Chapter 103: The Origins of Li Yuechen

After laughing for a long time, Li Zhi finally managed to stop. He lowered his head, opened his mouth wide with effort, then raised his hand to rub his face vigorously twice, which finally eased his amusement.

However, he no longer dared to glance toward his daughter, fearing he might burst out laughing again.

Noticing the commotion below still ongoing, Li Zhi cleared his throat: "Ahem..."

At his sound, the hall immediately fell silent.

"Each of you has your own reasoning," Li Zhi looked up at the assembled ministers. "But if we continue this noisy dispute, no conclusion will be reached. The remains of Duke Xu have yet to grow cold; such bickering is unseemly. It is better to come to a decision quickly."

Yuan Gongyu was the first to stand and speak loudly: "Your Majesty, Duke Xu was loyal and devoted his entire life. If he receives such a dishonorable posthumous title, it will surely chill the hearts of all under heaven!"

Yet Wang Fuchou persisted in his opinion: "Some matters are known across the court and among the people. How do you explain such conduct?"

"Though the eldest son was exiled, he was eventually petitioned to return," Yuan Gongyu argued. "Recognizing and correcting mistakes is a great virtue. Have you not all studied the classics? Is this not a simple truth?"

Doctor of the Court Yuan Sigu stepped forward: "A posthumous title reflects a moment’s judgment, but honor or disgrace lasts a thousand years. If we err, future generations will naturally rectify it."

"Nonsense! When present circumstances are unclear, how can we rely on future correction..."

Seeing the argument was about to flare again, the expression on Li Zhi’s face darkened.

Noticing the emperor’s displeasure, Minister of Rites Yang Sijing quickly stepped in to mediate: "Your Majesty, according to the ‘Law of Posthumous Titles,’ correction after fault is termed ‘Respectful.’ I humbly suggest the title ‘Respectful.’"

"Hmm..." Li Zhi nodded slightly. "Do any of you have objections?"

The title was rather mediocre—neither good nor bad—but he was too tired to listen to further quarrels.

Seeing the emperor’s stance, the ministers bowed in unison: "Your Majesty is enlightened!"

In the corridor, Li Yuechen shook her head gently. If it were her, she believed a posthumous title should be either exceptionally good or exceptionally bad.

Either way, it would leave a mark upon history.

But such a middling title was easily lost to oblivion.

Thus, the dispute over the posthumous title was finally settled, and the court session was adjourned.

After the session, Li Zhi and his wife walked down the corridor, holding their daughter’s hand as they returned.

Wu Zetian chided her: "Look at you just now! You almost made both your grandfather and me laugh out loud!"

"Oh, it was mainly big brother’s expression that was truly hilarious. I just copied it!" Li Yuechen said, immediately imitating Li Hong’s earlier grimaces and exaggerated faces.

Though the atmosphere had passed, and her mimicry was quite accurate, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian only smiled faintly, not to the point of losing composure.

Li Zhi reached out and gently tapped her head with his finger: "In the future, you must not laugh so freely in court. Losing decorum could lead to serious trouble."

"Don’t worry, Father. I’ve been rigorously trained. No matter how funny something is, I won’t laugh!" Li Yuechen responded solemnly.

Wu Zetian glared at her: "Then why did you laugh just now?"

"I couldn’t help it..." Li Yuechen looked innocent.

Seeing their mischievous daughter’s antics, Li Zhi laughed again. In his heart, he thought that since she was born, she had brightened his mood most of the time.

...

By late September, at the Imperial Farm, various fertilizers were already enriching the soil.

Li Yuechen was teaching the children literacy in the courtyard; the walls were covered with writing.

The children’s parents, eager for their continued education, scraped off the old layers filled with characters and carefully applied fresh plaster.

"Good," Li Yuechen said, pointing with her teaching stick to two lines on the wall. "These are today’s lessons. Repeat after me!"

The children read aloud several times: "The palace rises majestic, towers soar to the capital. Paintings depict birds and beasts, colors illustrate immortal spirits."

After several repetitions, Li Yuechen nodded: "Come here and practice writing. If you don’t understand, ask at once, or you’ll have to wait five days."

The children were quite familiar with Li Yuechen now and asked questions freely without embarrassment.

She had told them that only by daring to inquire and remembering attentively could one deepen understanding.

The Thousand Character Classic was an essential primer of the age; any scholar was expected to recite it fully.

Li Yuechen herself had copied it every few days since childhood and could recite it backwards effortlessly.

...

The children learned quickly. At this pace, once they finished the Thousand Character Classic, they could begin studying mathematics.

When the lessons were done, Li Yuechen prepared to leave.

Zhang the elder, leading the children, came forward and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness, please travel safely."

"Yes, remember to supervise their practice these days," Li Yuechen smiled, then mounted her carriage and departed.

...

Upon returning to the palace, just after dismounting, a young eunuch awaited her: "Your Highness, the Sage requests you visit the Hall of Benevolent Longevity upon your return."

"Understood," Li Yuechen replied, heading toward the hall.

She suspected the inquiry was about the children; her every action was impossible to conceal.

Indeed, once seated in the hall, Li Zhi, reclining in his rocking chair, spoke first: "Chen’er, why do you teach those children to read?"

"I wish for the Tang Dynasty to be peaceful and prosperous, for everyone to learn to read and practice skills," Li Yuechen answered. "If all can read and gain knowledge, you and Mother need not fear those who spread malicious words. They will understand loyalty and patriotism; countless subjects could become pillars of the Tang!"

Li Zhi was silent for a moment before nodding: "A good idea, though difficult to implement. Otherwise, the imperial examinations wouldn’t be so arduous."

Wu Zetian approached and lit the tea kettle: "Chen’er, I know you’ve been extraordinarily clever since childhood, but have you considered that if everyone in Tang reads and becomes officials, who then will till the fields and pay taxes?"

Li Yuechen smiled faintly: "Mother worries too much. Not everyone who studies wants to be an official. Moreover, knowledge comes in many forms. For example, agricultural knowledge can increase harvests; military knowledge can produce better weapons; and scholars like my master can map the heavens and earth, avoiding misfortune..."

Li Zhi nodded: "In that case, it is indeed beneficial. But it remains difficult to achieve."

Li Yuechen replied: "The 'Liezi' says the Foolish Old Man moves mountains, not by a single day’s work. I believe that with continuous effort, success will come. One day, all in the Tang will be like dragons!"

"Preposterous!" Wu Zetian suddenly exclaimed. "If all are dragons, then what of the emperor?"

Li Yuechen smiled without concern: "The emperor would naturally be the Sovereign of All Dragons! Now, Father is merely the Heavenly Emperor, but when that day comes, he will be the Emperor of the Universe, commanding awe across the cosmos—the Celestial Emperor!"

"Well then..." Wu Zetian tried to stop her, knowing such talk was shocking and could cause turmoil if spread. It might be fine to say among family, but the emperor hearing could be problematic.

Li Zhi raised his hand to stop her mother: "Chen’er’s great ambition is a blessing. Meiniang has yet to grasp its key."

Wu Zetian turned her head: "What do you mean?"

Li Zhi, with an admiring look, said: "Chen’er, let me ask you. If everyone in Tang is learned, would that threaten imperial power?"

"Rest assured, it would not," Li Yuechen smiled. "As long as everyone is well fed and clothed, imperial power will be even more stable! Father, you surely understand this better than I."

Today’s words had been carefully considered. Long ago, this couple realized she was clever; there was no need to pretend ignorance.

As long as familial affection remained, and they liked her, no problems would arise.

She knew herself a common person, unable to outwit them in schemes. If they suspected concealment, troubles would follow.

Better to show her true self, with nothing hidden—an honest and obedient child.

Thus, the couple would see no threat and like her all the more.

From the emperor’s perspective, loyalty mattered above all; talent was not feared, but disloyalty was.

If she could make the emperor trust her, all difficulties would dissolve.

"Oh?" Li Zhi turned a health ball in his hand. "Explain."

Though he already guessed her meaning, he wanted to hear it.

Wu Zetian’s eyes widened in worry, as if wanting to stop her, sensing the danger of such talk.

But Li Yuechen ignored her and said directly: "When the late emperor ascended at Xuanwu Gate, with enemy forces at the city’s edge and plagues and droughts everywhere, many said his claim was illegitimate... Yet through his efforts, Tang enjoyed peace throughout the realm, doors remained open at night, and no theft occurred. During the Zhenguan era, was there any rebellion among the people?"

Li Zhi suddenly broke into a wide grin, spinning the health ball quickly: "You little girl, you really dare to say anything!"

"I’m just speaking the truth, Father. I believe you won’t punish me!" Li Yuechen stuck out her tongue.

Wu Zetian relaxed but still glared at her.

...

Li Zhi kept spinning the health ball: "If so, then try it. I want to see what surprises you bring in the future."

"Yes!" Li Yuechen nodded confidently.

After chatting a while longer, she took her leave, leaving the couple alone in the Hall of Benevolent Longevity.

Wu Zetian poured tea for Li Zhi and casually remarked: "This girl’s ideas are so revolutionary, she startled me."

"Bold thoughts and deeds are good," Li Zhi nodded. "When she joins the army, she will surely boost Tang’s military strength."

Wu Zetian looked worried: "Do you really plan to send Chen’er to battle?"

Li Zhi smiled: "Chen’er was born with divine strength; Meiniang surely knows that."

They were well aware of Li Yuechen’s every action in Anfu Palace.

"But even so, she is still flesh and blood! On the battlefield, swords and spears spare no one. She..." Only when away from their daughter did Wu Zetian reveal her maternal concern.

Li Zhi shook his head: "Meiniang need not worry; this is Chen’er’s destiny."

"What do you mean?" Wu Zetian asked, puzzled.

After sipping tea, Li Zhi spoke slowly: "When Chen’er was about to be born, Li Chunfeng told me the White Tiger Star in the west was shining."

Wu Zetian frowned, unsure what he meant.

Li Zhi turned seriously: "At first, I thought little of it. But in recent years, Chen’er increased grain yields and opened shops to earn wealth. The White Tiger itself wards off evil and disasters, praying for abundance and wealth. Moreover, the White Tiger is the god of war, master of killing and conquest! Chen’er loves martial arts and has divine strength..."

Hearing this, Wu Zetian looked up: "I suspect Chen’er is the incarnation of the White Tiger Star?"

"That is the best explanation," Li Zhi replied. "Come to think of it, Li Chunfeng’s expression back then was indeed strange..."

Wu Zetian considered: "But Li Chunfeng has long passed away, so..."

Li Zhi shook his head: "It matters not. Chen’er is still young; we can observe longer."

Hearing this, Wu Zetian nodded in agreement, feeling somewhat relieved. Although her daughter might one day go to battle, this was better than incurring the emperor’s wrath.

At least, if Chen’er truly were the White Tiger Star incarnate, she would be a genuine auspicious sign personally endorsed by the emperor.

...

A few days later, Li Yuechen received news that her second brother Li Xian was promoted from Prince of Pei to Prince of Yong.

Meanwhile, Li Zhi ordered a group of officials to accompany the Crown Prince back to Chang’an to oversee the government.

Li Hong received the order and hastily packed.

Two days later, when preparations were complete, a carriage procession waited outside the city gate, ready to depart.

Li Zhi, with the children, climbed the city tower to bid farewell, admonishing Li Hong: "Hong’er, this isn’t your first time governing in my stead, but I am growing old. Your responsibilities will increase..."

"I am still in my prime, Father. I will do my utmost not to disappoint you and Mother!" Li Hong replied with a respectful bow.

Li Zhi smiled and patted his shoulder without further words.

Wu Zetian, fond of this child, tidied his clothing and advised him to work hard upon return.

The other siblings all exchanged farewell words, knowing they might not reunite for the New Year.

For some unknown reason, Li Zhi decided to stay here longer and would not return to Chang’an this year.

After farewells, Li Yuechen stepped forward and opened her arms wide to embrace her brother: "Brother, I will miss you!"

Li Hong felt a bit awkward but returned the embrace, patting her back: "Big brother will miss you too."

"I packed a carriage full of canned food for you, to save some meals. I’ll send more later!"

"Alright, got it!" Li Hong smiled, ruffling her hair. After bowing to their parents, he turned and boarded the carriage, which slowly departed.