Chapter 9 The Opportunity to Meet Li Shimin
Life at Ningyun Pavilion appears peaceful on the surface, but in reality, it's like walking on thin ice.
Wang Yi completely abandoned the subtle "casualness" she had displayed at Li Jiancheng's villa. She changed into an elegant Taoist robe specially made for her by the Imperial Wardrobe. Although the material was of the highest quality, the style was strict, and the colors were mostly moon white, bluish-gray, and light purple, without any eye-catching decorations. Her hair was also styled in a simple way, common among female Taoist priests in the early Tang Dynasty, secured only by an ebony or jade hairpin, and the "jade bracelet" on her wrist was hidden under the wide cuffs. Her accessories were even more minimal, almost non-existent, making her resemble a pure and secluded orchid in a secluded valley, cleansed of all artifice.
She deliberately reinforced her image as a "recluse" and a "spiritual seeker of the Tao." Each day, besides "meditation and breath control" (actually for contemplating plans and recalling materials), she would peruse the Taoist scriptures that Li Yuan had granted her permission to borrow, occasionally tending to a few herbs transplanted from the Imperial Garden in the small courtyard of Ningyun Pavilion (as a pretext for alchemy). When summoned by Li Yuan, she became increasingly cautious in her speech, focusing on health, nature, and metaphysics, never mentioning any court politics or personnel matters, and never revealing any of the charm or emotions typical of a young woman. When Li Yuan's gaze revealed ambiguity or probing beyond mere appreciation, she would always skillfully steer the conversation away with a profound Taoist verse or a pure, unadulterated look, while subtly reiterating her identity as a "spiritual seeker from overseas" who "came solely to alleviate Your Majesty's suffering."
She had to make Li Yuan clearly understand that she was a "miracle drug" that could alleviate his pain and bring him a sense of auspiciousness, a "remarkable overseas person" with whom he could discuss metaphysical principles and demonstrate the emperor's magnanimity, but absolutely not a "concubine" who could be brought into the harem and create worldly entanglements. Otherwise, given Li Yuan's increasingly senile and suspicious nature in his later years, coupled with his growing lust for beauty and power, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although the lesson of Yang Yuhuan is distant, the cruel nature of palace intrigue has never changed.
Her strategy seemed to be working. Although Li Yuan valued her highly, bestowed generous rewards upon her, and visited Ningyun Pavilion quite frequently (sometimes to pick up medicine and chat when he had a headache, sometimes just to sit idly), his obvious possessiveness seemed to be temporarily suppressed or transformed into another form of "collecting" and "showing off" under her impenetrable "celestial aura" barrier—look, even overseas immortals are willing to serve me!
Because she was confined to the inner palace, and because Li Yuan intentionally or unintentionally cut her off from the outside world (perhaps out of caution, or perhaps to prevent his sons from getting close to her), Wang Yi never saw Li Jiancheng again after entering the palace, let alone Li Shimin. News about the outside world could only be pieced together from occasional snippets of conversation from the palace maids and eunuchs who served her, or from fragmented information revealed during Li Yuan's casual conversations. She knew that Li Jiancheng was resentful about her being taken away by her father, but was helpless; she also knew that Li Shimin was certainly paying attention to her movements, but like her, he could not get close.
This state of isolation was exactly what Wang Yi needed for the time being—safety, and the ability to allow the mystery to continue to fester. She was waiting, waiting for an opportunity that could break this isolation, allow her to establish a substantial connection with her target, and provide a valid reason that wouldn't arouse suspicion.
This opportunity, accompanied by battle reports and the stench of bloodshed, arrived in the early summer of the fifth year of the Wude era (622 AD).
The most dangerous and legendary battle in Li Shimin's military career in history—the crucial pursuit battle after the Battle of Qianshuiyuan, or a fierce confrontation in the repeated tug-of-war with forces such as Liu Heita and Song Jingang (the timeline is slightly merged for artistic effect)—in order to boost morale, Li Shimin personally braved arrows and stones, leading the Xuanjia Army in repeated charges. Although he ultimately won a great victory and defeated the powerful enemy, he himself was hit by several arrows, one of which pierced his lungs and internal organs. He lost too much blood and was unconscious when his personal guards risked their lives to bring him back. His injuries were extremely serious.
When the news reached Chang'an, it shook the court and the public. Li Yuan, upon hearing the news, was initially enraged by the enemy's stubborn resistance, but was quickly followed by deep worry and lingering fear. Li Shimin was his sharpest and most capable weapon, the key to deterring the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qi, and maintaining the balance of power in the court. If Li Shimin were to perish, not only would the military loss be enormous, but the balance of power in the court would also be instantly shattered, and the Crown Prince's faction would likely be left without any checks and balances…
After the imperial physicians were at a loss and bluntly stated that "the Prince of Qin is seriously injured and it is feared that medicine cannot save him; we can only rely on fate," a name naturally came to Li Yuan's mind—Wang Yi.
That "fairy from overseas" who could relieve his headaches, that visitor from Penglai who seemed to possess extraordinary skills. Since her "elixir" was so effective for headaches, perhaps... it could also help with the King of Qin's injuries? Even if there was only a sliver of hope, he had to try!
Although deep down Li Yuan was well aware of the undercurrents among his sons and was not entirely willing to see Li Shimin always perform meritorious deeds without reward, at this moment, protecting the life of his most capable son was clearly more important than those suspicions.
"Immediately convey my decree, ordering Fairy Wang of Ningyun Pavilion to go to the Prince of Qin's residence immediately to treat his injuries! All necessary medicines and supplies will be provided by the palace! The elite Imperial Guards will escort her without fail!" Li Yuan made his decision and the order was quickly conveyed.
When the imperial eunuch arrived at Ningyun Pavilion, Wang Yi's heart surged with turmoil. It had come! The opportunity she had been waiting for—to have a legitimate and public appearance to meet Li Shimin—had arrived in this way! And the reason was so convincing—the emperor himself had issued an edict ordering her to treat the seriously injured Prince Qin.
She immediately composed herself, adopted a solemn and dignified posture, and accepted the imperial decree with gratitude. She quickly packed a small medicine kit (containing essential disinfection and bandaging supplies, some antibiotics and potent anti-inflammatory drugs—disguised as "secret overseas wound medicine" and "life-extending and heart-protecting pills," as well as a stun gun for self-defense in critical moments), and then, surrounded by eunuchs and imperial guards, hurriedly left the palace gates and headed straight for the Prince of Qin's residence.
Inside the Prince of Qin's residence, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive. Princess Consort Changsun, her eyes red and swollen, forced herself to remain calm and manage the situation. Li Chengqian and the other young children had been properly settled, and the residence reeked of medicine and blood. When Wang Yi, dressed in an elegant Taoist robe and with a solemn expression, was led into Li Shimin's bedroom, all eyes were on her.
This was the first time Li Shimin had "seen" Wang Yi at such close range and in such a lucid state (although he was unconscious at the moment). Despite his deathly pale face and weak breath, Wang Yi secretly admired his deep-set brows, tightly pursed lips, and resolute features that even in his unconscious state: He truly deserves to be called the chosen one; even severely injured, his aura remains strong.
She set aside all distractions and first carefully examined Li Shimin's complexion and wounds using the "Taoist method of observing qi" (they had already been initially treated by the military doctor, but the situation was not good). She then pretended to take his pulse (in reality, she was judging the degree of infection and blood loss by observing his breathing, body temperature, and wound condition). Then, citing the reason that "this is a secret overseas method that needs to be performed alone in a quiet room," she dismissed most of the irrelevant people, leaving only Princess Changsun and two absolutely reliable trusted maids to assist her.
Under the tense yet expectant gaze of Changsun Linglong, Wang Yi began her "treatment." First, she used high-proof alcohol (disguised as "strong medicinal liquor") to disinfect her tools and wound, cleaning away the necrotic tissue with swift and decisive movements, leaving Changsun Linglong both alarmed and strangely hopeful. Next, she took out a "secret wound medicine" (actually a mixture of potent antibiotic powder and modern healing agents), carefully sprinkled it on the wound, and re-bandaged it with boiled, sterilized linen. Finally, she took out a "life-extending and heart-protecting pill" sealed with wax (actually a potent broad-spectrum antibiotic and nutritional supplement), dissolved it in warm water, carefully pried open Li Shimin's jaw, and fed it to him little by little.
Throughout the process, Wang Yi remained focused and skillful (thanks to her modern first aid training and the composure honed through years of experience in the business world), while muttering seemingly Taoist incantations (to enhance the sense of mystery). Her image as a compassionate yet confident "fairy" was deeply imprinted in the minds of Princess Changsun and the maids present.
Perhaps due to the powerful effects of modern medicine, or perhaps due to Li Shimin's inherent resilience, or perhaps due to a combination of factors, about two hours after taking the medicine, Li Shimin's high fever began to subside, his breathing gradually stabilized, and although he was still unconscious, his vital signs clearly tended to stabilize.
"Your kindness is beyond measure!" Changsun Linglong cried with joy and was about to perform a grand ceremony to Wang Yi.
Wang Yi quickly helped him up and said gently, "Your Highness, please don't do this. His Highness is favored by Heaven and is protected by the gods. I am merely doing my best and following the natural course of events. Although His Highness's injuries are stable, he still needs careful care and timely dressing and medication. I will leave behind some medicine and strategies."
Over the next few days, Wang Yi was granted special permission by Li Yuan to stay temporarily at the Prince of Qin's residence, citing the need to "observe the effects of the medicine and adjust it as needed." She personally examined Li Shimin's wounds daily, changed his dressings, and adjusted the dosage of the "medicine" (based on his recovery). As the medicine continued to take effect, Li Shimin's injuries improved at a visible rate, and he awoke from his coma on the third day.
When he weakly opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Wang Yi, who was standing by his bedside, leaning slightly to check on his wounds. The light filtering through the window made the edges of her simple Taoist robe seem to be tinged with a soft glow. Her focused profile was beautifully sculpted, and her long eyelashes drooped. Unlike the aloofness he had seen in her during the brief glimpse at the palace banquet, she now radiated a serene yet powerful aura befitting a "savior."
“You…” Li Shimin’s voice was hoarse and dry.
"Your Highness, you're awake?" Wang Yi turned around at the sound of her voice, his eyes revealing a timely sense of relief and relief, along with a complex emotion that was hard to describe, as if they had finally met after a long period of time. She gently tucked the blanket around him, her movements natural. "Your Highness's injuries are no longer serious. Just rest well. Don't talk, it will upset your spirit."
Her voice was clear and gentle, carrying a comforting power. Li Shimin looked at her, but his mind involuntarily recalled the warning in her "gift of gratitude," the spies' reports of her situation in the Eastern Palace villa, and that fleeting glimpse at the banquet... All these clues overlapped with the woman who had saved his life, causing a great deal of doubt and... a strange tremor in his heart.
In the days that followed, while tending to Li Shimin's injuries, Wang Yi would occasionally have brief conversations with him. She never mentioned politics, nor did she deliberately seek credit. Her topics mostly revolved around his recovery, principles of self-cultivation, or, quite casually, she would mention things like, "There was once an astrologer overseas who said that a general star shines brightly beside the Purple Star in the Central Plains, destined to undergo a rebirth through blood and fire, and achieve an eternal imperial career..."—mysterious words that subtly pointed to him.
Sometimes, she would sit quietly at a nearby table, perusing Taoist scriptures, her profile serene. When Li Shimin had trouble sleeping due to pain or worries, she would softly recite a tranquil passage for him, or burn a calming incense burner (actually a modern aromatherapy product with nerve-soothing ingredients). Her presence was like a clear spring, slowly flowing through the Qin Prince's mansion filled with the smell of medicine and a tense atmosphere, silently seeping into Li Shimin's heart.
During a dressing change, Li Shimin groaned in pain, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Wang Yi's movements became even gentler, and she whispered, "Your Highness, please bear with it. Years ago in Penglai, my master showed me a star chart, saying that I was destined for both a calamity and a destiny. The calamity lies on my path, the destiny lies... in the Central Plains. Now it seems that this bloody calamity may be a fulfillment of this destiny of healing." She raised her head, her clear gaze meeting Li Shimin's, her eyes filled with a kind of almost fatalistic composure that transcended the doctor-patient relationship. "Your Highness is the 'old friend' I have truly sought since entering Tang."
These words were ambiguous, open to interpretation as a connection between the healer and the injured, or they could spark countless speculations. Especially given Li Shimin's current weakened state and his feelings of curiosity and gratitude towards her, these words stirred up a storm.
Li Shimin gazed intently at her, trying to discern any pretense or scheming in her eyes, but he only saw openness and… a certain profoundness he could not fully decipher. “I will never forget your life-saving grace, Fairy. But this word 'fate'… how do you even begin to explain it?” he probed.
Wang Yi said no more, only smiled faintly, a smile as fleeting as a night-blooming cereus, carrying a distant, ethereal air, yet also a touch of earthly warmth: "Heavenly secrets cannot be fully revealed. Your Highness only needs to know that this journey of mine is by no means a calamity for Your Highness. Alright, Your Highness should rest now."
The more she acted this way, the more unsettled Li Shimin's heart became. Severely injured, his heart was already fragile and sensitive. Wang Yi's mysterious origins, miraculous medical skills, and the immense grace of saving his life, coupled with her seemingly unspoken yet suggestive words, and her own unparalleled elegance and demeanor, were like layers of silk threads, subtly and imperceptibly binding the heart of this resolute and iron-willed General Tian Ce.
He found himself looking forward to her daily visits for dressing changes and checkups, paying attention to her tone of voice and pondering the hidden meanings in her words. This feeling was different from the respect and affection he felt for Changsun Linglong, and even more different from the indifference and estrangement he had shown towards other women. It was a mixture of gratitude, curiosity, inquiry, and an attraction stirred by a mysterious sense of destiny that he himself was not clearly aware of.
However, good times are always short-lived. As Li Shimin's injuries stabilized and he recovered quickly, Li Yuan's decree arrived again—to summon Wang Xianzi back to the palace.
The reasons were presented in a grand and respectable manner: the King of Qin was no longer in danger of losing his life, and the Imperial Medical Bureau would take care of his subsequent treatment; His Majesty had been overworked recently, and his headaches seemed to be recurring, so the fairy needed to return to the palace to attend to his medicine.
The emperor's command was not to be disobeyed. After examining Li Shimin's wounds one last time, leaving behind a sufficient amount of "medicine" and detailed instructions for care, Wang Yi calmly packed up his medicine chest at the urging of the eunuchs.
When they parted, Li Shimin was able to sit up. Looking at her still serene and composed appearance, a strong sense of reluctance and a touch of unwillingness welled up within him. "Fairy... I will surely repay this kindness. In the future... if you encounter any difficulties or need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." His words were sincere, his gaze intense.
Wang Yi met his gaze, still maintaining her aloof and ethereal demeanor, but a faint, almost imperceptible trace of melancholy seemed to flicker deep within her eyes. "Your Highness is too kind. My actions were merely in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people. Your Highness has a bright future ahead; I hope you will take good care of yourself, and remember… on rainy days, do not approach Xuanwu." She subtly reiterated her initial warning, then bowed slightly. "I take my leave."
Having said that, she didn't linger any longer, turning and leaving with the eunuch. Her plain Taoist robe fluttered, her back view resolute, as if she were truly a fairy maiden untouched by worldly dust, who had finished her business and left without leaving a trace of lingering affection.
Li Shimin watched her disappearing figure outside the door, remaining silent for a long time. His chest wound throbbed with pain, but deeper still, he felt a profound emptiness, as if he had missed something important. She had come, saved him, thrown a stone into his heart, stirring up unprecedented ripples, and then left so decisively, summoned back to the deep palace by his father.
Between them lay the roles of emperor and subject, father and son, palace walls and forbidden gardens—too many insurmountable obstacles. And those harrowing moments of rescue, those subtle, whispered hints, now seem like a dream too beautiful and too fleeting, leaving only a lingering sense of melancholy upon waking.
"On rainy days, do not approach Xuanwu..." Li Shimin repeated these words in a low voice, his eyes gradually becoming sharp and complex. Wang Yi's warning, her mysterious origins and abilities, her special "connection" with him... what did all of this mean? And how should he make his next move in this increasingly dangerous game?
Wang Yi returned to Ningyun Pavilion as if she had never left. Life in the palace continued as before, and Li Yuan's dependence on her seemed to have deepened even more because of this "successful rescue of the Prince of Qin." But she knew that some seeds had been sown: in Li Jiancheng's heart, suspicion and resentment (the Prince of Qin had actually been saved by Wang Yi), and in Li Shimin's heart, gratitude, curiosity, and a wisp of indescribable emotion.
And she, this "overseas fairy" at the eye of the storm, needs to maneuver even more carefully, waiting for the next opportunity that might connect all the clues and make the situation completely clear. The curtain of the palace has fallen again, but the undercurrents behind the curtain have become more turbulent and unpredictable because of this trip to the Prince of Qin's mansion.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com