Chapter Forty-Seven: A Rift Between Brother and Sister

Li Kong returned home in high spirits to enjoy the reunion dinner. Meanwhile, in the Supreme Palace, Li Shimin was also gathering with his family. Yet, this family was quite large—over thirty concubines and more than ten sons and daughters filled the vast Linde Hall with noisy merriment.

But when his eyes fell upon the empty seat at the head of the table, Li Shimin could not help but feel a pang of sorrow. That seat was reserved for Li Yuan. Ever since the deaths of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, Li Yuan had not seen his son for two years. He had not met even the Empress Zhangsun or Li Chengqian, spending all his days in the palace chambers behind Linde Hall, indulging in wine and revelry.

After a long while, Li Shimin managed to dispel the oppressive feeling from his heart. Then, taking Li Lizhi by the hand, he walked to his own seat. When he noticed Zhangsun Wuji and Zhangsun Chong standing nearby, his eyes narrowed slightly as he said, “Wuji and Chong, you’re here as well?”

Zhangsun Wuji bowed, saying, “Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty have peace and health. Today, I have come at Her Majesty’s command to join the gathering, but I will leave soon after.”

Zhangsun Chong quickly added, “Nephew greets Uncle!”

This was a private family gathering, so Zhangsun Chong’s words were not considered out of place. Li Shimin nodded to both father and son, saying, “Since everyone is here, let us begin the meal.”

Li Lizhi nestled close to Li Shimin, drawing envious glances from the other princes and princesses. Yet, throughout the entire palace, only Li Lizhi dared to behave so unabashedly by Li Shimin’s side—perhaps there was one other exception.

Everyone’s gaze fell upon Princess Gaoyang in Consort Ling’s arms. Just a few days ago, this little one had plucked a hair from Li Shimin’s beard, making him laugh the whole day.

Though Princess Gaoyang was not yet a month old, her strength was already impressive. She might well grow up to be no less bold than Li Lizhi. Thus, princes, princesses, and concubines alike looked on Consort Ling with envy. While others gained status through their sons, Consort Ling had truly risen through her daughter.

Li Shimin’s presence was so commanding that the family dinner felt little different from a formal affair. Coupled with the sage’s teaching of “no talking at meals, no speaking in bed,” the meal passed in near-perfect silence for half an hour.

During the day, the princes, princesses, and concubines had already spoken and bonded as needed, so after dinner, they began to depart one after another. Palace maids and eunuchs who had been waiting nearby stepped forward to clear the table.

Zhangsun Wuji was about to leave with Zhangsun Chong when the Empress Zhangsun stopped him.

Earlier at the table, Empress Zhangsun had noticed her nephew’s gaze constantly lingering on Li Lizhi, and so she knew he had not given up hope. In the past, she might have encouraged this match, strengthening family ties with her brother Zhangsun Wuji. But now… Li Kong was simply too outstanding. As a mother, Empress Zhangsun would always put her daughter’s happiness first.

She glanced at Li Shimin resting on the soft couch, and at Li Lizhi massaging his legs, heaved a gentle sigh, and said, “I’ve heard that recently, Chong and Tai, along with Keming’s second son, visited the pleasure district?”

At this, Zhangsun Wuji’s face turned pale as paper. “Your Majesty, could there be some misunderstanding?”

Li Shimin cracked open his eyes to watch the exchange. He had long instructed Empress Zhangsun to remind Zhangsun Wuji, but it seemed she had not done so. As for why, Li Shimin could guess.

They were siblings, after all. Empress Zhangsun feared she might be too soft-hearted. If he were not present, Zhangsun Wuji would surely play the family card without restraint, and she might be pressured into a corner by his cunning.

But now that Li Shimin had entrusted Changle County to Li Kong—even as just a steward—the meaning was clear to all. If Empress Zhangsun yielded, Li Shimin would be left in a difficult position. Since he was often busy, the Empress had chosen this moment.

As Li Shimin expected, Zhangsun Wuji was indeed hoping to appeal to familial ties. But in Li Shimin’s presence, he dared not. Ambitious as he was, Zhangsun Wuji desired influence, not the throne itself—otherwise, in history, he would not have been undone by a woman like Wu Zetian.

“A misunderstanding?” Empress Zhangsun turned to Zhangsun Chong. “Chong, you tell me: was there such an event?”

Zhangsun Chong did not fear his aunt, but he was very much afraid of Li Shimin. He wanted to lie, but as he faced Li Shimin, all courage deserted him, and he lowered his head. “Aunt, it was Du He who led me there. He said we were just going to see what it was like. I had no other intention.”

Hearing this, Zhangsun Wuji wished he could slap his son back into his mother’s womb. What a mess!

Empress Zhangsun glared at Zhangsun Chong, then said, “Enough. Since that’s the case, let’s put aside what my brother discussed with me earlier. His Majesty has already made his decision. There’s no need for you to frequent the palace so often. Lizhi should have her own life.”

Though her words were veiled, they left Zhangsun Wuji utterly shaken.

At first, Zhangsun Chong was confused. But as his father’s son, though still inexperienced, he caught the meaning. His eyes widened and he asked, unwilling to accept it, “Why? Aunt, I—”

“Silence!” Zhangsun Wuji cut him off sternly, then bowed. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, I shall take my leave.”

“Go,” replied Empress Zhangsun, watching her brother depart with a sense of foreboding.

Only after the two had left the Linde Hall did Li Shimin rise from the couch and look toward the doorway. “Guanyin, your brother is just as he has always been. We’ll let this matter rest, but don’t blame me for being heartless. His ambitions are too great, and I cannot grant him power to match.”

Such frankness was a first for Li Shimin in speaking with Empress Zhangsun, but how could she not see through her brother’s intentions?

Back in the Prince of Qin’s residence, Zhangsun Wuji had encouraged Li Shimin to vie for the throne against Li Chengqian, and even orchestrated the Xuanwu Gate Incident. What did he truly want? Empress Zhangsun knew all too well: a statesman for the ages, or a schemer for the throne?

She could see that her brother lacked the nerve for usurpation, but he did covet supreme power at court. Such ambition had already touched Li Shimin’s, even her own, deepest taboo. Thus, Zhangsun Wuji could rise no further. The appearance of Li Kong was merely a catalyst.

To put it plainly, the imperial couple had used Li Kong and Li Lizhi as their pawns.

Yet now, Empress Zhangsun could not help but worry—would Zhangsun Wuji accept this quietly? She felt the rift growing between them. In the future, would her brother still support Li Chengqian as before?

If Zhangsun Wuji were to turn against them… Empress Zhangsun shuddered, unable to contemplate it further.