Chapter 114 The Aftermath of a Child Choosing a Path Has Not Yet Subsided
The study in the Prince of Jin's residence was tightly shut, even the windows were completely covered. Only a solitary lamp on the desk cast Li Zhi's long shadow, which swayed slightly against the cold wall. The air was filled with the scent of ink and an almost stagnant heaviness.
Before him lay not classical texts, but a newly written letter, its ink still damp. It was addressed to his uncle, Changsun Wuji. The letter was extremely respectful and humble, filled with apologies for not being able to pay his respects to his nephew more often, gratitude for his uncle's years of guidance, and apprehension about his own "dullness" and "limited learning." But in the heart of the letter, he subtly yet firmly stated that he had recently deeply felt his "shallow knowledge and uncultivated virtue," fearing he "would fail the Emperor's grace and his uncle's expectations." Therefore, he decided to "close himself off to study diligently," and would not go out for the time being. He also "dared not trouble his uncle with his foolish opinions," hoping his uncle would "take good care of himself and not worry about his young servant."
This letter consumed almost all of Li Zhi's energy. Every word was carefully considered, striving to express a sense of distance and rejection without appearing ungrateful or sharply confrontational. He knew that once this letter was sent, it would be tantamount to formally stating his stance to his uncle and those secretly watching him—he chose to withdraw from this power struggle orchestrated by his uncle against his brother; he chose to obey his father's decree, dedicate himself to his studies, and stay away from court intrigues; he chose… to believe his brother's heartfelt warning that night, or at least, he chose not to verify the most terrifying possibility in that warning.
Making this decision was not easy for him. Fear of Li Tai's fate was certainly one reason. Whenever the night was quiet, the thought of Li Tai's final, crazed, and desperate gaze, and of his brother's deep pain and regret when he spoke of it, sent chills down his spine. He didn't want to end up like that himself, and he didn't want his mother to see them, brothers, killing each other again.
But the deeper reasons might not even be fully clear to him. Was it his innate kindness, similar to that of his mother, that made him instinctively resist placing familial ties under the weight of power calculations? Was it through his own observations that he began to vaguely acknowledge the necessity of some of his brother's actions, even if their methods were frightening? Or was it the protection and expectations contained in his father's decree that gave him the courage and confidence to follow his heart's choice?
Perhaps, it's a combination of both.
He knew this choice might disappoint, even anger, his uncle. His uncle had planned far ahead for the Changsun family, seeing him as a crucial link in the chain; now that this link had broken free, it would inevitably disrupt his plans. But he couldn't worry about that anymore. He couldn't, and didn't want to, become a pawn in anyone's struggle against his brother. Li Tai's bloodshed, Li Xiang's untimely death—it was already tragic enough; he didn't want to add another tragedy.
The letter was ultimately delivered to Changsun Wuji's residence by the most trusted chief secretary of the Prince's mansion.
When the messenger returned to report, he only said that after receiving the letter, Duke Changsun's expression was normal. He even kindly inquired about the Prince of Jin's recent well-being, asked him to bring back some nourishing medicinal herbs, and instructed the Prince of Jin to "focus on his studies and take care of his health," as if it were just an ordinary letter of greeting.
But Li Zhi knew that beneath the calm surface, turbulent currents raged. How could a clever man like his uncle not understand the deeper meaning behind his words?
Sure enough, in the days that followed, the officials and scholars who used to frequently "pass by" the Prince of Jin's residence or "accidentally" meet Li Zhi, and who had close ties with the Changsun family, almost disappeared. Even the "newly acquired ancient books," "seasonal fruits," and even "handwritten letters from the uncle" that used to be sent from the Changsun residence every few days suddenly decreased and eventually stopped altogether.
The Prince of Jin's residence truly became an isolated island, intentionally or unintentionally neglected. But for Li Zhi, this isolated island represented a painful peace after shedding a heavy burden.
The news quickly reached the Crown Prince's Palace.
Li Chengqian was reviewing a report on the implementation of the new regulations for canal transport in Jiangnan when he heard his confidant whispering about the Prince of Jin's recent situation and the general contents of the letter to Changsun Wuji. His vermilion pen paused for a long time, and a drop of crimson ink slowly seeped along the edge of the report.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, the icy coldness deep within his eyes seemed to have melted with a tiny crack. Instead of the expected ecstasy, a more complex emotion, a mixture of relief, guilt, and a deeper sense of responsibility, welled up inside him.
Zhi Nu... in the end, he did not disappoint him, nor did he disappoint the Empress Dowager.
This younger brother, in his own unique, gentle yet resolute way, chose a difficult but right path. He rejected readily available temptations (or rather, traps), as well as the potential dangers and divisions they might bring. How much courage and clarity did that require? Especially considering the years of cultivation and influence of someone like his uncle.
Li Chengqian suddenly realized that his honesty that night, though painful and risky, might have been the right thing to do. At least, he had opened a window for Zhinu to see the truth and given him a chance to make a different choice. And Zhinu seized that opportunity.
"Issue the order," Li Chengqian said to his advisors, "Prince Jin is to seclude himself for study. All the books and supplies he needs will be provided by the Crown Prince's Palace. Select several learned and virtuous scholars to regularly visit Prince Jin's residence to explain the classics and answer his questions. Remember, they will only discuss scholarship, not politics."
"In addition," he added, "in my name, send some new writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as several rubbings of Wang Youjun's (Wang Xizhi's) calligraphy to the Prince of Jin's residence. Tell him... that his elder brother is very pleased to know that he is diligent in his studies and hopes that he will take care of his health."
He didn't go to see Li Zhi in person, nor did he say anything more. Some things are best left unsaid; some knots in the heart need time to untie. But he wanted to show Zhi Nu through his actions: Your brother has seen and remembered your choice. Your brother will protect you on this path.
The news naturally reached the Liangyi Hall as well.
Li Shimin was strolling in the Imperial Garden when he heard a eunuch whisper a report. He stopped and gazed at the koi carp swimming leisurely in the pond, remaining silent for a long time. The spring breeze ruffled his graying hair, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers.
After a long while, he sighed softly. In that sigh, there was relief, emotion, and a trace of indescribable weariness.
“Childhood slave… has grown up.” He murmured to himself, “Knowing what he should and shouldn’t want. Knowing how to avoid the whirlpool and protect himself. That’s good… very good.”
He knew what Zhi Nu's choice meant. It meant that Changsun Wuji's plan to use his youngest son to check the Crown Prince had failed, at least in the short term. It meant that the undercurrent in the court, which used "benevolence" as a pretext to promote vested interests, had lost its most "orthodox" and most promising banner. More importantly, it meant that the tragedy of fratricide that he feared most could perhaps be avoided in Zhi Nu's generation.
This finally put an end to the heavy weight that had been hanging over his heart for so long. But at the same time, he also felt a deep sorrow. For this "avoidance," Zhi Nu paid the price of becoming estranged from his uncle, whom he had been close to since childhood, the price of being marginalized, and the price of having to confront the cruel nature of power prematurely during the most crucial period of his growth.
As a father, he felt heartbroken. As emperor, he could only choose the outcome that was most beneficial to the entire empire.
"Issue my decree," Li Shimin said to the eunuch, "Prince Li Zhi of Jin is respectful, filial, virtuous, and devoted to his studies, which pleases me greatly. I hereby bestow upon him two catties of newly tribute dragon-shaped tea cakes, ten Huzhou purple-haired brushes, and one Duanxi old pit inkstone as a token of my appreciation. Instruct him to focus on his studies and not to come to pay his respects frequently, but to take good care of his health."
This reward was of high quality, consisting entirely of elegant stationery items, perfectly matching the image given to Li Zhi. It served both as a commendation and as a further step in "fixing" Li Zhi on the path of "devoting himself to learning," cutting off any unnecessary thoughts from the outside world.
The child chooses his path, and the turmoil subsides temporarily.
Prince Li Zhi's clear statement was like a stabilizing force thrown into a turbulent undercurrent. Although the discussions in the court about the Crown Prince being "too harsh" did not completely disappear, his influence and prestige were greatly diminished after losing the aura of Prince Li Zhi as a potential "ideal replacement." Many previously wavering officials began to reassess the situation, and the Crown Prince's authority was further consolidated.
Although Changsun Wuji's power was not directly struck, his attempt to influence the court by affecting the princes was thwarted. He had to temporarily restrain his ambitions and devote more energy to consolidating his own position and engaging in more "conventional" political maneuvering with the Crown Prince. However, this incident completely tore away the veil of brotherly affection between him and the Crown Prince, leaving only a naked political rivalry. It also left an irreparable rift between him and Prince Jin, Li Zhi.
Li Chengqian, on the other hand, appeared more composed and confident in handling state affairs. With one less potential threat from within his family, he could focus more on implementing his policies and continuing to systematically weaken the powerful clans and consolidate imperial power. However, the complex emotions he felt towards his younger brother Li Zhi—gratitude, guilt, pity, and a heavy responsibility as an elder brother—grew even deeper.
Li Zhi then began a true period of "secluded study." The outside world seemed to isolate him; he devoted all his energy to classic texts, laws, and mathematics, occasionally discussing scholarship with scholars sent by the Crown Prince. His life was simple yet fulfilling. Only in the quiet of the night would he gaze at the starry sky, a hint of loneliness and contemplation beyond his years flashing in his eyes. He knew he had chosen a relatively safe but potentially lonely path. But he did not regret it. At least, he had preserved his inner peace, and he had kept a promise to his mother, his father, and perhaps… also to his elder brother.
After the undercurrents and choices made by the people, spring in Chang'an finally revealed some true brightness and peace. However, the game of power was never truly over; it had merely entered a new phase of balance and confrontation. The Emperor's heart, the Crown Prince, powerful ministers, princes… all forces were reassessing, awaiting the next pivotal moment.
The young prince who made the crucial choice in the eye of the storm—his future, his path—has only just begun. This time, however, he will rely more on his own judgment and choices than on the guidance or manipulation of others.
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