abcnovels
Chapter 236
Chapter 236
Chapter 236
As the most cherished son of Li Er, Li Tai undoubtedly nurtured ambitions for the throne. In recent years, Li Er’s excessive favoritism towards him reached astounding levels. Among the numerous imperial princes, Li Tai was the sole one who, even upon reaching adulthood, was permitted to abstain from official duties.
A couple of years ago, Li Er cited Li Tai’s exceptional education and literary talents as justifications when he issued a special decree to establish a literary academy within Li Tai’s residence as the Prince of Wei. This academy enabled Li Tai to assemble talented individuals independently, and it was this decree that ignited ambitious aspirations within Li Tai.
In reality, the establishment of the literary academy served as a facade. It was a means for Li Er to promise him the authority to recruit aides. While other princes were dispatched to their fiefs with court-appointed officials, and even if they managed to hire advisors with a substantial sum, these advisors lacked official positions, often raising doubts about their qualifications. Conversely, serving as an aide in Li Tai’s residence carried a different weight, as those who joined were legitimate scholars from the literary academy, enjoying a distinct status. Thanks to this decree, Li Tai swiftly gathered many talented individuals.
In the following years, Li Tai further built upon this foundation. He exploited the frequent territorial changes within the Tang Empire as a pretext to request permission from Li Er to compile the “Comprehensive Gazetteer.” Li Er readily consented, providing financial resources and personnel support, strengthening his favor towards Li Tai without bounds. As time passed, even officers holding ranks of the third grade or higher would dismount and bow when encountering Li Tai. This left the Minister of Rites, Wang Gui, thoroughly bewildered. Throughout history, which prince in any dynasty could boast such incredible favor?
Additionally, during the establishment of the Great Tang, how many individuals now holding positions in the court were not originally founding heroes who stood by Li Er through thick and thin? Witness uncles and elder brothers dismount and bow when encountering Li Tai made Wang Gui ponder whether Li Tai truly deserved this treatment. However, Li Er continued to berate Wang Gui, even suggesting that if anything were to happen to Li Chengqian in the future, Wang Gui couldn’t be certain that Li Tai wouldn’t ascend to the throne.
This statement circulated and deeply stirred Li Tai’s thoughts. He began to feel that his father was subtly hinting at his potential for greater ambitions. There was even an instance when Li Er, under the influence of alcohol, spoke incoherently, suggesting that without a Crown Prince, appointing a younger brother as the heir might be possible. Although Li Er might have been casually conversing, others interpreted it differently. Using his favoritism towards his son, Li Er gradually steered Li Tai, an academically accomplished and intelligent prince, towards the path of vying for the throne.
Nevertheless, Li Tai recognized that competing for the position of Crown Prince would not be straightforward. After all, the Great Tang already had a Crown Prince. Li Chengqian assumed the role at eight, a move considered just and proper. Many prominent figures in the court also hold a favorable opinion of Li Chengqian from a moral standpoint.
Li Tai had always believed that his sole advantage over Li Chengqian lay in the number of people under his command. The literary academy had, over the years, gathered a substantial pool of talented individuals. Yet, Li Tai was fully aware that his father’s favoritism, while significant, might not hold much weight. Li Er also favored Li Chengqian, and despite appearances, Li Chengqian’s position as the Crown Prince inherently bestowed more benefits than any other prince.
What Li Er could do was provide Li Tai with some additional advantages. Even from Li Tai’s perspective, Li Er had attempted to maintain impartiality between him and Li Chengqian. While Li Er might not necessarily oppose Li Tai’s bid for the heir, he might not actively endorse it either. However, Li Tai’s sole advantage appeared to be slowly slipping away. Despite having more supporters, Li Chengqian attracted influential clans and aristocratic families to his side. These were deeply rooted powerhouses within the Tang’s territory, a force that could not be disregarded.
“No, this won’t do. I must find a solution to break this deadlock,” Li Tai murmured. With his intelligence, he didn’t need to ponder for long before devising a plan.
Who wasn’t aware of Su Li’s unmatched influence in the current Great Tang? In some aspects, his power surpassed even Emperor Li Er himself. After all, the Lu clan’s hundreds of members hadn’t even been buried. Su Li had the audacity to confront even families that Li Er dared not touch, eradicating them with a single move. If he could secure Su Li’s support…
The more Li Tai considered it, the more exhilarated he became. He knew his elder brother, Li Chengqian, had never been on good terms with Su Li, especially now that Li Chengqian was in high spirits. If Li Tai could win over Su Li or, at the very least, establish a friendly rapport, then the position of the heir would be within his grasp.
Li Tai was a man of action, wasting no time. The following morning, I arrived early. Just after Su Li’s family finished breakfast, a servant arrived with news that Prince Wei Li Tai had come to visit. Both Su Li and Changle were somewhat surprised. Su Li wasn’t one for socializing, and since Changle’s marriage, her relationship with her siblings gradually became common.
In truth, among the various imperial princes, Su Li had a relatively positive impression of Li Tai. Since he had tried to visit as a relative, there was no reason to turn him away. Soon, Su Li arrived in the main hall. When he saw the exceedingly lavish gifts presented by a palace maid, he couldn’t help but furrow his brow.
“What’s the meaning of this, Prince Wei?” Su Li asked calmly. Li Tai smiled and explained, “Changle’s birthday is approaching, and these items are gifts to celebrate her birthday.”
Su Li sensed that something was amiss. While there had been occasional exchanges between the Princess’s Residence and Prince Wei’s Residence, they were usually modest gifts for various occasions. The items Li Tai sent this time were conspicuously valuable, far beyond what was necessary for a simple birthday celebration.
As expected, Li Tai continued, “You’ve been deeply involved in battles these past years, and your temperament is reserved. You’re not one for social engagements. However, now that I have more leisure as a prince and you’ve relinquished your positions, you know I’ve always been inclined to literature. Lately, I’ve delved into poetry and would appreciate your guidance. Given our relationship, we should grow closer.”
Now, Su Li understood Li Tai’s intentions. It was no secret that Li Tai aspired to become the heir, a fact that might be hidden from others but was clear to Su Li.
“I’ve put down my pen for quite some time. I’m afraid I might disappoint Prince Wei,” Su Li responded calmly. Feeling Su Li’s indifference, Li Tai wasn’t surprised. He had heard how Li Er had tirelessly visited the Princess’s Residence to persuade Su Li to join the battles. Even Li Er had nearly exhausted all his efforts to achieve that goal, so Li Tai couldn’t expect to be more persuasive.