Volume One, Chapter 15: The Old Emperor’s Confusion

Whether to believe or not, to fight or not, within Li Longji’s heart raged an excruciating internal struggle.

He recalled the Tanglong coup years ago, when at twenty-two, he rose in righteous fury and, alongside his aunt, Princess Taiping, defeated the treacherous Empress Wei and restored his father, Emperor Ruizong, to the throne.

Years later, during the Xiantian coup, he struck decisively again, shattering the power Princess Taiping had built over many years overnight, securing the throne firmly and ushering in a flourishing era for the Tang dynasty.

But now, times had changed. His spirit weakened, age creeping upon him, he found himself mired in deep hesitation and doubt in the face of sudden news.

Old, old, no longer useful! The thought brought a sharp headache.

His gaze slowly shifted to Yang Guifei, whose face was now expressionless, no longer the enchanting beauty of days past.

Tonight’s relentless upheavals had stripped this radiant and graceful beauty of her former charm.

He then looked toward Li Mao, Li Lin, and the others. Seeing his father’s gaze, they instinctively stepped back.

Li Longji sighed softly, then fixed his eyes on the kneeling Li Heng.

Li Heng’s expression was earnest, eager to relieve his father’s burdens.

Inwardly, Li Heng admired himself: Father, how is my acting? Yet he could not allow the slightest flaw to show.

He faced a renowned emperor, a master of imperial power and intrigue. One false move would mean total defeat.

Li Longji continued to wrestle with his thoughts.

For eighteen years, his third son had been crown prince—ever cautious, filial beyond measure, never defying imperial orders, nor forging alliances with external officials or expanding his influence.

Li Longji hesitated: should he trust him this once?

If the gamble paid off, numerous troubles might be resolved.

If it failed, he doubted his son would dare cross moral boundaries.

At worst, he could abdicate, becoming a retired emperor like Gaozu—a title without real power but still honored above the throne.

Truth be told, he was reluctant to relinquish the throne, yet weary of the endless turmoil.

His past blind trust in Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong stemmed from a desire to avoid overwhelming affairs. Particularly after Yang Guifei’s arrival, he often shirked morning court sessions.

To wield power yet govern passively—that was Li Longji’s mindset.

He had contemplated abdication before leaving Chang’an but lacked resolve.

The throne was hard-won; he was unwilling to surrender it lightly.

Moreover, abdicating at crises and burdening his son would sully his reputation. Whether successors would do the same, he knew not, but no prior emperor had.

After much deliberation, Li Longji resolved to take the risk.

Just then, Chen Xuanli hurried in with fresh news, causing alarm once more.

“Third Son, rise,” Li Longji said softly.

He had already decided: whatever the situation, as a father, he would trust his son this once.

Besides, thousands of people in the army wept and begged for the crown prince to lead them back to Chang’an. The will of the people was undeniable.

Enough. Li Longji sighed inwardly. He was aged now—though eager to quell rebellion, he lacked the strength.

Perhaps retiring peacefully in Yizhou was best.

The grand vision of restoring the fractured realm could be left to the crown prince.

After all, he had reigned as the serene Son of Heaven for over forty years—he had tasted glory, wealth, and the empire’s grandeur; he was content.

And after his passing, the fate of the Tang dynasty, whether prosperous or declining, would be the prince’s to inherit.

Why not let him have his chance?

“Father will not send troops; I will not rise!” Li Heng pressed his forehead to the ground, resolute.

“Good, rise then—I grant your request!” Li Longji’s voice was low but clear to all.

Li Heng rose slowly, secretly jubilant at the unexpected turn.

Had his father refused to send reinforcements, his strategy would have been exposed and powerless.

“General Chen, assign two thousand troops to the crown prince,” Li Longji ordered.

“Your Majesty, this is ill-advised!” Chen Xuanli protested hurriedly.

“Your Majesty, what are you doing?” Gao Lishi looked perplexed. After decades by the emperor’s side, this was the first time he couldn’t fathom his lord’s thoughts.

“Chen Xuanli, I am not consulting you—speak no more!” Li Longji’s tone was resolute.

“Your Majesty, I have never disobeyed your will before, but this time I must resist!” Chen Xuanli stood firm.

“Are you plotting rebellion?” Li Longji’s cold gaze pierced him.

“Dare not!” Chen Xuanli bowed his head, trembling.

“Then what is your intent?” Li Longji demanded sharply.

“I believe…” Chen Xuanli glanced at Li Heng, hesitating.

“Enough guessing! You lead the enemy; the prince stays here to defend. How about that?” Li Longji snapped, impatient.

“I fear this is a trap!” Chen Xuanli’s words struck like thunder, stunning all present.

“Silence!” Li Longji exploded in fury.

The inn fell silent; breaths were audible.

“Trouble! The people are rioting again!” Commander Li Kaifeng rushed in with news.

“What now?” Before Chen Xuanli could speak, Wei Jiansu asked first.

“Your Majesty, the commoners demand to follow the prince to battle,” Li Kaifeng reported truthfully.

Li Heng rejoiced inwardly. The people Li Chu had gathered were a formidable force—no disappointment.

“General Chen, do you see? These are the people of our great Tang! You, commander of the imperial guards, a pillar of the court, are you less than ordinary citizens?” Li Longji chastised, pointing to Chen Xuanli, Wei Jiansu, and Gao Lishi. “And you dare call this a trap? To me, you are cowards frightened by rebels!”

“By imperial decree, promote Li Kaifeng to General of the Left Dragon Martial Guards, commanding 800 cavalry and 1,200 infantry to follow the prince to defeat the enemy. Strong, willing commoners may join the prince. The rest will remain with the general and hold the inn!” Li Longji struck his thigh sharply, the crisp sound startling all.

Chen Xuanli dared not speak further. He knew the emperor had no alternative. Continued resistance would mean open conflict with the crown prince.

Indeed, the emperor had seen through everything.

Crown prince, your gambit is ruthless. Chen Xuanli’s admiration grew.

“Thank you, Father!” Li Heng bowed deeply.

“Third Son, do not concern yourself with me. I am old, content with the company of the imperial consort,” Li Longji said tenderly, glancing at Yang Guifei, then at Li Heng. “Remember my words: the army’s loyalty cannot be taken lightly, nor the will of the people disobeyed.”

“I obey!” Li Heng knelt, bowing thrice.

A surge of emotion stirred within him. Histories portrayed Li Longji’s later years as stubborn, indulgent, cruel, and foolish, but in these hours, he seemed far less flawed.

Though a modern man, his body and memories belonged to this aged emperor.

For eighteen years, under his supreme authority, Li Heng had lived on edge, anxious and suffocated, longing to end this old man’s reign.

Though ruthlessness is the nature of emperors, even father and son harbored suspicion and conflict.

Yet now, Li Heng saw before him not a commanding emperor controlling the Tang realm, but an elder worn and weary from the ravages of time.

This father had just been cornered by a trap set by his son. Though Li Heng had used leverage, the emperor’s entourage were not fools.

At least Chen Xuanli saw through it all.

As Chen Xuanli prepared to expose the truth, the old emperor feigned ignorance to preserve the plan.

Li Heng felt a deep pang of guilt.

But he knew in these turbulent times, this was a necessary measure. Without it, the splendid Tang lands would fall, and countless people would suffer massacre and enslavement.

Before power or country, Li Longji wisely chose the latter.

“Third Son, go now!” Li Longji waved his hand and closed his eyes.

One era was ending; another was about to begin.