Li Yuan was originally the cousin of Emperor Yang of Sui, but because he was dissatisfied with Emperor Yang of Sui, he launched a mutiny in 617 AD and established the Tang Dynasty.
Li Yuan's son, Li Shimin, was his right-hand man, who once killed his two brothers in the Xuanwumen Rebellion and ascended to the throne.
Tang Taizong Li Shimin, one of the most outstanding emperors in Chinese history, created the prosperous era of Zhenguan's rule, and was admired and praised by later generations.
However, when Li Yuan abdicated, he left a sentence for Li Shimin, which he will never forget.
At that time, Li Shimin was dismissive of Li Yuan's words, and even a little impatient. However, 16 years later, Li Shimin's words have come true one by one.
In 619 AD, not long after the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin was still the king of Qin, assisting Li Yuan to rule the world.
His princess, Changsun Shi, is the granddaughter of the famous general Changsun Sheng of the Sui Dynasty, and the two have a deep relationship since childhood. The eldest grandson gave birth to four sons for Li Shimin, among which the most favored by Li Shimin was his eldest son.
This eldest son was born in the Chengqian Hall of Taiji Palace.
Taiji Palace is the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty, and Chengqian Palace is the main hall of Taiji Palace, and it is also the place where the emperor handles government affairs. The birth of this prince happened to be in the Chengqian Palace, and he can be described as a god-given son with extraordinary luck.
In order to commemorate this palace, Li Shimin named him Li Chengqian in the name of it, which is also Li Shimin's expectation and sustenance for him.
Li Chengqian has been smart since childhood, and when he grows up, he is handsome and heroic, and he is deeply loved by Li Shimin.
In 626 AD, Li Chengqian was only 8 years old and was already canonized as the crown prince.
In 630 AD, when Li Chengqian was 12 years old, Li Shimin began to consciously cultivate his political talents, let him participate in some state affairs, and exercise his determination and insight.
Although Li Chengqian was young, he showed great talent and was appreciated by Li Shimin and courtiers. Li Shimin trusted him even more, and put him in charge of some important institutions, such as the Prince's Mansion, the East Palace, and the Inner Servant Province.
In 631 AD, Li Chengqian suddenly fell seriously ill and was in critical condition, which made Li Shimin panic.
Li Shimin never believed in Buddhism and Taoism, he thought that these were superstitions and heresies, but when he saw that his son was dying, he forgot his principles and hurriedly invited a Taoist priest named Qin Ying, hoping that he could use the magic of immortals to pray for Li Chengqian's peace.
Qin Ying came to Li Chengqian's sickbed and told Li Shimin that Li Chengqian's illness was because his life was too weak and he was disturbed by evil qi, and he needed to resist with righteous qi. If you want to save his son, you must make some merit to pray for Li Chengqian.
Therefore, Li Shimin ordered the construction of Xihuaguan and Puguang Temple in Chang'an City, which were dedicated to the gods of Taoism and Buddhism respectively, and also gathered 3,000 people to shave their hair and become monks.
He also relieved all the prisoners in prison of their crimes and released them.
Fortunately, Li Chengqian's condition soon improved, and he gradually recovered his health. Li Shimin was very happy when he saw this.
Seeing this, do you think that the relationship between father and son seems familiar, because Li Shimin loves Li Chengqian just like Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty loves Yinren.
In 639 AD, Li Chengqian was already 20 years old, but he suffered from a foot disease, which also made his temperament change greatly.
In order to prevent the prince from going astray, Li Shimin sent his most trusted subordinates such as Du Zhenglun, Fang Xuanling and others to Li Chengqian to assist him.
However, these auxiliary ministers ignored the correct way of education, and as long as Li Chengqian made the slightest mistake, they would catch Li Chengqian, and their words were sharp and the wording was **, and Li Chengqian, who was only 20 years old, would not listen to people's advice like his father Li Shimin.
As a result, his character became even more rebellious. Like re-favoring men and befriending Turks, his behavior is extremely absurd, but Li Shimin has never moved the idea of abolishing his crown prince.
In the 16th year of Zhenguan, Li Tai, the younger brother of Li Chengqian's mother, had the idea of usurping the throne of the crown prince, and in order to curry favor with Li Shimin, he spent a lot of time and energy compiling a book on geography called "The Chronicles of the Territory".
This book collects information on mountains, rivers, cities, climate, and products in various places, and shows the territory and wealth of the Tang Dynasty in a lush way. Li Tai dedicated this book to Li Shimin, hoping that he would like it.
Li Shimin was very happy to read this book, and he praised Li Tai and gave him many jewels, and he was very fond of Li Tai from then on.
Later, Li Shimin ordered Li Tai to move to live in the Wude Palace, where he ascended the throne.
However, Li Shimin's actions aroused the dissatisfaction and anxiety of the ministers of the DPRK and China, and they wrote letters one after another, trying their best to persuade Li Shimin to withdraw his reward and arrangements for Li Tai.
Under the persuasion of the minister, Li Shimin came to his senses and realized his mistake. But he still loves Li Tai very much.
Unconsciously, Li Shimin has become the same person as his father Li Yuan.
Li Chengqian was very jealous and hated Li Tai, and he wanted to get rid of his younger brother and keep his position as the crown prince, so he sent someone to assassinate Li Tai, but he did not succeed.
Seeing this, Li Chengqian was unwilling to fail, and planned to strike first, follow Li Shimin's practice back then, force the palace, and let Li Shimin also become a emperor.
He secretly bribed some generals and **, prepared some weapons and grain and grass, and waited for the opportunity to act.
However, Li Chengqian's rebellion plan was discovered by Li Shimin's confidant Wei Zheng, who immediately played Li Shimin and informed Li Chengqian of his crime.
When Li Shimin heard this, he was very angry and sad. Even though the rebellion of the prince was involved, Li Shimin still decided to leave Li Chengqian's life behind.
Seeing Li Shimin's thoughts, the Tongshi Sheren Laiji persuaded Li Shimin to leave Li Chengqian's life in a timely manner, so Li Shimin took advantage of the situation and ordered Li Chengqian to be abolished as a concubine and moved him to Qianzhou, wanting him to stay away from the disputes in the court and spend his life in peace.
Unfortunately, during his exile, Li Chengqian died.
Li Shimin's heart ached, and he remembered the curse that his father Li Yuan had given him 16 years ago.
At that time, either he died or the crown prince Li Jiancheng died, so Li Shimin took the lead and launched the Xuanwumen Rebellion, killing Li Jiancheng and his five sons, as well as Li Yuanji and his five sons.
It is said that after Li Yuan heard this, he was heartbroken and said to Li Shimin: "If you kill my descendants, he will be the same for your descendants in the future!" ”Li Shimin was very unimpressed, he didn't expect to be retribution on himself so soon.
It seems that it is not that the time has not yet come.