Chapter Sixty-Three: Wang Tongjiao

After they had finished their tea and chatted idly about court affairs, Wu Songxun took the opportunity to take his leave.

Watching Wu Songxun’s departing figure, Li Duozuo laughed and said, “The Wu family used to be so high and mighty, but now even they must come pay respects to Your Highness. Once word of this gets out, people will be lining up to call on you tomorrow.”

By midday, a eunuch came to announce, “Prince Consort Wang Tongjiao of Anding seeks an audience.”

Li Chongjun was delighted and immediately ordered that he be brought in at once. Wang Tongjiao was the consort of Princess Anding, daughter of the Zhongzong Emperor; Princess Anding was Li Chongjun’s full sister, sharing the same mother. Wang Tongjiao was known for his loyalty and forthrightness, and he and Li Chongjun were sworn brothers.

Shortly after, Wang Tongjiao entered the hall. Though not tall, he exuded a heroic and spirited aura. Closely following him was a thin, middle-aged scholar. Li Chongjun had been waiting at the door and, upon seeing Wang Tongjiao, immediately went forward to embrace him warmly.

Wang Tongjiao looked him up and down, laughing heartily. “My dear brother! It’s been years, and you’ve grown taller and sturdier. Excellent, excellent!” Then, pulling the scholar forward, he said, “This is my household advisor, Song Zhiwen—a great literary master!”

Song Zhiwen stepped forward and bowed. “Song Zhiwen pays his respects to Your Highness.” Li Chongjun’s brow furrowed slightly. He pulled Wang Tongjiao aside and said, “This Song Zhiwen was once a confidant of Zhang Zongchang and Zhang Yizhi. After they were executed, he was exiled to Lingnan. Why is he here?”

Wang Tongjiao waved a hand dismissively. “Though Song Zhiwen was close to the Zhang brothers, his involvement was limited to poetry and verse. When they plotted rebellion, he took no part in it. Even so, he was exiled to Lingnan—a land of miasma and illness—where he nearly died. He escaped back here over a great distance. I took him in because I value his literary brilliance.”

Li Chongjun sighed. “You’re as generous as ever, brother-in-law. Still, I find Song Zhiwen’s face bears a sycophantic air—he may not be trustworthy. You should be careful.”

Wang Tongjiao laughed it off. “You worry too much, brother.” Li Chongjun was about to reply when another eunuch came to announce, “Prince Li Longji of Linzi seeks an audience!” Both men were overjoyed.

Wang Tongjiao called out repeatedly, “Quick, let him in!” Soon, the sound of firm footsteps approached, and a tall, strapping young man dressed in a blue, embroidered robe strode in.

He was brimming with heroic spirit, his brows showing resolve and decisiveness. This was none other than Prince Li Longji of Linzi.

He was the son of Prince Xiang, Li Dan, and had been close friends with Wang Tongjiao and Li Chongjun since childhood. At this time, he happened to be in Chang’an as well.

Li Chongjun smiled. “When I left Fangzhou years ago, Longji was still a green youth. Now he’s grown into a true hero.”

Li Longji replied with a smile, “Brother, you flatter me. I couldn’t dare call myself a hero before you. When it comes to swordsmanship and martial arts, I am no match for Lord Yixing, the famed disciple of Tianshan, Hero Li.”

Li Chongjun laughed. “Brother, you jest! I couldn’t dare call myself a hero before you. When it comes to horsemanship, archery, and the art of arms, I am far behind General Li Longji of the Divine Strategy Army.”

Wang Tongjiao joined in, “Brothers, you both jest! If it’s poetry, drinking, and games, neither of you can match me, Prince Consort Wang Tongjiao of Anding!” At this, all three burst into hearty laughter.

After exchanging jokes and laughter, Li Chongjun ordered a banquet to be set, and the company enjoyed themselves with wine and merriment.

Li Duozuo and Song Zhiwen sat below, joining the festivities. As the wine flowed, Wang Tongjiao called upon Song Zhiwen to compose a poem for the occasion. Song Zhiwen, truly gifted, thought for a moment and then recited:

Northward, the layered palace rises high,
To the west, palatial walkways soar.
The imperial carriage passes myriad households,
Wine is set, gazing over three rivers.
Blossoms and willows hold the rosy sun,
Mountains and rivers grace the silken feast.
To know the site of our revels,
Look above—the drifting mist ascends.

Wang Tongjiao praised him, “How about my advisor’s talent? In forty simple characters, he’s made this Yixing Prince’s mansion sound like a celestial abode—remarkable!” Li Duozuo was not versed in poetry, so much of the meaning was lost on him, but Li Chongjun and Li Longji understood well enough. Both frowned slightly, feeling that this man’s words were filled with flattery and sycophancy, revealing a low character.

Still, for Wang Tongjiao’s sake, they applauded.

Wang Tongjiao grew more animated. “I hear you brought a beautiful lady with you to Chang’an—must be my future sister-in-law. Why not invite her to join the feast?”

The Tang society was open and liberal; men and women often dined and drank together. Though Zilan was not formally married, Li Duozuo and the others referred to her as mistress, which pleased her rather than embarrassed her.

Li Chongjun was happy to oblige. He ordered that Zilan be summoned. Daughter of the martial world, Zilan was forthright and unreserved, greeting everyone and offering wine without a hint of shyness. Li Longji and Wang Tongjiao were both greatly pleased.

After three rounds of wine, Zilan, slightly tipsy, asked a eunuch to bring her jade zither. Before the assembled guests, she played to enliven the gathering. She had studied music under Miao Wushuang on Tianshan, who mastered every art, so Zilan’s playing was exquisite. When the piece ended, its lingering notes seemed to hover in the air, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Song Zhiwen rose and said, “Hearing Miss Zilan play, inspiration struck me, and I have composed a poem I would like to recite for everyone.” Wang Tongjiao called out, “Old Song! What are you waiting for? Recite it now!” Song Zhiwen straightened his robe, gazed at the ornate ceiling, and intoned:

Grand music fills the front hall,
Heavy furs stir the sovereign’s heart.
Frosty moonlight ends on the steps,
In the courtyard, snow clouds deepen.
Once favored to attend the Emperor’s chariot,
By kindness, I was granted a place in the Academy.
How fortunate am I, a humble subject,
To hear the jade zither once more.

When the poem ended, the guests exchanged uneasy glances.

Li Duozuo slammed the table, angrily exclaiming, “Old Song, what is the meaning of this? 'Sovereign’s heart,' 'humble subject,’ 'Academy'—are you suggesting my lord harbors ambitions for the throne?!”

At Li Duozuo’s words, Wang Tongjiao sobered up immediately and shouted, “Old Song! Are you drunk? How can you recite such a poem so carelessly?”

Song Zhiwen hurriedly knelt and pleaded, “Prince Consort, Your Highnesses, I drank too much just now. Overwhelmed by the atmosphere of nobility here, I could not help but voice my thoughts. Please forgive my offense!” He kowtowed repeatedly.

Li Chongjun said coolly, “Since it was drunken nonsense, let us pretend we never heard it. Once you are sober, forget you ever composed such a poem.” After this, the mood was ruined. With no further interest in drinking, the guests soon took their leave.

In the days that followed, just as Li Duozuo had predicted, civil and military officials flocked in droves to pay their respects, and the Prince of Yixing’s residence was filled with carriages and horses.

When Wu Sansi heard of this, he sneered, “A petty prince dares to gather guests and secretly build a faction—he courts disaster! Li Chongjun, hmph, let’s see how you meet your end!”

Half a month later, Emperor Zhongzong issued an edict summoning Prince Li Chongjun of Yixing to an audience.

In the Linzhi Hall, Emperor Zhongzong, Li Xian, sat on a dragon-embroidered seat. His plump face could not conceal his excitement. Empress Wei sat beside him, her expression calm and detached. Zhang Jianzhong, Jing Hui, and three others stood to either side, their expressions uncertain and thoughtful.

A eunuch entered to announce, “Your Majesty, Prince Li Chongjun of Yixing seeks an audience.” Li Xian immediately replied, “Summon him—quickly!” The eunuch glanced at Empress Wei, who said lightly, “Let him in.”

The eunuch hurried to the door and called out loudly, “Prince Li Chongjun of Yixing, enter for your audience!” Soon, Li Chongjun entered, performing the formal three bows and nine prostrations.

Li Xian’s face flushed with excitement, his eyes moist. He stood up, grasping Li Chongjun’s arm, and said in a trembling voice, “Good child, you’ve returned? Let me look at you—good, good, you’ve grown so tall. Good...good…”

Empress Wei stepped forward to support Li Xian, speaking gently, “Your Majesty, the imperial physician warned you against excessive joy or sorrow—have you forgotten?”

Li Chongjun knelt. “Your son greets Mother.”

Empress Wei smiled. “It’s been so many years since you left Fangzhou. You were such a scrawny child then, but now you’ve grown into a fine young man. Alas, I am getting old.”

Li Chongjun replied, “Mother, your virtue leads the world, the phoenix among women. Your beauty will endure, warm and eternal.”

Empress Wei laughed. “My son, you grow more eloquent by the day.” Li Xian tried to speak several times but could not get a word in, simply grinning at the side. At last, Empress Wei said, “Your Majesty, why not introduce our son to the ministers who supported your ascent?”

Li Xian quickly agreed and led Li Chongjun to meet the new chancellor, Zhang Jianzhong, Cui Xuanwei, Jing Hui, Huan Yanfan, and Yuan Shuji in turn.

Li Chongjun had already been informed of these five old ministers’ role in slaying the Zhang brothers and forcing Empress Wu Zetian to step down, so he bowed to each in turn.

Empress Wei smiled. “If not for the steadfast support of these five, my son, you would still be wandering the land, unable to return home.”

Zhang Jianzhong rose and said, “The title of Prince of Yixing was conferred when His Majesty was still Prince of Luling. Now that the Emperor has ascended the throne, it is only right that His Highness be promoted to prince of the blood.”

Jing Hui and the others stood and concurred, “We agree.”

Li Xian was delighted, nodding repeatedly. “Yes, yes, it should be done!” But his eyes were on Empress Wei.

She smiled. “Not only should our son be granted the title, but Li Duozuo, who protected the imperial family, should also be promoted. Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, let me make the decision for you—how about conferring the title of Prince of Wei upon our son? As for Li Duozuo…”

Jing Hui interjected, “Li Duozuo is already Loyal and Brave General of the Left Prowess Guard—loyal and capable. Why not promote him to Grand General of the Left Feathered Forest Guard?”

Zhang Jianzhong and the others agreed, “Minister Jing Hui speaks well. May Your Majesty approve.”

Li Xian looked at Empress Wei, who said, “Bestowing a title upon our son is a family matter. Promoting Li Duozuo is a state affair, and such matters must not be decided by a woman. Your Majesty, you should decide.”

Li Xian was instantly invigorated and proclaimed loudly, “Prepare the decree! Promote Prince Li Chongjun of Yixing to Prince of Wei, and Li Duozuo to Grand General of the Left Feathered Forest Guard!”

A cold glint flickered beneath Empress Wei’s smile.