Novel Bin
Chapter 11 - Li Shimin – How Did a Woman Seize the Throne!?
Chapter 11 Li Shimin – How Did a Woman Seize the Throne!?
Sui Dynasty Timeline.
Yang Jian saw his name in the history books, given its own dedicated page. Although he had expected this, he was still incredibly excited. Beside him, his wife, Dugu Jialuo, did not share his enthusiasm. Her face was anything but happy.
Especially when the screen first played scenes of alluring women, Yang Jian had been completely captivated, unable to look away.
“Do you think those women are beautiful?” She asked.
Yang Jian instinctively responded, “Of course! Their looks, their figures, even their clothing and makeup are far better than—”
Halfway through his sentence, a strong sense of self-preservation kicked in, and he quickly shut his mouth.
“Empress, come on now, I’m an emperor! My name is in the history books! Why would I care about those women?”
“Hmph!”
Dugu Jialuo, a strong-willed woman, remained unconvinced. In reality, she had been the one Yang Jian adored his entire life. She was the apple of his eye.
Yang Jian then turned his attention back to the screen, his expression shifting.
“Who is this Li Shimin?”
A bad feeling crept over him. Based on what he’d seen in the videos so far, anyone who had their name singled out like this was either a legendary general or a future ruler.
“Could he be an important official of my Sui Dynasty?”
[16:07] Li Shimin’s uncle, Yang Guang, ascends the throne. [16:07] Yang Guang orders the construction of the Grand Canal. [16:10] Yang Guang launches three campaigns against Goguryeo, draining the empire’s resources and plunging the nation into chaos. [16:11] Li Shimin rises in rebellion against the Sui Dynasty. [16:12] Yang Guang is assassinated—history remembers him as Emperor Yang of Sui. [16:12] The Sui Dynasty collapses. [Sui Dynasty: 15:58 – 16:12, lasting 13 minutes and 45 seconds.].Yang Jian: “?”
Yang Guang: “?”
Two versions of the Sui Dynasty coexisted in parallel, both witnessing this shocking revelation. Yang Jian was utterly confused. He turned to his son, Yang Guang, whose face had gone pale.
His son had once been an exceptional leader, playing a major role in defeating the Chen Dynasty and establishing the Sui Dynasty. How had he ended up as the emperor who lost it all?
Meanwhile, in the alternate timeline of Emperor Yang of Sui…
Yang Guang, now sitting on the throne, glared furiously at the screen and threw his wine goblet aside.
“I defended the empire against foreign threats, expanded our borders, built the Grand Canal, implemented the imperial examination system, and constructed the Eastern Capital of Luoyang! Every single one of these was a contribution for the ages!”
“I don’t believe it!”
In a fit of rage, he hurled his wine flask toward the celestial screen.
____
[16:12] Li Yuan proclaims himself emperor. [16:13] The first-ever top scholar (zhuangyuan) in China’s history emerges. [16:14] Wu Zetian is born. [16:15] The Xuanwu Gate Incident occurs; Li Shimin ascends the throne. [During his reign, Li Shimin ushered in a golden era known as the “Reign of Zhenguan.”].____
Tang Dynasty Timeline.
Li Shimin abruptly stood up.
“A golden era! The Reign of Zhenguan!”
His face was full of excitement—he could hardly wait to see what was next.
From observing the previous videos, he had learned an important rule—if a person or event was highlighted without a timestamp, it meant they were of immense historical significance.
“‘Golden era’—not just anyone can achieve that!”
“If my name is forever tied to a golden age, then even the Xuanwu Gate Incident will be overshadowed. People will only remember me as the ruler who created an era of prosperity!”
“History has always been written by the victors. I care nothing for petty gossip! My only goal is to build a powerful Tang Dynasty!”
But at the same time, his gaze fell upon the name Wu Zetian. He was stunned.
Who was this person?
_____
Sui Dynasty Timeline.
Yang Jian turned to Dugu Jialuo, his expression dark.
“Empress, doesn’t your elder sister have a son named Li Yuan?”
Dugu Jialuo’s heart sank. Her face turned grim. She had always been arrogant and headstrong, confident in the emperor’s favor. But in the face of a matter of national survival, none of that mattered.
“Guards! Arrest Li Yuan immediately and throw him into the dungeon! Execute him at once!”
Yang Jian’s voice thundered through the hall. Dugu Jialuo collapsed to the floor, not daring to speak a word.
_____
[Li Shimin – An Emperor for the Ages, A Wise and Benevolent Ruler, A Model for Future Monarchs.]. [He laid the foundation for the “Kaiyuan Prosperity” that followed, serving as an example for future great rulers.]. [He once said: “With bronze as a mirror, one can correct their attire. With people as a mirror, one can understand their faults. With history as a mirror, one can foresee the rise and fall of empires.” His words have echoed through history.]. [In his early reign, he listened to his ministers, accepted criticism, and governed with wisdom. Domestically, he stabilized the country, encouraged agriculture, and brought prosperity, achieving the “Reign of Zhenguan.”]. [Externally, he expanded the empire, crushed the Eastern Turks and Xueyantuo, conquered Gaochang, Kucha, and Tuyuhun, and inflicted heavy losses on Goguryeo.]. [He established the Anxi Four Garrisons, promoted peace with northern tribes, and earned the title “Heavenly Khan” from foreign nations—laying the groundwork for over a century of Tang Dynasty prosperity.]. [It can be said that Tang Taizong Li Shimin was the greatest ruler since Qin Shi Huang.].An Emperor for the Ages!
A Sage Ruler!
A Model for Future Monarchs!
Architect of the “Reign of Zhenguan”!
Honored as “Heavenly Khan” by foreign nations!
These few lines of text contained an astonishing amount of information. Even Li Shimin himself was left in awe.
A single page in the history books only recorded the most significant accomplishments. Yet, just these titles alone—An Emperor for the Ages, A Sage Ruler, A Model for Future Monarchs—
This was the highest praise any emperor could hope for. It even surpassed Qin Shi Huang!
_____
At that moment, in the depths of the imperial palace, the elderly Li Yuan’s clouded eyes sparkled with emotion.
“It seems… letting you take the throne was the right decision… It truly was the right decision!”
At last, Li Yuan fully acknowledged his son’s greatness.
_____
Across the Tang Empire, commoners were in an uproar. With such an esteemed legacy, did it really matter how Li Shimin had taken the throne? A ruler who brought peace and prosperity to the people—that was a good ruler!
In an instant, all past controversies disappeared like smoke in the wind.
Strength is the best answer to doubt.
In the grand hall, ministers such as Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji led the court in kneeling before their ruler.
With one voice, they chanted.
“An Emperor for the Ages! A Sage Ruler! A Model for Future Monarchs!”
“An Emperor for the Ages! A Sage Ruler! A Model for Future Monarchs!”
_____
[16:17] Ouyang Xun writes the legendary calligraphy piece Jiucheng Palace Stele. [16:23] Li Shimin dies after consuming an elixir of immortality from India. [16:23] Emperor Gaozong of Tang meets Wu Zetian at Gan Ying Temple. [16:32] Wu Zetian is bestowed the title “Heavenly Empress” and rules alongside Emperor Gaozong. [16:38] Wu Zetian deposes her son and becomes the first female emperor in Chinese history._____
Inside the grand Taiji Hall, the atmosphere had been filled with joy and harmony. A flourishing empire, all was well. But now a woman had taken the throne.
And she was a Wu!
It felt like swallowing bitter herbs. The entire court’s expressions turned sour.
“Useless! Which incompetent descendant allowed a woman to take the throne!?”
Enraged, Li Shimin cursed out loud.
_____
[16:42] The great poet Li Bai is born. [16:43] The infamous traitor An Lushan is born. [705 AD] Prime Minister Zhang Jianzhi leads the “Shenlong Coup,” restoring Emperor Zhongzong and forcing Wu Zetian to abdicate. [16:43] Wu Zetian abdicates and dies that same year.
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