Chapter 79 War Resumes

Life seemed to have returned to its superficial calm. No one in the court openly mentioned the "rumors" of that day anymore. After Zheng Lian was imprisoned and questioned, the Dali Temple's interrogation seemed to be progressing slowly, failing to uncover a clear "mastermind." Li Shimin continued to attend court and handle state affairs as usual, but a lingering gloom occasionally crossed his brow.

Within the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian became unusually silent and diligent. He devoted almost all his time to studying government affairs and handling the simple tasks assigned by his father, the Emperor. His discussions with the officials of the Eastern Palace focused more on state affairs, with very few private conversations. He visited Qixia Garden for advice far fewer times, and even when he did, other officials were always present, and their conversations were respectful yet distant, strictly adhering to the etiquette between ruler and subject. He even changed his address to Wang Yi in public from the somewhat intimate "True Man" to the more formal "True Man Protector of the Nation."

Wu Zetian, like a pearl wiped of dust, began to shine brightly within the Eastern Palace. Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) ordered her to assist in managing some palace affairs, which she handled with remarkable efficiency and fairness, neither overly harsh nor lenient. She quickly won the respect and favor of many stewards and eunuchs. At several gatherings of officials' wives, she was impeccably dressed and graceful, demonstrating both knowledge of classical literature and practical insights. She skillfully steered the conversation towards safe areas such as charity, needlework, and childcare, gradually changing the preconceived notions some noblewomen held of her as someone who "used her beauty to serve others" and "imitated others to gain power." She no longer deliberately imitated Wang Yi's elegance but found a style that suited her—a blend of brightness and competence. Emperor Taizong (Li Chengqian) noticed this, and the subtle awkwardness caused by the rumors gradually faded when he spent time with her, replaced by genuine appreciation and trust.

Wang Yi completely concealed herself. She spent more time closing the gates of Qixia Garden, and aside from necessary affairs of the Imperial Medical Bureau and inspections of agricultural and sericultural reforms, she almost never appeared in any public social settings. Her memorials were strictly formal, her discussions concise, and her private interactions with important court officials were minimized. Like a precise and silent machine, she operated efficiently within her permitted boundaries, never overstepping them. Only a very few confidants knew that she was secretly gathering and analyzing various information through Zhou Wei's channels, and maintaining a secret but necessary contact with Wu Meiniang.

This deliberately created "normality" and "distance" acts like a thin layer of ice, temporarily covering the turbulent currents beneath the surface. But everyone knows that beneath the ice, the undercurrents never cease.

Da'an Palace, waterside pavilion.

Li Yuan was playing chess with a man in black. The black and white pieces on the board were intertwined, and the situation was deadlocked. The man in black placed a piece and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince of Wei... seems a bit impatient. Recently, he has been secretly contacting some Shandong gentry and Guanzhong military families, and his actions are quite significant."

Li Yuan picked up a white chess piece, lingering there for a long time, his gaze fixed on a corner of the board where black pieces were forming a hidden encirclement. "Tai'er, you're still too young and impatient," he said slowly. "Shimin's response this time, seemingly a concession, was actually brilliant. He swiftly dealt with Zheng Lian, stabilizing the court's public image; he also made Wang Yi recuse himself, ordered Chengqian to restrain himself, and allowed Wu Zetian to demonstrate her talent, gradually deflecting the focus of the rumors. This reaction... was calmer than I expected, and... showed even greater concern for that woman's situation."

He recalled the scouts' report that after Li Shimin confronted Wang Yi at Qixia Garden, he sat alone in the imperial study for half the night, but ultimately only strengthened the defenses of Qixia Garden, without taking any substantial punishment or distancing action against Wang Yi. This "tolerance" exceeded Li Yuan's expectations.

"His 'love' for that woman is probably deeper than I thought." Li Yuan's lips curled into a cold smile. "Very well, the more you care, the more painful it will be when you lose her. But now, the time is not right. Pass a message to Tai'er, tell him to keep calm. Contact is fine, but don't leave any traces, and don't make any promises lightly. The time is not right, and rash actions will reveal your true intentions."

"Yes," the man in black replied. "Then... what about the families of the other concubines in the Eastern Palace?"

“Continue to provoke them, but don’t rush things.” Li Yuan finally placed his white piece, which landed precisely in the black pieces’ encirclement, seemingly trapping him in a desperate situation. “Let them guess and rush. Especially that pregnant Consort Xiao. Her family, the Lanling Xiao clan, is noble, but small in number, and they are very timid and easily provoked. And then there’s the Crown Princess Su. Her family… Hmph, they seem obedient, but they harbor resentment. If their families are not at peace, the Eastern Palace will naturally be unsettled. This is less strenuous and more effective than directly attacking Wang Yi and Chengqian.”

"The Emperor Emeritus is brilliant," the man in black praised, then asked in a low voice, "And... what about Empress Zhangsun?"

Li Yuan's hand, holding the chess piece, paused almost imperceptibly. Changsun Linglong, that gentle, intelligent, dignified, and generous daughter-in-law, was also Shimin's most trusted and relied-upon wife. He had genuinely admired her character and abilities, and even after Shimin ascended the throne, his preferential treatment of the Changsun family was partly due to her influence.

“Linglong…” A rare hint of complex emotion appeared in Li Yuan’s voice, but it was quickly covered by coldness. “She is Shimin’s armor, and also his weakness. Unless absolutely necessary… I do not want to touch her.”

This was one of the few remaining traces of warmth and principles deep within his heart. Empress Zhangsun enjoyed extremely high prestige both inside and outside the court, and her actions were almost beyond reproach. To harm her was extremely risky and could easily trigger severe turmoil in the court, or even backfire on him. More importantly, he genuinely held a sense of affection and respect for this daughter-in-law as an elder.

“But if Tai’er is truly incompetent, or if Shimin and Wang Yi are unable to find a fatal flaw…” Li Yuan’s eyes sharpened again, “then even the strongest armor may have gaps. This matter… will be discussed later; let’s focus on the present.”

"clear."

The game continued. Li Yuan's seemingly casual moves, with the help of the man in black, gradually revealed a sinister intent. He was playing a very complex game, patiently waiting for his opponent to reveal a weakness, or… creating that weakness himself.

---

Ganlu Hall, inner chamber.

Empress Zhangsun was reviewing the palace expense registers presented by the Shanggong Bureau, a hint of weariness in her eyes. She had been feeling unwell lately, easily fatigued, and with a poor appetite. The imperial physician had diagnosed her with spring fatigue and autumn lethargy, and prescribed some mild tonics, but there had been no significant improvement.

"Your Majesty, it's time for your medicine." The personal maidservant entered carrying a bowl of brownish medicinal soup and gently reminded her.

Empress Zhangsun put down the ledger, rubbed her temples, and took the medicine bowl. The medicine was bitter, and she frowned slightly, but still slowly drank it down.

"How is Chengqian doing these days?" she asked the lady-in-waiting. She was naturally aware of the turmoil at court and was deeply worried about it. However, she knew her duty as Empress: she could not interfere excessively in the affairs of the court, nor could she show any special concern for the Crown Prince at this time, lest she add fuel to the fire. She could only find out about the situation secretly through reliable people.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has been diligent in his duties lately, and things in the Eastern Palace are going smoothly. Consort Wu is assisting with palace affairs, and she is quite organized in her approach," the female official replied cautiously. "However... His Highness seems to have lost some weight, and he is visiting Qixia Garden less often."

Empress Zhangsun sighed softly. Reduction in rank was inevitable. Enduring such rumors and slander, and having been so sternly warned by his father, how could Chengqian feel at ease? As for Qixia Garden... avoiding suspicion was necessary, but it was a pity for the child and an injustice to Master Wang.

"What about Master Wang?"

"The real person lives a secluded life and rarely appears except for official business. The affairs of the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Agriculture and Sericulture Department are proceeding as usual without any delay."

Empress Zhangsun nodded. Wang Yi's reaction was within her expectations; that woman was always so rational, knowing how to minimize the harm. However… after His Majesty returned from Qixia Garden that day, although everything appeared normal on the surface, she could sense a pent-up resentment in her husband's heart, a restlessness he couldn't fully express even to her, and… a profound disappointment.

She understood Li Shimin. His feelings for Wang Yi could not be simply summarized as "love and respect." It was an extremely complex emotion, a mixture of admiration, dependence, fear, and even a strange feeling that he himself might not have been aware of, firmly suppressed by reason and ethics. This rumor, like a key, not only attempted to pry open the stability of the Eastern Palace, but also drew a clear and cold line between Li Shimin and Wang Yi.

"Keep a close eye on His Majesty's movements. If anything unusual happens, report it immediately," Empress Zhangsun instructed. "Also, in a few days... summon Consort Wu to the palace in my name. There's no need to mention anything else, just ask about her daily life and give her some gifts."

Summoning Wu Zetian served two purposes: to appease the Crown Prince and to send a signal to the outside world that the Empress recognized Consort Wu's status and abilities, and that the Crown Prince's internal situation was stable. At the same time, it might also allow the Empress to learn more about Chengqian's true state from Wu Zetian.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After the lady-in-waiting withdrew, Empress Zhangsun sat alone by the window, gazing at the pear blossoms just beginning to bloom in the courtyard, her heart heavy. She had a premonition that the turmoil stirred up by the retired emperor would not subside easily. Undercurrents were gathering strength, ready to break through the thin ice at any moment.

What unsettled her most was her recent inexplicable and persistent physical discomfort, and... the unusually calm reaction from the Da'an Palace. Would the Emperor Emeritus really give up so easily? What cards did he still hold in his hand?

She pressed her hand gently to her chest, where a slight, dull ache throbbed. Hopefully, it was just her overthinking.

---

A few days later, an urgent military report from the northwestern border broke the fragile peace of Chang'an.

Taking advantage of the snow disaster on the grasslands last winter and the Tang army's busy internal affairs handover this spring, which led to a slight relaxation of border defenses, Tuyuhun Khan Fuyun personally led tens of thousands of elite cavalry southwards. They raided the border of Liangzhou (present-day Wuwei, Gansu), broke through several garrison forts, and plundered people, livestock, and provisions. Their army was heading straight for the city! The governor of Liangzhou urgently requested reinforcements!

The military report was delivered during the morning court session, immediately causing a huge uproar!

The Tuyuhun had always been a major threat to the Tang Dynasty in the northwest, sometimes rebelling and sometimes submitting. In the early years of the Zhenguan era, Emperor Taizong of Tang sent troops to conquer them, forcing them to submit and pay tribute. However, Fuyun remained ambitious and repeatedly provoked them. The timing of this large-scale invasion makes it difficult to say whether they sensed the instability within the Tang court.

"Your Majesty! The Tuyuhun are wolves in sheep's clothing, daring to launch a large-scale invasion while our Celestial Empire is unprepared! Liangzhou is the gateway to Hexi, and it must not be lost! I request that troops be dispatched immediately to punish them and demonstrate the might of Heaven!" Minister of War Hou Junji was the first to step forward, speaking with great fervor. He was a military man who craved military merit.

"Minister Hou's words are quite correct! However, the Tuyuhun cavalry are swift as the wind, and the troops stationed in Longyou and Hexi are scattered. It may be difficult to assemble a large army in a hurry. Liangzhou is in danger. We need to send a capable general to provide first aid, stabilize the situation, and then plan a major counterattack," Li Jing analyzed calmly.

"The mobilization of grain and military equipment takes time, and with spring plowing just around the corner, a large-scale mobilization of laborers may affect agricultural activities..." The Minister of Revenue expressed his concerns.

"We can order Li Daozong, the Grand General of the Longyou Road Army and the Prefect of Shanzhou, to mobilize nearby troops to meet the enemy, and at the same time, draw elite troops from Guanzhong, led by a general, to rush to their aid day and night!" Fang Xuanling proposed a compromise.

The court was immediately abuzz with discussion, with some advocating for war and others for defense, discussing the selection of generals and the allocation of provisions... For a time, everyone's attention was drawn to this sudden border trouble.

Li Shimin sat high on the imperial steps, listening to the debate among his ministers, his face solemn. His fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the dragon throne. The timing of the Tuyuhun invasion was far too "coincidental." Was it simply opportunistic looting, or... was it connected to some undercurrents within Chang'an?

His gaze unconsciously swept over the princes standing below with their heads bowed. Prince Wei, Li Tai, frowned slightly, seemingly deep in thought about military matters; Prince Wu, Li Ke, remained calm, his expression unreadable; Prince Qi, Li You, seemed somewhat distracted…

"Silence!" Li Shimin said, his voice not loud, but it instantly silenced the entire hall.

"The Tuyuhun have betrayed our trust and invaded our territory; they should be severely punished! Liangzhou is in grave danger, and there is no time to lose. The following orders are hereby issued: 1. Li Daozong, Grand General of the Longyou Road Army and Governor of Shanzhou, shall immediately assemble his troops and rush to Liangzhou's aid. He must defend the city and repel the invading enemy! 2. Li Daliang, Grand General of the Left Martial Guard and Governor of Liangzhou, is hereby appointed Grand General of the Western Route Army, commanding 30,000 troops from the Right Martial Guard and Right Valiant Guard of Guanzhong, to depart immediately to reinforce Longyou! 3. The Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Works shall immediately coordinate the supply of provisions and weapons, ensuring that there are no delays!"

He acted swiftly and decisively, issuing a series of orders in a clear and organized manner, clearly having planned ahead.

"We obey the decree!" the high-ranking officials who were called upon replied in unison.

"Furthermore," Li Shimin's gaze slowly swept over the assembled officials, "this border trouble, though a provocation from foreign enemies, also reminds us that internal unrest inevitably leads to external disturbances. The entire court must prioritize national affairs, abandon selfish thoughts and distractions, and work together to resist foreign aggression! If anyone takes advantage of this to stir up trouble or neglects their duties, I will not tolerate it!"

The last few words were pointed and resounding. Many ministers felt a chill run down their spines and quickly bowed in agreement.

After the court session, Li Shimin returned to the Liangyi Hall and immediately summoned key ministers such as Li Jing, Hou Junji, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui to discuss in detail the battle strategy and logistical support for the Tuyuhun.

Just when everyone thought the emperor's attention was completely drawn to the border troubles, Li Shimin, during a break in the meeting, kept the commander of the Hundred Cavalry Command behind and whispered a few instructions to him. The commander of the Hundred Cavalry Command, with a solemn expression, accepted the order and left.

The beacon fires at the border temporarily overshadowed the undercurrents in the palace, drawing everyone's attention to the northwest. But true sages understood that this sudden external threat might be the "east wind" that some had long awaited. The chess game within Chang'an City suddenly became even more unpredictable and complex because of this unexpected "border threat."

When Li Yuan received the news at Da'an Palace, he was pruning a pot of orchids. He paused for a moment, then continued to slowly and methodically trim away a withered leaf.

"Tuyuhun... Fuyun, that old fox, certainly knows how to pick his timing." A meaningful smile appeared on his lips. "Very well. With powerful enemies outside, internally... perhaps 'stability' is even more necessary. Shimin, who will you send? And who will you leave... in Chang'an?"

He put down the scissors, walked to the window, and looked northwest. There, the smoke of war had already risen. And within Chang'an, it was time to tighten the net he had laid.

Whether it's external warfare or internal sabotage, the goal is the same—to shake the imperial throne that he once handed over to his son but now loathes, and... the woman beside the throne whom he hates to the core.

The game has entered a more perilous mid-game struggle. Every move could determine life or death.