Searching for a Birthday Gift

Zhang Anan hurriedly suppressed a smile after witnessing Li Shimin’s performance. He spoke up from the side, "Your Highness, Prince of Jin, the end of the month is approaching, and His Majesty’s birthday is just around the corner. Furthermore, Empress Zhangsun’s birthday follows shortly after. As for His Majesty’s funds..."

Li Shimin’s birthday fell on the twenty-eighth of the first month, and Empress Zhangsun’s was in the third month. Zhang Anan had long since prepared this line of reasoning. Among all the princes, Li Zhi’s filial piety was the most sincere. He not only honored his own parents but was also exceptionally kind to the Retired Emperor and the other consorts in the palace. Zhang Anan knew that as long as Li Zhi learned that Li Shimin was struggling to cover the costs of the birthday celebrations, he would undoubtedly insist on taking over a portion of the investment.

Sure enough, as soon as Li Zhi heard Zhang Anan’s words, he immediately slapped his own forehead. He said with a look of regret, "Oh! If you hadn't mentioned it, Chief Steward, I would have nearly forgotten to prepare gifts for my Imperial Father and Mother." After a moment of silent reflection, he continued, "In that case, I shall cover this investment on behalf of my Imperial Father; consider it a token of my filial duty for the birthdays of both my Imperial Father and Mother."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin immediately shot Zhang Anan an approving look. He had not expected Zhang Anan to have such a precise grasp of Li Zhi’s character, managing to save himself hundreds of thousands of strings of cash with just a single sentence. However, having learned from his previous experiences, he did not dare to feign modesty again. As soon as Li Zhi finished speaking, he replied with a cheerful smile, "Since Zhi'nu is so thoughtful, your Imperial Father thanks you."

As he said this, Li Shimin inwardly consoled himself: Zhi'nu has plenty of money anyway, so I shall take advantage of him once more. I will simply be sure to favor him whenever future opportunities arise. Li Zhi, unaware that he had been maneuvered by the two men once again, patted his small chest and declared, "Fulfilling my filial duty to my Imperial Father and Mother is my natural responsibility; how could I possibly require your thanks?"

Once the matter was settled, Li Zhi soon took his leave. He had to contact the shipyards to arrange for construction while also rushing to prepare the birthday gifts for his parents. After Li Zhi departed, Li Shimin let out a long breath. Only then did he say to Zhang Anan, "You truly understand Zhi'nu well, my servant. I never imagined that a single word from you would save me hundreds of thousands of strings of cash."

Zhang Anan smiled, "Prince of Jin’s filial piety is renowned among all the princes; Your Majesty simply overlooked this in your moment of urgency." Li Shimin nodded in agreement. In this regard, both Li Zhi and Princess Liyue were indeed the best.

Princess Changle, Li Liyue, lived deep within the palace and never failed to pay her respects every morning and evening. Although Li Zhi had already established his own estate and served as the Governor of Yongzhou, he still came to pay his respects to Empress Zhangsun every afternoon. Beyond that, Li Zhi frequently visited the Retired Emperor and his former tutor, Lady Xue. Li Zhi had also played a significant role in helping Li Shimin mend his relationship with Li Yuan over the past two years.

Thinking of this, Li Shimin could not help but recall certain rumors. Many officials were making wild speculations about the future succession due to Li Zhi’s outstanding performance. Some had even begun to spread rumors that he intended to replace the Crown Prince. Although he had secretly dealt with the officials spreading such gossip, it was clear that this sentiment had already taken root at court.

With this in mind, he could not help but ask Zhang Anan, "Do you think Zhi'nu’s brilliance might cause the Crown Prince concern?" Zhang Anan’s pupils contracted slightly at the question. He knew no less than Li Shimin did, and because he oversaw all the eunuchs and palace maids, he had access to even more information regarding the princes.

The problem Li Shimin feared had already occurred. The Crown Prince had complained more than once to those around him about Li Shimin’s favoritism toward Li Zhi. Besides the Crown Prince, Prince of Yue, Li Tai, was also wary of Li Zhi. Zhang Anan had even learned that Li Tai had been involved in manipulating the atmosphere during the literary competition held before the new year. However, he could not divulge these things, as doing so would only bring Li Shimin great distress—a distress that Li Shimin likely had no way to resolve, unless he was willing to waste Li Zhi’s immense talents.

Zhang Anan reacted quickly, hesitating only for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, capable ministers and brave generals have always been subject to criticism, but how many have truly acted in ways that exceeded their bounds?" He did not answer the question directly, but instead used a rhetorical question to dispel Li Shimin’s own anxieties. Leaving aside the fact that Li Zhi always treated the servants well, his contributions to the imperial court alone were enough to mark him as a capable official. Li Zhi was still young; there would be plenty of time in the future for the Emperor to decide how to utilize him. Why bother suppressing his talents now?

Li Shimin nodded upon hearing this. He was a rather conceited monarch who believed that as long as his own ability was sufficient, he could fully control all the ministers at court. And, indeed, that was the case; Li Shimin’s subordinates were countless in their talent and strength. Who among them could ever escape his grasp? Thus, Li Shimin began to view the matter from his own perspective, reasoning that if Li Chengqian possessed even a fraction of his own ability, he would be able to tolerate Li Zhi’s talents as well. With this thought, he set aside the trace of worry in his heart and returned to handling state affairs with peace of mind.

After leaving the Taiji Palace, Li Zhi first went to pay his respects to Empress Zhangsun and the Retired Emperor. Once he had left the palace, he immediately sought out Li Yin. He needed to discuss the upcoming birthday gifts with him. This year was turning out to be difficult; Li Zhi frequently sent common jewelry and jade to the palace, and he had not developed any new or novel products this year that would be suitable for gifting. After discussing it for a long time, the two reached no conclusion.

Finally, left with no other choice, Li Zhi personally headed to the East Market of Chang’an. He wanted to see if there was anything rare that could serve as a gift for Li Shimin. The weather in Chang’an during the first month had already grown much warmer, yet one could still see some people from wealthy households walking through the market wearing down jackets.

Down jackets had not become as widely popularized as Li Zhi had initially anticipated. On one hand, the consumption of poultry was not high enough for the average person to collect such large quantities of duck and goose down. On the other, the only fabric currently suitable for making such jackets was silk, which was an item beyond the reach of ordinary commoners. Li Zhi knew he could not be impatient; everything would be resolved once the material wealth of the Tang Dynasty increased.

Accompanied by Liu An, Chai Long, and Duan Shizi, Li Zhi scoured almost every jewelry shop in the East Market, yet he could not find a single item that satisfied him. This was mainly because the tributary system of the Tang Dynasty meant that the finest treasures had long since been collected by the various Maritime Trade Offices and sent straight to the palace. Li Zhi left the East Market in disappointment and turned toward the West Market, hoping to find a surprise among the residences of the foreign merchants.