Chapter 59 The Way of Balance
After the notice announcing that Qixia Garden was closed to visitors was posted, Wang Yi finally gained a period of peace and quiet. She used this time of "seclusion" to do several important things.
First, she compiled a report on the progress of various tasks accumulated over this period. Agricultural improvements had yielded significant results in the Guanzhong region, with average grain yields increasing by more than 20%, and the Ministry of Agriculture was promoting these improvements to the Hedong and Hebei regions; the cement road from Chang'an to Luoyang was now fully operational, greatly improving the efficiency of merchant and travel travel, and the Ministry of Works planned to begin construction of a main line from Chang'an to Taiyuan next year; in maritime trade, the second fleet had departed from Guangzhou, heading straight for India, and the Maritime Trade Office, overseen by the Changsun family, was functioning well, with customs revenue steadily increasing...
These achievements brought Wang Yi great satisfaction. Although the process was full of challenges, seeing tangible improvements and the benefits to the people made all the effort worthwhile.
Secondly, she began preparing for the compilation of the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land). Having promised to assist Li Tai, she could not be perfunctory. She consulted geographical classics collected by the Imperial Medical Bureau, organized data on local products, climate, and hydrology, and combined this with modern geographical knowledge to sort out some principles that could be understood and applied in this era.
More importantly, she considered how to give Li Chengqian the initiative in assisting with the compilation. Although the Kuodi Zhi is a geographical work, it covers a wide range of topics—mountains and rivers, climate and products, roads and transportation, population distribution, historical evolution, etc. Among these, roads and transportation and agricultural products are areas that Li Chengqian is familiar with.
Wang Yi planned to have Li Chengqian primarily responsible for the compilation and review of these two parts. This would both leverage his strengths and allow him to leave a lasting mark on this cultural project.
Finally, she began to pay attention to Wu Zetian's situation. This pregnant woman was now a crucial link between her and the Crown Prince, and a key figure who could potentially influence the future of the court.
Wu Zetian's pregnancy was past the halfway mark, the pregnancy was stable, and she looked radiant. She still frequently visited Qixia Garden, sometimes staying for half a day at a time. Wang Yi discovered that this young woman was not only intelligent but also had an exceptionally strong learning ability. She grasped many things quickly and could apply what she learned to other situations.
Once, when Wang Yi was organizing the data on water conservancy projects reported from various places, Wu Meiniang watched for a while and suddenly said, "Master, I have discovered a problem."
"What's the problem?"
“These project reports only mention how much manpower and resources were invested and how many dikes and canals were built, but rarely mention the actual results.” Wu Meiniang pointed to several reports. “For example, this water conservancy project in Yangzhou only says that ‘three sluice gates were built and ten miles of waterways were dredged,’ but it doesn’t say how much the irrigated area increased or how much the flood control capacity was improved after the construction.”
Wang Yi's eyes lit up: "You're right. Without an evaluation of the results, we don't know if the investment is worthwhile, or how to improve it afterward."
"I believe we can design a simple evaluation method," Wu Meiniang continued. "For example, one year after the project is completed, we can measure changes in irrigated area, grain yield, number of floods, and losses. By comparing these data with the project's investment, we can see the benefits."
This suggestion was both practical and forward-thinking. Wang Yi immediately adopted it and had Wu Meiniang participate in designing the evaluation forms and standards.
This incident made Wang Yi value Wu Meiniang even more. She began to consciously entrust Wu Meiniang with more complex matters, observing her abilities and temperament.
Wu Zetian did not disappoint her. Whether organizing documents, analyzing data, or making suggestions, she did everything in an orderly and thorough manner.
"It's a pity she's a woman; if she were a man, she would surely be a great ruler," Wang Yi once remarked to Li Chengqian, who had come to visit him.
Li Chengqian deeply agreed: "Meiniang is indeed extraordinary. With her by my side to assist me, I feel much more at ease."
Wang Yi noticed that Li Chengqian's eyes were full of admiration and reliance when he said this. This made her both gratified and wary—gratified that Wu Meiniang could indeed be an asset to the Crown Prince; wary that this reliance might cause Li Chengqian to lose his ability to make independent judgments.
But she didn't say much. Some things, you have to experience and understand for yourself.
Just when Wang Yi thought he could quietly get through this "seclusion" period, an unexpected visitor broke the peace.
That afternoon, a commotion arose outside Qixia Garden. The head palace maid rushed in to report, "Master, His Highness Prince Wei requests an audience."
Wang Yi was taken aback. Li Tai? Why would he come in person? And during the time when she was refusing visitors.
“Just say I’m in seclusion and not receiving visitors,” Wang Yi said.
"I told you, but His Highness Prince Wei said that he was sent by His Majesty to deliver the outline of the compilation of the 'Kuodi Zhi' and ask you to review it." The palace maid said with difficulty, "His Highness also brought several scholars from the Academy of Literature, saying that if it is inconvenient for you, you can have them wait outside the door, and you can look at it whenever it is convenient for you."
These words sound polite, but in reality, they were a coup d'état—she could not disobey the emperor's orders; and having a group of scholars waiting outside would damage her reputation if word got out.
Wang Yi remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "Please wait in the front hall, Your Highness. I will come shortly."
"yes."
Wang Yi changed into formal palace attire and arrived at the front hall. Li Tai had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing her, he immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "It is truly inappropriate to disturb the Master's meditation. However, my father is in a hurry and has instructed me to send the compilation outline as soon as possible for the Master's guidance."
His attitude was respectful, his tone sincere, and he showed no sign of being aggressive. But Wang Yi knew that this King of Wei's thoughts were far more profound than they appeared.
"Your Highness is too kind." Wang Yi took the thick stack of manuscripts. "Since His Majesty has decreed it, I will do my best. However, during my seclusion, my energy is limited, and I am afraid I will not be able to review them in detail."
"It's alright, Master, you only need to take a look at the general framework and offer some suggestions," Li Tai smiled. "In addition, Father Emperor said that my elder brother, the Crown Prince, will also be involved in this matter. I wonder when it would be convenient for the three of us to discuss it together?"
That was a clever question. If Wang Yi said she could do it anytime, it would seem disrespectful to the Crown Prince; if she said she had to wait for the Crown Prince's arrangement, it would seem like she couldn't make the decision herself.
Wang Yi calmly replied, "This matter needs to be decided by His Highness the Crown Prince. After all, His Highness is very busy and his time is precious. Once His Highness has made the arrangements, I will cooperate."
Li Tai nodded: "What you say is true, Master. Then I shall take my leave and not disturb your peaceful cultivation any longer."
He came suddenly and left just as abruptly. But Wang Yi knew this was only the beginning.
Sure enough, a few days later, Li Chengqian arrived at Qixia Garden with a displeased expression.
“The Prince of Wei suggested to Father that the three of us discuss the progress of the compilation of the ‘Kuodi Zhi’ every ten days,” Li Chengqian said. “Father has agreed.”
Wang Yi understood. Li Tai wanted to contact her regularly, creating more opportunities to "seek her advice." Li Shimin agreed, both because he valued this cultural project and because he wanted to see how his two sons could work together.
"What is Your Highness's opinion on this matter?" Wang Yi asked.
"I... think it's feasible." Although Li Chengqian was reluctant, he knew he couldn't disobey his father. "It's just that I'll have to trouble you, Master, to set aside three extra days each month."
Wang Yi pondered for a moment: "Time is not a problem. But Your Highness must remember that you are the Crown Prince and the leader of this project. During the discussion, you must take the initiative and not respond passively."
"What the real person means is..."
“For example, before each discussion, Your Highness can first raise the core issue to be resolved; during the discussion, you should guide the topic; after the discussion, you should make clear conclusions and arrangements for the next steps,” Wang Yi instructed. “In this way, even if the Prince of Wei wants to take the opportunity to show off, he can only do so within the framework set by Your Highness.”
Li Chengqian's eyes lit up: "I understand now. Thank you for your guidance, Master."
“In addition,” Wang Yi paused, “we can have Consort Wu participate in the preparations. She is meticulous and can help His Highness organize information and anticipate problems.”
When Wu Meiniang was mentioned, Li Chengqian's expression softened considerably: "Meiniang is indeed meticulous. She has recently been helping me organize information on local products from various regions, and she has done a very good job."
Wang Yi nodded, but in his heart he thought: Wu Meiniang's involvement can not only help the Crown Prince, but also allow her to better understand the movements of the Prince of Wei, killing two birds with one stone.
The first tripartite discussion is scheduled for ten days from now. The venue is Hongwen Hall, which has a rich collection of books and an elegant environment, suitable for academic discussions.
Wang Yi arrived an hour early to check the meeting setup and confirm the discussion agenda. Li Chengqian also arrived early, bringing a stack of documents prepared by Wu Meiniang.
"Your Highness is very well prepared," Wang Yi said approvingly after reviewing the documents.
“Meiniang helped organize it,” Li Chengqian said. “She categorized the local products according to their importance and also marked their relationship with the geographical environment. It was very organized.”
As they were talking, Li Tai arrived with several scholars from the Academy of Literature. After exchanging greetings, the discussion officially began.
Following Wang Yi's suggestion, Li Chengqian spoke first: "Today we will mainly discuss the compilation style of the Kuodi Zhi. I believe that a gazetteer should be based on practicality, not only recording mountains and rivers, but also paying attention to products, transportation, people's livelihood and economy."
Li Tai smiled and nodded: "Brother is absolutely right. However, geographical records should also be academic, with a rigorous format and detailed research."
The two exchanged words, ostensibly discussing academic issues, but in reality vying for the right to speak.
Wang Yi listened quietly, occasionally interjecting at crucial points to guide the discussion. She found that Li Tai was indeed erudite, quoting classical texts and speaking eloquently; while Li Chengqian, though not as eloquent as his younger brother, was more pragmatic, and his questions were always to the point.
More importantly, Li Chengqian brought with him materials compiled by Wu Zetian, which contained a lot of actual data and cases, making his arguments more convincing.
“For example, in the Guanzhong region,” Li Chengqian pointed to a table, “according to data from the Agricultural Improvement Department, the average grain yield of the fields along the Wei River increased by 30% due to improved irrigation. This shows that geographical records should not only record the course of rivers, but also analyze the potential for water conservancy.”
Li Tai looked at the data, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. He clearly hadn't expected the Crown Prince to prepare such detailed information.
“Brother is right,” Li Tai nodded. “These practical data can indeed make the local history more valuable.”
The first discussion ended in a relatively harmonious atmosphere. Li Chengqian took the initiative, Li Tai demonstrated his knowledge, and Wang Yi played the role of mediator and guide.
After the meeting, Li Tai stayed behind alone to ask Wang Yi a few geography questions. Wang Yi answered them one by one, but always maintained a proper distance.
"Your Excellency is truly learned; I admire you greatly," Li Tai said sincerely. "I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance in the future."
"Your Highness flatters me," Wang Yi said modestly. "I only have a superficial understanding; the truly learned ones are the scholars of the Literary Academy."
She knew she couldn't give Li Tai too many opportunities to be alone with her, lest it arouse unnecessary speculation.
Back at Qixia Garden, Wang Yi summarized the day's discussion. Overall, Li Chengqian performed well, but the subtle tension between him and Li Tai was also evident.
It was a competition between brothers, and even more so, a mutual probing among potential contenders for the throne.
The information prepared by Wu Zetian played a crucial role. This further convinced Wang Yi that he should nurture this woman well and make her an important asset in consolidating the Crown Prince's position.
A few days later, when Wang Yi was instructing Wu Meiniang on how to organize the materials for the next discussion, Wu Meiniang suddenly asked, "Master, do you think His Highness Prince Wei... has any thoughts about the throne?"
This question is direct and also sensitive. Wang Yi looked at her: "Why do you ask that?"
“I have observed the words and actions of the King of Wei during the discussion and found that he not only wanted to show off his knowledge, but also his leadership skills,” Wu Meiniang said in a low voice. “Moreover, the scholars he brought with him, while seemingly discussing academic matters, were actually secretly building up the King of Wei’s reputation, praising his insights and highlighting his talent.”
Wang Yi admired Wu Meiniang's keen insight. Of course, she had noticed these details as well.
"How do you think His Highness the Crown Prince should respond?" Wang Yi countered.
Wu Meiniang pondered for a moment: "In my opinion, Your Highness should play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses. Prince Wei is skilled in classics and history, and Your Highness need not compete with him. Your Highness's strength lies in practical matters and your understanding of the national economy and people's livelihood. You should continue to strengthen this advantage so that His Majesty and the court officials can see that Your Highness not only has knowledge, but also the ability to govern the country."
"Well said," Wang Yi nodded. "So, what do you think should be done specifically?"
“The Compilation of the Gazetteer of the Land is an opportunity,” Wu Meiniang said, her eyes gleaming. “Your Highness can use this opportunity to propose suggestions related to the national economy and people’s livelihood. For example, based on geographical and resource data, propose plans to optimize the agricultural layout; based on transportation geography, propose plans to improve the road network; based on population distribution, propose ideas to adjust administrative divisions…”
She became more and more excited as she spoke: "These suggestions don't necessarily have to be implemented immediately, but they can show His Majesty that Your Highness is not only compiling books, but also thinking about how to use this knowledge to govern the country."
Wang Yi looked at the young pregnant woman and was deeply shocked. Wu Meiniang's thinking had transcended the realm of a concubine; it possessed the vision and strategy of a politician.
“You can share these ideas with His Highness the Crown Prince,” Wang Yi said, “but be careful in your approach and don’t appear too eager.”
"I understand," Wu Meiniang nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, Master."
After that day, Wu Zetian became more actively involved in the preparation of the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land). She not only organized the materials but also offered many constructive suggestions, helping Li Chengqian take the initiative in every discussion.
Wang Yi continued her "seclusion," only appearing when necessary to balance the relationship between the two brothers and ensure the smooth progress of the cultural project, preventing it from becoming a battleground for the succession struggle.
As the days passed, Wu Meiniang's belly grew larger and larger, and her due date approached. Li Chengqian took even better care of her, visiting her at Qixia Garden almost every day.
Wang Yi then began to think about longer-term plans—after Wu Meiniang gave birth and after the compilation of the "Kuodi Zhi" was on track, she might have to go back to the modern world.
The youngest daughter, Chenchen, hasn't been named yet, and the household registration can't be delayed any longer. Besides, she misses Lizhi and Shuyao.
But before returning, she needed to ensure everything was stable in the Tang Dynasty. At the very least, she needed to ensure that Wu Zetian gave birth safely and that the relationship between Li Chengqian and Li Tai wouldn't spiral out of control due to her temporary departure.
The ginkgo leaves outside the window are starting to turn yellow; autumn has arrived.
Wang Yi stood in the courtyard of Qixia Garden, feeling the cool autumn breeze, planning every step that would follow.
The game became increasingly complex, but she also accumulated more and more pieces. As long as she proceeded cautiously, she could eventually find a favorable outcome.
As for the unnamed youngest daughter... Wang Yi looked into the distance, having already made up her mind.
Now that she's back in the modern world, she needs to find a way to get Li Shimin to name Chenchen. Whatever the reason, she has to secure a name for Chenchen from her father.
This is the blessing that she, as a mother, can fight for for her daughter, a blessing that transcends time and space.
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