Chapter Eleven: The New Moon Imperial Assembly

Xuan Zheng Hall, the first day of the eleventh month. At the morning assembly, Empress Wu presided over the court, as the Emperor, suffering from a cold, was absent.

The scholars of the Hanlin Academy petitioned to bestow upon the Empress the honorific title of “Holy Mother Divine Sovereign.” The Empress declined out of modesty, but the ministers implored her with utmost reverence, and she had no choice but to acquiesce and accept the title.

There were no pressing matters of state. In the west, the Tibetans were stirring restlessly, and the court dispatched the Western Qiang as the vanguard, building a fortress at the mountain pass in preparation.

Prime Minister Zhang Guangfu impeached Di Renjie, Assistant Minister of Justice and Inspector of the Jiangnan Circuit, for abusing his power and being overly harsh in correcting injustices. The Empress ordered his demotion to Prefect of Yuzhou.

At Wu Chengsi’s request, the Empress generously granted promotions and titles to the Wu clan’s sons. Those already in office were elevated; those without office were granted noble ranks. Her second son, Wu Yan-yi, was promoted to Commander of the Left Guard; her third son, Wu Yanxiu, was made Marquis of Yiyang. The entire family basked in honor, and the favor extended even to Princess Taiping’s two sons. The little Radish Head, Xue Chongjian, whom Quan Ce once held in his arms, now bore the title of County Duke.

The Empress, her words golden, brought up matters concerning the female officials at her side. Xie Yaohuan had failed in her duties and was ordered to hand over her responsibilities, which were returned to Shangguan Wan’er, who was reinstated to her original rank.

The Minister of Works reported that the supervisor of the construction of the Mingtang at Ziwei City, the monk Huaiyi, had urgent matters to present and requested an audience.

Xue Huaiyi, in monastic robes and a dignified bearing, entered the palace, prostrated himself, and tearfully offered his report. “This humble monk, lacking in virtue and guilty in the past, is unspeakably grateful to behold the Heavenly Empress today. Entrusted with the construction of the Mingtang, I owe its completion to Your Majesty’s grace and the cooperation of the officials. I respectfully present this plan in gratitude, praying that Your Majesty’s reign endures for ages and the fortunes of the Great Tang last ten thousand years.”

His words were neither eloquent nor tactful, and especially his closing prayers failed to strike the Empress’s chord, instead pricking the sore spot of the loyalists of the Li clan at court.

“Rise, present it here, let’s see what it looks like,” the Empress said, ignoring his rambling speech. Her expression was bright with anticipation.

Xie Yaohuan, moving with delicate steps, brought forward the plan booklet and offered it to the Empress. The Empress frowned deeply. “Hmm, this plan is far too perfunctory. The chief craftsmen and officials of the Ministry of Works wield their rulers and compasses, but only know to mark lengths and shapes, neglecting to render images that might let one feel present at the scene.”

“How is this different from a mere blueprint?” Her anger mounting, she threw the plan to the floor.

The Minister of Works hurriedly stepped forward, bowing with Xue Huaiyi to beg forgiveness.

“Enough, enough. It is, after all, a joyous event. Had I known, I should have sent my own Imperial Guard General to oversee it.” The Empress’s mood soured, and she lost the desire to grant rewards. “You all must redouble your efforts. Minister of Rites, I intend to hold a grand ceremony at the Mingtang on New Year’s Day, to celebrate with all the people and envoys—everything must be perfectly prepared. Let there be no further mistakes, or you will answer for them doubly.”

“We accept your command.” Wu Chengsi also stepped forward to receive the order. Xue Huaiyi, his face contorted with distress, realized that instead of a reward, he had brought trouble upon himself. Seizing the chance when the Empress mentioned Quan Ce, he quickly spoke up, “Your Majesty, I have a request. The Mingtang is a grand affair, the true court of the Son of Heaven, and must not lack royal dignity. I ask that General Quan lead several thousand Imperial Guards to station there, thus killing two birds with one stone.”

“This matter can be discussed later,” the Empress replied, displeased despite some interest in the proposal. She waved Xue Huaiyi away. “You may go.”

Once the great monk had withdrawn, the atmosphere in the hall lightened, and all the ministers rose to bow, “Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

“Your nephew, Wu Youji, Commander of the Right Guard, has a petition. The Eastern Capital is the crossroads of the realm, the key to the Central Plains, and the site of the Mingtang. With envoys from myriad lands coming and going, we should showcase the empire’s prosperity. I request your decree to attract the wealthiest merchants from all over the realm to settle in the Eastern Capital,” Wu Youji seized the moment.

“Oh? Well spoken. Youji, your insight is admirable. Ministers, what do you think?” The Empress’s plump cheeks curved into a smile, her eyes alive with charm. She set the direction, then sought the court’s opinion.

“Your Majesty is wise. I strongly agree. Chang’an is overcrowded, and the transport of grain and goods is costly. The canal transport to the Eastern Capital is convenient, making it ideal for relieving the population,” Second Minister of the Phoenix Pavilion, Fan Lübing, supported the proposal.

“I concur. Gathering wealthy merchants in the capital will enrich the city, and by encouraging them to buy property in the region, we avoid endless fields consolidating and harming small farmers,” Zhang Guangfu also agreed.

“Your Majesty, while this idea is feasible, we should not seek results overnight nor act too forcefully. It requires careful, long-term planning,” said Grand Counselor Qian, offering a gentle objection.

“Youji, remember the Grand Counselor’s words. I appoint you as Acting Minister of Civil Affairs and promote you to Commander of the Right Guard. You are to attract merchants from across the empire to the Eastern Capital—but do not act with undue haste,” the Empress said, ignoring the subtle opposition and making the decision final.

“I accept, Your Majesty, and will proceed with caution, often seeking the counsel of my esteemed elders.” Wu Youji was elated and deeply grateful to Quan Ce. Though uninterested in power struggles, he recognized that this measure would generate profits and political capital. In gratitude, he tried to recommend Quan Ce: “Since I am undertaking my first major responsibility, I ask Your Majesty’s favor in granting General Quan of the Imperial Guard to assist me.”

The Empress laughed, her mood restored. “So, it seems everyone wants my Imperial Guard General today. We’ll discuss this later.”

With no more petitions, the Empress shifted the discussion to matters concerning the Sixteen Guards’ rotation. The current Grand General of the Left Mighty Guard, Lu Zhaotong, was dismissed due to excessive vacancies and the poor condition of his troops.

After the assembly, the Empress rode to the Bathing Hall and ordered Xie Yaohuan to summon Quan Ce from the Princess Yiyang’s residence.

Quan Ce waited in the outer hall of the Bathing Hall, bent in supplication for over an hour, until he heard footsteps. The air was sweet with the scent of petals. A glimpse of white robes and bare, pale feet appeared before him.

“Quan Ce, do you know how your grandmother died?” The Empress turned, her hips swaying, her slender waist graceful—a vision of endless charm.

The question cut like a knife. Quan Ce’s back stiffened with cold. “I know, Your Majesty. She angered you and offended the late Emperor, which led to her punishment.”

“Do you resent me?” The Empress sat atop her couch, carefully tending her cloud-like hair. Her face, though unadorned, was plump and unlined.

Quan Ce hesitated for a long time before replying, “Your Majesty, I resent the late Emperor more.”

The Empress paused, a faint smile on her lips as she gazed at him. “Today, I granted your cousin Xue a noble title. What do you think?”

“I once held Chongjian in my arms—he’s innocent and lovely, round as a little bun, much like my younger brother. I am happy for him,” Quan Ce answered sincerely. Perhaps because his soul was old, he felt a fondness for children.

Footsteps approached again, those bare feet reappearing in his line of sight.

“Raise your head,” the Empress’s clear voice commanded. Quan Ce obeyed, staring at the floor.

The Empress fixed her eyes on him, speaking each word distinctly: “Are you loyal to me, or to the Li clan?”

A bucket of icy water poured over his head. Quan Ce struggled to contain his emotions. He had often pondered his precarious position, wishing to slip by unnoticed, a mere shrimp in troubled waters. Yet now, the deadly question had come, stark and unvarnished.

His mouth dry, Quan Ce replied, “I believe that loyalty to Your Majesty is loyalty to the Li clan, and loyalty to the Li clan requires loyalty to Your Majesty.”

The Empress’s lips curled into a mocking smile. She reached out, touching his chin. “Now, all the Li princes see me as their enemy. What should be done?”

Quan Ce’s composure faltered, his face flushing as his eyes darted uneasily. “Your Majesty’s care for the realm is unmatched. If they exclude themselves from you, they sever themselves from the world and must be removed, one by one.”

The Empress chuckled softly but said nothing more.

Turning away, she returned to her seat, continuing to arrange her hair. “At today’s assembly, both the monk Huaiyi and Youji sought to employ you. Whom will you follow?”

“I am willing to assist Master Huaiyi and guard the Mingtang,” Quan Ce replied without hesitation. Having finally escaped Chang’an, he had no wish to be drawn into the feud between the Li and Wu families.

“I hear that your mother, the Princess Yiyang, has purchased a residence in the Eastern Capital. Is it her intention to move the whole family there?” The Empress spoke slowly, making conversation. It took Quan Ce a moment to realize “Xia Yu” referred to his mother, Princess Yiyang. He blushed slightly. “My mother heard that business is easier in the Eastern Capital, and so…”

The Empress raised both hands, gathering up her hair. “You may go. Don’t let the imperial horse I granted you sit idle.”