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Chapter 251
Chapter 251
Chapter 251
When it came to Li Zhi, most people usually associated him with the rule of Empress Wu Zetian, the “Northern Chicken Incident.” They considered him as a supporting figure to Empress Wu in their minds. However, after Emperor Li Zhi took the throne, he excelled in civil and military affairs, and the Great Tang peaked during his reign. His physical weakness and health issues forced him to delegate state matters to Empress Wu Zetian out of necessity.
Su Li didn’t underestimate Emperor Li Zhi. Based on his current performance, Emperor Li Zhi was an impressive successor to the Li clan, especially compared to the ambitious Li Tai and arrogant and mentally unstable Li Chengqian.
Due to their connection to Princess Changle, Su Li allowed his son Su Che to befriend Emperor Li Zhi, as their age difference wasn’t significant. Li Zhi often visited the Princess’s residence due to his close relationship with Changle, their elder sister. Despite growing up, Li Zhi remained innocent, charming, and incredibly cute, receiving a lot of affection from the Li family, especially Su Li.
However, Su Li played a significant role in this, as he had some influence over Li Zhi’s visits to the Princess’s residence. But now, with Li Chengqian out of the picture due to Su Li’s actions, Changle’s attempts to meet Li Zhi were repeatedly rejected, causing a rift between them.
On the other hand, in the Taiji Palace, Li Er and Zhangsun Wu Fei sat facing each other. Even though several days had passed, Zhangsun Wu Fei still had a bitter expression, and her tears hadn’t stopped flowing. Regardless of Li Chengqian’s rebellious actions, he was still her legitimate eldest son.
In history, when Li Chengqian attempted rebellion, Li Er couldn’t bring himself to take his life and preserve his royal status. But now, the situation was different. Li Er was also troubled by the events but couldn’t make Su Li pay any price. Despite Li Chengqian’s reckless actions, it was clear that he didn’t underestimate Su Li.
Siege crossbows, skilled warriors, loyal soldiers, and even a raging fire were all part of the rebellion, making it a deadly situation for anyone. However, Su Li had made significant progress in strength compared to three years ago during the Jing Ping Northwest campaign. He had reached a level beyond human capabilities, and neither Changle nor Su Che had suffered harm. It was like trying to break a rock with an egg.
As an emperor and a father, all Li Er could do was express his sorrow. “Guanyin, please don’t be sad… This is the result of our actions. I’ve ordered three thousand high-ranking monks to pray day and night for Gao Ming’s well-being…”
Li Er gently comforted Zhangsun Wu Fei by patting her shoulder softly and speaking gently.
“Gao Ming, my son…” Zhangsun Wu Fei whispered, wiping away her tears eventually. The couple shared a silent, sorrowful gaze, and in the end, only silence prevailed.
After some time, Zhangsun Wuji’s request for an audience broke the silence, providing Li Er and Zhangsun Wu Fei with some privacy. Like Li Er and Zhangsun Wu Fei, Zhangsun Wuji wore a solemn expression. After all, Li Chengqian was Zhangsun Wuji’s nephew by marriage and always supported the Crown Prince. The relationship between the imperial family and the powerful clans was intricate, especially considering the close blood ties between Zhangsun Wuji and Li Chengqian.
However, unlike Zhangsun Wu Fei, Zhangsun Wuji and Li Er were court officers, with Li Er as the emperor and Zhangsun Wuji as a loyal minister. Despite their grief, they suppressed their emotions and sought a way forward.
“Your Majesty, Prince Yongle’s influence is growing, and it would be unwise to delay…” Zhangsun Wuji entered and immediately made a significant suggestion.
Li Er was surprised by this and carefully observed Zhangsun Wuji’s expression. After finding nothing unusual, he sighed and spoke with a bitter smile.
“Indeed, I am well aware,” Li Er replied, shaking his head. “Su Li’s accomplishments in expanding the factories and his achievements during the Jing Ping Northwest campaign, although not within the court, are unmatched in civil and military matters. There are few in the entire realm who can rival him. However, it seems his recognition is less than Prince Yongle’s.”
“Even if Prince Yongle holds considerable power, what can be done?” Li Er continued with a sigh. “Am I to follow Gao Ming’s example? Risk my life and hope to reunite with my son in the underworld?”
Zhangsun Wuji looked at Li Er solemnly, shaking his head without pretense. “Your Majesty, I am by no means urging you to oppose Prince Yongle. I am here today to request that Your Majesty bestow upon Prince Yongle the title of ‘One Character Co-King.'”
Li Er understood what Zhangsun Wuji was suggesting. It was not hard to see the wisdom behind this proposal. Simply put, if it weren’t for Su Li being Li Er’s son-in-law, Li Er’s hold on the throne might not be secure. What separated Su Li from ruling the nation? Essentially, it was a matter of approval. This wasn’t something that political maneuvering or cunning plots could easily change.
Su Li represented the epitome of power vested in an individual. His authority didn’t come from fame or the recognition of others. On the contrary, everything else merely accompanied Su Li’s inherent strength. No conspiracy or plot could effectively counter Su Li.
Political schemes? Su Li was impervious to such tactics. Assassination attempts? Li Chengqian was a prime example of their futility. Attempts to tarnish his reputation? Su Li alone could rival an entire nation.
Zhangsun Wuji and Li Er acknowledged no means to limit or counter Su Li’s influence. Therefore, Zhangsun Wuji proposed a parallel kingship.
“What do you mean by this?” Li Er asked with a frown.
“Prince Yongle pacified the Northwest, but the title of king was given without actual land or authority. I suggest granting him the Northwestern territory as his fief,” Zhangsun Wuji replied seriously.
“Are you serious, Wuji? Do you comprehend the vastness of the Northwestern region?” Li Er couldn’t hide his concern, interrupting urgently.
The Northwestern region was enormous! Though economically underdeveloped, it consisted of deserts, plateaus, and snow-capped mountains, rarely visited by people. However, the combined area of the entire Northwestern region was even larger than the Central Plains.
“When did these regions ever truly belong to Your Majesty?” Zhangsun Wuji’s gentle words silenced Li Er.
Indeed, when had these lands ever truly been Li Er’s? In reality, except for the former territory of the Turks, most remaining territories had been conquered and expanded under Su Li’s rule. He had been the one to establish these lands.
Over three years ago, Su Li had single-handedly pacified the Northwest, enabling the Tang army to settle and conquer these regions. Even today, the people beyond the Northwestern Wall trembled at mentioning Su Li’s name. Barbarians respected force, not virtue. The relative stability of the Northwestern region had facilitated the Tang’s expansion and settlement there, largely thanks to Su Li’s intimidating presence.
However, Li Er found himself at a loss for words, unable to respond despite opening his mouth to speak.