Chapter 25 Consort Yang Reaps the Consequences

Time flies like an arrow; in the blink of an eye, it was the third year of the Zhenguan era. In the imperial court, thanks to the gentle yet sustained purge indirectly instigated by Wang Yi and led by Li Shimin, the remnants of Li Yuan's era had been largely eliminated, absorbed, or marginalized. Li Shimin's control over the government reached unprecedented heights. Renowned ministers such as Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Wei Zheng performed their duties diligently, the new policies were implemented smoothly, and the nation's strength steadily recovered. The secret deciphering of the "Map of the Universe" proceeded steadily under absolute secrecy. Although the complex methods and vast amount of information had not yet yielded decisive results, it filled Li Shimin with unprecedented anticipation for the future.

Within the harem, Consort Yang served as a highly effective "shield." Spoiled by the emperor's favor, she became increasingly arrogant, alienating many other concubines. Even members of the Hongnong Yang clan serving in the court began to display a hint of arrogance, drawing considerable criticism. Empress Zhangsun, content with her quiet life, merely maintained basic order within the harem, offering "admonitions" rather than severe punishments for Consort Yang's actions, which inadvertently emboldened her. Meanwhile, the true "hidden favorite," Wang Yi, lived peacefully in Qixia Garden, rarely venturing out. Occasionally, she would discuss "exotic tales from overseas," "the way of health," or subtly offer advice on politics with Li Shimin, appearing increasingly detached and unassuming. Li Shimin held her in both the respect of a kindred spirit and the pity of a "weak victim," their emotions intertwined. Qixia Garden practically became his tacitly accepted "second political hall" and a sanctuary for his soul.

That day, after court, Li Shimin, with a rare mixture of excitement and seriousness in his eyes, went straight to Qixia Garden. Dismissing his attendants, he grasped Wang Yi's hand and whispered, "My dear minister, we've made progress on the secret in the map!"

Wang Yi's heart skipped a beat, and his face showed just the right amount of surprise and anticipation: "Oh? Did you find any clues about those kinds of grains?"

“Not only that!” Li Shimin’s eyes gleamed. “The craftsmen responsible for the interpretation, following your method, discovered some discontinuous symbols and drawings in the interlayer of the map marking the Western Sea (referring to the area west of Central Asia). These symbols seem to point to the approximate location and shallow mining methods of several previously unseen ‘stone grease’ (oil) and ‘black stone’ (coal) deposits! Furthermore… in the markings of Lingnan and the wild southwestern regions, there are vague records of ‘healing herb’ (possibly referring to the cinchona tree from which quinine is derived, or some kind of herb used to treat miasma) and ‘winter-resistant sacred wood’ (possibly referring to cotton)! Although incomplete, they are already priceless!”

Wang Yi nodded slightly. This was precisely the information she had carefully selected and included when she "smuggled in her own goods"—resources and species that would only gradually be recognized or utilized after the mid-Tang Dynasty, but whose early acquisition would greatly boost productivity or improve people's livelihoods. She said softly, "Your Majesty is blessed, and Heaven protects the Tang Dynasty. If such divinely bestowed resources can be found and properly utilized, they will surely strengthen the country and enrich the people. However, this matter still requires utmost caution, especially the mining of mineral deposits, which involves local resources, manpower, and even potential competition. We must send absolutely reliable and practically skilled officials to conduct preliminary investigations under the guise of exploration or other pretexts, and only after confirming everything is correct should we make long-term plans."

"I understand." Li Shimin nodded, then sighed. "However... although the court is stable now, the Turks in the north remain a major threat. Although Jieli outwardly submits and engages in trade, his wolfish ambitions have never diminished. Border skirmishes increased last year, and I fear there will be even greater actions this autumn. I... intend to completely resolve this problem, but there are still many voices in the court advocating for peace and accumulating national strength."

Wang Yi knew that the famous war to destroy the Turks (Li Jing's Northern Expedition) took place during the third or fourth year of the Zhenguan era. She pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I am not knowledgeable in military affairs, but I know that all wars require favorable timing, terrain, and popular support. Now Your Majesty is wise, the court is stable, the treasury is gradually replenished, and the army is well-equipped; this is the gradual preparation of 'popular support.' Within the Turks, the conflicts between the Jieli and Tuli tribes are deepening, and last year there seemed to be signs of a snow disaster on the grasslands; this may be an opportunity for 'favorable timing.' As for 'terrain'... our soldiers are familiar with the border terrain and defend our homeland; how can they compare to the Turkic cavalry who have come from afar?"

She paused, looking at Li Shimin: "Since Your Majesty has made up your mind, I presume that a capable general has already been selected. I would like to remind Your Majesty that in such a war of annihilation, it is essential to select a general with full authority and ensure that the supplies of provisions and military provisions from the rear are continuous. Furthermore, we must guard against any interference from the court that might hinder the front lines. If necessary, Your Majesty may first travel north under the guise of 'patrolling the border' or 'hunting' to supervise the battle from a nearby location, which would also boost morale."

These words almost pinpointed the key reason why Li Shimin appointed Li Jing and Li Ji, and even personally went to the front lines to supervise the battle. Li Shimin's eyes gleamed with admiration, feeling that Wang Yi had once again spoken his mind, even more comprehensively than he had (mentioning the need to prevent interference from the court). He excitedly embraced Wang Yi: "No one understands me better than you! I have made up my mind that after autumn I will order Li Jing and Li Ji to prepare for the northern expedition! At that time… perhaps I really will have to go north to inspect the border!"

The two then discussed in detail the logistical support and public opinion preparations that might be needed for the Northern Expedition. Wang Yi, combining modern logistics management concepts with the realities of the Tang Dynasty, put forward several practical suggestions, such as establishing more efficient wartime material transfer nodes, using caravans to stockpile some border supplies in advance, and strengthening intelligence gathering and sowing within the Turkic Khaganate. Li Shimin repeatedly praised these suggestions.

However, just as Li Shimin and Wang Yi were secretly discussing important military and national affairs in Qixia Garden and preparing for the Northern Expedition with great ambition, in the inner palace, Consort Yang, who was blinded by "great favor", finally caused a disaster that could implicate her entire family.

The incident stemmed from a palace banquet. Consort Yang argued with the lady-in-waiting in charge of banquet etiquette over her seating arrangement (although already extremely prestigious, she felt it wasn't close enough to the front). She not only verbally abused the lady-in-waiting but also subtly implied that Empress Zhangsun was "hypocritical" and that Wang Yi was "pretentious." In full view of everyone at the banquet, her harsh and inappropriate words drew disapproving glances from all the concubines and noblewomen present. Empress Zhangsun did not react immediately; she merely glanced at Consort Yang, ordered the disrespectful lady-in-waiting to be removed, and the banquet abruptly ended.

Afterwards, Empress Zhangsun did not directly punish Consort Yang. Instead, she presented the entire incident, along with some evidence she had recently gathered regarding Consort Yang's family (certain members of the Hongnong Yang clan) oppressing the local people, seizing land, and secretly colluding with some purged former officials, to Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin). The report was written in a mild tone, stating only the facts, without a single request for severe punishment, yet every word was like a knife.

Upon reading this, Li Shimin flew into a rage. He had never had much affection for Consort Yang, and his intention in making her a target was simply to let her fend for herself. Now, this woman not only showed no restraint but dared to openly provoke the Empress and slander Wang Yi (something he absolutely could not tolerate), and her family was so reckless as to cross the line he was vigorously working to rectify official corruption! This was simply courting death!

He immediately issued an edict: Consort Yang had behaved improperly before the Emperor and uttered abusive words; she was demoted to the rank of concubine and moved to a courtyard near the Cold Palace to "reflect on her mistakes." At the same time, he ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate to thoroughly investigate the members of the Hongnong Yang family involved in the case and punish them severely!

This imperial decree struck like a bolt from the blue, instantly devastating Consort Yang. She plummeted from her pedestal as a favored concubine to the dust, forcibly relocated to a remote palace, and her treatment plummeted. The Hongnong Yang clan also panicked, hastily salvaging their situation by sending several collateral relatives to take the blame and offering substantial sums of money and provisions to "aid the army," barely managing to protect their main branch from implication, but their prestige and influence had already been severely damaged.

The palace women, ever opportunistic, avoided the disgraced Consort Yang like the plague, and the former liveliness and flattery vanished. Meanwhile, Wang Yi, once considered Consort Yang's greatest rival, remained firmly in his position at Qixia Garden. His "advice to the Emperor to distribute his favors evenly" even indirectly led to Consort Yang "revealing her true nature and ultimately being punished," which, in the eyes of the unsuspecting palace servants, only added to his aura of "virtue" and "wisdom."

In the desolate courtyard, resembling a cold palace, Consort Yang gazed upon the bleak autumn scenery, reflecting on her past arrogance and present misery, attributing all her hatred to Wang Yi. She was convinced that Wang Yi had secretly used tricks to bewitch the Emperor, leading to her tragic end. "Wang Yi...you sorcerer! My Yang family and you are sworn enemies!" she roared in her heart, but it was too late; she could only bury her endless resentment deep within her heart.

In Qixia Garden, upon learning of Consort Yang's demotion and the setback suffered by the Yang family, Wang Yi merely uttered a faint "Oh," and continued to concentrate on adjusting the incense formula in her hands. It was as if the turmoil that affected the inner palace and the imperial court had nothing to do with her.

“Your Majesty, Consort Yang was just confused for a moment. I hope Your Majesty will not be too angry and will take care of your health.” When Li Shimin came that evening, Wang Yi gently comforted him, never mentioning his own grievances or relief, but instead “pleading” for Consort Yang, which made him seem even more magnanimous.

Li Shimin sighed, "My dear minister, you are always so kind-hearted. Yang Shi brought this upon herself, and I have already dealt with her leniently. But you, you have suffered so much injustice without ever speaking of it." This contrast deepened his affection and respect for Wang Yi.

The previous dynasty's northern expedition was proceeding at a rapid pace, and the turmoil surrounding Consort Yang in the harem had temporarily subsided. Wang Yi's position in Li Shimin's heart grew increasingly secure and transcendent. However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. Consort Yang's hatred was merely suppressed, not extinguished; in the court, with the announcement of the northern expedition decision, dissenting voices began to emerge; and how would the retired Emperor Li Yuan, who resided deep within the Da'an Palace, his health deteriorating yet still unwilling to accept defeat, react upon learning that the Hongnong Yang clan, whom he had once relied upon, had suffered a severe blow because of a woman in the harem? A new undercurrent seemed to be gathering strength once again.

Standing atop the pavilion in Qixia Garden, Wang Yi gazed at the rising autumn clouds in the north. She knew the true test—the Northern Expedition, crucial to the fate of the Tang Dynasty, and the potential chain reactions within and outside the court—was imminent. And she, a soul from a thousand years in the future, would continue to play her unique and vital role in this grand historical drama as the "Guardian of the Nation." Her gaze seemed to have already transcended the palace walls, reaching into the more distant future, the era in which an empress would rise…