Chapter 117 The Young Tiger Roars in the Valley, and the Weather Changes Dramatically
Prince Li Zhi's "transformation" was like pouring boiling water into an already boiling oil pan.
At first, there were only subtle signals: on several informal occasions, when faced with veiled criticisms of the Crown Prince policy from certain officials, Li Zhi no longer remained silent or ambiguous as before, but would nod thoughtfully, and even occasionally echo with a word or two such as "Indeed, caution is needed" and "We should take leniency into consideration." Subsequently, he began to reappear in some gatherings led by officials from the Changsun Wuji faction, under the guise of "discussing the meaning of the classics" or "composing poems and essays." Although he still did not speak much, his respectful listening and occasional expressions of agreement were enough for observant people to detect the change in the wind.
Soon, more explicit actions emerged. Li Zhi submitted a memorial concerning "prudent use of punishments and compassion for the people's livelihood." The memorial itself was well-structured, citing classical texts and emphasizing that "punishment should not be abused, and the law should be moderate." It suggested reviewing some cases in recent years that "may have been handled too harshly or implicated too many people," and expressed concern about the phenomenon of local officials "rushing to collect taxes." Although the memorial did not directly mention the Grand Canal case or the Crown Prince, its implications were self-evident in the tense atmosphere of the time.
This memorial, like a thunderclap, resounded throughout Chang'an!
When Crown Prince Li Chengqian received the copy of the memorial, he was discussing with his confidants how to deal with a possible attack from Changsun Wuji. When he saw the familiar words "Your subject Li Zhi respectfully submits this memorial" at the end, and the seemingly gentle but actually barbed content, he was as if he had been doused with ice water. He froze on the spot, his face turned from pale to ashen, and his knuckles turned white from gripping the paper so tightly.
“Child slave…you…” His throat bobbed, but he couldn’t utter a complete sound. His eyes first showed disbelief and astonishment, then turned into the pain and rage of being betrayed by his closest person. But in the end, these intense emotions were replaced by a deeper, chilling disappointment and murderous intent.
He was wrong. He thought that heartfelt conversation that night, the Emperor's protection and guidance, and the years of distant observation had made his younger brother see right from wrong and choose the right path. He thought that at least, Zhi Nu wouldn't stand against him, wouldn't become a knife for others to stab him with.
But he was wrong. Under the immense temptation of profit and the instigation of Changsun Wuji, and with the throne within his grasp, the so-called brotherhood and so-called clear-headed understanding proved to be so fragile! Zhi Nu ultimately followed in Li Tai's footsteps, and perhaps even... was more dangerous than Li Tai, because he had a more "legitimate" identity and a more gentle and harmless appearance!
"Very well...very well!" Li Chengqian squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, slamming the copy of the memorial onto the table. His eyes were devoid of any warmth. "Since you have chosen to be my enemy, then don't blame me for...disregarding our brotherhood!"
Li Zhi's defection dealt a huge blow to the Crown Prince's side, with its psychological impact even exceeding its actual political influence. It instantly shattered the last shred of illusion the Crown Prince held for family ties, and also caused many officials who had originally supported the Crown Prince or remained neutral to waver—even the Emperor's youngest son, the Crown Prince's own brother, stepped forward to subtly criticize the Crown Prince's governance. Did this mean that the Crown Prince had truly gone too far astray?
For Changsun Wuji and the powerful clans behind him, Li Zhi's statement was like a godsend, a powerful boost that brought them back from the brink of disaster!
"Heaven bless the Tang Dynasty! Heaven bless us!" The head of the Zheng family of Xingyang was almost crying with joy. "His Highness Prince Jin is wise and insightful, and he understands the ills of the times! With His Highness as our banner, we are no longer 'opposing the Crown Prince,' but 'rectifying the ills of the times' and 'upholding the imperial order'!"
"Exactly! The Crown Prince has lost his virtue, and his oppressive policies have disturbed the people. Even his own brother can't stand it anymore! We have the most compelling reason to petition His Majesty to reconsider the succession for the sake of the country!" The representative of the Taiyuan Wang clan was also very excited.
Changsun Wuji was overjoyed, but he maintained a calm demeanor, even with a hint of "heartache": "His Highness Prince Jin is benevolent and filial. Seeing that there may be biases in state affairs, he cannot bear to remain silent. This is the heart of a true child. As his subjects, we should take this opportunity to earnestly offer our advice, so that His Majesty may see the truth clearly and restore order to the court!"
With Li Zhi as their "righteous" banner, Changsun Wuji's side suddenly became "legitimate" and swift in their actions. They no longer confined themselves to verbal disputes in the court, but began to launch a comprehensive and fierce counterattack through multiple channels.
First, they seized absolute power in public opinion. By controlling scholars, some officials' families, and even storytellers in the marketplace, they began to vigorously promote Prince Li Zhi's "benevolence" and "foresight," processing and disseminating the contents of his memorials to create an image of him as a wise prince who "concerned about the country and its people" and "dared to remonstrate." At the same time, they amplified the policies of Crown Prince Li Chengqian (especially the deviations that occurred in the investigation of aristocratic families and the rectification of officialdom), portraying them as "harsh laws and severe punishments," "competing with the people for profit," and "persecuting meritorious officials." They even subtly brought up old events such as the death of Li Tai and the premature death of Li Xiang to imply that the Crown Prince was "heartless and ungrateful" and "intolerant of his brothers."
Secondly, a more intense political offensive was launched in the imperial court. Led by Changsun Wuji, dozens of officials jointly submitted a memorial, not only demanding a retrial of the grain transport case (implying that the Crown Prince was using it to strike at his opponents), but also directly proposing a "comprehensive evaluation" of the Crown Prince's many policies in recent years, and imploring the emperor to "summon Prince Jin for an audience and consult his political views." At the same time, officials began to impeach the Crown Prince's trusted officials for "acting cruelly" and "fabricating charges," attempting to clip the Crown Prince's wings.
Third, and most dangerously, Changsun Wuji strengthened his connections with military forces. The attitudes of Cheng Zhijie, Hou Junji, and others became clearer; the troops under their control began to move erratically. Although they did not directly enter the capital, they formed an invisible encirclement and deterrent against the Eastern Palace and the residences of officials affiliated with the Crown Prince. The number of private armies gathered on manors outside the city also increased, and they began to be equipped with superior armor and weapons.
Fourth, their infiltration and influence on the inner palace were also intensifying. Several high-ranking concubines from aristocratic families, as well as eunuchs and palace maids who had been bribed or influenced by Changsun Wuji, began to whisper in Emperor Li Shimin's ear, exaggerating the turmoil in the court and the grievances among the people, portraying the Crown Prince as "stubborn" and the Prince of Jin as "benevolent and filial," and even subtly mentioning that "deposing the eldest son and establishing the younger son" was not without precedent, in an attempt to shake the emperor's confidence in the Crown Prince.
In an instant, a relentless and overwhelming offensive nearly engulfed Crown Prince Li Chengqian. In the court, voices supporting the Crown Prince were suppressed; in public opinion, his image was severely damaged; militarily, he was put on the defensive; even within the palace, danger seemed to lurk everywhere. The Crown Prince's situation seemed to shift overnight from an advantageous position to a precarious one.
Inside the Eastern Palace, the atmosphere was extremely tense. Unfavorable news arrived daily, shaking the confidence of supporters, and some even began secretly contacting Changsun Wuji's faction to secure their future.
Li Chengqian locked himself in his study, refusing to eat or drink, his face terribly grim. He knew he had underestimated Changsun Wuji's resolve and methods, and even more so, the power of the "Prince of Jin" banner. He also knew that his previous strategy, perhaps too focused on "legitimacy" and "reducing instability," had inadvertently given his opponent the opportunity to accumulate strength and launch a fatal blow.
"Your Highness, Cheng Zhijie's troops have made another unusual move and are now within three miles of Xuanwu Gate!" "Your Highness, news has come from the palace that His Majesty summoned Prince Jin again today for a private meeting that lasted nearly an hour!" "Your Highness, the Zheng family of Xingyang, the Wang family of Taiyuan, and other families are secretly sending large amounts of money and grain to Chang'an, seemingly with ulterior motives!"
One piece of bad news after another. Li Chengqian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his eyes were filled with an almost frantic calm and determination.
"Issue the order," his voice was hoarse, yet carried an undeniable iron-fisted tone, "All guards and secret agents of the Eastern Palace are to be on high alert. No one is to enter or leave without my order! Order the Left Guard to lead the General to immediately take over the defense of all streets and alleys surrounding the Eastern Palace, set up roadblocks, allowing entry but not exit! Order the Hundred Cavalry Division to keep a close watch on Changsun Wuji, Cheng Zhijie, Hou Junji, and others at all costs, and monitor their residences and military camps. Report any unusual activity immediately!"
"Furthermore," a cold glint flashed in his eyes, "secretly contact the generals in the Northern Imperial Guard who are loyal to me, and tell them to prepare. Also... go to Qixia Garden and invite Master Wang... no, never mind, there's no need."
He had originally intended to seek Wang Yi's guidance or help, but the words caught in his throat. This struggle was already a matter of life and death; he couldn't drag that uninvolved woman into it. Moreover, he had a vague feeling that Wang Yi... might have already foreseen this situation, and perhaps... this was exactly what she wanted? This thought sent a chill down his spine, and he dared not think further.
"I'd like to see," Li Chengqian walked to the window, gazing at the gloomy, rain-threatening sky outside, a cold, almost ferocious smile curling at the corner of his lips, "Changsun Wuji, my good uncle, and... Zhinu, my good brother, what tricks do you have up your sleeves! You want to bring me down? Then you'll have to pay with your lives!"
He decided to wait no longer, to hold back no more. He would strike first, using swift and decisive action to shatter this crisis created by betrayal of family and the backlash from powerful clans! Even if rivers of blood flowed, even if he bore eternal infamy, he would not hesitate!
Dark clouds loomed overhead over Chang'an, with lightning flashing in the distance. A bloody storm that would decide the fate of the empire, triggered by the seemingly mild memorial from Prince Li Zhi of Jin, had finally broken through all constraints and was about to descend in its most devastating form! Like a fledgling tiger's first roar, the winds and clouds changed color; the struggle for power had reached its climax, the true nature of the conflict about to be revealed!
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