Chapter 105: Empress Wu Boasts, and Mingqing Becomes a Melon

Li Wei had not anticipated these underlying complexities. It was already a small mercy that he had not lost himself in the fantasies of Empress Wu Zetian’s warm embrace.

After some affectionate gestures, Wu Zetian said, "Hong, sit."

She gestured for him to sit between Emperor Li Zhi and herself. Seating arrangements were highly significant; by protocol, the Emperor sat in the center, with the Empress and the Crown Prince on either side. However, Wu Zetian pushed Li Wei into the middle, effectively seating herself to the side of her son.

At home, she was a mother, but this was a state banquet. The Crown Prince held a higher rank than the Empress, and while one might overlook the seating, it was still improper. Di Renjie, watching from afar, grew anxious, fearing the Crown Prince might truly act as the heir and sit down; he nearly cried out in alarm.

Li Wei, however, understood the boundaries. He said, "Mother, I dare not."

"Oh, you read too many books on ritual. It is not bad to be learned, but do not be overly constrained. Sit in the middle so that your father and I can speak with you."

Even so, he could not sit. Just as Li Wei was about to decline again, Li Zhi spoke: "Listen to your mother and sit down."

He had no choice. Not knowing what his parents were up to, he sat between them.

Wu Zetian then beckoned to Shangguan Wan'er, who was standing at a distance, and called her over. "Wan'er, I hear you composed a poem at the Shaolin Temple?"

"Replying to the Empress, that was on the morning I accompanied His Highness the Crown Prince on his morning run. I suddenly remembered the poem you wrote at the Shaolin Temple and, daring to imitate you, I hastily penned one."

Many officials did not know Shangguan Wan'er, but they had all heard that the Crown Prince had brought her from Chang'an to Luoyang. The officials were concerned about this, as Shangguan Yi had only died a few years prior; some even felt sympathy for his demise.

They all stared at Shangguan Wan'er.

Seeing the young girl answer with poise and humility before Wu Zetian, they silently applauded. She was indeed worthy of being Shangguan Yi’s granddaughter, and she was exceptionally beautiful, though perhaps a bit young. Some officials were curious: they knew Shangguan Yi was talented, but what kind of poem could a girl as young as Wan'er write? Was she a second Xu Hui?

"Recite it for me to hear."

"I am embarrassed to recite it, as it is poorly written."

"It does not matter. You are still young; it is commendable enough that you could write anything at all. Recite it."

Shangguan Wan'er looked at Li Wei, who gave a slight nod. He began to understand his mother's intent: she was demonstrating her magnanimity before the court. Even though she had ordered the execution of Shangguan Yi, that was his due—but she would not mistreat his granddaughter. Whether her grace was genuine or feigned, this public display ensured Shangguan Wan'er’s safety from here on out.

With the Crown Prince’s nod, Shangguan Wan'er recited in her youthful voice: "The wind descends as bamboo shadows stir, the sun rises to paint the clouds in red. I cross the waves toward Kunlun, scattering dew amidst the heavy mist. Accompanying the carriage to pray at Shaoshi, I serve near the fields of orchids. No fragrance lingers on the stone terrace, but the lotus pagoda is filled with pine. The Crown Prince possesses a benevolent heart, and his prayers shall surely bear fruit."

If this poem had come from Xu Hui, it might only be considered passable, but coming from an eight-year-old girl—especially one whose learning environment had been the harsh confines of the Ye Court—it was truly remarkable. Many officials compared it to their own childhoods and realized they could never have written such lines at that age. Though she had drawn inspiration from Wu Zetian’s work, she had done so with a distinct style and intent. They all clicked their tongues in amazement.

Wu Zetian nodded. "Although you imitated my poem, it is quite good. Given time, you may not be much inferior to me."

Li Wei felt dizzy upon hearing his mother’s remark.

She was certainly confident. He had personally read her poetry. "Not much inferior to you?" She wouldn't need time; by the time Wan'er reached the age of Bi'er, her poetry would likely surpass hers. Or perhaps, in terms of sheer "imperial aura," Wan'er would never match her.

Wu Zetian continued, "You are quite capable. In the future, serve the Crown Prince well alongside Bi'er. Return to the Eastern Palace to rest."

Even at a banquet, the girls were expected to depart. They had no status to sit among the officials, and standing to serve would be demeaning. Returning to the Eastern Palace was the best solution. But there was another meaning: before the entire court, she had essentially formalized the status of Jiang Bi'er and Shangguan Wan'er. They were not mere palace maids or officials; they belonged to the Crown Prince.

Furthermore, it was another display of her magnanimity: regardless of Shangguan Yi’s history, she would appreciate talent where she saw it. In terms of sheer oratorical skill, Li Wei was still miles behind her.

Shangguan Wan'er bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Empress."

Watching her leave, Wu Zetian said to Li Zhi, "That little girl is quite good."

"Hmm," Li Zhi grunted, lost in thought. He had been the one to authorize the deposition of Wu Zetian years ago, and though Shangguan Yi had been the most active, he had become the scapegoat for the Emperor's own decisions, meeting a violent end. He then said, "Let the banquet begin."

Music played, odes were recited, and servants brought out the food and wine.

The officials were filled with conflicting emotions. The emergence of bamboo paper was a boon for the nation, but it had become the Empress's weapon and shield. Many felt fortunate that the court was not plunged into chaos, yet others were deeply frustrated. This had been a golden opportunity to challenge the Empress, especially with the drought and the omens that had forced the Emperor to cancel the Great Rain Sacrifice. But with the introduction of bamboo paper, that chance had vanished. One could not blame the Crown Prince; no one would dare hoard such a monumental credit for themselves.

The timing of the bamboo paper was too perfect. The opportunity was lost, and they could only watch as the court continued to be dominated by the Empress. Her maneuvers were well-known; everyone realized she had orchestrated the entire sensation.

Just then, a young official stood up. "Your Majesty, Empress, the arrival of bamboo paper will benefit ten thousand generations. May I perform a small feat of magic to add to the elegance of this occasion?"

Li Wei did not recognize him, but the young man spoke well, emphasizing the significance of the paper.

Li Zhi was pleased. "Ming Qing, proceed."

"Your Majesty, I must borrow something from the palace."

"What do you need?"

"A large, clean wooden bucket, suitable for holding food."

Half a sentence later, the request for a food-related item piqued everyone’s curiosity. Li Zhi ordered a servant to bring a clean bucket. The man named Ming Qing covered the opening with his sleeve and muttered an incantation. After a while, he removed his sleeve, and a dozen large melons appeared inside the bucket.

Everyone was stunned. Li Wei was also amazed. It was clearly a magic trick, but an incredibly difficult one. To conjure objects out of thin air was a common stage trick, but to perform it while seated among the court without any stage props was baffling.

"A fine feat," Li Zhi praised.

"Your Majesty, magic is but a trivial skill. Governing the country requires the wisdom of the sages; one must not rely on such arts."

"Your words, Ming Qing, match my own heart."

"These melons were just picked from a field by Mount Mang. I invite Your Majesties and the Crown Prince to taste them."

Li Zhi had them carved and shared. Because only about a hundred high-ranking officials were present, each received only a small slice. Li Wei tasted his; it was indeed "fresh."

The official added, "Your Majesty, the farmer worked hard. May I ask for five hundred coins to compensate him?"

"Very well. Bring five hundred coins."

The man took the coins, placed them on the table, and covered them with his sleeve. Li Wei was certain now—it was a sleight of hand. After muttering, the man shouted, "Go!" and with a wave of his sleeve, the table was empty. "Your Majesty, the money has been delivered. The farmer was sleeping on his cot and didn't notice; I placed the money under his pillow."

Li Zhi asked, "Is this field truly at the foot of Zhongliu Peak on Mount Mang?"

"Yes, half a mile southwest of the peak."

Li Zhi ordered a guard, "Ride there and check if the money is under the farmer's pillow."

The guard departed, and the officials could hardly focus on their meal, waiting for the report. Even Li Wei found the prospect unbelievable. It was a trick, surely, but a masterful one.