Chapter 32: A Great Satisfaction, Li Chengqian Scores a Decisive Victory

Inside the Taiji Palace, within the main hall.

Just as Li Shimin and his officials were at their wit's end, Li Chengqian suddenly stepped forward. In truth, he had exchanged glances with his father and received a silent nod of approval before doing so. Since the ministers in the court could not resolve the problem, it was only natural for the Crown Prince to take the lead.

Seeing Li Chengqian step forward, Li Shimin felt half his worries vanish. After the incident that had just occurred, he placed great trust in his son, understanding that Li Chengqian would not act rashly unless he was certain of success.

Li Chengqian knew he had to give his all to conquer this so-called treasure made of interlocking iron rings. As the Turkic envoys looked on in panic, he walked over slowly.

"This is very simple. If I cannot solve it, I am still willing to admit defeat. But if I succeed, will you have any more tricks up your sleeves?" Seeing the shock on the envoys' faces, Li Chengqian stared them down and pressed for an answer.

"This... Your Highness the Crown Prince, are you serious?" The leader of the Turkic envoys felt a sudden glimmer of hope. He knew he had been granted another chance, and he desperately hoped that Li Chengqian's previous success had been mere luck. This puzzle was incredibly difficult; in fact, only the wisest man in the Turkic lands—their military strategist—could solve it. Even the envoys themselves had tried and failed many times.

"Of course. As the Crown Prince of the Great Tang Empire, my word is as heavy as a mountain," Li Chengqian said, his tone brooks no argument.

After a brief consultation, the envoys reached a consensus. "Very well, this round shall decide the outcome. If you can truly solve these iron rings, we, the Turks, will gladly admit defeat." The leader raised his head, feigning confidence.

"Gentlemen, you have all heard this clearly, have you not?" Li Chengqian looked at his ministers with a firm and determined gaze.

"Your Highness, we have heard it clearly," the officials replied in unison, their voices brimming with newfound confidence. Having just witnessed his previous display, they were certain he would continue to work miracles.

However, Li Zhi and Li Tai had complex expressions. Li Tai, in particular, was torn: he wanted Li Chengqian to succeed and bring glory to the Tang Empire, but he also hoped he would fail. He could not bear the thought of all the glory going to his brother.

"I have heard it as well. Chengqian, do your best; I believe in you." Li Shimin had calmed down significantly, though he remained deeply disappointed in his court. He had not expected that his proud ministers would be stumped by a simple set of iron rings, leaving him to rely solely on the Crown Prince.

"Father, do not worry, I have this under control," Li Chengqian said, bowing to Li Shimin before turning to the envoys to accept the rings.

"How long will it take for Your Highness to solve these?" a Turkic envoy asked, trying to provoke him.

"Solving this is extremely simple. Half an incense stick's time is more than enough." Li Chengqian motioned for the guards to light the incense.

"Good! A true Crown Prince of the Tang—full of spirit. Then you shall have your half-stick of incense." The leader of the envoys was invigorated. They knew the difficulty of the puzzle all too well; none of them had been able to master it after days of practice.

"First, allow me to introduce this treasure. It is called the Nine Linked Rings. Solving it is child's play." Li Chengqian picked up the rings and began to explain them with great interest.

"This... Your Highness, how did you know that?" The envoys gasped in astonishment. They could not believe he knew the name of the puzzle.

"I know far more than you could ever imagine," Li Chengqian chuckled. He picked up the Nine Linked Rings and continued, "Watch closely. If I cannot solve this within the time limit, I concede."

As he spoke, he began his work. He examined the rings for a moment, fiddled with them haphazardly, then gave them a sharp flick. To everyone's shock, the first ring came off with ease. Before they could process it, he proceeded to remove the third, fifth, seventh, and ninth rings. It was a fluid, continuous motion, completed in an instant. He removed the odd-numbered rings first, followed by the even ones. The entire process was smooth and skillful—it was truly seamless. They could not have known that Li Chengqian had solved the Nine Linked Rings countless times; in his eyes, it was a trivial matter.

Clatter...

In less than half the time allotted, all nine rings lay separated.

"Chengqian, magnificent!" Li Shimin cheered loudly. He was genuinely thrilled; he had never expected the puzzle that had baffled his entire court to be solved so effortlessly. At this rate, Li Chengqian could have finished two or three more sets within the time limit. The speed was truly breathtaking.

The officials and the Turkic envoys stared, wide-eyed and stunned, unable to believe what they had just seen. They had collectively failed for ages, yet for Li Chengqian, it was nothing. The Turkic envoys, now deflated like punctured balloons, hung their heads in defeat. Their two prized "treasures" had been rendered meaningless by him.

"Well? Was I bragging?" Li Chengqian turned to face them, his composure unshaken. The envoys forced awkward smiles that looked worse than crying.

"Your Highness... we..." The leader was now so nervous he could barely speak. They had suffered a massive loss—not only did they have to retreat three hundred miles, but their tribute payments would also double. It was a burden they could not bear.

"What? Can you not afford to lose?" Li Chengqian’s face darkened.

"No! Your Highness, we accept our defeat," the leader hurriedly bowed. Since they had proposed the wager, they had no choice but to admit defeat. They had no room to back out; doing so would be tantamount to declaring war on the Tang Empire, giving Li Shimin the perfect excuse to launch a full-scale invasion. They had already tasted the strength of the Tang army and feared that Li Shimin might even lead the campaign himself, which would surely result in their total humiliation.

"In that case, let us draft the new treaty. From today on, your tribute will double, you will submit to the Tang Empire, and you will retreat three hundred miles. Otherwise, you know the consequences," Li Chengqian said coldly, his tone brooks no dissent.

"Yes, Your Highness, we accept," the envoys replied, nearly in tears.

Li Shimin waved his hand and laughed, looking at Zhangsun Wuji. "In that case, Minister Zhangsun, draw up the new treaty immediately for both sides to sign and seal."

"As you command, Your Majesty," Zhangsun Wuji replied, his heart finally at ease. Li Chengqian was his nephew; if things continued this way, the throne would surely be his. Once the Crown Prince ascended, his own life would be one of endless comfort. Thinking this, he picked up his brush and began to write.

Soon, the new treaty was laid before the envoys. Despite their extreme reluctance, they had no choice; the matter was settled. They signed and pressed their seals.

"Chengqian, represent me in signing and sealing this as well. And affix my Imperial Seal," Li Shimin ordered.

"As you command, Father," Li Chengqian bowed, walked to the treaty, and added his name and mark.

"Good. Envoys, now that the seals are prepared, do you have your official insignia with you?" Li Shimin asked, his voice sharp.

"We... we have them," the leader’s voice trembled.

"Bring out my Imperial Seal and affix it, and give the envoys a copy," Li Shimin said to the eunuch. The eunuch brought over a box carved with golden dragons and opened it. The envoys were shocked to see the actual Imperial Seal of the Tang Empire. Once the seal was affixed, the treaty would be legally binding. They had reached the end of the road and, with heavy hearts, pressed their Khan’s seal onto the document.

Both parties took their copies. Li Shimin was delighted, though he kept his face calm as water. The Turkic envoys bowed and retreated, looking utterly defeated. As he watched them leave, Li Shimin could not help but feel amused.

Just then, a guard rushed into the hall, fell to his knees, and gasped, "Your Majesty, it is terrible! A great disaster has occurred..."

The guard was drenched in sweat, and a wave of shock rippled through the Emperor and his court.