Is “Hou Junji harbored resentment and urged Crown Prince Li Chengqian to rebel” true?
The Old Book of Tang, Biography of Hou Junji, records that after Hou Junji pacified Gaochang and was punished, he harbored resentment. Seeing that Crown Prince Chengqian was likely to be deposed, 'Junji, considering Chengqian weak and inferior, intended to take advantage of the situation to plot against him, and thus encouraged Chengqian in his secret treasonous plans.' When the matter came to light, he was executed. The Sui and Tang Romance, Chapter 069, narrates this event, writing that 'Hou Junji, resentful toward the court, seeing the Crown Prince's incompetence, wanted to take advantage of the situation to plot against him. He therefore urged the Crown Prince to rebel.' Later, Emperor Taizong deposed Chengqian as a commoner, and Junji and others were beheaded. The plot is completely consistent with the official history.
In the official history, Hou Junji harbored resentment and urged Crown Prince Chengqian to rebel, for which he was executed. The novel faithfully records his involvement in the rebellion and his downfall.
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