If Su Li planned to take action against the Five Clans and Seven Surnames, Li Er would unquestionably offer his wholehearted support. There was no other choice. Li Er had harbored deep resentment towards these aristocratic families for a long time.
Over the past several centuries, these aristocratic families had exploited the turmoil in the land to secure numerous advantages. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan created positions like Zong Zheng Qing and Zong Shi, which local aristocratic families mostly dominated. Their influence often surpassed that of legitimate local officers.
When Li Er assumed the throne, he inherited this chaotic situation. The aristocratic families’ sway in court affairs mainly relied on the ancient examination system that had been prevalent for a thousand years. Li Er initiated reforms in the examination system inherited from the former Sui Dynasty. Concurrently, he tasked Gao Shilian with revising the “Clan Chronicles.”
However, despite Gao Shilian’s efforts, the Five Clans and Seven Surnames retained their prominent status. This infuriated Li Er, who scolded Gao Shilian for failing to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
In Li Er’s perspective, these major aristocratic families had been like parasites since the Wei and Jin dynasties, basking in their ancestors’ glory and contributing little while enjoying wealth and prestige. What had they done for the Tang Dynasty to deserve such privileges?
Although Gao Shilian revised the “Clan Chronicles” again and removed many minor clans, the Five Clans and Seven Surnames remained prominent. Gao Shilian struggled with this issue despite his high rank and authority.
Even high-ranking officers under Li Er, such as Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, who had achieved significant accomplishments, regarded themselves as subordinate when dealing with the aristocratic families. They made significant efforts and spent substantial wealth to marry into these families, as offending them would be similar to disturbing a hornet’s nest.
As this situation continued, Li Er felt increasingly powerless. Ultimately, he couldn’t unilaterally decide on court matters, and eliminating the power of the aristocratic families was beyond his reach.
However, the aristocratic families displayed no sense of urgency. They hinted at their long-term perspective, suggesting that emperors would come and go, but their influence would endure.
Li Er grasped the intentions of these powerful families but remained without viable solutions. It gave him headaches when he contemplated this issue in his idle moments.
Now, learning that Su Li seemed to be plotting something against these powerful families, Li Er was immediately filled with excitement. What he couldn’t achieve, Su Li might be able to accomplish. In retrospect, it seemed there was nothing Su Li had set his mind to that he hadn’t achieved.
“To make this happen, Your Majesty, I still need your assistance,” Su Li said with a smile. Li Er responded promptly, “Go ahead and act. I’ll grant you whatever you need!”
Under clear skies, Su Li departed from his usual demeanor the following morning and unexpectedly attended the court session. He stood alone at the forefront of the grand hall, eyes closed in meditation. Behind him, the civil and military officers observed his posture with various expressions.
The civil officers formed a line, and Gao Shilian nervously approached Zhangsun Wuji’s side. “Wuji, why do I feel a chilling breeze?”
Zhangsun Wuji raised an eyelid and glanced at Gao Shilian. “For today’s court session, bring only your eyes and ears, don’t open your mouth.”
Upon hearing this, Gao Shilian felt an even colder shiver down his spine. At this time, Gao Shilian held the position of the Minister of Rites, with the additional title of the Third Rank in the Secretariat. He could be considered a prominent figure in the Tang court. However, amidst the complex politics of the Tang court, he still harbored some anxiety.
Ironically, Gao Shilian came from the prestigious Gao clan of Bohai and had a background in civil service, not military affairs. Initially, he supported Xiao Xian before switching allegiance to the Tang Dynasty in the fifth year of Wude.
If it weren’t for his active involvement in advising and strategizing during the power struggle when Li Er eliminated his brothers and established his rule, he probably wouldn’t have found his footing in the court. Despite being the close uncle of Zhangsun Wuji and Zhangsun Wu Fei, he knew Li Er didn’t hold him in high regard. Li Er primarily used him as a literary tool.
Later, he had been demoted to the position of Chief Historian of Yi Zhou due to a minor incident, revealing his lack of a solid foundation. Even though he had regained his position in the court, Gao Shilian remained cautious and reserved. In court, he always appeared pleasant and smiling to everyone, but people said he had a broad mind. In reality, he had been compelled into this role.
Nowadays, Gao Shilian was approaching his seventies, and he no longer desired to vie for power or compete. He had become indifferent to the intricate struggles of the court. However, due to Su Li’s recent declaration of war against the aristocratic families, Gao Shilian paid closer attention to the matter because he had previously been tasked with compiling the “Genealogical Records of Clans.”
Su Li’s unexpected presence at the court today surprised Gao Shilian. He was well aware of this unique prince of the Tang Dynasty. In his lifetime, he had encountered numerous individuals with exceptional talents, but Su Li stood above them all in terms of capability.
However, even someone as remarkable as Su Li, Gao Shilian, had a slim chance of success when confronting the powerful aristocratic families. Could the astonishing talent of a single individual contend with the accumulated strength of seven massive clans spanning centuries? Even Li Er himself had struggled against these aristocratic families. Why did Prince Yongle (Su Li) pursue something seemingly unattainable?
That said, Gao Shilian also understood from when Su Li posted the proclamation in front of the palace gates, expressing his dissatisfaction with the aristocratic families that a fierce political struggle would unfold in the Great Tang.
Over the years, even though Su Li had secluded himself, his reputation had continued to grow. His unprecedented act of seclusion was a unique phenomenon in history. Whoever faced Su Li at this moment had to exercise extreme caution.
Due to this, in contrast to the usual lively atmosphere before court sessions, the grand hall was as quiet as a graveyard. All officers from the five surnames and seven clans wore expressions of facing a formidable opponent. Even the usually cheerful military commanders were now solemn, their eyes on their noses and noses on their mouths, not uttering a word.
This atmosphere could be felt oppressive by anyone, especially Gao Shilian, who was experienced and astute. This was the might of Prince Yongle (Su Li)…
Thinking up to this point, Gao Shilian looked deeply at Su Li, who stood alone in front of the court, completely unmoved.