Chapter 112: The Collapse of Reverence for the Ancestors, The False Friendship of Chong Yan
Chapter 112: The Disintegration of Jingzong and the False Alliance with Chong Yan
Understanding Di Renjie’s meaning, although it appeared beautiful—like Chen Yuanyuan, stunning beyond compare—if mishandled, it could truly become a calamity that harms the nation and its people.
Could it really be that serious?
Li Wei closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, mainly reflecting on the history of salt production. Due to his profession, he remembered more poetry and songs from his previous life, but human energy is limited, and he recalled little knowledge about salt production. He only knew that salt harvesting by sun evaporation appeared quite early, and it was not until the Ming dynasty that methods involving large fields for steaming water and crystallizing salt in brine pools were devised. This additional step caused sun-dried salt to become truly widespread. But at that time, had the Ming dynasty been coveted by the Tatars?
This was a matter of cross-verification. It seemed that by then the Yuan Mongols had officially fallen, the Manchu Qing had unexpectedly risen, and then the Qing entered the pass, with salt merchants in Yangzhou becoming incredibly wealthy. There appeared to be no suitable comparison. In fact, such a comparison was flawed; the emergence of sun-dried salt was a slow evolutionary process, but Li Wei’s approach was abrupt, much like bamboo paper’s sudden appearance. Moreover, the Ming and Tang dynasties were incomparable, as were the northern nomadic peoples of those times. Even the Tang dynasty a few years ago bore no resemblance to the present. Comparisons were futile, but Di Renjie’s reasoning was correct: it might not be that severe, but in these troubled times, prevention was essential. Furthermore, the nomadic peoples’ thirst for salt now far exceeded that of the Ming era.
Di Renjie thought Li Wei had not fully grasped the situation and said, “Your Highness, it has been this way for many years; there is no rush. Compared to this, grain is the foremost concern of the court now. If we endure until the drought ends and the nation's strength recovers, then we can plan gradually; it is not yet too late. For example, tonic medicines, though potent, are unsuitable for severe illness.”
“I am not impatient,” Li Wei replied. He greatly admired Di Renjie’s insight. It was better if nothing happened; if Di Renjie’s warnings came true, it would poison the country—and himself.
Di Renjie continued, “It is that Ming Chongyan who troubles me.”
“Yes,” Li Wei said, feeling vexed. This man was originally the fourth prince’s literary advisor, someone the fourth prince greatly admired. Yet Li Wei had never heard of him until Xu Jingzong discovered him. He also recalled the drama at the palace last night—ah, dealing daily with these scheming elders made life difficult.
Fortunately, there was Di Renjie; otherwise, survival would be impossible. Even if his mother would not eliminate him in the future, he would have to escape early or relinquish the crown prince position.
“What is your opinion of him?”
“A charlatan who feigns the supernatural!” Li Wei grunted. Of course, if Ming Chongyan was aiding in the deception, it would be another matter. But he only said this to Di Renjie; other ministers probably believed Ming Chongyan’s magic was genuine.
“I think so too.”
“Oh?” Li Wei was surprised. Though Di Renjie was impressive, it was rare for him to call Ming Chongyan a fraud.
“First, consider the melon field. The melon farmer worked hard, but it was still early evening, just dark enough. Even if exhausted and asleep, the guards galloping in the dry weather would cause vibrations that ought to have awakened him. Yet he did not notice until shouted at. This made me suspicious.”
“Do you mean the farmer was in cahoots with him?”
“No, the farmer was an ordinary citizen. To deceive the entire court and two sovereigns, Ming Chongyan would not be so careless as to involve the farmer knowingly. But making the farmer sleep deeply was easy. In my years of casework, I know at least ten methods, combined with drugs, to make a person fall into deep sleep quickly. So the guards’ galloping went unnoticed by the farmer. If someone inside the palace cooperated, they could leak news early, arrive before the guards, put the farmer to sleep again, place five hundred coins under his pillow, then steal a dozen melons. At that time, melons had just come into season, so only a few ripe ones existed in the field. Losing a dozen would surely be noticed, causing amazement.”
“That is indeed a suspicious point.” Li Wei was greatly impressed.
“I have encountered similar tricks of deception harming the people during investigations,” Di Renjie said.
“But how could melons appear in empty baskets under everyone’s watchful eyes?”
“That is also explainable. It happened between the palace eunuchs and maids bringing food and wine, moving ceaselessly in dim light. If done in batches, it would not be hard. Of course, the method was clever; without skill, the trick would not be attempted. Moreover, before his retirement, Xu Shaoshi was trusted freely by the emperor and empress and could enter the palace at will. It was not strange that one or two disgruntled palace insiders were bribed to assist him. But Your Highness, Ming Chongyan may be a fraud, yet he can relieve the emperor’s illness, and he is well-versed in the classics—this combination is frightening.”
“Exactly so. That was my thought that day.”
Di Renjie frowned. Like Li Wei, he believed Ming Chongyan performed a clever magic trick before everyone. But to prove it, Di Renjie would have to produce the melons himself—take them from empty baskets, then reveal the act slowly for all to see. Only then could Ming Chongyan’s trick be exposed. The problem was, Di Renjie knew it was a trick but could not perform it.
“However, Xu Shaoshi is old, very old, and ill. Even if I do not confront him, he does not have long to live.” Although he said this, Di Renjie’s head ached. The less time Xu Shaoshi had, the more ruthless his methods to secure his grandson’s future would become. This forced Di Renjie to hasten his plans against Xu Jingzong.
Therefore, he employed various strategies within the Court of Judicial Review. Handling cases so swiftly required intense focus to avoid mistakes. He also had to watch the crown prince and current affairs. Every night, lying in bed, his mind raced like an explosion. Yet the one benefit was that he slept soundly.
“Minister Di, do you mean Ming Chongyan might be secretly betraying Xu Jingzong?”
“It is not just possible—it is highly likely. Xu Shaoshi’s desire to undermine Your Highness has reasons. In a few months, I will reveal the truth to you. Ming Chongyan only gained his position through Xu Shaoshi’s recommendation and some assistance. Though Your Highness is the crown prince under Xu Shaoshi’s control, Ming Chongyan himself may lack the courage and resolve to oppose you directly. But under Xu Shaoshi’s influence, he will do things detrimental to you. Of course, it might not be so—perhaps favored by the emperor and empress, he could become arrogant and reckless…” Di Renjie paused, reflecting. This man had appeared suddenly, leaving no information to analyze his character or intentions. He added, “Your Highness, you might consider inviting him for a talk, feigning cordiality and extending friendship. At least, if he aids Xu Shaoshi against you, he will hesitate.”
“That is a good idea.” Li Wei already grasped Di Renjie’s meaning.
“But Your Highness, this man’s deceit, greed for power, and possible threat to you make him disloyal and unscrupulous. He should be only a false friend—never trusted deeply.”
“Indeed,” Li Wei replied immediately. Without Di Renjie’s words, the sight of that handsome yet insincere face already unsettled him.
Why bother? Would he, upon ascending the throne, appoint only unsightly men as ministers?
Di Renjie was satisfied with Li Wei’s temperament. He thought to himself that after winning over many officials in the Court of Judicial Review, and with a few more days to sway even more, he would have their complete obedience and could act decisively. It was a pity this was in Luoyang; it would be easier in Chang’an.
Once Xu Jingzong was defeated, with no one to restrain Ming Chongyan, he would likely cease his reckless actions.
“I have one more matter to discuss with Your Highness. Have you heard certain rumors circulating in Chang’an?”
“What rumors?”
“The emperor and empress intend to depose the crown princess and select the daughter of Pei, the commander of the Left Jinwu Guard, as Your Highness’s crown princess.”
“What?” Li Wei almost fell from his carriage seat.
“Your Highness, many months ago, when I left Chang’an, I spoke of this to the two adopted daughters. I expected this outcome. Originally, I wished to conceal it for a while, but the eastern capital’s gossip spread widely. It is better to inform Your Highness early.”
“Why?” Li Wei asked unwillingly.
He was not particularly averse to Yang Min, and if the crown prince had been wronged, what did it matter to him? The former crown prince was the former crown prince; he was himself. Besides, the young girl was innocent and lively, embroidering handkerchiefs and cutting her hair, and quite beautiful—at least no less than those actresses on television in his past life, perhaps surpassing them as she matured.
Pei, commander of the Left Jinwu Guard, was likely the young daughter of Pei Juedao, who had married at fifteen—how repugnant! The little girl was only thirteen. Although it was said she and Bi’er did not share a chamber, as Di Renjie observed, having children would greatly consolidate Pei’s position. To share a chamber with a thirteen-year-old girl?
He added, “It is unfair to her.”
“There is no unfairness. Although Your Highness is gentle with her, some inappropriate actions have occurred.” Di Renjie sighed deeply here. The crown prince was commendable but no one was perfect. The love of beauty was unavoidable. Why was he gentle with the Yang family girl? Because she was extraordinarily beautiful. He continued, “Helan Minzhi was only a trigger. Even without this incident, on the wedding day, the emperor and empress would hesitate upon hearing various rumors.”
“But she is only a young girl of a dozen years.” Li Wei began to regain his composure, feeling powerless against his parents’ will.
“Empress Zhangsun married Emperor Taizong at thirteen. Though she had great merits at the Xuanwu Gate Incident and was over twenty then, she was virtuous from childhood. The Yang girl is already fifteen. You are the crown prince, not an ordinary man seeking a wife. Her character is insufficient for the role of crown princess.”
“But what would she think?”
“What she thinks matters little; she is but a woman. If she were the daughter of an ordinary minister with no relation to the crown prince, it would be insignificant. You are the crown prince; your concerns should be the realm and its people. In this vast land, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians died in a great disaster. During the drought, countless lives were lost. She is merely a speck in the vast sea.”
This grand reasoning was sound. Yet Li Wei’s expression darkened in displeasure.
Di Renjie sighed silently. He had anticipated Li Wei’s reaction. If this displeasure was carried into interactions with the emperor and empress, matters would worsen. He sighed again and said, “If Your Highness truly feels reluctant, I have a solution.”
“Please, do tell,” Li Wei said eagerly.