Chapter 72 The Retired Emperor's Game of Revenge
In the late spring of the sixteenth year of the Zhenguan era, an puzzling imperial edict was issued from the Da'an Palace: the retired Emperor Li Yuan summoned several heads of the five surnames and seven noble families (Cui, Lu, Li, Zheng, Wang and other prominent clans) and their core members to the palace for a banquet.
The news sparked widespread discussion throughout the court and among the public. Since Li Yuan's abdication, he had rarely summoned officials outside the capital, except for members of the imperial family and a few veteran ministers, let alone held such a large-scale banquet for representatives of powerful clans. Although the "Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families" still held influence in the court, Li Shimin had consistently sought to suppress their power and promote those from humble backgrounds since his ascension to the throne, creating a delicate relationship between the two sides.
What is the purpose of the Emperor Emeritus's sudden summons of these aristocratic families?
Upon learning the news, Li Shimin frowned and summoned important ministers such as Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling to discuss the matter.
"Father has just recovered from a serious illness and should be resting. Why is he suddenly holding a banquet to meet with people from aristocratic families?" Li Shimin asked, puzzled. "And why does he specifically ask to see the young talents from each family? What is the meaning of this?"
Changsun Wuji pondered and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus may simply be recovering from a long illness and want to see old friends and reminisce about the past. After all, the Emperor Emeritus had quite a few connections with these aristocratic families back then."
Fang Xuanling, however, remained cautious: "I believe this matter is not simple. The series of actions taken by the Emperor Emeritus after his awakening—repairing his relationship with Your Majesty, urging his former subordinates to pledge their loyalty, and reprimanding the Crown Prince and the Prince of Wei—all demonstrate careful consideration. This summons to the aristocratic families probably also has a deeper meaning."
Li Shimin remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "Since it is Father Emperor's wish, I cannot object. However, the Imperial Medical Bureau should send more physicians to attend to Father Emperor to ensure his health. Also... have the Hundred Cavalry Guards keep an eye on the banquet."
"I obey the decree."
The banquet was scheduled for three days later. During these three days, undercurrents surged in Chang'an. The scions of noble families were both excited and apprehensive—being summoned by the retired emperor was a great honor, but it also meant they would be drawn into a deeper political vortex. Meanwhile, court officials speculated about the retired emperor's true intentions, with both factions observing the banquet's potential impact on the political landscape.
When Wang Yi learned of this news, a strong sense of unease welled up in her heart. She recalled some historical records about Li Yuan's later years—although this founding emperor no longer seemed to concern himself with politics after abdicating, he always harbored an unyielding attachment to power and never truly let go of his resentment over his son's coup.
Now that he has just recovered from a serious illness, is his summons to the prominent families really just for reminiscing?
On the day of the banquet, Da'an Palace was brightly decorated, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. Although Li Yuan still needed to lean against a table to sit, he was in high spirits and chatted amiably. He not only drank and made merry with the heads of several aristocratic families, but also specially summoned the young men brought by each family to inquire about their learning, aspirations, and family backgrounds.
Halfway through the banquet, Li Yuan suddenly put down his wine cup, looked around at everyone, and slowly said, "I have been in a coma for many years, and it is thanks to the Emperor and the imperial physicians' meticulous care that I was able to wake up. But after I woke up, I found that the world has changed, and the court has changed as well."
These words were quite profound, and everyone present listened with bated breath.
“Powerful families have always been the cornerstone of the court,” Li Yuan continued. “Without your support, there would be no Tang dynasty. I have never forgotten this.”
Several heads of prominent families looked moved and raised their glasses, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. It is our honor to serve the Tang Dynasty."
Li Yuan nodded, then changed the subject: "But I've heard that in recent years, the court has been giving important positions to people from humble backgrounds, while those from aristocratic families are finding it difficult to gain recognition. Is this true?"
The question was direct, and the heads of the powerful families exchanged glances, hesitant to answer. After all, suppressing powerful families and promoting those from humble backgrounds was Li Shimin's established national policy; if they complained, wouldn't that be tantamount to expressing dissatisfaction with the emperor?
One of the heads of the Cui family said thoughtfully, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty appoints people based on their talents, regardless of their background. If a member of a noble family truly has talent, he will naturally be given an important position."
"Is that so?" Li Yuan smiled faintly. "Then why is it that in the reports I've seen, most of the key positions in the Six Ministries and high-ranking local officials are from humble backgrounds, while scions of aristocratic families are mostly in sinecure positions?"
These words immediately made the atmosphere at the banquet heavy. The heads of the powerful families lowered their heads and remained silent, while the younger members of the family gleamed with resentment.
Seeing this, Li Yuan softened his tone: "I am not criticizing the emperor; the emperor has his own considerations. It is just that I feel that aristocratic families, which have been passed down for thousands of years, have their own heritage and strengths. Governing the country requires both the vigor of those from humble backgrounds and the composure of those from aristocratic families. Only by balancing the two can the country last."
He raised his wine cup: "I have summoned you all here today to tell you that the aristocratic families are still the pillars of the Tang Dynasty. As long as you are loyal to the Tang Dynasty and to the Emperor, I believe that your talents will eventually find a place to be displayed."
These words both appeased the powerful families and made their stance clear, while cleverly using "loyalty to the emperor" as a premise, leaving no room for criticism.
The members of the noble families all raised their glasses: "We will humbly follow the teachings of the Emperor Emeritus!"
The banquet continued, and the atmosphere became lively again. But those who paid attention could hear the underlying meaning—the retired emperor was trying to win over the powerful families and speaking on their behalf, which subtly contradicted Li Shimin's policy of suppressing them.
When the news reached the Liangyi Hall, Li Shimin's face darkened.
"What is Father Emperor doing?" He put down the memorial in his hand. "Is he trying to win over the powerful families and check me?"
Changsun Wuji advised, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The Emperor Emeritus may simply be sentimental and want to say a few words for the descendants of an old friend; he may not have any other intentions."
"Not necessarily?" Li Shimin sneered. "I know my father best. Every step he takes has a deeper meaning. Today he may win over the powerful families, tomorrow he may win over the imperial clan, and the day after tomorrow... he may directly interfere in the affairs of the court."
These words were too harsh for Changsun Wuji to accept.
Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus's actions are indeed inappropriate, but he is the Emperor Emeritus, and Your Majesty cannot openly oppose him. Perhaps... we should retreat in order to advance."
How to advance by retreating?
"Didn't the Emperor Emeritus say he wanted to give opportunities to the sons of noble families? Then Your Majesty should give them those opportunities," Fang Xuanling said. "Select some truly talented sons of noble families and entrust them with important responsibilities, but they must be loyal and reliable. This will satisfy the Emperor Emeritus's wishes without allowing the power of noble families to expand excessively."
Li Shimin pondered for a long time before finally nodding: "That's the only way."
The banquet at Da'an Palace lasted until late at night. As the noble families departed, their faces beamed with joy, feeling that a turning point had finally arrived. Little did they know, this banquet was merely the beginning; the Emperor Emeritus's grand scheme had only just begun.
Three days after the banquet, Li Yuan made another unexpected move—he summoned Princess Wang, the wife of the Prince of Wei.
It was not a summons to the Crown Princess, nor a summons to the other princes' wives, but a private summons to the Princess of Wei.
When the news reached the Prince of Wei's residence, Lady Wang was both surprised and delighted. She dressed up carefully, brought generous gifts, and went to the Da'an Palace to pay her respects.
The audience lasted for an hour. According to palace servants at Da'an Palace, the Emperor Emeritus was very kind to Lady Wang, inquiring in detail about her family background, education, and life in the Prince's residence. He also showed particular concern for Prince Wei, Li Tai's, health and studies.
“You are the eldest daughter of the Wang family of Taiyuan, with a family tradition of learning and such virtue. No wonder Qingque (Li Tai) values you so much.” Li Yuan praised, “Qingque is a talented boy, but he is a bit impatient. You should give him some pointers and help him to calm down and not be too eager for quick success.”
Lady Wang respectfully replied, "This humble servant will keep in mind the Emperor Emeritus's teachings."
"Furthermore," Li Yuan changed the subject, "I've heard that Qingque enjoys considerable prestige in court and has many supporters. This is a good thing, indicating that he is capable and popular. But the more so, the more cautious we must be. The matter of the crown prince concerns the foundation of the nation and cannot be taken lightly. As the princess consort, you should advise him to be content with his lot and fulfill his duties."
These words, seemingly a warning, actually affirmed Li Tai's "prestige" and "supporters," and even hinted at the possibility of him becoming the heir apparent. Lady Wang understood the unspoken meaning and was excited, but remained calm on the surface: "I understand. His Highness Prince Wei has always respected his elder brother, the Crown Prince, and has been utterly loyal to His Majesty. He has never harbored any improper thoughts."
"That's good." Li Yuan nodded. "With your harmonious relationship and the stability of the Prince's residence, I can rest assured."
After the audience, Li Yuan bestowed many treasures upon Lady Wang and specially arranged for someone to escort her out of the palace, treating her with great courtesy.
The news quickly spread throughout the court and the public. The Emperor Emeritus summoned the Princess Consort of Wei privately, bestowing upon her such high honors—what did this signify? Did the Emperor Emeritus hold the Prince of Wei in special regard?
Various speculations arose. The Wei King's faction was overjoyed, believing that the Emperor Emeritus's support was a crucial trump card; the Crown Prince's faction, on the other hand, was worried that the Emperor Emeritus's attitude would influence the Emperor's decision.
Even Li Chengqian couldn't sit still any longer and came to Qixia Garden to discuss the matter with Wang Yi.
“Master, the Emperor summoned Princess Wei alone and said those things... Is this an implication?” Li Chengqian asked anxiously.
Wang Yi's heart was also in turmoil. Li Yuan's series of actions—summoning the aristocratic families, summoning the Princess of Wei—were subtly shifting the balance of power in the court. What was he really trying to do? Was it truly just nostalgia and concern for his grandchildren?
“Your Highness,” she said, choosing her words carefully, “I dare not presume to guess the Emperor Emeritus’s intentions. But one thing is certain—every move he makes affects the court. What Your Highness needs to do now is not to guess the Emperor Emeritus’s intentions, but to do your own job well and consolidate your own position.”
“But what if Grandfather really supports Qingque…” Li Chengqian clenched his fist.
"So what?" Wang Yi said calmly. "The matter of the heir apparent is ultimately decided by His Majesty. As long as His Majesty trusts Your Highness and as long as Your Highness's political achievements are outstanding, no one can shake your position."
These words gave Li Chengqian some confidence, but his unease was not completely eliminated.
Wang Yi was equally uneasy. She always felt that Li Yuan's actions had a deeper purpose. It wasn't just about winning over the powerful families, or simply about showing concern for his grandchildren; it was... a carefully orchestrated plan.
Sure enough, a few days later, Li Yuan made his third move—he summoned Wang Yi.
Instead of a public summons, the Emperor Emeritus sent a private message through the chief eunuch of the Da'an Palace: the Emperor Emeritus wished to meet with the Protector of the Nation for a private conversation.
When she received the news, Wang Yi was reviewing the progress of the medical classics compilation at the Imperial Medical Academy. Her hand trembled slightly, and the medical scroll almost slipped from her grasp.
What was bound to happen has finally happened.
She knew this summons was no ordinary event. Li Yuan had deliberately ignored her before, but now he had suddenly summoned her alone; there must be a deeper meaning behind it. And she had to face it.
Composing herself, Wang Yi calmly told the messenger eunuch, "Please inform the Emperor Emeritus that I will make some preparations and depart immediately."
Back at Qixia Garden, Wang Yi changed into a simple palace dress, without applying makeup, and simply styled her hair. She didn't know what Li Yuan would say or ask, but she knew that in this confrontation, she had to remain clear-headed and composed.
The Da'an Palace was quieter than usual. The palace servants walked with their heads down, their footsteps light, as if afraid of disturbing something. The head eunuch led Wang Yi to a side hall and gestured for her to go in alone.
The hall was dimly lit, with only a few palace lanterns casting a soft glow. Li Yuan sat on a soft couch by the window, his back to the door, gazing at the courtyard outside. He was dressed in casual clothes, his back thin, but his posture upright, still faintly revealing the majesty of the founding emperor.
"This humble servant, Wang Yi, pays respects to the Emperor Emeritus." Wang Yi bowed respectfully.
Li Yuan did not turn around, but simply said, "Rise. Take a seat."
Palace maids brought over an embroidered stool, and Wang Yi thanked the emperor and sat down. A brief silence fell over the hall, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds from outside the window.
"Do you know why I summoned you?" Li Yuan finally spoke, his voice calm and devoid of emotion.
"I am unaware, please enlighten me, Your Majesty."
Li Yuan slowly turned around, his gaze sharp and intense, staring directly at Wang Yi. Though his eyes were aged, they remained piercing, as if they could see right through people's hearts.
“Lady Mingzhen,” he slowly uttered this long-unused title, “or perhaps I should call you the Protector of the Nation?”
Wang Yi's heart skipped a beat, but she remained calm on the surface: "The Emperor Emeritus is joking. Lady Mingzhen is a thing of the past. I am now His Majesty's Protector of the Nation."
“The past?” Li Yuan smiled, a smile with an indescribable complexity. “Some things can become the past; some people can be forgotten. But some grudges, some humiliations, are etched in our hearts even after many years.”
He paused, then continued, "Back then, you were my Lady Mingzhen, but during the palace coup, you and Erlang (Li Shimin)... Do you think I've forgotten that past?"
Wang Yi took a deep breath. She knew Li Yuan would bring this up sooner or later, but she didn't expect him to be so direct.
"Your Majesty, what happened back then..."
"No need for explanation." Li Yuan raised his hand to interrupt her. "I don't want to hear any explanations. All I know is that you betrayed me, and Erlang stole my woman and my empire."
These words were blunt and cruel, leaving Wang Yi speechless.
“During the years I was in a coma, you thrived in the palace, gained the Second Prince’s deep trust, and even received the title of ‘Guardian of the Nation’.” Li Yuan looked at her, his eyes icy. “You saved my life and sustained my life, and I should thank you. But you also allowed me to live, to live to the point where I can see all of this with my own eyes—to see the Second Prince’s empire, to see your glory, to see… my shame.”
Wang Yi understood. Li Yuan hated her, and he hated Li Shimin too. He saved her life, kept her alive, not out of gratitude, but to let her live and bear his hatred, and also for... revenge.
"What if the Emperor Emeritus wishes to have me as his concubine?" she asked calmly.
"I want you to suffer, to endure torment, to watch as everything you care about is destroyed bit by bit." Li Yuan's voice remained calm, but every word pierced the heart like an ice pick. "Just like the pain I felt when I watched you all together back then."
He paused, then slowly said, "I summoned the aristocratic families to check Erlang; I summoned the Princess Consort of Wei to support Qingque. I want them brothers to fight each other, fathers and sons to distrust each other, I want to throw the court into chaos, I want to destabilize the country... just like what I experienced back then."
Wang Yi was horrified. It turned out that everything Li Yuan had done was not for repairing relationships or for family harmony, but for revenge—revenge against Li Shimin, and also against her.
“Your Majesty, by doing this, it is the Tang Dynasty and its people who will suffer,” Wang Yi couldn’t help but say.
"So what?" Li Yuan sneered. "This empire already belongs to Erlang, what does it have to do with me? As for the people... the victor is king, the loser is villain, it has always been like this. Back then, during the Xuanwu Gate Incident, didn't the families of those who died suffer? Who has ever cared about my suffering?"
This statement was extreme, but Wang Yi could understand the hatred in it. A former emperor, dethroned by his son, betrayed by his favorite concubine, and awakened from a coma after many years to find himself with nothing, such pain and hatred could indeed destroy a person's sanity.
“Your Majesty,” she tried to persuade him, “the past is the past. Your Majesty has been diligent in governing and caring for the people all these years, creating the prosperous reign of Zhenguan, which is evident to all. Why don’t you let go of the past and enjoy your old age?”
"Enjoy your old age in peace?" Li Yuan laughed, a desolate laugh. "My old age was spent in a coma. When I awoke, I saw those who betrayed me enjoying boundless glory, and those who seized the throne being revered. How can you expect me to enjoy my old age in peace?"
He stood up, walked to Wang Yi, and looked down at her: "Lady Mingzhen, I will not kill you, nor will I harm you. I want you to live, to live consciously, and watch how I destroy everything you care about, bit by bit—Erlang's trust, the Crown Prince's position, the stability of the court... Everything you have worked so hard to protect, I will destroy."
"This is my revenge," Li Yuan said, enunciating each word clearly. "Now, you may leave."
Wang Yi stood up, gave Li Yuan a deep look, bowed, and took his leave.
As Wang Yi stepped out of Da'an Palace, the spring sunshine was warm and bright, but he felt a chill all over his body.
She finally understood Li Yuan's true intentions—not a sudden enlightenment, not letting go of grudges, but a meticulously planned revenge. He wanted Li Shimin to taste the pain he had suffered years ago, and he wanted her, the "traitor," to pay the price.
And this game of revenge has already begun. Powerful families, the King of Wei, court intrigues... all are pawns in his game.
Wang Yi took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She had to find a way to deal with it, she had to stop this revenge that could destroy the stability of the Tang Dynasty and ruin the efforts of countless people.
But her opponent is the retired emperor, Li Yuan, the former founding monarch. Can she possibly win this game?
She didn't know. All she knew was that she had to try.
For Li Shimin, for Li Chengqian, for those she had helped, and for... this era to which she had devoted her heart and soul.
The game has entered its most dangerous phase, and she must be even more clear-headed and resolute.
Even if the road ahead is difficult, even if the chances of success are slim, she will keep going.
Because it was her choice, and also her responsibility.
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