hsntnovel Chapter 2655 Going and Returning
Chapter 2655 Going and Returning
"If we succeed, we will surely come to the rescue; we will wait in comfort for the enemy to tire themselves out."
This is a military strategy that Li Shimin summarized from Li Shen's deception.
Its tactics are similar to the strategy of "besieging Wei to rescue Zhao" from the Thirty-Six Stratagems.
However, Li Shen's method was not to save Zhao, but to save both Wei and Zhao.
Using the initial million as bait, they forced themselves to spend another million, exploiting their reluctance to part with it.
It must be said that Li Shen's scam was simple and straightforward, making people know there was something wrong with it, but they still couldn't help but fall into it.
Li Shimin gave Li Shen a big thumbs up in his heart. This troublemaker has now stopped reading legends and started reading military strategy.
It was him today; if it were the Crown Prince or any of the other sons of the Prince of Wei, they would surely have been swindled out of their fortunes by Li Shen.
This boy is incredibly treacherous and cunning.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Ji is requesting an audience outside the palace."
Just as Li Shimin was thinking about Li Shen, a eunuch suddenly came in to report.
"Huh? What's he coming back for?"
Li Shimin was clearly taken aback when he heard this, not understanding why Li Shen would return. Was he back to be punished?
But he quickly dismissed the idea; no matter who came back to be punished, this rebellious son would not return.
To avoid punishment, he could flee to a remote town in Qinghai, thousands of miles away.
"Let him in," Li Shimin ordered in a deep voice.
He wanted to see what other tricks this rebellious son had up his sleeve.
He never imagined that Li Shen would turn over a new leaf; it would be good enough if he didn't continue his reckless ways.
Before long, Li Shen followed the officials in, a bright smile on his face. He approached the group and bowed deeply.
"Greetings to Father and Mother. May Father and Mother enjoy good health and longevity."
"Hmm." Li Shimin nodded slightly, wanting to see what Li Shen would say next.
Empress Zhangsun greeted them with a smile:
"My son, no need for formalities. Shen'er, what brings you back?"
"Thank you, Father and Mother. Today is the first day of the new year. I have come to offer you this letter of greeting. May you have boundless happiness and longevity, like the evergreen pine of the Southern Mountain."
Li Shen bowed again as he spoke.
"Heh." Li Shimin chuckled coldly twice upon seeing this.
"Li Shen, do you think I'm confused? Or do you think I'm easily fooled and can be easily fooled with just a few words?"
Does this unfilial son want to start over? Or does he think I'm stupid and have a bad memory?
"Hehe, Father, what are you saying? How could I lie to you? I just suddenly realized I was in the palace."
I heard from others that she had just entered the palace, but Ke'er had no memory of it at all.
I think my son must have had a brain attack just now. What he did or said was not what I wanted.
I hope Father will forgive my sins.
Li Shen chuckled, completely denying anything about what had just happened, saying it had nothing to do with him and was all done when he was having an attack.
His words made Li Shimin laugh in anger:
"Hehehe, Li Shen, do you think you're the smartest person in the world, that you can manipulate everyone else?"
Or do you think I'm too old and my memory isn't what it used to be?
Li Shimin looked at Li Shen with a cold smile.
"Shen'er, you've made your father angry again. Today, your mother has to give you a good talking-to. Although you are young, it's one thing for you to be naughty."
But how could I possibly cheat my father out of his money? That would be unfilial, do you understand?
Empress Zhangsun walked over and gave Li Shen a serious lecture.
Li Shen nodded obediently:
"I will follow Mother's teachings and correct my mistakes."
In any case, it's essential to have a good attitude in admitting mistakes. As for whether you'll repeat the mistake in the future, that's a matter for the future.
Empress Zhangsun nodded in satisfaction when she saw how well-behaved Li Shen was.
"Yes, remember what your father said. It's not easy for him to earn money either. If you encounter difficulties, you can tell your mother, and she will help you."
But cheating people out of money is wrong.
"Thank you, Mother. I will remember this and try my best not to cheat people out of money in the future."
Li Shen bowed and thanked her, surprised that his aunt was so kind and willing to help him.
"You, you!" Empress Zhangsun understood the meaning behind Li Shen's words and pointed at Li Shen's forehead with her finger.
"Alright, is there anything else you need back?"
Li Shimin interrupted this scene of maternal love and filial piety, and there must have been a reason why Li Shen returned halfway.
He waved to Empress Zhangsun, who immediately obeyed and led all the concubines out.
"Go ahead."
Li Shen glanced around to make sure no one else was around, then cheekily approached and poured a cup of tea, offering it to them with both hands.
"Father, have some tea."
Li Shimin took the drink but didn't drink it, instead carefully observing Li Shen's expression:
"Tenth Brother, have you gotten into big trouble again?"
"No, no," Li Shen shook his head.
"So you're trying to swindle money from me again?" Li Shimin realized.
Li Shen shook his head again:
"When has your son ever lied?"
Li Shimin remained silent, waiting for Li Shen to get down to business.
Li Shen turned to Wang De and said:
"Old Wang, go and keep watch at the door."
Upon hearing this, Wang De walked strangely to the door.
Seeing Li Shen so nervous, Li Shimin's heart jumped. He felt that this matter must be serious, probably even more serious than the raid on Xizhou.
Li Shen said in a low voice:
"Father, I have something to report."
"Speak," Li Shimin said solemnly.
"Father, there are a bit too many guards in my residence." Li Shen said solemnly and cautiously.
Li Shimin remained silent after hearing this, waiting for Li Shen to continue. After a while, seeing that Li Shen still hadn't spoken, he looked up and asked:
"That's it?"
Li Shen nodded:
"Yes, after my son came back, he kept thinking about it and couldn't sleep at night. He was filled with fear."
I wanted to report this to my father, but I haven't been able to find an opportunity since I came back.
"I had just left the palace and after much deliberation, I returned to apologize to you, Father, and beg you to give me some advice."
Li Shen's performance this time was genuine and sincere; he had originally intended to discuss it with Li Chengqian.
But then I thought that the damn thing was useless, it was like saying nothing at all, it would be safer to just go to my dad.
So after leaving the palace with Li Chengqian and others, Li Shen found an excuse to return, wanting to resolve the matter completely.
He didn't want this matter to be like a time bomb, which might explode at any time, and he probably wouldn't be able to bear the consequences then.
The emperor may allow him to act recklessly and cheat, but it is difficult to allow him to amass military power.
Throughout history, few who held military power had a good ending.
Even if Li Shen himself were the emperor, he wouldn't allow anyone to privately fund his bodyguards. Let alone someone as wealthy as him.
"Are you referring to the guards from that First Car Company?"
After hearing Li Shen's words, Li Shimin was not angry, but calmly asked.
“Father, the people from the First Carriage Company are not my guards, I can assure you.”
They were all guards who had retired from the Imperial Guard, and some of them were injured.
The son, out of pleading, secured a way for them to live, allowing them to have a better life.
(I took a break yesterday, mainly because I drank too much and got back late, so I couldn't finish writing.)