Chapter 26 Consort Yang is Pregnant
Autumn in Qixia Garden always possesses a more tranquil elegance than in other palace gardens. Wang Yi, dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe with cloud patterns, without makeup, her long hair loosely tied in a Taoist bun, adorned with the short black jade hairpin given to her by Li Shimin (which she often wore in private), sat by the window, an open scroll of "memoranda" she had written from memory, recorded using special symbols and simplified characters. It was categorized into sections, including reviews of key historical moments from the third to fourth years of the Zhenguan era (such as the intensification of internal conflicts within the Turkic Khaganate, natural disasters, and the timeline of Li Jing's northern expedition), as well as some simple technologies that could be used in this era (such as improved agricultural tools and rudimentary water conservancy designs), the distribution of resources (combined with map information), and personality analyses and relationship diagrams of important figures, all compiled based on her modern knowledge.
Her fingertips slowly traced the line "Turks-Jieli-Tuli," her mind racing through historical records. The third and fourth years of the Zhenguan era were a crucial period in the Eastern Turkic Khaganate's decline from its peak. The conflict between Jieli Khan and his nephew Tuli Khan (the Lesser Khan) became public, compounded by years of snowstorms and internal discord, which provided Li Jing with the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Yinshan with six thousand elite cavalry, destroying the Khaganate in one fell swoop. She knew that Li Shimin would inevitably take action against the Turks; this was a crucial battle to secure the northern border of the Tang Dynasty and the pinnacle of his personal military prestige. Her task was not to change the outcome of the war, but to ensure, at the right time and in the right way, that Li Shimin would complete it more resolutely and efficiently, thereby reaping the greatest political and strategic benefits.
“Logistics is key,” she muttered to herself, adding a few strokes under the entry for “Northern Expedition,” “especially winter warfare’s need for warmth and the efficiency of supply transport…” She recalled how Li Jing’s light cavalry was able to achieve a surprise attack, which, besides its bold tactics, probably relied on thorough prior material preparation and accurate intelligence. Perhaps she could “guide” the discovery of terrain information near the border, making it easy to establish concealed supply points, based on the results of “map analysis”? Or, under the guise of “health preservation and cold protection,” could she “develop” some portable, high-energy marching rations (such as prototypes of fried noodles and meat floss)?
As she pondered, familiar, deliberately soft footsteps approached from outside the garden. Wang Yi's expression shifted slightly, and with a flick of her finger, the rolled-up "memorandum" silently slipped into the depths of her wide sleeve. Her usual composure returned, even carrying a hint of weariness characteristic of the frail, as she raised her hand to pour herself a cup of warm medicinal tea.
Li Shimin appeared at the door. He was not wearing court robes today, but only a black casual robe with a jade belt around his waist. Although there was a hint of fatigue between his brows, his eyes were still sharp and clear. He waved away the palace servants who wanted to announce his arrival and walked straight in. When he saw the slender figure by the window, his gaze softened involuntarily.
"Are you pondering your incense ceremony again? Or those health-preserving formulas?" Li Shimin approached and naturally sat down on the futon opposite her, his gaze sweeping over the empty table in front of her, except for a cup of tea.
Wang Yi nodded slightly and pushed another cup of tea that had been prepared in front of him: "Autumn is dry, drink some pear syrup tea to moisten your lungs. Your Majesty seems to have left court a little early today?"
"Well, the general strategy for the Northern Expedition has been decided, and the details will be discussed by the Ministry of War and several generals." Li Shimin picked up his teacup, the rising steam blurring his sharp eyes. "However, there are always some voices in the court saying things like 'A long expedition might harm the foundation of the nation,' and 'The Turks have been subdued, so we should offer them compensation.' It's quite noisy." His tone was calm, but Wang Yi could hear the suppressed impatience in it.
She didn't immediately address the controversy surrounding the Northern Expedition, but instead subtly shifted the subject, seemingly unintentionally saying, "I've recently been reading some old travelogues and came across records of the harsh cold of the north, especially during the transition from autumn to winter, when blizzards are common, making travel difficult for people and horses. I've also heard that the nomadic tribes of the grasslands follow the water and pastures, with fixed winter pastures. If heavy snow covers the grasslands, the cattle and sheep freeze to death, a matter of life and death." She paused, then looked up at Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, do you know how the snow conditions have been on the northern grasslands last year and this year? Are those tribes... having an easy time?"
A glint of light flashed in Li Shimin's eyes. He was certainly paying attention to intelligence from the northern border, knowing that the grasslands had suffered severe snow disasters last winter and drought this spring, resulting in significant livestock losses for many tribes and widespread discontent within them. This was especially true for the smaller tribes whose strength had been weakened, who were increasingly dissatisfied with Jieli's practices of forcibly requisitioning supplies and transferring losses. Wang Yi's mention of this at this moment was by no means accidental.
"What you mean, my dear minister, is..."
“I am not knowledgeable in military affairs, but I feel that the time is on Your Majesty’s side.” Wang Yi gently blew on the tea foam. “If the grassland tribes are preoccupied with their own problems and internal strife breaks out again… perhaps this is the time for our people on the borders to catch their breath, or even… to make a difference. Those courtiers who advocate ‘compensation’ may only see the Turks’ superficial ‘submission’ but fail to see their underlying ‘weakness’ and ‘instability’.”
These words, seemingly based merely on speculation from "travelogues" and "common sense," precisely struck at the core of Li Shimin's strategic considerations—to exploit the natural disasters and internal strife within the Turkic Khaganate. He gave Wang Yi a deep look, and that feeling of "understanding each other" welled up within him once more. She always managed to pinpoint the crux of the matter from seemingly unrelated details.
"What you say, my dear minister, is very much in line with my thoughts." Li Shimin put down his teacup, his voice lowering slightly. "However, the opportunity for war is fleeting, and the preparations are numerous and complex. I have made up my mind that by next spring at the latest, we will see the outcome." A chilling killing intent, the kind only seen on the battlefield, flashed in his eyes. "As for the noise in the court... Hmph, it's nothing more than some people who have been living in comfort for too long and have forgotten what war is, or they have some unclear and ambiguous interests with the north."
Wang Yi timely revealed a hint of concern: "Your Majesty's decisiveness is undoubtedly brilliant. However... before the army moves, provisions must go first. Transporting supplies in the north is difficult, and with autumn and winter approaching, unforeseen circumstances may arise. I recall that the map seems to mark several hidden valleys and abandoned beacon towers in the Hedong and Shuofang areas. The terrain is treacherous but close to water sources; perhaps... these could serve as temporary granaries or transit points? Your Majesty might consider having those who interpret maps examine those places carefully." She offered a very specific and seemingly reasonable suggestion, but in reality, she was "guiding" Li Shimin to discover and utilize geographical information that was beneficial for logistical planning.
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's spirits lifted: "Oh? Is that so? I will have them investigate thoroughly later!" The more he looked at Wang Yi, the more he felt that she was an inexhaustible treasure trove. Not only was she exceptionally knowledgeable, but she was also meticulous and thoughtful, always able to provide unexpected assistance when he needed it.
The two then chatted for a long time about the northern climate, possible marching routes, and logistical preparations. Wang Yi consistently used "overseas observations," "ancient records," or "geography is essential for health preservation" as pretexts to offer framework-based suggestions, never overstepping his bounds to interfere in specific military affairs, yet always providing Li Shimin with inspiration. As dusk approached, Li Shimin reluctantly rose to leave, his thoughts on the Northern Expedition becoming increasingly clear, and his reliance on Wang Yi deepening.
A glimmer of hope on the edge of oblivion and a long-term scheme
While Li Shimin and Wang Yi were discussing the state of the world at Qixia Garden, in a secluded courtyard in the northwest corner of the palace called "Jingsi Garden" (actually near the Cold Palace), Consort Yang (at this time still known as Yang Pin) was experiencing a journey from despair to ecstasy, and then to unease.
Having been demoted here for just over a month, the former luxury and liveliness seemed like a distant memory. The number of palace servants around her had dwindled from dozens to a mere four or five, mostly disgruntled or newly transferred strangers, their attitude respectful yet distant. Her allowance remained, but it was vastly different from before. What tormented her even more was the endless loneliness and fear of the future. She cursed Wang Yi day and night, resented Li Shimin's ruthlessness, and regretted her past flamboyance.
Until that morning, a sudden wave of nausea and dizziness gave rise to an absurd hope within her. She dared not utter a sound, but secretly sent her only remaining close maid to find a familiar (and expensive) imperial physician. When the physician, after taking her pulse, respectfully exclaimed, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, it is a pregnancy pulse, nearly two months along," Consort Yang felt a surge of heat rush to her head, instantly overwhelming all her resentment and fear.
She's pregnant! She actually got pregnant at this time! This is a turning point given to her by God, the only straw she can grasp in her desperate situation!
After the initial euphoria came a deeper calculation. She knew that pregnancy alone wouldn't guarantee an immediate turnaround. The emperor disliked her, the empress disliked her, and Wang Yi was, in her opinion, eyeing her with predatory intent. She had to make good use of this child. She suppressed the urge to immediately announce it, instead feigning illness, claiming she needed rest and refusing visitors (in reality, no one came), only allowing the imperial physician to secretly check on her regularly to ensure the fetus was healthy. She was waiting, waiting for the right opportunity, or… waiting until her belly grew larger and could no longer be concealed.
However, there are no secrets in the palace. Although the visits of the imperial physicians were kept secret, the sudden increase in the amount of tonics used in the "Quiet Contemplation Garden," and the fact that Consort Yang's "illness" fluctuated without the summoning of more imperial physicians for consultation, all these anomalies still attracted the attention of the Shanggong Bureau. The news eventually reached the ears of Empress Zhangsun of the Lizheng Hall.
When Empress Zhangsun first heard the news, she was personally sewing the lining of a winter coat for Li Shimin. The needle paused slightly, leaving an almost invisible red dot on her fingertip. She put down her needle and thread, took the secret report handed to her by the female official, and quietly read it.
"Go and summon the Imperial Physician." Her voice was calm and even. "On the grounds that I am concerned about the health of the concubines in the harem, I request that the Imperial Physician personally go to the 'Quiet Contemplation Garden' to take Consort Yang's pulse. Remember, examine her 'carefully'."
"Yes." The female official accepted the order and left.
Empress Zhangsun picked up her needle and thread again, but remained motionless for a long time. Consort Yang was pregnant… This was indeed a variable. She disliked Consort Yang's character, but she cared more about the stability of the royal offspring and the peace of the Emperor's harem. If this child was born, whether a prince or a princess, it would change Consort Yang's situation and might also cause new waves. Especially… what would the one in Qixia Garden do if she found out? She thought of Wang Yi's always calm and composed face, yet seemingly able to see through everything, and a trace of doubt flashed through her mind.
The imperial physician's diagnosis was quickly presented: the pregnancy was indeed positive, and the fetal condition was currently stable.
Empress Zhangsun pondered for a long time before finally picking up her pen and personally drafting a report to the Emperor. She objectively stated Consort Yang's pregnancy and current situation, without adding any personal judgment, only routinely requesting instructions at the end: "How should she be arranged? Your Majesty, please make your decision." She chose to leave the decision to the Emperor, thus fulfilling her duty as Empress while avoiding direct involvement in potential conflicts. At the same time, she ordered that, according to palace regulations, the allowances and servants for a pregnant concubine be allocated to Consort Yang, but she did not immediately restore her rank and privileges—she was waiting for the Emperor's reaction.
When this report, along with the imperial physician's medical records, was delivered to the Liangyi Hall, Li Shimin had just escaped a heated debate about the provisions for the Northern Expedition, and his brow still bore the lingering irritation. Unfolding the report and seeing the words "Consort Yang is pregnant," his first reaction was not joy, but rather an annoyance at being disturbed.
He put down the report and rubbed his temples. Madam Yang… that foolish, flamboyant woman. The aftermath of the previous incident hadn't subsided, and her family had just quieted down somewhat after their setback, and yet she, of all people, had become pregnant at this crucial moment. The arrival of this child would bring no warmth whatsoever; instead, it would be like a pebble thrown into calm water, destined to create unnecessary ripples.
He almost immediately thought of Wang Yi. He pictured her pale, sorrowful face when she lost her fertility due to a miscarriage and severe injuries, and the undisguised pain in her eyes when she mentioned the word "child." Guilt and pity surged into his heart like a tide. Then, a thought naturally arose—since Wang Yi could no longer have children, and Yang Shi was unfit to be a good mother, why not give this child…
The idea quickly took shape in his mind, imbued with a strong sense of compensation and political consideration. In his view, it seemed like a "good idea" that would achieve multiple goals at once. It would both make up for his debt to Wang Yi (by giving her a child), completely sever any possibility of Yang Shi gaining power through her son, and arrange a "suitable" tutor for this unpopular prince (Wang Yi's knowledge and character clearly far surpassed Yang Shi's). As for Yang Shi's own feelings and the bond between mother and son? These seemed insignificant in the face of the emperor's weighing of power and sense of guilt.
So, he took what he considered a "proper" plan to Qixia Garden and presented it directly to Wang Yi. He thought that, given Wang Yi's "deep understanding of righteousness" and "deep affection" for him, she might hesitate a little, but would eventually understand and accept this "generous gift."
However, Wang Yi's reaction was completely unexpected. Her earnest words about "blood ties," "motherly hardships," and "unwillingness to take away what belongs to another" were like a bucket of cool spring water, awakening something deep within him that had been obscured by imperial thinking and feelings of guilt. He suddenly realized how cold-hearted and presumptuous his suggestion had been, completely ignoring the most basic human emotions.
Seeing Wang Yi's tearful yet still gentle and kind appearance, Li Shimin was filled with complex emotions—a sudden realization that she had been awakened, a deeper sense of guilt (that he had actually wanted to "compensate" her in this way), admiration for her noble character, and an indescribable tenderness mixed with pity and respect. Almost with a sense of "atonement," he immediately abandoned his original plan and accepted Wang Yi's "suggestion" in its entirety.
Thus, the imperial edict was issued to restore Consort Yang's rank and status, allowing her to focus on her pregnancy.
When the imperial decree reached the "Quiet Contemplation Garden," Consort Yang was leaning against her couch, anxiously stroking her lower abdomen. When the eunuch reading the decree read "restoring her to her imperial status," she almost wept with joy, barely managing to hold back her emotions. After kowtowing in gratitude for the emperor's grace, she accepted the decree, clutching it tightly to her chest, as if holding onto all her hopes.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty still cares about you, he must be thinking of the imperial heir..." The personal maid flattered softly.
Consort Yang shook her head, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She regained her composure faster than she had expected. The Emperor hadn't come in person, nor uttered a single kind word; he had simply restored her previous treatment. It seemed more like a routine matter, or perhaps… only for the sake of the child. But regardless, she had risen again! With the title of Consort and the child, she now had the leverage to fight for power once more!
"Pack your things, let's go back." Consort Yang stood up, still thin, but her back was straight, and a flame rekindled in her eyes. "Wang Yi...you just wait. This time, I have my child to protect me, let's see what you can do to me!" She attributed the emperor's "favor" entirely to the child in her womb, and therefore, her hatred for anything that might "threaten" her child's position (especially Wang Yi, who had "caused" her to lose power) was even deeper.
When Wang Yi, residing in Qixia Garden, heard from palace servants that Consort Yang was "grateful and moved back to her original palace," she simply hummed in agreement and asked no further questions. She walked to the corridor, gazing at the yellow leaves beginning to fall in the courtyard, her eyes deep and thoughtful.
Yang Fei's resurgence was within Wang Yi's expectations. This child might temporarily protect Yang Fei, but it also firmly bound her to the role of "mother," restricting her actions and making her goals clearer (protecting the child and fighting for the child's interests). In the short term, Yang Fei's attention would be focused on pregnancy and childbirth, and her outward aggression might decrease (at least on the surface). This was not necessarily a bad thing for Wang Yi.
As for Li Shimin's absurd idea of "transferring the child"... a barely perceptible sneer appeared on Wang Yi's lips. He was, after all, an emperor, and his thinking was always heavily influenced by politics and compensation, often neglecting the most basic human sentiments. However, after this incident, Li Shimin's understanding of her "kindness" and "magnanimity" would be even deeper, and this guilt and respect would become an even stronger shield for her.
“My child…” Wang Yi subconsciously stroked her lower abdomen, flat and firm, yet it had borne the weight of a life from another time. She thought of her daughter in modern times, whose features resembled Li Shimin, and her heart softened for a moment before returning to calm. “The chaos here is ultimately not your world. Your mother is here, and I still have a long game to play.”
She turned and went back inside, taking out the "memorandum" again. Under the entry for "Imperial Harem - Consort Yang," she added, "She became pregnant in the autumn of the third year of Zhenguan and was reinstated." Then, her gaze fell on another page of the memorandum, where there were several names and years written with special symbols. One of them was circled lightly by her: "Wu Mei, daughter of the Duke of Ying, entered the palace around the eleventh year of Zhenguan."
“The eleventh year of Zhenguan… eight more years.” Wang Yi murmured, her eyes gleaming with inquiry and anticipation. “The future Empress, I really want to see what you look like soon. Until then… let this harem continue to play out according to the established script. As for me…” She closed the memo and looked out at the deepening twilight, “It’s time to add fuel to the fire for the upcoming Northern Expedition.”
Autumn winds swept through the courtyard, swirling up fallen leaves and carrying the faint sound of war drums from the north. On the chessboard of the imperial court, Wang Yi, the player, had already placed new pieces, awaiting the coming storm.
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