Chapter Nineteen: Li Heng’s Advice

Chang’an, Xingqing Palace, Qinzheng Tower.

Having slept well the previous night and feeling quite refreshed, Emperor Li Longji, known for his diligence, arrived early to attend to the memorials brought before him.

Most of these memorials had already been discussed by the chancellors of the Council of State, with some bearing their annotations and comments. Less important ones were handled entirely by the chancellors. The memorials that reached the emperor’s desk were generally of significant consequence, and the opinions attached to them mostly satisfied Li Longji. This only bolstered his good mood, and as he reviewed the documents, he occasionally exchanged light-hearted banter with Gao Lishi, who stood attentively nearby.

With Tongguan secured, the capital of Chang’an was no longer in danger. Upon receiving news that the rebel forces had retreated to Shan Commandery, Li Longji’s worries eased considerably. Furthermore, reports from across the realm were favorable—the imperial forces had largely triumphed over the rebels. After retreating from Luoyang, An Lushan planned to fall back to Fanyang. Hearing this, Li Longji felt no real fear that the rebellion would persist unresolved. He gradually resumed his usual routine, dedicating nearly half his day to rest and the enjoyment of music and dance.

Most matters were handled by the chancellors, especially Yang Guozhong, who understood the emperor’s wishes well. Their decisions often aligned with his own thoughts, and when faced with difficult issues, they sought his counsel. With ministers capable and opinions satisfactory, Li Longji did not concern himself with excessive oversight. After finishing the few memorials before him that day, he planned to listen to a new composition by Yang Yuhuan.

Li Longji was aware that indulging in music and dance so deeply was somewhat inappropriate given the ongoing unrest. The ministers might advise against it, for the situation was not yet fully stabilized and the rebellion continued. Yet, after attending to the state affairs, he reasoned that a little rest and entertainment would not draw criticism.

Just as he was about to review the second-to-last memorial, a report came in: Crown Prince Li Heng requested an audience.

At the mention of Li Heng, Li Longji’s brow furrowed in displeasure. After a brief hesitation, he ordered that Li Heng be brought in.

“Your Majesty, your humble son pays respects,” Li Heng stepped forward with reverence. “I am heartened to see Your Majesty in good spirits this day. Your diligence in state affairs makes your idle son feel ashamed.”

Li Longji closed the memorial and leaned back against his cushion, gazing meaningfully at Li Heng. “Hmm! Are you reproaching me for not entrusting state affairs to you?”

Startled, Li Heng quickly replied, “Father, how could I dare? I have no such intention. I merely worry about Your Majesty’s health. You have labored excessively these days and must take more rest, lest fatigue overwhelm you. The weather is hot now. I myself suffered from heatstroke recently and was bedridden for several days. Your Majesty must take care to rest. Should there be any tasks, I stand ready to serve.”

Though he spoke with deference, Li Heng harbored resentment deep within. The cause was precisely the emperor’s words. When the rebellion broke out, Li Heng wished to intervene in state affairs but was denied the opportunity.

Since An Lushan’s uprising, Li Longji had little energy to attend directly to the rebellion’s matters. The Council of State’s chancellors, chiefly Yang Guozhong, took charge of governance. The emperor’s limited involvement and the urgency of military affairs meant that, logically, Li Heng as crown prince and regent should have managed state affairs on his behalf. Yet Li Longji showed no sign of such delegation, causing Li Heng great anxiety and concern.

He believed the rebellion would eventually be quelled, and that participating in governance during this period was a prime opportunity to expand his influence—at least to place loyalists within court to counterbalance Yang Guozhong.

His position as crown prince was unstable, burdened by constant threats. Yang Guozhong openly opposed him at every turn, having tried countless times to persuade Li Longji to depose him in favor of another prince. Only the discreet intercession of Gao Lishi, who maintained a decent rapport with Li Longji, prevented his removal. At times, Li Heng resented that his father lived so long; though well into his forties, he had yet to ascend the throne and remained constrained by Yang Guozhong. It was a bitter frustration.

Yang Guozhong’s position suffered a blow after the rebellion began. Many ministers openly called for his punishment to eliminate the pretext for the uprising. Yet Li Longji remained unmoved and instead placed increasing trust in him. Even after the defeat at Lingbao, no penalty befell Yang Guozhong. Worse still, Yang Guozhong’s son, Yang Xi, had led troops in a swift rescue of Tongguan, achieving remarkable feats that astonished all. Consequently, Yang Guozhong’s prestige not only endured but was further enhanced. Yang Xi was appointed Deputy Commander of the military, commanding a force of 100,000 at Tongguan.

Yang Xi’s command over the Tongguan troops effectively controlled Chang’an’s fate, and thus the dynasty’s fortune rested in the hands of the Yang family. This tormented Li Heng, who felt like a man sitting on needles, constantly beset by a heavy sense of crisis. He had to speak up whenever possible. For example, when Yang Xi returned to Chang’an, Li Heng had suggested at court that another general be appointed Commander-in-Chief, that Yang Xi be recalled to the capital to enjoy his honors. But this proposal was rejected by Li Longji, and Li Heng quickly ceased pressing the matter, fearful of retaliation. Yet he could not accept the ever-growing power of the Yang family, which left him voiceless in court.

Today, entering the palace, he resolved to broach the matter with his father—something he had pondered for many days before deciding.

Hearing Li Heng speak with earnest emotion, Li Longji’s suspicion faded. Smiling, he said, “I understand your filial concern, Crown Prince. Do not worry. Though older, I still manage state affairs as best I can. The chancellors of the Council of State are diligent and share the burden with me. I have no concern that governance will falter. You need not be anxious.”

Li Heng’s resentment swelled anew. His hatred extended beyond Yang Guozhong to his own father before him. Yet he restrained himself, recalling the purpose of his visit. Bowing respectfully once more, he said, “Father, I have come today to discuss a matter with you.”

“Speak freely, Crown Prince. What would you say to me?” Li Longji stroked his graying beard, composed.

“Father, the troops at Tongguan number over one hundred thousand, and reinforcements are still en route. However, after Yang Xi slew the cowardly border guard Bing Cheng, the court has not established the position of Military Supervisor over the garrison at Tongguan. As the military commander, I find this improper. I have heard complaints from several ministers that this undermines the military system of the Great Tang and must not continue. Therefore, I have dared to come today to beseech Your Majesty to reinstate the post of Military Supervisor.”

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