Chapter Five: The Mysterious Machine Sparks Erfeng's Deep Interest

Inside the Taiji Palace, Li Shimin had, as an exception, ordered the most expensive incense to be lit. The reason was simple: he was waiting for his Crown Prince, Li Chengqian.

Only a few days ago, the three lashes he had delivered were indeed harsh, especially the final one, which had struck Li Chengqian directly on the face. In that moment, Li Shimin had felt completely numb; the lash landing on his son’s face caused him more heartache than if it had struck his own heart. He had been frustrated by the boy’s lack of improvement, but he never intended to strike his face. That last lash was a complete accident; Li Shimin had never expected Li Chengqian to turn his head suddenly.

This time, Li Shimin had specifically ordered that the iconic horse whip of the Taiji Palace be put away. Previously, whenever Li Shimin was in the Taiji Palace, he used the whip to intimidate his ministers, and naturally, sometimes his unruly sons as well. Ever since Li Shimin pioneered his "Xuanwu Gate Method," he had been wary of all his sons, including the Crown Prince, Li Chengqian. The reason he let Li Tai live in the Wude Hall was simple: every time Li Shimin saw Li Chengqian’s limp, he was filled with agonizing regret, yet despite searching the world for the best physicians, there was no remedy to be found.

There was another, more important reason. Li Shimin had invested heavily in Li Chengqian, hiring the most talented and capable scholars in the Great Tang to tutor him. Recently, however, Li Chengqian’s performance had been abysmal, especially after receiving an anonymous report that Li Chengqian was doting solely on Chengxin. That was what finally drove Li Shimin to murderous rage, leading him to have Chengxin executed. Yet, from start to finish, Li Shimin had never once considered deposing the Crown Prince. It was only because the "spare tire," Li Tai, had appeared, leading to constant comparisons, that an invisible pressure had been placed upon Li Chengqian.

However, Li Shimin was happy now, for he had discovered a different Li Chengqian. The reason, of course, was the bundle Li Chengqian had sent him. It had revealed a side of his son that Li Chengqian had never shown before.

Just then, a eunuch entered and knelt before Li Shimin. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived and is waiting outside the hall."

"Quick, summon him in," Li Shimin said, his expression shifting as he smoothed his robes.

A moment later, Li Chengqian walked in. Upon seeing Li Shimin, he hurriedly bowed. "Father, you summoned me?" As he spoke, he looked up slightly, but due to the bitterness of the previous days, he was forced to lower his head again.

"Chengqian, come here, come to Father," Li Shimin said, gesturing to a stool nearby, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Yes, Father," Li Chengqian replied, slowly walking to Li Shimin’s side with a faint smile. "You are as thoughtful as ever, Father."

Li Shimin felt sweeter than if he had eaten honey. After the three lashes, the relationship between father and son had dropped to freezing point. Let alone 'Father,' Li Chengqian had been too lazy to even utter the word. In that moment, Li Shimin’s heart had been cold and helpless. The use of the term 'Father' proved everything; it meant that for now, Li Chengqian’s anger had subsided, and he was willing to forgive him.

"Chengqian, it was Father’s fault last time. I... I actually struck your face. I truly didn't know you would turn around..." Li Shimin said, quietly reaching out to gently stroke the injured cheek. Although he had ordered the best imperial physicians to treat it, the results were minimal. Now, the scar was glaringly obvious on Li Chengqian’s cheek, looking truly ghastly.

"Plop..." A tear from Li Shimin fell onto Li Chengqian’s face, landing right on the scar. Shivering, Li Shimin asked, "Does it still hurt, Chengqian?"

Li Chengqian knew very well that his cheap father understood everything. Since the man was already softening his stance, he could not afford to push his luck. Being at odds with Li Shimin brought him no benefits.

"Father, it doesn't hurt anymore. I was also at fault; I truly let you down." Li Chengqian raised his head, looking at the tears on Li Shimin’s face, and forced a tear into his own eyes. A performance must be complete; if a flaw were spotted, it would be difficult to handle. Besides, he still needed this cheap father, so why burn the bridge completely?

"Don't blame Father, I was only frustrated because you wouldn't improve!" Li Shimin bit his lip, struggling before finally speaking. "By the way, I have looked at the diagrams you sent. Can everything you described really be achieved?"

"Is that the diagram Li Sijian delivered to you, Father?" Li Chengqian feigned ignorance, wiping away his tears.

"Yes, that's the one. I brought it with me." Li Shimin, somewhat excited, pulled it from his robes, opened it hurriedly, and looked at Li Chengqian. "Chengqian, if these things can be built, what else would I have to worry about?"

"Father, these things can indeed be manufactured, but it will take time, and I will need your help." Li Chengqian appeared troubled, glancing at Li Shimin to gauge his reaction.

"Chengqian, I want to entrust this matter directly to you. Keep it in the East Palace. If you have any difficulties, just tell me, and I will support you with all my strength." Li Shimin patted his chest; at this moment, he seemed more like a father than a majestic Emperor.

"Father, will Qingque have any objections?" Li Chengqian turned, looking at Li Shimin, and asked in return.

"What objections could Qingque have? Can he even handle this... machine of yours?" Li Shimin’s face darkened instantly. He knew everything; he understood that Li Chengqian was still holding a grudge.

"Father, Qingque is very clever. He even compiled the 'Records of Geography.' His ability is obvious to all," Li Chengqian said, his voice calm. On the surface, it was a compliment to Li Tai, but in reality, it was a biting satire.

Li Chengqian was certain his cheap father would not let this opportunity slip, because the divine artifact he intended to build would bring substantial changes to the Great Tang Empire. In other words, once this artifact was created, it would revolutionize the entire empire. Li Chengqian was confident in his invention, which was why he had intentionally brought it up.

As expected, Li Shimin smiled gently at Li Chengqian. "Chengqian, let's stop talking about the 'Records of Geography' for now. I know I neglected you because of it. Now, tell me more about this divine artifact. You say it can grind flour, spin thread, and even propel ships—is all of this true? I find it hard to believe!"

"Father, these are just the simplest functions. Once this machine is built, it can do so much more." Li Chengqian’s expression was solemn and full of confidence.

Li Shimin could not help but be stunned, his interest piqued even further.