Chapter 2: Ambition and Intrigue

The sudden news of Emperor Taizong’s unexpected death struck like a massive stone thrown into a still lake, instantly stirring up turbulent waves and leaving everyone caught off guard.

With this steadfast pillar of the empire toppled, the ambitions long suppressed beneath his commanding presence began to surge wildly, spreading like untamed weeds both inside and outside the court.

Prince Wei, Li Tai, upon receiving the news, anxiously summoned all his trusted confidants to his residence.

An atmosphere of tension mingled with excitement filled the halls of his mansion.

Li Tai sat in the place of honor, his gaze sweeping over the loyal followers gathered before him.

His brows furrowed slightly as he pondered silently: the court was sparsely populated, and those with real influence were even fewer.

Aside from Wei Ting and Du Chuke, who still held some weight, the likes of Chai Lingwu and Fang Yiai, though from illustrious families adding some prestige, lacked any remarkable talents to truly command respect.

Fortunately...

Li Tai’s eyes landed on three middle-aged men dressed in lavish attire seated ahead, a flicker of hope shining within them.

These three radiated an innate noble aura—the unmistakable presence of great aristocratic clans. Even facing Prince Wei, none of them showed any sign of inferiority.

Though displeased, Li Tai concealed his feelings.

“Gentlemen, I believe you have all received the news? The entire palace is under lockdown, the Thousand Bulls Guard surrounding it tightly. My uncle has taken charge within, and it is highly likely that the late emperor has passed away.”

“Since I summoned you today, you surely understand the reason, yes?”

Breaking the silence, Li Tai’s voice echoed through the quiet hall, tinged with urgency and anticipation.

“Your Highness, how certain are you?” The eldest among the three narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Li Tai as if trying to pierce through his thoughts.

Li Tai shook his head helplessly, a bitter smile crossing his lips. “I have no certainty.”

“The senior ministers at court lean towards my elder brother. Even though I have the late emperor’s favor and reside in the Wude Hall, none of those ministers stand with me. Instead, they support the crown prince, who wastes time on trivial curiosities. Such a man, even if he ascends, would be but a foolish ruler.”

His tone brimmed with bitterness and resentment, his eyes flickering with the flame of desire for the throne.

He glanced again at the three elegantly dressed men and raised his voice: “Though I lack certainty, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Rather than letting my elder brother ascend, you might as well support me. If I take the throne, the benefits to you will far exceed those under my brother. Each person who aids me will increase my chance by twenty percent!”

His words were like enticing bait cast before the three, awaiting their response.

They exchanged glances, an unspoken exchange of countless messages passing between their eyes. After a moment, their gazes settled, as if reaching a consensus.

“In that case, the Cui family of Qinghe pledges to support Your Highness!” one declared confidently.

“The Lu family of Fanyang stands ready to assist Your Highness!” another followed, ambition gleaming in his eyes.

“The Wang family of Taiyuan also offers its aid to Your Highness!” the last firmly affirmed.

Their voices resounded through the hall, bringing a broad smile to Li Tai’s face.

With the backing of these three great clans, even without the support of the senior ministers, his hand had gained enough leverage! Li Tai’s heart swelled with pride, as if already glimpsing the day he would ascend the throne.

---

At the Duke of Yingguo’s residence in Chang’an.

“Old Sun, that ‘Turtle Breath Pill’ will only last until midnight tonight. At that time, we must enter the palace together to assist His Majesty and switch in the decoy.”

Li Ji’s face was grave as he spoke to Sun Simiao, his eyes betraying a hint of tension and worry.

“Why is the emperor going through so much trouble? Feigning death is unprecedented in all dynasties!”

Yuchi Jingde looked puzzled, speaking with his usual bluntness as he eyed the lifelike dummy on the bed—an uncanny seven-tenths resemblance to Emperor Taizong.

The dummy was exquisitely crafted by the Medicine King Sun Simiao, using pig and cowhide to painstakingly fashion it.

It lay quietly on the bed, and at first glance, it bore a remarkable likeness to the late emperor. With some touch-ups, it might reach ninety percent, enough to deceive in dim light.

Fang Xuanling glanced at Yuchi Jingde and gently said, “Jingde, you lack the subtle understanding of today’s court situation.”

He sighed softly, a trace of worry in his gaze.

“The crown prince is obsessed with odd contraptions and pays no heed to state affairs, while Prince Wei covets that position fiercely.”

“The late emperor favored Prince Wei, even allowing him to reside in the Wude Hall. Requests made to us ministers have little effect. Such signals leave the court uncertain how to proceed.”

Fang Xuanling continued, his brow furrowed as if facing an unsolvable haze.

“The late emperor feared a repeat of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, so he feigned death and stepped back. I feel as though an invisible hand manipulates all within the court.”

He closed his eyes, unwilling to elaborate further.

All present understood well: only the thousand-year-old great families could maneuver both the court and the emperor so thoroughly.

Their power was deeply entwined, like hidden serpents ready to swallow their prey at any moment.

Yuchi Jingde’s face darkened. He slammed the table and shouted, “Fear not! With Prince Qin wielding the bow and Yuchi Jingde the spear, who in this world can stand against us?”

“We feared not the Xuanwu Gate Incident back then, so why fear these schemes now!”

His eyes blazed with heroic resolve, tempered by countless battles.

---

At the Changsun residence.

Changsun Wuji sat alone in his study, rubbing his temples, his thoughts tangled like a knotted skein.

The emperor’s sudden departure was like a violent storm, disrupting all his plans.

Many matters remained unprepared; the immediate priority was the question of succession.

The crown prince, Li Chengqian, remained in Xianyang. By all rights, the throne was his to claim.

Yet, when Changsun Wuji thought of Li Chengqian, a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.

Neither Li Chengqian nor Prince Wei, Li Tai, were the ideal emperors he envisioned.

Li Chengqian, as the eldest legitimate son and crown prince, naturally commanded loyalty.

But he was utterly absorbed in bizarre curiosities, indifferent to governance. Could such a man truly shoulder the Tang empire?

Li Tai was intelligent and studious, rallying many nobles’ sons under the guise of scholarly pursuits, with powerful clans behind him.

If he ascended, the court might fall under the control of these aristocratic families—something Changsun Wuji could not tolerate.

Neither Li Chengqian nor Li Tai would be easy to control.

Having tasted power, Changsun Wuji wished to maintain it by placing a more pliable emperor on the throne.

Prince Jin, Li Zhi, was his preferred candidate. But with the crown prince still alive, the throne was nearly secured for Li Chengqian.

How could he maneuver Li Zhi onto the throne?

Closing his eyes, Changsun Wuji searched his mind for solutions.

Though the situation seemed under control, dangers lurked everywhere.

Could he produce an edict deposing the crown prince along with a will naming Li Zhi heir?

He knew it would be far from easy.

He lacked the power alone; venerable ministers like Li Ji, Li Jing, Cheng Zhijie, Fang Xuanling remained loyal to the Tang and would never tolerate such treason.

He needed a powerful ally to back his plan — but who?

...

“Prime Minister, Prince Wei Li Tai requests an audience at the gate!”

The servant’s announcement interrupted Changsun Wuji’s thoughts.

At this news, a sharp gleam flashed in Changsun Wuji’s eyes.

Prince Wei... has arrived at just the right moment!

He was exactly the capable ally he needed.

Though ambitious, if properly leveraged, Li Tai might serve his purpose.

“Go and invite Prince Wei in at once!”

Changsun Wuji commanded, adjusting his attire to receive the visitor.

---

“Uncle!”

Li Tai entered with a bright smile, striding forward eagerly and warmly grasping Changsun Wuji’s hand.

“Your Highness, this humble servant dares not,” Changsun Wuji replied cautiously, withdrawing his hand. He wished to avoid appearing overly familiar to prevent unnecessary trouble.

Unexpectedly, just as he pulled away, Li Tai grabbed his hand again.

“Uncle, what are you saying? You are my mother’s brother—my very own maternal uncle!”

“If your nephew is in trouble and does not seek your help, whom else can he turn to?”

Li Tai held Changsun Wuji’s hand firmly, smiling broadly, though a subtle cunning flickered in his eyes.

Meeting Li Tai’s gaze, Changsun Wuji looked at him intently, his eyes sharp as a hawk’s, as if trying to see through Li Tai’s intentions.

Feeling as though his uncle could see right through him, Li Tai grew uneasy and forced an awkward smile.

“Since that is so, I shall take the liberty. Pray tell, what is Your Highness’s purpose in seeking this humble servant?”

Changsun Wuji asked knowingly, curious about Li Tai’s plans.

Li Tai said nothing immediately. He released Changsun Wuji’s hand, took a seat, and picked up the hot tea the servant had just brewed. Lifting the lid, he sipped lightly.

He frowned slightly, displeased with the taste. “Uncle, I still cannot acquire a taste for this tea. As for what I seek today, I believe you already understand.”

“I wish to ask you two things.”

“First, has my father truly passed away?”

Li Tai set down the cup, fixing Changsun Wuji with a steady gaze.

“Second, do you truly intend to support my elder brother’s ascension?”

His eyes gleamed with hope and longing, yearning for an answer favorable to himself.

Changsun Wuji stood silently, studying Li Tai with a grave expression before finally speaking in a low voice:

“The late emperor has indeed passed, but the crown prince’s succession is rightful and legitimate. As the eldest legitimate son, no one would accept anyone else in his place.”

Upon hearing this, Li Tai’s heart briefly lifted, sensing a chance to sway Changsun Wuji.

“Uncle, my elder brother spends his days indulging in strange curiosities, neglecting serious matters. Father had long been displeased with him and never favored him. Otherwise, he would not have allowed that crown prince to run amok in Xianyang. It is clear Father intended to depose and replace him!”

Li Tai grew more impassioned as he spoke, rising to stand beside Changsun Wuji.

“Uncle, now that you hold great power, we can draft an imperial edict—”

Before Li Tai could finish, Changsun Wuji interrupted sharply, his face darkening.

“Nonsense! Prince Wei, do you know what you are saying?”

“You would be forging an imperial edict! That is rebellion! Leave at once. Today I shall pretend I never saw you, and you have never come here!”

His eyes blazed with anger and authority, as if any further words from Li Tai would be immediately exposed to all.

---

End of pages.