in the Tai Temple, living a tight life. In the Great Ming Palace, anyone could order him around, and when he returned home, his wife would scold him. His life was dull and gloomy. Fortunately, he had the opportunity to climb up the big tree of Xue Chongxun, and immediately rose to prominence, from being a clerk to becoming a doctor. Although the official position is not high, it's much better than before, at least he's an official now, and when he returns home, he can put on airs and have people serve him.

  But what he had just done according to Xue Chongxun's instructions made him feel quite uneasy. Telling Prime Minister Wei Zhiguo about the Crown Prince's rebellion... He hadn't thought much of it before, since it was something his superiors had entrusted him with, and naturally he had carried it out, but now he was thinking about it afterwards and feeling afraid.

  Will the Crown Prince rebel? Xu Zhen thought it was unlikely, this was probably another trick by Taiping Princess and her family to strike at the Crown Prince's party. The gods above fighting originally had nothing to do with Xu Zhen, but the problem was that if this matter got out of hand and was investigated as a rumor, could Xue Chongxun protect him?

  Xu Zhenyi has always shown dependence on Xue Chongxun, and Xue Chongxun shouldn't be stupid enough to mess with his own people... Xu Zhen is worried that Xue Chongxun won't be able to protect himself.

  He thought it over and still felt that Princess Taiping was more reliable than Xue Chongxun, besides this might be an opportunity to climb up the big tree of Princess Taiping. This couldn't be considered betrayal, Xue Chongxun was originally Princess Taiping's person anyway.

  Xu Zhen thought for a long time before finally heading towards the residence of Princess Taiping.

  When the time came, after the drumbeat of the Da Ming Palace, the gate of the Zhen Guo Taiping Princess's mansion was truly bustling with people coming and going. There were officials wearing purple clothes, red clothes, and green clothes, making it dazzling to watch. Some were high-ranking officials who had attached themselves to the princess; some came to ask for favors; some came to inquire about official business, because on some major matters the emperor would always say "Ask Taiping first", so it was better to ask the princess first; and there were also officials from the princess's mansion.

  The princesses of the Li Tang dynasty generally did not interfere in politics and would not establish their own fiefs or officials. In the early days, only one daughter of Emperor Gaozu had a large merit and opened her own fief; now Princess Taiping also has her own fief, with 5,000 households under her control, as well as countless local officials' "filial piety" and gifts. This princess's establishment is even larger than that of the imperial princes.

  Xu Zhen, such a small official, felt extremely humble standing in front of the princess's mansion, and his heart was also a little apprehensive. Just then, he saw Chancellor Dou Huaijian getting out of his carriage, the handsome and elegant Dou Huaijian being someone who would report to Princess Taiping every day after finishing his shift.

  Xu Zhen hastily walked up and bowed humbly: "Your subordinate has seen Lord Dou."

  "What's the matter, scatter! Haven't you seen my husband busy? If there's something, come to the yamen tomorrow during duty hours and say it." The arrogant servant immediately shouted loudly, seeing that Xu Zhen was wearing green clothes, that arrogant servant almost directly called him a scoundrel.

  However, Dou Huai-zhen was in a good mood and was willing to carefully enjoy the dignity of this power. Seeing others humble themselves before him out of fear of his power gave Dou Huai-zhen a sense of satisfaction. He beckoned with his hand: "Come here, what department are you from?"

  Xu Zhen hastily ran over, if it wasn't for the rules he almost knelt down, he bowed his waist very low, "This official is a doctor of Tai Chang Temple, Xue Qing's person."

  Dong Huai Zhen swept her wide, long sleeves and made a carefree gesture: "Xue Lang, didn't we chat together at the Duke's residence last time... what brings you here?"

  Xu Zhen looked around and said in a low voice: "It's very important, can Duke Dou bring me to meet Princess Taiping of the Town National Peace in person?"

  Dong Huai Zhen said: "You just tell me, I happen to be going into the palace, and I'll put in a good word for you with the Emperor."

  Xu Zhen took a step forward and lowered his voice as much as possible: "It's something related to the Crown Prince... an improper matter, I can only discuss it with Your Highness in person."

  Dong Huai Zhen raised an eyebrow and her face fell: "You can't go around saying things like that, talking carelessly can get you beheaded, got it?"

  Xu Zhendao said: "I also have a certain level of seniority, don't you understand? So I can only speak again in front of the princess."

  Dong Huai Zhen hesitated for a moment before saying: "Alright, follow me in."

  "Thank you, Lord Tou."

  Going through the main gate isn't that strict, because many are here on daily business to find officials within the princess's mansion and not necessarily to see the princess. After they pass by a cluster of buildings near the entrance and arrive at another gate, it becomes much harder to get in. They have to record their name, position, and even describe their appearance. However, Duan Huaijin has an easy time getting in; he's a frequent visitor, and bringing an official with him isn't a problem either - just a simple record is fine.

  Princess Taiping met with the high-ranking officials who came to visit today in the front hall, including Dou Huaiyuan and Cui Huan of the Ministry of Central Affairs, all of whom were core members of the Taiping faction.

  However, Dou Huaijian didn't quite take to Cui Xuan. He always felt that this guy was a bit too effeminate, and even his clothes were overly flashy, like some kind of actor. Mainly it was because Dou Huaijian looked down on Cui Xuan. Although they both owed their positions to Princess Taiping, Dou Huaijian thought he had real ability, while Cui Xuan was just a pretty face, rotten inside.

  After Taiping Princess took her seat, she glanced at the people in the hall and focused on Xuzhen, who was wearing a green robe. Not only was his status low, but he was also an unfamiliar face. She asked: "Who are you? How did you get in?"

  "Your Highness, this man is an official from the Taichang Temple. He says he's under Xue Lang and has some information about the Crown Prince's misdeeds. I thought since there are no outsiders here, we could bring him in to listen. If what he says isn't true, we can throw him out and punish him."

  Princess Taiping said sternly: "The Crown Prince is the foundation of the country, how can anyone casually spread rumors about him? I think you are tired of living."

  Xu Zhen's heart was extremely panicked, but the life-saving token in his arms made him feel much more at ease. He immediately reached into his arms and took out the token, a letter, and knelt down on the ground with both hands holding up the letter: "A handwritten letter from Xue Qing, please take a look, Your Highness."

  Chui Huang hurriedly ran over to pick up the letter and handed it over to Princess Taiping, he seemed to be doing this errand with great enthusiasm.

  Princess Taiping unfolded the letter and indeed it was written by her son, without any mistake. When she finished reading the content, her face also changed: "Why did Chongxun do this?" She suddenly thought of other confidants who didn't understand the letter, so she passed it to Dou Huaijian and others to take a look.

  Dong Huai Zhen looked at it and was also very puzzled: "The prince didn't need to do this, and the risk is too great. This matter is probably a rumor, but what's strange is why Xue Lang would come up with such a bad plan? Even if he could get it into Wei Zhiguo's ears, the emperor might not believe it, or maybe he would suspect that we are plotting something behind his back. Strange, really strange!"

  Another minister hesitated and said, "This matter will be mentioned in front of Wei Zhiguo, and the emperor will definitely know about it. No matter what the situation is, or whether the emperor believes it or not, he will surely ask about the source of the information later. What should Xue Lang say to the emperor then? Why didn't Xue Lang mention this to Your Highness beforehand?"

  "Why don't we just bring Chongxun over and ask him? It's a good opportunity for his injuries to heal, let him recover at my place." said Princess Taiping.

  ……

  Wei Zhi Gu was a plump and fair-skinned man with a round face and double chin, always wearing a smile that made him look very gentle. As soon as he finished reading the letter Xu Zhen wrote to him, he felt unbelievable, but after thinking about it, this matter is of great importance, and the person who wrote the letter is also a person from the Weiguo Gong, so he can't just throw it away, and still has to report to the emperor as soon as possible.

  But then he thought again: If I rush to Linde Hall and tell the emperor, won't I be helping to spread rumors about the crown prince?

  Wei Zhigu left the outer court of the Great Ming Palace and didn't rush to see the Emperor, but instead went straight to the Eastern Palace. He saw Li Longji and said: "Your Highness, I just received some news that someone said you have a disloyal heart... Of course, I think it's nonsense, but others may have ulterior motives, Your Highness should be on guard."

  Li Longji originally had a smile on his face, but when he heard this, the smile on his face suddenly disappeared completely. He was first startled, and then a puzzled expression appeared on his face.

  Liu Youqiu and others suggested a coup, but only a few people knew about it. Now even Wei Zhiguo knows about it, how is this possible?

  Li Longji had never intended to adopt Liu Yu's suggestion from the start, and had already dispelled such thoughts, only thinking about how to comfort his subordinates. The most important thing was to keep Gao Lishi's words confidential, so as not to disturb the overall situation... Who would have thought that the news would leak out?

  He took a few steps, suddenly remembering Zhang Wei. This man had plenty of heroic spirit and was reliable, but he just liked to drink a bit too much. It's likely that the leak came from Zhang Wei!

  Li Longji hastily asked: "Who is it that has been slandering me?"

  Wei Zhigu said: "This man is a doctor of Taichang Temple, but he mentioned the Duke of Wei State. Who else could be involved in this matter except for those on the side of Princess Taiping?"

  Li Longji hesitated, wanting to say that if Taiping Princess were to use slander again to frame him for treason, it would be useless; now she no longer spreads rumors of "replacing the elder with the younger", and it seems that her strategy has shifted to easing tensions... From this, it can be seen that Taiping Princess absolutely cannot fabricate such a thing out of thin air, as this method is ineffective and may even backfire.

  Why did she do that? It's likely that she already had evidence in her hands... The main thing is that it was too coincidental, just as the two confidants gave Li Longji a bad idea, there was immediately action on the Taiping side.

  At this time, Wei Zhiguo politely said: "Your Highness knows, so I'll take my leave first."

  Li Longji said in a low voice: "Prime Minister Wei, are you going to tell Father Emperor about this?"

  Wei Zhigu's face was slightly awkward, and he said: "I won't say it, others will, but the person who stirred up this matter can only reap what they sow in the end, isn't that obvious? Your Highness doesn't need to mind."

  Indeed, it's obvious. The problem is that Princess Taiping is also a very cunning person, how could she make such an obvious mistake? Wei Zhiguo's phrase "obvious" makes Li Longji feel even more suspicious.

  The Emperor may not believe that Li Longji would rebel, but if there is any basis for the accusation, Liu Yuanyu and Zhang Wei will probably not be able to escape. Moreover, the Emperor does have some suspicions about Li Longji...

  When you don't cut off, you will be affected by its chaos! Li Longji immediately called out to Wei Zhigu and said: "Wei Xianggong please stay, I will go into the palace to see my father, the Emperor, and tell him about this matter in person."

  Wei Zhiguo thought for a moment and said, "This is also good, we can take the initiative, and avoid being reported by bad people first."