Chapter Forty-Five: The Main Event Is About to Begin

The Eastern Palace,
the treasury compound.

Yang Jiguang and the others were deeply uneasy. Although Li Chengqian’s schemes had ultimately proven correct time and again of late, they still felt a lingering dread.

After all, none of them had been verified in the end. Even the improved steam engine had not undergone sufficient testing. After conducting a personal trial, Li Chengqian had ordered Yang Jiguang to hide it away.

Thus, when Li Chengqian questioned them, their hearts still trembled. The truth was, they themselves had no certainty.

With something as important as a steam engine, only Li Chengqian knew the core secrets, and only he knew how to assemble its essential components. Even though they had participated throughout the entire process, they were still somewhat worried about its actual capabilities.

Yet when they looked at Li Chengqian, they saw that his expression was as calm as still water. There was not the slightest trace of anxiety.

“Your Highness, the situation seems unfavorable to us,” Yang Jiguang said at last, hurriedly cupping his hands.

“You are only half right. Qingque now has a steam engine as well, and Imperial Father has decreed that we are to compete in two days.”

“Your Highness, if that is the case, then matters are even more unfavorable. What if Qingque’s steam engine proves exceedingly powerful? Could it affect us when the time comes?” Yang Jiguang asked, his face full of concern.

Soul Seizer merely stood to one side, smiling without a word as he quietly watched Li Chengqian.

“Commander Yang, there is no need to worry. Proceed according to the original plan. Your task now is to guard the steam engine carefully. You need not concern yourself with anything else.” Li Chengqian paid no heed to his fears. His face shone with confidence, and he looked entirely certain of victory.

“Your Highness, this...” Yang Jiguang wore a bitter expression and still wished to continue.

“Commander Yang, I have my own brilliant plan. You need only do as I say.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Seeing that Li Chengqian remained adamant, Yang Jiguang could only agree.

At that moment, Yang Jiguang knew that his fate was bound to that of the Crown Prince. Should anything happen to His Highness, his own end would follow soon after.

He was now commander of the Eastern Palace. Once Li Tai gained power, Yang Jiguang would certainly be targeted.

That, however, was only secondary. More importantly, he had received immense kindness from His Highness, and naturally had to consider the Crown Prince’s interests above all else.

That was the first principle any subject had to keep in mind.

“Commander Yang, the next few days are of the utmost importance to me. Go back and make your preparations at once. In a few days, I shall let you witness a magnificent spectacle. That spectacle will change the fate of the Tang Empire forever—and, of course, it will change my own fate as well.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Now that you have put it that way, this subordinate is reassured.” A smile finally appeared on Yang Jiguang’s face.

“The place where you have hidden the steam engine must remain known only to you and me. No one else is to find out. It is the most important thing I possess.” Li Chengqian’s smile suddenly vanished, replaced by a grave expression.

Li Chengqian knew very well that this steam engine was the divine instrument that would determine his ultimate fate. At the very least, it would help him prevail in the first round of their struggle.

“Yes, Your Highness. You have my word.” Yang Jiguang straightened his chest and answered firmly.

He understood the importance of the matter. He would never dare act recklessly with the thing His Highness valued most.

“You may withdraw. Remember, this period is extremely important. Guard it well on my behalf.” As he spoke, Li Chengqian waved a hand.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Yang Jiguang bowed and withdrew.

“Soul Seizer, once this matter is settled, you will be my greatest meritorious servant.” Li Chengqian looked at him with heartfelt gratitude.

“Your Highness, you flatter me. This is merely what I ought to do.” Soul Seizer hurriedly bowed.

Ever since pledging himself to Li Chengqian, Soul Seizer had been filled with emotion.

For so many years, he had busied himself to no purpose, never encountering a worthy master. He had either been assassinating others or on his way to do so.

In particular, the last time he had obeyed Li Tai’s orders, he had nearly killed the Crown Prince by mistake, committing an unforgivable crime.

Only after meeting Li Chengqian had he finally understood that his life had not been wasted. The main reason was that His Highness treated people with sincerity and kindness, truly regarding even a man who had come to pledge himself to him as a human being.

That was what mattered most—and it was also what moved Soul Seizer most deeply.

“All right. You will still have to work hard over the next few days. Once we are past this hurdle, I will give you two days’ leave so that you may rest properly.”

“Yes, Your Highness. This is what I ought to do.” Soul Seizer hurriedly agreed.

“Good. Keep watch outside. I am somewhat tired and wish to rest for a while.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Soul Seizer answered seriously, then stood guard outside Li Chengqian’s chamber.

As a supreme assassin, such duties were second nature to him.

...

The Hall of Martial Virtue.

Li Tai had finally recovered his spirits.

Through special channels and extraordinary means, he had at last obtained a steam engine.

After preliminary testing, the machine had proved genuine. To Li Tai, it was a treasure beyond price.

Now that Li Chengqian had a steam engine, Li Tai had one as well. Li Chengqian’s advantage had vanished completely.

Moreover, Li Tai possessed another advantage: in terms of scholarship, he absolutely surpassed Li Chengqian.

The strength of the Gazetteer of the Land was unrivaled throughout the Tang Empire.

No one would dare call it a worthless book. It had already won the approval of Li Shimin and was, in every sense, an officially recognized imperial work.

Li Tai had relied precisely on his intelligence and talent to win increasing favor in Li Shimin’s eyes.

The moment he obtained the steam engine, he had eagerly informed his Imperial Father, repeatedly claiming that he had invented it himself.

Li Shimin had indeed harbored a trace of doubt, but after Li Tai insisted again and again, he could only let the matter rest.

And so, the competition to be held two days later had come into being.

Whenever Li Tai imagined appearing before the court alongside Li Chengqian in the Palace of Supreme Harmony two days hence, he grew intensely excited. Yet beneath that excitement lurked a trace of anxiety. What would he do if Li Chengqian’s steam engine truly proved more powerful than his own?

And if Imperial Father ordered him to continue producing steam engines, what then? He did not know how to make another one. To Li Tai, that would be a hundred times more difficult than compiling the Gazetteer of the Land.

At this thought, Li Tai decided to make one final, audacious move.

Thus, a remarkable plan took shape.

He immediately summoned a trusted guard and secretly issued several instructions.

Only after the guard had departed did Li Tai finally relax.

At that moment, Li Tai was still filled with confidence about the future, particularly regarding the position of Crown Prince—and even the imperial throne. He was passionately interested in both.

So long as there was the slightest opportunity, Li Tai was unwilling to give it up.

What he did not know was that without Li Shimin’s favor, he might already have died a hundred times over.

Those who refuse to court death do not die. Li Tai, however, was recklessly seeking it, nearly exhausting the last of Li Shimin’s patience.

Even now, Li Tai had yet to realize that Li Shimin no longer had any patience left for him.

But matters had reached this point, and Li Tai had no choice. Since he had been born a prince and possessed the possibility of becoming Crown Prince, it would have been abnormal for a man as ambitious as Li Tai not to covet that position.

His longing for the position of Crown Prince had existed for a long time, and it was now gradually reaching its peak.

Li Tai had been especially frustrated of late. Li Chengqian had begun stealing his limelight. When Li Tai had first moved into the Hall of Martial Virtue, he had been the center of attention, the imperial son most favored by Li Shimin.

Now, however, Li Chengqian had shown an excellent attitude in admitting his mistakes and had even produced this steam engine. In almost an instant, the balance had begun to tilt—and it had tilted heavily.

Li Tai found this extremely difficult to accept. Previously, he had enjoyed almost exclusive favor. Even the Crown Prince, Li Chengqian, had often received rewards inferior in quality to his own.

After enjoying a life of privilege for some time, Li Tai naturally found it impossible to readjust to poverty and neglect. He was even less willing to do so.

Thus, Li Tai’s recent behavior stemmed primarily from his inability to adapt.

Before this, he had merely been on guard against Li Chengqian. Now, however, he had entered the darkest period of his life.

As one side rose, the other fell. A father’s love was limited; what was given to Li Chengqian would naturally leave less for Li Tai.

Li Tai began making thorough preparations. If, two days later, he could draw with Li Chengqian—or defeat him outright—then he would bask in boundless glory.

From that point onward, Li Chengqian might truly have nowhere left to stand. In particular, with his lame leg, the Crown Prince could hardly expect Imperial Father’s favor.

Li Tai had persevered for a long time for the sake of this very day. Until the final moment arrived, he would never give up. He would fight with all his strength, unleash every resource at his command, and prepare fully for victory.

Although the contest would not begin for another two days, Li Tai did not dare relax even slightly. He had already begun making urgent, meticulous preparations.

Those two days passed painfully slowly for him. He could hardly wait.

In truth, the same was true not only for him, but also for Li Shimin and Li Chengqian.

All of them awaited the spectacle that would unfold two days later.

Of course, each man had different thoughts and considered the matter from his own position and perspective.

Two days later.

The Palace of Supreme Harmony.

Li Chengqian led Soul Seizer and the others into the palace, bringing the steam engine with them.

Ridiculously enough, Li Tai had also brought his own people and his own steam engine. It was an absurd spectacle beyond compare.

Li Shimin was delighted. Dressed in his imperial robes, he sat upright within the Palace of Supreme Harmony.

Many ministers had gathered there as well.

“We pay our respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long, long live the Emperor!”

The ministers knelt together before Li Shimin.

“Rise, my worthy ministers!” Li Shimin waved a hand, clearly pleased.

“We thank Your Majesty!” the ministers replied, slowly rising before taking their places on either side of the palace.

“My worthy ministers, today I shall announce a matter of great importance. My two imperial sons, Li Chengqian and Li Tai, have both brought steam engines. I ask you to serve as judges and determine whose machine is superior.”

“Furthermore, my Crown Prince and Prince Wei have entered into a wager. I ask all of you to bear witness.”

As he spoke, Li Shimin cast a meaningful glance at Li Chengqian and Li Tai.

“Yes, Your Majesty. We shall obey your command.” The ministers cupped their hands toward Li Shimin.

“Chengqian, Qingque, are you both prepared?” Li Shimin asked, looking at each of them in turn.

“Imperial Father, your son is ready,” Li Chengqian and Li Tai replied, each cupping his hands.

“Then what are we waiting for? Begin your demonstration...” Li Shimin said happily as he slowly rose to his feet.

By now, even he was growing impatient.

“Yes, Imperial Father. Your sons shall obey.” Li Chengqian and Li Tai answered together, then walked toward their respective steam engines.

A grand spectacle was about to begin...