Chapter Sixty-Six: The Turmoil of the Wei Clan

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Wu Zetian had died, and no one inquired as to how her end came. Emperor Zhongzong Li Xian decreed that her funeral be held with utmost ceremony. Though she had ruled with unyielding might in life, in death she was granted every possible honor.

She had long foreseen her own demise and had thus prepared her will in advance. Her wishes were to be buried in Qianling, entombed alongside Emperor Gaozong, and for a blank stele to stand before her tomb, bearing no inscription.

She left her legacy to be judged by others as they saw fit.

At the Prime Minister’s residence, Zhang Jianzhi and Jing Hui sat idly in a lakeside pavilion, amusing themselves with a game of Go. Zhang Jianzhi played with the white stones, while Jing Hui played black. On the board, black stones were already in the majority, white stones the minority.

Jing Hui laughed and remarked, “The art of Go is much like the schemes of the court—a subtle harmony. Though you, Elder Statesman, are adept at alliances and stratagems, you cannot match my method of steady advance and solid attack. See how your white stones dwindle.”

Zhang Jianzhi replied with a smile, “Do not be hasty, Jing Hui. Though your black stones surge forward with unstoppable force, I can deploy my pieces broadly, feinting and maneuvering. When your offensive has spent itself and your forces are isolated, that will be the moment when danger closes in from all sides, and you will be unable to manage.”

Jing Hui chuckled, “Elder Statesman, have no concern. Though my black stones charge directly, they are not reckless. Observe, wherever black has advanced, I have left hidden stones at every crucial point. At the decisive moment, with a single connection, a dragon will surge into the sea. You will not be able to stop it.”

Zhang Jianzhi laughed, “Your ideas are ingenious, but too few stones and you are isolated; too many and you are hampered. It is difficult to strike the perfect balance—only a mind as shrewd as the Duke of Zhou could accomplish such a feat. In the past, the Duke of Zhou guided the young king with all his strength—pausing his meal three times and interrupting his bath thrice to receive worthy men from across the land. He revived a declining dynasty and established an era of peace and prosperity. When his work was done, he withdrew quietly, having achieved greatness without overshadowing his sovereign. He is a model for us all.”

Jing Hui replied, “To follow such a path is extremely difficult. The Duke of Zhou succeeded not just because of mutual trust between ruler and minister, but because he had long laid the groundwork with foresight and prudence. Even the king could not easily move against him, for it would have plunged the realm into chaos.”

With these words, he slapped a black stone onto the board. “Observe, Elder Statesman. Though white holds the advantage here, you cannot move this piece. Otherwise, black will sweep upward in a whirlwind, and the whole board will be thrown into disarray. Sometimes, inaction is the better course.”

Zhang Jianzhi was silent for a long moment before finally smiling, “This strategy is clever, Jing Hui, but even the most careful plan has its flaw. I can break it with a single move.”

With that, he placed a white stone in the center, forming a triangle with the previous stones. Jing Hui wondered, “Why use the tiger’s mouth here? I need only place another black stone to sever it, and the tiger’s mouth is rendered useless. The five white stones at the sharp angle will not survive either.”

Zhang Jianzhi smiled, “Try it, Jing Hui.” Jing Hui did as suggested, severing the tiger’s mouth with a black stone. Zhang Jianzhi smiled again and continued to place his pieces. After several moves, though black seemed stronger, the supposed dead shape of the tiger’s mouth began to revive. As more white stones were placed, what once seemed a losing formation turned into a looming threat at the heart of black’s dragon formation. Black’s position fell into disarray. Helpless, Jing Hui finally ruffled the board and conceded.

Zhang Jianzhi laughed heartily, “Well, Jing Hui, do you submit?”

Jing Hui bowed with a laugh, “Elder Statesman, your strategies are truly divine; I am convinced.”

Zhang Jianzhi said, “Affairs of the world are like a game of Go. Sometimes, what seems useless at first reveals its purpose only when the time is ripe. I have discussed with you the need to urge His Majesty to appoint Li Chongjun as Crown Prince—this is precisely the reasoning. They all say he is unyielding and will not coexist with us old ministers, but I see it differently. As ministers, we must act with integrity in adversity and serve the world in success. If, when he comes to the throne, he cannot tolerate us, we can simply retire to our homes. But that is a matter for the future. For now, what concerns us is guarding against the Wei clan. Whether or not Li Chongjun is close to us is irrelevant; what matters is that Wei will never accept him. There is bound to be strife between mother and son, and we can take the opportunity to drive the Wei clan out of Chang’an.”

Jing Hui said, “You are right, Elder Statesman. But Wu Sansi is still in Chang’an. He has always been sly and dangerous—we must not underestimate him.”

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Zhang Jianzhi replied, “Wu Sansi is now a toothless tiger, nothing to fear. Besides, though he has fallen, his followers and former officials have yet to be purged. If we move against him now, people will say we seek to destroy him utterly, and who knows what desperate measures he might take. There is no hurry with Wu Sansi—we can deal with those traitors at our leisure. For now, the priority is to secure the position of Crown Prince for Li Chongjun and guard against the Weishi clan.”

Jing Hui asked, “But what if Wei and Wu Sansi join forces? If they act in concert, we could be in real trouble.”

Zhang Jianzhi replied, “Do not worry, Jing Hui. Back in Fangzhou, the Wei woman suffered greatly. Though the former Empress Dowager despised her for interfering in state affairs and sought to demote her, Wu Sansi also spoke against her in secret. She must hate Wu Sansi bitterly—the two are like fire and water. How could they possibly ally?”

While Zhang Jianzhi and Jing Hui matched wits in their pavilion, within Daming Palace, Lady Wei was in secret discussion with Shangguan Wan’er.

Lady Wei said, “It was thanks to your help that the Empress Dowager’s final departure was achieved so smoothly. The Emperor and I both know of your loyalty.”

Shangguan Wan’er spoke softly, “Since Her Majesty has passed, Your Highness should not mention this matter again.” As she finished, her eyes reddened.

Lady Wei smiled, “Now that the Empress Dowager has ascended to the immortals, worldly affairs no longer concern her. But we who remain cannot afford to turn a blind eye. Zhang Jianzhi and his ilk are growing ever more arrogant with imperial favor, and the Emperor indulges them. I fear that in a few years, Zhang Jianzhi’s power will be unassailable—he might even overshadow the throne. Such things have happened before—think of Cao Cao in the Eastern Han or Changsun Wuji more recently. The affairs of the empire are meant for men, but if the sovereign loses his authority, women like us will also suffer. What counsel have you, sister?”

Shangguan Wan’er replied, “Court intrigue is ever-changing, but in the end, all is a matter of balance.”

“Oh?” Lady Wei was intrigued. “Speak in detail.”

Shangguan Wan’er said, “On the surface, there are five factions at court: the imperial clan, the powerful ministers, Princess Taiping, Li Chongjun, and the remnants of Wu Sansi’s party. But Princess Taiping has withdrawn from politics since the Empress Dowager’s abdication. As for Li Chongjun, he is newly arrived, and aside from Li Duozuo, he has no capable supporters—he is not worth worrying about. Wu Sansi is sequestered in his residence. Thus, in reality, power lies with only two sides: the imperial clan and the powerful ministers. The latter are led by Zhang Jianzhi. But in my opinion, Your Highness’s side is at a disadvantage. First, Zhang Jianzhi is a kingmaker and a ranking official—he can participate openly in government. Since the Empress Dowager’s reign, the world has been wary of women in politics—this is the first disadvantage. Second, Prince Wei is not on good terms with you, but as the legitimate eldest son of the late Empress, he is likely to become Crown Prince—this is the second. Third, Princess Taiping, your sister-in-law, is estranged from you and will not support you—she may even secretly aid Prince Wei. Fourth, your family holds no military command and cannot be counted on in a crisis—this is the fourth disadvantage. With all these, Your Highness’s chances are slim.”

Lady Wei gave a bitter smile, “I am well aware. In all the upheavals of these years, have I not always survived by the narrowest margin? My heart is numb to it. Tell me, what remedy is there?”

Shangguan Wan’er said, “The only option is to bring in powerful allies.”

Lady Wei pondered for a while, then smiled, “You mean Wu Sansi?”

Shangguan Wan’er replied, “Wu Sansi was once indebted to you, Your Highness. If you can put the past behind you and employ him, he will serve you with utter devotion in gratitude.”

Lady Wei mused, “It is a clever plan, but the rift between our houses runs deep. How can we trust one another?”

Shangguan Wan’er replied, “Only by marriage can the two families share weal and woe, thus setting aside old grievances and forging a new alliance.”

Lady Wei looked troubled, “Wu Sansi’s son is indeed handsome, and a marriage with my daughter would be ideal—they are of similar age. But my daughter is so strong-willed; I’m not sure she will agree.”

Shangguan Wan’er laughed, “Does Your Highness not know? Since the Emperor’s accession, Wu Songxun often brings rare treasures to Princess Anle in the palace. She is most pleased with him.”

Lady Wei exclaimed delightedly, “Is that so? Who would have thought that little girl had such means?”

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At midnight, when the palace guards were most prone to drowsiness, a sentry yawned widely. Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed before his eyes. He rubbed them, but saw nothing and assumed it was merely his own fatigue. Muttering, he resumed his patrol.

That shadow leaped lightly over the palace wall and vanished into the darkness.

In his study, Wu Sansi sat in anxious solitude, having dismissed his servants long before. He waited, tense, until suddenly the door opened and closed. He looked up to see a slender figure in black before him. The figure removed her veil—it was Shangguan Wan’er.

Wu Sansi hurried forward and pulled her into his arms. “Wan’er, you have nearly killed me with worry. I thought something had detained you.”

Shangguan Wan’er, with a hint of coquettish reproach, said, “Look at how impatient you are. I’ve come tonight on important business.”

Wu Sansi smiled, “Very well, speak your mind.”

Shangguan Wan’er said with a smile, “Lady Wei has agreed to the marriage alliance.”

Wu Sansi was overjoyed, “Truly?!”

Shangguan Wan’er chided, “Such a matter—would I deceive you?”

Wu Sansi pressed his hand to his forehead in delight, “Heaven is merciful! My family is saved!”

Shangguan Wan’er replied, “So you think only your family is saved? And what of me? I must watch Lady Wei’s every signal in the Phoenix Pavilion, treading on thin ice each day—when will I be saved?”

Wu Sansi replied, “Don’t worry, Wan’er. In no more than five years, I shall have court affairs once more under my control. When that time comes, Li Xian, Lady Wei—they will all be dust. If I can seize the throne, you shall be empress.”

Shangguan Wan’er gave him a sidelong look, “Such boasts! But are you fated for the imperial throne?”

Wu Sansi said bitterly, “If my aunt could become emperor, why not I? She wished to pass the throne to me, but was thwarted by Di Renjie and others. Now that she is gone, Li Xian is a fool and Lady Wei merely a woman—what can she accomplish? Once I hold command of all the southern garrisons, even if Lady Wei wants to turn on me, it will be too late. If she is wise and persuades Li Xian to abdicate, I can grant her an estate and let her live out her days in wealth. If not—well, she will pay the price.”

Shangguan Wan’er sighed, “I have served in the palace center for years, witnessing the rise and fall of many. I will never understand you all—risking your lives for so-called ambition. Is power truly worth it? The late Empress Dowager, for all her glory, read memorials until dawn each day, scarcely sleeping. She suffered more than most. I have no great ambitions. All I wish for is a husband with whom I can sleep in late, admire the flowers, practice my sword, and live in health and peace to the end of my days.”

Wu Sansi replied, “Do you think I do not wish for the same? But in the struggle for power at court, it is always a matter of life or death. Since we are involved, only two outcomes await—either the knife or the chopping block. Even if we wished to retreat to the mountains, others would not let us go.”

After chatting idly for a while, Wu Sansi drew Shangguan Wan’er into his arms again. She let him hold her, blushing, and spat, “You lecher! Barely have you secured your life and already you grow bold with me.”

Wu Sansi pleaded, “Wan’er, you are ever charitable. Indulge this poor monk just this once.” With that, he undid her buttons, and the room was soon filled with the warmth of passion.

As dawn approached, Shangguan Wan’er gently pushed him away, “It’s late. Lady Wei watches me closely. We cannot risk her suspicion. I must go.” She dressed, slipped out, leapt onto the roof, and disappeared toward Daming Palace, leaving Wu Sansi alone in his longing.