Chapter Thirty-Four: The Heavenly Khan’s Heart Is Bleeding

In the Taiji Palace, within Li Shimin’s study.

Li Chengqian inwardly amused himself; what was destined to come had arrived. Ultimately, history was following its established course: Prince Qi, Li You, had rebelled as expected. Although it was a bit later than anticipated, the rebellion was not absent, merely delayed. At the core of Li You’s character lay a streak of unruliness and a tendency to become arrogant due to being overly favored. With such a personality, nothing suited him better than rebellion.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian smiled faintly and looked at Li Shimin. "Father, this rebellion by the Prince of Qi is bound to fail."

"Why?" Li Shimin was immediately intrigued.

"It is quite simple. The Prince of Qi has lost the hearts of the people. Father governs the world with wisdom, and now that the people’s hearts are aligned with your rule, no one is willing to throw their lives away by joining him."

"Chengqian, are you implying that Li You’s rebellion will be suppressed very quickly?" Li Shimin’s interest deepened.

"There is no need for a major campaign. I boldly suggest that the Minister of War need only lead 1,000 soldiers, while claiming to command 50,000. There is no need for any fanfare; they can move slowly and be ready to return to the capital at any time."

"What? Chengqian, how can you be so confident? If Li You’s rebel forces grow, what then?"

"Father, rest assured. Li You’s rebellion cannot succeed. Within a month at most, news of victory will arrive at the capital."

"Chengqian, this is no child's play. This matter is of great consequence; I cannot gamble with the destiny of the Tang Dynasty, nor can I gamble with the lives of its people." Li Shimin was alarmed. Although he was a master of warfare, he dared not act so recklessly. If handled well, it would be suppressed quickly, but if left to fester, it might truly allow Li You to gain strength. Moreover, Li You carried the royal bloodline; if manipulated by those with ulterior motives, the situation could become dire. This was what concerned Li Shimin—the fear that the Tang Empire would turn from prosperity to decline due to infighting, and the "Zhenguan Reign of Peace" he had worked so hard to build might collapse halfway.

Li Shimin’s expression became increasingly complex, even tinged with a hint of murderous intent. He was a man of immense intellect, and he would never tolerate even the smallest grain of sand in his eye. How could he sit by and watch Li You grow in power? Li Chengqian immediately sensed his father's anxiety.

From history books, Li Chengqian already knew the ultimate outcome of Li You’s rebellion: it would fizzle out on its own, long before the army of Li Ji could even arrive. Li You had no popular support, and he was living in the era of the prosperous Zhenguan reign; success was impossible. Even Li Chengqian himself, trapped within the palace, knew better than to act rashly. One might question the legitimacy of Li Shimin’s rise to power, but one could never question his military and political acumen. In these fields, Li Shimin was the pinnacle of the feudal era.

Knowing how events would unfold, Li Chengqian understood that there was nothing to worry about; everything would resolve itself.

"Father, I am certain that there is no need to trouble the Minister of War. Local officials can resolve this, and Li You’s rebellion is fundamentally unpopular." Li Chengqian remained full of confidence, calm and composed.

Li Shimin was deeply concerned. This could not be taken lightly; a rebellion had to be handled swiftly, or it would lead to dire consequences. Sighing, he placed his jade ruyi on the table and said in a low voice:

"I am still not at ease. If I send only 1,000 men and the rebel forces are strong, wouldn't that be a grave mistake? I intend to write a letter immediately, persuading Li You to surrender and turn over a new leaf. At the same time, I will order Li Ji to take 10,000 troops and set out as soon as possible to suppress the rebellion alongside the local forces."

As he spoke, Li Shimin rubbed his eyes, tears streaming down his face. He was heartbroken; this was not the outcome he wanted. Li You’s rebellion had left him exhausted.

"Father, I believe there is no need for such fanfare. Sending too many troops will not help and will only increase unnecessary expenses."

"Chengqian, you say the rebellion will be suppressed by local officials. Can you tell me who has such capability?" Li Shimin remained skeptical.

"Father, Du Xingmin, the military officer of Qizhou, is sharp and resourceful. He will surely capture Li You and bring him to the capital." Li Chengqian blurted out with absolute certainty.

For Li Chengqian, this was not difficult. Li You was doomed to fail—it was a certainty. Li Shimin, however, did not know this yet. Regardless of his brilliance, he was ignorant of the future. Li Chengqian, however, knew everything and provided the answer directly.

"I understand. You may leave. Focus on the steam engine; I look forward to your good news." Li Shimin hurriedly found an excuse and waved his hand, signaling Li Chengqian to withdraw.

As he left, Li Chengqian knew his father would not send only 1,000 men, but his words would have some influence. If history held true, Du Xingmin would bring Li You to justice, and Li You would meet his end.

Returning to the Crown Prince’s residence, Li Chengqian ordered his men to work at full capacity to finish the steam engine. It was nearly complete, requiring only final adjustments and testing. In two days at most, the steam engine would make its debut. It would brighten the future of the Tang Empire—this was the most important task of all.

Li Chengqian felt fortunate that he had acted quickly to purge Ge’gan Chengji, the spy planted in his residence, and had withdrawn in time to avoid tragedy. Otherwise, after the Prince of Qi, it would have been his turn. Thinking of this, Li Chengqian broke into a cold sweat. The terror of the situation—the difference between heaven and hell—left him uneasy.

The four greatest emperors in history had never succeeded in raising a qualified heir, nor had any of their successors ascended the throne smoothly. Qin Shi Huang’s son, Fusu, committed suicide, leaving behind the 300,000-strong Great Wall Army and consigning the Qin Empire to oblivion. Emperor Wu of Han’s heir, Crown Prince Liu Ju, fought in desperation but was crushed by his own father. Then there was Li Chengqian himself, who, fearing the fate of the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, had attempted to act after Li Tai moved into the Wude Palace, only to be taken down before he could strike. Finally, there was Zhu Biao, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, whose position seemed secure until he suddenly died. Was it truly illness, or were there hidden secrets?

These tragedies flashed through Li Chengqian’s mind like a revolving lantern. He felt out of place, as if he were living in another lifetime. Which of these emperors—Qin, Han, Tang, or Ming—were not the greatest of their age? And yet, none of their heirs could succeed them. What an irony! These princes were all tragic figures. Li Chengqian himself had been exiled and died in sorrow, leaving the throne to Li Zhi.

Li Zhi’s capability was arguably the lowest among emperors; he could not manage the throne and eventually became a mere conduit, handing power to Wu Zetian, allowing her to become the only empress in feudal history and establish the Zhou Dynasty. If not for figures like Di Renjie and Zhang Jianzhi who saved the empire from ruin, Li Zhi would have been the one to lose the Tang Dynasty.

Tragedy—it must not repeat itself!

Li Chengqian vowed to rise up and do his utmost to ensure the Tang Dynasty flourished, becoming a Crown Prince with absolute power. With this thought, he made a decisive move and summoned Lu Liangping.

"Your subordinate, Lu Liangping, greets the Crown Prince." Lu Liangping bowed.

"From this day forward, by my decree, the Prince’s residence will refuse all visits from court officials and generals. No one is permitted to enter."

"Crown Prince, does this include the Prince-Consort and the Minister of Personnel?"

Li Chengqian smiled to himself. This was exactly what he was guarding against—preventing the likes of Hou Junji and Du He from ruining his plans.

"Of course it includes them. And find an excuse to get rid of Helan Chushi. He can go anywhere he likes, but he cannot stay here."

Lu Liangping glanced at the Prince and understood instantly. The Prince had made up his mind to protect himself. The Prince had been erratic in the past, but lately, he had matured. This was the Prince he knew—decisive, calm, and collected.

"Yes, Your Highness." Lu Liangping promised earnestly.

"Go. Arrange this immediately. Do it yourself, and make it look clean."

"Yes, Your Highness. I obey." Lu Liangping turned and left.

At that moment, Li Chengqian felt a sense of relief. He knew the rebellion would be suppressed in less than a month, and his own success was just beginning.

After giving his orders, he turned back to supervise the construction of the steam engine. Suddenly, Li Sijian arrived outside the warehouse, seeking an audience.

"Crown Prince, the Emperor requests your presence at the Taiji Palace immediately." Li Sijian bowed, his expression complex.

"What is the Emperor summoning me for?" Li Chengqian looked at Li Sijian and asked.

"The Emperor did not say, only that it is urgent." Li Sijian bowed again.

"Very well, I shall be there at once. Wait outside." Li Chengqian replied indifferently, waving his hand.