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The way Li Jiancheng gifted a horse to Li Shimin was quite clever. In the end, Li Shimin figured out Li Jiancheng's intentions but could not say anything. He merely mentioned a flaw of the Crown Prince to Yuwen Shiji, not wanting it to reach Li Yuan's ears and be distorted in the process.
Yuwen Shiji was his Sima from the Tian Ce General's Office, which is why Li Shimin felt comfortable making that remark. At that moment, only Yuwen Shiji heard it; if he hadn’t shared it, no one else would have known.
Yuwen Shiji was not one to gossip, but he was extremely cunning. He intentionally told his sister about how Prince Qin, Li Shimin, nearly fell off his horse while hunting, along with what Li Shimin had said.
Who was Yuwen Shiji's sister? She was one of Li Yuan's consorts, Yu Wen Zhao Yi.
Yu Wen Zhao Yi was slightly less beautiful than Zhang Jieyu and Yin De Fei, but Li Yuan cherished her just as much, placing her in the palace hierarchy just below Zhang Jieyu and Yin De Fei.
Born into a family of generals, Yu Wen Zhao Yi had trained in martial arts since childhood. She was the only consort in Li Yuan's harem with martial skills, which was an important reason why Li Yuan liked to take her along when he went out.
This time, when Li Yuan led his ministers to Chang'an City for a hunting expedition with the three princes, he brought only Yu Wen Zhao Yi among the consorts. After all, as the weather turned cold, other consorts were delicate and could not withstand the chill; they had no interest in hunting and were unwilling to accompany Li Yuan.
After the hunt concluded and on their way back, Yuwen Shiji rode a horse while Yu Wen Zhao Yi traveled in a carriage. The siblings walked together for a while and chatted. During their conversation, Yuwen Shiji recounted how Li Shimin had nearly been injured by his horse and mentioned what Li Shimin had said.
Like her brother, Yu Wen Zhao Yi was cunning and understood well that Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin were engaged in a fierce rivalry. On the surface, she never took sides. Even though her brother Yuwen Shiji worked at Tian Ce General's Mansion, she would not speak up for Li Shimin in front of Li Yuan.
After all, Li Jiancheng was the Crown Prince and heir to the throne; he was someone one could not offend. Thus, Yu Wen Zhao Yi tried her best to curry favor with Li Jiancheng in secret. However, she held onto the idea of not offending either side and refrained from direct contact with the Eastern Palace.
Her method of subtly showing goodwill towards Li Jiancheng was to befriend Zhang Jieyu and Yin De Fei. She knew these two were staunch supporters of Li Jiancheng; by getting close to them, even if Li Jiancheng became emperor, he would not treat her poorly since Zhang Jieyu and Yin De Fei would surely speak on her behalf.
After receiving information about the Crown Prince and Prince Qin from her brother, Yu Wen Zhao Yi shared it with Yin De Fei upon returning to the palace.
Upon learning this news, Yin De Fei felt delighted. That night while serving Emperor Li Yuan as he prepared for bed, she whispered into his ear to slander Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, today during the hunt, Prince Qin's horse stumbled. He is quite skilled; he managed to regain his balance without injury. However, he claimed: 'Heaven has decreed that I am destined to be the ruler of this world; how could I die in vain?'"
"What? He dared to say such things?" Upon hearing this, Li Yuan became furious.
The next day after morning court, Li Yuan summoned his three sons: Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, and Li Yuanji.
He first asked his second son: "Shiming, did your horse stumble yesterday?"
Li Shimin was puzzled as to why his father suddenly brought this up. How did he know? He quickly replied: "Yes, Father! However, your humble son was not injured!"
Li Jiancheng felt a wave of anxiety. Did Father know my intentions behind gifting him a horse? Meanwhile, Li Yuanji secretly rejoiced.
"Did you say anything afterward?" Li Yuan continued his questioning.
"Your humble son said that life and death are determined by fate; a horse cannot harm me!" Li Shimin reluctantly revealed this part of his statement but refrained from mentioning anything that would implicate his elder brother's intentions against him.
Li Yuan did not believe him and said: "Is that what you said? I have heard that you claimed you were destined for greatness; thus a horse could not harm you! Who is destined for greatness is determined by Heaven itself; it cannot be sought through human cunning. Why is your desire for the throne so urgent?"
Hearing this made Li Shimin extremely anxious; he quickly removed his crown and knelt down to plead for himself before the Law Enforcement Agency to confirm that he had never uttered such rebellious words.
Li Yuan’s anger flared further as he turned to ask Li Jiancheng: "Jiancheng, do you think your second brother would say such things?"
Li Jiancheng thought rapidly. Just yesterday, Father had praised the three princes for their unity, so why was he now so furious and intent on punishing his second brother?
Li Shimin, no matter how foolish, would never claim to be the Son of Heaven at this moment! Someone must have slandered him in front of Father. And the one who slandered Li Shimin was undoubtedly someone aligned with me. Could Father suspect that I was behind this?
It must be so! Otherwise, why would Father ask me? Just as Li Shimin suggested, they could simply hand him over to the Law Enforcement Agency.
With this thought in mind, Li Jiancheng quickly replied, “Father, your humble son believes that Second Brother could not have said such rebellious words.”
“Oh? Explain your reasoning!” Li Yuan's eyes clearly brightened.
Li Yuan's expression did not escape Li Jiancheng's notice.
I guessed correctly! Father's anger towards Li Shimin is feigned; he has sensed my intention to gift a horse and thinks that implicating Li Shimin is also my doing, thus putting on this act. If I were to insist that Li Shimin had spoken rebellious words, Father would outwardly continue to punish Second Brother but would inwardly feel disappointed in me.
The glimmer in Li Yuan's eyes made Li Jiancheng's heart tighten. He knew he had to answer his question cautiously; otherwise, he might fall into a deeper predicament.
“Father, the reason your humble son believes Second Brother could not have said such rebellious words is as follows.” Li Jiancheng paused to organize his thoughts. “Firstly, although Second Brother is straightforward in character, he has always been loyal to you and would never do anything to harm the dignity of the royal family. Secondly, while Second Brother may sometimes make minor mistakes, he has never shown any signs of rebellion. Lastly, saying such things would serve no purpose and be entirely unnecessary. Therefore, your humble son believes that Second Brother could not have said such words!”
Upon hearing this, Li Yuan's expression softened slightly. He looked at Li Jiancheng and slowly said, “Jiancheng, you make a valid point. However, as princes, you should always be mindful of your words and actions to avoid bringing any negative influence upon the royal family. Remember, unity is our most important treasure.”
Li Jiancheng nodded repeatedly in agreement. “Father’s teachings are correct; your humble son will certainly keep them in mind.”
At this moment, Li Yuan had already quelled his anger and turned to encourage Li Shimin: “Rise! Since Jiancheng believes you wouldn’t say such things, I naturally believe it too. This matter ends here; there is no need to involve the Law Enforcement Agency.”
“Thank you, Father!” Only then did Li Shimin rise, donning his crown and fastening his belt once more.
Li Yuan then looked at Li Yuanji and said: “Yuanji, although this matter does not concern you directly, it relates to your elder brother and second brother. I called you here because I hope that the three of you can unite sincerely and not let me see any instances of mutual sabotage among you.”
“Father’s teachings are wise; your humble son understands!” replied Li Yuanji.
“Alright, it’s settled then. You may go!” Li Yuan waved his hand towards the three princes.
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