Chapter 65 Wu Zetian, Uneasy About the Unexpected Joy in the Eastern Palace
In the autumn of the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan era, good news came from the Eastern Palace one after another—the Crown Princess Su and Consort Xiao were both diagnosed with pregnancy. When the news spread, the court and the public celebrated, and Empress Zhangsun personally visited the Eastern Palace to see them and bestowed upon them a large amount of tonics.
For Li Chengqian, this was good news. The Crown Princess's pregnancy meant there was hope for a legitimate son; Consort Xiao's pregnancy meant the Eastern Palace's offspring would flourish. As the heir apparent, a large number of offspring was a crucial element in consolidating his position.
But for Wu Zetian, this news left her with mixed feelings.
On the one hand, she did feel a sense of relief. Ever since Li Xiang's birth, she had been under immense pressure—as the first concubine to bear a child for the Crown Prince, and also the most favored secondary consort, she had become the target of everyone's envy. Although Consort Zheng and Consort Lu appeared respectful, the jealousy and resentment in their eyes were hard to conceal. Now that the Crown Princess and Consort Xiao were pregnant, everyone's attention was diverted, and her pressure naturally lessened.
On the other hand, she also sensed a new crisis. If the Crown Princess gave birth to a legitimate son, that child would be the future Imperial Grandson, whose status would far surpass that of Li Xiang. Consort Xiao came from the prestigious Lanling Xiao clan, and if she gave birth to a son, she would also pose a threat to Li Xiang.
What troubled her even more was that although Li Chengqian still frequently visited her and Li Xiang at Yichun Palace, he clearly showed more care for the Crown Princess and Consort Xiao. She understood that this was to be expected, but she still couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness.
This complex mix of emotions was inadvertently revealed when Wu Zetian came to Qixia Garden to "seek advice on how to nurture her pregnancy."
“The Crown Princess’s pregnancy is a blessing for the Eastern Palace,” Wu Meiniang said, her fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of her teacup. “However, I am worried that His Highness the Crown Prince has been working too hard lately, having to handle state affairs and take care of three pregnant concubines. It must be too much for him.”
Wang Yi was preparing a herbal tea to help with pregnancy when he heard this and looked up at her. Wu Meiniang was wearing a light purple palace dress today, with exquisite makeup, but there was a hint of weariness and worry in her eyes that she could not hide.
"What is Consort Wu worried about?" Wang Yi asked directly.
Wu Meiniang was taken aback, then lowered her eyes: "This concubine... it's nothing."
“There’s no need to hide anything from me.” Wang Yi put down the medicinal herbs in his hand and sat down opposite her. “Are you worried that if the Crown Princess gives birth to a legitimate son, it will threaten Li Xiang’s position? Are you worried that Consort Xiao’s pregnancy will take away the Crown Prince’s favor?”
These words struck a chord with Wu Meiniang. She bit her lip and finally nodded: "Your Excellency is truly insightful. I am indeed... somewhat uneasy."
Wang Yi didn't immediately offer advice, but instead poured her a cup of freshly prepared tea to help with pregnancy: "Drink some tea first to calm your nerves."
Wu Meiniang took the tea and sipped it lightly. The tea was fragrant and delicate, with a faint medicinal aroma, which did indeed calm her mind somewhat.
"Consort Wu, I have a question for you," Wang Yi said slowly. "What do you think His Highness the Crown Prince values most?"
Wu Meiniang thought for a moment and said, "His Highness the Crown Prince values practical matters, political achievements, and... the fate of the Tang Dynasty."
“That’s right.” Wang Yi nodded. “So, do you think His Highness the Crown Prince would change his focus on the country just because a concubine has given birth to a child?”
"Of course not."
"Would His Highness change his responsibilities as Crown Prince based on whether a child is a legitimate son or a son born out of wedlock?"
"No, not at all."
Wang Yi looked at her: "If that's the case, then what are you worried about?"
Wu Meiniang was stunned.
“The Crown Princess’s pregnancy is a joyous occasion for the Eastern Palace and a good thing for consolidating its position,” Wang Yi continued. “If His Highness the Crown Prince has more sons, he will have more choices for future successors. This is a good thing, not a threat.”
"As for the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sons..." Wang Yi paused, "In the royal family, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sons is indeed important, but ability and character are even more important. Think about His Majesty—is His Majesty the legitimate son?"
Wu Zetian was startled. Li Shimin was not the eldest son, but the second son, yet he ushered in the prosperous reign of Zhenguan.
“His Majesty values ability, character, and contributions to the Tang Dynasty,” Wang Yi said. “His Highness the Crown Prince is also taught by His Majesty and naturally values these qualities as well. Your Li Xiang, if properly raised, will become a virtuous and talented person and will naturally receive the position he deserves.”
These words enlightened Wu Zetian. Yes, she had been preoccupied with the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, and seniority, but had forgotten the most fundamental things—ability and character.
“The real person is right.” Wu Meiniang nodded solemnly. “I was just being stubborn.”
“You’re not being stubborn, you’re just overthinking things,” Wang Yi said gently. “As a mother, it’s normal to plan for your child’s future. But you must remember that the best planning is not about short-term gains, but about laying a solid foundation for your child—good upbringing, a broad perspective, and upright character.”
She paused, then added, "Moreover, what you need to do now is not to worry about the future, but to do your best in the present. Take good care of Li Xiang, assist His Highness the Crown Prince in handling the affairs of the Eastern Palace, and maintain your own abilities and value. As long as you continue to provide value to the Eastern Palace and the Crown Prince, your position will not be shaken."
Wu Meiniang listened attentively and kept these words firmly in her heart.
"Also," Wang Yi looked at her, "although you are not pregnant at the moment, you should still take care of your health. If you have the opportunity in the future, it would be a good thing to give birth to a few more children for the Crown Prince. But remember, it is not to have children for the sake of competing for favor, but because you like children and because you can contribute to the Eastern Palace."
These words were both a reminder and guidance. Wu Meiniang understood—Wang Yi was telling her not to lose her composure because of anxiety, but to remain clear-headed and calm.
"I understand," Wu Meiniang said solemnly. "Thank you for your guidance, Master."
After that conversation, Wu Zetian's condition improved significantly. She no longer worried about the issue of legitimate and illegitimate children, but instead focused her energy on practical matters.
She devoted herself even more to raising Li Xiang, not only caring about his physical health but also consciously cultivating his character and interests. She had some educational toys made, often played with the child, and read him simple poems and stories.
She continued to assist Li Chengqian in handling affairs of the Eastern Palace, and placed even greater emphasis on cooperation with other concubines. After the Crown Princess became pregnant, she needed to rest, and many internal affairs fell to Wu Meiniang. She did not monopolize power, but instead took the initiative to invite Consort Zheng and Consort Lu to discuss and divide the work.
She also took special care of Consort Xiao. She personally delivered tonics, arranged for experienced palace maids to serve her, and often visited her to exchange experiences about pregnancy.
These actions won praise from everyone in the Eastern Palace. Li Chengqian saw this and trusted and appreciated Wu Meiniang even more.
"Meiniang, you've worked so hard these past few days." During one evening dinner, Li Chengqian said to Wu Meiniang, "The Crown Princess needs to rest, and Consort Xiao also needs to be careful. The affairs of the Eastern Palace are all thanks to you."
Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "It is what I should do. It is a joyous occasion that the Crown Princess and Consort Xiao are pregnant, and I should share the burden as much as possible."
Li Chengqian held her hand: "You are always so sensible."
These words were spoken sincerely. Li Chengqian was indeed grateful to Wu Meiniang—she was not only intelligent and capable, but also able to consider the overall situation, and was neither competitive nor jealous, which was extremely rare in the harem.
Wu Zetian also felt the sense of security brought by this trust. She was no longer anxious about vying for favor, but focused on improving her own value and abilities.
She began to study more deeply. In addition to continuing to consult Wang Yi on the art of governing the country, she also began to study law, economics, and even military affairs. She knew that to truly become an asset to the Crown Prince, she needed to possess more comprehensive knowledge.
Wang Yi noticed Wu Meiniang's change and felt gratified. This woman indeed had potential; as long as she could remain clear-headed and rational, she would surely become Li Chengqian's capable assistant in the future, and might even influence the course of the Tang Dynasty.
But Wang Yi also knew that the challenges were yet to come.
The births of the Crown Princess and Consort Xiao will once again shake up the power structure of the Eastern Palace and even the imperial court. And Li Tai, on the other hand, will certainly not stop his actions.
Sure enough, not long after, some discussions began to circulate in the court: the Crown Princess was pregnant, and if she gave birth to a legitimate son, he should be made the Crown Prince. However, Li Xiang was the eldest grandson, and was intelligent and adorable, so this should also be considered.
This discussion, seemingly about the imperial offspring, is actually an attempt to sow discord within the Eastern Palace and may even influence Li Shimin's opinion on his successor.
Wang Yi immediately became alert. Through the information network of Qixia Garden, she learned that these discussions initially came from several literati who had dealings with the Prince of Wei's residence.
Li Tai has started making moves again. This time, his target is the next generation of the Crown Prince.
Wang Yi did not intervene directly, but instead subtly reminded Li Chengqian through Wu Meiniang.
"Your Highness, have you heard about the recent discussions in court regarding the little elephant and the future heir?" Wu Meiniang asked Li Chengqian casually during a conversation.
Li Chengqian frowned: "I've heard about it. Some people are just afraid the world isn't chaotic enough, and they even dare to make irresponsible remarks about the affairs of the Crown Prince's Palace."
"I believe there is more to these discussions than meets the eye," Wu Meiniang said softly. "The baby elephant is still young, and the future legitimate son has not yet been born. It is too early to discuss these things now, and it is easy to cause disputes."
Li Chengqian nodded: "You are right. I will report to my father and stop these pointless discussions."
He did indeed do so. At the court assembly the following day, Li Chengqian publicly stated: "The matter of the Crown Prince's heirs is a matter for my family, and I need not trouble you officials to concern yourselves with it. Regardless of whether they are legitimate or illegitimate, young or old, they are all my sons, and I will treat them all equally and raise them with care."
These words were spoken with great composure, silencing dissent and demonstrating the magnanimity of a crown prince.
Li Shimin was very satisfied with this: "Chengqian is right. For royal offspring, what matters most is their upbringing and character, not empty titles. There is no need to discuss this matter further."
The discussions in the court temporarily subsided, but Wang Yi knew that this was only a facade.
Li Tai will not give up easily. He will definitely look for new breakthroughs and new opportunities.
What Wang Yi needs to do is to anticipate and prepare in advance.
She began to pay closer attention to the movements of the Prince of Wei's residence, using channels such as the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Directorate of Works to find out what Li Tai was doing, who he was meeting, and what his plans were.
At the same time, she was also considering a longer-term plan. The education of the next generation in the Crown Prince's palace might require her early intervention. This wasn't for the sake of power, but to ensure these children received a good education, grew into virtuous and talented individuals, and avoided repeating the mistakes of historical royal power struggles.
This idea gradually took shape in her mind. Perhaps she could suggest establishing a "Prince's Academy" in the Eastern Palace, not only to educate the children of the Eastern Palace, but also to allow the children of other princes to participate. This would not only cultivate talent but also promote unity among the royal family members.
But this is a huge project that requires long-term planning.
Right now, she needs to ensure stability within the Eastern Palace, ensure that Wu Zetian remains clear-headed and rational, and ensure that the Crown Princess and Consort Xiao can give birth safely.
The ginkgo leaves outside the window are starting to turn yellow again; autumn is deepening.
Wang Yi stood in the courtyard of Qixia Garden, feeling the cool autumn breeze, planning every step that would follow.
The game was becoming increasingly complex, involving more and more people, but she could not back down.
For the stability of the Tang Dynasty, for the harmony of the Eastern Palace, and for a better future for those unborn children.
She must take each step carefully.
Taking a deep breath, Wang Yi returned to her study. The desk was covered with various documents and plans, awaiting her attention.
New challenges are on the horizon, and she is ready.
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