Chapter 21 Ten Months of Pregnancy
Inside a side hall of Chengqing Palace, a chaotic scene of "emergency care" unfolded. Imperial physicians surrounded the bedside, administering acupuncture and medicine, their faces grave. Li Shimin stood guard to the side, his gaze fixed on Wang Yi's pale face, his clenched fists bulging with veins, his heart filled with raging anger, excruciating pain, and overwhelming hatred for those who had driven her to this point. He firmly believed that external pressure, rumors, and perhaps even the machinations of his father or the Changsun family, had driven his beloved woman and unborn child to their deaths.
Wang Yi's acting skills were top-notch. She had deliberately returned to the modern world and obtained a prescription from a renowned traditional Chinese medicine doctor. The prescription, which supposedly caused abortion but was actually harmless, was used to create physical symptoms. Simultaneously, she controlled her body to feign pain: a weak and erratic pulse, low body temperature, and occasional painful frowns and groans—all symptoms perfectly matching those of someone who had "accidentally or self-ingested a potent abortifacient, resulting in severe blood and qi deficiency and impending miscarriage." Her "coma" was also layered, sometimes deeply unconscious and unresponsive, sometimes punctuated by slightly delirious babbling, calling out "child" or "Shimin," causing Li Shimin immense heartache.
Several hours later, the imperial physicians reported to Li Shimin with trepidation: the lady's pulse seemed to be slippery (meaning she might have miscarried), and although the bleeding had not yet become severe, her vital energy was greatly depleted, and the fetus's life... was likely in danger. Strong medicine was needed to strengthen her constitution and prolong her life, but whether she would wake up, and when, was unknown. Even if she did wake up, there was a risk of serious aftereffects, and as for having children... that was hopeless for the rest of her life.
Well, either he's a master of traditional Chinese medicine, or he can create so many false appearances in the body with just one prescription.
However, Li Shimin was unaware that this was a lie. The imperial physician's words practically sealed the fate of the child's death and Wang Yi's severe disability. Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's vision blurred, and he staggered, only to be supported by Yuchi Jingde beside him. He forced himself to steady himself, his eyes bloodshot, and squeezed out the order through clenched teeth: "At all costs! Save her! I want her alive! Do you hear me!" He had already used the pronoun "朕" (Zhen, meaning "I, the Imperial Emperor") to refer to himself, demonstrating the unquestionable will of the emperor.
The imperial physicians were extremely cautious, administering medicine with extra care. In reality, Wang Yi's health was far less severe than they had diagnosed.
Finally, the effects of the medicine on Wang Yi weakened, and it was announced that his condition had stabilized. Although Li Shimin was reluctant, he was persuaded to leave by Changsun Linglong.
Upon realizing that Li Shimin had left, Wang Yi returned to the modern world.
Over the next few months, Wang Yi began her modern-day life of "pregnancy safety" and "preparation for battle." First, she used her connections and money to find a secluded, well-secured residence, and hired a professional medical team and nutritionist to ensure a safe pregnancy. At the same time, she knew this return was not a permanent retreat, but rather a stepping stone to a longer-term goal—to establish herself on the more "exciting" stage of the Tang Dynasty and lay the foundation for her future "family legacy."
Therefore, while resting during her pregnancy, she devoted a great deal of time and resources to "specialized training": she first hired senior professors and stage actors from drama academies to systematically study the Stanislavski system and Messler method, delving into micro-expression control, diction, including the pronunciation and rhythm of classical Chinese, and the application of body language in different situations. She wanted to ensure that in the future, whether playing a frail, sickly beauty, a wise and righteous strategist, or a "fairy" who occasionally reveals her true nature in the Tang Dynasty court, she could be completely natural and flawless. In between acting classes, she not only studied general psychology but also focused on historical psychology, power psychology, the psychology of court interpersonal relationships, and hypnosis and suggestion techniques. She wanted to better understand the psychology of Li Shimin, Empress Zhangsun, Li Yuan, and even the various characters she might encounter in the future, to exert influence more effectively and protect herself. In her spare time, she reread Tang history carefully, especially the details of the Wude and Zhenguan periods, not overlooking any possible institutional systems, customs, medicine, diet, clothing, and etiquette. She even went through special channels to find scholars who studied Tang Dynasty material culture to learn the exact names and uses of various artifacts and medicinal materials that might have existed during that era. Under the guidance of a doctor, she underwent gentle prenatal exercises to ensure her physical condition. At the same time, she learned some simple self-defense techniques (adapted from the principles of martial arts that may have existed in the Tang Dynasty), as well as refined arts that fit the persona of "Lady Mingzhen," such as perfumery, tea ceremony, and playing the guqin (a seven-stringed zither)—it's always good to have many skills.
During this fulfilling yet intense period of preparation, her daughter was born safely. She was a healthy and beautiful baby girl, her cry loud and clear. The features of Li Shimin were faintly visible in her eyes and brows, yet she also possessed Wang Yi's unique aloofness. Looking at this little life in her arms, a fusion of two different timelines and two extraordinary genes, Wang Yi felt a strange sense of accomplishment. She didn't name the child; this was the right left to the father in that other timeline, and also an invisible bond.
“Sweetie, let’s grow up here and give you the best foundation.” She whispered to her daughter, “But you may never see your father again.”
After giving birth, Wang Yi still sought out the renowned traditional Chinese medicine doctor who had prescribed medicine for him before, and obtained a prescription that would guide the pulse to indicate a miscarriage.
Initially, her plan was to leave the Tang Dynasty once she gave birth, but after the dramatic events of the late Wude era and her deep entanglement with Li Shimin, her thoughts changed. The cutthroat competition of the modern business world seemed less "exciting" and less "grand" than the treacherous, life-or-death power struggles of the early Tang court. More importantly, she saw that the heights and influence achievable in that era through foresight and wisdom beyond its time were unattainable in modern society. Li Shimin, a ruler of such great talent and ambition, was not only a provider of excellent genes but also a monarch worthy of "cooperation" and "investment." Being by his side offered not only top-tier security and resources, such as a perfect postpartum environment, but also the opportunity to participate in shaping a great era.
“One child isn’t enough,” Wang Yi said, looking in the mirror and admiring her well-recovered postpartum figure, her eyes gleaming with ambition. “Since we’re going to carry on the family business, we naturally need several excellent options. Li Shimin’s bloodline, combined with my education, would be a top-tier asset, whether in modern or ancient times. Wu Meiniang… the future empress? Ha, I’d like to see what kind of brilliance she will radiate in the era I’m involved in.” She was fascinated by witnessing history, and even subtly influencing it.
Of course, risks still exist. But she is no longer the somewhat passive time traveler who relied mainly on information asymmetry and quick wit. Now, she is Wang Yi, who has undergone systematic training, is equipped with acting and psychological tools, has clear goals, and has a healthy daughter as her "trump card."
She planned to return to the palace as if she had lost her fertility due to a miscarriage and serious illness, which would both gain Li Shimin's sympathy and minimize the threat his status posed to the imperial court and harem.
A woman who cannot bear children will not have an heir favored by the king. The only one who will be wary of her is Li Yuan, who was cuckolded.
"It's time to go back." Wang Yi looked at her sleeping daughter in the crib, then at herself in the mirror, her eyes sharp and her demeanor more mature and complex. "Li Shimin, your 'Lady Mingzhen'... is coming back. With an unexpected 'gift,' and an even more exciting script."
This time, she will no longer be a passive observer drawn into history, but an active participant, a strategist, and even… one of the writers of certain stories. The imperial harem and the court during the Zhenguan era will inevitably be thrown into turmoil again by the return of this "Lady Mingzhen," who "sacrificed her own family for the greater good." Empress Zhangsun's inner turmoil, Li Shimin's complex emotions, the court officials' doubts and curiosity, and the still unknown trajectory of the future empress will all take an even more unpredictable turn due to her reappearance.
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