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The decree from Li Yuan to summon Li Shimin back to court was swiftly communicated, plunging the court into a tense and oppressive atmosphere. The ministers split into two factions, their voices rising in heated debate. Those supporting Li Jiancheng were indignant, vehemently accusing Li Shimin of treachery and demanding severe punishment. Meanwhile, Li Shimin's loyalists fervently defended him, insisting that the evidence was fabricated and part of Li Jiancheng's scheme.
"The evidence presented by His Highness the Crown Prince is irrefutable, as solid as iron! Prince Qin's intentions of rebellion are clear; Your Majesty cannot show leniency!" one minister passionately declared, his face flushed with anger and loyalty.
"Indeed, Your Majesty! If this matter is not dealt with promptly, it could jeopardize the very foundation of our Tang Dynasty!" another minister echoed.
Li Shimin's supporters countered fiercely. "The Crown Prince's actions are clearly a deliberate frame-up! How could Prince Qin, who has achieved great victories for the Tang, possibly rebel? This evidence must have been concocted by someone!" Wen Yanbo exclaimed, his face reddening as he spoke.
The court erupted into chaos, and Li Yuan sat on the dragon throne, his brow furrowed and his expression dark. He scanned the room filled with ministers, anxiety gnawing at him. He understood that if this matter was mishandled, it would not only exacerbate the rift between his two sons but could also lead to turmoil in the court, threatening the very foundation of the Tang Dynasty.
"Enough!" Li Yuan finally shouted in anger, silencing the court. "I have said that I will handle this matter with caution. Until Li Shimin returns, no one is allowed to speculate or discuss this recklessly!"
However, the ministers' inner turmoil did not subside; they continued to whisper among themselves. Supporters of Li Jiancheng believed that Li Shimin was ambitious and had long coveted the throne; this revelation was merely a matter of time. Conversely, those backing Li Shimin were convinced that this was a plot by Li Jiancheng to consolidate his position as Crown Prince by any means necessary.
In this debate, some originally neutral ministers found themselves in a dilemma. They knew that their choice of side at this moment would significantly impact their futures; a misstep could lead them to irreversible consequences. Thus, they chose to remain silent, waiting for Li Shimin's return to see how events would unfold.
Days passed, and anxiety gripped Chang'an City. The common people had heard whispers about the court's strife and were abuzz with speculation regarding whether Li Shimin truly intended to rebel and what implications this turmoil would have for the Tang Dynasty.
Finally, upon receiving the decree, Li Shimin hurried back to Chang'an day and night. As soon as he arrived in Chang'an, he made his way directly to the palace to meet Li Yuan.
"Your humble son, Li Shimin, pays his respects to Father Emperor!" he knelt on the ground, filled with confusion and unease. He had no idea what evidence Li Jiancheng had supposedly gathered or how his father felt about the situation.
Li Yuan looked down at his kneeling son with a complex expression. He felt both anger and disappointment over Li Shimin's actions but also a pang of paternal affection that made him reluctant to act harshly. "Shimin, do you know your crime?" he asked coldly.
Li Shimin raised his head innocently and replied, "Father Emperor, your humble son does not know what crime I have committed. I hope Father Emperor will clarify."
Li Yuan threw down the evidence presented by Li Jiancheng before Li Shimin and shouted angrily, "Look for yourself! This evidence shows you secretly recruited assassins in Luoyang and stockpiled supplies with intent to rebel. What else do you have to say?"
Li Shimin picked up the evidence and quickly flipped through it, shocked. He knew that while the evidence was genuine, his intentions were not rebellious; he had merely been preparing for contingencies against potential threats. He hadn't expected Li Jiancheng to seize upon it as a weapon against him. "Father Emperor! Your humble son is wronged! What I did in Luoyang was solely for defense against Turkic invasions and possible local rebellions; there was absolutely no intention of rebellion!" he hastily defended himself.
"Hmph! Defense against Turkic invasions? Responding to rebellions? Why conduct such actions in secret? Why not report to me?" Li Yuan questioned.
Li Shimin found himself at a loss for words; he knew that his explanations sounded weak at this moment.
At that moment, Li Jiancheng stepped forward and said, "Father Emperor, my second brother's explanation is hard to believe. If it were merely for defense, why go through such elaborate secretive measures? This clearly indicates he harbors ulterior motives aimed at seizing the throne!"
Li Shimin glared at Li Jiancheng in anger and retorted, "Elder brother! Do not slander me! You are deliberately framing me!"
"Frame you? These pieces of evidence are concrete; do you still wish to quibble?" Li Jiancheng shot back without backing down.
The court fell into chaos once more as Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng each held firm to their positions without yielding. The ministers again divided into factions supporting either side, arguing heatedly.
Li Yuan watched his two sons quarrel in court with deep sorrow. He never imagined that once-close brothers would come to such conflict over the throne. "Enough! Stop arguing!" he commanded loudly. "This matter is serious; I cannot convict you based solely on these pieces of evidence nor can I take your word at face value. I will send people to thoroughly investigate this matter; if you truly conspired against me, I will show no mercy; if someone has deliberately framed you, I will not let them go unpunished!"
With that declaration, Li Yuan swept away angrily, leaving all the ministers exchanging glances in confusion. Both Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng departed from the court with their own thoughts weighing heavily on their minds.
Upon returning to Prince Qin's mansion, Li Shimin felt a mix of anger and urgency. He understood that Li Jiancheng had come prepared, and he found himself in a precarious situation. If he could not respond appropriately, not only would his hopes for the crown prince position be dashed, but his very life could also be at stake. He immediately summoned strategists such as Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui to discuss countermeasures.
"The current situation is extremely unfavorable for us. If anyone has ideas, please speak up," Li Shimin said anxiously.
Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment before responding, "Your Highness, our immediate task is to quickly find evidence proving these accusations are false or to uncover evidence of Li Jiancheng's schemes against us. At the same time, we must seek the support of court officials to speak on your behalf before the Emperor."
Du Ruhui nodded in agreement, adding, "Indeed. Additionally, we can leverage your reputation in the military to have some generals testify on your behalf, demonstrating your loyalty to the Tang Dynasty."
Li Shimin found their suggestions quite reasonable and immediately began making arrangements. He dispatched people to search for evidence that could prove his innocence while reaching out to certain military leaders, hoping they would support him at a critical moment.
Meanwhile, after returning to the Eastern Palace, Li Jiancheng remained vigilant. He knew that Li Shimin would not easily concede and would surely devise a counterattack. He continued discussions with Li Yuanji and the ministers supporting him about their next steps in this struggle to completely defeat Li Shimin and solidify his position as crown prince.
This turmoil within the court was merely the beginning. As investigations deepened, the conflict between the two sides was bound to intensify, and the future of the Tang Dynasty became increasingly uncertain amid this power struggle. Who would emerge victorious from this storm, and who would be drawn into an endless abyss? All remained unknown.
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