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Chapter 235
Chapter 235
Chapter 235
Even after committing fratricide and patricide, Li Er appeared to display remarkable magnanimity. He didn’t hinder the court historian from documenting these events. At the time, Li Er was undeniably ambitious, believing the throne inherently belonged to him. Despite minor setbacks during his ascent to the imperial throne, which tarnished his record, Li Er remained confident that he could clear his name through his future efforts.
However, the course of events often didn’t bend to an individual’s will, even if that individual was the emperor ruling the entire realm. Over the years, due to the presence of Su Li, Li Er had achieved remarkable accomplishments with seemingly minimal effort. Yet, he was drifting further from his initial intentions.
Li Er once believed he possessed a broad mind and an open heart. Having achieved unparalleled greatness as the greatest emperor in history, he thought he could gracefully handle everything. However, whenever he glimpsed the forlorn figure of the Retired Emperor, his heart would be consumed by sorrow. He began to control discussions, unwilling to let anyone bring up the events of Xuanwu Gate.
Ultimately, regardless of their subsequent success, every emperor who had ascended through unconventional means carried a deep-seated fear within them. It was the fear of another version of themselves emerging one day.
Last year, when the northern palace gate was under renovation, Fang Xuanling inquired about the sudden repairs. This led to Li Er (the emperor) summoning him and delivering a furious rebuke, stating, “I’m renovating the northern gate, and what business is it of yours?” The matter had become highly secretive, but Li Er couldn’t completely silence the world’s whispers despite his efforts.
The ones who discussed this matter most were Li Er’s sons and their officers, particularly Li Chengqian, who held the position of crown prince. Originally, the Xuanwu Gate incident was taboo not only for Li Er but also for Li Chengqian. He didn’t want his crown prince son to be doing well and was suddenly confronted by one of his brothers in the street. However, Su Li’s presence altered the landscape significantly.
As Hou Junji had pointed out, if Su Li remained unchecked, Li Chengqian wouldn’t be able to consolidate significant power despite being the crown prince. Even if he ascended the throne later, he might still be constrained by Su Li’s influence. Li Chengqian, with his determined mindset, saw an emperor who simply waited for achievements as a puppet controlled by powerful ministers. However, he was still young, and when the idea of taking action against Su Li crossed his mind, he couldn’t help but hesitate.
Hou Junji stared at him, emphasizing, “Your Highness, what are you hesitating for? What is terrifying between a falling sword and a sword hanging over your neck? Seeking death is easy. Seeking survival is difficult! Su Li is the sharp sword hanging over the heads of everyone in the Great Tang, and the danger he poses is even greater for you and His Majesty!”
These words shook Li Chengqian deeply, his face alternating between pale and red, revealing the inner turmoil he was experiencing.
“It’s time to make a decision, Your Highness,” Hou Junji said solemnly.
After a lengthy pause, determination gradually settled on Li Chengqian’s face. “If we were to get rid of Su Li, does General Taishan have a plan?” Li Chengqian inquired slowly.
Hou Junji’s expression relaxed, followed by a hearty laugh. “Though I hold grudges against Su Li, I cannot deny his unparalleled courage! Watching him charge ahead on the plateau, brandishing his spear and fearlessly confronting an enemy force of forty thousand… It made me realize that there are individuals in this world capable of such tremendous bravery!”
As he spoke, Hou Junji couldn’t help but reminisce about that scene on the plateau. Su Li, leading the charge on his horse, wielding his war spear, and fearlessly advancing towards an army of forty thousand enemies. It was the first time he realized someone could possess such remarkable valor.
Previously, among the many great Tang generals, Qin Qiong and Yu Chigong were the most prominent in terms of martial prowess. But even they, when on the battlefield, would face at most a hundred foes.
Su Li was different. He truly could stand against ten thousand foes alone, an unrivaled warrior. After witnessing that scene, Hou Junji had started pondering a question… What would he do if he ever had to eliminate Su Li? Even a pig, if it spent four consecutive years contemplating the same question, would likely yield some results.
After four years of contemplation, Hou Junji had formed a plan in his mind, which he was now ready to share. “Su Li, as a lone warrior, cannot be successfully assassinated directly. It would require catching him off-guard and using a massive army to suppress him.”
Li Chengqian looked astonished. “Is this person truly so fierce?”
Hou Junji sighed. “Su Li’s courage must be witnessed firsthand to be believed. Your Highness, this matter requires the utmost caution.”
He then proceeded to offer proactive advice to Li Chengqian. “Deputy Commander of the Left Guard, Feng Shi, and Lieutenant General of the Left Garrison Guard, Li Anyan, both possess solid military strategies and tactics and impressive martial skills. In my observation, these two individuals have unwavering loyalty to Your Highness and can be promoted. Additionally, in Changan, strong men like Zhang Shizheng and Hegang Chengji are well-versed in assassination techniques. If Your Highness treats them with great respect and rewards, they will surely give their lives to repay Your Highness.”
In the confines of this secret chamber, the father-in-law and son-in-law began plotting their grand scheme to eliminate Su Li.
On the other side of the city, in the mansion of Prince Wei Tai, Li Tai’s face displayed deep concern as he gazed at a confidential letter on his desk. “Why is my elder brother acting so recklessly?”
The letter had been sent from Li Tai’s residence in the imperial palace, delivered by a eunuch from the Hall of Martial Valor. It detailed that tonight, Li Chengqian was hosting a grand banquet for the court officers at the Eastern Palace. The banquet was lively, and the atmosphere was so heated that even the Hall of Martial Valor could hear it.
Among the invited officers were prominent figures from five powerful clans, seven noble families, and court officers. The scene was grand, marking the first time since Li Chengqian became the crown prince that he had organized such a lavish feast.
Naturally, people perceived it as a display of his strength, an assertion of his authority as the crown prince. The emperor had tacitly approved this behavior, and Li Tai knew such a day would come sooner or later. However, as he examined the attendees list, Li Tai couldn’t help but feel a sense of shock.
Unbeknownst to him, the strength of the crown prince’s force had become remarkably potent. Li Chengqian’s rapid development of power filled Li Tai with growing urgency. “Something must be done!”