Chapter 22: A Father and Son’s Legacy, and the King’s Final Affairs!

"Wait, Your Majesty! That is not the reason!"

Fang Xuanling hurriedly interrupted, his voice sharp and resonant. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes burning with intensity, a gaze that instantly dampened Li Shimin’s flare of anger. Caught off guard by the sudden interruption, Li Shimin’s fury flickered, replaced by a trace of confusion.

"Then, Minister Fang, for what reason is the Tubo Empire attacking our Great Tang?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt and his eyes full of inquiry.

Fang Xuanling took a deep breath, as if trying to contain the complexity of the entire situation within a single sigh. He looked at Li Shimin again, his expression one of helplessness and solemnity, and spoke slowly: "Your Majesty, it is also because the Crown Prince refused the Tubo request for a marriage alliance and forbade Princess Wencheng from entering Tibet!"

His tone was steady, each word sounding carefully considered, yet carrying a resolve that had to be voiced. Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was seized by a fresh wave of rage; his face flushed crimson, and the fire in his eyes reignited.

"That unfilial son!"

He began to pace the room, his steps hurried and heavy, each stride weighted with his anger and anxiety. "Does he have any idea what he is doing?" Li Shimin’s voice grew hoarse, his eyes filled with profound distress. "Marrying off one Princess Wencheng could have bought our Tang borders at least thirty years of peace!" As he spoke, he swung his arm forcefully, as if trying to grasp the fleeting opportunity for peace.

Fang Xuanling stood quietly to the side, his figure appearing exceptionally calm amidst Li Shimin’s fury. He was like an ancient pine, standing firm regardless of the howling winds and rain. He watched Li Shimin without a hint of fear, only deep understanding and a trace of subtle anxiety. He understood Li Shimin’s current anger, but he also grasped the profound intent behind the Crown Prince's actions and the thorny nature of the complex situation.

Li Shimin continued to pace, muttering his dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince's decision. Fang Xuanling watched him in silence until Li Shimin turned his gaze back to him.

"Minister Fang, speak your mind..." Li Shimin’s tone was impatient but expectant; he knew the wisdom of Fang Xuanling and hoped his words might untangle this knot.

Fang Xuanling sighed slightly, a sound heavy with worry for the nation’s destiny. He began to recount the events of the day, his pace measured and orderly. His eyes wandered into the distance as if recalling the fierce debates, then back to Li Shimin to ensure he understood every detail.

"Your Majesty, today at the Liangyi Palace..." Fang Xuanling’s voice was low and magnetic, as if narrating a monumental historical event. "The Crown Prince was firm. He declared that the Tang shall no longer use marriage alliances as a tool to trade for peace. This is the new ancestral motto of the Li Tang Dynasty starting with him: 'No marriage alliances, no indemnities, no ceding of territory, no paying of tribute; the Emperor guards the gates, the Monarch dies for the state.'"

A flicker of admiration shone in Fang Xuanling’s eyes as he watched for Li Shimin’s reaction. "He said that the dignity of our Great Tang is inviolable; even in the face of war, we shall not bow to the threats of the Tubo."

Li Shimin listened quietly, his pacing slowing until the fire in his eyes was replaced by contemplation.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince’s words moved us all. He knows this may bring war, but he is willing to bear the risk for the dignity and long-term interests of the Tang," Fang Xuanling continued, his voice now carrying a note of support for the Prince. "He said that if we do not show the Tubo the strength of the Tang, our borders will never know peace."

Li Shimin fell into deep thought, his brow furrowed, his expression complex. Fang Xuanling stood by, waiting for the Emperor to digest the information. He knew that as a minister, his duty was to report the situation truthfully.

After a while, Li Shimin looked up, a spark in his eyes. "Hahahaha! Well said, my son! A true sagely monarch! He’s nearly catching up to me!" His laughter was hearty and bold, filled with pride. "'No marriage alliances, no indemnities, no ceding of territory, no paying of tribute; the Emperor guards the gates, the Monarch dies for the state!'" He waved his arms excitedly as he spoke, his eyes glowing with fervor. "Well said! Splendid! You all see it now! This is my son; he has a backbone of steel!"

Fang Xuanling smiled, a smile like a spring breeze rippling over a lake, his own eyes shining with pride. "Your Majesty, though the Crown Prince’s actions are risky, they fully display the spirit of our Great Tang. He possesses the courage you had in your prime."

Li Shimin was radiant. He looked at Fang Xuanling with expectation. "Minister Fang, you said you discussed this all day—have you decided who will lead the campaign against the Tubo?" His voice carried a hint of urgency. "My son has made such bold claims about wiping out the Tubo—if he fails, he says he will die in the ancestral temple to answer to the world!"

Li Shimin grew more agitated. "As his father, I must certainly support him!" With that, he solemnly took a black jade kirin from his sleeve and handed it to Fang Xuanling. The black jade shimmered mysteriously under the lamplight, seeming to contain infinite power.

Fang Xuanling took the black jade kirin with both hands, his movements gentle and solemn, as if receiving a sacred object tied to the fate of the nation. He examined it closely, a trace of shock flashing in his eyes. He knew this was the command tally for the three thousand Xuanjia Cavalry and the Hundred Riders—the symbol of the military force Li Shimin cherished most.

"Your Majesty, this tally is of the utmost importance. Are you truly certain?" His voice was low, carrying respect and a touch of worry.

"Minister Fang, take this to Chenqian tomorrow. This is the command tally for the three thousand Xuanjia Cavalry and the Hundred Riders," Li Shimin said solemnly. "To see this tally is to see me!" His gaze was unshakeable, as if he could already see the Tang army victorious on the battlefield.

"Your Majesty is wise. With this tally, the Crown Prince will surely be like a tiger granted wings." Fang Xuanling nodded slightly; he knew that once Li Shimin made a decision, it was hard to change, and all he could do was support him.

*Once this is handed over, the Emperor is truly... just the Emperor,* Fang Xuanling thought. Seeing Li Shimin hand over his final two trump-card units, Fang Xuanling was deeply moved, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He knew the importance of these two armies—they were the two sharp swords protecting the country. By handing them to the Crown Prince without hesitation, Li Shimin was showing immense trust and making a bold gamble on the future of the nation.

Li Shimin glanced at Li Ji, who understood and quickly walked out. Moments later, he returned with a rosewood box that exuded an ancient air. Li Shimin placed the box on the table and opened it in front of Fang Xuanling. Inside were rows of labeled fish-shaped tallies, shimmering with a faint metallic luster.

"Minister Fang, take these along with my tally to Chenqian tomorrow. Though Chenqian could mobilize the forces as the Emperor of the Tang without them, it would not be as seamless." Li Shimin stroked the tallies gently. "These represent the 780,000 standing troops in the regional command offices across the country. I fear I shall have no use for them. Hand them all to Chenqian."

His eyes held both trust in his son and the loneliness of a hero in his twilight years. "I see it clearly now—Chenqian can lead the Tang to even greater heights!" He shook his head slightly, sighing, "I am old; I must admit it." Even this legendary emperor showed a rare sense of defeat, the marks of time etched more deeply upon him in this moment.

Fang Xuanling looked at Li Shimin with profound emotion. He saw the helplessness and reluctance of this great emperor, yet also his ardent hopes for his son. "Your Majesty, you have labored for the Tang your whole life; it is time to pass the burden to the Crown Prince," he said, his voice soothing. "The Crown Prince is young and capable. With your assistance and the support of these forces, he will surely ensure the eternal stability of our Tang empire." He stepped forward and bowed slightly, expressing his respect. "Rest assured, Your Majesty; this old minister will certainly assist the Crown Prince and not fail your trust."

...

"By the way, who exactly is being sent to attack the Tubo?" Li Shimin asked curiously.

"Returning to Your Majesty, it is Li Jing," Fang Xuanling replied, a note of confidence in his eyes. "General Li Jing is renowned far and wide, both courageous and strategic. With him leading the campaign against the Tubo, victory is certain."

"Li Jing—then it shouldn't be difficult to wipe out the Tubo. We brothers can go find some trouble with the Xueyantuo," Li Shimin said, a spark of excitement in his eyes as if he had reclaimed the spirit of his youth on the battlefield. "If I'm lucky, I might even make it in time to join the campaign to destroy the Tubo!"

"Your Majesty, you are a person of ten thousand gold; it is better to let the younger generals charge into the fray," Fang Xuanling urged, fearing for Li Shimin’s safety. "If anything were to happen to you..." His eyes were full of worry, and his deep wrinkles seemed to map out his concern for the Emperor's life.

"Has the budget for destroying the Tubo been calculated?" Li Shimin ignored the plea, shifting the topic.

Fang Xuanling shook his head. "Your Majesty, there hasn't been time! The Ministry of Revenue has been swamped these past few days." As he spoke, he stroked his beard, which was a mix of black and white—a special mark left by the passage of time. "But do not worry, Your Majesty; this old minister will urge the Ministry to finish the calculations as soon as possible to ensure the war proceeds smoothly."

"That is good!" Li Shimin nodded, a trace of relief in his eyes.

Fang Xuanling looked at the wrinkles at the corners of Li Shimin’s eyes; his throat tightened, and his voice choked up. "Your Majesty, when you campaign against the Xueyantuo, please, take care of yourself! You are not as young as you once were!" His eyes were filled with sincere care—the embodiment of years of friendship between monarch and subject. His voice trembled slightly, as if afraid of losing the man who was both his ruler and his friend.

Li Shimin laughed and walked over to take Fang Xuanling’s arm. "Rest assured, Minister Fang. I am the General of the Heavenly Strategy; there is no battle my father’s son cannot win!" Li Shimin said this with such deep confidence that it seemed as if time had not stripped away his martial prowess.

"Your Majesty, I know you are peerless in courage, but the battlefield is treacherous. I hope you will be careful," Fang Xuanling said, clutching Li Shimin’s hand, his eyes full of reluctance and worry. "This old minister awaits your triumphant return."

"Minister Fang, what posthumous title did Chenqian choose for me?" Because his coffin had not yet been buried at the Zhaoling Mausoleum, Li Shimin had been anxious about his posthumous title. He had wanted to ask before but was afraid—terrified that his unfilial son might take revenge and give him a poor one.

Seeing the worry in Li Shimin’s eyes, Fang Xuanling smiled, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze. "Your Majesty, your posthumous title was decided long ago: 'Wen' (Cultured)!" He said softly, his tone filled with comfort. "This was chosen specifically for you by the Crown Prince—it is the finest title!"

"Temple name: Taizong!"

...

"Great Tang Taizong Wen Emperor, Li Shimin!" Li Shimin murmured to himself, tears welling in his eyes. "Good, truly good. I am satisfied!" His voice was choked with emotion.

Fang Xuanling looked at Li Shimin, tears also glistening in his eyes. He was happy for this emperor and felt at ease regarding the future of the Tang. "Your Majesty, your life’s achievements are illustrious; this title is well-deserved," he said, his voice trembling with respect.

"Your Majesty, your coffin will be moved to the Zhaoling Mausoleum tomorrow for burial!"

"Understood. Then I must take a good look from the streets tomorrow. Not many people get to see their own funeral procession!" Li Shimin said generously, his tone tinged with self-deprecation.

Fang Xuanling shook his head helplessly. He knew this was Li Shimin—even when facing the taboo of death, he possessed an extraordinary open-mindedness. "Your Majesty, your life is a legend; perhaps this is a unique experience." His tone was reflective. "It is just that I am not as open-minded as you."

...

The Zhaoling Mausoleum was located in Xianyang.

Li Shimin’s coffin set out from Chang'an, headed toward the Zhaoling Mausoleum to be buried with Empress Zhangsun. The funeral procession was vast, winding like a giant dragon for over a hundred miles. Within the procession, Li Chenqian, dressed in white and looking solemn, walked along with the crowd, heading toward Xianyang.

According to ritual, Li Chenqian should not have been in the procession. As the current Emperor, his most important duty was to preside over the funeral ceremonies, including leading the officials in rites and escorting the hearse. His duty was to ensure the funeral proceeded smoothly and to continue his imperial duties afterward. A reigning emperor, as the living ruler, was meant to express filial piety and emphasize the continuity of the dynasty through ritual, not to follow the funeral procession himself.

But Li Chenqian cared nothing for ritual. In his view, Confucian teachings had corrupted people’s minds. How could it be that a son was not allowed to see his father off to his final rest? Today, Li Chenqian was not the Emperor; he was just an ordinary son, coming to bid farewell to his father.

Fang Xuanling watched Li Chenqian’s actions and frowned slightly. He understood the Prince’s feelings, but he worried about such a violation of ritual. He knew that ritual was the foundation of the dynasty, and once shaken, it could trigger a series of problems. Yet, he could not bring himself to rebuke the young emperor; after all, it was a display of deep affection for his father. As Prime Minister, Fang Xuanling could only stay in the palace and hold the fort in his stead.

Li Shimin sat in a white sedan chair arranged by Li Ji, following the procession toward Xianyang. He looked curiously at the vast crowd, like a child discovering something new.

"Li Ji, why are so many people here for my funeral? Chenqian must have spent a lot of money, right?" Li Shimin asked, his voice full of wonder.

Li Ji hesitated, then said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince did not spend much. He said your funeral and his coronation ceremony should both be kept simple. As for why there are so many people..." Li Ji smiled, his eyes filled with gratification. "It is because you were a wise and sagely monarch. The people love you, and they have come spontaneously to follow the procession and see you off."

Hearing this, Li Shimin felt as if he had eaten honey—sweet and warm. "The people of the world have not failed me!" The achievements of Li Shimin’s life were seen and remembered by the people; this was the highest praise for an emperor.

"Your Majesty, you lived your life for the people; naturally, they will remember your grace."

The procession moved steadily toward Xianyang. As Li Shimin quietly pulled aside the curtain and looked at the city of Xianyang, his expression suddenly changed.

"Wait, Li Ji? Tell me, is that massive city really Xianyang?"

Li Ji pulled back the curtain on the other side and looked toward Xianyang. He saw high walls built of blue brick, towering into the clouds like a majestic, gargantuan beast—a sight that inspired awe at a single glance! The city walls shone with solemnity under the sunlight, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.