Chapter 62 The Full Moon Banquet Turmoil
Li Xiang's full moon banquet was held in the Lizheng Hall, which was Empress Zhangsun's idea—it was mainly a family banquet, with no outside officials present, only members of the imperial family, concubines, and a few important officials and their families.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere at the banquet remained delicate. All eyes were on the one-month-old baby, and even more so on Wu Zetian holding the child, Li Chengqian sitting in the main seat, and Wang Yi sitting below Li Shimin.
Today, Wang Yi wore an elegant light blue palace dress, her hair simply styled with only a jade hairpin, which only accentuated her refined and aloof demeanor. She sat to the right of Li Shimin, a position deliberately arranged to show her special status without overstepping her bounds.
Before the banquet began, Empress Zhangsun held Li Xiang and showed him to everyone. The child was dressed in bright red baby clothes, with wide, dark eyes, and was neither crying nor fussing; he was very endearing.
"What a blessed child," Empress Zhangsun said to Li Shimin with a smile. "Your Majesty, look how much his eyebrows and eyes resemble Chengqian's when he was a child."
Li Shimin took the child, examined him carefully, his eyes full of affection: "He does indeed resemble him. I hope that he will become a pillar of the Tang Dynasty like his father in the future."
These seemingly ordinary words prompted different thoughts among those present. "Like his father"—did it mean becoming the crown prince like Li Chengqian, or becoming the emperor like Li Shimin? Different interpretations represented different stances.
Li Chengqian rose and bowed: "Your Majesty, you flatter me. I only wish for his safety and health, and that he may be able to contribute to the Tang Dynasty in the future."
These words were spoken humbly and appropriately, and Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction.
When it was Wang Yi's turn to look after the child, she took Li Xiang, examined him carefully for a moment, and smiled, saying, "He has a full forehead and a square jaw; he is indeed a blessed child. May he grow up healthy and enjoy lasting good fortune."
As she spoke, she took out a small brocade box from her sleeve: "This is a piece of jade passed down from my sect. Give it to the child to wear to ensure his safety."
Inside the brocade box was a piece of mutton-fat white jade pendant, carved into the shape of a ruyi (a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune), its surface warm and smooth. This was specially prepared by Wang Yi—to show her support for the Crown Prince, without being too valuable to arouse suspicion.
Wu Meiniang quickly thanked the child on behalf of her and carefully put the jade pendant away.
Next was Prince Wei, Li Tai. He stepped forward, looked at the child carefully, and said with a smile, "Nephew, you are very handsome. Your humble brother has prepared a small gift, and hopes that you will like it."
He gifted his nephew a set of the Four Treasures of the Study—a sandalwood brush holder, a Duan inkstone, Huizhou ink, and a Huzhou brush, all exquisitely crafted and of considerable value. This gift was not only befitting his status as a "scholarly prince," but also hinted at his expectations for his nephew—hoping he would become a learned man in the future.
But the underlying meaning was clear to all the intelligent people present. The Four Treasures of the Study were for scholars, while the eldest son of the Crown Prince was destined to learn the ways of governing the country. This gift subtly hinted at guiding the child toward becoming a "scholar."
Li Chengqian's expression remained unchanged as he continued to thank him with a smile. However, Wang Yi noticed a hint of coldness flash in his eyes.
Once the banquet officially began, the atmosphere appeared outwardly warm and harmonious. There were song and dance performances, delicious food, and clinking glasses—a scene of celebration.
But undercurrents always flow.
Li Tai frequently toasted Li Shimin, discussing the progress of compiling the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land), showcasing his knowledge and talent. Li Shimin was clearly satisfied with his son's literary skills, nodding in approval on several occasions.
Li Chengqian spent more time conversing with several elder members of the imperial clan, discussing practical matters such as agricultural improvement, road construction, and water conservancy projects. These elders were mostly people who had experienced war and valued practicality, and they greatly appreciated the Crown Prince's pragmatic approach.
Wang Yi sat quietly in his seat, occasionally exchanging a few words with Empress Zhangsun or a few concubines beside him, but spending most of his time observing.
She noticed that although Consort Zheng, Consort Lu, and Consort Xiao also attended the banquet, they were seated relatively far back, a stark contrast to Wu Zetian's front-row position. While the three wore polite smiles, their eyes betrayed their disappointment.
She also noticed that some female members of the imperial family, when speaking with Wu Zetian, displayed a respectful yet probing attitude. Wu Zetian responded appropriately, neither overly intimate nor distant, striking a perfect balance.
Midway through the banquet, Li Shimin suddenly asked Wang Yi, "Master, what do you think of the compilation of the 'Kuodi Zhi'?"
This question was sudden and crucial. All eyes were on Wang Yi.
Wang Yi put down his wine cup and calmly said, "Your Majesty, the 'Kuodi Zhi' compiled under the supervision of Prince Wei is rigorous in its structure, detailed in its research, and of high academic value. After His Highness the Crown Prince participated in the guidance, he added a lot of practical content, making the gazetteer not only readable but also usable. The two princes working together is truly a blessing for the Tang Dynasty."
This statement was impeccable, affirming Li Tai's academic contributions, highlighting Li Chengqian's practical value, and placing the two in a position of "working together".
Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction: "That's right. When brothers are of one mind, their strength can break metal. Chengqian, Qingque, you must continue to cooperate well."
"Your subject obeys the decree," the two replied in unison.
But Wang Yi could see clearly that a trace of unwillingness flashed in Li Tai's eyes, while Li Chengqian breathed a sigh of relief.
The banquet continued, and half an hour later, Li Xiang began to cry, and the wet nurse took him to breastfeed. Wu Meiniang also got up and went to take care of the child.
Just then, a prince of the imperial clan who had close ties with the Prince of Wei's residence, taking advantage of his drunken state, suddenly said to Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, it is truly a joyous occasion to have a son. However, I have heard that the other concubines in the Eastern Palace have not yet given birth. Shouldn't Your Highness also pay more attention to them?"
These words, seemingly out of concern, were actually a veiled provocation. For a moment, the banquet fell silent, and all eyes turned to Li Chengqian.
Li Chengqian remained calm and said, "I appreciate your concern, Uncle. I have my own arrangements for the affairs of the Crown Prince. Today is a celebratory banquet for the baby elephant's one-month birthday, so let's not discuss anything else."
These words both preserved the dignity of the Crown Prince's palace and lightly brushed aside the topic, demonstrating the Crown Prince's composure.
But the prince seemed unwilling to give up, and turned to Li Shimin again: "Your Majesty, I am only thinking of the imperial offspring. It is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty if His Highness the Crown Prince has many descendants."
Li Shimin glanced at him and said calmly, "Chengqian is still young, there is no need to rush the matter of having an heir. Today is a family banquet, so we will not discuss court affairs, let alone the internal affairs of the Eastern Palace."
The tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. The prince felt a chill run down his spine and quickly lowered his head, saying, "Your subject misspoke."
This little incident quickly passed, and the banquet returned to its superficial liveliness. But alarm bells were ringing in Wang Yi's mind—someone was openly sowing discord within the Eastern Palace.
This was just a test. If Li Chengqian didn't handle it well, or if Li Shimin's attitude was ambiguous, there would be more similar actions later.
After the banquet, Wang Yi did not leave immediately, but was kept behind by Empress Zhangsun.
"You've had a hard day, Your Excellency." Empress Zhangsun dismissed everyone else, leaving only the two of them in the inner chamber of the Lizheng Hall.
"Your Majesty is too kind. This is what I should do," Wang Yi said.
Empress Zhangsun sighed softly: "You saw it at today's banquet. Some people have impure intentions."
Wang Yi knew she was referring to that prince and the forces that might be behind him.
"Your Majesty has a discerning eye," Wang Yi said. "However, His Highness the Crown Prince handled the situation appropriately, and His Majesty has also made his stance clear, so there should be no problem."
"It's alright for now." Empress Zhangsun looked at her. "But I'm worried that this is just the beginning. I've watched Qingque grow up and I know he's proud and arrogant. Now that he's favored by His Majesty and is in charge of important cultural and educational matters like the 'Kuodi Zhi,' it's inevitable that he'll have some thoughts."
These words were spoken subtly, but the meaning was clear—Empress Zhangsun had also seen through Li Tai's ambition.
“His Highness Prince Wei is indeed exceptionally talented,” Wang Yi said, carefully choosing his words. “But His Highness the Crown Prince is steady and pragmatic, each with his own strengths. As long as His Majesty and the Empress provide proper guidance, both princes will surely be able to give full play to their strengths and work together to assist the Tang Dynasty.”
"I hope so." Empress Zhangsun rubbed her temples. "Although my health has improved a lot recently, my energy is still not as good as before. There are some things that I will have to trouble you with your help, Your Excellency."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will do my best."
After leaving the Lizheng Hall, Wang Yi encountered Li Chengqian, who had been waiting for him for a long time, on his way back to Qixia Garden.
"Master, thank you very much for today." Li Chengqian bowed solemnly.
"Your Highness, there's no need for you to be so polite." Wang Yi helped him up. "You handled things very well today."
“But those people still found an opportunity.” Li Chengqian’s face was gloomy. “Today they’re trying to sow discord within the Eastern Palace, but tomorrow they might be targeting me directly.”
Wang Yi looked at him: "Your Highness, who do you think was behind today's events?"
Li Chengqian was silent for a moment: "Although that prince has close ties with the Prince of Wei's mansion, there is no evidence. Moreover, even if there were evidence, it cannot be stated openly. After all... he is my younger brother."
These words were spoken with bitterness. Wang Yi understood his feelings—he knew who the opponent was, but because of their brotherhood, he couldn't break off relations.
“Your Highness, some things cannot be rushed,” Wang Yi said gently. “You are the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, and you have the right to rule. As long as you act uprightly and do not make mistakes, those villains will not find an opportunity.”
"But they will slander me before Father!" Li Chengqian suppressed his anger, "saying I disregard brotherly affection, that I am autocratic and dictatorial, that I..."
“Your Highness,” Wang Yi interrupted him, “the innocent will remain innocent. His Majesty is a wise ruler and will see the truth. Moreover, you have the support of the Empress, the support of upright ministers in the court, and even more so... the support of the people of the world.”
She paused, then continued, "Agricultural improvements benefit the people, and paved roads facilitate business and travel. These are tangible achievements. The people have a sense of justice and know who is working for them."
These words calmed Li Chengqian down. He took a deep breath: "The Master is right. I was too hasty."
"Your Highness is still young, and it's normal to have some emotions," Wang Yi said with a smile. "But it's precisely at times like these that you must remain calm. Look at His Majesty; didn't he overcome so many difficulties step by step back then?"
When Li Shimin was mentioned, a complex look flashed in Li Chengqian's eyes. He suddenly asked, "Master, do you think Father Emperor... values me more, or Qingque more?"
This was a sensitive question, but Wang Yi knew he had to answer it seriously.
"His Majesty's feelings for the two princes are different," she said slowly. "For you, it is the expectation of a crown prince and the entrustment of the country. For the Prince of Wei, it is the affection of a father and the appreciation of his son's talent. These two should not be compared."
"But what if a comparison is absolutely necessary?"
Wang Yi looked at him and said seriously, "If we must make a comparison, then there can only be one crown prince. Your Highness is the eldest son of the legitimate wife, the crown prince personally appointed by His Majesty, and the crown prince recognized by the court and the public. This has never changed."
These words gave Li Chengqian immense confidence. He nodded solemnly: "I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Master."
After seeing Li Chengqian off, Wang Yi returned to Qixia Garden late at night. But instead of resting, she spread out paper and pen and began to record everything she had observed that day.
That troublemaking prince needs to be watched.
Li Tai's behavior at the banquet needs to be analyzed.
Li Chengqian's emotional changes need to be addressed.
And then there's Wu Zetian—she behaved appropriately at today's banquet, but facing such a situation during her postpartum recovery period must be quite stressful, and she needs appropriate care.
After writing all that, Wang Yi took out a new sheet of paper and began planning the next step.
First, strengthen the unity within the Crown Prince's palace.
It is suggested that Li Chengqian pay appropriate attention to Consorts Zheng, Lu, and Xiao, giving them some opportunities to handle affairs, alleviating their sense of loss, and at the same time relieving Wu Zetian's pressure.
Second, maintain a balanced relationship with the Prince of Wei's residence.
Continue to participate in the compilation of the *Kuodi Zhi*, but strengthen communication with Li Chengqian to ensure the Crown Prince's leading position. At the same time, guide Li Tai to focus more on academic pursuits and reduce his interference in court affairs.
Third, consolidate its superior position.
Continue to focus on practical matters such as agriculture, water conservancy, and healthcare in your capacity as "Guardian of the Nation," avoiding direct involvement in the succession struggle. However, provide appropriate support to the Crown Prince when necessary.
Fourth, pay attention to the movements of the imperial court.
Through channels such as the Imperial Medical Bureau, the Directorate of Works, and the Ministry of Agriculture, they learned about changes in the attitudes of court officials and gave early warnings of potential risks.
After writing this, Wang Yi put down his pen and rubbed his sore wrist.
Outside the window, the moonlight was as clear as water. The nights of the Tang Dynasty were tranquil and profound, but Wang Yi knew that beneath this tranquility, undercurrents were surging.
Li Tai's ambitions have become apparent, and Li Chengqian's pressure is increasing daily. Li Shimin's attitude will determine the course of this struggle between brothers.
She must be more careful and more alert.
The game has reached a critical moment; one wrong move could lead to total defeat.
But she would not back down. For the stability of the Tang Dynasty, and for everything she cared about in both the Tang and modern times, she had to take every step carefully.
Taking a deep breath, Wang Yi blew out the candle.
Tomorrow will be another new day. And the challenges are just beginning.
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