Chapter 66 Empress Zhangsun's Maternal Heart Disease
This winter is exceptionally cold. Just as winter began, Chang'an City welcomed its first snowfall. The snowflakes fluttered down, turning the palaces and pavilions into a pristine white, beautiful as it was, yet carrying a chilling cold.
Inside the Lizheng Hall, the charcoal fire burned brightly, but the Empress Zhangsun's bedchamber was still filled with the scent of medicine and a somber atmosphere. The Empress lay on the couch, her face pale, with faint dark circles under her eyes, and her breathing shallow and unsteady.
Wang Yi had just finished administering acupuncture to her and was now packing up his medicine chest. The Imperial Physician whispered to her, "Her Majesty the Empress is suffering from excessive worry, causing stagnation of liver qi and a relapse of her old ailment. Medicine can only treat the symptoms; a mental illness requires a mental cure."
"I understand. You may all leave." Empress Zhangsun waved her hand weakly.
The Imperial Physician and Wang Yi bowed and withdrew, but Wang Yi stopped at the door and glanced back. Empress Zhangsun was gazing absently at the falling snow outside the window, her usually gentle and wise eyes now filled with worry and weariness.
Wang Yi sighed inwardly. She knew why Empress Zhangsun had fallen ill—the power struggle between her two sons had exhausted this mother.
As a mother, Empress Zhangsun understood her son better than anyone else. She knew that although Li Chengqian was sometimes impatient, he was kind-hearted and responsible; she knew that Li Tai was exceptionally intelligent, but also proud and unwilling to be inferior to others.
She knew that the rift between her two sons was widening. On the surface, they were respectful and loving brothers, but in secret, they were each plotting and testing each other. She saw it all—the discussions in the court, the rumors in the harem, the seemingly accidental events—and it pained her deeply.
But she was the Empress, the mother of the nation, and could not openly show favoritism towards either son. She was also a mother, and hoped that both her children would be well.
This dilemma kept her awake at night and unable to eat. Coupled with her pre-existing qi stagnation and already weak constitution, the added worry caused her to fall ill.
Wang Yi returned to Qixia Garden, her heart heavy. She knew that Empress Zhangsun's heartache was incurable unless her two sons could truly reconcile, or at least maintain a facade of peace.
But is that even possible?
Historically, the brothers eventually broke apart; Li Chengqian was deposed for treason, and Li Tai fell out of favor as a result. Although many things have changed now because of her intervention, the fundamental conflict between the brothers—the struggle for the throne—still exists.
As long as Li Shimin's favor towards Li Tai remains undiminished, and as long as Li Tai himself is talented and ambitious, this struggle will not end.
Empress Zhangsun was destined to suffer in this struggle.
A few days later, Li Shimin came to Qixia Garden with a solemn expression.
"What do you think of Guanyinbi's illness?" he asked Wang Yi.
Wang Yi carefully chose his words: "Her Majesty the Empress is suffering from a relapse of her old illness due to excessive worry. Medicine can only alleviate the symptoms; to truly recover, she needs a peaceful state of mind."
“Excessive worry…” Li Shimin murmured repeatedly, “What is she worried about?”
These words seemed directed at Wang Yi, but even more so at himself. Li Shimin wasn't a fool; he was certainly aware of the undercurrents in the court and the delicate relationship between his two sons. But he always hoped that this competition could be kept within a healthy range, or even mutually beneficial.
But now, Empress Zhangsun's illness serves as a wake-up call, reminding him that the problem may be more serious than he imagined.
Wang Yi was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Your Majesty, the Empress is a mother. What a mother hopes for most is for her children to be safe and harmonious."
These words were spoken subtly, but Li Shimin understood. He sighed deeply, "Yes, Mother... I am also a father."
He looked at Wang Yi, a rare look of confusion in his eyes: "Master, what do you think I should do? Chengqian is the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, and I place high hopes on him. Qingque is exceptionally talented, and I genuinely admire him. I hope that the brothers will work together to assist the Tang Dynasty, but..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear—but reality often doesn't go as planned.
Wang Yi's heart was filled with mixed emotions. She knew that Li Shimin was sincere at this moment. This emperor was wise and decisive in governing the country, but when it came to family matters, especially the affairs of his sons, he also had the worries and helplessness of an ordinary father.
“Your Majesty, I believe that some things cannot be rushed,” Wang Yi said slowly. “Both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Wei are still young and need time to grow. They also need guidance from Your Majesty and the Empress. With proper guidance, I believe the two princes will understand the importance of brotherly harmony.”
These words were both a consolation and the truth. Li Chengqian and Li Tai were both still young, and the two brothers were only two years apart. At this age, their minds were still unsettled, and there was still a possibility of change.
Li Shimin nodded: "You're right. I will spend more time teaching them."
From that day on, Li Shimin indeed began to pay more attention to the relationship between his two sons. He often summoned them to discuss matters, dine together, and even hunt together. In public, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of "brotherly unity."
Li Chengqian and Li Tai also behaved very well; at least in front of their father, they were brothers and got along well.
But behind the scenes, undercurrents still flowed.
Li Tai continued to approach Wang Yi through academic collaborations, showcasing his talent and sincerity; Li Chengqian, on the other hand, worked even harder to advance various practical matters, consolidating his position through political achievements.
Empress Zhangsun's condition fluctuated. When she felt a little better, she would summon her two sons to the palace to talk with them; when her condition worsened, she could only lie on her bed, filled with worry.
Wang Yi often visited the Empress at the Lizheng Hall, sometimes to examine her pulse and administer acupuncture, and sometimes simply to chat with her. She discovered that although Empress Zhangsun was ill, she was still clear-headed and well-informed about the court and her sons' movements.
On one occasion, Empress Zhangsun dismissed all her attendants, leaving only Wang Yi in the palace.
"Your Excellency, I'm afraid my illness is incurable," Empress Zhangsun said softly.
Wang Yi's heart tightened: "Why does Your Majesty say this? As long as you take good care of yourself, you will surely recover."
Empress Zhangsun shook her head: "Medicine can cure physical ailments, but it cannot cure mental ones. The root of my illness lies here." She pointed to her heart.
"Your Majesty..."
"I know about Chengqian and Qingque's affair." Empress Zhangsun looked at her. "I know that Chengqian is impetuous and sometimes not calm enough; I know that Qingque is intelligent, but too proud. I also know that there are people in the court stirring up trouble and others watching."
She paused, tears welling in her eyes: "I am their mother, and I hope they are all well. But now, I am afraid, afraid that they will fight each other, afraid that they will follow... follow the same path as their uncle and father."
The words were spoken cryptically, but Wang Yi understood. Empress Zhangsun was worried, worried that her two sons would repeat the tragedy of the Xuanwu Gate Incident.
“Your Majesty, it won’t happen.” Wang Yi held her hand. “His Highness the Crown Prince is kind and benevolent, His Highness the Prince of Wei is reasonable, and with the guidance of His Majesty and Your Majesty, it will certainly not come to that.”
"I hope so," Empress Zhangsun sighed softly. "My lord, I have a favor to ask."
"Please speak, Your Majesty."
"If in the future... if I am no longer here, please take good care of Chengqian and Qingque." Empress Zhangsun's eyes were full of pleading. "You are a wise and discerning person. With you by my side to give me guidance, I can feel more at ease."
These words sounded like a deathbed entrustment, and Wang Yi was deeply moved. She bowed solemnly and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, as long as I live, I will do my best to maintain harmony between the two princes and to safeguard the stability of the Tang Dynasty."
"Thank you." Empress Zhangsun closed her eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek.
After that conversation, Wang Yi's mood became even heavier. She knew that Empress Zhangsun's worries were not unfounded; the conflict between Li Chengqian and Li Tai was indeed intensifying, and her mother's illness was largely caused by this.
She has to do something.
After careful consideration, Wang Yi embarked on a bold plan—she would try to mediate the relationship between the two brothers, not superficially, but genuinely.
As a first step, she had in-depth conversations with Li Chengqian and Li Tai respectively.
During her conversation with Li Chengqian, she spoke frankly: "Your Highness, the Empress's illness is largely due to your relationship with Prince Wei. As her son, can you bear to let your mother worry about this?"
Li Chengqian's face stiffened: "I...I also wish to maintain harmony with Qingque, but he..."
“Your Highness,” Wang Yi interrupted him, “you are the elder brother and the Crown Prince, and you should be tolerant of others. Prince Wei is talented, which is a good thing and an asset to the Tang Dynasty. You should make good use of his talent, rather than see him as a threat.”
“But he sees me as a threat!” Li Chengqian couldn’t help but say. “He compares himself to me in every way, and tries to outdo me in every aspect!”
“That’s because you made him feel threatened,” Wang Yi said calmly. “If you could truly accept him, give him important responsibilities, and let him feel the magnanimity and trust of an elder brother, would he still see you as an opponent?”
These words silenced Li Chengqian. He knew Wang Yi had a point, but putting it into practice was too difficult.
When talking to Li Tai, Wang Yi changed her approach.
"Your Highness, Prince Wei, is exceptionally talented, as His Majesty and the court officials have all witnessed." She first affirmed Li Tai's abilities, "But does Your Highness know that excessive rigidity leads to breakage, and excessive prominence to destruction?"
Li Tai raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean, Master?"
“Your Highness’s talent and ambition have already aroused the Crown Prince’s vigilance, and may even arouse His Majesty’s suspicion,” Wang Yi said slowly. “There can only be one heir apparent. No matter how outstanding Your Highness is, it is difficult to shake the Crown Prince’s position. If we force it, it may backfire.”
Li Tai's expression changed slightly: "Is the True Man warning me?"
"No, I am thinking of Your Highness's best interests," Wang Yi said sincerely. "Your Highness has extraordinary talent, why waste your energy on pointless struggles? The compilation of the 'Kuodi Zhi' and the organization of medical classics are all great achievements that will ensure Your Highness's place in history."
She paused, then continued, "Moreover, Your Highness and the Crown Prince are brothers and should support each other. If Your Highness can sincerely assist the Crown Prince, you will be the most meritorious official when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, enjoying a high position and being able to realize your ambitions. Isn't this better than fighting and both sides suffering losses?"
These words moved Li Tai. He was indeed ambitious, but he wasn't unaware of the pros and cons. The path Wang Yi pointed out, though not as glamorous as becoming emperor himself, was more secure and more likely to succeed.
“What you say makes sense,” Li Tai finally said. “I will consider it carefully.”
After the two conversations, Wang Yi arranged another "chance encounter"—that Li Chengqian and Li Tai "accidentally" visit Qixia Garden at the same time.
The atmosphere was a little awkward at first, but Wang Yi skillfully steered the conversation, from the compilation of the "Kuodi Zhi" to water conservancy in Hebei, and from medical classics to women's education—all neutral and pragmatic topics.
Gradually, the two brothers began to discuss matters objectively, and even found common ground on certain issues. Li Tai's research on geography could indeed provide a reference for water conservancy projects; Li Chengqian's practical experience could indeed enrich the content of the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land).
That "chance encounter" lasted for an hour, and by the end, the relationship between the two had clearly eased considerably.
Wang Yi told Empress Zhangsun about this progress. Upon hearing it, the Empress's eyes finally lit up: "Master, thank you."
“This is what I should do,” Wang Yi said. “However, this is only the beginning. To truly resolve the conflict, we will need time and sustained effort.”
"I understand," Empress Zhangsun nodded. "But with this beginning, there is hope."
As the relationship between the two brothers improved, Empress Zhangsun's condition gradually improved. Although she was still weak, her spirits were much better, and she was able to get out of bed and walk around, and handle some simple palace affairs.
Seeing his wife's improvement, Li Shimin was greatly relieved and even more grateful to Wang Yi.
"Master, you have done another great service." During a casual conversation, Li Shimin said to Wang Yi, "You not only cured Guanyinbi's illness, but also reconciled the relationship between Chengqian and Qingque."
"Your Majesty flatters me," Wang Yi said humbly. "The Empress's recovery is due to the filial piety of Your Majesty and the two princes, which moved Heaven. The harmony between the two princes is due to their kind hearts and understanding of the importance of brotherhood."
These words were well said, and Li Shimin felt even more comfortable hearing them.
But Wang Yi knew that the problem was not fundamentally solved. The conflict between Li Chengqian and Li Tai was structural; as long as the issue of succession existed, and as long as Li Shimin had different attitudes towards his two sons, the conflict could escalate again.
All she could do was try to ease the situation, delay it as much as possible, and buy more time for Empress Zhangsun.
Hopefully, time will allow the two brothers to truly mature and understand what is most important.
Outside the window, the snow had stopped, and sunlight streamed through the clouds, gilding the snow-covered city of Chang'an with a golden glow.
Wang Yi stood by the window of Qixia Garden, gazing at the distant Lizheng Hall, and silently prayed.
May this virtuous empress recover, may the brothers live in harmony, and may the Tang Dynasty enjoy lasting peace.
This is her wish, and also the driving force that keeps her moving forward in this era.
Taking a deep breath of the crisp, cool air, Wang Yi returned to her desk. A mountain of tasks lay before her—the promotion of agricultural improvements, the oversight of cement construction projects, the advancement of women's education...
The game continues, and she must continue to make every move carefully.
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