Chapter 17: My Child Has Just Come of Age [New Book—Please Support]
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Faced with Li Chengqian’s sudden “rebuke,” Emperor Taizong’s expression darkened considerably. Even Empress Zhangsun began to worry about their son. As for the little chubby boy, whom Empress Zhangsun instinctively steadied, he felt immensely excited. Although he had briefly cooperated with Li Chengqian at the academy, it didn’t mean he would always side with him. After all, their collaboration was based on mutual benefit.
Now, Li Chengqian’s sudden “accusation” against Emperor Taizong revealed new advantages to him, so he resolutely stood against Li Chengqian.
He declared righteously, “Your Majesty, how can you speak to Father like this? This is unfilial!” Don’t think the little chubby boy is scheming—he has loved reading since childhood and is well-versed in historical power struggles. Such an opportunity to sharply contrast himself with Li Chengqian was not to be missed.
Moreover, after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, what mattered most to Li Shimin was filial piety. Because he himself had failed to honor filial piety properly, he hoped his children would uphold it.
Thus, the little chubby boy’s words were deeply piercing.
“Qingque, do not speak nonsense!” Empress Zhangsun’s face changed as she quickly covered Li Tai’s mouth, whispering a reprimand. She was well aware of the little chubby boy’s intentions.
But Li Chengqian merely smiled wryly upon hearing him: “It seems, Qingque, you haven’t read enough books...”
“Hm?” Li Shimin furrowed his brows. “What do you mean by that?”
The little chubby boy’s crafty mind was not hidden from Empress Zhangsun, nor from Emperor Taizong. Yet he did not think the boy was wrong.
Because Li Chengqian’s earlier words indeed offended him and were unfilial in tone.
However, Li Chengqian was indifferent and explained, “Filial piety cannot be understood from a single perspective; many aspects must be considered. I recall that the ancients divided filial piety into three types: minor filial piety, moderate filial piety, and great filial piety.”
“Oh?” Li Shimin raised his eyebrows. “Do tell.”
It seemed he was hearing this for the first time, and he was intrigued. Empress Zhangsun also looked expectant. The little chubby boy, on the other hand, was utterly incredulous.
Li Chengqian took a step forward and began to speak confidently:
“Minor filial piety is to obey one’s parents, ensuring they lack nothing in food or clothing, so they do not suffer hardship. Moderate filial piety is to bring joy and spiritual satisfaction to one’s parents. Great filial piety is to make one’s parents proud of their children’s achievements, earning respect from others and bringing honor to the family.”
He paused, then looked at the little chubby boy with a half-smile: “Qingque probably never read such books, right?”
“I...” The little chubby boy opened his mouth but hesitated.
Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun exchanged glances, both shocked as if meeting their eldest son anew.
This concept of the three filialities suddenly enlightened them. Due to the Xuanwu Gate Incident, they often reflected on whether they had been unfilial and feared being accused of such.
Yet now, hearing Li Chengqian’s explanation, they suddenly felt they had been greatly filial! As long as they could govern the country well, bringing prosperity and glory, and earn the respect of the people for Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan—it was indeed great filial piety!
But the little chubby boy seemed not to understand Li Chengqian’s explanation and loudly retorted, “Your Majesty’s words are disrespectful and anger Father. How can that be filial?”
“Ah, Qingque, you just don’t get it. Your brother is making Father proud; that is great filial piety!” Li Chengqian smiled.
“Pride?”
“Heh.” Li Chengqian smiled again, then turned to Emperor Taizong and bowed: “May I ask, Father, was the reduction of palace maids truly to save expenses?”
“Uh...” Emperor Taizong hesitated but did not answer directly, instead turning to Empress Zhangsun. He knew this matter was likely brought up by her.
Empress Zhangsun smiled and explained, “Chengqian, this matter is also my fault for not explaining clearly. Your father ordered the reduction of palace maids not only to save expenses but because the news of bone-collecting rituals spread within the palace. It made the palace maids restless, crying day and night, often making mistakes...”
“What is this bone-collecting ritual?” Li Chengqian asked, confused.
Empress Zhangsun glanced at Li Shimin and sighed: “During the Wude era, after years of warfare, many died. Your father could not bear to see their bodies left exposed, so he ordered the collection of remains nationwide. These palace maids learned of their families’ fates because of this...”
Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian grew deeply respectful toward Emperor Taizong. But the emperor wasted no words and asked directly, “What are your thoughts on this?”
“Before answering, I would like to ask you something first, Father.”
“Ask away.”
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Apparently accustomed to Li Chengqian’s habit of answering with questions, Li Shimin did not find it troublesome.
Li Chengqian continued, “May I ask, Father, did you release these palace maids from the palace also to allow them to fulfill filial duties?”
“Yes, that was part of the intention.” Li Shimin nodded. “But more so, I hoped they would find good matches, marry, bear children, and increase the population of Tang...”
“If Father thinks that way, then you are truly mistaken!” Li Chengqian shook his head.
“Why do you say I am mistaken?” Li Shimin asked in puzzlement.
“Because Father does not understand palace maids, nor the harsh realities they face!”
“...” Li Shimin was momentarily stunned and instinctively looked at Empress Zhangsun.
She furrowed her brow thoughtfully and said, “My son means that those palace maids will face misfortune once they leave the palace?”
“Mother, you are wise!” Li Chengqian smiled flatteringly.
Emperor Taizong felt awkward and urged, “Enough idle talk, quickly tell me all you know!”
The two shared a knowing smile.
Li Chengqian went on: “Father, you may be unaware, but Mother, as manager of the harem, must know many of its rules. Only those palace maids whose fathers and brothers all died in battle—or mostly so—may leave the palace. The others must wait until they are about 18 to 25 years old before they can leave.”
“In an era where marriage at around 14 was common, these palace maids who left were all considered old maids.”
“Old maids?”
Both Empress Zhangsun and Emperor Taizong were taken aback.
Li Chengqian continued, “Common families would not want such old maids as daughters-in-law. Firstly, they fear the palace life damaged their bodies, rendering them infertile. Secondly, they dare not associate with the royal family.”
“So, it would be difficult for them to marry, let alone bear children early.”
“But that is just your speculation!”
Li Shimin dismissed it. “Why would you think their bodies were harmed in the palace? No one mistreated them.”
Li Chengqian chuckled: “Father is the Son of Heaven, in charge of state affairs; it is only natural you are unaware of palace life...”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Li Shimin frowned deeply and looked to Empress Zhangsun. “Could it be that they were mistreated?”
Empress Zhangsun opened her mouth but hesitated. She truly did not know how to answer, for Li Chengqian’s words were true—there were many sordid things in the palace, far beyond mere mistreatment.
How many ‘human sacrifices’ had ended up in the palace wells, ponds, and flower beds?
Not to mention, even you, Emperor, once kicked a palace maid by mistake because she erred in serving you. Though you later compensated her upon learning her family had died in battle and apologized personally, her injuries still took time to heal.
Seeing Empress Zhangsun silent, Emperor Taizong understood and frowned: “You mean those palace maids were abused?”
“Not all abused, but after years of palace work, they inevitably develop chronic ailments...” Li Chengqian shook his head and changed his tone.
“Moreover, beyond physical reasons, there are personality reasons.”
“Father, consider this: they have seen the luxurious lives of nobles and the splendor of the palace. Could they truly return to the fields to tend to husbands and children?”
“...” Li Shimin was speechless, for Li Chengqian’s words were factual.
“So, in the end, they become concubines, maids, or slaves to local nobles, landlords, or are sold to brothels, dying miserable deaths...”
“How could this be...” Li Shimin looked incredulous. “I meant well—could I have harmed them?”
“Alas!” Li Chengqian sighed. “Father, your kindness is unquestioned. Perhaps your ministers think you are right, but they are scholars and officials; they cannot see the problem from the bottom up.”
“These palace maids, in age, physical condition, personality, and social status, are no longer ordinary women. They are like fierce beasts raised in captivity. Can you release them back into the wild? No—they cannot survive nature’s law of the strong preying on the weak. Sending them home is tantamount to sending them to their deaths...”
Hearing this, Li Shimin suddenly understood why Li Chengqian had dared offend him: it was to prevent him from making a grave error.
For some reason, he felt a strange pride—as if his son was truly growing up.
Why strange? Because this son had once been called a “rebellious child” by him.
“Heh…” Li Shimin laughed to himself. Empress Zhangsun also smiled, looking pleased.
Only the little chubby boy was sulking, clearly unhappy.
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Damn! Once again, the Crown Prince had been outwitted by his elder brother!
“Cough!” After the laughter, Li Shimin cleared his throat and asked Li Chengqian again, “If you see things so clearly and claim to make me proud, surely you have a solution?”
“There is one, but I definitely can’t do it myself; Mother must do it!” Li Chengqian said casually.
Emperor Taizong was stunned once more and glanced at Empress Zhangsun.
She smiled faintly. “You sly boy! Just talk, huh...” Then she reached out and poked her son’s forehead. “Speak. What cooperation do you need from Mother?”
“It’s simple. Establish a Royal Manufacturing Bureau in the palace, dedicated to production work. The palace maids who lost their families in the war can work there and receive wages.”
“Of course, only if they choose to stay. Those insisting on going home need not be forced.”
“Those who stay can send money home to support their parents or bring their parents to Chang’an. They can be allowed to leave the palace periodically.”
“This way, their tragic fates can be avoided, they can support themselves, and the palace won’t need to bear their expenses.”
Hearing this, Empress Zhangsun’s eyes brightened. “A good idea. But what would the Royal Manufacturing Bureau produce? Can its products be sold?”
“Of course! They will sell well!”
“Why are you so certain?”
“Oh, Mother, you don’t understand. Anything connected to the royal family, even if it’s a pile of dung, is considered fragrant!”
“You little brat, stop spouting nonsense!”
“Ouch!” Li Chengqian winced as she poked his forehead again. But unwilling to reveal the money-making idea to anyone but Empress Zhangsun, he forced a smile and changed the subject. “Mother, may we speak privately for a moment?”
“Hm?”
Li Shimin’s face darkened. What’s going on? Are you two hiding something from me?
But Empress Zhangsun smiled knowingly, “Let’s speak privately then.”
“Empress, you—”
“Your Majesty, please wait. I’ll be right back.”
Though Emperor Taizong was usually formidable outside, before Empress Zhangsun he was powerless—he could only watch as she and Li Chengqian retreated to a side chamber.
About fifteen minutes later, the two returned.
“Your Majesty, with Chengqian’s plan, I believe we can manage the entire harem well!” Empress Zhangsun said confidently.
Emperor Taizong’s heart stirred. He knew Empress Zhangsun would not deceive him. If she said so, it was with absolute certainty.
“Ha ha ha! Very well! Then I entrust all to the Empress!”
“And what about Father?” Li Chengqian asked.
“Follow the Empress’s lead!”
Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian finally breathed a sigh of relief.
However, at that moment, a system message suddenly popped up.
[Congratulations, host! You have completed side quest three. Would you like to claim your reward?]
“What? Weren’t I supposed to go to Zhaoling to pay respects to Empress Zhangsun?”
[The purpose of the memorial is filial piety. Since you have fulfilled it, the task is complete!]
Li Chengqian twitched at the corner of his mouth, itching to retort, “Seriously? That works?” But thinking of the reward, he decisively replied, “Claim system reward.”
A voice suddenly rang in his mind.
[As expected of my son, Li Shimin! Though sometimes exasperating, he is still filial. As for this Crown Prince position—hmph! He cannot be reinstated so quickly! I must temper his temper for another two years...]
Temper, my foot! Your son will die in eight months!
Li Chengqian collapsed on the spot. This mind-reading ability was utterly despair-inducing!
“No! I must not sit idly by! I need to find a way...”
“Chengqian, what’s wrong?” Seeing his odd expression and nervous manner, Empress Zhangsun grew concerned.
“Nothing, Mother. Where were we?”
“We were...” Empress Zhangsun glanced at Emperor Taizong before deciding, “We will not reduce the number of palace maids serving your grandfather anymore!”
Grandfather?
Of course! How could I forget? My grandfather is the retired Emperor!
Li Chengqian’s spirit lifted immediately.