The decision of Li Shimin

The title "Can-yu Tongzhongshumen Xiapingzhangshi" (Chancellor participating in the affairs of the Secretariat and the Chancellery) was originally devised by Li Shimin for Li Jing. Following his victory over the Eastern Turks, Li Jing had repeatedly offered his resignation. Although Li Shimin had insisted on retaining him, the court’s public opinion had remained consistently hostile toward Li Jing. The underlying reason was, naturally, that Li Jing’s achievements were too great; the courtiers feared that he might rely on the Emperor’s favor to become arrogant and act against their interests. Under these circumstances, Li Shimin had long since conceived this title as a solution: should the day come when their monarch-subject relationship could no longer withstand the pressure, this title would allow Li Jing to step back from high office while still participating in major state affairs at any time. Naturally, only a few trusted confidants were aware of this.

Because of this, those officials who had been clamoring to severely punish Wang Gui were momentarily hesitant, unable to make up their minds. Crown Prince Li Chengqian frowned upon hearing Li Zhi’s suggestion. He had no personal grievances against Wang Gui, but since Wang Gui was the tutor to Li Tai, their interests were naturally intertwined. Striking at Wang Gui now meant striking at Li Tai. Therefore, when Kong Yingda stepped forward to demand a harsh penalty, Li Chengqian had not intervened. However, now that such a win-win solution had been proposed, his previous tacit approval suddenly made him look petty.

His eyes darting, Li Chengqian spoke up immediately: "Father, I believe Minister Wang’s error was merely a result of fatigue." He glanced at Wang Gui before continuing, "I request that you relieve Wang Gui of his responsibilities as my fourth brother’s tutor." This maneuver allowed Li Chengqian to regain some lost ground; he was implicitly telling Wang Gui that he was targeting the position, not the man himself.

Li Tai’s arrogance and short-sightedness proved to be a fatal flaw at that moment. He often held views vastly different from Wang Gui’s when discussing policy, and in his heart, he did not particularly enjoy having Wang Gui as his tutor. Consequently, he did not react immediately to Li Chengqian’s suggestion. This silence panicked those standing behind him. Wei Ting, the Censor-in-Chief, stepped forward: "Minister Wang’s error was truly a lapse in judgment, unrelated to his energy levels. I believe he should remain in his post."

What a joke. Wang Gui was a Grand Chancellor; who did not know how highly Li Shimin valued him? Furthermore, while he was not favored by low-ranking officials, he was on excellent terms with high-ranking dignitaries like Fang Xuanling, Li Jing, and even Dai Zhou. If one did not grasp such a network of influence, where else could one find such an opportunity?

Hearing Wei Ting, Li Tai finally snapped to his senses. This was not the time to consider whether Wang Gui was suitable as his tutor, but to clearly state his stance. "I, too, believe that I have made great progress under my teacher’s guidance," Li Tai declared. His desperate remark nearly caused those present to laugh aloud. If his political wisdom was this low, one could only wonder what he had been like before.

Before others could respond, Wang Gui, who had been keeping his head bowed, spoke up: "I have committed a grave error and truly have no face left to continue instructing the Prince of Yue. I beg Your Majesty to choose another master." Li Tai’s hesitation had thoroughly wounded Wang Gui. He had never imagined that the student he had so diligently taught did not actually value him. Combined with Li Tai’s behavior, Wang Gui’s first thought was that Li Tai had no genuine intention of protecting him.

Wang Gui’s request to resign put Li Shimin in a difficult spot, while simultaneously giving those who opposed Li Tai an opening. Many stepped forward to argue that Wang Gui was no longer fit to be Li Tai’s tutor. Li Zhi remained silent. He had originally spoken up to ensure Wang Gui remained in the central government—both to retain a loyal minister for his father and to console his own teachers—but it was of little personal benefit to him. If Li Tai himself did not cherish this powerful ally, there was no reason for Li Zhi to speak for him again.

Reluctantly, Li Shimin relieved Wang Gui of his duties as the Prince of Yue’s tutor. Without giving others time to react, he turned to Dai Zhou and Li Daozong: "You two oversee the penal laws. How do you suggest we handle this matter?"

Both men, having long since grasped Li Shimin’s intentions, wasted no words. Li Daozong spoke first: "I agree with the opinion of the Prince of Jin." He merely agreed without overstepping. However, Dai Zhou then added, "Your Majesty, I have recently felt exhausted and find it difficult to hold two posts simultaneously. I request to be relieved of my position as Minister of Revenue."

Among those present, he was the only one holding two vital central posts: Minister of the Supreme Court and Minister of Revenue. To support his old friend, he decisively sacrificed one. Wang Gui immediately objected: "I have committed a great error and dare not accept such an important position. I am willing to..."

The Ministry of Revenue was the Tang Dynasty’s treasury; Li Shimin would never let it fall into the hands of an outsider. Even though he knew Dai Zhou was overworked, he had never been willing to replace him. Wang Gui’s error provided the perfect opportunity. Before Wang Gui could finish, Li Shimin interrupted: "Since Xuanyin (Dai Zhou’s courtesy name) is indeed struggling, his request is granted."

Li Shimin raised his voice: "Wang Gui, as Chancellor, failed to exercise caution in his words and actions, leading to a grave error. He is hereby demoted to Minister of Revenue as a mark of discipline." He delivered the decision rapidly to prevent others from collecting their thoughts. Although the ministers felt something was amiss, no one raised further objections. Li Shimin then unhesitatingly appointed Wei Zheng to fill Wang Gui’s previous vacancy and declared the court dismissed.

In this impromptu session, Li Zhi had demonstrated intelligence and a breadth of vision far exceeding his peers with a single remark. He had not only resolved his father’s internal conflict but had done so out of a sense of public duty. Wang Gui was Li Tai’s tutor, a position that destined him to remain distant from Li Zhi. Yet, even in such a situation, Li Zhi had secretly helped him remain in the central government. By comparison, Li Chengqian’s performance was acceptable but lacked depth, while Li Tai’s behavior was nothing short of disastrous. After this event, many ministers began to quietly distance themselves from Li Tai, forcing him to seek out the direct heirs of various court officials in a desperate attempt to rectify his mistakes.