to Li Shimin) to Xi Prefecture (巂州, roughly modern Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan), blaming them for the discord between his sons. In 626, Li Shimin ambushed Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji at Xuanwu Gate and killed them, and then effectively forced Emperor Gaozu to create him crown prince. Rather than slaughtering Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's staff members, as some of his supporters had suggested, he retained many of them for his administration, including Wei Zheng. He also recalled Wang Gui and Wei Ting from exile, making them advisors. When many of Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's supporters nevertheless fled in fears of reprisals and were captured by those who believed that they could receive awards, Wang informed this to Li Shimin, who then issued an order not to carry out any reprisals against the followers of Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji, or their cousin Li Yuan (李瑗, note different tone and character from Emperor Gaozu's name) the Prince of Lujiang (who had supported Li Jiancheng and considered rebelling in light of Li Jiancheng's death). Soon, Emperor Gaozu yielded the throne to Li Shimin (as Emperor Taizong). Wang continued to serve in Emperor Taizong's administration. During Emperor Taizong's reign Later in 626, Emperor Taizong had Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji reburied with honors due imperial princes. Wang Gui and Wei Zheng requested permission to accompany Li Jiancheng's funeral procession, and Emperor Taizong approved—and further expanded the approval to an order that all of Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's staff members participate in the funeral processions. In 627, on an occasion, Emperor Taizong stated to his high-level officials: When a good emperor encountered evil subordinates, the empire will not prosper. When an evil emperor encountered good subordinates, the empire will also not prosper. But if an emperor and his subordinates were like fish and water, the empire will have peace. Emperor Gaozu of Han was but a farmer, but he conquered the empire carrying just a short sword. His foundation was strong, and his descendants ruled for generations, because he had good subordinates. Even though I am not an intelligent ruler, it is fortunate that I have you, Dukes, to save me occasion after occasion. I hope that you will give me good strategies to allow the empire to remain peaceful. Wang responded: I heard that if a tree follows a rope it will be straight, and if an empress followed