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墨書 Inktalez
At the end of the year, there was a sense of gathering and hope for the coming year. With the country having won a great victory, the entire city of Chang'an was filled with festive cheer. The streets were bustling with celebrations, as if everyone was looking forward to the New Year, reminiscent of the lines: "Amidst the sound of firecrackers, a year passes; the spring breeze brings warmth to the Tusu wine. At every door and window, the sun shines bright, replacing old charms with new ones."
The residence of Princess Jinyang also hung a plaque, crafted by Master Yan Lide himself, inscribed with the words "Heroic Xu Residence." While it may not be grand in gold and jade, it still exuded an air of elegance.
The Fourteen Red Armor served as both a household retainer and held an official position in the Imperial Guard. He reported for duty punctually each day and only returned to Princess Jinyang's residence during his free time. Without Yin Zong and others around to provoke or spar with him, life became rather dull. He could only practice martial arts daily with his lord, neither holding back nor sparing each other, which often left Princess Jinyang with dark circles under her eyes from her shifts in the inner palace.
Although Li Mingda and Princess Jinyang had established a sibling bond, they were actually situated within the Inner Palace, accompanying the Sovereign daily and growing closer to her elder brother Li Zhi. She was well-educated and clever since childhood, and her three brothers doted on her greatly. With her presence providing balance, the three Tubo brothers got along harmoniously.
Li Mingda was a dutiful daughter who, after being missing for a year, seemed determined to make up for lost time. During leisure moments, she would reminisce about past experiences with the Sovereign. Though her words were simple, they were captivating.
As they say, no one knows a daughter better than her father. Li Shimin, being astute as a True Dragon, gradually noticed his daughter's feelings towards Princess Jinyang.
Despite Princess Jinyang's humble origins, she possessed good character and decorum. She was humble, eager to learn, and talented in many areas; it would not be an exaggeration to say she was well-rounded in both literature and martial arts.
After returning from battle, the Sage reviewed the military officers and showed great interest in the divine fire cannon "Zhenwu General" that had been brought back. It was already transported to Mingde Gate on the City Wall for public viewing to showcase the might of the Tang army. He ordered the Ministry of Works to study it thoroughly with plans to promote such powerful weapons.
Recently, Yan Lide presented a rare item that he claimed was taught by Princess Jinyang—a silver mirror measuring six feet tall and one foot wide!
Unlike ordinary bronze mirrors, this one shone brilliantly with gold and silver decorations surrounding it. It was exceptionally exquisite and reflected every detail perfectly. On its wooden back was engraved a phrase penned by Princess Jinyang:
"Using a mirror of bronze can correct one's attire; using an ancient mirror can reveal rise and fall; using a human as a mirror can clarify gains and losses."
This was a golden saying from the Sage engraved on the back of the mirror. The words were fitting; Princess Jinyang's writing was slender yet vigorous, flowing like water while containing hidden depths. Li Shimin, who loved calligraphy, couldn't help but glance at her writing two or three times.
By observing her writing one could discern her spirit; by inferring her spirit one could understand her character. Through this period of observation, Li Shimin gained clarity about Princess Jinyang's background and felt reassured. Thus, he relaxed somewhat regarding his precious daughter Li Mingda.
One day, after finishing official duties at the military office, Princess Jinyang went to admire the snow at a small pavilion by the inner lake. A small clay stove warmed some new wine as she prepared to indulge in elegance when she was called by an eunuch to Shuyi Hall on the west side of Yeting Palace.
This hall had been specially created by the Sovereign for Li Mingda; without permission, no one could disturb it. The guards here were not Imperial Guards or Three Guards but rather Female Imperial Guards personally trained by the Sage—each graceful and fit, though not necessarily stunningly beautiful.
Upon seeing Princess Jinyang arrive with a sword in hand, the Female Imperial Guards took special notice. They saw that she wore deep crimson official robes adorned with silver fish pouches; her long sword was sheathed but striking in design. They immediately recognized her as none other than Xu Zhenzhi, currently one of the most sought-after Deputy Generals of the Imperial Guard!
When Li Shimin returned Xu Zhenzhi's long sword as promised, he earnestly expressed hopes that Princess Jinyang would inherit Lord Yin's virtues and heroism. Princess Jinyang naturally did not forget this promise and agreed to enter the palace armed as per his allowance—a privilege not afforded to others.
Upon entering Shuyi Hall, even that eunuch withdrew while palace maids came to guide Princess Jinyang into the hall. They passed through the main hall and into the inner court until they reached Nurturing Qi Hall where Li Mingda usually studied.
Seeing the Xu Zhen arrive, Li Mingda's heart leaped with joy, and she hurried out to greet her, which truly astonished the Xu Zhen.
The Treasure Hall was warm like spring, so Li Mingda did not wear heavy winter clothing. At this moment, her shoulders were delicate, her waist slender, her brows like emerald feathers, and her skin as white as snow.
She wore a light yellow cloud-patterned top, adorned with large peonies and green gauze, along with a flowing white palace satin skirt that trailed on the ground. Her long hair hung down, with a pearl and jade hairpin delicately inserted. Although she was not yet fully developed, she had grown into a graceful figure, her body becoming increasingly tall and slender, her chest beginning to develop, and her charming eyes gradually becoming clearer—she was indeed a beautiful girl!
"Girl, it’s been a while since we last met, and you've grown quite a bit!" The Xu Zhen said without any formality as she reached out to ruffle Jinyang's hair. The three thousand strands of hair became a tangled mess. The little girl rolled her eyes in mock anger, placing her hands on her hips, but inside she enjoyed this long-lost intimacy.
"Hmph! You deceitful one! Not only do you fail to show proper respect when you see me, the princess, but you also dare to touch me. Do you believe I will send the female officials to chop off your hands?"
Seeing that the palace maids had retreated and there was no one around, the Xu Zhen took the opportunity to pinch Jinyang's smooth cheek and chuckled, "What are you pretending for? You are my sister; don’t put on airs here. It’s been years since you’ve been so rude; it’s not auspicious. If you annoy your brother, you’ll surely get a spanking!"
Jinyang was still at an age where she was just beginning to understand feelings. Hearing the Xu Zhen mention physical affection made her face turn bright red. However, knowing that the Xu Zhen meant no harm, she didn’t want to show it too much. She lightly huffed and made a funny face. When she saw the Xu Zhen pretend to hit her backside, she quickly dodged and led the Xu Zhen into the room.
If it had been a year ago, the etiquette-conscious Princess Jinyang would never have acted in such a crude manner or spoken such teasing words. However, during this past year, her experiences with the Xu Zhen had changed her temperament.
Thinking about change reminded her of her own elder brother's transformation. Over this past year, Tubo's changes had indeed caused concern; the little girl furrowed her brows.
The Xu Zhen knew her well and noticed that she seemed unhappy. So she asked about it. Li Mingda felt comfortable sharing with the Xu Zhen because in her heart, the Xu Zhen was not an outsider with whom she couldn't confide. Thus, she expressed all her worries.
It turned out that Tubo was not as hopeless as described in the Historical Records; he had once been a virtuous child—intelligent and admirable—deeply filial and kind-hearted. At eight years old, he was named crown prince. In May of the ninth year of Zhenguan, when Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan passed away, during Li Shimin's mourning period, he issued an edict allowing the crown prince to govern state affairs. The crown prince understood propriety and could make decisions wisely; he won Li Shimin's favor. Afterward, whenever the sovereign went on tours outside of the capital, it was always left to the crown prince to oversee matters in Chang'an.
By the twelfth year of Zhenguan, Tubo gathered officials and scholars from Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism at Hongwen Hall for discussions on their teachings. He gained considerable support from literati. Consequently, the Sage issued an edict establishing Hongwen Pavilion in the Eastern Palace to recruit scholars who would manage books and teach students; all examinations were conducted through Hongwen Pavilion.
However, at this time Tubo suffered from foot ailments that hindered his mobility. This setback deeply affected his youthful spirit as he grew older; he began to develop his own opinions and started rebelling against authority. The sovereign grew worried and sought out virtuous individuals to assist in guiding Tubo in the Eastern Palace by selecting old ministers like Fang Xuanling and Wei Zheng to serve as advisors in order to correct Tubo's disposition.
Yet these old ministers were known for their frank advice; while they taught him rigorously, they were also harsh—any slight mistake would lead them to express their discontent vehemently. They criticized Tubo harshly in their memorials with sharp language that backfired and only fueled Tubo's rebelliousness further.
In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan Era, Cheng Qian merely constructed houses when old minister Yuzhining submitted a memorial criticizing Tubo for being overly extravagant and associating with eunuchs for entertainment. Cheng Qian faced further criticism from Yuzhining who even compared him to Emperor Qin Ershi while Kong Yingda’s criticisms grew more intense; their admonitions became increasingly urgent while Cheng Qian refused to heed their words.
Tubo showed no interest in women but favored South Wind instead—a musician from Taichang whom he named "Charming." Unfortunately for him, this too drew criticism in memorials. When the Sage learned of this situation he naturally became furious and ordered Charming's execution. Cheng Qian was heartbroken over this loss; he established a residence within the palace for mourning purposes day and night while erecting a tombstone and granting official titles in memory of Charming—he often wept for her.
As a result of these events, the Sage grew increasingly displeased with Cheng Qian. However, at this critical moment, Tubo still did not restrain himself; secretly gathering a group of Turkic assassins intending to kill these old ministers as revenge for Charming!
Li Mingda has always been perceptive, and her brothers have doted on her. Therefore, she understands the meaning of Tubo but is at a loss for how to advise anyone. Feeling helpless and distressed, she naturally confides in Xu Zhen, who touches upon her own sorrows.
Xu Zhen is also greatly alarmed. If the Historical Records are accurate, Tubo has brought the Turkic tribes into the palace not to assassinate the teacher but to instigate a rebellion!
However, at this moment, she cannot share this knowledge with Li Mingda or anyone else. According to the Historical Records, the rebellion began with Prince Qi, Li You, which then involved the Crown Prince's heart. Yet now this crucial detail seems to have been skipped over. It is unclear whether this change is due to historical fact or if Xu Zhen's intervention has prevented Li Mingda's death, thus triggering a Butterfly Effect!
In Li Mingda's mind, Xu Zhen is always wise and resourceful. Seeing Xu Zhen frowning deeply makes her increasingly worried about the situation.
After pondering for a moment, Xu Zhen decides to intervene. At the very least, she must dissuade Tubo in hopes of steering history back on track and mitigating the impact of the Butterfly Effect.
"Child, do not worry too much. Find an appropriate time for me to meet with His Highness the Crown Prince. I will certainly navigate this situation and dispel such thoughts from him; otherwise, it will surely lead to disaster..."
Upon hearing Xu Zhenzhi's words, Jinyang feels reassured and gains a sense of direction. After all, if such rebellious matters come to Sage's attention—regardless of their truth—Tubo's position for the Crown Prince would be difficult to maintain. As a sister, Li Mingda does not wish to see such a scene unfold; therefore, she obediently communicates with Tubo and arranges for him to meet with Xu Zhen.
Meanwhile, after leaving Jinyang, Xu Zhen discusses matters with Zhang Jiunian but finds no effective strategies. Her heart remains troubled as she speaks with Caesar; this daughter has little insight, further complicating Xu Zhen's situation.
Just when she is unsure how to handle things, Jinyang has already made arrangements and will soon return to Shuyi Hall to persuade Crown Prince Li Chengqian with words of counsel.
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