In Chinese history, the incident of Li Shimin attacking his father Li Yuan has always been a popular topic. As the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan was overthrown by his second son Li Shimin, who killed his own brother Li Jiancheng and younger brother Li Yuangi and usurped the throne. So, why did Li Shimin dare to attack his father Li Yuan? What was he thinking?

Firstly, we need to understand that Li Shimin did not have ambitions to seize the throne at the beginning. He was a loyal and respectful younger brother to his father and elder brother in his early years. However, with the establishment and development of the Tang Dynasty, the issue of imperial succession gradually emerged. Li Jiancheng, the eldest son of Li Yuan, died young, making Li Shimin the first in line to inherit the throne. Li Yuangi, the fourth son of Li Yuan, also coveted the throne. This led to tension in the originally harmonious family relations.

Li Shimin was a smart man who knew that to secure the throne, he needed strong power and sufficient cunning. Therefore, he began actively expanding his influence and recruiting talents, including the famous Wei Zheng. At the same time, he excelled in military affairs, leading the Tang army to victory multiple times and earning the respect and support of soldiers and civilians.

However, Li Yuangi was not willing to give up, and he also began actively wooing people, even at the cost of collaborating with foreign enemies such as the Turks to gain more power. This posed a great threat to Li Shimin. Under such circumstances, Li Shimin decided to take decisive action to prevent his status from being shaken.

This was the direct reason for Li Shimin's attack on the Xuanwu Gate. He knew that if he did not take action, he might lose everything. His attack on his father Li Yuan was also out of necessity. He knew that if Li Yuangi succeeded in seizing the throne, both his father and himself might be killed. Therefore, he chose to strike first.

In the incident at the Xuanwu Gate, Li Shimin successfully killed Li Yuangi and usurped the throne. Although his father Li Yuan was shocked and grieved, he ultimately accepted the fact. In that tumultuous era, to protect the lives and safety of oneself and one's family, sometimes cruel choices had to be made.

Overall, the reason why Li Shimin dared to attack his father Li Yuan was because he had to do so. His goal was to protect his status and life, and the cost he paid for this was conflict with his own family. This is a tragedy, but also a historical necessity.

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