Chapter 4: The Choice

A bowl of steaming millet porridge radiated an alluring aroma; each grain was plump and round, trembling slightly in the bowl. Li Shimin lifted the bowl, blew on it gently, and took small sips, the warmth spreading from his throat throughout his entire body.

Soon after, a bowl of steaming chicken soup was brought out. Beads of oil shimmered on the surface of the broth, and the chicken was tender and perfectly cooked, melting in the mouth. As the soup and porridge settled in his stomach, color gradually returned to Li Shimin’s face. His previously weak and listless body began to regain some strength, and he could feel warmth returning to his limbs, no longer cold and numb as they had been before.

"No matter how unreliable that rebellious son may be, he is still the Crown Prince." Li Shimin’s brows furrowed, a flash of dissatisfaction crossing his eyes. Now that he had eaten, his voice sounded far more robust. "After I die, the moment he receives the news, he should be rushing here to claim the throne. Yet, even now, he has not arrived. Tell me, what is Zhangsun Wuji plotting?"

His voice was low and majestic, each word striking the hearts of those present like a heavy hammer. The question was sharp, like a drawn sword pointed directly at Zhangsun Wuji. Who was Zhangsun Wuji? He was the primary hero of the Xuanwu Gate incident, Li Shimin’s own brother-in-law, and a man of immense influence in the imperial court. His power and prestige were at their zenith; no one dared to easily oppose him in court, for that would be like throwing an egg against a rock.

The group looked at one another, none daring to speak. Seeing their silence, Li Shimin felt a surge of frustration. He began to miss Wei Zheng—that outspoken official who could always voice his thoughts at critical moments. But he could not let Wei Zheng know about this feigned death; Li Shimin knew him too well. If that old man found out, his first reaction would be to rush over, point a finger at his face, and lecture him incessantly. That was a scene Li Shimin did not want to face; he still wanted a few more days of peace.

Seeing his trusted confidants remaining silent, Li Shimin felt incredibly bored, as if he had punched a pile of cotton and found no resistance. "Fine, I will not force you. We shall speak of this tomorrow. Dawn is approaching; you may all return to rest." He waved his hand as if to dispel the stifling atmosphere. "And remember, Cheng Zhijie, Li Ji, Yuchi Jingde, you three must hold firmly to the military power I have entrusted to you. As long as the military power is in our hands, let them stir up all the trouble they want—the Tang Dynasty will not fall!"

Li Shimin’s gaze became resolute. He understood the importance of military power; it was their lifeline amidst the shifting winds of chaos.

"As you command, Your Majesty!" The three answered in unison, their voices loud and firm. Just as they were about to withdraw, Fang Xuanling paused, as if there were words stuck in his throat that he felt compelled to speak. He turned back, his expression grave. "Your Majesty, I have a question."

"Speak, Minister Fang." Li Shimin looked at him with a hint of curiosity.

"Your Majesty, if this struggle for the throne ends with the Crown Prince defeated and another prince ascending, will you, once you clarify the truth, intend to replace the Crown Prince?"

Fang Xuanling’s question was like a pebble tossed into a calm lake, sending ripples spreading outward. The three generals, who had been ready to leave, stopped in their tracks, looking at Li Shimin with complex expressions. Sun Simiao glanced at them and sighed helplessly, knowing he too was now in the same boat and could not remain an outsider to this question.

Li Shimin closed his eyes and sighed softly, his face showing weariness and resignation. "Our Tang Dynasty needs a strong ruler. Can you not see what my Crown Prince is like?"

"If he becomes Emperor, he will be a complete incompetent. I am the Emperor; I cannot entrust the foundation of the Tang Dynasty to an incompetent ruler! It is true that I favored Qingque, but the officials opposed it. The one I truly valued most was Ke. He is the son most like me, but his mother is Consort Yang, so he cannot hold the position of Crown Prince." A look of regret flashed in Li Shimin’s eyes. "In truth, to me, they are all my sons. It matters not who becomes Emperor, so long as our Tang foundation is secure and the people live in peace and prosperity. Since everyone disagrees, I shall simply force my sons to compete. Then, I shall see what the officials have to say for themselves!"

After hearing these words, Fang Xuanling could only sigh helplessly. He knew the Emperor had made up his mind, and no amount of persuasion would change it. "As you command, Your Majesty. I take my leave." He did not try to persuade the Emperor further against replacing the Crown Prince for the sake of the dynasty's stability; the Emperor’s plan was too grand and his resolve too firm. At that moment, the person he missed most was Du Ruhui. If Brother Du were still here, perhaps he could have persuaded the Emperor not to change the heir. How could the position of the Crown Prince be changed as easily as a morning decree? Moreover, the Crown Prince had committed no grave error! Yet now, everything was spiraling toward an uncontrollable direction.

...

Xianyang.

Li Chengqian rose early, the morning sun streaming through the window to drape him in a golden glow. He went to the back of the palace in high spirits to check on the crops. He saw that the plants had sprouted a bit more vibrant green—the tender color like a flicker of hope, swaying gently in the breeze.

Li Chengqian’s eyes were full of joy; these crops held extraordinary meaning for him. Although the planting area at the Ministry of Agriculture was much larger, these were the ones he could see with his own eyes every day, fostering a special attachment. This was food! In this era, the importance of food far exceeded that of money. Money could be reminted if lost, but if food ran out, it would be a disaster, leaving countless people to starve.

To ensure the sufficiency and safety of the food supply, Li Chengqian had implemented a series of measures in Xianyang. The minor gentry and landlords of Xianyang had long since been executed, their entire households wiped out by the Embroidered Uniform Guard under various charges at Li Chengqian’s command. Their lands were confiscated and distributed to the local farmers, allowing them to own their plots and farm with peace of mind.

Simultaneously, Li Chengqian strengthened the security within Xianyang, allowing the people to live in a safe and stable environment. He promoted the policy of "relief through labor," giving the unemployed citizens jobs and income. This not only solved the people’s livelihood issues but also invigorated the economy of Xianyang. If one were to ask Li Chengqian to list his achievements, he could confidently say that Xianyang was the best city in the entire Tang Dynasty!

The roads throughout Xianyang were clean and tidy, as if washed by water. Greenery was planted on both sides of the roads for aesthetic appeal. At regular intervals, public toilets were built—clean and hygienic, facilitating the lives of the people. Whether large or small, all roads were paved with blue brick and cement, durable and comfortable to walk upon. Dilapidated houses were demolished under his arrangements, replaced by new administrative units. For instance, the Ministry of Agriculture gathered experts in agricultural research to improve crop yields and quality. In the Ministry of Works, craftsmen labored day and night to research new techniques. The Ministry of Finance managed fiscal revenues and expenditures, ensuring every coin was spent effectively. The Ministry of Commerce actively promoted trade, causing the markets of Xianyang to flourish.

As for buildings with cultural significance, even if old, Li Chengqian did not demolish them. Instead, he funded their restoration for free, allowing these ancient structures to regain their luster and adorning the city beautifully. Today, to the people of Xianyang, Li Chengqian was their sky; he was deeply loved and supported by the masses. Even if Li Chengqian were to rebel, the people of Xianyang would not object. In their eyes, he possessed the qualities of a sage king. Throughout history, where else could the people live as well as they did in Xianyang?

When the Crown Prince recruited soldiers, the pay was five times that of the imperial court, and if a soldier unfortunately died in battle, their family would receive a generous pension. The soldiers’ names would be inscribed on a monument for martyrs, ensuring future generations remembered their service. Combined with the Crown Prince distributing high-yield seeds to the people for free every year, every household had surplus grain, and life improved year after year. Beyond a negligible tax, the people had almost no burden. Furthermore, if the people could not sell their surplus grain, the government would buy it back at a high price, with one condition: it could never be sold outside the city. The entire city of Xianyang was now in a state of "in-only, out-none"; those free to enter and exit were all Li Chengqian’s trusted confidants.

"Your Highness, the Prefect of Xianyang has arrived and is outside the palace. Shall I admit him?" a servant asked respectfully.

Li Chengqian nodded. "Let him in. I told him to come yesterday."

"As you command, Your Highness!" The servant departed.

"Wen Ruchu, Prefect of Xianyang, pays respects to the Crown Prince. May the Crown Prince enjoy ten thousand years of peace!" Wen Ruchu entered the hall and immediately knelt, his demeanor extremely respectful.

Li Chengqian looked at Wen Ruchu and smiled kindly. "Prefect Wen, you have served well. I will triple your salary at the end of the year; bring your family to dine with me during the New Year. Also, tell the others that all public officials will have their salaries doubled!"

"Thank you, Your Highness! I am overwhelmed!" Wen Ruchu bowed cautiously, a flash of joy in his eyes, though he dared not show it too clearly.

"Prefect Wen, I recall you were a man of Zhangsun Wuji’s, were you not?" Li Chengqian suddenly changed the subject. The tone seemed casual, but it gave Wen Ruchu a shock. Upon hearing this, cold sweat instantly broke out on Wen Ruchu’s forehead. His body trembled slightly as he hurriedly knelt on the ground. "Your Highness! Although I was promoted by Lord Zhangsun in the past, your grace towards me is as vast as the heavens. I am loyal only to the Crown Prince. Every official in Xianyang is loyal only to the Crown Prince. I beg Your Highness to see the truth!" His voice trembled, fearing Li Chengqian did not believe him.

"Hahaha, Prefect Wen, you take it too seriously!" Li Chengqian laughed, stepped forward, and helped Wen Ruchu up. "I only have a matter for you to assist with. You will continue as usual, reporting my 'fake news' to Zhangsun Wuji. This time, add a little more: tell him I have fallen ill, am bedridden, and that my days are numbered!"

Hearing this, Wen Ruchu, who had just stood up, fell to his knees again with a thud. His face turned pale. "Your Highness, I dare not!"

"Do as I command. I hear you enjoy shortbread, Prefect Wen? You were even up in the middle of the night last night eating some. I’ve had some made for you; remember to take it with you when you leave." Li Chengqian’s tone allowed for no doubt.

Cold sweat streamed down Wen Ruchu’s face; he knew he could not refuse the Crown Prince’s order, and his heart was filled with fear and helplessness.

Li Chengqian patted Wen Ruchu on the shoulder. "Rest assured, I will not treat you poorly. Xianhuai, see the guest out, and don't forget to help Prefect Wen take the shortbread."

Li Chengqian commanded.