Chapter 24: The Disintegration of the Retired Emperor's Power and the Anxious and Distressed Consort Yang
Within Qixia Garden, the surface appeared calm, but beneath the surface, undercurrents had become a sharp blade in Wang Yi's hand. After confirming that someone had poisoned the plants with incense, Wang Yi did not make a fuss. Instead, he used the excuse of being "weak and needing to rest" to further reduce his direct contact with the outside world. At the same time, he maintained a highly synchronized information exchange with Li Shimin through the only and most secret channel.
The first thing she gave Li Shimin was a carefully selected and "rationalized" list and analysis. The list included several officials who had been purged in the early years of the Zhenguan era, either because of their close association with Li Yuan, their own corruption and arrogance, or their serious conflicts with Li Shimin's new policies. These included a certain member of Pei Ji's faction (who was impeached and dismissed in history), a certain prince of the imperial clan (who was stripped of his title in history for illegal activities), and a few generals who held real power but outwardly obeyed Li Shimin but inwardly defied him (who were transferred or wrongfully punished in history). Wang Yi's analysis did not directly point out what would happen to these people in the future. Instead, it was packaged with metaphysical concepts such as "overseas observation techniques" and "intertwined fates." Combined with her observations (actually historical memories) of these people's recent words and deeds and the abnormalities in their interpersonal networks (such as their close ties with Tai'an Palace, the strange expansion of their family businesses, and the complaints of their subordinates), she pointed out that they "have a hidden air of decline," "may tarnish His Majesty's reputation for new policies," and "may be too deeply entangled with certain 'old shadows' in the palace (alluding to Tai'an Palace)."
This list and analysis closely matched some of the intelligence and underlying concerns that Li Shimin himself possessed, and were even clearer and more forward-looking. Li Shimin was amazed by Wang Yi's "insight into the heavens" and felt that the two were of one mind and deeply sympathized with the predicament he faced.
Following this, Wang Yi began to offer specific "open strategies." Many of these strategies were originally methods used by Li Shimin himself or his advisors (such as Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui) in history. However, after Wang Yi reinterpreted and repackaged them using modern management science and the philosophy of struggle, and presented them with the logic of "going with the flow, engaging with the orthodox, and winning with the unorthodox," they appeared incomparably brilliant and "the way of the king" in Li Shimin's eyes.
Strategy 1: Audit the funds and supplies to make an example of them.
Wang Yi suggested: "Your Majesty's new policies prioritize clean governance. Under the pretext of this spring's inspection of local granaries and audit of last year's tax revenue and expenditure, select upright and incorruptible censors or Ministry of Revenue officials with minimal entanglements with various factions to form inspection teams. These teams should focus on verifying the accounts of the individuals on the list and their associated prefectures and government offices. There's no need to pre-determine charges; simply investigate strictly according to the law. The corrupt will inevitably be exposed, and the honest will prove their innocence. This is a transparent and aboveboard strategy that can both rectify official corruption and replenish the national treasury, while also deterring those who are restless. Furthermore, it allows us to observe reactions from all sides and lure out the culprits." This is almost a replica of Li Shimin's early efforts to rectify official corruption, but Wang Yi systematized and targeted it, imbuing it with the strategic purpose of "luring out the culprits."
Strategy Two: "Opening up channels for discussion" in political affairs is actually a means of sowing discord and weakening the government.
Wang Yi further stated: “In the court, there may be those who band together for mutual support and resist the new policies. Your Majesty could establish ‘small political meetings’ outside of the regular court sessions, summoning officials of different factions and seniority in turn for individual or small-group consultations on specific political matters. Your Majesty should treat them with sincerity, show trust, and inquire about their professional insights. This move can: firstly, broaden the scope of good advice; secondly, make those officials excluded or marginalized from the inner circle feel valued; and thirdly, break down existing alliances of interest—when everyone feels they have the opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty and talent to Your Majesty individually, the original close alliance is more likely to loosen from within.” This is also a distillation of Li Shimin’s skill in accepting advice and dividing powerful ministers, which Wang Yi summarized as “structured individual communication to break down informal organizations.”
Strategy 3: Create "catfish" to stimulate vitality (in-depth version).
Wang Yi reiterated the "catfish effect," but this time with greater specificity: "Your Majesty could select several key positions or areas under the jurisdiction of officials on the list, and publicly select or promote young officials with limited experience but genuine talent and few ties to the old forces to serve as deputies or special envoys. Grant them certain powers of investigation and advice, and publicly express your expectation that they will 'be courageous in taking responsibility and eliminating long-standing abuses.' The very existence of these 'catfish' will put pressure on the original supervising officials, forcing them to either invigorate themselves and achieve results, or expose more problems in the process of suppressing the 'catfish.' The actions and reports of the 'catfish' will also provide Your Majesty with information from another perspective." This combines the imperial system of checks and balances with the modern organizational management concepts of "creating competitors" or "establishing parallel reporting lines."
Li Shimin was astonished by Wang Yi's suggestions. He felt that Wang Yi not only understood him but also possessed a wisdom that transcended his time and directly addressed the core of the problem. These "open strategies" were upright and aboveboard, yet incredibly effective, perfectly aligning with his desire to be a wise ruler while firmly maintaining control over power. He adopted almost all of them and quickly put them into practice.
Thus, in the second year of the Zhenguan era, the imperial court, amidst a series of seemingly routine administrative actions, was actually conducting a targeted and subtle purge led by the emperor. An audit storm swept through, uncovering evidence of corruption and dereliction of duty against several targeted officials or their cronies; the deliberative council meetings led some centrist officials to align themselves with the emperor, revealing some internal discord within the old guard; the activity of these "catfish" officials kept several key veteran ministers busy, revealing numerous weaknesses in their positions.
In this process, Wang Yi acted as a top-tier strategic advisor hidden behind the scenes, precisely detonating historical "landmines" that needed to be cleared through Li Shimin, the ultimate executive officer. Whenever Li Shimin encountered specific difficulties or obstacles in implementation, a conversation with Wang Yi at Qixia Garden always provided him with new insights or psychological support. Wang Yi's comforting and encouraging words, infused with modern psychological techniques, made Li Shimin feel that she was the only person who truly understood his ambitions and hardships.
Naturally, Li Shimin spent increasingly more time at Qixia Garden. Whenever there was no trouble at court, he would come lightly dressed to discuss politics, play chess, enjoy tea, or simply watch Wang Yi blend incense and read. Although Wang Yi still identified herself as a "true person" and wore simple Taoist robes, the intimacy and tacit understanding between the two had long surpassed the ordinary. Li Shimin practically regarded this place as his only haven and source of wisdom when not dealing with state affairs. He rarely visited the other concubines in the harem, except for necessary routine visits (especially to Empress Zhangsun, where he maintained a facade of respect).
This "exclusive favor" quickly caused a huge uproar in the harem. The most resentful and jealous was none other than Consort Yang (historically known as Consort Chao, but referred to here as Consort Yang), the former wife of Prince Qi, Li Yuanji, and now in Li Shimin's harem. She was already sensitive due to her awkward position (her brother's wife becoming a concubine), and confident in her beauty and noble birth (of the Hongnong Yang clan), she initially received some favor. However, after Wang Yi appeared, especially after his "resurrection" as the "Protector of the Nation," Li Shimin's heart clearly shifted. Now, he spent months lingering at Qixia Garden, leaving her with very few opportunities to even meet the emperor.
Consort Yang blamed everything on Wang Yi. She believed this woman of unknown origin had first caused the death of Prince Qi (she may not have loved Li Yuanji much, but his fate was changed as a result), and now she was stealing her favor and future. Many of the rumors circulating in the palace about Wang Yi being a "wicked sorceress" and a "seductress who bewitched the emperor" originated from Consort Yang and her entourage. Now, seeing that Wang Yi not only enjoyed the emperor's favor but also seemed to be able to influence the court, with Li Shimin listening to her every word, Consort Yang's resentment grew like poisonous weeds.
"A hen that can't lay eggs, a Taoist nun who pretends to be a shaman, do they even deserve to monopolize His Majesty's favor?" Consort Yang gritted her teeth in the palace, smashing the jade cup beside her. "Empress Zhangsun is magnanimous and won't touch you, but I'm not so kind! Just wait and see, Qixia Garden... there will be a time when you can't stay there any longer!"
She began to actively contact other concubines and eunuchs who were dissatisfied with Wang Yi, secretly gathering all information about Qixia Garden and Wang Yi, searching for any possible leverage to bring them down. She may even have vaguely sensed the hatred towards Wang Yi from the Da'an Palace and began to consider whether she could use their power against them.
Within the imperial harem, undercurrents surged once more due to Wang Yi's exclusive favor. While Empress Zhangsun maintained a facade of calm and magnanimity, the hidden pain and helplessness in her heart, faced with Li Shimin's almost open devotion, likely deepened. She had tacitly accepted Wang Yi's presence, never anticipating such a situation of near-exclusive favor. Meanwhile, in the court, the purges indirectly instigated by Wang Yi continued, involving an increasing number of stakeholders, and voices of opposition and questioning (not necessarily directly directed at Wang Yi, but at the new policies and the purges) were secretly gathering.
Wang Yi herself remained firmly seated in Qixia Garden, enjoying Li Shimin's unreserved trust and favor while coldly observing the various changes in the court and harem caused by her. She was well aware that she was now the target of everyone's attacks, but she was also confident that, with her historical foresight, modern methods, and Li Shimin, who seemed to be her most secure backer at the moment, she was capable of dealing with the open and covert attacks from all sides.
"Consort Yang..." Upon hearing the veiled reminder of the rumors from her trusted palace maid, Wang Yi merely stirred the ashes in the incense burner, a cold smile curving her lips. "Historically, her ending wasn't good. If she were smart, she should have kept to herself. If she insisted on running into trouble..." She didn't finish her sentence, but the sharp glint in her eyes showed that she was by no means a pushover.
As the purge of the court draws to a close, jealousy has ignited in the harem. Wang Yi's strategic maneuvering in the Tang Dynasty is venturing into increasingly complex and dangerous waters. How will her unique relationship with Li Shimin, built on intellectual resonance and emotional dependence, influence the course of history? Everything remains to be seen.
The night at Qixia Garden was bathed in soft candlelight. Wang Yi had just finished a game of chess with Li Shimin, narrowly winning by half a point. Far from being annoyed, Li Shimin clapped his hands and laughed, praising her improved chess skills and quick wit. After laughing, he pulled Wang Yi close, letting her lean on his shoulder, enjoying the rare tranquility and warmth.
Wang Yi sighed softly, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible grievance and worry.
"What's wrong?" Li Shimin keenly sensed, looking down at her. "Are you feeling unwell again? Or... are there some rumors in the palace bothering you?"
Wang Yi shook her head slightly in his arms, raised her eyes, and those eyes, which were usually either cold or wise, were now shimmering with a shallow luster, carrying a rare, dependent tenderness: "Shimin, I...am I too immature?"
Li Shimin was taken aback: "What makes you say that?"
“I know you treat me well, and you only have eyes for me.” Wang Yi’s voice was even lower, with a nasal tone. “But you are the emperor, and this harem… is not just for me. The empress is virtuous and has taken good care of me, and the other sisters… also need your consideration. Especially Consort Yang… I heard that she has been depressed lately, and there are many complaints in the palace, saying that I… monopolize the emperor’s favor.”
She paused, buried her face in Li Shimin's chest, and said in a muffled voice, "Shimin, I'm afraid. I'm afraid that if things continue like this, the harem will be in turmoil, and it will make things difficult for the Empress. I'm even more afraid... afraid that someone will be like that back then..." She seemed unable to speak, her body trembling slightly, "Back then, Prince Qi... and His Highness the Crown Prince... I, I only said a few more words to you, and I caused such a disaster, was forced into the palace, and almost... Now, Consort Yang... she is still a former associate of Prince Qi. If she harbors resentment because of me and does something... I, I really don't know what to do." She cleverly connected the past incident (Li Yuanji instigating Li Jiancheng to advise Li Yuan to forcibly bring her into the harem) with the potential threat posed by Consort Yang now, both reminding Li Shimin of Consort Yang's "past offense" and the possible danger, and highlighting her own innocence and fear.
This demeanor was completely different from Wang Yi's usual calm, wise, and even occasionally superior strategist image. At this moment, she was entirely a dependent woman, afraid of conflict, thinking of the greater good yet suffering greatly. This stark contrast greatly satisfied Li Shimin's psychology as a man and protector. He was already filled with pity and guilt towards Wang Yi because of her "sacrifice" (miscarriage, serious injury, infertility) and her "selfless" contributions to the court (maps, strategies). Seeing her so "sensible" yet so "helpless," his heart softened completely.
He held her tightly, his chin resting on the top of her head, and said in a deep voice, "Don't be afraid. With me here, no one can harm you in the slightest." A cold glint flashed in his eyes, "Yang... I also know a thing or two about what happened back then. If she behaves herself, I will give her honor. If she dares to cause trouble..." The unfinished words already revealed a hint of murderous intent.
“No, Shimin.” Wang Yi gently tugged at his sleeve, looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, and pleaded, “I don’t want you to start another conflict because of me, and I don’t want to see the harem in discord because of me. You are a wise ruler, and you should prioritize the well-being of the nation. Peace in the harem is a blessing for the dynasty. I just… I just want to ask you to occasionally visit your other sisters, especially Consort Yang. If she receives your favor and her resentment subsides, she will naturally no longer see me as a thorn in her side. I… I only ask to be able to stay peacefully by your side, even if we have less time together, it’s better than living in constant fear. I also don’t want you to bear the reputation of ‘favoritism leading to the downfall of the country’ because of me.”
These words perfectly demonstrated Wang Yi's magnanimity, understanding, and consideration for him. Li Shimin was deeply moved, feeling that Wang Yi truly cared for him in every way, even at her own expense, to maintain harmony in the harem and his reputation as a wise ruler. At the same time, she subtly "reminded" him again of the potential threat posed by Consort Yang.
"My dear minister... you always think of me so much." Li Shimin sighed and kissed her forehead. "Alright, I will listen to you. It's just that you've been wronged."
Wang Yi smiled through her tears and nestled into his arms: "I'm not wronged. Knowing that you have me in your heart is enough for me."
After this tender moment, Li Shimin indeed began to consciously "spread his favor evenly," increasing his visits to the palaces of other concubines, especially Consort Yang. He didn't actually have much of an impression or affection for Consort Yang herself; taking her in was more about appeasing the Hongnong Yang clan and winning over the former subordinates of the Prince of Qi (also a show to the world, demonstrating his tolerance). Now, after hearing Wang Yi's words, he harbored more scrutiny and a desire to exploit Consort Yang.
Therefore, when Li Shimin visited Consort Yang's palace, although his attitude was not particularly warm, he bestowed generous gifts upon her and occasionally allowed her to stay overnight, showing her superficial respect. He even deliberately showed a degree of indulgence towards Consort Yang's "straightforwardness" (actually arrogance) on certain occasions, tacitly allowing her to be outspoken in some minor matters within the harem. For example, when Consort Yang complained about insufficient rations, he casually promised to increase them; when Consort Yang gained the upper hand in a quarrel with other lower-ranking concubines, he never investigated further.
To Consort Yang, who was already blinded by jealousy and ambition, all of this meant that her beauty and cunning had finally attracted the emperor back, that he was beginning to change his mind, and that he might even value her more because of Wang Yi's inability to bear children (if she could give birth to a prince...). She was completely unaware that in Li Shimin's eyes, she had become a deliberately placed "target."
Li Shimin's thinking was clear: Wang Yi was now the apple of his eye and an indispensable strategist; he absolutely could not allow her to become a target of open and covert attacks in the harem. Consort Yang, with her flamboyant personality, illustrious family background, and the controversy surrounding her status as the "former Princess of Qi," was already prone to attracting attention. Now, with a little more "favor" and indulgence, Consort Yang would inevitably become even more domineering, drawing most of the jealousy and discontent in the harem to her. Those schemes originally targeting Wang Yi might very well turn to this more arrogant and more enemy-making "new favorite." Meanwhile, Wang Yi, using the reputation she gained from "advising the emperor to distribute his favors evenly" and the emperor's covert protection, could continue to "recuperate" and devise strategies in the relatively quiet Qixia Garden.
"Two kinds of people can't sleep in the same bed." Li Shimin occasionally recalled Wang Yi's comment about Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, and a cold smile crept onto his lips. Consort Yang and Li Yuanji had been husband and wife; this woman's temperament and methods probably shared some similarities. Using her as a shield was the most suitable option.
As expected, with Li Shimin's "equal distribution of favors" and apparent special "affection" for Consort Yang, the winds of change in the harem subtly shifted. Consort Yang, smug and increasingly arrogant, interfered with the distribution of provisions, the treatment of palace servants, and even the other concubines, frequently making veiled criticisms of Wang Yi, accusing him of "putting on airs" and "losing favor after failing to win the emperor's heart." Some concubines who were initially jealous of Wang Yi directed their discontent towards the rising star and arrogant Consort Yang. Even some neutral harem members expressed reservations about Consort Yang's behavior.
Empress Zhangsun observed all of this with perfect clarity. She could see that Li Shimin had no genuine affection for Consort Yang; his seemingly indulgent behavior was more like a deliberate attempt to undermine her. Although she still harbored resentment towards Wang Yi's favor, she disliked Consort Yang's shallow and flamboyant nature even more. She was happy to see Consort Yang draw attention to herself and continued to maintain her aloof empress demeanor, though her attention to Qixia Garden remained undiminished.
Inside Qixia Garden, Wang Yi listened to the palace servants report the latest "excitement" in the harem, a faint smile playing on her lips. Everything was as she had predicted. Consort Yang had indeed "lived up to expectations," successfully attracting the hostility of the vast majority of the harem. As for her, she remained comfortably behind the scenes, enjoying Li Shimin's increasingly profound feelings (due to pity and intellectual resonance), while continuing to observe the court's movements and plan her next move.
“Consort Yang, oh Consort Yang,” Wang Yi gently stroked the mutton-fat jade bracelet on her wrist, a gift from Li Shimin years ago, now a silent token between them, “enjoy this ‘favor’ as it is. The higher you stand, the harder you might fall.” She wasn’t in a hurry to deal with Consort Yang herself; that would be too obvious. What she wanted was to use Li Shimin, the power dynamics of the harem, and even Consort Yang’s own personality to guide her step by step toward her destined end. And she would only need to give her a gentle push at the right time, or… watch quietly.
As the purges of the previous dynasty neared their end, Li Shimin's authority grew increasingly consolidated. Consort Yang, the "new favorite" of the harem, was immersed in a false sense of glory, completely unaware that she had become the target of everyone's ire. Meanwhile, Wang Yi, whom Li Shimin truly cherished, entrusted with trust and power, was like a master chess player, calmly arranging every corner of the chessboard. Beneath this seemingly balanced facade of "equal distribution of favors," the court in the early years of the Zhenguan era was seething with increasingly complex human relationships and calculations. Wang Yi's survival strategy in the Tang court had evolved from passive defense and evasion to active guidance and control. And the complex relationship between her and Li Shimin, a mixture of genuine affection, manipulation, intellectual resonance, and physical attraction, became even more solid and…dangerous.
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