Chapter 53 Wu Zetian's Promotion
The news of Wu Zetian entering the Eastern Palace did not initially cause much of a stir in Chang'an. A fourteen-year-old Chenghui, of low rank and the youngest among the new concubines, was seen by most as just one of the many concubines in the Eastern Palace.
However, the situation changed in less than three months.
Rumors began to circulate within the Eastern Palace: His Highness the Crown Prince had recently taken a great liking to Wu Chenghui, who had recently returned to the palace, and often summoned her to serve as his tutor, even asking her to assist in organizing documents.
"That Lady Wu, I heard that when the Crown Prince is reviewing memorials, he often has her grind ink and serve him, and occasionally he will ask her for her opinion." The palace servants in the Eastern Palace whispered among themselves.
"Not only that, the other day when the Crown Prince was discussing matters with the Junior Tutor, Wu Chenghui was also present and said a few words about the reform of the canal transport system, speaking very eloquently."
"But she's only fourteen years old..."
"So what if he's fourteen? When the Protector of the Nation entered the palace, didn't he also display his talent at a very young age?"
When these discussions reached Wang Yi's ears, she simply smiled faintly. This was exactly the development she had anticipated.
Li Chengqian was, after all, Li Shimin's son, and he inherently admired intelligent people. Historically, Li Shimin himself was an "intellectual lover"—he admired Empress Zhangsun's wisdom, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui's strategies, Wei Zheng's outspokenness, and even the talents of his enemies (such as Turkic generals).
Li Chengqian inherited this trait from his father. Faced with a woman who was not only beautiful but also insightful and capable of discussing politics with him, he would naturally treat her differently.
Wang Yi decided to go to the Eastern Palace in person to take a look.
She came to the Eastern Palace under the pretext of "visiting His Highness the Crown Prince to discuss the follow-up matters of agricultural improvement." Li Chengqian was handling state affairs in his study when he heard of Wang Yi's visit and personally came out to greet her.
"What brings you to the Eastern Palace today, Your Excellency?" Li Chengqian's attitude towards Wang Yi had changed considerably, and his words were filled with respect.
"I have some questions about farming that I would like to ask Your Highness," Wang Yi said with a smile. "Also, I heard that several new young ladies have entered the Crown Prince's Palace, and I should come and meet them."
Li Chengqian led her inside and ordered tea to be served. During their conversation, Wang Yi indeed saw Wu Meiniang quietly organizing books and documents in a corner of the study. She was dressed in a light pink palace dress, her hair simply styled, and she was working intently, only raising her head to greet him when she heard him.
"This humble servant pays respects to the venerable one."
"Wu Chenghui, there's no need for such formalities," Wang Yi said gently. "What are you busy with?"
"Reporting to Your Excellency, I am organizing copies of the memorials His Highness the Crown Prince has recently reviewed, classifying and filing them by time, region, and subject matter," Wu Meiniang said in a clear and organized voice.
Wang Yi went over to take a look and found that the filing was done in a very orderly manner, and it was even marked with different colored silk threads to make it easy to find.
"Very organized," Wang Yi praised. "Did you come up with this yourself?"
Wu Meiniang lowered her head slightly: "I noticed that Your Highness has to deal with a large number of documents every day and finds it inconvenient to search for them, so I came up with this method. If it is not done correctly, please correct me."
“Well done.” Wang Yi turned to Li Chengqian. “Your Highness is fortunate to have such a virtuous wife.”
A barely perceptible smile flashed across Li Chengqian's face: "Meiniang is indeed meticulous."
The conversation continued, with Wang Yi and Li Chengqian discussing the progress of agricultural reforms in Guanzhong and their plans to expand them to Hedong and Hebei. Wu Meiniang listened quietly, occasionally handing over relevant documents.
When the conversation turned to certain specific issues, Li Chengqian suddenly asked, "Meiniang, you grew up in Jingzhou, do you know anything about farming there?"
After a moment's thought, Wu Meiniang calmly replied, "Jingzhou has many paddy fields, mainly used for rice cultivation. After last year's floods, the local area promoted the use of new waterwheels and cement ditches, which greatly improved irrigation efficiency. However, I have heard that some farmers still have doubts about the new farming tools, feeling that they are complicated to operate and not as convenient as the old methods."
"Oh? Then how should we solve this?" Li Chengqian pressed.
"I believe we can select local smart farmers, train them intensively, and make them 'model households.' Then they can teach their neighbors. This is more effective than the government directly instructing them." Wu Meiniang paused. "In addition, the price of new farm tools is still a burden for poor farmers. Could we implement a leasing system? Farmers can rent farm tools on a quarterly basis and pay a small amount of rent to reduce their burden."
This insight was not only practical but also well-considered. Li Chengqian nodded: "This is a good idea; we can give it a try."
Wang Yi observed quietly from the side. Wu Meiniang was indeed intelligent, and what was even more remarkable was that she knew how to conceal her sharpness—when making suggestions, she spoke humbly and did not reveal her talents, making it easier for the listener to accept them.
After the conversation, Wang Yi took her leave. Wu Meiniang escorted her to the palace gate.
"Wu Chenghui, please wait." Wang Yi stopped and looked at her. "Are you settling in well at the Eastern Palace?"
"Thank you for your concern, Master. Everything is fine," Wu Meiniang said respectfully. "Her Majesty the Empress is strict in her teachings, His Highness the Crown Prince is kind to me, and my sisters are also very friendly."
"That's good." Wang Yi smiled. "You have talent, that's a gift. But in this deep palace, you must use your talent in the right place. Remember, assisting the Crown Prince is the top priority, and you must restrain your personal brilliance."
These words were both a reminder and a warning. Wu Meiniang understood and bowed solemnly: "This humble servant will remember the Master's teachings."
Wang Yi nodded and turned to leave. She knew that Wu Meiniang was still young and inexperienced, and would be cautious in her words and actions. But what the future held depended on her choices and fate.
Over the next few months, Wu Zetian's status in the Eastern Palace steadily rose. She not only assisted Li Chengqian in handling documents but also began to participate in the management of some practical affairs.
The Eastern Palace had its own farmland, shops, and properties, which were previously managed by eunuchs and female officials. After Wu Zetian took over part of the accounts, she reorganized them and discovered many management loopholes and wastes. She proposed improvement plans, streamlined personnel, and standardized processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in expenses within a year.
Li Chengqian was overjoyed and entrusted her with even more affairs. Wu Meiniang lived up to his expectations, managing the internal affairs of the Eastern Palace in an orderly manner.
What's even more remarkable is that she knew how to get along harmoniously with the other concubines. When Consort Zheng was composed, she humbly sought her advice on household management; when Consort Lu was shrewd, she discussed accounting with her; when Consort Xiao was dignified, she studied classics and history with her. She never became arrogant because of her favor, nor did she look down on others because of her intelligence.
Empress Zhangsun was quite satisfied with this way of handling things. Once, when she mentioned it to Li Shimin, the empress said, "That child Wu is indeed smart, but what is even more commendable is her understanding. She knows her place and knows what she should and should not do."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin seemed to be deep in thought: "It seems that Master Wang has a good eye."
"Your Excellency is indeed discerning in judging character," Empress Zhangsun nodded. "However, I still remind Lady Wu from time to time to remember her place."
“You did the right thing,” Li Shimin said. “Intelligence is a good thing, but you must know your limits.”
When these words reached Wang Yi's ears, she knew that her plans were proceeding as scheduled. Wu Meiniang had gained a firm foothold in the Eastern Palace, won the Crown Prince's favor, and had not aroused the resentment of the Empress and other concubines.
But that's not enough.
Wang Yi began to consider how to further guide Wu Meiniang so that she could truly become an asset to Li Chengqian, rather than a potential threat in the future.
The opportunity arose during a chance conversation.
That day, Wang Yi was checking on the progress of the newly compiled medical classic at the Imperial Medical Bureau when he happened to run into Wu Meiniang, who had come to pick up calming medicine. The two then took a walk together in the garden of the Imperial Medical Bureau.
"I heard that the Crown Prince's Palace has recently been compiling records of disaster relief efforts over the years?" Wang Yi asked, seemingly casually.
“Yes,” Wu Meiniang replied. “His Highness said that we should learn from this experience and formulate a more comprehensive disaster relief plan.”
“That’s a good idea,” Wang Yi nodded. “Have you discovered anything?”
Wu Meiniang pondered for a moment: "I have found that in every disaster relief effort, the allocation of supplies is often the most chaotic part. The amount of grain stored in warehouses in various places is unclear, and the transportation routes are not planned reasonably, resulting in some places having stockpiles of supplies while others have insufficient supplies."
"How can we improve this?"
"I believe that a unified material management system should be established." Wu Meiniang's eyes gleamed. "The granaries and charitable granaries in each prefecture and county should report the amount of grain stored regularly, which will be centrally managed by the court. In the event of a disaster, the grain can be scientifically allocated according to the severity of the disaster and the distance of the route."
She paused, then continued, "Transportation routes also need to be planned in advance, avoiding dangerous areas and choosing the fastest and safest roads. The construction of this cement road has created conditions for rapid transportation."
Wang Yi listened with admiration. This was no longer just the insight of a concubine in the harem, but the strategic vision of a ruler.
“You’re thinking very far ahead,” Wang Yi said. “However, for these ideas to be implemented, they need detailed data support, coordination among various departments, and Your Majesty’s support.”
"I understand," Wu Meiniang said humbly. "Therefore, I am merely compiling the records and presenting these findings to Your Highness for your decision."
“That’s good.” Wang Yi smiled. “You have an idea, and it’s the right thing to do to implement it through His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Looking at the girl before her, she suddenly asked, "Meiniang, what kind of person do you want to become in the future?"
This question startled Wu Meiniang. She lowered her head and pondered for a long time before softly saying, "I... aspire to be like Empress Zhangsun. Virtuous and wise, I would assist the emperor and serve as a role model for all women."
These words were spoken in perfect jargon, but Wang Yi sensed the sincerity within them. At least for the time being, Wu Meiniang truly believed this—she admired Empress Zhangsun and aspired to become a respected empress like her.
“That’s a good ambition,” Wang Yi said gently. “But remember, you have to take things one step at a time. You are now Cheng Hui, so you must do your duty as Cheng Hui. If you are fortunate enough to be promoted in the future, you must also do what that position requires.”
"I will remember."
"Furthermore," Wang Yi changed the subject, "you have talent, which is a gift from heaven. But talent is a double-edged sword; if used well, it can benefit all people, but if used poorly, it can harm others and yourself. You must always be vigilant and never forget your original intention."
These words were quite meaningful. Wu Meiniang listened attentively and bowed solemnly: "Thank you for your teachings, Master. I will certainly keep them in mind."
After that conversation, Wang Yi's guidance of Wu Meiniang became clearer. She was no longer just an observer, but rather conveyed her ideas to this young woman in an appropriate way.
She involved Wu Zetian in some affairs of the Imperial Medical Bureau—not in direct management, but in learning. She taught her how to organize large-scale projects (such as the compilation of medical classics), how to coordinate different departments, and how to balance the interests of all parties.
She showed Wu Zetian the progress of agricultural improvement—not just theoretical discussions, but actual data. She made her understand how many difficulties a policy faces and how much effort it requires from its inception to its implementation.
She even introduced Wu Zetian to some basic maritime trade knowledge—to make her understand that there was a vast world beyond the Tang Dynasty, and that governing a country required a global perspective.
During this process, Wu Zetian grew at an astonishing pace. She absorbed knowledge voraciously, her horizons broadened, and her thinking became increasingly profound.
Li Chengqian's reliance on her deepened. On many political issues, he would first listen to Wu Meiniang's opinion; on many decisions, he would ask Wu Meiniang to help analyze the pros and cons.
Although the other concubines in the Eastern Palace occasionally had some complaints, they had to admit that Wu Zetian was indeed capable, and she never took credit for herself, always attributing her achievements to the Crown Prince's wisdom and the assistance of others.
In the spring of the eleventh year of the Zhenguan era, Wu Zetian was promoted to the rank of Liangyuan, a higher rank. Although it was still not the highest, given her age and length of time in the palace, this was already an exceptional promotion.
After the investiture ceremony, Wu Meiniang made a special trip to Qixia Garden to thank Wang Yi.
"If it weren't for your guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today," she said sincerely.
"This is the result of your own hard work." Wang Yi helped her up. "Remember, the higher the position, the greater the responsibility. You are now not only the Crown Prince's consort, but also a role model for the Eastern Palace. Your words and actions will influence many people."
"I understand," Wu Meiniang said solemnly. "I will be careful in my words and deeds, and live up to your expectations and trust."
Wang Yi looked at her, this woman who had once stirred up a storm in history, now walking along a different path.
Where would this road lead? Wang Yi didn't know. But she knew she had done her best, guiding Wu Meiniang and sowing a seed for the future of the Tang Dynasty.
As for what kind of flower this seed will bloom and what kind of fruit it will bear, that depends on fate and destiny.
Wang Yi stood by the window of Qixia Garden, gazing in the direction of the East Palace, his heart calm yet filled with anticipation.
The game of chess continues, and the pieces in her hand are quietly changing the course of this era on their respective paths.
This feels good.
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