Chapter 15 Wang Yi's Scheme
After being formally incorporated into the imperial harem and bestowed the title of "Lady Mingzhen," Wang Yi's life underwent subtle yet substantial changes. Her residence shifted from the relatively independent Ningyun Pavilion to a more refined but also more closely monitored palace garden—Qinghui Garden. The number of palace servants increased, inevitably including spies from various factions, especially those from the Eastern Palace and other concubines. While her movements seemed more restricted, on the other hand, as a formally titled "Lady" of the harem, she also had the "obligation" to attend certain royal banquets and events. This seemingly restrictive routine, however, was cleverly utilized by Wang Yi's forward-thinking and precise goal-oriented approach, transforming into unexpected opportunities.
Wang Yi's core objective has never changed: leveraging known history, she aims to select the most outstanding gene donor—Li Shimin—to conceive his child, and then decide whether to stay or leave depending on the circumstances. Li Yuan? Whether considering his age, health, genetic advantages, or personal feelings and historical evaluation, he has never been a consideration. All her previous maneuvering—protecting herself, buying time, and exerting influence—served this ultimate goal. Now, the situation has drastically changed, and she has been forcibly labeled "Li Yuan's woman." While this certainly increases the risks and moral pressure, it has also torn down some of the barriers that previously existed due to their different identities.
At least on certain occasions at palace banquets, her "accidental" encounters and brief conversations with Li Shimin no longer required the extreme avoidance she had during her time as "Wang Zhenren." Instead, their shared status as "royal family members" made their interactions much more natural. Of course, this required exceptional skill and courage.
Their first encounter at a palace banquet under these new identities took place at a spring family feast in April of the ninth year of the Wude era (626 AD). To demonstrate family harmony (despite the undercurrents of discord beneath), Li Yuan summoned the princes, some members of the harem, and close relatives. As the newly appointed "Lady Mingzhen," Wang Yi was seated relatively close to the front of the concubines' table. Although not directly adjacent to the princes' table where Li Shimin was seated, she was within sight of them.
When Li Shimin entered, his gaze locked onto her almost instantly. She wore a light blue palace dress befitting her status, her hair simply styled with only a plain jade hairpin, making her stand out as exceptionally aloof and refined among the heavily made-up and ornately dressed women of the harem. But beneath that aloofness, Li Shimin keenly detected something different—in the instant her eyes met his, a sharp and complex light flashed across them, a light of planning, assessment, and decision-making, rather than simple sorrow or submission.
During the banquet, music filled the air, cups were clinked, and a superficial harmony prevailed. Wang Yi behaved impeccably, responding appropriately to Li Yuan's concerned inquiries with respectful yet distant manner, fully playing the role of "a hermit temporarily residing in the mortal world." Midway through the banquet, she excused herself to "change her clothes" and temporarily left the table.
Li Shimin almost understood immediately. A moment later, he also excused himself and walked towards a relatively quiet corridor outside the banquet hall. There, Wang Yi was indeed standing by the railing, seemingly admiring the late-blooming cherry blossoms in the courtyard.
"Madam, what refined taste you have." Li Shimin approached, his voice extremely low, almost inaudible to the two of them, masked by the night wind and distant music. He used the title "Madam," carrying a subtle hint of irony and tenderness.
Wang Yi did not turn around, his voice equally soft yet clear: "The cherry blossoms here bloom late, their period is short, but their beauty is exquisite, making spring truly worthwhile. What does Your Highness think?"
“Splendid things need time, but they also need space. The palace gardens are ultimately just a caged scene.” Li Shimin spoke meaningfully, turning his head to look at her intently. “My lady is now in an even more precious cage. Are you doing well? The ten-year promise… I’m sorry to have wronged you.” The last sentence was filled with sincere apology and anger.
“Every cage has its rules.” Wang Yi finally turned his head and looked directly at him, his eyes showing no fear or resentment, only a calm resolve. “Does Your Highness know that the most sturdy cage can sometimes become the most unexpected passage? For example, right now.”
Li Shimin's mind raced, and he instantly understood her implication. In the past, their meetings had required considerable effort; now, a "chance encounter" at a palace banquet offered a possibility of a brief, less conspicuous conversation. He was shaken, further confirming her clear objective and her bold and meticulous nature. "What passage does Madam require?"
“A…path to ensure the 'future'.” Wang Yi’s gaze fell on his face, scrutinizing him without any hesitation, as if assessing the most precious strategic resource. “Your Highness, with your dragon-like bearing and phoenix-like appearance, your achievements are outstanding, worthy of being the ruler of the world. What I seek is nothing more than the finest ‘inheritance,’ to ensure that what I leave behind after my departure is worthy of this coming new era.” Her words were cryptic, but Li Shimin was as clever as he was. Combining her previous hints with his extraordinary knowledge, he instantly understood—she wanted his offspring! Not just for romantic love, but for some kind of “preferred succession,” and it might even be related to her mysterious “return.”
This realization made his heart clench, followed by an indescribable surge of heat and excitement. She had not only chosen him, but had affirmed his worth in such a direct, pragmatic, and even worldly way, way that transcended conventional notions of love. This shocked him more than any sweet words, and fueled his intense desire to conquer and possess—she wanted his child! This in itself was the ultimate recognition and bond with him as a person.
"Madam, do you know how treacherous this road is? A slight misstep could lead to utter destruction." Li Shimin's voice was hoarse as he took a step closer, almost able to smell the faint medicinal fragrance emanating from her.
“I know all too well that opportunities are fleeting.” Wang Yi advanced instead of retreating, tilting her head slightly, her eyes flashing with a rationality bordering on coldness. “Your Highness’s great undertaking is nearing completion, yet uncertainties remain. What I can offer, besides a possible ‘future,’ is perhaps to secure a crucial moment of ‘peace’ or ‘misdirection’ for Your Highness at a critical juncture.” She was referring to using her influence over Li Yuan to place him in a state where he was unable to react in time or received incorrect information on or around the day of the Xuanwu Gate Incident.
This was a blatant transaction, an alliance built on extremely high risk and absolute trust. Wang Yi staked her entire safety and future plans in exchange for Li Shimin's best genes and a possible guarantee of safety (helping her escape afterward or providing protection). Li Shimin, in turn, had to take enormous moral risks (affairs with his father's concubines) and strategic risks (relying on her cooperation within the palace) in exchange for an heir with unlimited potential and a pawn within the palace who could potentially influence the final outcome.
Under the moonlight, their eyes locked, each seeing the undisguised ambition and calculation in the other's eyes, as well as the unique attraction and recognition that arose from their mutual strength.
“Alright.” Li Shimin spoke with almost no hesitation, his voice firm and decisive. “I will make the arrangements. The location, time, rendezvous, and follow-up cover must be absolutely meticulous. As for that ‘moment’ that Madam requires…” A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, “Once the detailed plan is finalized, Madam’s full assistance will be needed.”
“Of course.” Wang Yi nodded, then regained some distance. “The banquet is about to end, so it’s not advisable to linger. Perhaps we can ‘enjoy’ other scenery at the next palace banquet.” She hinted at a possible occasion for their next encounter.
Li Shimin gazed at her intently, as if trying to etch her resolute and powerful expression into his heart. "Take care," he whispered, then turned and left first, his steps steady yet carrying a suppressed urgency.
Wang Yi stood alone in the corridor for a while longer, until her heartbeat had completely calmed down, before slowly walking back to the banquet hall. Her palms were slightly sweaty, but her eyes were unusually bright. The plan had taken a significant step forward. The risks were extremely high, but the rewards were proportional. She needed to ensure that her child's genetic source was of the highest quality, and Li Shimin was undoubtedly one of the most suitable candidates in this era, and even in Chinese history. As for emotions? Perhaps there was admiration, or a special bond formed by their shared conspiracy, but ultimately, this was a meticulously planned, goal-oriented "cooperation." If the Xuanwu Gate Incident ultimately failed, or if the situation turned unfavorable afterward, she still had a final escape route—to activate an unknown return mechanism and, with the life that might already be conceived, leave this time and space completely.
Subsequently, taking advantage of several palace banquets, prayer ceremonies, and even chance encounters at scenic spots within the palace, Wang Yi and Li Shimin, with astonishing tacit understanding and caution, completed several extremely secretive exchanges of information and preliminary arrangements for clandestine meetings. Each encounter was like walking on thin ice, but each time it deepened Li Shimin's understanding of Wang Yi's "strength"—her psychological fortitude, adaptability, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to her goals all amazed him. This admiration for strength and the desire to fight alongside her, intertwined with the growing attraction between a man and a woman, solidified his resolve.
Meanwhile, Li Shimin intensified his surveillance of the Eastern Palace and the Qi Prince's residence, as well as the final simulation of the Xuanwu Gate Incident. He secretly instructed his most trusted confidants to prepare an extremely discreet plan for a safe meeting with Wang Yi within the palace, and an emergency route for his swift removal from the palace should the incident occur. Meanwhile, Wang Yi, in Qinghui Garden, utilizing her status as "Lady Mingzhen" and Li Yuan's promise of "non-interference" in her spiritual practice, began quietly adjusting her diet and physical condition, and secretly preparing potentially useful medicines or tools (such as fertility aids, contraceptives, and even self-defense items for emergencies) using the limited resources at her disposal.
The hands of history turned, second by second, toward that blood-red dawn. Beneath this raging torrent, a dark romance, born of scheming and interwoven with ambition, admiration for power, and forbidden desires, was quietly growing, soon to become inextricably linked with the momentous event that would change the fate of the empire. Wang Yi's calculations and Li Shimin's resolve would face their final test in the bloodshed of Xuanwu Gate and the ensuing turmoil.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com