Anyway, Li Jiancheng was also a crown prince. Why wasn’t there an army to protect him during the Xuanwu Gate Incident? Next, the History Encyclopedia editor will bring you a historical story. Let’s take a look together!
You should know that Li Jiancheng is also a capable person, otherwise how could he have fought against Li Shimin for so many years. So being just a crown prince is impossible, and the Xuanwu Gate Incident is not something that can be easily accomplished. Of course, this is destined to be a result of their overt and covert struggles.
Li Shimin is a person who enjoys fighting and has spent his entire life in battle, with countless generals in his hands. Li Jiancheng is not a good person either. Many people may think he is an inactive person, but this is not the answer we want. Li Shimin believes that Li Jiancheng’s presence will definitely affect him for the sake of his throne. If Li Jiancheng wants the throne, Li Shimin will also be an obstacle. When Li Yuan attacked Chang’an, Li Jiancheng made his first contribution, so he gained Li Yuan’s trust.
Then during the Wude period, someone suddenly attacked the Tang Dynasty. At this time, Li Jiancheng took the opportunity to recommend Li Yuanji as the commander-in-chief to Li Yuan. At this time, Li Yuanji requested to dispatch the troops under the prince’s camp as helpers, which was clearly the deployment of Li Shimin’s beloved soldiers. Therefore, Li Shimin was also very clear that the time for a decisive battle was coming and could not be postponed any longer.
Although Li Shimin’s military strength was greatly reduced at this time, he secretly bribed the generals guarding the Xuanwu Gate. As a result, he held the Xuanwu Gate in his own hands. Later, like in history, the Xuanwu Gate Incident occurred. In fact, there were troops to support Li Jiancheng at that time, but they were intercepted halfway. Therefore, Li Jiancheng eventually died in the Xuanwu Gate area.
On the day before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the Crown Prince had actually prepared the groundwork. At that time, he told Li Yuan that Li Shimin wanted to imprison dead soldiers and plot rebellion. However, at that time, Li Shimin exposed the Crown Prince’s debauchery in the harem, and the two of them were at a loss. Therefore, they prepared to confront each other face-to-face in court the next day. That night, Li Shimin felt that this was a good opportunity and decided to fight to the death. Therefore, on the way back, he launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident and ultimately killed the Crown Prince to seize the throne.