Chapter 583: Li Chengqian: What? Qingque tried to poison me?

Inside Lizheng Hall, everyone gathered, the atmosphere oppressively terrible.

Even Li Shimin rushed over upon hearing that Empress Changsun had fainted.

But he said nothing, only asking Chen Yan if there was any serious problem.

After receiving the answer that it was nothing serious, just a surge of anger, he sat down and remained silent.

Older sister, did I say something wrong?

In the corner, Sizi and Chengyang huddled together, timidly asking.

Chengyang said glumly, "It shouldn't count as misspeaking; I just spoke too frankly, and Mother couldn't accept it right away."

She is older, understands more; unlike Sizi, who seems smart but actually knows little.

But... but Mother fainted.

Sizi pouted, big tears streaming down, but she didn't dare disturb Li Shimin and Chen Yan, only sobbing softly.

Li Lizhi heard her sister's sobs, sighed, walked over, and held her in her arms, softly comforting her:

All right, don't cry.

Mother is just asleep; she'll be fine once she wakes up.

Older sister, I'm no longer a three-year-old; I'm over four now—don't try to fool me, Mother clearly fainted.

Li Lizhi:......

Little brat!

She doesn't understand what she should, but knows all too well what she shouldn't!

Mother!

At that moment, Li Chengqian rushed over upon hearing the news; he still didn't grasp what had happened, seeing Empress Changsun faint, he hurriedly pulled Chen Yan:

Zi Anxiong, is my mother alright? Why did she suddenly faint? Is it due to her qi illness?

But your medicine has clearly improved her qi illness a lot—she hasn't had an episode in ages.

Chen Yan opened his mouth, gritted his teeth, and simply didn't know how to tell Li Chengqian.

I can't just tell them that your mother fainted because she found out your second brother tried to poison you, nearly killing you.

This matter isn't settled yet.

Whether it's related to Li Tai is still up for debate!

All right!

Stop arguing; let your mother rest!

Meanwhile, Li Shimin, who had been silent, came to Chen Yan's rescue.

Following behind, the newly entered Crown Princess immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere in the hall and silently walked over to Li Lizhi and Gao Yang.

She wanted to find out what was going on.

Li Chengqian stared, looking at Chen Yan's complex expression and then at Li Shimin's face as black as a pot's bottom, a bad premonition rising in his heart.

Mother...... could it be that she's not going to make it?

Thinking this, Li Chengqian's nose soured, his legs went weak, and he knelt down.

Mother...... Mother!!!

Everyone:......

Li Shimin's forehead bulged with two veins—what is this unfilial son doing?

Is he mourning?

Damn it, none of his sons are the least bit reassuring.

Just as he was about to erupt, he suddenly heard Empress Changsun's weak call.

Child...... my child...... Cheng Qian......

Mother!?

Li Chengqian froze for a moment, then his eyes burst with brilliant joy; he hurriedly knee-walked over and grasped Empress Changsun's slowly rising hand.

Mother, I'm here; Cheng Qian is here.

He hastily took Empress Changsun's hand and placed it on his face, saying, "Mother, look, it's me—it's Cheng Qian."

Guanyin Maid!

Li Shimin couldn't stay seated either, and went over with Li Lizhi and the others.

Guanyin Maid, how do you feel? Any discomfort, dizziness, or unease?

Zi An! Zi An! What are you staring at? Hurry over and examine my Guanyin Maid!

... Cheng Qian...... Empress Changsun's eyes full of weariness, ignoring the anxious Li Shimin and others, she looked at the child before her, heart aching, "Cheng Qian, Mother asks you one thing, alright?"

Li Chengqian was even more dazed, but instinctively replied, "Mother, you needn't beg; tell me what you need, and if I can do it, I will surely agree."

That said, grievances have origins, debts have owners, but you are all Mother's children—flesh from her body, born after ten months of pregnancy and hardship. He first struck you ruthlessly; no matter what you do, Mother won't blame you.

But Mother begs you—please spare the Qingque family a path to survival, let Xin'er return to her fief, never set foot in Chang'an; let the grudges of the previous generation be settled by that generation... alright?

To be honest, after hearing Empress Changsun's request, Li Chengqian's mind went blank.

Not understanding the situation, he couldn't even grasp Empress Changsun's meaning.

What does it mean to settle the previous generation's grudges within that generation, and what does it mean to give Xin'er a way to survive?

What is this supposed to be?

Chen Yan, who knew everything, quickly explained, "Your Highness Empress, this matter hasn't been confirmed yet; Sizi is young and just blabbered after hearing a few words."

The ones who poisoned the Crown Prince were the former retainers of Prince Wei; it's not yet certain whether they're linked to Prince Wei... I've already asked Prince Wei, and he looked puzzled, seemingly unaware—perhaps it was just his former retainers acting on their own, trying to make a gamble...

... What?" Li Chengqian stared, bewildered.

The news Chen Yan spoke of utterly shocked him.

Who gave me poison...... is it Li Tai's old subordinates?

"Father Emperor, this......"

He looked at Li Shimin, not understanding, hoping to get an answer from him.

Actually, he found it hard to believe this.

Everyone can see what Li Tai is like now.

One could say, nothing compares to his Divine Might Cannon, which has completely extinguished the desire to vie for the throne.

No...... it's probably not likely to poison him, intending to harm him, right?

But Li Shimin's mind is just as confused now, and before the facts are cleared up, nobody knows what the situation is.

"This matter hasn't been settled yet; I've already had Li Junxian and Li Daozong send people to watch Qingque, and also had them follow this lead to investigate further."

"The specific situation is still unknown; perhaps it was someone Qingque previously won over acting on their own, or perhaps Qingque's current behavior is merely a smokescreen, and the poisoning...... perhaps he really ordered it."

"Let's wait a bit longer; we already have a few clues, and I believe we'll find out soon!"

However, after hearing Chen Yan's words, Empress Changsun's pupils dilated for a moment, and several emotions flitted across her face.

There was surprise and anticipation, as well as worry and panic.

This was a mother's painful struggle.

Then, her face darkened slightly, her gaze lowered, she glared at the sobbing Xiao Sizi, and took a few deep breaths:

"Summon Qingque to this palace!"

"I will question him myself!"

"......"