Chapter 22: Giving an Inch and Taking a Mile

Inside the Taiji Palace, Li Shimin sat upright upon the dragon throne.

Lately, Li Shimin had been filled with deep anxiety. He had long sensed the petty squabbles and underhanded schemes among his sons. In particular, the rivalry between Qingque and Gaoming—brothers in name but mortal enemies in spirit—had escalated the conflict between siblings to a dangerous new level. It had reached the point where Gaoming and Qingque were now resorting to assassination attempts against one another.

Li Shimin was fully aware of the situation within the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace; this intelligence had been relayed to him by Li Sijian. Concerned for Li Chengqian’s safety, Li Sijian had detailed every recent tribulation the Crown Prince had endured.

"Your son pays his respects to Father!" Upon entering the Taiji Palace, Li Chengqian hurriedly bowed in salute.

"Chengqian, come, rise quickly." Li Shimin said with a warm smile, gesturing to a stool nearby. "Quick, sit here, closer to Father."

"Yes, Father." Li Chengqian caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye and instantly understood: his father was in an excellent mood today.

"Come, let Father check—where were you injured?" Li Shimin asked, scanning Li Chengqian up and down before patting his head, neck, and other vital areas. "I heard you encountered assassins... but, thank goodness, you are safe and sound!" Li Shimin let out a sigh of relief, finally calming down.

"I did encounter assassins, but I have already resolved the matter. It is my fault for causing Father such worry," Li Chengqian said, slowly raising his head to meet Li Shimin’s gaze.

"Chengqian, I know you are capable of great things. Rest assured, your position as Crown Prince is as steady as Mount Tai. When I am gone, I will entrust this vast empire to you." Li Shimin was filled with profound emotion, feeling deeply comforted by Li Chengqian’s newfound maturity and composure.

"Father, you are the Son of Heaven; you will surely enjoy a long and healthy life. Your son wishes you ten thousand years of longevity!" Li Chengqian reacted quickly, bowing again to shower his father with praise.

This wave of flattery left Li Shimin feeling utterly delighted. Though he knew well that no one truly lived for ten thousand years, it was a sentiment he found immensely gratifying.

"Haha... Chengqian, this doesn't sound like you. When did you become so sensible?" Li Shimin laughed heartily, his previous negative impressions of Li Chengqian completely swept away. Even as the Tiance General, he was a father deeply protective of his kin. He had held high expectations for Li Chengqian from the start, grooming him according to the highest standards to be his successor. This had been Li Shimin’s long-held wish; having gained the throne through his own irregular means, he naturally hoped his children would remain peaceful and steady. Seeing Li Chengqian so sensible now, Li Shimin felt that perhaps the "Xuanwu Gate" ordeal would be the last of its kind.

Li Shimin was weary. The mere mention of "Xuanwu Gate" was a thorn in his side—a memory of his greatest pain that he never wished to see repeated.

"Father, you toil for the affairs of the state; you should not have to worry about such trifles. Your son can protect himself," Li Chengqian said, looking at Li Shimin. He knew clearly that if he did not act proactively, his position would soon be usurped by Qingque. Among his brothers, only Qingque possessed such an obsession with the throne. Should the conditions ripen, Qingque would surely initiate another Xuanwu Gate incident, or perhaps a coup within the Taiji Palace itself. His target was not necessarily Li Chengqian, but the entire Tang Empire; his ambition was to be the Emperor of the Great Tang.

Li Chengqian knew that if he didn't secure his position, he would be digging his own grave. He needed to prove himself to the Tiance General, the Heavenly Khan, Li Shimin. Only by gaining his father’s recognition could he ensure a smooth succession and achieve great things for the Tang Empire.

Li Shimin was taken aback, never expecting such magnanimity from Li Chengqian. "Well done, Chengqian. If you have any needs, speak to Father. I have plenty of men at my disposal." Li Shimin waved his hand, his face beaming.

"Thank you for your praise, Father." Li Chengqian bowed, observing his father’s radiant expression. Whether it was due to his own changed behavior or the anticipation of the advanced machinery—like the steam engine—that was soon to arrive, Li Shimin remained in high spirits.

"By the way, Chengqian, is the steam engine you spoke of nearing completion?" Li Shimin asked, shifting the subject to the main point.

"Father, I am currently preparing for it. I am gathering the raw materials, and it should not be long before the steam engine is put to use."

Li Chengqian knew his time was limited. He had to manufacture the engine soon; once he did, it would be a feat that would shock the world, silencing all those who had doubted him.

"Chengqian, here is a letter for you. It says you have harbored the assassins who tried to kill you?" Li Shimin’s expression suddenly darkened as he handed over a letter from the desk.

Li Chengqian was shocked, his hands trembling slightly. Enemies were everywhere; his own residence was clearly rife with undercurrents that posed a lethal threat.

"Father, this is a baseless lie. That person did not attempt to assassinate me. On the contrary, when other assassins attacked, he stepped forward to save me. Whoever is distorting the facts, if I find them, I will kill them myself!" Li Chengqian’s voice trembled with rage. He could endure many things, but not this slanderous provocation.

Li Shimin watched him, a faint, imperceptible smile crossing his lips. This was exactly the effect he wanted—to maintain absolute control over the court and the empire.

"I care for your safety," Li Shimin said after a pause. "As for how you handle it, I will not interfere. Just see to it yourself. I look forward to seeing your steam engine."

Li Chengqian nodded, realizing his residence was a minefield. Upon returning, he immediately summoned Yang Jiguang.

"The events at the Prince's residence have reached the Emperor’s ears," Li Chengqian stated, his eyes cold.

"Your Highness, how could the Emperor know? Is there a mole within the residence?" Yang Jiguang asked, stunned.

"It is likely the Wei King, Li Tai," Li Chengqian replied, playing with a jade ruyi. "However, do not act rashly without absolute proof. I have a plan for tomorrow to flush out the mole. You are to guard the gates and monitor all carrier pigeons."

The next day, the residence was in an uproar. Rumors spread that the Crown Prince was gravely ill, that his end was near, and even that he had practiced witchcraft to curse the Emperor. The gates were sealed, and the staff was terrified.

The moles, unable to contain themselves, began frantically gathering information to relay to their masters. Within five hours, the final, most dangerous rumor—that the Prince was cursing the Emperor—was leaked out.

That evening, a summons arrived from the Taiji Palace. As Li Chengqian prepared to leave, he handed a package of gold and jewels to the Eunuch, Cui.

"Eunuch Cui, a small token of my appreciation," Li Chengqian said, pressing the package into the eunuch's hands. "I will be with you shortly; I just have a few matters to attend to."

Once the eunuch left, Li Chengqian turned back to his aides. He was determined: he would use this crisis to purge the spies, reveal the true culprits, and show the world that he was not a man to be trifled with. The game had begun.