Chapter Six: The Grand Performance Is About to Begin

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the atmosphere had grown increasingly harmonious. Li Shimin and Li Chengqian were gradually settling back onto a shared path.

Common topics and shared interests caused father and son to instantly ‘forget’ their previous discord, setting aside old grievances.

“Father, I still find it incredible!”

“Before, it took many people rowing constantly to keep the boat moving. Now, with this steam engine, no one needs to row at all?”

Li Shimin was somewhat moved, unconsciously shifting his body to draw closer to Li Chengqian.

At this moment, the scene reminded Li Chengqian of a little poem: “Two phoenixes at dawn clear the empty seats; no questions for the green sparrow, only for steam.”

Indeed, Li Chengqian’s invention was no trivial matter—it was the steam engine. The immense power of this machine was beyond Li Shimin’s imagination, but to Li Chengqian, it was all too familiar.

Once this steam engine was widely applied throughout the Tang Empire, the changes it would bring would be revolutionary. From the nobles to the common people, all would be astounded.

Yet this was the steam engine—something unimaginable for the Tang Empire.

“Father, I’m still being conservative. If this steam engine is truly invented, its influence will be unprecedented.”

“For example, with the steam engine, campaigns against Goguryeo could be launched both by land and water simultaneously, allowing surprise attacks that would surely yield remarkable results.”

Li Chengqian pondered briefly, then spoke calmly, his eyes steady as he looked at Li Shimin, signaling that this was an entirely ordinary matter.

“Chengqian, I understand. Time is pressing, and I do need this ‘steam engine’ you speak of. Tell me, how long will it take? What assistance do you require from me?”

“In terms of time, about half a year should suffice. As for the materials needed, they are quite numerous. Therefore, I have one request—I wonder if Father can grant it?”

“As long as the steam engine can be invented, I will agree to any condition.”

“This steam engine requires many materials—copper, iron, tin, rubber, and so on. I will need to travel across the country frequently to gather these. Hence, I need the cooperation of officials everywhere,” Li Chengqian said, looking troubled.

“That’s easy. I hereby grant you full authority to act at your discretion. This is my special gold tablet, a token of imperial favor. With it, you can command officials nationwide and have the power to act first and report later,” Li Shimin said astutely, instantly understanding Li Chengqian’s meaning and hastening to hand over the gold tablet.

“Father, I do not desire this power; I only wish to do something for you,” Li Chengqian hurriedly declined.

He knew all too well that the more he refused, the more his indulgent father would insist. The more eager he seemed, the more likely others might suspect him of ambition, which would be counterproductive.

“I understand, come, Chengqian, take it!” Li Shimin insisted without argument, forcefully placing the gold tablet in Li Chengqian’s hands. “Work hard. Once you invent the steam engine, you will silence all the doubters. When that time comes, I’ll see who dares to criticize my crown prince.”

“Yes, Father. I understand. I will devote myself fully and not betray your trust!” Li Chengqian accepted the tablet reluctantly, carefully tucking it into his robes, a determined and composed smile curving his lips.

“Well done! This is the true spirit of our Li family—bold and tenacious, so as not to waste youth!” Li Shimin stood and patted Li Chengqian’s shoulder, his expression stirred as he continued, “The crown prince’s position is settled. During this time, you must bear more responsibility. I will make it up to you.”

Li Chengqian was inwardly delighted. This was exactly what he wanted to hear: the crown prince’s position was confirmed. No matter who coveted it, they would have to think twice. With his father’s words, he finally felt assured.

“Yes, Father. Your servant takes his leave,” Li Chengqian said, bowing deeply before turning to return to the Eastern Palace.

“Chengqian, this gold tablet I give you not only commands local officials and commoners but can also mobilize all high-ranking ministers of the Tang Empire.”

“Anyone who sees it must kneel as if before me. Therefore, I urge you to use it wisely,” Li Shimin said solemnly.

He had grown serious. This was a matter concerning the bright future of the Tang Empire. Ultimately, it would determine the empire’s fate. Thus, Li Shimin resolved to offer Li Chengqian tremendous support and understanding.

“Father, rest assured. I will devote myself fully and complete the steam engine as soon as possible,” Li Chengqian bowed and limped away.

Watching his son’s retreating figure, Li Shimin’s heart ached.

Back when Li Chengqian’s legs were still sound, he was very sensible; now, everything had changed.

With this thought, Li Shimin’s nose tingled, and he opened his mouth, his voice hoarse yet tender.

“Go rest for a while. I will have the imperial physicians continue treating you. I have always sought ways to heal your leg.”

Though not loud, his voice was loud enough for Li Chengqian to hear.

“Thank you, Father. Please take care of yourself. I will complete the steam engine as soon as I can,” Li Chengqian slowly turned back, giving Li Shimin a slight smile—devoid of resentment, filled instead with understanding and calm.

Li Shimin nodded. “Chengqian, I believe in you. Whatever you need, just ask. I will grant it.”

At this moment, Li Shimin’s paternal affection overflowed.

Li Chengqian inwardly chuckled. “Generous Father, if I said I wanted to repeat the Xuanwu Gate Incident—and that I would be its greatest beneficiary—would you agree? Would you, like Grandfather, abdicate and become Taishang Huang, yielding the throne to me?”

But such thoughts were unspoken, only kept in his heart.

“Yes, Father!” Li Chengqian replied and left the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Inside the hall, Li Shimin felt both expectant and relieved.

Recently, thoughts of the Tang Empire’s future had left him too distracted to eat. Now, the opportunity had arrived.

Li Chengqian’s steam engine would surely transform the empire’s entire situation.

...

At the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace.

Upon returning, Li Chengqian immediately summoned He Gan Chengji for a reprimand.

This was Li Chengqian’s first priority. He Gan Chengji had to be eliminated. Keeping such a thorn close was dangerous; one never knew when he might betray him.

He Gan Chengji was still unaware, unsuspecting.

Especially since Li Chengqian had declared he no longer harbored rebellious thoughts, He Gan Chengji had begun cultivating a reputation as a good man.

Until this summons, when a faint unease crept into his heart.

‘Guilty conscience,’ he thought.

Though not a thief, he was a traitor at heart. Physically in the Crown Prince’s palace, his loyalty lay with Prince Qi, Li You.

For days, Li Chengqian had not meddled in palace affairs, but this sudden summons unsettled him.

Still, He Gan Chengji quickly calmed himself, knowing Li Chengqian was impulsive and reckless, likely summoning him to discuss something.

Whether bold from skill or hardened by experience, He Gan Chengji tidied himself and entered the Crown Prince’s hall.

“Your Highness, He Gan Chengji requests an audience,” a guard hurriedly reported.

“Send him in,” Li Chengqian said without looking up, engrossed in a blueprint.

Recently, he had become obsessed with studying the steam engine.

“I, He Gan Chengji, pay respects to Your Highness!”

Upon entering, He Gan Chengji was prudent and immediately knelt.

“He Gan Chengji?” Li Chengqian feigned surprise.

“Yes, Your Highness,” He Gan Chengji answered quickly, stealing a glance at Li Chengqian’s calm, relaxed expression, which eased his nerves.

He now realized the prince likely knew nothing of his underhanded deeds.

With Li Chengqian’s temperament, had he known, he would have torn him apart long ago.

Given the prince’s explosive temper, today still felt precarious.

But now, all tension dissipated—it was probably a false alarm.

“Are you skilled in martial arts?” Li Chengqian looked up, playing with his jade ruyi scepter.

“Thanks to Your Highness’s favor, my skills are decent,” He Gan Chengji said confidently.

“I just remembered, skilled fighters seem to be favored by their lords…” Li Chengqian began, then suddenly paused.

“Your Highness, what do you mean?” He Gan Chengji stiffened, as if a pond had been drained, exposing the fish’s spine.

His face darkened and his heartbeat quickened.

His hands rubbed nervously, then clenched into fists, his expression complex.

At this moment, He Gan Chengji felt deeply unsettled—not expecting such a question, it caught him completely off guard.

More embarrassing, he was not clever enough to discern Li Chengqian’s implication.

Understandably, He Gan Chengji was no hindsight strategist; he had no idea what might unfold.

“What do I mean? Don’t you know?” Li Chengqian said.

He Gan Chengji was even more bewildered, utterly lost.

He understood nothing—not a bit.

“Your Highness, I truly... truly do not understand. Please be direct,” He Gan Chengji said, tightening his fists.

“Have I ever ordered you to do anything? Or said anything?” Li Chengqian suddenly asked a seemingly trivial question.

He Gan Chengji was stunned, even more baffled by what Li Chengqian was up to.

He remembered the prince once casually saying, “My Eastern Palace is only a few dozen steps from the Hall of Supreme Harmony. If there were any plots, it would be more convenient for me.”

He Gan Chengji looked at Li Chengqian’s darkened face and immediately fell silent, not daring to utter a word.

At that moment, Yang Jiguang appeared at the door.

“Your Highness, I, Yang Jiguang, have an urgent matter to report.”

This announcement instantly revived Li Chengqian’s spirits.

“Come in quickly. I’ve been waiting for you,” Li Chengqian raised his voice, his tone brimming with confidence.

Now, Li Chengqian knew the real show was about to begin!