Chapter 107 The Scepter Shifts, New Tides Emerge
Time flows eastward like the Wei River, silently yet powerfully washing over the palace walls and the hearts of people in Chang'an. The brilliance of the Zhenguan era still shines on the Tang Dynasty, but the emperor who steers the ship has gray hair at his temples, and although the sharpness between his brows has not been completely worn away, it has also been tinged with the weariness of the years and deeper contemplation.
Li Chengqian's power base grew increasingly strong over the years. He and Wu Zetian had two more sons and a daughter, all intelligent and healthy, especially their second son, Li Xian, who was exceptionally quick-witted and much loved by Li Chengqian. In the Eastern Palace, the number of offspring increased. Apart from the few sickly princes from his early years (one had already died, and the remaining two remained frail, living under the careful care of the imperial physicians and the Crown Prince's "special attention"), the children of several noblewomen also grew up safely. Although they didn't receive as much attention as Wu Zetian's children, they still held a place in the royal family. Li Chengqian's attitude towards his children was quite methodical: he poured his heart and soul into educating Wu Zetian's children; he showed extreme "love" to the sickly princes, showering them with rewards and care to appease their maternal families; and he maintained a moderate level of affection for the other princes and princesses, preserving a superficial balance.
In the previous dynasty, under the guise of "official reform," "equal taxation," and "encouraging agriculture and commerce," he continuously and subtly weakened the privileges of aristocratic families, promoted capable officials from humble backgrounds, and gradually consolidated real power in the hands of the Crown Prince and his cronies. The imperial examination system was continuously improved, becoming the primary ladder for scholars from humble backgrounds to advance, challenging the monopoly of aristocratic families over high-ranking positions. At the local level, policies to investigate hidden households and curb land annexation faced significant resistance, but under the strong impetus of the Crown Prince's faction, progress was made in some key areas. The aristocratic families remained powerful, but their arrogance, capable of influencing the court and threatening imperial power, had been gradually suppressed by Li Chengqian over several years.
However, even the most meticulously planned schemes inevitably leave traces. Li Chengqian's undisguised vigilance and continuous suppression of the aristocratic families ultimately aroused unease among some of the most astute and powerful individuals. Among them, the most intense and profound reaction came from Changsun Wuji.
This current prime minister and the emperor's brother-in-law was once the crown prince's staunchest supporter and the empress's elder brother, deeply intertwined with the interests of the Eastern Palace. However, in recent years, he has gradually sensed that the crown prince's attitude towards him, and even towards the entire Changsun family, is undergoing a subtle and dangerous shift.
The most obvious signal was that the Crown Prince was firmly opposed to marrying Princess Chang Le, Li Lizhi, to Changsun Wuji's eldest son, Changsun Chong.
Li Lizhi was the beloved daughter of Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) and Empress Zhangsun. She was beautiful, gentle, and renowned for her virtue. Logically, a marriage between her and her maternal uncle's family would be a natural choice, strengthening the ties between the Zhangsun family and the imperial family. Emperor Taizong was initially quite interested. However, Li Chengqian strongly dissuaded her, arguing that "my cousin is young and his ambitions are unsettled; he may not be a good match for Lizhi" and that "Lizhi's marriage should be based on her own wishes." He even argued this point before the emperor. Ultimately, after Li Chengqian's insistence and Princess Changle's own choice of a young official from a middle-class family but with both talent and good character, Emperor Taizong could not resist his beloved son and daughter and reluctantly agreed to the marriage.
This matter caused quite a stir in the court and among the people. Changsun Wuji outwardly expressed understanding and congratulated the princess on finding a good match, but inwardly he was seething with turmoil. He knew his nephew all too well. Li Chengqian was by no means a man of emotion; his resolute opposition to this seemingly "win-win" marriage could only mean one thing: in his future plans, the Changsun family was likely no longer an ally, and might even… be an object to be guarded against or eliminated!
Recalling the Crown Prince's various tactics towards aristocratic families in recent years, his vigorous promotion of those from humble backgrounds, and his intentional or unintentional alienation or rejection of certain political views, Changsun Wuji felt a chill run down his spine. The Crown Prince was clearly aiming to completely break free from dependence on traditional powerful clans (including in-laws) and create a new court entirely dominated by imperial power and supported by pragmatic individuals from humble backgrounds! And his Changsun family, as the largest in-law and powerful clan, had clearly become a potential obstacle on the Crown Prince's path to consolidating imperial power.
"Once the rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked; once the birds are gone, the bow is put away..." Changsun Wuji murmured to himself in his study late at night, facing the flickering candlelight, a trace of sorrow and determination flashing in his eyes. He could not sit idly by and wait for death; he had to find a new way out for his family.
The Crown Prince was no longer a reliable option. His Majesty the Emperor was getting old and increasingly reliant on the Crown Prince, making it unrealistic to expect him to check and balance the Crown Prince. So, the remaining choice... His gaze turned to the harem, to the young princes.
Prince Wu, Li Ke, though talented, is hampered by his sensitive maternal lineage (daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui) and lacks close ties with the Crown Prince, making him unlikely to gain significant influence. The other princes are even younger, and their maternal families are not prominent. Only Prince Jin, Li Zhi, though young (still a boy at this time), is kind, filial, and gentle. He is the youngest son of Empress Zhangsun, and has a natural blood bond with his maternal uncle. More importantly, Li Zhi has not yet shown strong political ambition, making him easier to support and influence.
A thought began to grow rapidly in Changsun Wuji's mind: rather than waiting for the Crown Prince to take action against the Changsun family in the future, it would be better to... secretly support Prince Jin, Li Zhi, to secure a way out for the family, and perhaps... one day in the future, there might be an opportunity...
He knew this idea was extremely dangerous, tantamount to making an enemy of the Crown Prince, and could even trigger a new round of succession struggles. But for the sake of his family's continuation, he had no choice but to take the risk. The Crown Prince's ruthlessness towards aristocratic families and his lust for power made him see no bright future for the Changsun family in the new dynasty.
From then on, Changsun Wuji became increasingly discreet and cautious, showing greater "cooperation" with the Crown Prince in court affairs, even occasionally offering suggestions that aligned with the Crown Prince's thinking to lull him into a false sense of security. However, secretly, he began using his position as prime minister and his connections to pave the way for Prince Jin, Li Zhi: selecting learned and reliable teachers for him, guiding him to explore moderate governing philosophies, and providing appropriate care and guidance when Li Zhi occasionally visited the palace to pay his respects or participate in court activities. Simultaneously, he secretly contacted aristocratic officials and some conservative veterans who were dissatisfied with the Crown Prince's policies or felt similarly threatened, forming a loose alliance ostensibly to "maintain court stability" and "prevent the excessive power of maternal relatives or commoners," but in reality, secretly favoring Prince Jin.
These actions were extremely secretive. Li Chengqian's attention was mainly focused on continuing to suppress the main forces of the aristocratic families and controlling the overall situation in the court, and he did not notice his uncle's secret shift for the time being. As for Emperor Li Shimin, although he keenly sensed that there seemed to be a new undercurrent brewing in the court, he was not clear about where it was heading. In addition, he was getting old and his energy was not as good as before, so he turned a blind eye to many things as long as they did not threaten the foundation.
In Qixia Garden, Wang Yi observed all of this with a detached eye. She saw Li Chengqian's increasingly stable power and clear policy direction, and also vaguely sensed Changsun Wuji's imperceptible estrangement and new calculations. The inertia of history seemed to be disrupted at a certain point (Li Lizhi did not marry into the Changsun family), but it quietly returned on another level (Changsun Wuji turned to support Li Zhi).
She continued to visit the palace regularly, chatting with Li Shimin and reporting on trivial matters. The topic of "Penglai" was tacitly avoided by both of them. Li Shimin seemed completely absorbed in his final responsibilities as emperor, ensuring the smooth handover of the prosperous era he had built to his successor. Wang Yi, after her unsuccessful attempt to probe, also temporarily suppressed her desire. Her obsession with bringing Li Shimin "back" remained, but the risks of forcing it were too great; she needed to wait for a more suitable opportunity, or… explore other possibilities.
Spring has returned to Chang'an, with willow catkins fluttering and peach blossoms in full bloom. On the surface, all is peaceful and prosperous; the Crown Prince's regency is increasingly adept, and the Emperor reigns with relative ease. But beneath the surface, the undercurrents stirred by the transfer of power and the redistribution of interests never cease. The seeds planted by Changsun Wuji are quietly sprouting in the most hidden soil. And Li Chengqian, the heir apparent soon to the center of power, will he be able to perceive this potential threat from his closest confidant and defuse this new crisis that could shake the very foundations of the nation?
The center of gravity of the scepter has shifted imperceptibly. A new tide is gathering power in the unseen depths of the sea. The end of the Zhenguan era is destined to be anything but peaceful.
Spring breezes have once again turned the willows of Chang'an green, and the peonies in the Imperial Garden are in full bloom, but the air in the Imperial Study of the Liangyi Hall feels more stagnant than in previous years. Li Shimin leans against a cushioned couch, a memorial in his hand, his gaze somewhat unfocused, falling on a pear blossom peeking out from the eaves outside the window. The pear blossom is as white as snow, almost transparent in the sunlight, reminding him of a similar blossom that Guanyinbi had once worn in her hair many years ago.
The eunuch tiptoed in and whispered, "Your Majesty, Prince Jin has come to pay his respects."
"Oh? Zhinu is here? Let him in." Li Shimin withdrew his gaze, a genuine gentleness appearing on his face. Of all his children, Li Zhi, being the youngest and naturally kind and filial, was the one he loved most in his later years.
Li Zhi entered lightly, dressed in a light blue prince's casual robe, which accentuated his upright posture. Although he still looked like a young man, much of the childishness had faded from his brows, replaced by a more composed demeanor. He respectfully bowed and greeted the emperor, his words sincere, showing concern for his father's well-being.
Li Shimin invited him to sit closer and inquired about his recent reading progress and whether he had any questions. Li Zhi answered each question meticulously, citing classical texts. While his answers weren't particularly insightful or unique, they were respectable and demonstrated good upbringing and a certain level of scholarly knowledge. Even more commendable was his occasional citation of the views of Changsun Wuji or several highly respected senior officials when discussing certain governing principles, emphasizing "benevolence," "virtue," and "not disturbing the people." His words revealed a deep admiration and commitment to upholding the "prosperous Zhenguan era established by his father."
A few years ago, Li Shimin might have found these words somewhat abstract, lacking the drive and insightful perspective of his Crown Prince Chengqian. But now, advanced in years, his energy waning, and having endured the pain of fratricide and the loss of his beloved son, his state of mind was vastly different. Listening to his youngest son gently expounding on the principles of "maintaining the status quo" and "bringing peace to the people," and seeing the genuine filial piety and obedience in his eyes, Li Shimin felt a rare sense of comfort and tranquility.
Chengqian was undoubtedly capable, and his methods were becoming increasingly shrewd, managing the court affairs with remarkable efficiency. However, at times, the overly intense lust for power in Chengqian's eyes and the occasional cold calculation towards the aristocratic families he revealed made his father, Li Shimin, feel a vague unease. The foundation he had established needed a strong and enterprising successor, but it also needed someone who knew how to protect and cherish this hard-won "governed world." Chengqian was like a sharp, overtly gleaming sword, while Zhinu... perhaps more like a piece of warm jade, capable of tempering that excessive sharpness?
The thought flashed through his mind only briefly, and Li Shimin quickly suppressed it. The heir apparent had been decided, Chengqian had not committed any major offenses, but rather had made outstanding contributions. He could not shake the foundation of the nation because of his momentary feelings. However, a seed of affection for his young son and a vague agreement with his ideals had been quietly planted in his heart.
After paying his respects, Li Zhi chatted with his father, the Emperor, for a while before respectfully withdrawing. As he left the Liangyi Hall, the gentle and respectful demeanor on his face gradually faded, and a depth beyond his years flashed in his eyes. He was no longer an innocent child. The subtle guidance from his uncle, Changsun Wuji, and the implicit closeness and expectations from some officials around him made him vaguely aware that he seemed to have been drawn into a silent game. He didn't covet that supreme position, but he also knew that his status as the youngest son of the legitimate wife was, in some people's eyes, a resource, a... possibility.
The Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian's study.
He had just finished listening to the Ministry of Revenue's report on this year's spring tax collection and frowned at the "minor" delays and "unexpected" losses in several powerful clans' territories. He was used to these tricks; they were nothing more than disguised resistance and probing. As he pondered how to give the leading families a warning, his trusted advisor quietly presented him with a secret report.
The secret report summarized recent opinions within the court. Besides the usual veiled criticisms of the Crown Prince being "too harsh" and "undermining benevolence," some new and more intriguing arguments emerged: some began openly praising the virtues of a "conservative ruler," emphasizing that "inheriting the father's legacy is about maintaining stability and prosperity," and even subtly linking "certain young, promising, benevolent, and gentle members of the imperial clan" with the virtues of "benevolence and conservatism." Although no names were directly named, the targets were obvious.
What made Li Chengqian's eyes turn slightly colder was that the secret report mentioned that recently, Prince Jin, Li Zhi, had significantly increased the number of "chance encounters" and "consultations" with Changsun Wuji, and that Prince Jin's remarks in some informal occasions were quite consistent with some of Changsun Wuji's recent political views.
“Changsun Wuji…” Li Chengqian tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a dull sound. His feelings for this uncle had always been complex. He was grateful for his early support, but he was also well aware of the power-hungry nature of the Changsun family as a core representative of the Guanlong Group. In recent years, although the Changsun family had not been directly impacted by Li Chengqian's continued suppression of other aristocratic families, they had clearly felt the pressure and become increasingly cautious. Li Chengqian had initially thought this was a sign of being pragmatic, but now it seemed… they were seeking another way out?
So they've set their sights on Zhi Nu? A cold smile curled at the corner of Li Chengqian's lips. Zhi Nu? The younger brother he always remembered as somewhat timid and needing protection? Was Changsun Wuji grasping at straws, or... did he genuinely believe Zhi Nu was a promising talent, even someone who could be used to keep him in check?
"Investigate," Li Chengqian whispered to his advisors. "Find out who has been frequently visiting the Prince of Jin's residence lately, what they said, and what they did. Especially... those related to the Changsun family. Remember, keep it secret."
"yes."
After his advisors left, Li Chengqian sat alone in his study, his face grave. He hadn't expected that the first cold arrow from behind might come from his uncle. Was it because of Lizhi's marriage? Or was it because his attitude towards the aristocratic families over the years had made the Changsun family feel a complete crisis?
He wasn't afraid of Changsun Wuji. With the power and influence he currently held, if he were to take action, the Changsun family might not fare well. The problem lay in Changsun Wuji's special status: he was the Empress Dowager's elder brother, a trusted prime minister of the Emperor, with deep roots in the court and numerous protégés and associates. Moving against him would have far-reaching consequences, inevitably causing a violent upheaval in the court and potentially even arousing the Emperor's suspicion—after all, the Emperor had maintained a favorable attitude towards the Changsun family in recent years and clearly favored Zhinu.
More importantly, if Changsun Wuji were to truly promote Zhinu as his banner, even if Zhinu himself had no ambition, it would be enough to attract those who were dissatisfied with the Crown Prince's policies or feared the Crown Prince's further centralization of power to gather around him, forming a new political force that, under the guise of "upholding tradition" and "being lenient and conservative," actually opposed his governing approach. This would be more troublesome than directly confronting the strong resistance of the aristocratic families, because it would occupy the high ground of "morality" and "family ties."
"Benevolent and conservative?" Li Chengqian sneered. Without his "strict" suppression of powerful families, rectification of officialdom, and promotion of commoners over the years, where would the "governed world" come from? Those powerful families who hold positions without doing their jobs, annex land, and conceal populations, do they even deserve to talk about "benevolence"?
But he also knew that he couldn't say such things publicly. Political struggles are often not about who is more right, but about who can win people's hearts and minds and who has the upper hand in public opinion.
“Zhi Nu…” Li Chengqian closed his eyes, a complex mix of emotions rising within him. He harbored no ill will towards this younger brother, and even showed him extra care because he was the Empress Dowager's youngest son. But he would never allow anyone, including this younger brother, to become a pawn in his path, especially to be used by an ambitious man like Changsun Wuji.
He had to take action. He needed to curb Changsun Wuji's clandestine activities, but he couldn't appear aggressive and damage the brotherly relationship (at least on the surface). He also couldn't let his father think that he couldn't tolerate his younger brother.
In the days that followed, Li Chengqian's response unfolded quietly.
On the one hand, he intensified his "care" for Prince Li Zhi of Jin. He bestowed more generous rewards, inquired more frequently about Li Zhi's studies and daily life, and even deliberately brought Li Zhi to participate in some less sensitive political discussions on several public occasions, demonstrating "brotherly affection and respect," and praising Li Zhi as "benevolent, filial, pure, and virtuous, possessing the qualities of an ancient gentleman." He wanted everyone to see that he, as the elder brother, cared for his younger brother, and that the Prince of Jin's growth was inseparable from the Crown Prince's support. At the same time, this was also an implicit declaration: the Prince of Jin was under the wing of his elder brother, the Crown Prince.
On the other hand, he skillfully refuted and guided the emerging "maintaining the status quo" rhetoric in the court. He instructed trusted officials to write articles for official channels, explaining that "founding an enterprise and maintaining the status quo complement each other" and that "the prosperous Zhenguan era was the result of continuous innovation and progress," emphasizing that the current "reform and elimination of abuses" was precisely for the purpose of "better maintaining the status quo." As for the few officials who jumped out to talk about "benevolence" and alluded to the Crown Prince's "strictness," he impeached them through the Censorate on grounds such as "empty talk harms the country" and "lack of practical knowledge," or transferred them to sinecure positions, thus curbing their influence.
Li Chengqian refrained from taking direct action against Changsun Wuji for the time being. Instead, he showed even greater "respect" and "reliance" on his uncle's opinions in some unimportant political matters, even proactively assigning several thorny tasks that were likely to offend people but aligned with the general direction of "rectification" to Changsun Wuji or his confidants. He wanted to keep Changsun Wuji busy with affairs, leaving him no time for anything else, while simultaneously putting him under pressure—if he handled it well, it would be attributed to the Crown Prince's skillful personnel selection; if he messed it up or caused a backlash, the responsibility would lie with Changsun Wuji himself.
These methods, subtle yet insidious, were meticulously planned and executed. They demonstrated the Crown Prince's magnanimity and skill while effectively suppressing any emerging disturbances. The commotion in the court seemed to gradually subside, at least on the surface.
However, Changsun Wuji was, after all, a shrewd and calculating man. He sensed the Crown Prince's retaliation and became increasingly discreet and patient in his actions. His interactions with the Prince of Jin became more covert, often using intermediaries or inconspicuous methods to convey information or exert influence. He was no longer in a hurry to achieve quick results, but instead began to patiently cultivate the "foundation" around the Prince of Jin, instilling his ideas, fostering relationships, and waiting for the right opportunity.
Caught between his elder brother and uncle, Li Zhi's feelings grew increasingly complex. He instinctively felt close to and respected his brother, yet he couldn't completely reject his uncle's care and guidance. His brother's displayed strength and control put pressure on him, while his uncle's hints of another possibility and his philosophy of "benevolence and maintaining the status quo" left him somewhat confused and...with a faint sense of anticipation? He didn't know how deep the vortex he had been drawn into, but he subconsciously became more cautious in his words and actions.
What wrong have these innocent children done? Yet they have been quietly pushed onto the chessboard of power, becoming pawns secretly wagered by one side.
In Qixia Garden, Wang Yi, through her own channels, vaguely learned of this new undercurrent surrounding Prince Li Zhi of Jin. She sighed inwardly; the inertia of history was ultimately powerful, and the connection between Changsun Wuji and Li Zhi seemed to be intertwined once again in a different form. Only this time, Li Chengqian was not the loser of history; he was more assertive, more vigilant, and more cunning.
This new power struggle is not about right or wrong, but about the clash of power and ideologies. And is the seemingly gentle and harmless Prince Li Zhi truly ignorant, or has he unknowingly been molded into another veiled knife, possibly aimed at the Eastern Palace?
Spring deepens like the sea, and beneath the bustling prosperity of Chang'an, the undercurrents of power surge and churn in more clandestine ways. Li Chengqian sits calmly on his post, his gaze sharp; Changsun Wuji lays low, waiting for his opportune moment; while the young Prince of Jin, Li Zhi, stands at a crossroads of fate, unaware of where his path will lead. The game is intricately shifting, and deadly intent is hidden beneath a facade of brotherly affection.
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