Chapter 48: The Tables Have Turned

Outside the Taiji Palace, Li Shimin wore a complex expression.

He had not expected so many things to have happened in such a short span of time, entirely exceeding his expectations.

Li Chengqian's actions today had truly shocked Li Shimin.

He never imagined that Li Chengqian would become so sensible; the speed of this transformation felt almost unbelievable to Li Shimin.

After reviewing the competition results, a complicated feeling washed over Li Shimin. It turned out that Li Chengqian had not deceived him—this steam-powered spinning machine was indeed far superior to ordinary spinning wheels, and by an immense margin.

Within a mere half-shichen, the total output of yarn produced by four hundred ordinary spinning wheels combined did not even reach ten percent of what a single steam-powered spinning machine had produced.

This was more than enough to prove that Li Chengqian had not lied!

At that moment, Li Shimin was utterly astounded.

If this machine were to be popularized and numerous steam engines manufactured, the citizens of the Great Tang could be freed from grueling manual labor to pursue other endeavors. In the future, the production of yarn would be boundless, more than enough for the entire nation.

At this thought, Li Shimin grinned from ear to ear, slapped his thigh, and burst into laughter. "Zhangsun Wuji, this steam engine is simply marvelous! Chengqian has pulled it off, and I am overjoyed!"

With that, Li Shimin strode quickly toward the steam engine.

By now, under the instructions of Yang Jiguang and the others, the workers operating the steam engine had already brought it to a halt.

Gazing at the piles of yarn stacked high beside the machine, Li Shimin widened his eyes in disbelief. "Zhangsun Wuji, is all of this yarn spun by the steam engine?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it is indeed," Zhangsun Wuji replied, unable to conceal the excitement in his heart as he looked at Li Shimin with a broad smile. "The steam engine has been running for a mere half-shichen, yet its output has already surpassed the output of four hundred ordinary spinning wheels operating for a full shichen by tenfold."

It had been a long time since Zhangsun Wuji had felt such joy, especially recently, when Li Shimin had constantly worn a worried expression. Today’s happiness was a rare and precious sight.

"Splendid! I am beyond pleased. I never imagined the steam engine could be so formidable. When Chengqian first spoke of it to me, I thought he was merely indulging in whimsical fantasies. To think that these things could actually be realized—it is simply miraculous!" Li Shimin paced around the steam engine a few times, dancing with joy.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. From this day forth, the Great Tang Empire shall ascend to an entirely unprecedented height," Zhangsun Wuji flattered while applauding.

Of course, these were not entirely words of flattery; having witnessed the terrifying efficiency of the steam engine, Zhangsun Wuji truly saw boundless hope.

"Immediately arrange for men to thoroughly protect this steam engine. Without my decree, no one is allowed to approach it," Li Shimin commanded, casting a lingering, reluctant gaze at the machine.

"Understood, Your Majesty. This subject obeys," Zhangsun Wuji readily and cheerfully agreed.

An answer had already formed in Li Shimin's mind. Once Li Chengqian recovered, he would spare no effort to cure his leg affliction. From then on, he would firmly secure Li Chengqian's position as Crown Prince, allowing him peace of mind to research such marvelous inventions as the steam engine.

Previously, Li Shimin had harbored doubts and remained skeptical of the steam engine. Now, having witnessed its might firsthand, his perspective had undergone a complete transformation.

From this day forward, he would vigorously support Li Chengqian, empowering him to manufacture steam engines to the fullest extent. Only the steam engine could transform the Great Tang Empire and lead it toward everlasting prosperity and strength.

With these thoughts, Li Shimin hurried back into the Taiji Palace.

By now, Li Chengqian's condition had improved significantly. Seated upon the bed, he hastily struggled to rise and pay respects to Li Shimin upon seeing him enter.

"Chengqian, sit, there is no need for formalities," Li Shimin waved his hand, rapidly approaching Li Chengqian's side. "Lie back down, Chengqian. Are you feeling better?"

"This son feels much better. Thank you, Father Emperor, for your concern," Li Chengqian replied as he settled back down, looking at Li Shimin with an apologetic expression.

The Heavenly Khagan of the seventh century was currently displaying his most rare and tender side.

Ever since awakening, Li Chengqian had genuinely felt paternal love—a warmth he was experiencing for the very first time across his entire transmigratory existence.

"Qingque, come here," Li Shimin suddenly called out in a loud voice toward Li Tai, who stood outside the grand hall.

"Yes, Father Emperor," Li Tai startled, hurriedly stepping inside with quick paces.

"Kneel!"

In an instant, Li Shimin's expression shifted drastically.

"Yes, Father Emperor," Li Tai looked at Li Shimin with a grievance-laden expression, preparing to kneel with extreme reluctance.

"Hold on! Did you clearly comprehend my words?" Li Shimin raised his brows and glared fiercely at Li Tai.

"Father Emperor, did you not instruct this son to kneel?" Li Tai blinked in utter bewilderment.

"Indeed, I did say kneel!"

Pausing for a moment, Li Shimin glared at Li Tai, the corner of his mouth twitching. "I said, kneel before Chengqian!"

"What?" Li Tai was struck dumb instantly, even doubting whether his ears had deceived him.

"Father Emperor..." Li Tai hesitated.

"Kneel! Kneel before Chengqian and offer him an apology!" In a flash, Li Shimin's fierce temper flared up, and his gaze toward Li Tai abruptly turned sharp and piercing.

"Yes, Father Emperor!" Gritting his teeth with bitter reluctance, Li Tai felt his legs go weak and dropped to his knees before Li Chengqian, raising his head a moment later. "Crown Prince Brother, please forgive Qingque. Qingque was truly ignorant just now."

Qingque's actions might have been technically compliant, but his tone was dripping with resentment—a nuance caught by every single person present.

"Impudent! Qingque, do you even know how to speak properly? Is that how an apology is delivered?" No sooner had Li Tai's words fallen than Li Shimin erupted in fury, striding directly toward him.

"Father Emperor, Qingque did not do anything wrong. He genuinely does not understand the steam engine; we cannot lay all the blame upon him," Li Chengqian hurriedly waved his hand forward, attempting to halt Li Shimin.

"Chengqian, leave this matter to me. Today, I must properly discipline this unfilial son!" Li Shimin declared as he briskly approached Qingque.

When it came to sheer presence, none rivaled Li Shimin. Just a few steps forward were enough to make Qingque tremble with apprehension.

Shivering all over, Qingque naturally understood his father's intent.

He hastily drew a deep breath, suppressing his volatile temper, and looked at Li Chengqian with a much more sincere demeanor. "Elder Brother, it was indeed Qingque who lacked sense. Please forgive Qingque just this once."

This time, his tone was vastly improved, purged of the arrogance and stubbornness from moments before.

"Quickly, get up, Qingque," Li Chengqian attempted to roll over and rise, but the lingering agony proved too much, instantly making him doubt the meaning of existence.

Cold sweat beaded across Li Chengqian's forehead—indeed, the pain was excruciating.

"Chengqian, are you alright?" In a blur of motion akin to wind and lightning, Li Shimin reached Li Chengqian's side, steadying him. Only after ensuring he was seated securely did Li Shimin let out a long breath, pulling out a handkerchief to meticulously and personally wipe the sweat from his son's brow.

Every bit of this scene was caught in the corner of Li Tai's eye.

A bitter taste filled Li Tai's heart; this sensation was far more agonizing than death itself.

The descent from frugality to luxury is effortless, but the climb from luxury to frugality is arduous.

Before experiencing such deep affection from Li Shimin, he had never thought much of it. But now, seeing so much care suddenly lavished upon Li Chengqian, he naturally found it impossible to adapt. The darker, uglier facets of his heart began to accumulate, ready to erupt at any given moment.

Li Chengqian coughed a few times, hastily raised his head to look at Li Shimin, and spoke, "Father Emperor, this son is fine. After taking the medicine just now, I feel much better. Thank you for your concern, Father Emperor."

Through the corner of his eye, Li Chengqian swept a glance across the room, capturing every nuance of Li Tai's expression.

At that moment, Li Tai wished nothing more than to slaughter Li Chengqian on the spot, save for the fact that the conditions were not yet ripe and the timing was wrong.

"Lie back down, look at all this sweat on your face," Li Shimin said, his heart aching with deep worry. "Someone, bring a sedan chair! Have the Crown Prince moved to my imperial bedchamber; I shall guard him day and night."

"Understood, Your Majesty. This servant obeys," the eunuchs hastily assented and retreated to carry out the order.

"Father Emperor, this... is inappropriate. It violates ritual and propriety," Li Chengqian hastily declined.

The emperor's bedchamber was certainly not a place where Li Chengqian was permitted to reside; neither ritual propriety nor his status made it fitting.

Therefore, Li Chengqian's refusal at this moment was entirely logical and reasonable.

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince speaks truly. It will suffice to send the Crown Prince back to his own East Palace estate to recuperate quietly," Zhangsun Wuji stepped forward in a flash, cupping his hands in counsel to Li Shimin.

"This subject seconds the motion," Chu Suiliang also stepped out, offering firm opposition.

"This subject seconds it as well," Cheng Yaojin jutted out his potbelly and stepped forward, standing firmly on the same side as Zhangsun Wuji.

Not far away, Li Tai watched these opposing ministers with a strange, eerie smile playing on his lips.

Li Tai understood that once these veteran ministers stepped in, the outcome was already sealed; his father emperor listened to these few individuals above all others.

Whenever matters of indecision arose in the past, Li Shimin invariably gave serious consideration to the advice of these exact officials.

Particularly one named Wei Zheng, who had enjoyed profound imperial favor and whose counsel Li Shimin followed implicitly.

It was a pity that Wei Zheng had already passed away; compared to him, the weight of the other ministers' words still fell somewhat short.

Nonetheless, with these individuals stepping up, Li Tai's heart finally settled.

Li Shimin swept his robes aside, glared coldly at the ministers before him, and fixed his gaze upon Chu Suiliang and the others. In an instant, his voice rose sharply: "My Crown Prince has fallen ill! As an emperor, as the sovereign of the Great Tang, should I not keep vigil by his side?"

Li Shimin's voice was loud and resonant, as though he feared the occupants of the Taiji Palace might not hear him clearly, and his tone brooked no argument.

"Your Majesty, this..." Chu Suiliang stepped forward urgently, still wishing to offer remonstrance.

"Step back! My mind is made up, say no more," Li Shimin waved his hand dismissively, offering not a shred of pleasant expression.

"Father Emperor, they speak the truth. You should just let this son return," seeing this, Li Chengqian slowly sat up and prepared to turn and rise so he could return to his own estate.

In truth, Li Chengqian had no desire to linger in the Taiji Palace either; compared to his own Crown Prince's residence, staying here felt thoroughly constraining.

However, glancing at Li Tai, who was still kneeling upon the ground, an idea sparked within Li Chengqian's mind as he raised his eyes...