Chapter 491: Chapter 35: The Curtain Rises, Upheaval in the Palace

Although his talents are average, he has an exceptional gift for literature, even Gu Yi is somewhat surprised.

"Your Highness, it’s already the third quarter of the Si hour (7:00 AM)!"

Gu Lei lifted the beaded curtain, glanced at the empty desk, and his tone grew increasingly anxious, "If you are late again today, those Imperial Censors will probably submit a petition together!"

Recently, the trend of remonstration in the court has been intensifying. Li Chengqian, bearing the responsibility of the Crown Prince, not only has heavy coursework but also must attend court meetings with Li Shimin.

If there is the slightest negligence, the remonstrating ministers will seize upon it, as last winter, when he was late twice for morning lessons due to typhoid, the speech officials immediately submitted a report at court.

To put it bluntly, they were using Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, to boost their reputation.

After all, compared to advising Li Shimin, persuading the Crown Prince is indeed much easier.

Such incidents have occurred often in the past two years.

Li Shimin doesn’t mind this, but is rather pleased with the ministers’ persuasion of the Crown Prince.

The echo of the call resonated in the sleeping chamber, seeing that no one responded, Gu Lei’s heart tightened, and he hurriedly ran to the sleeping chamber.

The moment the palace door with a gilded beast head ring was pushed open, upon seeing the scene inside, Gu Lei’s expression instantly changed.

Li Chengqian was collapsed before the reputed statue, having fainted at some unknown moment!

"Your Highness!—"

A cry of shock shattered the silence of the Eastern Palace.

It was only when Li Chengqian slowly regained consciousness that Li Shimin arrived and learned the reason behind it.

Li Chengqian was indeed too exhausted.

His originally heavy coursework, coupled with Li Shimin gradually involving him in state affairs, and his immense worry about Empress Changsun, whom he wanted to pray for, ultimately overwhelmed this young man.

It was due to Li Chengqian’s repeated insistence that others were unaware of his fainting, as he had demanded not to be disturbed during his prayers.

Upon learning all this, Li Shimin’s expression also became somewhat complicated.

Looking at Li Chengqian, who had a slightly pale face on the couch, he sighed softly and consoled, "Don’t worry about your mother."

"For these few days, take a good rest."

Though Li Chengqian had always wanted to rest, he showed no sign of joy at this moment, as he was still worried about Empress Changsun.

Li Shimin gently patted him, then turned around intending to leave.

But just at that moment———

Gu Lei, who stood beside them, suddenly took a deep breath, knelt down abruptly, and said loudly: "Your Majesty! I have something to say!"

His expression was exceedingly solemn.

Li Shimin couldn’t help but stop in his tracks and looked at Gu Lei in surprise: "What are you up to, boy?"

Gu Lei was usually very carefree, being a descendant of Pingyang Princess, he never addressed Li Shimin as "Your Majesty" but as "Uncle," and usually interacted very casually.

This was the first time he was so formal.

"All the people under heaven know that Your Majesty is willing to listen to advice. Although I am still young, I also have advice to give."

"Does Your Majesty wish to hear it?"

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise instantly flashed across Li Shimin’s eyes.

In the case of another emperor, he might have become angry, but as for Li Shimin, he actually admired Gu Lei’s character.

A group of ministers behind him were also very surprised, including the Gu Clan such as Gu Zi and others.

No one could guess what Gu Lei was going to do.

"Speak," Li Shimin said as he adjusted his expression upon seeing the seriousness of Gu Lei.

Upon hearing this, Gu Lei prostrated deeply, his voice clear and resolute: "Your Majesty! I have heard from the Zuo Zhuan: ’In times of peace, prepare for danger; if prepared, there will be no harm.’ What the Crown Prince has done is precisely in line with this!"

"First, the Crown Prince rises early and retires late, diligently pursuing his studies, this is the duty of a Crown Prince, contemplating the peace of the state;"

"Second, the Crown Prince has just begun to engage in politics and does not dare to slacken, this is to prepare for the stability of the realm;"

"Third, he is concerned about the Empress’s health, praying sincerely to the gods to the point of fainting, this is to think of the dangers to his kin and to be fully prepared!"

"The Crown Prince cares for the country, the government, and his kin, all three arise from sincere intentions. Though young, his ambition and thoughts are loyal and pure, self-discipline to this extent, he is indeed a model of a minister!"

"I may be reckless, but I boldly plead with Your Majesty to recognize the Crown Prince’s filial piety, diligence, and responsibility, to commend his virtue and to comfort his heart and also let the world know Your Majesty’s high regard for filial piety and encouragement of loyalty and diligence!"

The bright and tender youthful voice resounded throughout the bedchamber.

Li Shimin looked at Gu Lei in amazement, then at Li Chengqian on the bed who was also somewhat surprised, and suddenly smiled.

"Very well!"

"No wonder you are a child of the Gu Clan, no wonder you are my nephew."

Li Shimin had not laughed for days, he did not directly promise but looked at the ministers, who were also stunned, and said, "What do you all think, dear ministers?"

"Master Gu’s words are very true!"

"Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince’s intentions should be rewarded..."

The response erupted instantly, even Wei Zheng agreed with this matter.

Li Shimin’s smile deepened, seeing Gu Lei still kneeling, he raised his hand in a gesture of support: "Stand up."

Before the words fell, he had already given his promise: "I approve."

Gu Lei’s restraint instantly dissipated, eyebrows lifting with joy: "Thank you, imperial uncle!"

The tail note carried delight, no longer the solemnity from just before.

"You rascal."

Li Shimin shook his head helplessly, then departed with the assembled ministers.

Outside the palace doors, the sound of ornaments clinking gradually faded away, leaving the bedchamber with only the gentle swaying of curtains and the fragrant scent curling up.

"Lei Di truly has courage." Li Chengqian leaned against the dragon-carved couch, his gaze filled with admiration.

Gu Lei took several quick steps forward, lowering his voice: "Once the Emperor has spoken, those remonstrating ministers should settle down."

Just as Li Chengqian was about to nod, he suddenly froze as if struck by lightning.

His pale fingers clutched the bed curtain tightly, cold sweat soaking his back instantly.

"My legs... my legs!"

Li Chengqian let out a suppressed roar from his throat, his whole body curling into a bow, with veins throbbing on his temples. ... 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

....

(Ps: It’s the end of the month, brothers, if you have monthly votes in hand, please vote; if not, they’ll expire. We ministers shall be rewarded for our hard work!!!)