Events Leading To The Incident
Early 626, the Tujue attacked the frontier of the Tang empire. Usually, Li Shimin would be sent against Tujue forces. However, at Li Jiancheng's recommendation, Li Yuanji was commissioned for the military campaign, thus Li Shimin's best generals and crack troops were transferred to Li Yuanji. Thereafter, Li Shimin received word from his men that Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji had taken preparations to assassinate him when he would see off Li Yuanji as was the custom during the onset of a military campaign.
Li Shimin decided to take action and planned to dispose of his two brothers at the advise of especially Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Yuchi Jingde, and Hou Junji. Li Shimin sent Zhangsun to recall his two most important advisors Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui to help plan the course of action. After being summoned in secrecy, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui traveled to Li Shimin's camp, while disguised as Taoist priests, to discuss the strategy. Li Shimin also bribed Chang He, who at the time was the military commander of Xuanwu Gate, in following his orders. Few years prior, Chang had been an officer under Li Shimin, but he was eventually reassigned to a key position at the Xuanwu Gate in 624.
Eventually, Li Shimin submitted a message to Emperor Gaozu, accusing Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji of having illicit affairs with several consorts of the emperor. After receiving the message, Emperor Gaozu summoned Li Shimin to come for an audience the following morning. The emperor also requested for his personal advisors Pei Ji, Xiao Yu, Chen Shuda, Feng Lun, and Yan Shigu to come. However, Consort Zhang (張婕妤) learned of Li Shimin's accusations and informed Li Jiancheng. Li Jiancheng summoned Li Yuanji to deliberate together on how to deal with the difficult situation. Li Yuanji opted to not attend the imperial court that morning, but excuse themselves due to illness and prepare the troops, so they could observe the situation. However, Li Jiancheng said that the troops were already prepared and wanted to leave for the Palace City (宮城) to hear first-hand what was amiss. While Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji left at dawn to consult Emperor Gaozu personally, Li Shimin and his followers had taken control over Xuanwu Gate.
Read more about this topic: Xuanwu Gate Incident
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