Chapter One: Does a Green Sparrow Deserve to Be Crown Prince?

“*Huff…*”

Despite Haonan’s desperate attempts to breathe, he gradually lost his life amid the raging floodwaters.

Because he had rescued a little girl, he ultimately became a hero.

Upon awakening, Haonan found himself in an ancient, elegantly furnished room—completely unfamiliar.

Suddenly, a splitting headache struck, and fragmented memories of his previous life began to flood his mind.

These disjointed recollections spun rapidly like a roller coaster through his consciousness.

Haonan realized then that he had transmigrated—he had crossed over into the body of Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince of the mighty Tang Empire.

This identity was unquestionably one second only to the emperor, towering above all others.

A true man above men!

His excitement was like that of a desert wanderer on the brink of death finally receiving a bottle of pure water—sweet, refreshing, and invigorating.

It was also like the tremor felt at the crucial moment of a long struggle, when scaling the highest peak.

Yet, Haonan’s joy was short-lived; suddenly, a flood of memories cascaded relentlessly through his mind.

“Seventeenth year of Zhenguan, early March, Chengxin was killed, and Emperor Taizong is about to accuse Li Chengqian…”

“Li Chengqian is on the verge of rebellion…”

“Helgan Chengji’s assassination attempt failed, implicating Prince Qi in the treason plot, and he is about to betray…”

Haonan jolted upright from the bed.

“Your Highness, are you alright?” Two maidservants hastened over, their concern evident.

“I am fine. You may leave now,” Li Chengqian replied without looking up, leaning back against the headboard.

“Very well, Your Highness. We shall remain outside and await your command,” they answered, promptly retreating and quietly closing the door behind them.

They knew Li Chengqian’s temper well; his current expression showed he was angry, so they wisely kept their distance.

Haonan gathered his thoughts, sweating coldly. If nothing changed, his adoptive father, Emperor Taizong, would soon summon him for punishment.

That was the lesser concern. More fatal was that Prince Qingque and Li Zhi cunningly plotted to seize the crown prince’s position—his precarious standing would soon force him to take desperate measures.

Qingque and his faction had frequently slandered him before Emperor Taizong; ultimately, Li Chengqian’s failed rebellion led to his deposition and a tragic death in exile.

Haonan was unwilling to accept this fate and resolved firmly within himself:

“This cannot happen!”

“In my previous life, I was but a corporate drone who became a hero by saving others. In this life, I will live with purpose.”

“From now on, I am Li Chengqian. I will defy fate, ensure Li Chengqian’s smooth succession, and glorify the Tang Empire’s prestige—so that wherever the sun and moon shine, it is Tang land; wherever the streams flow, they nourish Tang people.”

“The most urgent task now is to stabilize my adoptive father and carefully navigate my rivalry with Qingque.”

“Fortunately, there is still time. Since no rebellion has been uncovered yet and my adoptive father is unaware, I will reshuffle the cards—using my new knowledge and abilities to change the present situation.”

“Someone, bring me new clothes.” Li Chengqian called out toward the door, his voice calm but clear enough for the maids outside to hear.

Soon several maids entered, bustling about as they redressed him.

Li Chengqian approached a mirror, noticing one leg was severely impaired.

He understood this was the result of Qingque’s earlier betrayal during a horseback ride, which left him with a lasting limp.

But that was insignificant; having a second chance at life, he could surely cure his leg ailment.

“Your Highness, where are you headed?” Crown Princess Su Yuyan hurried over, smiling warmly.

“My dear, I may need to visit the palace briefly, but I shall return soon,” Li Chengqian said, gently pulling her into his embrace.

“Your Highness, I worry for you—must you go?” Su Yuyan’s face showed unease.

Though Li Chengqian had not favored her lately, her status as crown princess was undeniable.

Her love was wholly devoted to Li Chengqian.

As they spoke, a servant entered with a message: “Your Highness, His Majesty requests your immediate presence at the Taiji Palace…”

“My dear, rest at ease. I will return soon,” Li Chengqian reassured her, patting her shoulder before turning to leave for the palace.

Within the Taiji Palace, Emperor Taizong waited sternly.

“Chengqian…” His voice was grave, teeth clenched, “Kneel before me!”

“Father…” Li Chengqian raised his head but obeyed, dropping to his knees.

From the emperor’s roar, Li Chengqian sensed the threat, yet he was no longer the old prince—he understood the gravity of the moment.

“You worthless child! When did you become so… Ugh! How could I have such a disobedient son!” Taizong spat, suddenly brandishing a horsewhip.

“Turn around!”

The emperor stormed forward, striking Li Chengqian’s back with a fierce lash.

*Hiss—*

The searing pain surged through Li Chengqian’s nerves like electricity, nearly suffocating him in an instant.

“You did such a filthy thing—I’m ashamed even to mention it! If you needed palace maids, you should have asked me and I would have granted them. How could you…”

Taizong’s lips trembled, his face darkening as his eyes bulged in fury.

Before Li Chengqian could respond, a second lash struck harder, leaving a deep crimson mark that bled through his robe.

Li Chengqian understood “Chengxin” referred to the so-called “favorite,” the ‘male companion.’

But this body was not his original self—it housed the soul of a man from the future.

“Chengxin” might have been important to the historical Li Chengqian, but he himself felt no interest.

He also knew that traditionally, three lashes were dealt—the second had just landed.

The final strike was usually aimed at the face.

That third lash had once enraged Li Chengqian so fiercely that it turned their father-son relationship into bitter hostility.

“Father, it’s not as you think…” Li Chengqian turned to face the emperor, preparing to explain.

*Smack!*

Suddenly, the horsewhip came down again, striking Li Chengqian’s face squarely.

A vivid red mark branded his cheek.

Taizong stood frozen, gasping, filled with regret.

He had not anticipated that when Li Chengqian turned, his whip would already be raised.

As crown prince, Li Chengqian embodied the image of the Tang Empire.

It was understood—never strike the face.

Yet today, anger had clouded his judgment.

“Father, is using the horsewhip a matter of state law or family discipline?” Li Chengqian asked, his voice sharp as he raised his head to meet the emperor’s gaze.

“Chengqian, don’t force me,” Taizong replied with a bitter smile, his hand trembling on the whip.

“Am I forcing Your Majesty, or are you forcing me?”

“Chengqian, you…”

The emperor trembled violently, his beard bristling in anger.

“My mother would never wield a horsewhip against her own son,” Li Chengqian exclaimed, voice rising with passion as he glanced back.

“You unfilial wretch! How dare you mention your mother!”

“And why not? I was raised on my mother’s milk.”

“What exactly is the truth about this Chengxin?” Taizong finally burst out.

Li Chengqian was momentarily stunned. Chengxin’s affairs were not his concern; he saw no reason to defend him.

“Father, my conduct regarding Chengxin was indeed wrong. But why favor Qingque so much?”

The emperor was shocked by the question—he truly had a fondness for Qingque lately, an unspoken feeling growing stronger.

“Prince Wei Qingque has performed admirably of late.

He revised the *Kuodi Zhi*—a work both beneficial now and for generations to come.

What have you been doing these past few years, yet you still dare to vie for favor?

Moreover, you are already the crown prince; what more is there to compete for?”

Taizong’s anger flared.

“I have already invested you as the crown prince, and you have held the position for eighteen years. Is that not enough?”

“I have been diligent and conscientious in fulfilling my duties all these years. Does that not demonstrate my capability?”

“Indeed, your efforts have aided my governance in many ways.”

“Then why can’t my eighteen years of dedication prove my competence?”

“When have I ever doubted your ability? I have always rewarded merit and punished faults!

I appointed the finest teachers for you—Wei Zheng, Changsun Jiaoqing, Lu Deming, Kong Yingda, Yu Zining—each a distinguished scholar of our time.

I sincerely established you as crown prince and aimed to cultivate you into a worthy monarch.”

“You allowed Prince Wei to reside in the Wude Hall. Father, do you not know what the Wude Hall signifies?

Is it due to slanderous rumors urging you to depose the crown prince and hasten Wei’s appointment?

Or is it none of these, but your own scheme, favoring Qingque from the start?”

Li Chengqian lifted his chin, facing the supreme general, Heavenly Khan, and governor of Asia, Emperor Taizong, his lips twitching as he finally spoke plainly.

“Chengqian, you? You…”

Taizong, enraged, reached for the sword at his waist several times but restrained himself.

Li Chengqian observed all this calmly.

He stood tall, took two steps forward, and raised his voice: “Please address me as the Crown Prince! If Your Majesty wishes to depose me, I implore you to consult the court ministers at tomorrow’s assembly!”

Li Chengqian turned to leave, confident the ministers would never permit the emperor to arbitrarily replace the heir.

Especially in the Tang Dynasty’s mature imperial system, deposing the eldest son for a younger sibling was a grave taboo.

“Chengqian, do you truly intend to force me to install Qingque as crown prince?”

Li Chengqian was stunned. So his adoptive father genuinely harbored that plan.

Everything had been laid bare.

“Father, have you forgotten Mother’s dying words?” Li Chengqian left a weighty remark before departing the Taiji Palace.

Only Emperor Taizong remained, stunned and silent.

He recalled Empress Zhangsun’s final counsel: “Your Majesty, be cautious in deposing the crown prince…”

Moved by his deep bond with Consort Guanyin, Taizong had tearfully promised to heed her wishes.

Now, the rift with his son had reached this tragic state.

Yet, Li Chengqian’s parting words stuck with him.

Taizong realized his son seemed to have grown and changed into someone almost unrecognizable.

With this thought, he smashed the water cup onto the floor with a sharp *crash.*

Shards scattered as he slumped back onto the dragon throne, breathing heavily and raggedly...