Chapter 54: Li Jiancheng’s Rebellion

“Father, where do I even begin?”
“Did you not notice? Although he guessed why I summoned him to the palace, his expression remained as calm as a still lake. Knowing your elder brother as you do, if he weren’t fully prepared, would he appear so composed and unruffled?”
Li Shimin shook his head slightly. “No, he wouldn’t.”
“So… Shimin, the fate of the Tang Dynasty rests in your hands.”
Li Shimin understood that his father was mistaken, but since it was a misunderstanding, he intended to use it to his advantage.
“Father, I accept this mission and vow to save the Great Tang from disaster and restore peace to the realm.”
“Good. From Li Jiancheng’s recent behavior, it seems he is also well prepared. You must handle this carefully; I do not wish to see Chang’an plunged into suffering.”

Meanwhile, Li Jiancheng stepped out of the palace, a gentle breeze caressing his face.
At this moment, he was truly elated. His father had agreed swiftly to his request—his five thousand cavalrymen now had official status!
One day, this cavalry would become the sharpest sword in his hand, capable of standing against Li Shimin’s personal guards.
He already envisioned leading this iron cavalry northward against the Turks and westward to pacify the Tuyuhun.

Returning to the Eastern Palace, as soon as Li Jiancheng entered his study, Wei Zheng approached him with a grave expression. “Your Highness, the Prince of Qin’s residence has just leaked news that the Prince of Yi’an is secretly trading warhorses, violating border regulations. An imperial order has been issued to investigate thoroughly.”
“Oh? How careless of them,” Li Jiancheng asked calmly.
Wei Zheng was puzzled by his reaction. “Your Highness, how can you—”
“Those who walk by the river often get their shoes wet, Wei. Why be so alarmed? What does this have to do with us?”
“Your Highness, I do not understand. All our horses were purchased from the Prince of Yi’an.”
“Who can prove that? My cavalry now has legitimate status. Whether his business prospers or collapses has nothing to do with the Eastern Palace. Even if the Prince of Yi’an were to die in prison, it wouldn’t concern us.”
Li Jiancheng sneered. “Moreover, the Prince of Yi’an knowingly traded with enemy forces despite the Tang’s hostility toward the Turks. Truly, he has no shame.”
“He deserves his downfall. If given the chance, I would personally execute that traitor.”

Hearing this, Wei Zheng sighed. He had served in the Eastern Palace for some time and knew Li Jiancheng’s character well—he was honest and straightforward, despising fickle and treacherous men.
Thus, those admitted to his faction were known for their kindness and integrity.
Yet Li Jiancheng failed to see how deeply disheartening it was to first collaborate with the Prince of Yi’an and then betray him without hesitation.

“Your Highness, enough of this. How did your audience with His Majesty go today?”
Li Jiancheng pondered briefly. “Very smoothly. Father readily approved the establishment of my cavalry.”
“That’s strange. Historically, a crown prince wielding such power always arouses suspicion. You raised troops without imperial decree and encroached on palace grounds—no matter your intent, appearances suggest rebellion. The Prince of Qin could whisper a few words to His Majesty and doom you forever.”
“Even if His Majesty does not suspect rebellion, he would question and perhaps accuse you of offenses. How could it have proceeded so smoothly?”
Now that it was pointed out, Li Jiancheng realized something was amiss. “Indeed…”
“Your Highness, what demeanor did you present before His Majesty today?”
“Wearing official robes, upright and unafraid. Oh, and it was the second prince who informed Father, which is why I was summoned.”
Wei Zheng sighed again. “Alas! Your Highness, His Majesty surely suspects you of rebellion upon learning of your secret troop recruitment. Your confident manner only confirms his fears.”
“Now I understand why you obtained a cavalry commission so easily—it’s because His Majesty believes you not only intend rebellion but are already fully prepared!”
Li Jiancheng was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly. “Sir, are you saying that my suspicion of Wei Guo labels me a traitor?”
Wei Zheng sighed. “Your Highness, every emperor in history would think the same under such circumstances. As crown prince, you should have requested troops from His Majesty instead of recruiting independently.”
“That is His Majesty’s first suspicion. Even if you sought troops, you should have reported to him first. Instead, you let the Prince of Qin act first…”
“That is his second suspicion. You went to the Eastern Palace proudly and unafraid…”
“No one would believe you have no rebellious intent.”
Li Jiancheng felt a chill. “What should I do now? Father is blameless. If I truly rebel, we will be wiped out. No one in the crown prince’s household will be spared.”
“Your Highness, for now, even if you deny any rebellion, His Majesty will not believe you.”

“Then what?”
“In my humble opinion, it would be better to convince His Majesty that you are fully prepared. You should depart immediately for Beiping Prefecture.”
“Why?”
“Beiping is a key border defense. Lord Luo Yi of Yanshan is one of your allies. If you go there, the corrupt elements in Chang’an cannot harm you. Your cavalry and horses can also be stationed there for drills.”
“Excellent plan, excellent plan! Sir, let’s follow your advice. But suddenly going to Beiping seems questionable. You must devise a reason for my travel.”
“Simple. Claim that the Turks are advancing south from Youzhou to invade, and since Luo Yi is your ally, only she can confirm if there truly are Turk invaders.”
“Good. It shall be so.”

At the same time, in Li Chengche’s chamber, Qin Gou’er reported Li Jiancheng’s triumphant return from the palace dressed in official robes to him.
“I know. You may leave now.”
Cui Yingying looked at Li Chengche’s increasingly serious expression with concern. “Husband, what is wrong?”
“A grave matter has occurred.”
“What do you mean, Your Highness?”
“Yingying, Father was summoned by the Emperor for only one reason: the troop recruitment has been exposed.”
“Returning so triumphant means the Emperor did not oppose him and likely approved the recruitment, even granting official status to the cavalry, ensuring they receive imperial provisions.”
Cui Yingying asked puzzled, “But isn’t that a good thing? Why do you look as if disaster is imminent?”
“Yingying, what do you think an emperor would think if his crown prince secretly recruits troops without informing him?”
“That he intends to rebel?”
“Exactly. Father’s proud and confident demeanor only confirms to the Emperor that he not only intends rebellion but is already well prepared…”