Chapter 45 The Emperor and Empress United
The following afternoon, after handling urgent government affairs, Li Shimin went straight to the Lizheng Hall.
Empress Zhangsun was leaning against a soft couch by the window, reading a book. When she saw the emperor arrive, she tried to get up to pay her respects, but Li Shimin quickly stepped forward and pressed her down, saying, "Guanyinbi, there's no need for such formalities. Please sit down."
He sat down by the couch, carefully examining his wife's complexion. Seeing that it was indeed much rosier than a few days ago, he felt somewhat relieved: "Are you feeling better today?"
"Thanks to Master Wang's treatment, I'm much better now." Empress Zhangsun smiled and put down the book. "Your Majesty, is there something you need at this hour?"
Li Shimin pondered for a moment, then waved away the palace servants. Only the emperor and empress remained in the hall, sunlight filtering through the window lattices and casting dappled shadows on the floor.
"I...have something to tell you," Li Shimin said in a low voice, "about the matter of Consort Yang a few days ago."
Empress Zhangsun remained expressionless and listened quietly.
"Although Lady Yang has committed suicide, there are probably more than just her behind this matter." Li Shimin recounted part of Wang Yi's analysis from the previous night, speaking in the tone of his own investigation. "I investigated the palace servants who had contact with her and found that some of them had connections with certain former subordinates outside the palace."
He took out a brief list from his sleeve and placed it on the table: "Most of these people are former subordinates of Yuanji and Jiancheng."
Empress Zhangsun picked up the list, her gaze sweeping over the names. There was no surprise in her eyes, only deep solemnity: "What does Your Majesty intend to do?"
"I..." Li Shimin paused, "I originally thought that since time has passed and they have been relatively well-behaved these past years, I did not wish to cause any more trouble."
He looked at his wife, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "But last night, after much thought, I suddenly remembered that back in Jinyang... there were also some people around Father who slandered us and tried to sow discord between us."
Empress Zhangsun's hand trembled slightly. Of course she remembered the grievances Li Shimin had suffered over the years, and the hidden pain in his eyes every time he returned to Chang'an from Taiyuan.
“Chengqian is just like me.” Li Shimin smiled bitterly. “Stubborn, sentimental, and impulsive. The day he rushed into the palace with his sword, I was angry, but upon reflection… if it were me, I would probably have done the same if I saw you having an attack of your illness.”
He grasped Empress Zhangsun's hand: "Guanyinbi, I do not want Chengqian to follow the same path I did. I do not want such estrangement and suspicion to arise between us, father and son."
Empress Zhangsun grasped his hand in return, her voice warm and firm: "Your Majesty, Chengqian wouldn't do that. That child respects and loves you; he's been deceived this time."
“This time we were deceived, but what about next time?” A fierce glint flashed in Li Shimin’s eyes. “If those people dare to make a move once, they will dare to make a move a second time. What are they after in their attempts to sow discord between me and Chengqian? Nothing more than the position of Crown Prince!”
He pointed to the list: "These people support Li Ming not out of genuine concern for the child, but to use the matter of his birth mother to pit him against the legitimate son. Once a conflict between the legitimate and illegitimate sons arises in the court, the Tang Dynasty will once again be plunged into internal strife!"
Empress Zhangsun remained silent for a moment, then said softly, "What Your Majesty said, I have actually... also sensed."
She took a more detailed record from beside her pillow and handed it to Li Shimin: "This is what my brother secretly investigated these past few days. These people on the list, though holding sinecure positions, maintain close ties in secret and still wield considerable influence in their localities. Furthermore..."
She turned to a page and pointed to a name: "This person has close ties with certain prominent families in Shandong, and Shandong has always been the stronghold of Jiancheng's old subordinates."
Li Shimin took the record, and his expression grew increasingly grim as he read it. He hadn't expected that Empress Zhangsun had secretly investigated to such an extent.
"Your Majesty does not wish to bring up the past, and I understand," Empress Zhangsun said gently. "However, this matter is no longer a simple struggle for favor within the harem, but concerns the very foundation of the nation. Chengqian is the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty. If his position as Crown Prince is shaken, turmoil will inevitably ensue in the court and among the people. At that time, it will not only harm our imperial family, but also the Tang Dynasty itself."
She paused, a sharp glint in her eyes: "I am first and foremost a mother, and only then an empress. If anyone tries to harm my child, I will not stand idly by."
Li Shimin looked at her, at his usually gentle and virtuous wife, whose eyes now held an unprecedented firmness. He suddenly recalled Wang Yi's words from the previous night—"The Empress is the mother of the nation, and even more so, the mother of the Crown Prince. Let her know the truth, let her work together with His Majesty..."
“Guanyinbi, you…” Li Shimin felt a mix of emotions, including guilt and relief. “It was my oversight. I should have discussed this with you sooner.”
"Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state, and it is inevitable that there will be things you cannot attend to." Empress Zhangsun smiled. "Now that we have spoken frankly, I will speak frankly—these people must be dealt with. But we must not make a big fuss, lest we alert them and force them to take desperate measures."
"you mean?"
"Take it slow and steady." A wise glint flashed in Empress Zhangsun's eyes. "My brother is already investigating their wrongdoings—embezzlement, dereliction of duty, forming cliques—any reason that can justifiably remove them from key positions. At the same time, strengthen the guards of the Eastern Palace to ensure Chengqian's safety."
She looked at Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty can gradually adjust the positions of these people in the court, either by promoting them in name only or demoting them in reality, or by sending them to remote areas. There is no need to do it all at once; it can be done gradually, like boiling a frog in warm water."
Li Shimin nodded; this was exactly what he had in mind. He grasped Empress Zhangsun's hand again: "Alright, as you say. As for Wuji, let him investigate freely. If he needs any support, he can come directly to me."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Empress Zhangsun nestled into his arms and whispered, "Actually, what I am most grateful for is that Your Majesty is willing to be honest with me. When husband and wife are of one mind, their strength can break metal. As long as our family is together, we can overcome any difficulty."
Li Shimin held her tightly, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. Yes, husband and wife are of one mind... He suddenly recalled Wang Yi's words from the previous night, "If only there had been more honesty between the retired emperor and Your Majesty back then," and his heart was filled with emotion.
"Oh, right," Empress Zhangsun suddenly remembered something, "What does His Majesty intend to do with the Prince of Cao's child?"
When Li Ming was mentioned, Li Shimin's expression was complicated: "That child is innocent. I have ordered someone to bring him to the palace and entrust him to Consort Wei to raise. However... the matter of his birth mother will eventually become a knot in his heart."
"What has this child done wrong?" Empress Zhangsun sighed softly. "Your Majesty should show him more care and prevent him from going astray. As for those who want to use him..."
A cold glint flashed in her eyes: "I will have people keep a close eye on them and prevent them from getting close to the child."
Li Shimin nodded, once again appreciating his wife's thoughtfulness.
The two discussed the details for a long time until the sun began to set. As they parted, Li Shimin suddenly said, "Guanyinbi, take good care of yourself. I will handle matters of the court. As for matters of the harem... I grant you the authority to act as you see fit."
This was an immense show of trust. Empress Zhangsun bowed solemnly and said, "I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."
When Li Shimin left the Lizheng Hall, his steps were much lighter. The heavy weight on his heart had been lifted by his honest conversation with his wife.
Inside the palace, Empress Zhangsun watched the emperor leave before slowly sitting back down on the couch. She unfolded the list left by Li Shimin and compared it with her own more detailed record, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Master Wang... is indeed wise.
She had guessed last night that the Emperor's change in attitude must be related to that Protector of the Nation. Seeing him today, it was indeed so. Those analyses and statements were clearly Wang Yi's handiwork.
But so what? Wang Yi awakened the emperor, facilitated the couple's honesty, made the emperor realize the danger, and agreed to let her use the power of the Changsun family... All of this was a good thing for her, for Chengqian, and for the Tang Dynasty.
As for Wang Yi's purpose—whether it was self-preservation or currying favor—as long as it did not harm her and her child's interests, Empress Zhangsun was happy to see it happen.
"Someone come here," she called softly.
A trusted palace maid entered immediately.
"Tell your brother that His Majesty has agreed. Instruct him to proceed according to plan, but remember... caution is paramount."
"yes."
After the palace maids left, Empress Zhangsun gazed at the deepening twilight outside the window, her eyes deep and thoughtful.
From this day forward, she would no longer be merely the gentle and virtuous empress managing the harem. For her children, and for the Tang Dynasty, she had to demonstrate the shrewdness and decisiveness befitting a daughter of the Changsun family.
Those hiding in the shadows probably have no idea that they are about to face the ruthless methods of an enraged mother.
Meanwhile, inside Qixia Garden.
Wang Yi was organizing medicinal herbs when he heard a palace servant report that His Majesty looked relaxed and a slight smile appeared on his lips as he left the Lizheng Hall.
The pieces have been moved, the game has begun.
With the Emperor and Empress joining forces, the end of Li Yuanji's former subordinates is not far off. And she not only did good to Empress Zhangsun, but also consolidated her position in Li Shimin's heart, and cleared away some potential threats for herself.
In a game of chess, three parties benefit. As for those pieces that are about to be eliminated... in a chaotic situation, there must always be sacrifices.
She picked up a medicinal herb and gently ground it between her fingertips.
Next, one should consider how to "accidentally" meet Li Ming, the Prince of Cao, who was raised by Consort Wei, several times.
After all, a young child is at the age when they are most easily molded. If guided properly, they may become a useful piece in the future game.
Outside the window, dusk settled. Night had fallen once more in the Tang Dynasty. And this turbulent game of chess had only just entered its middle stages.
In Changsun Wuji's residence, the candles in the study burned all night.
When he received the secret letter from his sister in the palace, the most powerful relative of the emperor, the Minister of Personnel, and the Duke of Zhao, sat upright at his desk. In his hand was not an official document, but a detailed and alarming investigation report.
On the table lay an unfolded letter. It was very short, containing only one line: "His Majesty has granted permission. You may proceed as you see fit."
Changsun Wuji stared at the nine characters, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. He slowly unfolded the investigation report he had prepared beforehand, his fingertips tracing over each name, each representing a hidden past and—a lurking threat.
“Li Yuanji’s former subordinates… Jiancheng’s remaining followers…” he muttered to himself, his voice sounding particularly cold and hard in the quiet study.
As one of the key planners of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Changsun Wuji knew all too well how deep the hatred of these people ran. He participated in that coup that changed the fate of the Tang Dynasty, personally paving the way for his brother-in-law Li Shimin, and thus forged a deadly feud with the Prince of Qi and the former subordinates of the Crown Prince.
Over the years, these people appeared compliant on the surface, but in reality, undercurrents were surging. Changsun Wuji was not unaware of this, but after Li Shimin ascended the throne, he governed the country with "benevolence" and was unwilling to engage in further killings. As a subject, Changsun Wuji could only endure it in silence.
But this time was different. This time they touched the place they should never have touched—his own sister, the Empress of the Tang Dynasty; his own nephew, the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.
"What a brilliant scheme to kill three birds with one stone!" Changsun Wuji sneered. Consort Yang's plan was indeed ruthless: to kill the Empress and shake the Eastern Palace; to slander Wang Yi and sow discord between the Emperor and his consorts; and to incite the princes and princesses to oppose their father and erode the imperial family's kinship.
Every step was precisely aimed at the vital points.
Changsun Wuji still remembers the cold sweat that broke out on his body when he learned that Li Chengqian had drawn his sword and pointed it directly at Wang Yi. He dared not imagine the consequences if Chengqian had actually injured Wang Yi in a moment of impulsiveness.
Changsun Wuji witnessed Li Shimin's feelings for Wang Yi. It was far more than a monarch's infatuation with beauty; it was a deeper, more complex emotional dependence. If Wang Yi truly died by his nephew's sword, even if Li Shimin spared Chengqian out of consideration for their father-son relationship, the father-son bond would be completely severed.
Can a crown prince who has lost his father's trust and is even resented by his father secure his position as heir apparent?
Changsun Wuji took a deep breath and spread out a blank memorial. He did not start writing immediately, but first retrieved the official files of the Ministry of Personnel.
As the Minister of Personnel, he held the power to appoint, dismiss, and promote officials nationwide. He usually exercised this power with utmost caution, fearing the stigma of being labeled a "powerful relative of the empress." But today—today he was going to put it to good use.
Step 1: Apparent promotion, but in reality demotion.
Changsun Wuji began to "take care" of his former subordinates who were still serving in key departments on the list one by one.
Zhang Miao, a former subordinate of Prince Qi, was a senior official in the Ministry of War and currently served as the Director of the Arsenal Department. He was of mediocre ability, but his greatest strength lay in his loyalty—loyalty to Li Yuanji. Changsun Wuji, with a stroke of his pen, transferred him to the position of Assistant Director of the Waterways Department of the Ministry of Works, raising his rank by half a grade, but significantly reducing his actual power.
Chen Ping, the Vice Minister of Justice, had a past relationship with the Crown Prince. He was currently in charge of criminal justice. Known for his harsh and severe judgments, he was notorious as a cruel official. Changsun Wuji, citing the need for him to gain experience in local affairs, petitioned to have him transferred to the position of Prefectural Governor of Luozhou, away from this important post.
Wang Kai, a former official of Li Jiancheng's Eastern Palace and a censor of the Censorate, was known for his outspoken remonstrances. Changsun Wuji transferred him to the position of Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy, ostensibly to "cultivate talents."
The transfer orders were drafted under the cover of night, each one seemingly well-founded and procedurally sound, leaving no room for criticism. But any discerning observer could see that these transfers were simply moving people from key positions to insignificant, cushy jobs.
Step Two: Investigate the crime and prosecute.
Changsun Wuji was even more ruthless towards those who were dishonest.
He mobilized his former subordinates from the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate to thoroughly investigate these people's "historical problems"—embezzlement of military funds, acceptance of bribes, seizure of land, indulgence of household servants... Some were old grievances, while others were newly discovered.
If the evidence is conclusive, impeachment will be reported directly; if the evidence is insufficient, rumors will be spread to warn others.
Suddenly, undercurrents were stirring in the imperial court. Many officials discovered that some of their usually low-profile colleagues were suddenly being investigated. Although the charges were not serious, they were enough to keep them extremely busy and unable to attend to anything else.
Step 3: Sever the claws and fangs.
Changsun Wuji knew that these former subordinates still held influence in the local areas. He began to adjust the appointments of local officials through the personnel network of the Ministry of Personnel.
In Shandong and Hebei, areas firmly held by the old forces of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, Changsun Wuji arranged for a group of officials from humble backgrounds, with clean records and outstanding abilities to take up positions. These people had no complicated networks of connections and were loyal only to the court—that is, to Li Shimin.
At the same time, he hinted to these newly appointed local officials to "be wary of the dealings between local powerful families and certain officials in the imperial court." This was said cryptically, but intelligent people understood.
Step 4: Strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality.
While dealing with the enemy, Changsun Wuji did not forget to strengthen his own camp.
He personally oversaw the selection of officials for the Crown Prince's court. Every person recommended to serve the Crown Prince underwent rigorous scrutiny—not only in terms of ability, but also in terms of background, stance, and connections with various factions.
He also planted several reliable spies around the crown prince, not to monitor him, but to protect him. If anyone tried to approach the crown prince or instill bad ideas in him, these spies would detect it immediately and report it.
As for the inner palace, Changsun Wuji, through his sister's influence, began to purge those palace servants who might be connected to his former subordinates. His methods were gentle yet resolute—either transferring them from key positions or releasing them from the palace; in short, he couldn't allow any potential threats to remain around the Empress, princes, and princesses.
Step 5: Use force to intimidate others.
Changsun Wuji did not forget the most crucial piece – Cao Wang Li Ming.
The child is innocent, but his identity is too special. As the son of Li Shimin and Lady Yang, he is destined to become the focus of contention among various forces.
Changsun Wuji did not directly do anything to Li Ming, but instead strengthened control over the palace where Consort Wei (Li Ming's adoptive mother) resided. All people entering and leaving had to be strictly registered, all gifts given to Li Ming were inspected, and everyone who attempted to contact Li Ming was questioned.
He wanted to let those who still wanted to take advantage of Li Ming know that this path was a dead end.
As the night passed and dawn approached, Changsun Wuji put down his pen and rubbed his aching wrist. His desk was piled high with draft memorials, orders, and secret letters.
He stood up and walked to the window. The eastern sky was beginning to lighten, and Chang'an was gradually awakening in the morning mist.
"This game has only just begun," Changsun Wuji muttered to himself.
His task was not only to eliminate the immediate threats, but also to pave the way for his nephew Li Chengqian's future. Only with a secure position as crown prince could his sister recuperate in the palace with peace of mind, and only then could the Changsun family's prosperity continue.
As for that Protector of the Nation, Wang Yi... a complex expression flashed in Changsun Wuji's eyes.
Wang Yi's performance in this incident was commendable. Not only did his medical skills save his sister, but he also enlightened the emperor at a crucial moment, leading to a joint effort between the emperor and empress. The Changsun family should remember this merit.
But—is such an intelligent, favored, and mysterious woman really just trying to save the Empress and help the Crown Prince?
Changsun Wuji shook his head. Now was not the time to delve into this. The most urgent task was to eliminate the visible enemies. As for Wang Yi... as long as she didn't harm the Changsun family's interests, he was happy to see things go smoothly. If she truly harbored disloyal intentions, they could deal with that later.
"Someone come here," he called out.
The trusted butler pushed open the door and entered: "Master."
"Send out these memorials and transfer orders in batches according to their urgency," Changsun Wuji instructed. "Remember, don't rush, and don't attract attention. Slowly boiling the frog in water is the best strategy."
"yes."
After the steward left, Changsun Wuji looked out the window again. The rising morning light illuminated the resolute gleam in his eyes.
From this day forward, the Tang Dynasty court will undergo a silent purge. There will be no bloodshed, no upheaval in the court, only seemingly reasonable transfers, seemingly well-documented impeachments, and factions being quietly eradicated.
All of this was done in the name of "rectifying officialdom" and "consolidating the foundation of the nation." No one could have imagined that behind it all was a silent war waged by an uncle to protect his nephew.
Changsun Wuji straightened his clothes and prepared to go to court.
Today's court assembly will be the first step in his plan. Those who are still indulging in their dreams will soon find that their good days are over.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi, deep within the palace, received a reply from Empress Zhangsun that he would have his elder brother, Zhangsun Wuji, handle the matter.
"Changsun Wuji has made his move... Good, this old fellow is much more ruthless than Li Shimin."
She picked up her teacup and took a small sip.
The game continued, and she began to think about the next step—how to cultivate her own influence in the court without anyone noticing after Changsun Wuji had purged the old forces.
After all, in this era, she couldn't rely solely on Li Shimin's favor forever.
Daylight broke. A new day in the Tang Dynasty quietly began amidst undercurrents of change.
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