Chapter 28: Li Chengqian

Page 1

Chang’an, East Market.

Compared to the West Market, this place was much quieter. After passing through a long stretch of deserted land, there was an expanse of verdant wheat fields, their emerald waves rolling swiftly toward him in the cold wind. The short wheat seedlings danced in the breeze, freely releasing winter’s hidden vitality, their soft rustling sounds filling the fields and stirring a faint fragrance.

Li Kong sat on a patch of muddy earth, rubbing his hands incessantly against his chest to generate warmth and ward off the biting chill.

Beside him, Li Chengqian hesitated, eyeing the dirty ground with reluctance. Back in the Eastern Palace, his tutors, Yu Shinan and Xiao Yu, ceaselessly instilled in him the virtues and decorum befitting a crown prince—summed up in a single phrase: nothing was permitted.

Now, he was at a loss. What to do?

At this moment, Li Kong’s thoughts were not on his “younger brother” behind him, but rather on the Li Chengqian of the history books from his previous life.

According to historical records, Li Chengqian was happy before the age of fifteen. Though he lived in the Eastern Palace, he was only two courtyards away from Li Shimin and his wife in the Linde Hall. Visits were easy, and their family life was full of warmth and joy.

Back then, Li Tai was still a child, kept from his fief by Li Shimin’s favor, following Li Chengqian everywhere. The brothers truly embodied harmony, with Princess Changle adding laughter in between. It was a blissful time.

But in the ninth year of the Zhenguan era, everything changed. The completion of the Daming Palace meant Li Shimin’s family moved away from the Taiji Palace, leaving Li Chengqian alone—bewildered and isolated.

With others scheming around him, Li Chengqian’s mind began to shift. Worse, near the end of that year, he broke his leg in an accident, becoming unruly and estranged from his father. Even his orientation was twisted. The misfortunes piled up; he ended up chasing after his grandfather, Zhangsun Sheng.

Later, after Empress Zhangsun’s death, Li Chengqian’s feelings for Li Shimin turned from reverence to hatred, further fueled by the likes of Hou Junji. He rebelled, becoming the first prince to rise against the throne in the Zhenguan era, was demoted to commoner status, and eventually died in misery.

Page 2

But that belonged to a former life. Li Kong only recalled it briefly before letting it fade away. The present Great Tang was riddled with anomalies, and he, as one of them, could not allow Li Chengqian to repeat his past mistakes. Of all Li Shimin’s children, he was closest with Li Chengqian—even having held him as a child. He would never let him fall again.

He collected his thoughts and turned to the uncertain young boy behind him, smiling, “What’s wrong? You’re worried about the dirt and don’t know how to sit?”

Li Chengqian blushed, unsure if from embarrassment or the cold. In this era, so pure and unspoiled, the sky was so blue, yet winter so bitterly cold. Suddenly, Li Kong missed the global warming of his past life.

He quickly shook off the thought, saying, “Enough—there’s no one else here. Sit down. It’s been a long time since we brothers talked. Remember when I left the Prince of Qin’s residence? You cried for hours.”

“You’re teasing me!” Li Chengqian laughed, plopping down beside him, unconcerned about getting scolded by his tutors later. As long as he could sit with Li Kong, let the world say what it will.

Li Kong smiled, “You’re not so young anymore. Now you’re the heir of the empire, with all of Great Tang’s future in your hands. Those old scholars’ teachings may be useless for governance, but they’re good for cultivating character. Listen to what’s worth hearing, remember it—but never use it.”

Li Chengqian couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re the first to say those doctrines are useless. If Master Yu and Tutor Xiao heard you, who knows what they’d say.”

Li Kong now knew Yu Shinan was the Crown Prince’s chief tutor, and Xiao Yu his deputy. They taught Li Chengqian regularly, though their main duties involved attending court and discussing state affairs.

But Li Kong had once confronted Kong Yingda openly; Xiao Yu and Yu Shinan were mere drizzle by comparison. More importantly, neither was Li Kong’s friend. In his and Li Shimin’s minds, the two, hailing from great families of the south, were destined to become adversaries.

For now, their priority was to deal with the aristocrats of Guandong and Guanlong. The southern gentry could wait until the north was pacified.

“Let them be. I’m not an official, so they can’t control me. By the way, what made you come out today? Aren’t you afraid your father and mother will punish you?”

Li Chengqian grinned, scratching his head, “I asked Mother first before coming. It’s nothing important—just wanted to talk to you.”

Page 3

Suddenly, Li Chengqian said, “Brother Kong, in the future… can you visit the Eastern Palace often to see me?”

Li Kong was taken aback, “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know. Even though I see Father and Mother every day, when night falls, I always feel so cold. The Eastern Palace is too big, and I can’t find anyone to talk to. They say this is what a crown prince must endure, but I really dislike it. I would rather…”

“Stop!” Li Kong cut him off before he could finish, his gaze softening as he looked at Li Chengqian.

After all, Li Chengqian was just an eight- or nine-year-old child. At that age, what were kids doing in the old world? Going to school, playing as they pleased—even future leaders spent their childhoods carefree, never as pitiful as Li Chengqian.

Perhaps Li Chengqian didn’t yet grasp what it meant to be crown prince, but Li Kong could not turn a blind eye. Yet how could he help Li Chengqian gain confidence and capability while preserving his innocence? It was a difficult balance. Most importantly, if he became too close to Li Chengqian, gossip would inevitably arise. Even if Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun trusted him, public opinion could destroy reputations.

“What to do?” Li Kong felt troubled.

Still, he smiled at Li Chengqian, “Of course. I’ll find time to visit and play with you, just like two years ago—with little Tai and Lizi!”

“Really?” Li Chengqian’s face finally lit up with a bright, joyous smile, even a bit excited.

Li Kong nodded. He couldn’t promise the future, but for now, if anyone dared speak against his visits, he’d silence them without hesitation. If youth isn’t bold, how can it be called youth?