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Chapter 253
Chapter 253
Chapter 253
After bidding farewell to Zhangsun Wuji, burdened with heavy thoughts, Li Er immediately ordered a sedan carriage to the Princess’s residence.
Li Er, who had once taken pride in his rule, couldn’t bear to split the prosperous Great Tang. However, he wasn’t a king who couldn’t heed advice. Since the unification of the six states by Qin Shi Huang, the primary goal of successive emperors has always been unity. No emperor had ever actively sought to divide the state like this. Even with the system of feudalism, such vast territories had never been divided before. Partitioning the vast Northwest Territory was undeniably excessive. Despite everything, Su Li was still just a son-in-law, an outsider. Li Er might not have felt so distressed if he were a blood relative. Yet, upon careful consideration, it seemed this was Li Er’s only option.
The heart of the matter was that any conflict between imperial authority and Su Li was like smashing an egg against a rock, with the imperial authority being the delicate egg. As for Su Li, the Eternal Joy Prince, he was the unwavering rock in this equation. If Li Er were to name a crown prince or an heir officially, he would either be constrained by Su Li or, like Li Chengqian, meet a tragic end at Su Li’s hands. It was better to divide the family, free from such restrictions. Li Er could then focus on his ambitious plans for the realm, unburdened by the need to worry about Su Che. The more Li Er pondered this, the more persistent his decision became. He even envisioned the development of Lingnan, overseas territories, and a potential return to the glorious days of the Heavenly Khan. Dividing the family had become the politically correct choice in his mind.
As Li Er contemplated these thoughts, the sedan carriage arrived at the opulent Princess’s residence. When the attendants attempted to announce the Emperor’s arrival loudly, Li Er stopped them and knocked on the door himself. A female official in charge of the princess’s affairs inside the luxurious palace opened the door and immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Li Er. Li Er waved his hand and, with a pained expression, instructed her, “Inform the Eternal Joy Prince that I… have arrived.” As the nation’s sovereign, announcing himself when visiting his son-in-law was a bitter pill for Li Er to swallow.
The female official quickly relayed the news of the Emperor’s arrival to Su Li. Under Su Li’s arrangements, Li Er was escorted to the main hall and awaited there. Princess Changle was slightly surprised when she learned of her father’s visit. This marked the first time she had willingly visited since the rebellion led by Crown Prince Li Chengqian ended with Su Li executing him.
Observing Su Li preparing to meet her father, Changle quickly intervened and said, “My lord, allow me to go instead.” Changle was intelligent and had a good grasp of the situation. She had a rough idea of Li Er’s purpose in coming here, whether to hold her accountable or for some other reason. She vividly remembered everything that had happened on that day – everything was Li Chengqian’s own doing. If her husband had been physically weaker, he would have fallen victim to Li Chengqian’s treacherous schemes, including their beloved child, Su Che. Su Li’s decision to kill his older brother, Li Chengqian, was justified in her eyes. Changle was determined to protect her husband at all costs. In the past, Su Li had always shielded Changle and Su Che from harm, and now Changle was determined to defend Su Li in front of her father.
Su Li, gripping Changle’s hand, reassured her firmly, “My lady, I have everything under control.” This assurance provided Changle with a great sense of security. She insisted, “I will accompany my husband.” Su Li nodded in agreement, saying, “Very well.” Hand in hand, the couple entered the main hall of the Princess’s residence and found Li Er, who was amusing the children. Upon seeing Su Li and Changle’s arrival, Li Er told Li Zhi, “Go play outside with your brother.” Li Zhi, a precocious child, sensed that his father and brother-in-law had matters to discuss, so he readily agreed. Following Changle’s orders, Su Che also left with Li Zhi. Changle and Su Li were then left alone with Li Er. Changle’s tone was somewhat distant and icy as she inquired, “Father, for what purpose have you come today?” Her words momentarily took aback Li Er. If this visit had been about Li Chengqian, Changle would not have hesitated to expel him from the Princess’s residence.
“Some days ago, during the Crown Prince’s rebellion, there was an attempt to assassinate Su Li. Were you or Su Che injured?” Li Er cautiously glanced at Su Li before expressing his concern.
Changle shook her head and spoke with determination, “With my husband by our side, no one can harm us, mother and child!” Changle’s words were resolute. She knew no one could harm them, including Li Er himself.
Li Er murmured, “That’s good, that’s good.” Changle was momentarily surprised by Li Er’s response. Could it be that her father had not come here to hold them accountable for Li Chengqian’s death? Changle had overheard Li Zhi and Su Che’s conversation outside.
After Li Chengqian’s death, the Emperor and the Empress had been in tears daily. She couldn’t help but wonder if they held Su Li responsible for killing Li Chengqian.
Li Er continued, “Li Chengqian brought his fate upon himself, and his death was his own doing.” Li Er’s words carried a hint of self-consolation.
Meanwhile, outside the room, Li Zhi and Su Che, who had been eavesdropping, couldn’t contain their excitement. Su Che proudly declared, “Did you hear that? It was your elder brother’s fault and has nothing to do with my father.” Li Zhi, the precocious child, blinked his eyes a few times but remained silent.
On the other hand, Su Li was well aware of Li Er’s likely blame for not sparing Li Chengqian’s life. In theory, as the Emperor, Li Er should have been the one to make decisions regarding his son. However, Li Er dared not confront Su Li or intend to hold Su Li accountable. Instead, he went on to reveal the purpose of his visit.
“When the Crown Prince rebelled and was slain by Prince Yongle, it was a great achievement for our country and me. I intend to confer upon you the title of ‘One Word King.'”
Su Li was already granted the title of king, which would be an additional honor. It wouldn’t change the powers and privileges he already held.
Su Li squinted his eyes and responded calmly, “No need.”
Li Er was anxious that his request might be declined, so he quickly added, “I also plan to establish a Maritime Bureau for foreign trade and exploration.”
This proposition piqued Su Li’s interest. Establishing a Maritime Bureau would allow for further exploration and expansion into new territories, which could align with Su Li’s ambitions.
Su Li nodded and replied, “That sounds like a good idea.”
Li Er felt relieved that Su Li had accepted his proposal. This visit had concluded more smoothly than he had expected.
Li Er’s proposal was quite significant. He intended to grant Su Li control over the vast northwest territory, including the former Tibetan lands, the Green Mountains, and those beyond the Outer Three Passes. He explained that he was already overwhelmed with governing the Central Plains and strongly desired to focus on the development of Lingnan (southern regions). Li Er also mentioned that none of his heirs were suitable for governing the northwest and believed Su Li was the best candidate.
Li Er’s tone was full of sincerity, and he emphasized their familial bond. He clearly wanted to strengthen their relationship and distance Su Li from the capital.
Su Li couldn’t help but notice Li Er’s cautious demeanor. It seemed that Li Er might still be haunted by the events surrounding Li Chengqian’s death and was eager to avoid further conflicts.
Li Er’s offer was not just about granting Su Li land; it was about maintaining a peaceful and cooperative relationship.
Su Li pondered momentarily before responding, “I am willing.” His acceptance of the proposal signified his agreement to take on the responsibilities and challenges of governing such a vast and important empire region. This decision would not only benefit Su Li personally but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.