Li Shimin, also known as Emperor Taizong of Tang, was the second son of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Yuan. He launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident, executed the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, and directly entered the palace, forcing Li Yuan to make himself the Crown Prince. So, why didn’t Li Shimin get rid of Li Yuan and ascend to the throne as emperor after killing his brothers?
In fact, judging from Li Shimin’s behavior style, he must have planned to get rid of Li Yuan, but it depends on whether Li Yuan will cooperate with him.
Li Shimin had Wei Chigong fully armed and enter the palace, and his attitude was already very clear. This was not to protect the emperor, but clearly to force the palace.
Fortunately, amidst his grief, Li Yuan did not lose his sanity. He also issued a decree to pardon the world and charged his two sons with rebellion, appointing Li Shimin as the crown prince. Shortly after, he abdicated and gave way to the virtuous.
Li Yuan can only protect himself at this time, he has no need to go with his two sons.
It can only be said that at this point, Li Yuan had no way out. He was boating and playing when someone broke into the palace. So Li Yuan faced only one path and let it go. Although he was heartbroken, there was nothing he could do. If he had been tough, he would have ended up like the Crown Prince. Since Li Shimin had taken this step, he probably had already forgotten about his family ties.
In this way, Li Yuan no longer posed any threat to Li Shimin, and Li Shimin naturally had no reason to kill his father. Otherwise, Li Shimin would probably lose the hearts of the people completely, and he had no need for it at all.
In fact, after Li Shimin executed the Crown Prince, many people already understood that Li Shimin had won. Although Li Yuan was not just his three sons, Li Shimin still had a significant influence in the early Tang Dynasty.
Moreover, Li Yuan had to consider his other sons. If he resisted, not only would he die, but even his other sons would be in danger because they had every legitimate reason to respond. Although they were still young, they would grow up.
This is not only a loss for the sons of Li Yuan, whoever wins is enough for Li Yuan to drink a pot. But this can only be said to be Li Yuan’s own fault, and all of this happened largely due to Li Yuan’s actions.
