Chapter 113 A Slight Ripple in the Emperor's Heart, A Move Made in the Dark
The springtime of the late Zhenguan era always seemed shrouded in a lingering mist. The crabapple blossoms outside the Liangyi Hall were still in full bloom, but the ever-present scent of agarwood in the Imperial Study could not conceal the emperor's increasingly heavy weariness and the occasional, elusive thoughts that swept through his mind.
Li Shimin leaned back on a cushioned couch, a memorial in his hand, his gaze somewhat unfocused. The pile of documents on his desk seemed no less than in previous years, but fewer and fewer required his personal attention and careful consideration. Crown Prince Li Chengqian handled most of the court affairs with remarkable efficiency, even offering methodical solutions to many thorny problems. As a father and emperor, he should be gratified, and perhaps even… able to relax a little of the tension that had been building for decades.
However, the recent turmoil in the court caused by Liu Fan's memorial, and the ongoing undercurrents of debate surrounding the Crown Prince's governing style, were like a fine thorn stuck in a soft yet wary corner of his heart.
He certainly knew what Chengqian had done over the years. Suppressing powerful families, promoting those from humble backgrounds, reforming the bureaucracy, replenishing the national treasury… the methods were indeed ruthless, and in some ways even too hasty in his eyes. But undeniably, the results were remarkable; the empire's body seemed to have been injected with a strong and fresh blood, and many long-standing ailments were being gradually eradicated. From the long-term perspective of the nation's well-being, Chengqian's path might be the right one, or at least, necessary.
But... what about "benevolence"? He himself founded the nation on "benevolence and righteousness," widely soliciting opinions and humbly accepting advice, which led to the prosperous reign of Zhenguan. Will Chengqian's "strictness" alienate the people? Especially towards those veteran officials who have followed him for many years, and those powerful families who, though somewhat senile, still maintain a certain balance in the court—is he pushing them too hard?
What unsettled him even more was the looming figure behind this turmoil—Changsun Wuji, Guanyinbi's elder brother, his trusted advisor, and also Chengqian's maternal uncle. He knew Wuji all too well; this man possessed exceptional wisdom, profound cunning, and a strong instinct to maintain his family's honor and interests. Chengqian's continued suppression of the aristocratic families would inevitably threaten the Changsun family's fundamental interests and status. Wuji's reaction, even his covert efforts to exert checks and balances on Chengqian, was not entirely unexpected by Li Shimin.
But to his surprise and displeasure, Wuji seemed to be turning his gaze toward Zhinu.
Thinking of his gentle young son, whose features bore a striking resemblance to Guanyinbi, Li Shimin felt a complex mix of tenderness. Zhinu was the fruit of his love with Guanyinbi, and his greatest comfort in his later years. He had never intended to drag Zhinu into the vortex of power, only hoping he could live a peaceful and happy life as a wealthy and carefree prince. But now, it seemed that an unseen hand was pushing Zhinu towards the forefront of a storm.
A few days ago, Zhinu entered the palace to pay his respects. Although his words were still respectful and filial, the lingering melancholy between his brows and his occasional hesitation did not escape his notice. He asked about his recent studies, and Zhinu answered politely, but avoided discussing the "philosophies of governance" that he often discussed with his uncle. He tentatively mentioned some recent discussions about the Crown Prince in court, and Zhinu simply lowered his head and said, "Your subject is young and knows very little about politics, so I dare not speak rashly. I only know that my elder brother rises early and retires late to share the Emperor's burdens, which is very arduous."
These words sounded like consideration for his elder brother, but the deliberate distance and avoidance stirred something within Li Shimin. Had Chengqian said something to Zhinu? Or had Zhinu himself sensed something?
He was unwilling to delve into the potential conflicts between his brothers, and even less willing to see Changsun Wuji using Zhinu to gamble with Chengqian. But as an emperor, he had to consider this possibility and its possible consequences.
"Your Majesty, Prince Jin has sent someone to deliver some newly made pear blossom cakes. He said that His Highness personally picked the pear blossoms from the Imperial Garden and had them made by the Imperial Kitchen. He invites Your Majesty to try them." The eunuch tiptoed in, carrying an exquisite food box.
Li Shimin snapped out of his reverie, looking at the still-warm pastries, a warm feeling flickering in his eyes. His son, Zhinu, was always so thoughtful and filial. "Leave them there," he waved his hand, then suddenly asked, "Has the Prince of Jin been visiting the residence of Minister Changsun frequently lately?"
The eunuch was taken aback, then respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, as far as this old servant knows, His Highness Prince Jin has been visiting the palace to pay his respects as often as usual, but the number of times he has gone to the residence of Duke Changsun... seems to be less than before. He mostly sends people over with seasonal fruits or copied scrolls."
"Oh?" Li Shimin raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying, but simply asked, "Where is the Crown Prince? Has he come today?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince came at Chenshi (7-9 AM) to report on the spring plowing in Hebei Province and the progress of the canal dredging. He returned to the Eastern Palace in the afternoon to handle government affairs."
Li Shimin nodded and said nothing more. He picked up a piece of pear blossom cake, put it in his mouth, and found it sweet, soft, and glutinous with a faint floral fragrance. This was one of Guanyinbi's favorite snacks when she was alive; Zhinu had been very thoughtful.
The pastries seemed to lessen the slight unease in his heart, but the underlying anxieties about the heir, the balance of power in the court, and the safety of his young son had not truly dissipated. He was old, and his energy was not what it used to be, but his eyes were still open, and his ears were still sharp. He could see and hear the undercurrents beneath the surface of the court.
He could not allow the seeds of fratricide to sprout while he was still alive, nor could he tolerate excessive interference in politics by the maternal relatives, or even the use of princes to challenge the crown prince. Chengqian might be ruthless, but he was the successor he had chosen, and his achievements over the years proved his competence. While Wuji had rendered meritorious service, if his intentions were impure, and he attempted to manipulate the court and sow discord among the imperial family, he would absolutely not tolerate it!
But... how should we handle this? Should we directly reprimand Wuji? Give Chengqian a warning? Or... give Zhinu a clearer role and more protection?
Li Shimin fell into deep thought. As a father, he hoped for harmony among his brothers; as emperor, he needed stability in the court and a smooth transfer of power. Any person or event that might disrupt these two points had to be nipped in the bud.
He recalled a secret report from the Hundred Cavalry Command a few days ago, which mentioned that Changsun Wuji had been visiting an older concubine in the palace who had received favors from him in his early years and, although not of high rank now, could still speak a few words to the emperor. He seemed to be visiting her more frequently. Although it was just ordinary "catching up" and "showing respect," in this sensitive period, any unusual behavior was worth being wary of.
Could it be… that Wuji intends to influence him through the harem? A cold glint flashed in Li Shimin's eyes. After Guanyinbi left, he had become indifferent to matters of the harem, but if someone tried to exploit this loophole…
And then there's Chengqian. What exactly does he think of Zhinu? Is it genuine affection, or... is he also wary? What exactly was said during that secret conversation at the waterside pavilion that caused such a noticeable change in Zhinu?
Li Shimin felt a wave of weariness. As people grow older, they seem to increasingly reminisce about the past and yearn for peaceful days surrounded by their children and grandchildren. But this throne, this empire, is like the heaviest armor; once worn, it is difficult to remove until the very last moment of his life.
He put down the pear blossom cake, which had long since gone cold, and picked up the report on spring plowing in Hebei Province again, examining it carefully. National affairs were ultimately the most important. As for the undercurrents and suspicions, he had his own ways of dealing with them.
A few days later, an inconspicuous yet profound imperial edict was issued from the Liangyi Hall: Prince Li Zhi of Jin, known for his filial piety, brotherly love, and accomplished learning, is hereby granted an additional fief of five hundred households and the right to participate in the deliberations of the Hongwen Academy (limited to observation and learning, without voting rights). At the same time, the edict specifically mentioned that Prince Li Zhi, being young, should prioritize cultivating virtue and pursuing learning, and that princes and ministers should not disturb him with trivial matters.
This imperial edict, seemingly a reward and cultivation of Li Zhi, actually concealed a hidden agenda. Granting him a fiefdom was an act of favor, and allowing him to attend political discussions at the Hongwen Academy (a privilege previously enjoyed by the Crown Prince before he became regent) provided him with a certain opportunity for political training. However, the phrase "not to be bothered by trivial matters" acted as an invisible barrier, isolating Li Zhi from the power struggles and conflicts within the court, especially... isolating him from the potential continued "tutoring" and "influence" of Changsun Wuji.
Immediately afterwards, the emperor summoned Changsun Wuji. The two men spoke privately in the imperial study for a full hour. No one knows exactly what they discussed, but when Changsun Wuji emerged, his expression was as usual, even displaying his usual respectfulness, though his steps seemed slightly heavier than usual.
On the same day, the Emperor went to the Eastern Palace to dine with Crown Prince Li Chengqian. During the meal, the father and son unusually refrained from discussing politics, instead chatting about family matters and reminiscing about the past; the atmosphere was quite harmonious. Before parting, Li Shimin patted his son on the shoulder and said only one sentence: "You are the Crown Prince, the future Emperor. You must be responsible and decisive in your actions, but also remember, 'Water that is too clear has no fish, and a person who is too discerning has no followers.' Some things are better handled slowly."
Li Chengqian bowed and accepted the order, his heart filled with dread. He knew that his father was subtly reminding him, and also... expressing a certain degree of support and tacit approval of his approach, but at the same time, he was also setting a bottom line—not to push too hard, especially not to damage the harmony between brothers and cause excessive turmoil in the court and the country.
The Emperor's heart was subtly stirred, and through these two understated actions, he clearly conveyed his attitude and strategy: he affirmed the Crown Prince's status and achievements, appropriately promoted and protected the Prince of Jin, and at the same time, he subtly warned important officials who might overstep their bounds.
With this move, the turbulent undercurrents in the court seemed to be channeled by a gentle yet resilient dam, significantly diminishing their momentum. Many officials who had been eager to act began to reassess, weighing the emperor's true intentions.
Changsun Wuji returned to his residence and sat alone in his study for a long time. The emperor's decree to the Prince of Jin, and the seemingly heartfelt but actually cautionary conversation in the imperial study today, made him realize that his previous actions had aroused the emperor's vigilance and displeasure. While upholding the authority of the crown prince, the emperor was also subtly cutting off any possible reach he might extend to the Prince of Jin, and warning him not to attempt to use the harem or his young son to influence the court.
"Your Majesty... in the end, you still favor your own son." Changsun Wuji smiled bitterly in a low voice, a complex and unfathomable emotion flashing in his eyes, including disappointment, helplessness, and a deeper, forcibly suppressed resentment.
He knew that in the short term, the direct attacks on the Crown Prince had to be restrained, and the "cultivation" of the Prince of Jin also needed to be more covert and indirect. The Emperor's bottom line had been revealed, and he could not confront it head-on.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian, having grasped his father's deeper meaning, slightly adjusted his strategy. The crackdown on the powerful clans continued, but at a slower pace, with a greater emphasis on acting "according to law and regulations," reducing rash actions that could give others ammunition against him. When refuting dissenting voices in court, he focused more on presenting facts and reasoning, reducing emotional confrontations. At the same time, he strengthened his care for Li Zhi's life and studies, regularly sending him books and supplies, and occasionally summoning him to his residence, discussing only his studies and daily life, avoiding political matters, and striving to create an atmosphere of fraternal harmony.
Upon receiving his father's decree and sensing his elder brother's changed concern, the heavy pressure in the young Li Zhi's heart seemed to lessen somewhat. He understood that his father was protecting him in his own way, and subtly guiding his path. He didn't know how much of his brother's affection was genuine, but at least a semblance of harmony was maintained. This gave his tormented heart a rare moment of respite.
He remained silent, continued to observe, and continued to painfully contemplate his future. But at least for now, he didn't have to immediately make the choice that could tear everything apart.
Spring in Chang'an, after several undercurrents and the emperor's delicate balancing act, seemed to have finally settled into a period of calm. However, everyone knew that the real storm might have only been postponed, not eliminated. The power struggle never ceased; it simply donned a more covert and complex mask. The emperor's favor, the crown prince, powerful ministers, princes… each side was making its move on its own chessboard, awaiting the next shift in the situation.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com