Chapter 106 The Invitation to Penglai, Casual Conversations Between the Ruler and His Minister
The snowflakes in the Eastern Palace had not yet completely melted, but the plum blossoms in Qixia Garden had already quietly bloomed their first touch of crimson. The garden remained serene, as if the power shifts and undercurrents of the outside world had nothing to do with this small world.
When Li Shimin stepped into the garden gate, he still carried the lingering chill of the court. He waved for his attendants to remain outside, and alone, he walked along the snow-sweeped path towards the familiar waterside study. There was no announcement, no entourage; he was like an ordinary visitor to a friend.
Inside the study, the warm air from the brazier filled the room. Wang Yi was bent over a large table, deep in thought, staring at the open blueprints. The blueprints were intricately drawn with strange symbols and dimensions, seemingly structural diagrams of some kind of complex machinery or hydraulic system. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Li Shimin. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, put down her charcoal pencil, and rose to curtsy.
"His Majesty."
"No need for formalities." Li Shimin waved his hand, walked to the desk, and glanced at the blueprints. "What new and interesting thing are you pondering now?"
"Your Majesty, this is a draft of a sluice gate improvement plan for a section of the river in Jiangnan Province that is prone to flooding." Wang Yi's voice was calm as he pointed to several key locations on the drawing. "The old sluice gate was not efficient in flood discharge and was prone to overflowing the dike. Based on the construction methods of previous dynasties and combined with on-site survey data, I have adjusted the angle of the gate and the opening and closing mechanism, which may improve the flood discharge efficiency by 30% and reduce the pressure on the downstream area."
Li Shimin examined the drawings carefully for a moment. Although he was not a master engineer, his years of military service and governance had given him some practical experience. He could see that the blueprints were ingeniously designed and meticulously considered, far from being mere theoretical concepts. He nodded and praised, "If it is successful, it will benefit the people of this region. You always manage to see the true skill in the details."
"Your Majesty flatters me; it is my duty." Wang Yi's tone remained calm as he led Li Shimin to the tea table by the window and personally poured him a cup of warm tea.
Li Shimin took the teacup, the rising steam slightly blurring his vision. He sized up the woman opposite him. Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her; her beautiful face bore few traces of age, her eyes still clear and bright, as if they could see through the world, yet remained detached from it all. However, occasionally, without realizing it, he could catch a fleeting glimpse of alienation and weariness deep within her eyes, a feeling out of place in this era.
"Your Majesty, your complexion seems even better than before." Li Shimin took a sip of tea and spoke casually, "Have you found some wonderful way to maintain your health? I observe that your appearance is even more radiant than it was a few years ago..." He paused, searching for the right word, "...clear and luminous."
Wang Yi's hand holding the teapot paused almost imperceptibly. She knew her "abnormality" would eventually attract attention, especially from this perceptive emperor. She put down the teapot, met Li Shimin's probing gaze, and said calmly, "Your Majesty is too kind. I have merely followed the imperial physician's advice, eating a light diet and frequently practicing breathing exercises (a health-preserving technique that coordinates breathing and limb movement). In addition, the tranquility of Qixia Garden has calmed my mind, so I appear more energetic. As for my appearance, it is probably just that Your Majesty has not seen me for a long time and has noticed it."
Her answer was impeccable, attributing the reason to health preservation and a secluded environment. Li Shimin gave her a deep look but did not press further. Everyone has secrets, especially a mysterious woman like Wang Yi. As long as she could still serve the Tang Dynasty and posed no threat, he was willing to maintain this distance and respect.
For a moment, the two were silent, save for the soft crackling of the charcoal fire in the stove and the occasional patter of falling snow outside the window. The atmosphere wasn't awkward; rather, it possessed a rare tranquility and relaxation. For Li Shimin, after the grief of losing his wife, the power struggles among his sons, and the turbulent court politics, being able to sit quietly like this, sipping a cup of tea, free from worries about state affairs and the anxieties of others, was a rare luxury.
"The 'Penglai' you mentioned last time..." Li Shimin suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. His gaze fell on the plum branches covered in snow outside the window, and his tone carried a hint of ethereal longing, "Is it really... like the legends say, an overseas fairy mountain, with the secret of immortality and rare and exotic beasts?"
Wang Yi's heart stirred slightly. Last time, she tentatively mentioned "Penglai," intending to pave the way for a possible "departure," and also harboring a sliver of hope that it might spark different pursuits in this emperor. Now, seeing him bring it up himself, she carefully chose her words, saying, "Ancient texts often exaggerate and embellish. However, the vast overseas regions do indeed contain many islands and landscapes unseen in the Central Plains. The so-called 'immortal mountains' may refer to their unique climate, unusual products, and extraordinary scenery, thus inspiring imagination. The idea of immortality is far-fetched, but escaping the hustle and bustle of the world, cultivating a tranquil mind, and prolonging life may be possible."
Her words were cautious and pragmatic, stripping away the mythical veneer while retaining enough appeal.
After listening, Li Shimin remained silent for a moment, a faint smile appearing on his lips, a smile tinged with self-mockery and a touch of melancholy: "'Away from the hustle and bustle, cultivating one's mind and character'... it certainly sounds tempting. In my youth, I fought on all sides; after ascending the throne, I toiled day and night, and how I longed for such carefree existence." He paused, then his tone shifted, returning to its somber tone, "However, I am the emperor. This vast empire, these trillions of people, all weigh on my shoulders. 'Cultivating one's mind and character'... ha, it's nothing but a pipe dream."
He looked at Wang Yi, his gaze complex: "I appreciate your kindness, sir. But right now... although Chengqian is gradually becoming capable of handling things on his own and the court seems stable, the lingering troubles of powerful families have not been eliminated, and the four borders are not entirely peaceful. I... cannot leave Chang'an, cannot leave this dragon throne."
This was a tactful refusal, but it also revealed his recognition of Li Chengqian's abilities and a clear understanding of the current situation. It wasn't that he didn't want to see the legendary "Penglai," but he was burdened with responsibilities and couldn't simply shirk his duties.
Wang Yi nodded, indicating his understanding: "Your Majesty's prioritization of the nation is a blessing for all people. The legend of Penglai is merely a daydream in one's leisure time. If Your Majesty is interested, and the coastal areas are peaceful in the future, you may send envoys to visit and broaden your horizons."
She didn't insist, nor did she show any disappointment. It was as if it really was just a casual suggestion for conversation.
Li Shimin took another sip of tea, then changed the subject, inquiring about the progress of the newly compiled medical classic of the Imperial Medical Academy, the promotion of agricultural improvements in Guanzhong, and even discussing the more efficient spinning wheel that the Imperial Workshop had recently successfully replicated, based on designs provided by Wang Yi. Wang Yi answered each question clearly and logically, with detailed data.
As the sun set, it bathed the snow-covered ground in a warm golden hue. Li Shimin rose to take his leave.
"Your Majesty, please take care." Wang Yi saw him off to the entrance of the study.
Li Shimin took a few steps, then stopped, turned back to look at the woman standing by the door, her shadow elongated by the setting sun, and suddenly said, "Master... you must also take care of your health. This Tang Dynasty needs a 'Master' like you."
These words carry a profound meaning. They are both an affirmation of her abilities and a subtle hint of... perhaps an entrustment, or perhaps some other indescribable emotion.
Wang Yi bowed slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your humble servant will certainly do my utmost."
Li Shimin nodded, turned around, and slowly left Qixia Garden, stepping through the snow.
Wang Yi stood at the door, watching the bright yellow figure disappear at the end of the plum grove path, motionless for a long time. She knew that Li Shimin would not leave anytime soon; the ship of the Tang Dynasty still needed his experienced helmsman to steer it for a while longer. And Li Chengqian's rise and his purge of the aristocratic families also needed time to settle and consolidate.
As for Penglai... perhaps it truly is just a distant and beautiful dream. At least for now, she must remain here to fulfill her promise, and perhaps... witness where this era will ultimately lead.
A cold wind whipped up a few snowflakes, which stung his face, icy cold. Wang Yi pulled his coat tighter and turned back into the warm study. On the desk, the revised sluice gate drawing lay quietly, awaiting the next stroke of his pen.
Winter in Chang'an was still long, and the game of power was far from over. She remained the seemingly detached yet ultimately detached "observer" in Qixia Garden. However, this casual conversation with the emperor about "Penglai" was like a pebble thrown into a still lake, creating faint yet lingering ripples in her usually calm heart.
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