Chapter 74 The Truth Beneath the Undercurrents
While Li Tai was secretly investigating the relationship between the Crown Prince and Wang Yi through Cui Mingyuan and other channels, there was someone in the Prince of Wei's residence who knew the complexities of the matter far better than outsiders imagined.
Princess Wang of Wei sat before her dressing table, her long hair being combed by a maid. Her face in the mirror was dignified and gentle, yet her eyes flashed with a sharp light. She recalled the first time she met Wu Meiniang—it was shortly after Wu Meiniang entered the Eastern Palace, at a court banquet, wearing a bright peach-colored palace dress, her makeup exquisite but slightly gaudy, her words and actions carrying the cautiousness and deliberate ingratiation of someone newly arrived in the palace.
The Wu Zetian of that time was completely different from the Wu Zetian of today.
Nowadays, Wu Zetian prefers elegant colors, with light blue, moon white, and light purple becoming her main colors; her makeup is clear and natural, no longer heavy; her speech and behavior are calm and composed, with a maturity beyond her years; even her handwriting, her expression when thinking about problems, and her way of handling affairs all reveal a familiar shadow.
That shadow belonged to Wang Yi, the Protector of the Nation at Qixia Garden.
The first time Lady Wang noticed this resemblance was at a flower-viewing party in the palace. She saw Wu Meiniang standing before a white peony, her head slightly tilted in deep thought. For a moment, she almost thought it was Wang Yi standing there. The same posture, the same expression, the same... ethereal aura.
From then on, Wang began to observe carefully. She discovered that Wu Meiniang was not only imitating Wang Yi's outward appearance, but also her inner qualities—her way of thinking, her principles of conduct, and her values.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian clearly enjoyed this imitation. His favor towards Wu Meiniang grew day by day. He not only let her manage the internal affairs of the Eastern Palace, but also let her participate in political discussions. After she gave birth to his eldest son, Li Xiang, he even promoted her to the rank of Crown Prince's concubine, second only to the Crown Princess.
Why did the Crown Prince favor an imitator so much? The answer is obvious—because he admired the person being imitated, Wang Yi.
As a woman, and a clever and perceptive one at that, Lady Wang possessed a natural sensitivity to the emotions between men and women. She had seen the way the Crown Prince looked at Wang Yi—it wasn't the respect a son showed to an elder, nor the admiration a crown prince had for a subject, but rather the adoration a man felt for a woman, a mixture of dependence, longing, and... an indescribable tenderness.
She had also witnessed Wang Yi's attitude towards the Crown Prince—gentle, patient, and instructive, yet always maintaining a distance. It wasn't romantic love; it was more like a teacher to a student, an elder to a junior, or even… a mother to a son?
This idea gave Wang a jolt. She recalled the rumors about Wang Yi—she had once been the Mingzhen Lady of the retired Emperor Li Yuan, and later, for some unknown reason, became Li Shimin's "Protector of the Nation," and for many years her appearance remained unchanged, always looking like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl.
A woman who never ages, a woman of exceptional wisdom, a woman who commands the respect of two emperors... Such a woman holds a fatal attraction for the men of the Li Tang royal family, who are naturally drawn to strength.
Li Shimin was like this, Li Chengqian was like this, and even... Wang suspected that Li Tai might also be subconsciously attracted, but he himself had not yet realized it, or was unwilling to admit it.
“How ironic,” Wang said softly to herself in the mirror. “The Emperor Emeritus wanted to take revenge on the Protector of the Nation and destroy the Crown Prince, but he didn’t know that what he thought were rumors were actually part of the truth.”
She knew that the Crown Prince did indeed have feelings for Wang Yi, but she also knew that Wang Yi had no romantic feelings for the Crown Prince. This one-sided affection could have remained a secret forever, buried deep in the Crown Prince's heart, slowly fading away with the passage of time.
But now, the retired emperor wants to dig it up, expose it to the sun, and use it as a weapon to attack the crown prince.
And her husband, Li Tai, is becoming a user of this weapon.
Wang was conflicted. On the one hand, she hoped that Li Tai could successfully overthrow the Crown Prince and ascend to the throne, so that she would be the future Empress; on the other hand, she vaguely felt that this matter was too insidious and extremely risky—if it failed, or even if it succeeded but the means were despicable, it could cause permanent damage to Li Tai's reputation.
More importantly, she understood Li Shimin. Although the emperor favored Prince Wei, he valued imperial dignity and moral principles even more. If Li Tai attacked the crown prince using such a scandalous method involving incest, even if he succeeded, it might arouse Li Shimin's resentment and vigilance.
"I must remind His Highness..." Wang muttered to herself, but then shook her head.
How should we remind him? Should we directly say, "The Crown Prince does indeed like the Protector of the Nation, but the Protector of the Nation is heartless towards the Crown Prince"? Wouldn't that confirm the rumors? If we don't say anything, Li Tai might go further and further down this path and eventually be unable to turn back.
She needs a more subtle approach.
A few days later, Lady Wang visited Wang Yi at Qixia Garden again. This time, she deliberately chose a time when the Crown Prince might also be present.
Sure enough, when she arrived, Li Chengqian was discussing the progress of the Hebei water conservancy project with Wang Yi. The two sat in the study, maps and reports spread out in front of them, their expressions focused.
Lady Wang waited outside the door for a while before entering, after being informed by a palace servant.
"This humble servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Emperor." She bowed respectfully.
"Princess Consort Wei, there's no need for such formalities." Li Chengqian looked up, his smile gentle. "What brings you to Qixia Garden today?"
"I have come to ask the Master for guidance on the methods of health preservation," Wang said with a smile. "I apologize for disturbing Your Highness's discussion with the Master."
"It's alright." Wang Yi rose to greet her. "We've just finished our conversation. Princess Wei, please have a seat."
Palace servants served tea and snacks, and the three sat down to chat. Lady Wang carefully observed the interaction between the Crown Prince and Wang Yi—Li Chengqian indeed showed great respect for Wang Yi, and his words carried a clear sense of trust; Wang Yi, on the other hand, treated the Crown Prince like a teacher to a disciple, offering guidance more than conversation, and always maintaining an appropriate distance.
However, Wang also noticed some subtle details: Li Chengqian would unconsciously look at Wang Yi when he spoke, as if seeking her approval; when Wang Yi offered a different opinion, he would immediately listen attentively and humbly accept it; and when Wang Yi praised one of his ideas, he would show childlike joy.
This is not an ordinary relationship between ruler and subject or teacher and student. There is an emotional exchange, a psychological dependence, and... an indescribable intimacy.
While Wang Yi outwardly maintained a distance, Lady Wang could sense that she also harbored a concern and investment in the Crown Prince that went beyond a normal relationship. It wasn't romantic love, but rather a sense of responsibility, a promise, a...maternal care?
The idea resurfaced, stirring something within Wang Shi. She recalled the rumors that Wang Yi had no children, her meticulous guidance of the Crown Prince, and how she had even named the Crown Prince's offspring...
Did Wang Yi raise the Crown Prince as a "child" or "heir" in some way? And did the Crown Prince, lacking some kind of emotional support, misunderstand this care as romantic love?
If that's the case, then the whole thing is a tragic misunderstanding.
Halfway through the conversation, Li Chengqian took his leave early due to matters at the Crown Prince's Palace. Lady Wang noticed that as he left, he specifically said to Wang Yi, "Master, regarding the water conservancy matter in Hebei, proceed as you have suggested. I will issue an imperial decree upon my return."
"Your Highness, please take care." Wang Yi saw him to the door.
After the Crown Prince left, Lady Wang said, seemingly casually, "His Highness the Crown Prince truly respects the Master, listening to his advice in everything."
Wang Yi smiled faintly: "Your Highness is wise and has your own judgment. I am merely offering some suggestions."
"But the Master is clearly very dedicated to teaching the Crown Prince." Madam Wang continued to probe, "I heard that the Master even gave his opinion on the selection of the concubines for the Eastern Palace?"
The question was direct. Wang Yi glanced at her and calmly replied, "I was merely assisting in the selection of candidates according to Her Majesty the Empress's instructions. The final decision was made by Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince."
"I see." Madam Wang nodded, then changed the subject, "However, I've heard that some people have expressed reservations about this, saying that the Immortal is interfering in the internal affairs of the Crown Prince's Palace..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.
Wang Yi remained unmoved: "When have rumors and gossip ever ceased? I only seek to act with a clear conscience and to live up to the trust placed in me by His Majesty and the Empress. As for what others say, let them be."
These words were spoken frankly and calmly, which secretly impressed Lady Wang. But she was also even more certain that Wang Yi truly only had the respect due to a teacher to the Crown Prince, and no romantic feelings whatsoever.
Therefore, the Crown Prince's feelings for Wang Yi were purely one-sided admiration.
This realization gave Wang a new perspective on the whole affair. If the Crown Prince's affections were unrequited and Wang Yi did not reciprocate, then the so-called "private affair" would not hold water. Even if Li Tai spread rumors, it would be difficult to find conclusive evidence.
The problem is that such things don't require solid evidence. Once rumors spread, people will only believe what they want to believe. Especially when it involves royal scandals or the crown prince's character, even the slightest disturbance can trigger a huge uproar.
"Master," Madam Wang finally decided to offer a subtle reminder, "the court is currently rife with infighting, and friction between the Eastern Palace and the Prince of Wei's residence is inevitable. Master, you enjoy His Majesty's deep trust and have a close relationship with His Highness the Crown Prince, so I'm afraid someone might use this to cause trouble. Master, you need to be extra careful."
Wang Yi gave her a deep look: "Thank you for the reminder, Princess Consort Wei. I will be careful."
After that conversation, Wang returned to the Prince of Wei's residence, still unable to calm down. She knew her reminder might not have much effect, but at least she had tried her best.
Meanwhile, Li Tai's investigation continued. As more and more "evidence" was collected, his confidence in the rumor grew stronger.
"Your Highness, this is a record of the Crown Prince's visits to Qixia Garden over the past three months." Liu Ji presented a confidential report. "The Crown Prince went eleven times, seven of which he went alone, and each time he stayed for an average of more than two hours."
“Furthermore,” another aide added, “the palace servants at Qixia Garden revealed that the Crown Prince sometimes stays there until the palace gates are about to be locked before leaving. Moreover… the two often have deep conversations behind closed doors, and even his personal servants are not allowed to enter.”
Li Tai flipped through the reports, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "Very good. Anything else?"
“There are also some signs from the Eastern Palace.” Liu Ji lowered his voice. “The Crown Prince’s concubine, Lady Wu, was not favored at first, but ever since she started imitating the words and actions of the Protector of the Nation, the Crown Prince’s attitude has clearly changed. This proves from the side that the Crown Prince does indeed have special feelings for the Protector of the Nation.”
"Imitation?" Li Tai raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. Consort Wu’s current attire, speech, and even handwriting are all deliberately imitating the Protector of the Nation,” Liu Ji said. “And she has done a very successful imitation, which is why she has won the Crown Prince’s favor.”
Li Tai pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "Interesting. If an imitator can receive such favor, what about the original?"
He didn't finish speaking, but his staff understood the implication.
"Your Highness, we now have enough evidence to create public opinion," Du Chuke suggested. "We can start with some rumors, letting them spread slowly among the court and the public. Once public opinion has fermented to a certain extent, then..."
“No.” Li Tai shook his head. “That’s not enough. To deliver a fatal blow, we need more direct ‘evidence’.”
A cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Find a few reliable censors, let them 'accidentally' discover some 'clues,' and then 'out of duty' submit a memorial impeaching him. This way, it will appear natural and bring the matter to the forefront."
"But Your Highness, without solid evidence, it's too risky for the censors to impeach the Crown Prince..."
"Who says there's no evidence?" Li Tai sneered. "The Crown Prince frequently meets with the Protector of the Nation in private, and the two have deep conversations behind closed doors. That in itself is a problem. As for what they talked about and what they did... let people imagine for themselves."
He paused, then continued, “Moreover, we can ‘help’ people imagine. For example… arrange for a few ‘witnesses’ to say that they saw the Crown Prince looking unusual when he came out of Qixia Garden; or ‘heard’ that the palace servants of Qixia Garden were talking about something in private… a mix of truth and falsehood, a blend of reality and illusion, that would be more convincing.”
The advisors exchanged glances, realizing that Li Tai was determined to go all out this time.
"Your Highness," Liu Ji finally reminded him, "if this succeeds, the Crown Prince will surely fall; but if it fails, or even if it succeeds but the methods are criticized, it could damage Your Highness's reputation. I urge Your Highness to think it over carefully."
Li Tai remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I know the risks. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If the Crown Prince falls, the throne will undoubtedly be mine. It's worth taking some risks for that position."
He looked at everyone and said, "Go and prepare. Be careful and thorough, and don't leave any evidence."
"yes."
The plan was proceeding secretly and intensively. Li Tai's men began to "inadvertently" reveal information in various situations, arrange some "coincidences," and create some "suspicious points."
While Wang Yi vaguely sensed the undercurrents, he was completely unaware that the eye of the storm was himself and Li Chengqian.
She was still worried about Li Yuan's hatred, busy with court disputes, and working hard to advance various practical matters.
Unaware that a conspiracy against her had already begun; unaware that she was about to be embroiled in a scandal that could destroy everything; and even less aware that behind this conspiracy lay the mad revenge of a dying old man, the cold-blooded scheming of a contender for the throne, and... the secret feelings hidden deep within the heart of a young crown prince.
The spring flowers outside the window are still in full bloom, but the sky above Qixia Garden is already covered with dark clouds.
A storm is coming.
Wang Yi, this woman who traveled through time, this "Guardian of the Nation" who changed the course of the Tang Dynasty, this special person who was regarded differently by two generations of emperors, is about to face the most severe test since she came to this era.
Can she weather this crisis? Can she protect those she cares about? Can she preserve the era she has poured her heart and soul into?
The answer will be revealed soon.
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