Chapter 116 The true intentions are revealed, and a shocking change occurs in Chang'an.
The autumn of the twenty-first year of the Zhenguan era arrived with an exceptionally somber tone. The clouds over Chang'an hung low, leaden gray, as if they were about to press down and crush this magnificent imperial capital. Even the usually bustling East and West Markets seemed shrouded in an invisible oppressive atmosphere. The vendors' cries were less loud than usual, and pedestrians hurried along, their brows furrowed with an indescribable wariness.
The imperial court was eerily silent. Since autumn, the daily court sessions had become almost a formality. Emperor Li Shimin's health was deteriorating, and he attended court less and less frequently. Even when he did appear, he looked haggard and listless, often dismissing the court after only a few moments and leaving all matters to the Crown Prince. Crown Prince Li Chengqian, on the other hand, had become increasingly quiet, even melancholic. He remained highly efficient in handling state affairs, reviewing memorials and issuing orders with clarity and order, but his increasingly deep eyes seemed to hold the potential to erupt like a volcano. Occasionally, when he swept his gaze over the bowed and solemn officials below, the chill in his eyes could send a shiver down even from seasoned veterans of the court.
Everyone knows that beneath the calm surface lies a colossal abyss about to devour everything. The power struggle between the Crown Prince and the aristocratic families led by Changsun Wuji, which has lasted for years and has been intermittently overt and covert, has reached its final, inevitable juncture.
The trigger was a seemingly ordinary but far-reaching case of corruption and embezzlement in the canal transport sector.
The Censorate, in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review, launched a sudden and swift operation, arresting several key officials in charge of the Jianghuai Grand Canal transport. They quickly uncovered irrefutable evidence of their collusion with several large merchant houses in Jiangnan, and even certain powerful family branches behind them, embezzling huge sums of grain transport funds, bribing officials, and manipulating transport prices. The sheer amount of money involved, the high rank of the officials (including two vice ministers of the Ministry of Revenue and one director of the Ministry of Works), and the implicated powerful families (including important branches of the Zheng family of Xingyang and the Wang family of Taiyuan) were all staggering.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian was furious (at least outwardly). At the court meeting, he vehemently demanded a thorough investigation and severe punishment. Taking this opportunity, he proposed a comprehensive overhaul of key departments related to the national economy and people's livelihood, such as the Grand Canal, salt and iron, and the implementation of a stricter auditing and supervision system. He even hinted at a re-examination of the franchise rights that certain aristocratic families had held for many years in these areas.
This was like stirring up a hornet's nest.
Changsun Wuji finally broke his silence. This old minister, whose hair and beard were already graying but whose eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's, spoke a clear and forceful different voice for the first time in the court assembly after a long period of silence.
He did not directly defend the officials or families involved, but instead pointed the finger at the Crown Prince's handling of the matter and his intentions.
"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji stepped forward, his voice booming, carrying the authority of a long-time ruler and a deep, earnest plea. "The abuses of the Grand Canal transport system certainly need to be rectified, and those who are corrupt should be severely punished! However, the way to govern a country lies in a balance of strictness and leniency, and in grasping the essentials. Now, the case has not yet been thoroughly investigated, yet it has already implicated so many people, causing widespread panic. This is hardly a good strategy. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince's words about 'comprehensive rectification' and 're-examination' involve enormous matters, concerning the financial lifeline of the southeast, the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of canal workers and salt merchants, and the stability of the court and the country! How can we shake the fundamental system of the nation because of a temporary case? I fear that acting too hastily will not only fail to eliminate the abuses but will also breed great chaos and damage the foundation of the nation!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the court fell into a deathly silence, which then erupted instantly, like boiling oil being poured into cold water!
Several officials who were closely related to Changsun Wuji, or who also came from prominent families and whose interests had been harmed, stepped forward to echo his sentiments. Their words were either strong or subtle, but their core message was the same: they opposed the Crown Prince using this as an excuse to expand the scope of the attack, demanded that the matter be handled "prudently" and "investigated and prosecuted according to law," and opposed any "comprehensive reforms" that could cause turmoil in the court and among the people.
Officials from the Crown Prince's faction, naturally, were not to be outdone and immediately countered with sharp rebuttals, emphasizing that "evil must be eradicated" and "reform is imperative," while accusing the other side of "sticking to old ways," "harboring malicious intentions," and "obstructing new policies."
The imperial court was instantly divided into two distinct factions, locked in a fierce debate, neither willing to yield. The superficial politeness and balance that had been maintained in the past were completely shattered. Emperor Li Shimin, seated high on his throne, looked down at his ministers, who were practically in chaos, his face ashen. He tried several times to speak up and stop them, but his breathing became uneven, and he coughed repeatedly. Finally, supported by his eunuchs, he angrily left the court early.
This morning assembly, like a signal cannon, heralded the start of the ultimate showdown.
In the days that followed, the atmosphere in Chang'an was extremely tense. News and rumors spread at an alarming rate:
"The Crown Prince intends to use the Grand Canal case to uproot the Zheng family of Xingyang and the Wang family of Taiyuan!"
"Minister Changsun has contacted several veteran generals in Guanzhong and Longyou to guard against any unforeseen circumstances!"
"The Prince of Jin has been frequently visiting the palace recently; His Majesty seems to intend to summon him..."
"The number of guards around the Eastern Palace has increased significantly, and the Golden Guards patrolling at night are also unfamiliar faces!"
"I've heard that some local powerful families have already begun secretly making connections to send money and grain to the capital..."
A storm is brewing. Everyone sensed that a storm that would determine the fate of the Tang Dynasty for decades to come was about to descend.
The Eastern Palace, a secret chamber.
The candlelight illuminated Li Chengqian's cold and resolute face. Standing before him were several trusted ministers and generals, including the commander of the Hundred Cavalry, the generals of the Left and Right Guards, and several close officials from key departments.
“Changsun Wuji finally couldn’t hold back any longer.” Li Chengqian’s voice was calm, yet carried a metallic coldness. “Does he think that by uniting with those aristocratic families who live in constant fear, and by bringing in some old military subordinates, he can force me to submit? Or even… carry out the deposed emperor’s plan?”
"Your Highness, according to confidential reports, Changsun Wuji has indeed had several secret meetings with veteran generals such as Cheng Zhijie, the Left Valiant Guard General, and Hou Junji, the Right Martial Guard General (who participated in the rebellion in history, but whose name and possible stance are used here). Recently, unidentified strong men have also been gathering at several manors outside the city," the commander of the Hundred Cavalry reported in a deep voice.
"As for His Highness Prince Jin..." an official began cautiously.
A cold glint flashed in Li Chengqian's eyes: "I am well aware of Zhinu's recent movements. Although he has not explicitly stated his position, he has repeatedly refused Changsun Wuji's invitations, and he has remained neutral when questioned by the Emperor in the palace. He will not participate." His tone was resolute, both a judgment and seemingly carrying a sliver of hope that he did not want to be shattered. "If Changsun Wuji truly intends to depose the emperor, he is probably still after Zhinu. But Zhinu... will not fall for it."
"Your Highness, should we strike first?" A general's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Before they are fully prepared, let's gather our troops, seize control of the key city gates and palace gates, and wipe out Changsun Wuji and his cronies in one fell swoop!"
Li Chengqian shook his head: "No. Changsun Wuji is cunning and calculating; how could he be unprepared? Even if we win a forced confrontation, it will inevitably result in rivers of blood, shaking the world and giving people grounds to accuse the Crown Prince of 'forcing the abdication and slaughtering ministers,' which will break Father's heart." He paused. "He wants to force me to make the first move, but I will wait for him to bare his fangs. Issue the order to strengthen security at the Eastern Palace and all gates of the Imperial City, but without my written order, no one is allowed to use force. Closely monitor the Changsun residence and the residences and military camps of officials who have close ties with him. Especially... pay attention to the movements within the palace."
He knew that the key to the decisive battle might not lie in the battles outside the palace, but inside the palace walls, in his aging father, whose attitude remained somewhat ambiguous, and perhaps even... in certain corners of the harem where he could be exploited.
Meanwhile, a tense atmosphere also prevailed at Changsun Wuji's residence.
"The Crown Prince is trying to wipe us out completely!" A member of the Xingyang Zheng clan in charge in Chang'an gritted his teeth. "The Grand Canal case is just the beginning! Next, it will probably be our families! Lord Changsun, we can't hesitate any longer!"
“Yes, Lord Changsun! The Crown Prince has been suppressing the aristocratic families more and more in recent years, and now he is even trying to use this as an excuse to carry out a purge! If we sit and wait for our deaths, our family’s century-old foundation will probably be destroyed in an instant!” Another representative of the Taiyuan Wang family also said excitedly.
Changsun Wuji sat at the head of the table, his face solemn. His gaze swept over the aristocratic representatives in the room, some indignant and some fearful, as well as several generals who were close to him and held military power. He knew that these people were not so much supporting him as they had been cornered by the Crown Prince and had no choice but to rally under his banner, which seemed to be able to contend with the Crown Prince.
“The Crown Prince is heartless, attempting to cut off our path to survival.” Changsun Wuji spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful. “However, the matter of deposing and establishing a new emperor is no small matter. It requires legitimacy and certainty.”
"A title?" someone exclaimed urgently. "The Crown Prince's 'appointment of cruel officials,' 'fabricating charges,' 'persecution of meritorious families,' and 'contradictions of His Majesty's benevolent policies'—aren't these all titles? His Majesty may not entirely approve of the Crown Prince's actions in recent years! We can jointly submit a memorial, earnestly requesting His Majesty to reconsider the selection of the heir apparent for the sake of the country! Prince Jin is benevolent, filial, and virtuous; he is the Empress's legitimate son and His Majesty's beloved son—he is the most suitable candidate!"
Mentioning Li Zhi, everyone in the room's eyes lit up. He was indeed their last and most important card.
A glint flashed in Changsun Wuji's eyes: "Your Highness Prince Jin...you are all aware of his recent attitude. This matter requires careful consideration, and more importantly...someone needs to persuade His Highness to understand that this is not for personal gain, but for the sake of the nation, to protect the descendants of the many meritorious officials who have followed His Majesty!"
He knew in his heart that Li Zhi's refusal was the biggest variable and obstacle in his plan. But the die was cast, and he had to act. He had to find a way to at least keep Li Zhi silent, or even... to be "invited" out at a crucial moment, even if only as a symbol.
"As for the chances of success..." Changsun Wuji looked at the generals, "General Cheng, General Hou, what are the chances of success regarding the defense of the palace and the capital region?"
Cheng Zhijie said in a deep voice, "My troops and a few of my old comrades should have no problem controlling Xuanwu Gate and the west and south gates of the imperial city. However, the north gate and the area near the East Palace are mostly controlled by the Crown Prince's confidants, so we need to be careful."
Hou Junji also said, "More than 3,000 reliable soldiers and retainers have gathered in several manors outside the city. They are all battle-hardened elites and can be dispatched at any time."
Changsun Wuji nodded, then looked at several influential old eunuchs in the palace (whom he had cultivated relationships with through bribery and past favors): "Within the palace... especially around His Majesty, and... among the empresses, they might be able to pass messages and provide assistance when necessary?"
The old eunuch bowed his head and said, "We servants... will do our best."
Everything seemed to be being prepared in full swing. Both sides were waiting, waiting for the other to reveal a weakness, waiting for an opportunity to launch a fatal blow.
The autumn night in Chang'an was filled with howling winds, as if the cries of countless wronged souls were lamenting. Inside and outside the palace walls, lights flickered, reflecting countless vigilant eyes and hearts pounding in their throats.
The decisive battle was about to begin. Both Crown Prince Li Chengqian and Grand Commandant Changsun Wuji knew that there was no turning back in this game. Victory would mean absolute power and influence over the court; defeat would mean death and the extermination of their clans, utter ruin.
Meanwhile, the young Prince Jin, Li Zhi, who was involved to varying degrees on both sides, sat alone in the darkness of his study in the palace. He listened to the howling wind outside the window, clutching a jade pendant left by his mother tightly in his hand. His face was pale, and his body trembled slightly. He knew that the day he feared most might truly be coming.
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