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The Cursed Son of Li Shimin: An Innocent Death and a Prophecy Fulfilled

The beloved son of Li Shimin, the infamous first emperor of the Tang dynasty, uttered a sinister curse on his deathbed. Little did anyone know, this curse would come to fruition six years later. This chilling prophecy haunts us to this day, leaving us with a chilling reminder of the power of words and the dark mysteries of the beyond.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

The manipulation of imperial power by influential court officials and their intervention in succession plots are recurring themes in Chinese history. One prominent figure in this regard was during the Tang Dynasty.

In reality, was not particularly talented, but he was exceedingly cunning. To solidify his position in the court, he did not hesitate to kill ‘s most beloved son, . At that time, deeply loved , and his favoritism towards him could be compared to Cao Cao’s affection for Cao Chong. However, did not want to succeed the throne and instead supported . Why was this the case? The reason lies in ‘s weakness, which made him easier for to control.

Trưởng Tôn Vô Kỵ plotted against Lý Thế Dân’s beloved son. (Image source: Internet)

devised a cruel plan to harm . He instructed , the husband of Princess Gaoyang, to falsely accuse of treason. Ultimately, killed to prevent the leak of information. Falsely accused of plotting against the throne, was strangled to death by ‘s own hands in the palace. Before his death, learned the truth and cursed , saying, “If my ancestors’ spirits are watching, they will surely destroy your entire clan!” At that time, was immensely powerful and did not believe anyone in the court could threaten him. However, justice prevailed, and his actions eventually caught up with him.

As predicted by , demonstrated weakness upon ascending the throne, and held the power over state affairs. However, six years after ‘s death, displayed determination and eliminated . The reason was none other than had become a significant threat to his reign, and removing him was necessary for his peace of mind. ‘s clan was also executed, fulfilling ‘s curse before his death.

After ascending the throne, Zhu Yuanzhang also eliminated the founding generals to eradicate potential future threats. In this arena of power struggles and intrigues, the battle of wits between and ultimately became a contest for the throne. While ‘s cunning and power left a profound mark on history, his ambitions ultimately led to his downfall. Although ascended the throne with ‘s help and treated him well, he did not forget to bestow wealth and official positions on his family. This historical episode serves as both a stage for power struggles and their eventual conclusion.

Frequently asked questions

The article explores the tragic life and death of Li Shimin’s fourth son, Li Fu, and how he became entangled in a prophecy that sealed his fate.

Li Shimin was a powerful emperor of the Tang Dynasty in ancient China, known for his military prowess and political savvy.

The prophecy, made by a Buddhist monk, foretold that Li Shimin’s fourth son would bring about the destruction of the Tang Dynasty. It predicted that the son would grow up to be a cruel and ruthless ruler, leading to the dynasty’s downfall.

Li Fu was born under a bad omen, with his birth coinciding with a solar eclipse. As a result, he was ostracized and viewed with suspicion by his father and the court. Li Fu was stripped of his royal title and sent away to live in seclusion, never to have a chance at a normal life.

The article suggests that the prophecy was indeed fulfilled, but not in the way it was interpreted. Li Fu’s death, though innocent, ultimately led to the weakening of the Tang Dynasty, as it caused a power struggle and internal strife within the royal family.

Li Fu’s death served as a turning point in the Tang Dynasty’s history. It highlighted the fragility of the empire and the impact that superstition and prophecy could have on the course of events, often with tragic consequences.