Was the historical power struggle just a simple family dispute? The struggle for the throne during the Tang Xuanzong period, especially the dispute between Li Heng and Li Heng for the crown prince, was far from being as simple as a superficial sibling dispute. Why did Li Heng lose to Li Heng, is it just because of the sentence "Mom died at the wrong time, and my wife went to the wrong room"?
Chang'an, the heart of the Tang Empire, has witnessed countless glory and conspiracies. The story of Li Heng and Li Heng is a series of family tragedies and political struggles staged in such a splendid landscape. Many people may still be stuck in the surface story, but the truth is often hidden in the deeper layers of history.
To clarify one thing - Li Xuan did not simply lose the position of the crown prince because of the sudden death of his mother Wu Huifei and Yang Guifei's cross-cutting love. Behind the scenes, history is always complex and delicate. Tang Xuanzong Li Longji, the famous emperor in history, behind his emotions and decisions, hidden far-reaching considerations for the future of the Tang Empire.
Concubine Wu Hui's death did have an impact on Li Xuan's succession to the throne, but this was only the tip of the iceberg. More importantly, Li Longji's observation and evaluation of his children. He needs a successor who can stabilize the empire and continue his political reforms, not just a son supported by a powerful mother. Li Heng, although intelligent, is obviously not as suitable as Li Heng when it comes to handling court politics and maintaining the stability of the empire.
Speaking of Li Heng, we have to mention his military talent and political wisdom. His military prowess in the campaign to pacify the frontier gave Li Longji a glimpse of the leadership qualities required of a powerful empire. In contrast, although Li Heng also has a certain talent, he often lacks that domineering and decisiveness in the face of major decisions, which is a fatal weakness in Li Longji's view.
Let's take a look at the intrigues of the court. Li Xuan's defeat cannot but be said to be the result of a series of political mistakes. He was far less successful in building allies in the palace than Li Heng. Although Li Heng was young, he knew how to build his own power base in the court, which can be seen from how he gradually gained the support of important ministers. And Li Xuan's allies are mostly some civil servants, which are often less direct and effective than Wu Cheng in terms of decision-making and execution.
Yang Guifei's influence cannot be ignored. Although many people think that Yang Guifei is just a fame and a disaster, in fact, her influence in the court is far greater than the outside world thinks. Yang Guifei did not directly support Li Heng, but her influence on Tang Xuanzong did change the course of many things. When her father Yang Guozhong gradually gained reuse in the court, Li Heng's status also rose. Yang Guozhong's strong intervention not only changed Li Heng's fate, but also indirectly helped Li Heng stabilize his position.
What cannot be ignored is Tang Xuanzong's own political ambitions and long-term vision. For an emperor, choosing an heir is not only a matter of family feelings, but also of the future of the empire. Tang Xuanzong knew that a stable and powerful empire needed a leader who could control the overall situation and be far-sighted. In this regard, Li Heng is undoubtedly more in line with his requirements. Although Li Heng is intelligent, he shows indecision at certain critical moments that can lead to the instability of imperial politics.
Was Li Xuan's defeat predestined? In this battle for the throne, every small decision, every small mistake, can change the final outcome. Li Xuan showed his inadequacy in terms of political alliances, personal ability, and even the sudden death of his mother. And Li Heng, under the careful layout of Tang Xuanzong, gradually showed his advantages.
This Game of Thrones is both brutal and realistic. In this game, Li Xuan's defeat is not accidental, but a historical necessity. His defeat, from his political weakness, the choices of the people around him, to the final verdict of his father, every link doomed his fate. And Li Heng's success also shows Tang Xuanzong's careful planning and thoughtfulness for the future of the empire.
Delving deeper into the dispute between Li Heng and Li Heng for the crown prince, it is not difficult to find that this is not only a simple family infighting, but also a deep game about power, strategy and the future. The decision-making process of Tang Xuanzong contains profound considerations for the continuation of the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty. In the long course of history, every decision and choice can change the fate of an empire.