Apprenticing oneself to a master to study medicine

The imperial physician’s diagnosis proceeded swiftly, for the Empress Zhangsun’s illness was a longstanding one. After years of treating her, these palace physicians were already well-versed and experienced. However, as the Empress was with child, adjustments to her medication were necessary.

As Sun Huipu finished writing the prescription and prepared to send someone to fetch and decoct the medicine, Emperor Taizong, having just received word, hurried into the Hall of Upright Governance. Deeply devoted to the Empress Zhangsun, how could he focus on affairs of state upon hearing she had taken ill?

Entering the chamber, Emperor Taizong immediately addressed Sun Huipu, "How is the Empress? Is her illness grave?"

Sun Huipu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, Her Highness is in no serious danger. This is an old ailment, chiefly recurring due to seasonal changes between autumn and summer."

Hearing this, Emperor Taizong first let out a quiet sigh of relief, but then frowned and pressed further, "Is there truly no way to cure the Empress’s persistent illness?"

Faced with the question, Sun Huipu hesitated, then answered, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. My skills are limited; I am unable to relieve Her Highness’s suffering."

In truth, Sun Huipu’s answer was no surprise to Emperor Taizong. He asked only out of an unbroken hope within his heart. According to the imperial physicians, the Empress’s illness was inherited from her mother—a congenital affliction with little chance of cure. Over the years, Emperor Taizong had sought out countless renowned healers, all of whom gave the same response.

Once more hearing a negative answer, his spirits visibly dimmed. Forcing a faint smile, he waved his hand and said to Sun Huipu, "This is not your fault, nor that of your colleagues. I hold no blame."

From her sickbed, Empress Zhangsun interjected, "Your Majesty need not worry for my health. After so many years, I have long since grown accustomed to it."

Emperor Taizong seated himself by her side, took her hand, and said, "We have known each other so many years. How can I set my mind at ease seeing your health forever frail?"

His words were earnest and sincere, moving all present. Sun Huipu could only sigh inwardly, bow to the Emperor, and prepare to take his leave.

Just then, Li Zhi, who had remained silent, suddenly stepped in front of Sun Huipu, his eyes red with emotion. To the surprise of all, he bowed and declared, "Imperial Physician Sun, I am unworthy, but I wish to become your disciple and study medicine. I hope you will not withhold your instruction."

Li Zhi’s request baffled everyone present; none understood why he would make such an unusual plea.

Seated at the Empress’s bedside, Emperor Taizong asked, "Zhinu, why the sudden interest in medicine? You know well that the study is arduous."

Li Zhi responded without hesitation, "Mother’s health is poor. I wish to learn medicine so I can help nurse her back to strength."

Though seemingly childish, Li Zhi’s answer warmed Emperor Taizong’s heart. He knew his son was precocious, and such a decision could not have been made lightly.

Though pleased, Emperor Taizong said, "Your mother’s health is in the hands of the imperial physicians. You need not trouble yourself over it."

Li Zhi replied, "Father, I have studied the Classic of Filial Piety, which says: ‘Filial piety begins with serving one’s parents, continues with serving the ruler, and ends with establishing oneself.’ I do this for the sake of serving my mother. I hope Father will permit it."

His words moved all who heard them. Although young, the Prince of Jin’s filial devotion was already rare and precious.

After a moment’s silence, Emperor Taizong rose from the Empress’s side, walked to Li Zhi, and said to Sun Huipu, "My son wishes to learn medicine from you. Master Sun, would you be willing to accept him as your disciple?"

This made clear the Emperor’s approval, leaving Sun Huipu both astonished and apprehensive. It was not that he begrudged passing on his medical knowledge to Li Zhi, but as a prince, would the boy endure the hardships of medical training?

He hesitated, then said to Li Zhi, "Your Highness must know that the study of medicine is obscure and demanding, requiring endless effort for even small accomplishments. The path is arduous."

Li Zhi answered, "For the sake of my mother’s health, I do not fear hardship."

Confronted with such filial devotion and resolve, Sun Huipu could not refuse and finally agreed to take Li Zhi as his apprentice. After Emperor Taizong personally presided over a brief ceremony, Li Zhi now had a guide on his medical path.

News of the Empress’s illness soon reached the Crown Prince Li Chengqian, Prince of Yue Li Tai, and Princess Changle Li Lizhi. As her children, the three quickly arrived at the Hall of Upright Governance.

Their arrival naturally delighted both the Emperor and Empress, as it demonstrated their filial concern. But in Li Zhi’s eyes, only his sister Li Lizhi was truly worried for their mother’s health; Li Chengqian and Li Tai were merely putting on a show for their father.

It was easy to judge by their actions. Aside from a cursory inquiry into the Empress’s health upon entering, the two brothers spent most of their time subtly reporting their recent achievements to Emperor Taizong.

Unable to tolerate their performance, Li Zhi took Li Lizhi by the hand and went to the pharmacy to watch the apothecary prepare the medicine.

Li Lizhi, gentle in temperament and much like their mother, did not question why Li Zhi brought her to the pharmacy.

Knowing her nature, Li Zhi helped stoke the fire beneath the cauldron and complained, "Elder brother and fourth brother care only for showing off their accomplishments before Father. It’s tiresome to listen to."

Li Lizhi burst out laughing and replied, "You fuss too much. Didn’t they already inquire after Mother’s health?"

Li Zhi pouted, "When Father isn’t in the Hall of Upright Governance, they rarely come to pay their respects to Mother. Now that they know Father is here, they rush over faster than anyone."

Li Lizhi said, "They live farther from the inner palace, and their studies are demanding. Perhaps it’s understandable they don’t visit as often."

Li Zhi retorted, "Those are just excuses. Even if their lessons are tight in the morning and they can’t come, they surely have time in the afternoon, don’t they?"

Li Lizhi found herself at a loss for words. In this era, it was of utmost importance to greet one’s parents twice daily, morning and evening. Even Emperor Taizong, as sovereign, was not exempt—he too paid his respects to Li Yuan each day at Da’an Palace.

In this regard, Li Chengqian and Li Tai indeed fell short, giving Li Zhi ample cause for complaint.