Chapter 20 Returning to Modern Times to Have a Baby
The tranquility of the side hall of Chengqing Palace was finally broken by the most primal signals from her body. Her period was nearly two months late. Even with Wang Yi's utmost care to conceal it, the cautious palace maids, assigned by Li Shimin to attend to her, noticed the unusual changes in her subtle dietary preferences and occasional lethargy, and reported it to him. Upon learning this, Li Shimin almost immediately abandoned state affairs and rushed over, personally summoning his most trusted imperial physician to examine her pulse. The result confirmed: a noticeably slippery pulse, indicating she was nearly two months pregnant.
Overwhelming joy surged through Li Shimin like a tidal wave. This was not only a confirmation of the strongest bond between him and her, but also a symbol—the inheritance of their shared future, a fusion of his best genes and her extraordinary wisdom, was being conceived! He gripped Wang Yi's hand tightly, his eyes burning with fervor: "Good! Good! Heaven bless me, heaven bless you and me!"
However, following the joy was the pressing issue of formal recognition. Wang Yi currently held the title of "Lady Mingzhen," nominally still Li Yuan's "concubine." The birth of this child would be extremely awkward, even scandalous, not only endangering Wang Yi herself but also leaving the child with an indelible stain on her birth. Li Shimin, without hesitation, immediately decided that Wang Yi must be given a formal and respectable status as soon as possible, ideally by being included in his harem, even if her rank was initially low; her legitimacy was paramount.
He acted swiftly and began secretly plotting to forcibly change Wang Yi's identity under the pretext that "Lady Mingzhen had rendered meritorious service in protecting the Emperor during the chaos, and was in love with the Crown Prince; therefore, we request Your Majesty's permission to allow her to leave the old court and enter the Eastern Palace." He even began to consider whether he could secretly arrange a simple ceremony first, or directly bring her into the Eastern Palace and then complete the formalities later.
But secrets don't stay hidden forever. Rumors of Wang Yi's pregnancy and Li Shimin's intention to legitimize her quickly spread like wildfire through various channels. This caused a huge uproar, throwing the entire court and the public into an uproar.
First, there was Li Yuan's faction (mainly former officials still loyal to Li Yuan or some members of the imperial clan who harbored resentment towards Li Shimin for the Xuanwu Gate Incident). Li Yuan was already ill from the Xuanwu Gate Incident and the public abduction of Wang Yi by Li Shimin, and was confined to his bed, effectively under house arrest. Upon hearing this news, he was so enraged that he nearly fainted, smashing his medicine bowl. "Rebellious son! Adulterous woman! Shameless! Disrupting the palace! How dare she openly commit such a disgraceful act! I am not dead yet!" He struggled to summon his trusted old ministers and eunuchs who were still obedient, ordering them to stop the matter, and even directly demanding that Li Shimin "execute the vixen to rectify the palace and preserve the dignity of the imperial family!" Li Yuan's anger stemmed from the humiliation of betrayal, the resentment of being completely stripped of power, and a hint of fear that Li Shimin might become even more out of his control because of this woman. Although his faction is not as powerful as before, it still occupies the ethical high ground of "filial piety" and "old system" and its voice is still significant.
Secondly, there was the faction of Changsun Wuji (including court officials with interests related to the Changsun family, as well as some officials worried about the sudden change in the harem's power structure affecting stability). As Li Shimin's brother-in-law and a core meritorious official, Changsun Wuji originally firmly supported Li Shimin. However, this matter touched upon the fundamental interests and future status of his sister, Changsun Linglong, and even more so, the succession rights of his nephews (Li Chengqian, etc.). He knew that Li Shimin's regard for Wang Yi was extraordinary; if this woman gave birth to a son, given her mother's intelligence and her father's favor, he would undoubtedly be a strong competitor to the legitimate heir (Changsun Linglong's son), potentially even triggering a struggle for the throne and shaking the foundations of the state. Therefore, although Changsun Wuji did not openly oppose Li Shimin, he clearly stated privately and within his inner circle: Wang Yi could be kept (due to her talent or her special significance to Li Shimin), but the child absolutely could not be kept! It was necessary to "remove the child and keep the mother" to prevent future troubles. His faction's proposal was relatively "rational," operating under the banner of "avoiding harem disputes and stabilizing the state," and it also had many supporters.
Even within Li Shimin's own core team, opinions were not entirely unified. Strategists like Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui prioritized stability and favored a more moderate approach, perhaps agreeing with Changsun Wuji's suggestion to "remove the child and keep the mother," believing it to be the best way to quell controversy and preserve Wang Yi (a talent they valued) at minimal cost. However, generals like Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Yaojin, and Qin Qiong were more straightforward and direct. They believed the child was the Crown Prince's flesh and blood and should be born; anyone who objected would be punished. They largely disregarded Li Yuan and Changsun Wuji's concerns. Cheng Yaojin even openly shouted, "Your Highness's own child, give birth if you want! Why so many rules! Why weren't rules in place when we were conquering the land?" While crude, this statement represented the attitude of a segment of the generals.
In an instant, memorials flew through the court, and private discussions were in full swing. Li Yuan's faction demanded "death by imperial decree"; Changsun's faction demanded "abortion"; and Li Shimin's faction was divided into "protect the child" and "abort the child," arguing fiercely. The conflicts between the various parties, which had been temporarily suppressed by the Xuanwu Gate Incident, seemed to have been reignited by this unexpected child, and were showing signs of escalating.
At the center of the vortex, Wang Yi calmly received information from the outside world transmitted by various forces for unknown purposes in a side hall of Chengqing Palace. She stroked her still-flat stomach, her eyes showing no panic, only deep contemplation.
Her initial plan was to conceive Li Shimin's child, serving as the best genetic backup and a potential strategic asset. In her most ambitious vision, if the timing was right and things were handled properly, it wouldn't be out of the question for her own child to compete for that supreme position. This is why she hesitated to immediately initiate the return process after confirming her pregnancy—she was observing, evaluating, and waiting for a possible opportunity.
However, reality dealt her a heavy blow. She underestimated the severity of the era's adherence to ethics and social standing, and also underestimated the intensity of the reactions from various factions. The situation was now clear: as long as the child was born from her womb, regardless of gender, it would be considered an "illegitimate child" and a "source of trouble." Li Yuan's faction wanted to eliminate it as soon as possible; the Changsun faction saw it as a huge threat; even Li Shimin, under immense pressure, was unsure whether he could consistently protect the child until adulthood, or even grant it the status it deserved. Historically, while Li Shimin certainly showed affection for his children, there were also instances where he compromised under political and ethical pressures.
"Forget inheriting the throne, even growing up safely is questionable," Wang Yi whispered to herself, a cold smile playing on her lips. She could take risks, but she wouldn't gamble her own life (especially that of her potential child) on a future with slim hope, destined to be fraught with endless conspiracies and risks. Her modern thinking made her more aware of the importance of cutting losses and assessing risks in a timely manner.
So, the remaining path is clear: abandon the plan to raise the child in this timeline and execute the original plan—return to the modern era with the fetus carrying the finest imperial genes. There, the child will have a safe environment to grow up in, advanced medical care and education, and a future full of possibilities. As for the Li Tang dynasty? Let Li Shimin and his "legitimate" descendants manage it.
She needed a plausible reason for the child's "exit" that would be temporarily acceptable to all parties. Li Yuan was a mortal enemy, and communication was impossible. Telling Li Shimin the truth directly was too risky, and he would never agree. Therefore, the best breakthrough point was... Changsun Linglong.
The empress, historically renowned for her virtue, is currently enduring the pain and fear of her husband's affections falling for another and her rival's impending birth of a child born out of wedlock. Giving her a chance to "resolve" the problem might bring temporary peace, or even a tacit understanding.
Wang Yi, through someone he could roughly confirm was from the Changsun faction, delivered an unsigned letter to Changsun Linglong. The letter, written in neat and calm handwriting, contained neither pleading nor provocation; it simply stated the potential threat the current situation posed to Empress Changsun and her children, and her own attitude of "having no intention of vying for favor or the throne, only seeking a sliver of hope." She then proposed a "deal": she was willing to "give up" the child in exchange for Empress Changsun providing a "final solution" (abortion pills), and would publicly declare that the abortion was voluntary. Afterwards, she would "rest peacefully and not show her face again." The letter made no mention of returning to the modern world, only offering a reassuring promise to the Changsun family.
Upon receiving the letter, Changsun Linglong experienced a fierce internal struggle. She hated Wang Yi and feared the child. However, she was not a cruel person and understood that if she or her brother were to take action, the consequences would be unimaginable if exposed. Wang Yi's "voluntary request," while potentially a trap, seemed to be the most direct solution that minimized her own risks. If Wang Yi truly aborted the child and then "never showed her face again" (whether imprisoned or dying of illness), the greatest threat would be eliminated. As for Wang Yi herself… Changsun Linglong's feelings were mixed; she both hoped for her disappearance and felt a sliver of pity.
Ultimately, with Changsun Wuji's tacit approval and meticulous arrangements, a thoroughly inspected and confirmed powerful abortifacient was delivered to Wang Yi through that secret channel.
Wang Yi received the medicine, examined it carefully, and then put it away. She knew it was just a prop.
Next, she began to methodically prepare for the child's death in this time and space. She adjusted her physical condition, taking some herbs that would make her appear weak and her pulse erratic, creating the illusion of "excessive worry and unstable pregnancy".
Then, on a seemingly ordinary afternoon, she summoned a trusted palace maid arranged by Li Shimin, her face pale, and claimed that she was "overthinking and fearing it might harm the fetus, and that the recent turmoil is truly not a blessing for this child," indicating that she had decided to "give up." In front of the trusted palace maid (actually, she was doing it for Li Shimin's benefit), she took out the packet of "abortion medicine" she had obtained from Changsun Linglong, her voice weak but firm: "This medicine was obtained by myself, and has nothing to do with anyone else. My mind is made up, there is no need to persuade me further."
The news reached Li Shimin, who was engaged in a heated debate with his ministers, at lightning speed. He was struck dumb, immediately abandoned everything, and rushed back to Chengqing Palace.
When he rushed into the hall, he saw Wang Yi leaning against the couch, his face ashen, an empty medicine bowl lying on the floor, and the panicked faces of the palace servants who were supposed to be watching over him (actually monitoring him). A faint smell of medicine filled the air.
"Wang Yi! You—" Li Shimin's eyes were bloodshot as he rushed forward and grabbed her shoulders, feeling her body trembling slightly and cold.
Wang Yi raised her eyes, her gaze empty and weary, as if all light had been lost. She looked at him, her voice as thin as a whisper, yet clear as she said, "Shimin... I'm sorry... this child... was born at the wrong time... rather than let him come into this world to suffer and become the target of everyone's hatred... it's better... to end it here... I'm also... tired..." As she spoke, a tear slowly slid down her cheek, and then she "fainted."
"Imperial physician! Summon the imperial physician immediately!" Li Shimin roared, his heart filled with panic, anger, and heart-wrenching pain. He held the "unconscious" Wang Yi tightly, feeling her weak breathing and the tiny life in her womb that might be fading away. For the first time, he felt a near-desperate helplessness.
The imperial physician arrived quickly. After taking her pulse, he reported with a grave expression, "Your Highness... the lady's pulse is floating, slippery, and disordered, as if she has taken a strong and aggressive medicine... the fetus... may be in danger... the lady herself is also severely weakened and needs immediate emergency treatment!"
Chaos reigned throughout Chengqing Palace. Li Shimin, his eyes red, ordered that no effort be spared to save Wang Yi; as for the child… he dared not even think of it. News spread rapidly: Lady Mingzhen had taken an abortifacient herself, causing severe miscarriage and putting her life in grave danger!
Upon hearing the news, Li Yuan snorted coldly from his sickbed, thinking that the woman was quite sensible, but his doubts remained. Changsun Wuji and Changsun Linglong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time, they were somewhat uneasy and closely watched what would happen next.
While everyone thought Wang Yi was struggling between life and death and that her unborn child was doomed, the real Wang Yi, lying on the bed, maintained the illusion of being unconscious by relying on the fake drugs she had taken and her superb acting skills.
Outside the palace, Li Shimin waited anxiously, like a trapped beast. Inside, a "disappearance" spanning a thousand years was silently preparing to unfold. This child, carrying the blood of Emperor Taizong of Tang and a modern soul, would have his fate pulled from the bloodshed and turmoil of the Tang court, cast into a completely unknown future, yet one brimming with infinite possibilities. What would be left for Li Shimin would be the cruel reality of "losing his child and his beloved wife on the verge of death," and a complex situation in the court that, while temporarily calmed by this upheaval, would also sow the seeds of deeper suspicion and regret.
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