Chapter 19 The Aftermath of Xuanwu Gate
Li Shimin placed Wang Yi in a side hall of Chengqing Palace, his former residence when he was the Prince of Qin. While not as exquisite as Qinghui Garden, this place was relatively secluded, heavily guarded, and completely under his absolute control. To the outside world, it was only announced that "Lady Mingzhen" had been frightened during the palace coup and needed to recuperate in a secluded place, temporarily refusing to see outsiders. This was both protection and a form of house arrest and control, but under the current circumstances, it was the safest option for Wang Yi.
In the days that followed, Li Shimin demonstrated the swift and decisive actions and meticulous mind of a future emperor. He quickly stabilized the situation in Chang'an, appeased Li Yuan (who was actually under house arrest in the Da'an Palace), and issued an edict in the emperor's name, characterizing the Xuanwu Gate Incident as a rebellion by the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qi, and praising Prince Qin, Li Shimin, for his meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion. Subsequently, Li Yuan, "in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people," issued an edict establishing Li Shimin as Crown Prince and appointing him as regent to handle all military and political affairs. Within a few days, the transition of power was smooth, dissenting voices were quickly suppressed or neutralized, and Li Shimin firmly grasped the reins of the empire.
During this time, Wang Yi recuperated in a side hall of Chengqing Palace, but in reality, she kept a close eye on the outside world. She knew she was safe for the time being, but her situation was delicate. Li Shimin was busy with the aftermath and had no time to care for her, so he sent her nourishing medicines and supplements every day, ensuring that she had enough to eat and wear and that she was safe. She used this time to carefully nourish her body, feel the life that might be growing in her womb, and contemplate the future.
About half a month later, late one night, Li Shimin finally stepped into the side hall of Chengqing Palace. He shed the majesty and weariness of the Crown Prince who had been overseeing the country during the day, but his brows carried a deeper contemplation, as well as a hint of relief that was barely perceptible after seeing that she was safe and sound.
Inside the hall, only a dim palace lantern was lit. Wang Yi, dressed in a plain nightgown with her long hair loose, was reading a medical book by the light (in reality, it was a collection of modern knowledge points she had memorized, disguised in ancient characters). Hearing footsteps, she looked up and calmly met his gaze.
Without many words, the life-or-death pressure of the past few days, the turbulence of the sudden change in the situation, and the complex and unspoken yet deeply intertwined ties between them all transformed into the most immediate needs. Intimacy arose naturally, carrying the assurance of surviving a close call, and a vague yet intense anticipation of the future. This time, there was less calculation and tension than before, and more of a natural intimacy and…a sense of belonging.
After the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped, Li Shimin did not immediately rise to attend to state affairs or leave as usual. He unusually relaxed his tense nerves, embraced Wang Yi, his fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of her hair, but his gaze was fixed on the top of the tent, lost in thought.
After a long silence, his deep voice broke the stillness: "...Some things are really tricky."
Wang Yi's heart stirred slightly, knowing that this was the first time he had approached her with such an almost equal, consultative attitude when discussing politics. She didn't respond immediately, but listened quietly.
"The powerful clans of Shandong have always been deeply involved with the Crown Prince. Now that Jiancheng has been executed, his followers still hold influence in the region, some secretly following, some observing, and some feeling uneasy. If we deal with them too harshly, we fear it will incite unrest; if we appease them too much, we fear they will not restrain themselves and will cause trouble again in the future. This is the first problem." Li Shimin slowly stated the first dilemma.
Wang Yi pondered for a moment, then, combining historical memory with the modern management concepts of "risk control" and "interest integration," said softly, "Has Your Highness considered dividing and treating them differently? The ringleaders and core henchmen should be severely punished to serve as a warning to others. However, most local powerful families only seek family stability and the preservation of their interests. Your Highness could send capable officials, or even personally tour the country, to proclaim the new policies, making it clear that as long as they abide by the law, pay their taxes, and cease their confrontation with the court, past entanglements can be forgiven, and even their original legitimate properties and status can be guaranteed. At the same time, new promotion channels should be opened, such as the imperial examination system and military merit-based titles, to attract their sons and talented individuals to serve the country, thus binding their interests to the court. Furthermore, those with good reputations and less connection to the Crown Prince could be selected and appointed to honorary positions or local advisors as a way to win them over. This is what is meant by using both 'thunderous methods' and 'compassionate hearts,' combining firmness and gentleness to divide and weaken, gradually bringing local forces under the control of the court."
A glint flashed in Li Shimin's eyes as he turned to look at her: "'Divide and conquer,' 'differentiate treatment,' 'align interests'... these words hit the nail on the head. Continue."
"Secondly," Li Shimin continued, "the Turkic Khaganate, Jieli, has heard of our internal turmoil and is already stirring up trouble, with urgent reports from the border coming in daily. However, the court has just been established, and everything needs to be rebuilt. Both military and financial resources need time to recover. If we launch a large-scale military campaign at this time, the national strength may not be able to support it; if we simply endure it, we fear that they will take advantage of our weakness and shake the foundation of the country."
Wang Yi recalled the Wei River Alliance in history, and Li Shimin's subsequent diligent governance and eventual victory over the Turks, and slowly said, "The Turks are nomadic, their livelihood depends on plunder, not on prolonged conflict. Seeing the changes in the Central Plains, they intend to test the waters and seize wealth, not necessarily wage a full-scale war. Your Highness can take a two-pronged approach: Externally, carefully select eloquent envoys familiar with border affairs, carrying substantial gifts to meet with Jieli, speaking respectfully yet firmly, explaining the advantages and disadvantages, and explaining that 'war will harm both sides, while peace will benefit both.'" The strategy is to offer the benefits of trade to temporarily halt their military advance—a delaying tactic. Internally, use this border trouble as a wake-up call to accelerate internal reforms, restore the economy, train soldiers, and oversee the manufacture of weapons. Simultaneously, secretly contact tribes within the Turkic Khaganate that are at odds with Jieli, such as Tuli Khan, offering them benefits to sow discord. Once the country is well-supplied, with a strong army and sufficient provisions, and internal conflicts have intensified, then seize the opportune moment to decisively defeat them. This is what is meant by "appearing gentle on the outside, cultivating strength on the inside," using time to buy space.
Li Shimin listened intently, and unconsciously pulled her closer, praising, "'Delaying tactics,' 'Dividing their forces,' 'Using time to buy space'... Even Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui might not have been able to grasp such profound strategies. And..." He paused, his voice slightly lower, "...How should we deal with... Father Emperor, and veteran officials from the previous dynasty like Pei Ji, in order to both fulfill filial piety and stabilize the court, without leaving any future troubles?"
This involves the most sensitive ethical and political balance. Wang Yi pondered for a moment and said, “Your Majesty (referring to Li Yuan) is His Highness’s father, and also the father of the nation. The outward appearances must be perfect; the titles, the support, the etiquette—all must be impeccable to silence public opinion. This is the banner of 'filial piety,' which cannot be lost. However, his specific power, his access to foreign officials, and his channels for interfering in court affairs must be subtly limited, so that he can enjoy honor without real power. His comfortable palace (such as the Da'an Palace) can be expanded or renovated, and under the guise of 'retiring in peace,' he can be moved there. As for Pei Ji and other important officials from the previous dynasty…” If they are pragmatic and cooperate actively, their position can be retained with a generous salary, but they will be gradually marginalized without real power. If they rely on their seniority and harbor resentment, their mistakes can be found. Such people, having held high positions for so long, will inevitably make oversights. They may be promoted in name only, demoted in reality, or forced to retire, like a frog slowly being boiled in water, without hastily escalating the conflict. The key is to let the world see that His Highness ascended the throne "unavoidably," and that after his ascension, he respected his father and ministers, and was benevolent and magnanimous, but that actual power must be firmly grasped, and the transition between the old and new generations must be smooth.
These words seamlessly blended ethics, politics, and power struggles, conforming to traditional values while containing an extremely pragmatic operational core. Li Shimin listened in silence for a long time, gazing intently at the woman in his arms. Her wisdom, insight, and ability to unravel complex situations once again astonished him, even giving rise to the feeling that "to have this woman is to have a country." This was a vision and skill far beyond that of the women in the harem; she possessed the talent of a "strategist" capable of discussing national affairs and establishing a stable empire with him!
“Wang Yi…” he called her name, his voice filled with unprecedented solemnity and certainty, “With you by my side, how can the world not be at peace, or a prosperous age not flourish?”
Wang Yi met his gaze, but her heart remained largely unmoved. She knew this was a demonstration of her value, and a means to further solidify her position. She lowered her eyes slightly and whispered, "It is a great honor that my humble opinions have reached Your Highness's ears. I only wish... to often accompany Your Highness and do my utmost." These words were half true and half false, expressing both dependence and hinting at expectation.
Li Shimin was filled with emotion and was about to speak again when a palace attendant whispered outside the hall that there was an urgent matter that required His Highness the Crown Prince's decision. He had no choice but to rise. Before leaving, he kissed her forehead deeply and whispered, "Take good care of yourself and wait for me. Once everything is settled, I will give you an explanation."
After Li Shimin left, Wang Yi lay alone on the couch, reflecting on the conversation, and gradually felt at peace. She knew that she had already secured a favorable position in this game of power, not only potentially carrying the child of a future emperor, but also demonstrating political wisdom that would make Li Shimin rely on her.
However, not everyone is happy about this.
Inside the Eastern Palace (now the Crown Prince's Palace), Changsun Linglong learned from her elder brother, Changsun Wuji, about the unusual relationship between Li Shimin and the "Mingzhen Lady" Wang Yi. She even vaguely knew about how Li Shimin openly took her away from their father at Xuanwu Gate. Changsun Wuji spoke with concern, reminding his sister to make plans early. After all, Wang Yi was a mysterious woman with a deep mind, and seemed to be highly regarded by the Prince of Qin (the Crown Prince), making her no ordinary concubine.
Upon hearing this, Changsun Linglong felt a chilling despair wash over her. She had been betrothed to Li Shimin since childhood, accompanying him for many years, respecting and loving him, managing the household affairs, raising their children, worrying anxiously when he went to war, and silently supporting his plans. She had always believed that she was his closest and most trustworthy partner; even if other women were by his side, her status as his principal wife and their enduring love were irreplaceable. Li Shimin had indeed shown her great respect and trust.
However, respect is not the same as love, and trust is not the same as uniqueness. She had always vaguely sensed that Li Shimin's gaze towards her was gentle and appreciative, but lacked some of the passion and infatuation. She once thought that it was due to his personality, or that he was too busy with important matters to have time for romance. She thought she could wait, and slowly cultivate a deeper affection with tenderness and time.
Until Wang Yi appeared.
The details her brother described, and the subtle shifts in Li Shimin's expression when he spoke of "Lady Mingzhen," which she secretly observed, all made her realize that this woman was different. She possessed not only stunning beauty and a mysterious aura, but also a wisdom and ability that seemed to captivate even Li Shimin. Li Shimin's feelings for her were not merely a man's interest in a woman, but also an indescribable admiration, dependence, and perhaps even…love.
"I thought love could blossom over time... but in the end, it all came to naught." Changsun Linglong sat before the mirror, gazing at her still dignified and elegant face, yet one that betrayed her pale and haggard state, and silently shed tears. She felt a profound sense of powerlessness and sorrow. She wasn't a jealous person, and she understood the composure expected of a future empress, but this special affection from her husband's heart—an affection she might never attain—was like a fine needle, deeply piercing her soul.
She knew she couldn't complain, couldn't make a scene, and couldn't even show too much concern. Her status, the honor and disgrace of her family, and even the stability of Li Shimin's empire all required her to remain magnanimous and virtuous. She could only bury this despair deep in her heart and continue to be the virtuous and exemplary Empress Zhangsun.
However, whenever the night is quiet and she thinks about how her husband might be getting inspiration from another woman, finding emotional comfort, or even sharing a world of his inner thoughts that she herself cannot access, that cold despair would spread again.
Wang Yi, residing in a side hall of Chengqing Palace, was not entirely unaware of this. Through limited channels of information, she could deduce Empress Zhangsun's situation and feelings. However, she had no intention of vying for favor; her goals remained clear and "detached." Nevertheless, being in this position and involved in this relationship, she was destined to become a permanent thorn in Empress Zhangsun's side, and an undeniable variable in the future dynamics of the harem and even the court.
Amidst his busy political affairs, Li Shimin kept Wang Yi in Chengqing Palace in mind, and he also never forgot his first wife, Empress Zhangsun. He tried to maintain a balance, giving Empress Zhangsun the same respect and trust as always. He entrusted her with the affairs of the harem and the education of his children. However, on the scales of his emotions, his heart, which had been beating fiercely because of Wang Yi and had become even more compatible with her because of her wisdom, had quietly tilted.
A new era dawned amidst blood and fire, while whirlpools of emotion and undercurrents of power quietly stirred as the curtain of the Zhenguan era was first raised. How would Wang Yi, a woman with a modern soul and clear objectives, continue her path of survival and development amidst Li Shimin's growing reliance on her and complex emotions, Empress Zhangsun's suppressed despair, and the watchful eyes of the inner palace and the court? Everything remained to be seen.
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