During the early years of the Emperor Kangwu’s reign, he was deeply wary of the power held by the families of imperial consorts. Consequently, he refused to promote any brothers or nephews from the Empress’s clan, leaving her kin unable to provide any assistance to Yuchi Yunzhao. In contrast, the other princes all had maternal families who held either vast military power or immense political influence. Unable to find support within his own circle, Yuchi Yunzhao began to consider the idea of a strategic marriage.
Emperor Kangwu understood. "You mean that Yuchi Yunzhao wants to borrow the power of the Li Kingdom to help him become the Crown Prince?"
Shangguan Xi nodded. "When necessary, he may even require the military strength of our Li Kingdom to help him ascend the throne."
Chapter 66