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Chapter 227
Chapter 227
Chapter 227
Didn’t be deceived by Li Er’s swift agreement, which he spoke effortlessly. However, once he bid farewell to those three elderly members of the Li clan, Li Er found himself in a dilemma. Convincing Su Li was easier said than done!
Others assumed Su Li was a tool for Li Er to deal with the Five Clans and Seven Surnames. But in reality, Li Er knew it wasn’t the case. How could he influence Su Li?
When Su Li wasn’t well-known, persuading him to join the military was a real challenge. Now that Su Li’s reputation had soared, it was even tougher.
The misunderstanding arose because Su Li shared Li Er’s dislike for the Five Clans and Seven Surnames. Li Er helped Su Li a bit, and in return, Su Li always amazed him.
Their interactions were intricate and not meant to be shared with outsiders. Li Er was an emperor, and his prestige was immense. However, Li Er knew he couldn’t avoid suffering while maintaining his dignity. Su Li acted against the aristocratic families because they disregarded the common people’s well-being. Li Er shared the resolve to rid society of harm but lacked Su Li’s boldness.
After Su Li dealt with the aristocratic families, he could simply walk away, returning to the princess’s residence to live quietly, ignoring the outside world. But could Li Er do that?
The court wasn’t just about violence. It required a delicate balance. If killing could solve everything, Li Er would have declared a massacre long ago—why would he need Su Li?
Yet, persuading Su Li to step back was truly difficult. After thinking it over, Li Er decided to be straightforward. He summoned a eunuch to bring Su Li to the palace. Shortly before Su Li arrived, Crown Prince Li Chengqian appeared. His house arrest had been lifted, and he had resumed his role by Li Er’s side in state matters.
Li Er had only given him disciplinary lessons without genuine discontent. “Father Emperor,” Li Chengqian greeted formally.
Having been under house arrest, Li Chengqian had become noticeably more obedient. Despite his resentment towards Su Li, he recognized the need for restraint to avoid further scolding from Li Er.
Moreover, Su Li had been wielding considerable power during this period in the Great Tang. Li Chengqian understood that Su Li’s influence was substantial, and it was wise to avoid provoking him.
As the crown prince, he needed to act accordingly. Though he had a father above him, he also had the adversary of history’s most influential minister by his side. So, it was better to be cautious and save face.
Li Er nodded subtly and said, “Su Li will arrive at the palace later, and we will discuss matters. Please do not interrupt randomly.”
Li Chengqian nodded in agreement. Before long, a palace eunuch reported Su Li’s arrival.
Earlier, Su Li had been working at the Yamen when he suddenly received word that Li Er wanted to meet him. He needed only a brief moment to understand Li Er’s intentions.
Under his recent forceful methods, the Five Clans and Seven Surnames had finally yielded to the pressure and sought pardon from Li Er.
Knowing Li Er as he did, Su Li was certain that Li Er would readily accept if the aristocratic families admitted defeat. So, on his way to the palace, Su Li had been pondering how to handle Li Er.
As they sat face-to-face, Crown Prince Li Chengqian served tea by the side. Li Er began straightforwardly, saying, “Today, the elders of the Longxi Li clan came to see me…”
“According to their account, your recent actions have become increasingly harsh. A member of the Longxi Li clan was exiled three thousand li away for embezzling a hundred thousand coins,” Su Li raised an eyebrow and asked directly, “Your Majesty, do you sympathize with the aristocratic families?”
Li Chengqian’s expression turned displeased upon hearing this. This was the first time he had witnessed Su Li and Li Er having a private discussion. He hadn’t expected Su Li’s demeanor in private conversations with Li Er to be like this.
On the other hand, Li Er appeared composed as usual, seemingly accustomed to such situations. Li Er paid no attention to Li Chengqian and sighed before addressing Su Li, saying, “Su Li, I understand your concern for the common people, and your intentions are commendable. However, the aristocratic families wield intricate power within the court. If you aim to remove them, it will only destabilize the nation’s foundation. The costs might outweigh the benefits.”
Su Li inquired, “I’ve only heard that the foundation of a nation lies with its people. Why does Your Majesty consider the aristocratic families the nation’s foundation?” At this moment, Li Er’s expression became somewhat awkward. Not long ago, he had personally said, “Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.” Wei Zheng spread this saying, and everyone praised Li Er for treating the people like his children. However, truthfully, the “water” in Li Er’s words didn’t refer to ordinary commoners. He referred to the powerful, the aristocratic families, not the regular folk.
Li Er understood better than anyone that throughout history, those who could threaten the imperial throne were never ordinary commoners. But the boast had been made, and the persona had been established. Asking him to backtrack without losing face was challenging. Li Er’s mind raced, and he shifted to another perspective. “I also understand the points you’re making. However, the aristocratic families, though noble, are also my subjects. They have been punished for their wrongdoings. Now that they have acknowledged their mistakes, why must we continue to press on?”
After a pause, Li Er continued with a solemn tone, “When I granted you the title of Prince Yongle, although the noble rank is at rest with the nation, if you make too many enemies, what about the future for you, for Su Che, and for generations to come?”
Su Li shook his head and whispered, “It’s precisely because of this that the Great Tang cannot allow the existence of aristocratic families.” As Su Li spoke, his tone was calm, his expression indifferent, as if he were discussing something trivial. However, what Li Er and Li Chengqian heard was shocking. Were Su Li advocating for uprooting them entirely? What grudges? What grievances?
Li Er and Li Chengqian’s immediate thought was normal, as anyone hearing Su Li’s words would likely think along those lines. However, Su Li’s intent was not what they were assuming. While Li Er was considering the welfare of the Great Tang, Su Li was contemplating the continuity of the entire land. For thousands of years, the scholar-officer aristocracy had held sway over the court for far too long.
Under the pressure of their dominance, common people were still bound as oxen and horses, unable to rise from their plight, no matter how many generations they passed down. The Tang Dynasty introduced the reform of the imperial examination system, seemingly a long-term plan to benefit the whole realm. But had the examination system truly succeeded in the Great Tang? Leaving aside other aspects, within just a few hundred years of the Tang Dynasty, the Fanyang Lu clan produced over a hundred successful candidates in the imperial examination.