Chapter 141: The Pros and Cons of Aristocratic Clans, The Culprit Appears (Part 1)

Li Wei could not quite tell whether his father genuinely did not know the background of those two women or was merely pretending.

This response was crucial; if he answered poorly, the two women would never be allowed to set foot in the Eastern Palace again. After pondering for a moment, he replied, "Father, they are the adopted daughters of Di Renjie. Although they are only adopted, they are exceptionally filial to him. Moreover, their moral character and scholarly talent are both of the absolute highest order."

"I have heard as much. In terms of deportment, among all the young ladies you know, only they possess the finest manners. I am simply asking you, what is their true origin?"

Hearing that their deportment was praised made things much easier. Li Wei continued, "Back then, to escape the persecution of Helan Minzhi, they sought refuge in the imperial palace. Later, when Li Shan submitted a memorial and Your Majesty expressed displeasure, this son did not dare keep them in the Eastern Palace. Yet, if I simply cast them out, Helan Minzhi had already lost his mind and would inevitably have harmed them. Unable to bear such an outcome, I asked Di Renjie to quietly take them to Bingzhou, redeem their official records of servitude, and take them in as his adopted daughters."

"Is that all?"

Li Wei sighed, utterly defeated. There was no longer any point in concealing the truth, and judging by his father's tone, he likely knew most of it already. He might as well speak frankly. "Not entirely. These two young women are exceptionally intelligent. Though living in humble and harsh circumstances, they applied themselves diligently and acquired no small measure of talent. Furthermore, their character is upright and pure. Di Renjie developed a fondness for them, mistakenly believing that when I placed them in the Eastern Palace, I harbored ulterior motives. Even when I tried to explain, I could not make him understand. Instead, Di Renjie told me that it is better for a prince to have more wives and concubines, as more children bring more blessings. Although having many children might cause headaches in the future, it is still far better than the former sovereign who had only one Liu Chan."

"That Di Renjie always shows such utter disregard for legal propriety, yet this piece of advice happens to be sound."

Naturally. Just like you, after getting rid of Li Zhong, there was still me. Who knows, perhaps the day you get rid of me, there will still be the second, third, and fourth princes. This internal slander was probably too severe; Emperor Gaozong would not execute him, though he might occasionally check his authority. However, if *she*, Wu Zetian, were the one handling the matter, her methods might prove far more "ruthless."

Daring not voice these thoughts aloud, Li Wei continued, "After Di Renjie misunderstood, he took them back to Bingzhou. Their learning and character are beyond question. However, Di Renjie's tutelage was extremely strict, and being naturally quiet, the two women bore it all without a single complaint. Later, when Your Majesty transferred Di Renjie to the post of Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, considering that the two maidens had grown a bit older and possessed comely appearances, fearing that their presence in Taiyuan might cause misunderstandings, he wrote a letter summoning them to the capital."

"And they even wove a brocade robe for you?"

"Father, how did you know?" Li Wei asked, feigning surprise, though inwardly he slandered once more: *Could the Tang dynasty already possess a Jinyiwei secret police force?* He quickly added, "They harbored no improper thoughts whatsoever. There were two brocade robes in total: one was woven for their adoptive father, and the other was given to me, most likely out of gratitude."

"They certainly sound like fine young women."

"They should be quite decent."

"Empress," Emperor Gaozong said, ignoring him and turning to Wu Zetian, "are there any families of good standing in the capital who would be suitable matches for them?"

Hearing this, Li Wei felt a wave of dizziness wash over him and immediately blurted out, "Father, you must not!"

"Why ever not? Are you unsatisfied with them marrying into a respectable family given their background?"

"No. Because of Di Renjie's misunderstanding, they became convinced that this son had taken a fancy to them, and they harbor the resolve to follow me unto death. Their temperaments are fierce; if they learned that Your Majesty intends to betroth them to others, they might well take their own lives to prove their devotion." He spoke with feigned courage. After all, with his mother listening, making such a statement might plant an impression in her mind that even women from such humble backgrounds could remain chaste, whereas she herself might not measure up.

True to form, Wu Zetian grew irritated upon hearing this and remarked, "I find it hard to believe! Two courtesans actually dare to dream of flying on the dragon and phoenix to soar into the imperial household!"

***

"Mother, please restrain your anger and hear what this son has to say. What is the bloodline of our imperial family? Our ancestors trace back to Zhuanxu..." Most of this was unverifiable anyway, and claiming Laozi as an ancestor of the Li family was even less credible, so he skipped over it. "...From our Dynastic Founder, Emperor Jing (Li Hu), down to every successive emperor and empress, all have originated from illustrious and noble lineages. Yet, how have the great aristocratic families treated our house?"

Wu Zetian let out a cold snort.

The Li family could still boast some lineage, but her own family background was practically nonexistent.

"The great aristocratic clans consider themselves superior and look down upon the imperial court. For this reason, Your Majesty issued an edict forbidding marriages among the Five Surnames and Seven Clans, yet they continue to intermarry in secret. When outsiders marry into their clans, whether taking a bride or giving a daughter, they invariably demand exorbitant sums of wealth, sometimes amounting to millions of strings of cash. Furthermore, these aristocratic houses monopolize fertile land, commercial properties, and sprawling manors, rolling them up like a snowball during times of peace. Yet as their populations multiply, arable land grows increasingly scarce. And the court? Though the officials say nothing aloud, they all still regard marrying into the Five Surnames and Seven Clans as the ultimate honor. Even though Your Majesty issued that decree, I fear in your heart you still feel a sense of inferiority before these aristocratic gates. Father, is this truly not the case?"

"Why would it not be? Tell me more," Emperor Gaozong said, showing no anger. Indeed, sometimes when witnessing the arrogant demeanor of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans, he felt deep resentment in his heart.

"The aristocratic houses originated in the Eastern Han dynasty. While they have produced many heroes and boast fine family traditions, behind every single one of these outstanding individuals lies the foundation of countless human lives and material resources piled high. Aside from these romanticized figures, whenever this son peruses the history books, all I see is how these aristocratic clans disregard the survival of the court: hoarding grain and dodging taxes during bountiful harvests, and buying up farmland at dirt-cheap prices during natural disasters. Consequently, the common people of the realm are driven from their homes, leaving the state with no taxes to collect. Then rebels like Zhang Jue raise the banner of revolt, and the Han dynasty immediately collapses. Yet from the Three Kingdoms, the Jin, and the Northern and Southern Dynasties all the way down to the Sui, this phenomenon only intensified. During the great transitions of the Sui and Tang dynasties, some aristocratic clans failed to escape and perished or gradually faded into obscurity, but the majority survived, and the very scenes of the Eastern Han are beginning to replay themselves. When this son was in Guanzhong, I witnessed many wealthy households hoarding goods for speculation or defying the court's repeated edicts by illegally purchasing perpetual tax-exempt lands. Of course, it is not solely the aristocrats; plebeian landlords are doing it as well. However, this son cannot help but wonder: to look down upon the imperial court, is that not unfaithful? To demand exorbitant wealth for marriage, is that not unrighteous? To hoard goods and buy up land at the expense of the starving, is that not lacking in benevolence? To ignore the rise and fall of the nation—believing that when the state finally collapses, it will somehow benefit them—is that not lacking in wisdom? To style themselves as the paragons of virtue throughout the realm while hiding behind a facade of respectability to commit countless filthy deeds, is that not lacking in trustworthiness? Such people, utterly devoid of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, wisdom, and trustworthiness—why should anyone look up to them with admiration?"

This attack was rather fiery. The existence of the aristocratic clans was like a malignant tumor, though not entirely without merits—such as their traditions of etiquette or the talented individuals they produced, whose contributions to the Tang dynasty were undeniable... Yet, in order to persuade his parents, he had no choice but to drag them through the mud, especially since his parents already held a rather poor impression of these noble houses.

"Well spoken," Emperor Gaozong said with genuine satisfaction, though he instructed the eunuch beside him, "The Crown Prince's words today must never be spread outside."

Such sentiments could only be discussed in private to vent pent-up frustrations. After all, the Five Surnames and Seven Clans were looked up to by the entire realm; if these words leaked out, they would trigger a massive tempest. In truth, people were just as helpless in this era as they would be in later generations, where similar aristocratic elites persisted in various nations. Democratic citizens knew such a system was unfair to society, yet when casting their ballots, they invariably preferred to vote for those elites, helping them win and thereby exacerbating the injustice...

Li Wei pressed on. "Moreover, in former times, Liu Gang was merely a ruffian petty official, yet heroes do not ask where they come from. I ask you, can one judge the Founding Emperor of Han by the standards of aristocratic lineage? The King of Chu favored slender waists, and consequently the realm was filled with starving women who starved themselves to fit the standard. If the aristocracy is held in contempt, it will bring boundless benefit to both the state and the people. Yet if one attempts to bring them low through sheer military force, the entire realm will be thrown into uproar. There is only one path: the imperial house must set the example itself. When the imperial family regards them with a sense of revulsion, I ask you, who among the common people of the realm would dare not to show them respect? Take these two women for instance: their origins are humble, but consider only their origins. Father, you may investigate: even in that wretched place, did those two women ever commit a single disgraceful act? These are truly two lotuses blooming unstained from the mud. Even among the women of the aristocratic houses, how many could compare to them? If you don't believe me, place anyone else in that environment, and I ask you, how many would not fall into degradation? Besides, being thrust into such a plight—was that ever of their own free will?"

"Hong'er, what you say is not without reason, but it still remains somewhat unseemly. In truth, your father and I do not necessarily place great weight on noble lineage; your father and I both greatly fond of that Jiang Bi'er in the Eastern Palace, as well as that Shangguan Wan'er. But after all, those two have records of servitude—and of the very lowest kind at that. If it were merely some ordinary official, it might pass, but you are the Crown Prince, the future sovereign of mankind."

"Mother's instruction is entirely correct." Hearing even his mother speak in such a manner caused him considerable anxiety, yet he could discern a different undertone: for now, his mother had no ambitions of claiming the throne for herself. Although she was displeased, she had no genuine intention of deposing him. However, regarding the two women... he ventured to say once more, "They harbor no improper ambitions whatsoever; they merely wish to enter the Eastern Palace to wait upon this son. Even if it were merely as humble maids, their wish would be fulfilled. In the past, their reputations were not unsavory, and as long as they do not become imperial consorts, it would hardly mar public decency."

"How could it not mar public decency?" Emperor Gaozong remarked, though without any trace of anger. Since he had heard of them, he had certainly made inquiries, and regardless of anything else, the moral integrity of the two women still commanded his respect. Thus, the very first thing he had said during this conversation with his son was that only they possessed the finest manners. Changing the tune, the emperor said, "We will set this aside for now. Accompany me outside to look at the rain."

"Yes."

In truth, what was there to see in the rain? Yet this rain brought a sense of relief, so despite his less-than-robust health, he had a eunuch hold a yellow silk umbrella and stepped outside. Crossing several pavilions and covered walkways, they arrived beside a small pavilion. In front of the pavilion lay a lotus pond, where several lotus flowers were blooming enchantingly. Taking a seat on the stone stool of the gazebo, Emperor Gaozong listened to the sound of raindrops pattering against the lotus leaves, then turned his head to Wu Zetian and said, "If only this rain had fallen three months earlier..."

Wu Zetian draped a shawl over his shoulders. His constitution was delicate, and with the autumn rain falling, she feared her husband would catch a chill. Observing this gesture, Li Wei gradually began to understand why his father was willing to relinquish power: at the very least, toward his father, his mother had invested genuine care. She then said, "Your Majesty, do not fret. Having rain fall late is better than none at all. Memorials have already arrived from various regions; from Guanzhong down to Henan and Hedong, most areas have begun to receive rainfall. This is a blessing."

"Indeed," Emperor Gaozong sighed. Turning back, he said to Li Wei, "Hong'er, your poetry is passable. Inspired by this rain and these lotus blossoms, compose a poem for us."

Such poetry was easy enough to write, but Li Wei suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said, "This son will forgo the poem. However, I recently thought of a piece of prose-poetry; allow me to recite it for Your Majesty."

***

"Wonderful, recite it."

"Of the flowers of the land and water, those that are worthy of love are very numerous. Tao Yuanming of the Jin dynasty uniquely loved chrysanthemums. From the Wei and Sui dynasties onward, the world..." Li Wei recited the famous *Ode to the Lotus*, "...thus the love of peonies should indeed be shared by many!"

"What kind of prose-poetry is this? It lacks both parallel phrasing and rhyme."

"Indeed, this son wrote poorly," Li Wei thought speechlessly. This renowned masterpiece, *Ode to the Lotus*, had actually been attacked by his father for lacking parallel phrasing and rhyme! Emperor Gaozong continued, "Since you know that they 'may be viewed from afar but should not be played with in intimacy,' why on earth do you still wish to summon them into the Eastern Palace?"

"..."

"You have not even reached your coming-of-age ceremony yet, and already you are obsessed with beauty. It is not that I strictly require you to marry only women like Huangfu Mulan or the homely wives of antiquity, but every woman you set your eyes upon is merely beautiful. And there are so many of them already—how many more will there be in the future?"

This time he had a ready answer. Cupping his hands, Li Wei replied, "Reporting to Your Father: if this son were to encounter women as plain as those of old, I would naturally take them as consorts. Speaking of which, let me say this: plain looks do not necessarily guarantee virtue, just as beauty does not guarantee a lack of it. Mother possesses a beauty that surpasses heaven and earth—among all the young ladies this son has ever encountered, not a single one can compare to her—yet has she ever lacked virtue?"

Emperor Gaozong fell silent. This wife of his suited his tastes entirely and had helped him accomplish a great deal of state affairs, but speaking of lacking virtue—both he and his wife had transgressed in various ways.

Li Wei continued, "Those two adopted daughters of Di Renjie may have low births, but they are essentially the equivalent of those plain-looking virtuous women of antiquity. It is merely that one lacked beauty of face, while they lacked nobility of birth. Yet their moral character is exemplary. Furthermore, the young maidens this son has drawn into my orbit are very few—only six or seven."

"Yet of those six or seven, how many had your mother and me consent to? Back when I was Crown Prince, did I ever possess your audacity?"

*Your audacity was far greater than mine; you even dared to take your own father's concubines! At the very least, not one of the consorts in your inner palace would I ever dare to touch.* Daring not voice these words aloud, he smiled broadly and said, "Father, just now you criticized Palace Secretary Xu for failing to maintain strict discipline, which is why the Xu family's young lady dared to act so presumptuously. It is precisely because of Your Majesty's magnanimity that this son's boldness has grown a little. Yet if Father pauses to think about it, this is precisely what makes human affection so precious and rare. If a family is filled with fathers and sons plotting against each other and husbands and wives murdering one another—even within an imperial household, would such a home not be terrifying?"

"Spare me your rhetoric. This time, because of you, I have been given a splitting headache."

"Yes, this son will certainly be mindful in the future," Li Wei replied respectfully. Yet ever since entering Luoyang, this was the most relaxed conversation he had ever had with his parents. Perhaps it was largely because he had acted as their scapegoat.

Gradually, everyone had come to know that the idea of granting official ranks to merchants to stimulate them into transporting grain to Guanzhong had originated with him. While the merchants no longer held an unfavorable view of him, common gossip was rampant throughout the realm. Even while staying at the Chongwen Pavilion in Chang'an, those Confucian scholars and classical masters who used to teach him the classics were writing official gazettes one after another, urging him to "turn back from the shore while there is still time." It did not matter much with others, but these doctors and scholars were effectively his teachers. Explanations would be useless, so he had no choice but to write letters of repentance promising to reform in the future. What else could he do? He could only stall for time.

Yet how long would these peaceful moments last? Once the affair involving Xu Jingzong blew up, who knew how his parents would view him then?

At this thought, he gazed up at the rain-swept western sky...