The Human Emperor

Chapter 2458 Side Story Chapter 31: The First Prince’s Resolve!

Translated by: Hypersheep325

Edited by: Michyrr

Bang!

The news shook the court.

This sudden development had all of the officials smelling something unusual.

The Tang Emperor had reigned for twenty-some years and had been deeply in love with the Empress Consort. The Empress Consort had given birth to Li Xuantu, which was why he had been so favored. Several years later, the Empress Consort died, and the Tang Emperor gave Li Xuantu many advantages out of his lingering affection, his treatment even surpassing that of the Tang Emperor at some moments. Not long afterward, the Emperor decreed that Li Xuantu would reside in the Eastern Palace and be made Crown Prince.

And Li Xuantu’s excellent performance over the years had left the Tang Emperor extremely satisfied.

Thus, no matter how much the Tang Emperor favored Virtuous Empress Dou, he would consider the First Prince’s status and rarely grant the Third Prince things beyond his station.

Favor in the harem and the court was certain to instigate a struggle between the Princes.

The Tang Emperor naturally understood, but today…

The right to participate in court debates!

It was a simple order, but everyone understood the weight of these words.

No matter how revered the status of a Prince was, he was ultimately still a Prince. Unless the Emperor granted them the authority, they would never hold any real power.

And once the Tang Emperor gave them the permission to participate in court debates, they would possess unusual power.

Since the Emperor had been enthroned, only two people out of the numerous Princes and Princesses had been granted permission to participate in court debates. One was Crown Prince Li Xuantu; the other, Second Prince Li Chengyi.

And now, there was Third Prince Li Taiyi.

For a moment, a strange mood swept through the Imperial Court.

……

Time slowly passed, and though he had faced the objections of some of the officials, Li Taiyi still chose to seize this opportunity.

Unlike before, Li Taiyi had many strategists under his command: Wang Jiuling, Wang Haibin, Zhang Shougui, Abusi, Zhangchou Jianqiong…

All of these people strategized and planned for Li Taiyi.

And due to his excellent performance in the court in affairs like managing floods and constructing roads, Li Taiyi continued to rise in reputation. With this increase in prestige, more and more officials and generals were joining him, and the balance of power in the court was quietly beginning to shift.

“Your Highness, the Third Prince’s reputation is growing by the day, and more and more officials of the court are beginning to lean toward him. Even the people are beginning to favor him. It won’t be good if this continues!”

“That’s right, Your Highness! Your Highness was long ago made Crown Prince, so His Majesty has always avoided threatening your status. But now that the Third Prince has attained fame and reputation, the Tang Emperor has clearly changed his attitude for the Third Prince, even granting him the right to attend court. Besides that… there are now numerous voices in court calling for the Emperor to change the Crown Prince!”

“That’s right! I’ve even heard that the heavens have shifted and that the Third Prince will inherit the throne in the future. The astrologers are all saying it!”

In the Eastern Palace, Li Xuantu had gathered his numerous advisors, and all of them had grave expressions, apparently rather concerned by the recent developments in court.

But in the main seat, First Prince Li Xuantu said nothing. With a dark expression, he took a celadon tea cup and sipped his tea.

In this dim lighting, it was impossible to read his face.

A goateed elder suddenly spoke. “Your Highness, a man with small tolerance cannot be a gentleman, and without ruthlessness, one cannot become a great man. This subordinate knows that Your Highness is magnanimous and still clings to brotherly love, and we are honored to serve you because of it. But the fight for the throne has always been cruel. While Your Highness is benevolent, the Third Prince might not be righteous.”

He appeared to have some prestige amongst the advisors. All the other advisors nodded, clearly sharing the same view as the elder.

Li Xuantu put down his cup and slowly said to the goateed elder, “Elder Xu, this prince understands your meaning, but these are all speculations. There is no proof that Third Brother is that violet star.”