Will the Tang Dynasty, which Li Jiancheng normally succeeded to the throne, be greater or more mediocre?

Whether history would have been more great or mediocre had Li Jiancheng succeeded to the throne normally in the Tang Dynasty is a highly hypothetical question, as it involves extreme assumptions about the path of historical development. Historians often analyze historical events based on known facts and evidence, rather than speculating based on fictional scenarios.

Li Jiancheng was the elder brother of Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, and was originally made the crown prince at the beginning of the establishment of the Tang Dynasty. However, after the Xuanwumen Incident, Li Shimin seized the throne and became Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. This event changed the historical trajectory of the Tang Dynasty and also affected the evaluation of this period by later generations.

If Li Jiancheng succeeds to the throne normally, it may have the following impacts:

1. **Political Stability**:

- Li Jiancheng's succession to the throne as the crown prince may avoid the internal conflicts caused by the Xuanwumen Rebellion, thus maintaining political stability. This stability may contribute to the long-term development of the country and the maintenance of social order.

2. Policy Continuity:

- Li Jiancheng is likely to continue to implement the policies and reforms of the early Tang Dynasty, which may make the Tang Dynasty's development path more coherent, conducive to sustained economic growth and social stability.

3. **Development of Culture and Arts**:

- In the context of political stability and economic prosperity, culture and the arts are likely to develop further. The Tang Dynasty itself was an era of cultural prosperity, and Li Jiancheng's succession to the throne may continue this tradition and promote the further prosperity of culture and art.

4. **External Relations**:

- Li Jiancheng may continue Tang Taizong's policy of foreign expansion, but due to the lack of Li Shimin's military talent and political skills, Tang Dynasty's foreign relations may face different challenges and opportunities.

However, these are based on hypothetical scenarios, and actual historical developments are influenced by a myriad of factors, including individual leadership styles, political circumstances, economic conditions, social structures, and changes in the outside world. Therefore, it is impossible to say whether the Tang Dynasty, which Li Jiancheng normally succeeded to the throne, would be greater or more mediocre. Historians and researchers often analyze historical events based on empirical research, rather than based on hypothetical scenarios.