Chapter 249
To compile this collection of “Comprehensive Gazetteers,” Li Chengqian indeed put in significant effort. The Tang Dynasty initially had ten circuits and 358 prefectures, but after Su Li’s victory in the northwest, the Tang Dynasty’s territory doubled in size. Li Er divided the realm into eighteen circuits with 736 prefectures, substantially increasing Li Tai’s workload. Li Tai, accompanied by his team of scholars, meticulously researched countless materials and spent nearly four years compiling this set of books. He invested so much effort because he considered these books a vital asset in his quest for the Crown Prince position.
In Li Tai’s perspective, the timing of its completion was impeccable, coinciding with Li Chengqian’s demise. Observing Li Tai’s excitement, Li Er cautiously glanced at him. At that moment, Li Er had just set aside the book in his hand, and sensing Li Tai’s gaze, he sighed.
“Li Tai, you’ve done admirably!” Li Er remarked, looking at Li Tai. Li Er’s expression seemed somewhat distant. Although Li Tai had a somewhat plump build, being born of the same parents, he naturally resembled Li Chengqian in facial features. As Li Er looked at Li Tai’s face, he could faintly discern a resemblance to Li Chengqian, which filled him with sorrow.
Seeing Li Er’s expression, Li Tai quickly surmised what was on his father’s mind. He promptly reached out to support Li Er, helping him settle on a nearby soft couch. Li Tai then positioned himself on the floor, leaning against Li Er’s leg.
“Father, are you missing elder brother again?” Li Tai inquired softly.
Li Er released a long sigh and replied, “After all, he is my flesh and blood. I am not unfeeling. How can I let go so quickly?”
Tears welled in Li Tai’s eyes as these words left Li Er’s lips, and he began to weep. “These days, I immerse myself in books daily, never daring to relax. During idle moments, memories of my elder brother flood my thoughts, which pains my heart deeply.”
Li Er gently stroked Li Tai’s head and murmured, “He is gone. There’s no need to grieve excessively.”
As Li Er spoke, a subtle change flickered in his eyes. In truth, Li Er found Li Tai’s display somewhat insincere. Both were princes who understood each other’s motives well. Li Chengqian was Li Er’s son, and despite their deep grievances, a father would naturally feel the anguish of losing his child. But genuine brotherly affection was scarce among siblings, especially in the heated competition for the throne. These circumstances bred fierce rivalry, not fraternal bonds. Li Er had been willing to eliminate his own brother in the past, so why would he hesitate now?
Gradually, Li Er came to grips with this reality. He realized significant issues had arisen in his parenting and his children’s education. He couldn’t allow a repeat of the Xuanwu Gate incident within his offspring. Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, being pushed to rebellion was a source of immense frustration for Li Shimin.
Li Er saw unsettling parallels as he contemplated the strife among his sons and equated it with his past conflicts with Li Jiancheng. He had admitted to his failure in educating his sons. His excessive indulgence of Li Tai led to misunderstandings with Li Chengqian. With Li Chengqian’s demise and the irreversible errors that ensued, Li Er couldn’t help but reflect on his shortcomings.
Observing Li Tai’s current demeanor, Li Er could only feel disappointment. He knew Li Tai displayed this attitude because he still coveted the Crown Prince position. After all, the selection of a Crown Prince was pivotal for the stability of the state, and it couldn’t be delayed.
Lately, Li Er had been contemplating the issue himself. With Li Chengqian’s passing, he had only two sons left, Li Tai and the young Li Zhi. Among court officers, Li Zhi was described as kind-hearted but somewhat timid by nature.
Li Er doubted whether Li Zhi’s personality made him fit to be an emperor. An emperor with a timid nature risked being controlled by powerful courtiers and in-laws. Regarding capability, Li Er leaned more towards Li Tai, but he harbored reservations now.
Considering Li Tai’s cunning nature, would he treat Li Zhi and the other princes well if he became emperor? These thoughts led Li Er to consider testing Li Tai’s intentions.
“Li Tai, a country cannot be without a ruler even for a day! Chengqian has passed away, and we should soon select a new Crown Prince,” Li Er began, his voice reflective. At this point, Li Tai suddenly tensed up visibly beside him, showing extreme nervousness.
Li Er sighed inwardly and continued, “If… in the future, you become emperor, how would you treat your siblings?”
At that moment, Li Tai’s mind went blank, and only one thought remained: “Father… Father wants to make me the Crown Prince!” Overwhelmed with ecstasy, Li Tai, usually talented and astute, lost his ability to think rationally.
His response emerged spontaneously. “Father, rest assured, I would never harm my son and would pass the throne to my brother out of brotherly love!”
Li Tai was overflowing with confidence, believing his response was exceptionally clever. He knew Li Er would never want a tragic situation of siblings killing each other to unfold, especially not involving his own grandchildren. What could provide Li Er with more reassurance than such a firm commitment?
However, Li Er was slightly shocked by this response. Subsequently, an overwhelming sense of disappointment washed over him. “Harming one’s own son and passing the throne to a brother…” What a notion! Even a tiger doesn’t devour its cubs!
Li Er regarded himself as a ruthless individual, but even when Li Chengqian rebelled, his foremost concern was saving his son’s life. In contrast, Li Tai had spoken of harming his son to appease him. Not only did the credibility of such a statement appear dubious, but it also revealed chilling ruthlessness that sent shivers down Li Er’s spine. How could he believe Li Tai would treat his brothers kindly in the future?
Nonetheless, Li Er, though deeply disappointed, remained composed. He wasn’t ready to abandon hope based solely on one statement from Li Tai. After all, Li Zhi didn’t possess the qualities of an emperor either.
At that moment, Li Er couldn’t help but feel sorrow. “In my entire life… Can it be that I can’t even nurture a suitable Crown Prince?”
(ED Note: Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) was the youngest son of and ; his elder brothers were and .)
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