Chapter 196

Chapter 196

Late at night, Li Chengqian angrily hurled a vase to the ground in the Eastern Palace. “Su Li!” His face twisted in rage, his teeth clenched.

Li Er’s confinement had kept him in the Eastern Palace for some time. The Great Tang’s power and territory expanded rapidly, and the administrative workload grew. Though Li Er remained energetic, the sheer volume of affairs took a toll.

Li Chengqian had recently started participating in state affairs, earning widespread praise from courtiers for his capabilities. Power, once tasted, became addictive, and Li Chengqian savored the near-absolute authority it provided.

But then Li Er had confined him, stripping him of his newfound power. This sudden loss of authority was unbearable for him. What infuriated Li Chengqian even more was that the reason for his confinement was his lack of respect for Su Li.

In Li Chengqian’s eyes, respecting a common peasant like Su Li was absurd. During his days of confinement, his resentment towards Su Li had only intensified. However, what he found even more unsettling was his realization that Li Er was actively trying to win over Su Li.

This revelation shattered Li Chengqian’s worldview. He had always seen the emperor as a divine figure, wielding absolute power, capable of shaping the world with a word. Yet, now, he was expected to curry favor with one man. It was a paradox he couldn’t accept.

However, the legend of Bai Yujing had spread far and wide, and the power Su Li possessed was similar to that of a divine being in the eyes of the Tang Dynasty. The mere mention of Su Li unsettled the foundations of Li Chengqian’s beliefs.

Initially, Gaoyang was highly regarded in Silla. However, due to Jin Deman’s disapproval, those around Gaoyang gradually distanced themselves from her. Even Gaoyang herself hadn’t anticipated this outcome. In writing to Li Chengqian, she sought support from him.

Upon reading Gaoyang’s letter, Li Chengqian, already experiencing a difficult time, nearly lost his temper. A dignified princess of the mighty Tang Dynasty couldn’t handle a tiny country. What a waste!

At this moment, Li Chengqian’s defenses were truly shattered. He was infuriated by Gaoyang’s ineffectiveness and even more frustrated with his own powerlessness. The line represented by Gaoyang was his first genuine attempt at shaping his own future. From the current situation, it seemed that Gaoyang was no longer dependable. All of this was because of Su Li!

At this point, Li Chengqian’s animosity towards Su Li almost became obsessive. The slightest setback led him to blame everything on Su Li. He had come to view Su Li as his lifelong adversary.

But what could Li Chengqian do? Even his father, Li Er, could not contend with Su Li and was actively trying to win him over. Although Li Chengqian was the Crown Prince, all his authority came from Li Er. If his own father couldn’t handle Su Li, what chance did he have against him?

Regarding strategy, Su Li, the Yongle King, didn’t even engage in court politics. Any scheming or plots were futile in his presence. Concerning martial prowess, Su Li was a one-man army, a formidable force to reckon with. Engaging in combat with him would be utterly exhausting.

After pondering for a while, Li Chengqian realized that Su Li had no weaknesses. If there was one vulnerability, Su Li deeply cared for Changle and their only son. But could Li Chengqian do anything to harm them?

At this juncture, Li Chengqian let out a sigh of despair.