Li Yu was the late emperor's eldest son. As his firstborn, he had enjoyed his father's great favor and been given the name "Yu," with the hope that he would shine as brightly as the sun, illuminating all four directions. There could be no two suns in heaven, nor two sovereigns over the people; Li Yu had been raised as the heir since childhood. But heaven had unforeseen storms. A military revolt erupted, and the Imperial House fled Chang'an in panic. Overcome by terror, the late emperor fell ill and died on the road.
Cheng Shou, the powerful eunuch who served as lieutenant of the Divine Strategy Army, considered Prince Liang timid and pliable, easy to control. Taking advantage of the chaos of the revolt, he worked in secret to lift the overlooked prince onto the dragon throne. Once the new emperor had secured his position, the elder brother in whom their father had placed such high hopes became a thorn lodged deep in his heart. To preserve the fine reputation of loving brothers, the Prince of Qi was dispatched to Luoyang to serve as Eastern Capital Defender.
Professing boundless gratitude, Li Yu immediately packed his bags and cleared out of Chang'an. In Baozhu's memory, this imperial uncle in the distant Eastern Capital had always kept a low profile, immersing himself in sensual pleasures and taking interest only in lovely songs, exquisite dances, and tending flowers and plants. By letting playthings sap his ambition, he had bought himself peace and safety. All that remained was to enjoy his old age, die a natural death, and let his son inherit his title.
The emperor was quite satisfied with his eldest brother's tactful obedience. Years ago, he had issued a special decree permitting the Prince of Qi to return to Chang'an for