Chapter Sixteen: Li Longji Contemplates Abdication

Although Yang Guozhong spoke simply, Emperor Li Longji understood that his words carried deeper motives, partly driven by personal interests. Yet, he dared not expose this outright, nor could he grant all that was requested. Thus, he fell into thoughtful silence.

Seeing the emperor’s hesitation, Yang Yuhuan, gently tapping her body, smiled and spoke softly: “Your Majesty, Guozhong’s words are very reasonable. Now, with the enemy at the gates, tens of thousands of rebels are stationed near Tongguan, poised to attack at any moment. Tongguan must not fall; if it does, Chang’an will be in peril. Your Majesty’s foremost concern should be how to repel the siege and secure Tongguan’s safety. What Guozhong said is purely for the protection of Tongguan; he is truly devoted to this cause. Many times, defeat arises from internal strife. If the defenders of Tongguan are divided by disputes, their morale shaken, and the rebels seize the opportunity to capture the pass, then Chang’an will be nearly impossible to defend. Such a calamity would be the greatest misfortune for the realm. Your Majesty must not allow this to happen!”

As Yang Yuhuan spoke, Yang Guozhong once again petitioned, “Your Majesty, the situation at Tongguan remains critical. The one hundred thousand troops there come from multiple commands, many conscripted temporarily. To unify them against the enemy, extraordinary measures must be taken. Your Majesty should entrust all affairs of Tongguan solely to the Fourth Prince, forbidding any other interference. Otherwise, the soldiers will never unite against the enemy!”

Yang Guozhong feared most that Crown Prince Li Heng would meddle in Tongguan’s affairs. Chen Xuanli’s relationship with Li Heng was no ordinary one. Chen had been summoned back and stripped of all duties shortly after arriving at Tongguan, dealing a heavy blow to Li Heng, who had hoped to strengthen his own prestige through involvement there. At the court meeting that day, Li Heng publicly declared that Yang Xi was too young to lead in battle—a statement made under pressure and out of desperation. From this shortsighted act, Yang Guozhong gleaned much satisfaction.

Yet he knew Li Heng would not stand idly by while the Yang family’s power grew; he would seek other means to intervene in Tongguan. Yang Guozhong’s purpose in speaking thus today was to thwart Li Heng’s ambitions.

Yang Xi had already gained prestige and taken full charge of Tongguan’s affairs. Yang Guozhong’s task now was to consolidate his son’s position and amplify his influence, compensating for his own lack of power within the military.

Once the emperor granted his request, Yang Guozhong would have free rein to act under imperial authority, carrying out many deeds with legitimacy. Should anyone dare disobey, he could seize the opportunity to punish or eliminate them.

Upon hearing Yang Guozhong and Yang Yuhuan’s words, Li Longji’s remaining resistance melted away. After some reflection, he consented to Yang Guozhong’s proposal: “Hmm, Guozhong speaks truly. Now is the time to marshal all efforts to defend Tongguan. There must be no rebellion within the garrison, lest the enemy find a breach. I will not consider other matters now; the priority is to quell the rebellion swiftly. Guozhong, I grant your request.”

After a pause, he added immediately, “Regarding Tongguan’s affairs, you shall act on my behalf!”

Overjoyed, Yang Guozhong bowed deeply in gratitude: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s trust. I shall handle many matters in your stead. Your Majesty, you have grown weary of late; you must take good care to rest and avoid illness. Now that the danger has passed its peak, entrust Tongguan’s affairs to the Fourth Prince. He will not disappoint us!”

“I certainly hope so!” Li Longji smiled bitterly, sighed deeply, and closed his eyes. “I never expected An Lushan to truly rebel. Guozhong, had I believed you earlier, this great chaos might never have erupted. I feel ashamed before the people of the realm! I have been emperor for decades; I am weary. I no longer wish to sit upon the throne. Guozhong, I intend to pass the throne to the Crown Prince, letting him govern the realm, while I retire as Taishang Huang, caring for Yuhuan for the rest of my days. This would be best.”

Hearing this, Yang Guozhong turned pale with fear and knelt frantically, pleading, “Your Majesty, you must not do this! You are not old; your vigor remains strong. Under your rule, the Tang flourished. Should you abdicate now, the ministers will be thrown into confusion and despair. The soldiers suppressing the rebellion will doubt and wonder if there is turmoil within the palace. If Your Majesty abdicates now, it will break the bond between sovereign and subjects, scatter the army’s spirit, and provide opportunity for the rebels. Your Majesty, please do not!“

When the rebellion first broke out, Li Longji had hinted at such intentions. Terrified, Yang Guozhong had fiercely opposed it, enlisting Yang Yuhuan and Lady Guo to flatter and persuade the emperor, ultimately reversing his resolve. Now, hearing the emperor speak thus again, how could he not be alarmed?

Yang Guozhong knew his power and position depended entirely on Li Longji’s favor. His rivalry with Crown Prince Li Heng was deep; he had long sought to depose Li Heng and install another prince as heir. If the emperor abdicated now and Li Heng ascended, his days of prosperity would end—not only might he lose all influence, but even his life could be at risk.

Li Longji had contemplated changing the heir, and Yang Guozhong believed that given time, another would be chosen. But if the emperor retired now to become Taishang Huang, Li Heng would immediately take the throne, extinguishing all hopes and causing the Yang family’s power to crumble swiftly.

Yang Xi, equally shocked by the emperor’s words, had read the book “An Shi Rebellion” and understood the stakes. As a member of the Yang family, he did not wish for Li Heng to become emperor, for his own fortunes would surely falter. Even as a man from another era, opposing an emperor brings no good outcome. Li Longji still had many years ahead; as long as he ruled until death, the future remained uncertain.

Yang Yuhuan, also startled, rose quickly and implored, “Your Majesty, you must not do this. The Tang realm cannot be without your governance. Should you abdicate now and withdraw, it will tear apart the unity between sovereign and ministers, embolden the rebels, and cause more suffering for the people! Your Majesty...”

Her voice grew sorrowful, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Guozhong, Yuhuan, rise!” Li Longji could no longer keep his eyes closed. He rose from his couch, helped the kneeling Yang Yuhuan to her feet, and motioned for Yang Guozhong to stand as well. With a heavy sigh, he said, “You speak truly. Should I abdicate now, the army’s morale may indeed falter. Sigh, let us wait until the rebellion is quelled before discussing succession. Yet, I am truly weary.”

“Your Majesty is weary; you must rest well. With proper rest, your strength will return,” Yang Guozhong said with relief, bowing and preparing to take his leave. “I will not disturb your rest any longer. Sleep well. Should any difficulties arise, I will handle them for you. If there are matters you find hard to decide, do not hesitate to summon me.”

Li Longji, lying back down, nodded slightly. “Guozhong, you may go. I am very tired.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, Your Highness. I take my leave.”

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