Chapter 36: Brotherly Love and Filial Respect

This was no trivial matter. Li Shimin’s words were certainly not as simple as they appeared on the surface; they carried a profound, underlying meaning.

This was certain and inevitable. The deeper intent was that while Li Shimin was indeed satisfied with Li Chengqian’s performance, he was compelled to ask such questions to ensure the safety of his other children and grandchildren.

This also indirectly signaled that Li Chengqian’s precarious position as Crown Prince was becoming increasingly stable. As long as he continued along the current path, everything would fall into place naturally.

"Father, I am their eldest brother. Regardless of whether I ascend the throne, I will always be their elder brother."

"From time immemorial, the eldest brother has held the place of a father. I will care for them and cherish them just as a father would."

Li Chengqian slowly raised his head, his gaze steady and composed.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was momentarily startled. He had not expected Li Chengqian to say such things.

This was the very embodiment of fraternal love and filial respect. Could his worries have been unnecessary?

No, they were absolutely necessary. Judging by the recent behavior of Li Tai and the others, it was clear that many had long been coveting the position of Crown Prince.

Of course, there were other imperial princes as well, all harboring their own schemes. Among those with significant influence were Li Zhi, Li Ke, and others.

None of these individuals were easy to deal with; they were all formidable figures.

Li Ke, in particular, was deeply favored by Li Shimin, who even felt that Li Ke bore a striking resemblance to himself. This was not a simple statement; it was an acknowledgment from the depths of Li Shimin’s heart.

However, Li Shimin had only mentioned the possibility once before, only to be met with collective opposition from his ministers. Their reasons were rather peculiar: they argued that Li Ke’s mother, Consort Yang, was no ordinary woman, but the daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui. If Li Shimin were to pass the throne to him, it would corrupt the bloodline of the Great Tang Empire. Because of his mother’s status, the ministers naturally could not agree.

In truth, Li Shimin had considered this as well; it was precisely because of Consort Yang’s identity that he ultimately abandoned the idea.

Li Shimin was currently in the prime of his life, and theoretically, he should not have been considering such issues. However, the recent rebellion of Li You and the assassination attempt on Li Chengqian by Li Tai had dragged Li Shimin out of his dreams and back into reality. He was forced to face these matters.

Li Chengqian’s words were flawless—impeccable—and he had not mentioned the issue of succession at all. That was the topic Li Shimin was most sensitive about, and Li Chengqian had not uttered a single word regarding it.

"Very well, Chengqian, I understand. Write down the suggestions you proposed and submit them. Once Li You’s rebellion is quelled, you will have made a great contribution."

"Father, I dare not claim credit. The matter of Li You’s rebellion was handled by your own strategic planning and decisive command from afar; it has little to do with me," Li Chengqian replied, hurriedly and humbly declining.

"Do not be so reserved. Chengqian, write a formal memorial and have Li Sijian submit it."

"This... I do not wish to claim credit. All the glory belongs to you, Father."

"I know your heart, but you must submit it. How it is ultimately handled is for me to decide; it has nothing to do with you," Li Shimin said, pacifying Li Chengqian and encouraging him to take the initiative.

Li Shimin was incredibly shrewd. Since Li Chengqian was the heir apparent, he had to accumulate some merit; otherwise, how could he command the respect of the masses?

Li Shimin had wanted to send Li Chengqian to suppress the rebellion, but later, realizing he was preoccupied with the steam engine, he had to let that go. Nevertheless, he hoped Li Chengqian could contribute something to the campaign, such as providing strategic advice, which would count as a meritorious service.

Currently, Li Shimin was extremely vigilant regarding his sons, fearing they might stir up trouble. If they all followed in Li You’s footsteps, his life would certainly not be easy.

"Yes, Father. I will obey your command," Li Chengqian said, rising slowly and bowing.

"There is no rush. Once you return, write the memorial and have Li Sijian deliver it. I will keep it on record and let those old ministers see it as well."

"I obey your decree," Li Chengqian said, bowing again. "If there is nothing else, Father, I shall take my leave. I must return to work on the steam engine."

"Go ahead. I await your good news. And yes... this steam engine is a matter of great importance; complete it as soon as possible." Li Shimin watched Li Chengqian with a smile, his eyes filled with anticipation.

In his understanding, the steam engine was an impossible task. He had not expected Li Chengqian to take it on and commit himself fully, turning the impossible into reality. This was exactly what Li Shimin was most looking forward to, as it would be the most powerful defense for the Great Tang Empire.

If the nation was strong enough, there would be no need to fear any enemy; all rivals would be nothing more than paper tigers. Li Shimin strongly agreed with this, and he was particularly intrigued by Li Chengqian’s descriptions of the steam engine.

Li Shimin himself loved taking risks; both before and after he became emperor, he had been struggling along the path of taking risks. Regardless of the circumstances, he was determined to do something for the Great Tang Empire. Now, Li Chengqian’s steam engine made all his hopes seem close to becoming reality. For Li Shimin, this was undoubtedly his greatest expectation.

"Yes, Father." After bidding farewell, Li Chengqian slowly backed out and returned to the Crown Prince’s mansion.

Inside the mansion, everyone was busy working away, not daring to stop for a moment. Li Chengqian had specifically emphasized that the importance of the steam engine was self-evident. To him, it had become the most crucial part of his life.

With the backing of the steam engine, his father would surely dote on him even more, and his position would undoubtedly be more secure. Furthermore, many of his future plans relied on the success of this machine. For the sake of the Great Tang, his father, and himself, it had to be perfected.

"Your Highness, you have returned." Seeing him, Lu Liangping hurried forward to greet him.

"Yes, I am back. Proceed according to the original plan. Strengthen the security in the mansion; I do not want a repeat of what happened before."

"Yes, Your Highness, rest assured. Your subordinate will obey." Lu Liangping bowed. Although Li Chengqian’s voice was soft, his tone was unquestionable. Lu Liangping understood the gravity of the situation.

Although the Crown Prince’s situation was better than before, it remained precarious. With Li You in rebellion and Li Tai, Li Zhi, and Li Ke watching like tigers, none of these men were simple, and all harbored malicious intentions regarding power.

Li Chengqian did not pay him any further heed, turning instead to enter the warehouse where the steam engine was being built. This was vital; the machine would decide his fate. Whether he would be a dragon or a worm would be determined by its success.

"How is the progress?" Li Chengqian asked anxiously.

"Reporting to Your Highness, we are only at the final step. We have tried assembling the last part several times, but it hasn't worked. We had to wait for you," Yang Jiguang said nervously, not daring to meet Li Chengqian’s eyes.

He knew Li Chengqian’s temper; the tasks assigned had to be completed on time and with quality. They were unable to finish this final step, and it naturally filled them with fear.

"No rush. Let me see," Li Chengqian said calmly, circling the unfinished machine.

"Start here, and then push it upward with force..."

"Your Highness, is that wise? If it breaks, won't all our previous efforts be in vain?" Yang Jiguang asked, his face full of terror. He knew that if this went wrong, their previous efforts would be for nothing. They dared not take such a risk; if they succeeded, they might not be praised, but if they broke it, they would surely lose their heads.

"Do as I say. I will take responsibility if anything goes wrong." Seeing their hesitation, Li Chengqian remained firm. He knew this step was crucial but unavoidable.

"Yes, Your Highness." Yang Jiguang and the others hurriedly complied. Under Li Chengqian’s personal guidance, they exerted great effort to assemble it.

"Prepare to test the steam engine!" Li Chengqian waved his hand, full of confidence.

"Yes, Your Highness."

But things went wrong. The machine shook violently a few times before stalling, and the shaking nearly caused it to fall apart.

"Your Highness, this doesn't seem to work. Was the force too great?" Yang Jiguang asked, sounding aggrieved. There was a hint of complaint in his tone, though he dared not show it.

Li Chengqian was stunned. According to the records, it should have worked. Had the records been wrong after all these years? No, that was unlikely. There must be a flaw in one of the steps.

"I see. The operation itself must be correct," Li Chengqian sighed and raised his head. "The problem must be in a minor detail. Check if the parts are up to standard or if someone has tampered with them."

He looked over the parts carefully and beckoned Yang Jiguang over. "Have you noticed anything unusual lately?"

"No, everything has been normal," Yang Jiguang replied firmly.

"Check every single part to ensure there are no issues," Li Chengqian paused. "To ensure the steam engine is finished on time, I have arranged for three or four sets of every part. If the parts are fine, we will be able to assemble a functional steam engine soon."

"Yes, Your Highness." Yang Jiguang felt immense pressure. He knew what this meant for him—if the steam engine failed, his head would certainly not remain on his shoulders.