Chapter Forty-Four: Fraught with Peril

Inside the Taiji Palace, Li Shimin was hosting a banquet for Li Chengqian.

A strange scene unfolded: the steam engine was no longer Li Chengqian's exclusive innovation—Li Tai had also managed to tinker one together.

Li Chengqian found it unbelievable, but he quickly understood the situation.

Noticing Li Chengqian seemed to have something to say, Li Shimin smiled warmly, raising his head with the benevolence of a father.

“Chengqian, speak,” Li Shimin said, picking up a piece of meat and savoring it as he watched his son.

“I propose that two days from now, within the Taiji Palace, Your Majesty witness the steam engines made by me and Qingque,” Li Chengqian replied calmly, mimicking Li Shimin by picking up meat and placing it gently in his mouth. “As for Your Majesty’s suggestion to visit the Wude Hall, I believe it is unwise.”

“Why unwise? All under heaven belongs to the king. What harm could come from my going to the Wude Hall?” Li Shimin asked.

“Your Majesty, for your safety, I urge you to be cautious,” Li Chengqian said, setting down his chopsticks and respectfully clasping his hands before Li Shimin.

“Are you implying Qingque might pose a threat to me?” Li Shimin’s tone suddenly sharpened, his expression darkening ominously.

“That is not my meaning. Since Qingque has worked hard and also built a steam engine, that is naturally a good thing,” Li Chengqian assured him.

“Father can take this opportunity to see whose steam engine truly has greater functionality—mine or Qingque’s.”

Li Chengqian remained dignified, his face calm as still water.

Li Shimin pondered for a while, then burst into hearty laughter. “You’ve got a conscience after all, thinking things through carefully. I agree. Let’s eat—today I called you here to prepare you so you won’t betray my trust. And I must say, I’m surprised Qingque could build a steam engine. I hope you keep a close eye on him.”

“Thank you for your concern, Father. Rest assured, whether it is Qingque or me, we should all strive to lighten your burdens. If Qingque produces anything beneficial for the Tang Empire, I would be truly glad,” Li Chengqian said.

“Chengqian, you’ve really matured. I’m proud of you. You are both my good sons. In two days, I want to witness a miracle here in the Taiji Palace.”

“Yes, Father!” Li Chengqian said, lifting his head slightly.

In truth, from the moment he heard that Qingque had a steam engine, Li Chengqian’s heart had leapt with joy.

From what he observed, Qingque’s intelligence was barely enough to tinker with the Gazetteer of the Realm; creating a steam engine was downright laughable.

In two days, Li Chengqian would demonstrate his absolute strength and defend his dignity.

He had already anticipated Li Tai’s petty schemes.

Since there were already insiders within his household, it was impossible to root them all out easily.

Therefore, it was not surprising that Li Tai had stolen his steam engine design.

Moreover, Li Tai had considerable resources at his disposal and the support of Emperor Li Shimin; it was only natural that he had managed to produce a steam engine.

Yet, Li Chengqian was not worried at all—he had a secret weapon and would surely overcome Li Tai. All he needed now was time to prove it.

“Chengqian, there is one more matter. Soon, Li You will be escorted to the capital. How should I handle his treason?” Li Shimin’s gaze sharpened suddenly.

No matter what, Li You was still his son, and dealing with this matter had become exceedingly difficult.

Fathers love their children; only Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji, could be as ruthless as to kill three of his sons in one day.

Looking across history, especially among emperors of unified empires, how many could be so heartless and cruel?

Though Li Shimin had personally orchestrated the Incident at the Xuanwu Gate, he was not a bloodthirsty man, especially when it came to his own sons; he could not bring himself to harm them.

“Father, according to the laws of the court, Li You... Li You’s life may not be spared,” Li Chengqian sobbed, choking back tears.

“I... I am also deeply pained. He is my son. I have admonished him repeatedly, but he has always acted wilfully and remained indifferent. Now he has committed such a deed, violating the natural order. I do not know what to do,” Li Shimin said, putting down his chopsticks and weeping softly.

As the eldest brother, Li Chengqian wept quietly for his sibling’s fate. As a father, Li Shimin felt even deeper sorrow.

“I understand Your Majesty’s intentions. Recently, I have come to understand you better. It was my own ignorance before that caused much anger. I dare to plead with Your Majesty to spare Li You’s life, even if it means demoting him to commoner and confining him in the capital,” Li Chengqian said, tears streaming as he knelt.

Li Shimin was taken aback by these words.

It had long been said that his sons were not harmonious. Now, testing Li Chengqian with the traitorous Li You had unexpectedly drawn out such heartfelt words.

What more could be said about such a son, such a crown prince, such heir to the Tang Empire?

Li Shimin was deeply moved; he had not expected Li Chengqian to express himself so tearfully today.

He had been observing Li Chengqian all along and realized these were sincere words, not a performance.

Li Shimin had met countless people in his life and had watched Li Chengqian grow up since childhood.

At this moment, he could see clearly that this was heartfelt truth.

That was enough—this was exactly the effect Li Shimin wanted.

In truth, Li Shimin never really intended to depose the crown prince.

Especially the words from the Guanyin maid, “Be cautious in deposing the crown prince,” lingered persistently in his mind.

With such a son as Li Chengqian, how could he find fault? He was the chosen one, the fortune of the Tang Empire, the luck of its people.

Yet, Li Shimin harbored one regret—Li Chengqian’s leg had become a constant worry.

As long as his son’s mobility was impaired, Li Shimin’s heart remained unsettled. He dreamed of curing Li Chengqian’s leg but despite seeking countless renowned doctors, results were minimal.

Now, watching Li Chengqian kneel before him, tears streaming down his own face, Li Shimin was overcome with emotion.

“Chengqian, I know your sincere intentions. That is enough. You may go for now. I believe you will triumph in two days,” Li Shimin said, extending his hands to lift Li Chengqian up. “Come, stand up. I will find a way to heal your leg.”

Li Chengqian suddenly understood that this was why he had been summoned.

Of course, he knew these were Li Shimin’s heartfelt words, yet he still harbored a deep worry about his leg.

He understood that if his leg never healed and his father found a better candidate for the crown prince, no matter how many steam engines he produced, he might never become emperor.

“Thank you, Father. Since Mother passed away, only you have cared for my leg,” Li Chengqian said, standing shakily, tears in his eyes as he looked at Li Shimin.

“Good child. The Guanyin maid’s words to me before her death, I remember them all. Rest assured,” Li Shimin said, rubbing his eyes and stroking Li Chengqian’s head. “Go back now. I will handle everything; do not worry.”

“Yes, Father. I have troubled you,” Li Chengqian bowed respectfully and limped out of the Taiji Palace.

Watching his son’s departing figure, Li Shimin could no longer hold back. He covered his face and wept aloud.

This was the crown prince he had nurtured for many years—nothing could happen to him, not even the slightest misfortune, lest he fail the Guanyin maid.

All his years of effort would be wasted.

The reason he had called Li Chengqian here was to inform him there were still insiders in his household; otherwise, how could Li Tai have produced that steam engine?

This was the care of an emperor for his heir, the love of a father for his son.

“Someone, tell Zhang Shigui to ensure the crown prince’s safety at all costs. If a single hair of the crown prince is harmed, I want that man’s life!” Li Shimin suddenly raised his voice.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” a eunuch hurried over anxiously.

Outside the crown prince’s residence, Zhang Shigui quickly received the imperial order and intensified patrols.

Li Shimin knew Li Chengqian’s situation was precarious and thus strengthened the security to guarantee his safety.

If Li Shimin’s favored son was anyone, it was Li Chengqian. Yet history records that later, provoked by Li Tai, Li Chengqian went down an irredeemable path.

For years, Li Shimin was forced to execute Hou Junji and others, even ordering the death of Prince Li You, but Li Chengqian alone was spared.

Ultimately, through Li Shimin’s insistence, Li Chengqian was merely demoted to commoner and exiled.

This shows that in Li Shimin’s heart, his greatest love, his treasured child, was his eldest son Li Chengqian.

In this, Li Shimin bore a striking resemblance to Zhu Yuanzhang—both placed great hopes on their crown princes, their eldest sons, yet both ultimately failed to see them ascend the throne.

This was not only a sorrow for Li Shimin and Zhu Yuanzhang but also a loss for the Tang and Ming empires.

Zhang Shigui now stood guard rigorously, watching over the entire crown prince residence. Anyone who dared harm Li Chengqian could not escape his vigilant eyes.

Though Zhang Shigui was not as famous as Cheng Yaojin or others in history, his combat prowess was formidable. Guarding the crown prince’s mansion was more than sufficient—almost an underuse of his talents.

Despite Li Shimin’s warnings to Li Tai and others, he remained uneasy. At this critical juncture, the crown prince’s safety was paramount.

Inside the crown prince’s residence, Li Chengqian and Yang Jiguang, among others, were in the warehouse where the steam engines were being built, discussing important matters.

Li Chengqian knew the situation was grave. Awaiting him was not only the dawn of hope but also greater challenges.

Yet, he was mentally prepared to face them calmly.

“Everyone, do you understand the current situation?” Li Chengqian asked, taking a few deep sips of water, his gaze sharp as a flame as he looked at Yang Jiguang and the others.

Yang Jiguang and Gou Hun exchanged startled glances...