Chapter 445: Even a Rabbit Bites When It

He explained in detail to Li Shimin and the other two how the poisoner actually administered the poison; Chen Yan again sighed that the poisoner truly had skill.

In fact, if he didn't understand modern medicine and a bit of chemistry, he might, like those court physicians, be unable to discern Li Chengqian's condition.

Let alone the cause of the poisoning.

Chen Yan doesn't think anyone in this era knows what aconitine is, or understands that strong liquor contains ethanol.

It's likely that the poisoner himself doesn't even know the exact principle, let alone how to antidote it.

"Is there any way to antidote it?" Li Shimin asked, half startled that such a method of poisoning existed.

"There is," Chen Yan nodded. "In fact, the Crown Prince's poisoning is not severe; once the unobstructed effect of the medicine passes, a proper convalescence will prevent any major problem."

Empress Changsun immediately seized the point in his words, "No major problem, but could there be a minor one?"

Chen Yan sighed, "Minor issues are equally easy to resolve; overall it's within controllable limits, not too serious, not even reaching the level of His Majesty."

He felt this era was truly unfriendly to him, especially to those who were poisoned.

Li Chengqian was relatively lucky; he only needed to combine other things to catalyze the toxin's integration, find a way to expel it, and could still recover with proper care.

But for someone like Li Shimin, he had no good solution.

"Then that will do."

Empress Changsun and the Crown Princess relaxed.

Li Shimin gave Chen Yan a look at that moment; the latter understood and followed him out of the hall.

Outside, Li Shimin said as they walked, "You don't need to meddle further in this matter. I know the unflagged cavalry will set out tomorrow; leave the prescription, the regimen, and daily diet, tell the Crown Princess, and then you may return."

"Also, given your current status, you may recruit more private guards and be cautious in daily life."

"...... Huh?"

Chen Yan was taken aback, staring blankly at him.

Li Shimin, with a pointed tone, asked, "Who do you think, under the current circumstances, would dare to poison the Crown Prince?"

Chen Yan blinked, and in an instant thought of the noble families.

After a brief thought, he tentatively asked, "... They were driven to desperation?"

"Perhaps so; no one can say for sure, and I'm not entirely certain either, just speculating." Li Shimin's expression grew complex as he slightly raised his head to the sky, "But I know that lately the noble families have indeed been pressed by me to a certain extent."

"With my unrestrained investment, the spread of the Great Tang Daily has been rapid, gradually eroding public opinion across the realm. Especially since I announced it directly, without any disclosure of the grand opening of the Imperial Examination, their grip on scholars is quickly loosening."

"Externally, various industries have been squeezed by me—or by you—and they are now on the brink of collapse."

"Hey!" Chen Yan startled, "Your Majesty, don't speak recklessly; I haven't squeezed their industries, this has nothing to do with me!"

"Heh." Li Shimin sneered, "All the ideas were yours to give me; now you claim they're unrelated to you?"

"I never squeezed the noble families' industries either." Chen Yan retorted stubbornly.

"Then tell me, who gave me the fine salt?"

"It should have been me…" Chen Yan's voice lowered.

"Do you realize that the salt trade was once controlled by the noble families, and the emergence of fine salt is an unparalleled blow to them?" Li Shimin continued.

Chen Yan fell silent instantly.

Li Shimin didn't let him off, rambling, "Also, the silk you produced, the new steel forging method you recently unveiled, and the white sugar trade."

"These all coincidentally hit the noble families' critical industry points, and you still claim they're unrelated?"

Chen Yan was at a loss for words.

Upon reflection, since becoming a dog‑headed strategist, he had indeed been too unfriendly to the noble families.

From the fourth year of the Zhenguan era to now, the relationship between the noble families and Li Shimin has been rapidly intensifying, the contradictions deepening, and now it has reached an irreconcilable point.

He remained silent for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Since that's the case, why don't we strike first, aim to resolve the noble families quickly and eliminate these hidden threats!"

Li Shimin, surprised, said, "You just said it wasn't your business; why now do you want to strike first?"

"...... Your Majesty, it was just a joke; let's get down to business."

Li Shimin neither affirmed nor denied, patting his shoulder, "You don't pay much attention to the Court, and you're not in Chang'an, so it's inevitable you misjudge the situation here."

"Moreover, don't underestimate the noble families; the more it escalates, the less we can rush. Sticking to the original plan and proceeding steadily is the proper course."

"Even a rabbit bites when it's angry, right?"

"Your Majesty's meaning…?" Chen Yan asked, puzzled.

"I have no particular meaning." Upon learning Li Chengqian was fine, Li Shimin calmed down, standing with his arms crossed, "Don't forget my background; I'm not unfamiliar with the methods against the noble families."

"Just focus on your own duties; I have already made arrangements."

Hearing Li Shimin say that, Chen Yan also felt reassured.

If possible, he actually didn't want to deal with such matters.

Immediately thereafter, Chen Yan, following Li Shimin's instructions, wrote a prescription and reminded the Crown Princess of many matters and daily precautions.

By afternoon, Li Chengqian had become exhausted and fell back asleep.

But he indeed seemed much better than before, at least no longer suffering severe abdominal pain.

After checking on Li Chengqian's son, before leaving, Chen Yan said to Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, the unflagged cavalry will set out tomorrow; will you come over?"

Originally Chen Yan could be certain Li Shimin would come, but after this incident, he was no longer sure.

Li Shimin pondered, "Go then; I will go tomorrow with the Empress."

Chen Yan understood.

The sovereign and the matriarch seeing off together holds special significance for the unflagged cavalry.

Unfortunately, Li Chengqian certainly couldn't go; otherwise, with an additional heir apparent, the roster would be complete.

"Have you settled on a specific time? Morning or afternoon?" Li Shimin wanted to confirm.

"Morning, we'll depart promptly at the Si hour!" Chen Yan replied offhand, "So far everything is ready, no unexpected issues, just waiting to board tomorrow."

"The Si hour, then." Li Shimin nodded slightly, "No problem, the Empress and I will be there on time."

"Then I'll head back first." Chen Yan proposed to take his leave.

Li Shimin hummed, then said with deep meaning, "Remember to be careful; you are also one of the key figures."

"......"