I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 530 - 49: Liaodong Suian, Upheaval in the Imperial Court

"This picturesque country... will eventually... be entrusted to future generations..."

...

Chang’an.

Because the news of the recent warfare in Liaodong has not yet arrived, the atmosphere in the entire royal court remains somewhat solemn.

This battle seems to end in vain.

This is the judgment of everyone.

Although the Tang Army has occupied many cities, and Goguryeo has suffered significant casualties, no matter how you look at it, they have won. But as long as they fail to achieve total victory, it is a defeat for Great Tang.

Because Li Shimin has already stated that he wants to completely sweep through Goguryeo and eliminate Yeon Gaesomun.

With the whole world watching.

As long as Yeon Gaesomun is not dead, the prestige of Great Tang is destined to suffer greatly.

And most importantly—Li Shimin’s health.

The ministers are well aware of this Emperor’s temperament, coupled with the deterioration of Li Shimin’s health over the years. If they really just retreat like this.

Can this invincible Emperor withstand it?

The entire court was under a cloud of gloom.

Although no one would take the initiative to bring up this matter, it still affects everyone.

Li Chengqian is indeed capable.

He has always adhered to the firm path of Li Shimin, which is the most similar trait between the father and son.

But there are also differences—

Compared to Li Shimin, Li Chengqian is more decisive and assertive.

When Li Shimin had just passed away, it was fine.

He could still restrain himself, but as time passed, this shortcoming of his character gradually emerged.

For example, regarding the Western Regions, Li Shimin’s approach was always to leave it to local officials.

This includes the current members of the Gu Clan in the Western Regions.

He used both kindness and authority.

But Li Chengqian directly interfered with the past, issuing a massacre order against the rebellious forces in the Western Regions.

According to his words—"The Western Regions have been under the Great Tang’s enlightenment for many years, and now that there are still those who are not enlightened, we must establish authority again."

In fact, this is not a wrong decision.

The trade routes of the Western Regions can indeed bring substantial income to Great Tang, but the efforts of enlightenment are also the greatest current consumption of Great Tang.

Li Chengqian is still young, and making such decisions is not surprising.

But this kind of behavior—

No matter where it is placed, it might have some effects, but the Western Regions are different.

The Western Regions are filled with numerous sects and many believers.

A single-minded establishment of authority will only cause more resistance from them, which is the biggest reason why enlightening the Western Regions is difficult.

To completely integrate the Western Regions into Kyushu, it requires both kindness and authority, and a long-term commitment.

This matter escalated greatly.

Initially, officials from various routes in the Western Regions submitted memorials, and it was eventually due to the persuasion of Gu Lei, who was very close to Li Chengqian, that Li Chengqian finally relented.

In the internal court, there was no great chaos.

But this move alone showed the ministers the character of Li Chengqian.

.....

Prince Wei’s Mansion.

Because of Li Shimin’s special favor towards Prince Wei, Li Tai, this mansion’s location is separated from the Imperial Palace by only one block, a sign of his extraordinary favor.

In fact, Li Shimin once considered moving Li Tai directly into the Wude Hall inside the palace.

But at that time, Gu Quan was still alive, and after explaining the reasoning, he directly blocked this matter.

Even so, the ambiance of the Prince Wei’s Mansion is far from ordinary princely mansions.

The courtyard is filled with officials, and talented people gather.

It is almost a replica of the past when King Qin, Li Shimin, opened his mansion to recruit talents.

However, at this moment, the once noisy Prince Wei’s Mansion is filled with a heavy and stagnant atmosphere of depression.

Li Tai sat slumped in the large chair, his luxurious royal robe unable to hide his deep exhaustion and frustration.

A series of heavy and suppressed sighs escaped from his mouth.

In this silent study, they sounded particularly clear.

Li Tai felt a bit desperate.

Yes, desperate.

In the past, as glorious as he was, now he is equally miserable.

The fact that Li Shimin entrusted Li Chengqian with the task of acting as regent has undoubtedly stabilized Li Chengqian’s position.

The ministers are not fools and naturally will no longer pay attention to Li Tai’s attempts to gain favor.

Not to mention Li Chengqian’s temperament.

After becoming regent, he would inadvertently target Li Tai, including Li Tai’s confidants under his command, causing Li Tai to only feel disheartened.

His path seems to have been cut off.

All fantasies are eventually shattered in the face of reality.

Compared to the Crown Prince Li Chengqian, who was personally entrusted with regency and acts of the Emperor, Li Tai, no matter how favored, ultimately remains a prince confined to his mansion.

The gulf between them is something that favor cannot bridge.

"Bring wine!"

The more Li Tai thought, the more agitated he became, and he couldn’t help but slam the table, angrily shouting, wanting to drown himself in alcohol.

Just at this moment, Chai Lingwu, the Captain of the Imperial Guards and son-in-law, entered the desolate study without prior notice.

Seeing Li Tai in such a state of dejection, he furrowed his brow and let out a heavy sigh, his voice as heavy as iron: "Your Highness! Why sink to this?"

"If you continue to wallow in despair, will the great position in the future still be within your grasp?"

Being the second son of Chai Shao and one of Li Tai’s absolute confidants, Chai Lingwu also carried an air of nobility.

He spoke with directness.

"Not despondent? Then what can I do?!" Li Tai suddenly turned his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Chai Lingwu, forcing a bitter smile even more pained than crying, mocking himself, "Father entrusted the state affairs to the Crown Prince."

"Let him oversee the regency till now, his power grows daily!"

"I... what can I do about it!"

His voice was hoarse, and the bitterness nearly dripped from every word.