The prince's rebellion made Li Shimin feel heartbroken. Li Shimin had long said that even if there were any problems with the prince's words and deeds or his legs and feet were inconvenient, it would not change Li Chengqian's position as prince.

Tang Taizong Li Shimin

In 626 AD, Li Shimin, after ascending the throne and proclaiming himself emperor, he established his eldest son Li Chengqian as the crown prince.

However, Li Chengqian, who had been firmly in the position of prince for more than ten years, was exposed for treason!

The prince's rebellion made Li Shimin feel heartbroken. Li Shimin had expressed it very early on: Even if there were any problems with the prince's words and deeds or his legs and feet were inconvenient, it would not change Li Chengqian's position as prince.

Why did the prince want to rebel?

Prince Li Chengqian

1. Li Shimin's favor to Li Tai

Li Chengqian said to Li Shimin: "It was your favor to Li Tai that made me feel that my position as prince could not be saved. That's why I rebelled."

Li Chengqian said this, 1 I explained to Li Shimin that it was Li Tai who forced me. He embarked on the path of rebellion just to protect himself. Secondly, Li Chengqian wanted to frame Li Tai. Li Chengqian couldn't accept the gap of being trapped in the prison, and he had to pull Li Tai down before he died.

Taizong was greatly surprised when he said these words. If it is true as Li Chengqian said, Li Tai does harbor evil intentions.

Li Tai

The next two things happened, which made Li Shimin quickly make a judgment:

The first thing

Li Tai told Li Shimin. If you make me the prince, and I succeed to the throne in the future, I will kill my son and pass the throne to King Jing. Li Tai's confession is obviously a promise that once he becomes emperor, he will definitely take good care of this brotherhood. He would even give up his own children for brotherly love. Taizong felt very considerate after hearing this.

But the minister next to him Chu Suiliang was the first to stand up and said: "Your Majesty, don't think about it. If King Li Tai of Wei becomes emperor, will he kill his son and pass the throne to his younger brother? If it were you , will you kill your son and let your brothers inherit the throne?" After Chu Suiliang said this, Li Shimin fell silent. Li Shimin understood that on the day Li Tai ascended the throne, Li Zhi and Li Chengqian would be in trouble.

Tang Gaozong Li Zhi

The second thing

Li Tai also went to his younger brother Li Zhi privately and said: "You usually have a good relationship with the prince Li Chengxian. Now that the prince's affairs have been exposed, aren't you worried about yourself? ? "

Li Tai's words immediately scared the young Li Zhi out of his mind.

Li Zhi was extremely worried, and the young Li Zhi had this sadness written on his face. Li Shimin took a look, why is this child so abnormal? After questioning, I found out that it was Li Tai who was exerting pressure.

These two things have made Li Shimin very sober. He saw Li Tai's persistence and unscrupulous methods for the position of prince. Making Li Tai the crown prince is related to the fate of the two legitimate sons, Li Chengqian and Li Zhi.

After Li Shimin went through the "Xuanwumen Incident", he really didn't want his son to fight against each other for the throne. Therefore, after Li Shimin weighed the pros and cons, he decided to give up his second son, Li Tai, and directly proposed that his third son, Li Zhi, be the heir to the throne.

As a result, Li Chengqian and Li Tai were exiled to other places. In his last moments, Li Shimin made Li Zhi the crown prince.

In the 23rd year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin overworked and relapsed. He died soon after. This year, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin was only 52 years old. Li Zhi, who was only 21 years old, ascended the throne and became the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty.