Chapter 58 The struggle over Chu Miaotou and Wang Yi's response
Qixia Garden, contrary to its usual tranquility, has become bustling with visitors.
Since Wu Zetian became pregnant and frequently came here to "seek advice on how to care for her unborn child," the other concubines in the Eastern Palace seemed to have discovered a new continent and began to follow suit. First, Consort Zheng came under the pretext of "seeking advice on calligraphy," then Consort Lu said she wanted to "learn about accounting management," and Consort Xiao claimed she "wanted to learn about basic legal knowledge."
At first, Wang Yi was able to politely decline, citing that "it is not appropriate to disturb a place of seclusion frequently." But soon, even the concubines of Prince Wei, Li Tai, came to his door.
Consort Wang, a concubine of the King of Wei and daughter of the Wang family of Taiyuan, visited one day with exquisite pastries, saying, "I have long admired your talent and have come to pay my respects." Then, another concubine of the King of Wei, Cui, also arrived, saying, "I have heard that you are quite knowledgeable about health preservation, and I would like to ask Your Highness for some remedies."
What made Wang Yi even more exasperated was that even some low-ranking concubines would find various excuses to visit Qixia Garden. One day one would say, "The peonies in the garden are not blooming well, and I would like to ask the master for advice on how to plant them," and the next day another would say, "I have been feeling uneasy lately and would like to ask the master for guidance."
For a time, Qixia Garden became one of the most bustling places in the inner palace.
“Master, three more people have requested an audience today.” The head maid of Qixia Garden looked troubled. “Zhang Chenghui from the East Palace, Liu Yingren from the Prince of Wei’s residence, and… Consort Yang.”
Wang Yi was reviewing the cement road maintenance report sent by the Imperial Academy of Works when he heard this. Without even looking up, he said, "Everyone says I'm busy organizing medical texts today and won't be receiving guests."
"But Consort Yang said she was ordered by the Empress to retrieve the formula for the calming incense..."
Wang Yi put down his pen and rubbed his temples. Even the Empress had been brought up; it seemed there was no way to refuse.
"Please wait in the front hall, Yang Jieyu. I'll be right there."
The head maidservant acknowledged and withdrew. Wang Yi stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the palace servants coming and going in the courtyard, a sense of irritation rising in his heart.
She certainly understood why these concubines flocked to her—not because they admired her talent, but because of her close relationship with the Crown Prince and her special status in front of Li Shimin.
Wu Zetian frequently visited Qixia Garden, earning the praise of the Crown Prince and the approval of the Empress. Other concubines, seeing this, naturally wanted to follow suit, trying to curry favor with the Crown Prince by getting close to her, and even... influencing him.
The concubines of Prince Wei, Li Tai, came with even more complicated motives.
Wang Yi recalled the subtle clues he had observed during this period. Although on the surface, the two brothers, Li Chengqian and Li Tai, were respectful and harmonious in front of Empress Zhangsun, and no obvious antagonism was revealed in the court, undercurrents were already surging.
Li Tai, the fourth son of Li Shimin, was exceptionally intelligent and talented in literature, and was deeply loved by his father. In the tenth year of the Zhenguan era, Li Shimin granted him special permission to establish a literary academy in his palace, recruit scholars, and compile the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land). This favor already hinted at a power struggle with the Crown Prince.
Although Li Tai himself never publicly expressed his ambition for the throne, some of his actions revealed his intentions—for example, he frequently befriended civil officials in the court, deliberately displayed his talent in classical debates, and offered "constructive opinions" on some policies implemented by the Crown Prince.
More noticeably, Li Tai's concubines began to actively engage in political maneuvering. Lady Wang frequently visited the palace and cultivated good relationships with the other concubines; Lady Cui, through family connections, maintained close ties with the families of some court officials.
Now, they've set their sights on Qixia Garden.
Wang Yi was well aware that if she became too close to the people of the Prince of Wei's residence, it would send a dangerous signal—that the Protector of the Nation also harbored feelings for the Prince of Wei. This could be interpreted as political alignment, thereby affecting the balance of power in the court.
She absolutely must not get involved in the struggle for the princes' positions.
Having gathered her thoughts, Wang Yi went to the front hall. Consort Yang had been waiting for a long time, and upon seeing her arrive, she quickly rose to greet her.
"Is the real person well?"
"Please sit, Consort Jieyu." Wang Yi smiled. "I heard that Her Majesty the Empress needs calming incense?"
"Yes, Your Majesty has been having trouble sleeping lately. Remembering the excellent calming incense concocted by the Master, she specially ordered me to request the recipe." Consort Yang said, handing over a gift list. "This is a small token of Your Majesty's appreciation for the Master's long-term care of His Majesty and Your Majesty's health."
Wang Yi glanced at the gift list; it was full of precious medicinal herbs and silks, quite valuable. She didn't refuse, instructing a palace maid to accept them, and then personally wrote down the formula for calming incense and gave it to Consort Yang.
"This incense requires jasmine picked in the early morning and lavender gathered in the evening, blended with sandalwood and agarwood in a specific ratio. The heat during production is very important; if it's too high, the aroma will be pungent, and if it's too low, the effect will be poor," Wang Yi explained in detail. "It's best to have a pharmacist from the Imperial Medical Academy make it; they are more professional."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master." Consort Yang put away the formula, but did not leave immediately. Instead, she tentatively asked, "I heard that the ladies of the Crown Prince's Palace and the Prince of Wei's residence have been frequently bothering you recently?"
Wang Yi was alert, but remained outwardly calm: "Indeed, there have been some visitors, mostly seeking advice on health preservation and academic matters."
"You are truly kind-hearted," Consort Yang said with a smile. "However, I've heard that some people's requests go beyond simply seeking knowledge..."
She paused, then lowered her voice: "That Consort Wu of the Eastern Palace, who is currently pregnant, still frequently visits you, Master. His Highness the Crown Prince seems to approve of her. Consort Wang of the Prince of Wei's residence visited the other day and went back to praise your knowledge to His Highness. In this harem, there are many eyes and many mouths; you, Master, must be careful."
These words, seemingly out of concern, were actually a reminder—and a test. Yang Jieyu was observing Wang Yi's reaction to see if she would side with one side.
Wang Yi smiled faintly: "Your Excellency is right. However, I am a person outside the secular world, and I do not concern myself with worldly affairs. I only do my duty to take care of His Majesty and the Empress's health. As for other things, they are neither my wish nor my responsibility to interfere."
This statement was perfectly watertight, demonstrating both his neutral stance and implying that he would not participate in the struggle for the princes' positions.
Consort Yang understood, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes: "You are a wise person. Then I will not disturb you any longer, farewell."
After seeing Yang Jieyu off, Wang Yi returned to his study, but his mind was far from calm.
She summoned the head maid of Qixia Garden: "Starting tomorrow, the gates will be closed to visitors. Except for His Majesty, the Empress, and His Highness the Crown Prince, no one else will be seen. Just say that I am in seclusion organizing my sect's scriptures and need peace and quiet."
"But what if it's someone from the Prince of Wei's residence..."
“Especially the people from the Prince of Wei’s residence.” Wang Yi’s tone was firm. “Just say that I will not see anyone during my seclusion, that’s the rule.”
"yes."
After the order was issued, Qixia Garden finally regained its former tranquility. But Wang Yi knew that this was only temporary. As long as she remained in this position and as long as she still had influence, she would inevitably be coveted and courted by various forces.
A few days later, Li Chengqian visited Wu Meiniang at Qixia Garden (Wu Meiniang was allowed to come, citing "pregnancy care" as the reason). During their conversation, Li Chengqian casually mentioned, "I heard that the Master has recently closed his doors to visitors, even turning away people from the Prince of Wei's residence?"
Wang Yi was taking Wu Meiniang's pulse when he heard this and looked up: "Yes. I feel that my cultivation has become somewhat weak recently, and I need to meditate in seclusion for a while."
“I see.” Li Chengqian nodded, but a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. “However… the other day, the Prince of Wei mentioned to the Emperor that he wanted to ask the Master to point out some geographical issues in the ‘Kuodi Zhi’. The Emperor has already agreed.”
Wang Yi's heart sank. Since Li Shimin had agreed, she couldn't refuse.
“Since it is His Majesty’s decree, I will obey it,” she said calmly. “It will only be after my seclusion ends.”
"How long will the real person go into seclusion?"
"It will take anywhere from one month to three months," Wang Yi said, "depending on the progress of your cultivation."
Li Chengqian breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. I will explain to the Prince of Wei."
Wu Meiniang listened quietly to the conversation, then suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, why has the Prince of Wei suddenly become interested in geography? And why does he need a master to guide him?"
The question was direct, and Li Chengqian's expression changed slightly. He knew, of course, that Li Tai's purpose was not just to seek academic advice, but he couldn't say it outright.
“King Wei is intelligent and studious. His compilation of the ‘Kuodi Zhi’ is to speak for the court. It is only right that he seeks advice from a wise man.” He said calmly.
Wu Meiniang didn't press the matter further, but a hint of understanding flashed in her eyes.
After Li Chengqian left, Wu Meiniang whispered to Wang Yi, "Master, be careful. The Prince of Wei's actions are probably not simple."
Wang Yi looked at her: "You noticed too?"
"Although I have only been in the palace for a short time, I have heard some things," Wu Meiniang said softly. "The Prince of Wei is favored by His Majesty and has been granted permission to establish a literary academy, which is already a great honor. Now he needs to consult the Master. If the Master's guidance is effective and the 'Kuodi Zhi' is successfully compiled, His Majesty will surely praise it greatly. At that time..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear—at that time, the King of Wei's prestige would greatly increase, posing a threat to the Crown Prince's position.
Wang Yi remained silent. Of course, she knew all this. Historically, Li Tai had indeed once threatened Li Chengqian's position as crown prince, even prompting Li Shimin to consider changing the heir apparent. Although Li Chengqian's position as crown prince was ultimately not shaken, the rift between the brothers was irreparable.
Now, because of her presence as a variable, the situation may be even more complicated.
"What suggestions do you have?" Wang Yi asked Wu Meiniang.
Wu Meiniang pondered for a moment: "In my opinion, a master can offer guidance, but must be careful not to overdo it. He should demonstrate his knowledge to please His Majesty, but he cannot become too involved and allow the Prince of Wei to use this opportunity to grow powerful. Ideally... His Highness the Crown Prince should also be involved."
"Involve the Crown Prince?"
“Yes.” Wu Meiniang’s eyes gleamed with wisdom. “The ‘Kuodi Zhi’ is a geographical book, but it is closely related to agriculture, water conservancy, transportation, and even military affairs. His Highness the Crown Prince is in charge of agricultural improvement and road construction, and he has studied these areas. If His Highness the Crown Prince can guide the Prince of Wei together with the Master, he can not only demonstrate his elder brother’s demeanor, but also take the initiative.”
Wang Yi's eyes lit up. This suggestion was indeed ingenious. Involving Li Chengqian would not only prevent her from taking sides alone, but also enhance the Crown Prince's prestige and allow him to keep an eye on Li Tai.
"Good idea," Wang Yi said approvingly. "I will suggest it to His Majesty."
Wu Zetian smiled and said, "It's good that I can help you, Master."
Wang Yi looked at her, inwardly impressed. This woman was not only intelligent but also possessed political acumen. If guided properly, she could indeed become Li Chengqian's capable assistant.
But she also had a hidden worry—would Wu Zetian's ambition one day get out of control?
Suppressing this thought, Wang Yi began to consider how to make this suggestion to Li Shimin. He wanted to make it sound natural, not forced; ideally, he would bring it up smoothly during a discussion of the *Kuodi Zhi*.
The opportunity came soon.
A few days later, Li Shimin came to Qixia Garden for dinner. During the meal, he indeed brought up the matter of the Prince of Wei asking him about geography.
“Qingque (Li Tai’s nickname) has recently been compiling the ‘Kuodi Zhi’ and has encountered some difficulties. He would like to ask you for advice.” Li Shimin said, “I have already granted your request. Once you finish your seclusion, you can go and give him some guidance.”
Wang Yi put down her chopsticks and smiled, "Your Majesty, compiling a geographical treatise is a great undertaking. If it is successfully completed, it will benefit future generations. I am willing to do my part. However..."
"But what?"
"In my opinion, geography is a vast and profound subject that cannot be fully explored by one person alone," Wang Yi said slowly. "His Highness Prince Wei is intelligent, but he is still young and has limited experience. His Highness the Crown Prince, on the other hand, has been in charge of agricultural improvement and road construction in recent years and has a practical understanding of the geography, products, and transportation of various places. If we could invite His Highness the Crown Prince to participate in the guidance, the brothers could work together to compile a more complete and practical gazetteer."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's eyes flashed with appreciation: "You're right. Chengqian has indeed grown a lot over the years and is familiar with local affairs. Letting the brothers work together will not only enhance their relationship but also allow them to learn from each other."
He paused, then smiled and said, "You've thought of everything."
Wang Yi knew with certainty that his suggestion had been adopted.
Sure enough, the next day Li Shimin issued an edict ordering Crown Prince Li Chengqian and the Protector of the Nation to assist Prince Wei, Li Tai, in compiling the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land).
The imperial decree elicited reactions from both the court and the public.
The Crown Prince's faction breathed a sigh of relief—this prevented Wang Yi from contacting the King of Wei alone and also gave the Crown Prince the opportunity to participate in the national cultural project.
Although the Wei King's faction was somewhat disappointed, they could not object—after all, it was reasonable for the Crown Prince to participate.
When Li Tai received the imperial decree, his expression was complex. He understood that this was his father's attempt to maintain balance, and he also understood that his plan to enhance his prestige through Wang Yi had been disrupted.
However, he could not express his dissatisfaction, so he could only respectfully accept the order and say, "It is my honor to be able to learn from the Master together with my elder brother."
In this way, a potential crisis was cleverly resolved.
Wang Yi continued her "seclusion," but she knew in her heart that this was only a temporary peace. The conflict between Li Chengqian and Li Tai was structural—as long as Li Shimin's favor towards Li Tai remained undiminished, and as long as Li Tai himself was talented and ambitious, the struggle for the throne would not stop.
She, however, must be even more careful not to become a pawn for either side.
The best approach is to remain neutral while secretly helping the Crown Prince consolidate his position—after all, Li Chengqian is the rightful heir apparent, and helping him is tantamount to maintaining stability in the court.
As for Wu Meiniang... Wang Yi looked at the pregnant woman who was taking a walk in the courtyard and had a new plan in mind.
This intelligent woman could perhaps become her eyes and ears in the Eastern Palace, helping her to better grasp the situation and balance the interests of all parties.
The premise is to ensure Wu Zetian's loyalty and to ensure that her ambition does not get out of control.
This is yet another game that requires careful planning.
Wang Yi took a deep breath and returned to his study. The table was covered with various documents—those concerning agriculture, medicine, construction, and preparations for the upcoming compilation of the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land).
She spread out paper and pen and began to plan her next step.
The cicadas outside the window were still chirping noisily, but inside Qixia Garden, everything was serene and peaceful.
The game continues, and she must proceed with extreme caution.
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