Chapter 375
**Chapter 373: The Crown Prince**
Liu Qiao'er’s behavior was truly peculiar. It was as if she had gone mad, yet at the same time, she seemed perfectly sane.
Shen Wei smiled faintly, flipping through the account books sent by the Internal Affairs Office. “Lady Liu is hoping for my downfall. She seems convinced that I will inevitably fall from grace.”
Cai Lian remarked, “Your Highness, with you and the Emperor in such harmony, Lady Liu’s schemes are bound to fail.”
Shen Wei turned a page in the account book. “The world is unpredictable; one should not speak too lightly.”
Over the years, the Shen family's influence had been steadily growing. Shen Mie’s reputation in the military soared, earning him the loyalty of the soldiers; Shen Xiuming was known for his integrity and often assisted new officials, garnering a stellar reputation among the common people and considerable influence in the court.
Shen Wei sent her younger son to Liangzhou, hoping he would gradually take on military authority, allowing her elder brother to retire. After all, throughout history, few generals who gained too much power ended well.
Despite Li Yuanjing’s current favor towards Li Chengtai, paving the way for him at every turn, the hierarchy of power remained clear: first the sovereign and his ministers, then fathers and sons.
There were many historical instances of emperors killing their own sons. The illustrious Emperor Wu of Han executed his crown prince and Empress Wei in his later years; the diligent Emperor Xuanzong of Tang once killed three of his sons in a single day.
Shen Wei rubbed her temples, hoping that day would never come when father and son turned against each other.
She continued to peruse the account book.
Outside, a lively voice called out, “Mother! Look what I have!”
The branches swayed, and the bright summer sunlight streamed in. Le You rushed in like a gust of wind, joyfully snuggling up to Shen Wei and placing a small wooden cage on the table.
Inside the cage was a tiny calico cat, fluffy and curled up, peacefully sleeping.
Le You excitedly told Shen Wei, “I went to the market today, and this little cat was meowing under a roof. Liang Huichuan climbed up to bring it down. Mother, can I keep this cat?”
Shen Wei smiled warmly. “If you want to keep it, then do so. Go ahead and do what you wish.”
Le You linked her arm with Shen Wei’s. “You’re the best, Mother.”
After a moment, Le You tilted her head, studying Shen Wei’s face. Shen Wei chuckled, “What are you looking at me for?”
Le You murmured, “I feel like you’re not very happy, Mother.”
To the outside world, Shen Huanghou of the Great Qing should be the happiest and most esteemed woman. Shen Wei had children, shared a harmonious relationship with the Emperor, and was respected by the concubines, with a virtuous reputation among the people.
Le You had once thought her mother was very happy.
But as Le You grew older, she began to sense that her mother often seemed melancholic, as if wearing a mask of smiles to hide her true self.
Shen Wei gently stroked her daughter’s hair, smiling lightly. “You’re still so young, always overthinking.”
Le You replied, “Alright then, I’ll head back to Cining Palace. I’ll come to have dinner with you tonight.”
Le You cheerfully left, carrying the wooden cage.
Shen Wei picked up the account book and continued her reading.
...
As summer faded into winter, the new spring soon arrived.
This year’s spring imperial examination was presided over by the Eighth Prince, Li Chengtai! This immediately stirred up a storm in the court, with civil and military officials harboring their own thoughts, subtly sensing the future direction of the court.
Li Chengtai, mature beyond his years, was assisted by the Imperial Teacher, and this year’s examination was conducted quite smoothly, with hardly any issues.
Li Yuanjing felt greatly relieved. Shortly after the examination concluded, an imperial edict was issued, officially naming Li Chengtai as the Crown Prince and allowing him to reside in the Eastern Palace. Li Yuanjing even entrusted hundreds of Tiger Guards to Li Chengtai, enabling him to cultivate his own loyal military.
Despite her son being named Crown Prince, Shen Wei’s sense of vigilance did not dissipate.
Li Chengtai was a young tiger, while Li Yuanjing was a fierce tiger in his prime. Given Li Yuanjing’s current health, he would likely remain emperor for at least another decade before passing the throne to the Crown Prince.
The longer the Crown Prince held power, the more his influence would grow, potentially threatening the Emperor’s position and interests, leading to endless troubles.
Shen Wei harbored her worries in silence.
She thought of Emperor Wu of Han. Sometimes, Shen Wei even felt she was treading the same path as Empress Wei Zifu. Wei Zifu, a former songstress, became empress, her brother was the great general Wei Qing, and her son was named Crown Prince, deeply favored by Emperor Wu.
But what was the outcome?
In his later years, Emperor Wu became senile and executed his own son, while Wei Zifu met a tragic end.
Throughout history, wise rulers were often brilliant in their youth but became foolish as they aged. Emperor Wu of Han became senile in his later years, and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang indulged in extravagance. Who knew if Li Yuanjing would also become foolish in his old age, turning against his wife and children?
“Alas.” Shen Wei sighed softly.
To live long without dying is to be a thief; she needed to find a way to subtly suggest to Li Yuanjing that he should abdicate sooner.
“Your Highness, the Empress Dowager summons you.” Cai Ping entered to report.
Shen Wei immediately changed her clothes and headed to Cining Palace.
The children were growing up day by day, each pursuing their own futures. Now, Cining Palace had become much quieter, with only Le You remaining by the Empress Dowager’s side.
The Empress Dowager sat in a pavilion, basking in the sun. She waved to Shen Wei, her expression warm and inviting. “You’ve come at just the right time; I have something to discuss with you.”
Shen Wei took a seat. “What is it, Your Highness?”
The Empress Dowager said, “Jiangnan enjoys a spring-like climate all year round, with breathtaking scenery. I’ve already purchased a residence there and plan to head south in a few days for a long stay.”
Shen Wei felt a pang of envy in her heart.
She too wanted to enjoy life in Jiangnan.
She understood that the Empress Dowager was preparing for a complete retirement.
With the court stable and the future of the Qing dynasty secure, everything was peaceful. The Empress Dowager had devoted most of her life to the country and family and now wished to enjoy her twilight years in Jiangnan.
The Empress Dowager smiled and patted Shen Wei’s hand. “The harem will be entrusted to you; I have complete faith in you. If you encounter any difficulties, just write to me. If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”
Shen Wei felt a lump in her throat.
The Empress Dowager had truly treated her well.
In the past, the Empress Dowager favored Shen Wei to make her a “virtuous assistant,” supporting Li Yuanjing and raising the princes. But over time, the Empress Dowager gradually came to see Shen Wei as her own daughter.
Even though the Empress Dowager was aware of Shen Wei’s cunning and scheming, she never scolded her. As a fellow woman, the Empress Dowager understood the hardships women faced.
Shen Wei leaned against the Empress Dowager’s knee, murmuring, “Thank you for your care over the years, Mother.”
...
A couple of days later, under the pretext of “visiting the ailing Ninth Prince in Jiangnan,” the Empress Dowager left Yanjing.
Shen Wei continued to manage the harem as usual, and life was peaceful; the court was stable.
Before long, another year had passed.
As spring arrived, the nights remained chilly. In the sleeping quarters of Yongning Palace, the heat of the hibiscus tent faded away. Shen Wei, feeling sore all over, rested her head on the pillow, ready to drift into slumber.
Li Yuanjing, satisfied, affectionately wrapped his arms around Shen Wei’s waist, his voice still laced with a lazy rasp. “Weiwei, I plan to head south to inspect military affairs. You should come with me.”
Shen Wei’s drowsiness vanished in an instant.
She opened her eyes. “Southward?”
Li Yuanjing chuckled. “I see you cooped up in the palace every day. I’ll take you south for a change of scenery, and we can also visit your mother.”
Shen Wei lowered her gaze, pondering for a moment before shaking her head helplessly. “I would love to throw aside all these trivial matters and accompany the Emperor on his southern tour. But there are so many affairs in the harem, and Le You’s coming-of-age ceremony is approaching next year. I can’t just escape.”
Li Yuanjing felt a twinge of disappointment.
Since Li Chengtai became Crown Prince, Li Yuanjing’s burdens had lightened considerably. He wanted to take Shen Wei south for a leisurely trip, to experience the lives of ordinary people.
Unfortunately, Shen Wei was weighed down by her responsibilities.
Li Yuanjing sighed, leaning down to kiss Shen Wei’s forehead. “Very well, I’ll bring back some interesting things from the south for you.”
Shen Wei leaned against Li Yuanjing, lost in thought.
The Emperor’s southern tour might be an opportunity...
So, Shen Wei deliberately spoke in a tone of longing, “The Empress Dowager wrote to me before the New Year, saying the waters in Jiangnan are a vibrant green, with willows swaying along the riverbanks, and the birds sing more sweetly than in Yanjing. I often think, if I could see it one day, I would have no regrets...”
Her wistful tone felt like a delicate knife cutting into Li Yuanjing’s heart. He murmured, “What do you mean by no regrets? Don’t say such things.”
Shen Wei forced a smile. “I was just speaking casually; the Emperor doesn’t need to take it seriously.”
As night deepened, Shen Wei intentionally planted the seed of “no regrets” in Li Yuanjing’s heart, leaning against him and slipping into a deep slumber.
Li Yuanjing, however, felt an inexplicable unease. The howling night wind creaked the window frames, and he found it hard to fall asleep.
Not long after, Li Yuanjing left Yanjing, traveling south by boat. He inspected military and water affairs in various southern provinces.
The scenery in Jiangnan was indeed beautiful, just as Shen Wei had described—lush and breathtaking. But after a while, even the most beautiful sights began to lose their charm.
Li Yuanjing started to miss Shen Wei.
In the past, if he were away for a few days, Shen Wei would always send palace attendants to care for him, bringing along some personal items. But this time, it was strange; after several days of inspection in the south, he hadn’t received anything from Shen Wei.
The letters Li Yuanjing sent to Shen Wei received replies, but they were overly simple and even somewhat perfunctory.
Li Yuanjing felt an ominous premonition creeping in.
Two months later, Li Yuanjing returned to Yanjing. Throughout the journey, he felt an urgent longing to return. The imperial procession sped along the official road, stopping at a relay station at dusk.
At the relay station, Li Yuanjing took a break. The walls were adorned with blooming pink roses, swaying in the golden sunset. Standing by the window on the upper floor, Li Yuanjing gazed down at the clusters of vibrant roses.
Suddenly, he saw an old man resembling a cook approach the rose bushes, gently plucking a flower and meticulously removing its thorns.
“Wife, look what I brought you!” the old man said, holding the flower as he walked toward the kitchen.
The old cook, who was chopping vegetables, set down her knife. “Oh, you picked flowers again! Don’t let the noble guests at the relay station see; I heard a particularly important guest is stopping here today.”
The old man chuckled. “We’re not stealing or doing anything wrong; the noble guests won’t mind. Here, let me put this flower in your hair.”
He took the rose and skillfully pinned it in the cook’s hair.
They exchanged smiles, and a simple, warm happiness began to radiate between them. Li Yuanjing, standing by the window, saw the rose in the old cook’s hair and thought of Shen Wei in the palace.
In the future, as he and Weiwei grew old, he imagined they would share a similarly warm scene.
Now in middle age, Li Yuanjing, firmly established in his high position, had seen the world’s splendor and enjoyed the riches of imperial power. After living half a life, he yearned for the tranquility of ordinary days.
As the sun rose and set, Li Yuanjing’s procession returned to the imperial city, where Crown Prince Li Chengtai personally welcomed him.
Li Yuanjing scanned the surroundings but did not see Shen Wei. He asked Li Chengtai, “Where is your mother?”
A hint of sadness flickered across Li Chengtai’s usually calm face. “Mother is in Yongning Palace; she has been unwell recently.”
Li Yuanjing’s expression darkened.
Weiwei is ill?
He hadn’t even known!
Li Chengtai explained, “Father, it was Mother’s wish not to make it known; she didn’t want you to worry.”
Li Yuanjing hurried to Yongning Palace. Everything appeared as it always had; beautiful palace lanterns hung from the eaves, and branches of peach blossoms peeked over the walls, while the bronze bells under the eaves jingled softly in the wind.
The courtyard was vibrant and full of life. During Li Yuanjing’s absence, Shen Wei had sent palace attendants to tend to the vegetable garden, which was free of weeds, with crisp green vegetables thriving.
Shen Wei was in her study, arranging palace affairs for Cai Lian, Cai Ping, and the other maids. Le You’s coming-of-age ceremony was set for early summer, and Shen Wei placed great importance on it, having begun preparations since last year.
“Your Majesty?” Seeing Li Yuanjing enter the study, Shen Wei was slightly taken aback.
Cai Lian and the others discreetly left.
In the bright study, only Shen Wei and Li Yuanjing remained. Shen Wei set down her brush and walked over to him, composed and delighted as before. “After your long journey, Your Majesty, you should bathe and change.”
Li Yuanjing did not change his clothes. Instead, he leaned down, studying Shen Wei’s features. She seemed to have lost some weight, her cheeks pale, as if she had just recovered from a serious illness.
Li Yuanjing reached out and embraced her.
She felt much lighter.
“You hid your illness?” Li Yuanjing felt a pang of discomfort.
Shen Wei guided Li Yuanjing to sit down, her smile gentle. “I caught a slight chill; after taking some medicine for a few days, I’m fine now. You were busy inspecting the south; I didn’t want to worry you.”
Li Yuanjing remained unconvinced.
He summoned the imperial physician to check Shen Wei’s pulse.
The physician reported that Shen Wei was overworked and had not fully recovered from her previous ailments; she needed to rest properly. After giving birth to two sons, her body had suffered significant damage; later, upon returning to the palace, she had been poisoned, and traces of the toxin still lingered in her system.
As the years passed, her old ailments began to affect her health. If she continued to overexert herself, her lifespan would likely be shortened.
A wave of indescribable pain washed over Li Yuanjing.
...
That night.
The subtle fragrance of peach blossoms wafted through the courtyard. Shen Wei had someone cut two branches of peach blossoms and placed them in a vase on the bedside table. As she slept, the faint floral scent enveloped her, bringing a sense of peace.
Tonight, as Li Yuanjing returned, Shen Wei did not sleep but instead pulled him close, incessantly asking about the scenery in Jiangnan:
“The willows by the riverbank are enchanting in the spring haze; are the willows really that beautiful?”
“Mother mentioned in her letter that there’s a kind of Longxu Su in the south, with countless strands and a sweet aftertaste. I wish I could taste it.”
“Fishing for perch in the river and making perch soup must be delicious.”
Shen Wei eagerly asked Li Yuanjing question after question.
Her words were filled with longing for Jiangnan.
Li Yuanjing wrapped his arms around Shen Wei. “If you want to go, I’ll take you to Jiangnan next year.”
As soon as he spoke, he could clearly feel Shen Wei tremble in his embrace. She murmured, “Alright.”
Li Yuanjing detected the wistfulness in her tone.
In the stillness of the night, half-awake and half-asleep, Li Yuanjing suddenly heard a faint rustling beside him. He didn’t open his eyes but heard Shen Wei quietly get up and walk outside the sleeping quarters.
Cai Lian brought in a bowl of medicine.
Shen Wei drank the medicine.
Cai Lian spoke softly, “Your Highness, the physician said you shouldn’t overwork yourself. Leave the palace matters to us and Consort Yu; you need to rest well.”
Shen Wei replied, “Le You’s coming-of-age ceremony is a significant event; I must personally oversee it.”
Table of Contents
