A Joint Tribute Li Yin's Transformation

Although Li Tai no longer provoked Li Zhi, his opinion of Li Zhi remained less than favorable. Strictly speaking, Li Zhi was still considered his rival. After Li Tai, it was Li You’s turn, who presented a small jade Buddha. Next in line should have been Li Yin, but he had already moved to stand beside Li Zhi. Thus, seventh prince Li Yun and eighth prince Li Zhen took their turns first. Li Yun offered a jade ruyi scepter, while Li Zhen, too young to present his gift himself, was represented by Consort Yan, who brought a new garment on his behalf.

When it was Li Zhi’s turn, he and Li Yin together presented two sets of cosmetics. Li Yin took the initiative to explain the use of each item to Empress Zhangsun. Li Zhi then spoke at just the right moment, saying, “Mother, these were personally prepared for you by my sixth brother, myself, and Liu An.”

The gathered consorts had already been greatly intrigued by the cosmetics during Li Yin’s explanation. Now, upon learning that these items were crafted by Li Zhi and Li Yin themselves, their curiosity only deepened. They eagerly urged Empress Zhangsun to try them. At her age, the Empress was not immune to the desire for beauty, so she carefully picked up the perfume and sprinkled a little on her wrists and neck. These spots, with their frequent movement and pulsing arteries, were ideal for releasing the fragrance.

The rich scent of gardenia drifted through the air with her movements, soon filling the main hall of the Hall of Upright Governance. Surrounded by the Empress, the consorts found themselves utterly captivated by this fresh, elegant, and natural aroma. It was unlike the sachets they were accustomed to—those only gave off the unadulterated scents of natural spices, which, though pure, could often be overwhelming and less pleasant. The perfume, by contrast, was a blend, highlighting the floral notes while mingling in other subtle fragrances, provoking a curiosity and delight that drew in both men and women alike.

At this moment, all the consorts gazed longingly at the perfume in the Empress’s hand, yet none dared ask her for a share. The Empress herself lingered in the scent for a while, and when she recovered her composure, she immediately noticed the envy in the eyes of those around her.

With a gentle laugh, she said, “Look at you all! Now that Zhinü has made this, would he ever let you go without?” The consorts blushed with embarrassment at her words, but recalling Li Zhi’s actions over the past year, their hearts soon settled. The Empress was right—Li Zhi had never shown favoritism. Whenever he sent gifts to the Empress, the consorts always received their share as well.

Thinking of this, the consorts discreetly exchanged glances with the assembled princes and princesses, but in the end, their gazes, full of affection, inevitably turned to Li Zhi. This was where Li Zhi surpassed the other children: he truly treated every consort with fairness.

Just as all eyes fell on Li Zhi, he spoke again, “Sixth brother played a major role in creating these.” Instantly, the focus shifted to Li Yin. Observing him, they soon noticed a subtle difference. This was most apparent to Emperor Taizong and Consort Yang. The emperor, who had often punished Li Yin in the past, was keenly aware of a stubbornness and rebellious air that once clung to him. But today, he found Li Yin greatly changed; the defiance had vanished, replaced by a quiet, indescribable aura. His eyes were clear and pure, his whole bearing filled with confidence and determination, as if he had found a clear goal and was now striding toward it.

This transformation made Li Yin seem an entirely new person. If he had once been a rebellious youth, knowing nothing but mischief, he now embodied the proverb of a prodigal son returning home.

With an unprecedented gentleness, Taizong called, “Yin’er, come here to your father.” At his words, Li Yin stiffened reflexively, the old fear of punishment flaring up inside him. Had he done something wrong again? But Li Zhi gave him a discreet nudge, and with that encouragement, Li Yin summoned his courage and stepped forward. By the time he stood before his father, his palms were slick with nervous sweat.

Taizong, seeing Li Yin’s anxious face, spoke gently again, “Tell me, what have you been doing lately?” Timidly, Li Yin replied, “Reporting to Father, aside from my studies, I have been going to your residence each day to conduct experiments.” The emperor was momentarily taken aback at his mention of experiments. Then, understanding dawned, and he asked, “Are you studying natural philosophy?” Li Yin affirmed, “Yes, Father.” Taizong continued, “And what have you achieved?”

This question seemed to awaken Li Yin’s desire to prove himself. His nerves vanished, and he eagerly began recounting all his recent accomplishments—how he had prepared acids, bases, and salts, and refined various metal oxides. Not only that, he also described what he had seen through the microscope. None of this, of course, meant anything to Taizong, but he saw in Li Yin’s brightening eyes just how excited and passionate he had become.

The emperor was now certain: his once wayward son had truly changed. Li Yin had found his purpose in life.

Only after quite some time did Li Yin finish his report. When he looked up again, he found Taizong gazing at him with deep satisfaction—a look he had never before received from his father, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

At that moment, Taizong suddenly reached out and pulled him into a warm embrace. Before Li Yin could react, he heard his father say, “My son, you have done well. You’ve finally grown up. I am so gratified.” Sitting to the side, Consort Yang could not hold back her tears and began to cry behind her hand. In that instant, all her worries for Li Yin melted away. Held tightly in his father’s arms, Li Yin, too, wept and choked out, “Father, I misjudged you before!”

The other consorts, seeing this, looked at Consort Yang with envy, understanding that from this day forward, her hardships had finally come to an end.