Chapter 2120: Taizong Chronicles 7: The Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort Dowager

"The Empress Dowager summons you—please follow me, Noble Consort!" Before the Hall of Compassionate Brilliance, a comely female official respectfully greeted Noble Consort Xiao.

Xiao Chuo nodded, gave a soft assent, then silently followed the female official toward the hall. At fifty-five years of age, Xiao Chuo had long since lost the beauty of her youth, but her bearing remained undiminished. The white strands at her temples were the sediment of years, reflecting what seemed to be the light of wisdom.

After Emperor Taizong's passing, Xiao Chuo naturally advanced to the rank of Noble Consort Dowager, and per protocol left the palace, relocating to a separate residence. Emperor Taizong's harem had been truly sparse—one could count them on a single hand—and only three consorts carried any real presence: the Murong, the Zhao, and the Xiao.

Empress Murong was elevated to Empress Dowager and continued to assert herself in the inner palace. Noble Consort Zhao, along with her son Wen Huan, was sent away to Annam to take up his fief. Virtuous Consort Xiao Chuo moved to the Prince of Linzi's residence, while the remaining consorts without sons were relocated to a separate palace, housed together in a centralized arrangement.

Over the past two years, Xiao Chuo had kept a very low profile, maintaining a respectful distance from the Emperor and Empress Dowager Murong. When avoidance was impossible, she adopted an even more humble and deferential posture than in years past.

Clearly, in the eyes of Noble Consort Dowager Xiao, the Murong mother and son were extremely dangerous presences—especially for her and her own son.

Empress Dowager Murong's heart was plainly not generous. There was also the matter of the "adoption" connection between her and the Xiao mother and son. In his later years, Emperor Taizong had grown weary of harem strife, treating Murong and Zhao with marked coldness while drawing closer to Xiao Chuo instead—which had led to a period of "exclusive favor for the Virtuous Consort."

Both of these matters had become knots in Empress Dowager Murong's heart. Xiao Chuo knew this full well, deeply aware that they were a source of danger, and never dared to be careless. Even though the Empress Dowager was now blocked inside the Hall of Compassionate Brilliance by the combined efforts of the chief ministers, Xiao Chuo still dared not relax—after all, it was the Empress Dowager's son who sat upon the supreme throne.

Over those two years, Xiao Chuo lived quietly in the capital while silently watching the court's political situation. Though her sources of information were limited, relying on her innate political instincts and sharp analytical abilities, she could grasp the direction of court affairs with considerable accuracy from the limited information available.

In Xiao Chuo's view, entering the third year of Pingkang, the arrangement of multiple regents governing the state was becoming increasingly untenable. The Emperor's assumption of personal rule was not far off, and in that process, conflict and struggle were inevitable—danger was certain to abound.

Even though shifts in the court situation could not directly affect her as a noble consort dowager, considering her son Liu Wenji, the Prince of Linzi, Xiao Chuo dared not show the slightest negligence. While cultivating her mind and body, she remained constantly vigilant.

At the same time, past experience had proven one thing: Empress Dowager Murong had not forgotten them. And whenever she remembered, she would summon Xiao Chuo to the palace for conversation and idle chat.

Last winter, when Empress Dowager Murong summoned Noble Consort Dowager Xiao, she had even complained of being humiliated by a pack of "treacherous ministers" and confined deep in the palace. Given such undisguised resentment from the Empress Dowager, Xiao Chuo had resolved to keep her distance and tread with utmost caution.

What chilled her most was another remark from Empress Dowager Murong—that they had both labored in serving Emperor Taizong, that the two of them were as close as sisters, and that she had always regarded the Prince of Linzi, Liu Wenji, as her own son.

Then, shifting the topic, she demanded of Xiao Chuo why she deliberately kept her distance, never coming to the palace to visit on her own initiative—was it because she thought the Empress Dowager had lost power, or some other reason? Faced with the Empress Dowager's "question," Xiao Chuo naturally displayed utmost trepidation, flatly denying any such intent, admitting fault while promising to visit the palace more often to keep her company.

This occasion marked the first time since the new year began that Xiao Chuo had come to the palace on her own initiative to pay respects to Empress Dowager Murong.

Before entering the hall, an elderly minister in purple robes emerged from within. Catching sight of Xiao Chuo, his aged eyes narrowed slightly, and from three paces away he bowed with a stooped posture: "Your subject Murong Dechen, Chief Commander of Dongchuan, pays respects to the Noble Consort Dowager!"

Looking at Murong Dechen—respectful, restrained, carrying an air of composure and competence—Xiao Chuo suppressed her surprise, a gentle smile surfacing on her face as she gestured for him to rise: "Governor Murong has returned from Dongchuan to report on his duties? You must have worked hard!"

"This old subject thanks the Noble Consort Dowager for her concern—it is merely my bounden duty!" Murong Dechen acknowledged, then clasped his hands in farewell: "I shall not delay the Noble Consort Dowager's audience. This old subject takes his leave!"

"Governor, go slowly!"

Murong Dechen was the nephew of Duke Wei, Murong Yanzhao, and the son of the late Earl of Guangning, Murong Yanqing. A meritorious noble scion skilled in both letters and arms, he was considered one of the more capable members of the vast Murong clan. Decades in both civil and military service had earned him no small measure of merit.

Back when the Shu rebellion broke out, he had followed Liu Tinghan to strike the rebels and won distinction. Now, having returned from his post in the Eastern Sichuan circuit to report at court, his presence in the Empress Dowager's bedchamber was neither entirely surprising nor entirely unremarkable—there was a hint of the unusual about it.

Glancing back at Murong Dechen's slow retreating figure, Xiao Chuo seemed lost in thought, but soon her eyes returned to calm. Lifting her head to gaze once more at the solemn Hall of Kunming, she composed herself and entered to pay her respects.

Of late, Empress Dowager Murong was in excellent spirits. The reason was simple: her imperial son had begun to "rise." The Emperor's voice in court had grown louder, his will was beginning to transmit downward, and imperial authority was reviving.

Since Lü Mengzheng had been demoted to Jiangnan, Emperor Liu Wenpeng's presence in the central government had markedly strengthened. He was present at every important court meeting, and regardless of the final decisions, his voice could always be heard in the decision-making process.

The Emperor was also interfering more in other court affairs. In the two years since his accession, the Great Han's political landscape had undergone genuine changes. The court's prevailing winds had inevitably shifted with them—both internal and external officials were appearing before the Emperor to report with noticeably greater frequency, and by the same token, the contradictions between the Emperor and his chief ministers were deepening.

A young emperor's governance could hardly align with that of the Yongxi regents. For Director of State Affairs Zhang Qixian, who steadfastly upheld the policies of the Yongxi era, Liu Wenpeng's capricious ideas and decisions were deeply infuriating—yet in many cases, he felt utterly powerless.

After all, he was the Emperor. When an emperor began to unleash his aggression, it was no easy burden for his subjects to bear.

With the Emperor on the rise, Empress Dowager Murong, as his mother, naturally could not help but share in the triumph. And this triumph was on full display when facing Noble Consort Dowager Xiao—even while chatting idly, a faint smile of condescension lingered at the corners of her mouth.

"I wonder how Wenji is faring in Jiangnan?" Amid the pleasant conversation, Empress Dowager Murong brought up the Prince of Linzi as if casually.

Hearing this, Xiao Chuo kept a smile on her face while her heart went on full alert. She responded naturally: "Jiangnan is a land of plenty—endless sights of splendor and beauty. I fear he's already been dazzled by it all. The soft Wu dialect, the romantic scenery—he's utterly immersed in them."

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Murong looked puzzled: "I recall Wenji being a steady, unpretentious child. His governance record in Jiangnan was highly praised by the late Emperor!"

Noticing the doubt in the Empress Dowager's eyes, Xiao Chuo smiled bitterly: "Jiangnan is full of gentle pleasures—he's long since lost himself there. In two years, he's taken five concubines. Still, to be a carefree prince is his fortune; how could he presume to hope for more?"

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Murong laughed as well: "The beauties of Jiangnan are famed for their grace—it's well known abroad. I've been fretting over His Majesty's empty harem. Perhaps I should select some to fill the inner palace."

Xiao Chuo immediately seconded: "Continuing the imperial bloodline and spreading the royal branches is a matter of utmost importance to the state. What Your Majesty the Empress Dowager contemplates is entirely reasonable!"

Empress Dowager Murong was fairly satisfied with Xiao Chuo's attitude. She sighed and raised another matter: "His Majesty's state affairs have grown increasingly busy of late, but he is still young, lacking in governing experience, and inevitably bullied by those chief ministers.

I think His Majesty needs trusted confidants to assist him. In the past, Wenji accompanied His Majesty on the southern tour, and the brothers have always been close. No one is more suited to assist than Wenji. Wenji is also a royal prince steeped in the late Emperor's teachings—how could he be allowed to wallow in Jiangnan's romantic pleasures and waste his life away?

In my view, we should recall Wenji to court to assist His Majesty with state affairs. What does my sister think?"

As she posed this question, Empress Dowager Murong's gaze fixed intently on Xiao Chuo, as if trying to catch every minute change on her face.

Hearing these words, Xiao Chuo's face remained composed, but her heart was already churning. Almost without thinking, she sighed: "The Empress Dowager's kindness is deeply appreciated—I thank you on Wenji's behalf. But I received a letter from Wenji just the day before yesterday, saying his health has suffered, and he intends to resign all his concurrent posts and go to Suzhou to recuperate in peace."

"What an unfortunate coincidence?" Empress Dowager Murong said in surprise. "What's the cause? Has he sought a good physician? This can't be taken lightly—should I send an imperial physician to examine him?"

Facing the Empress Dowager's concern, Xiao Chuo wore a look of reluctance to speak, hedging: "The letter didn't specify the exact cause. But from what I've gathered through messengers, I can basically guess—nothing more than excess of wine and women. Were it not for Your Majesty asking, I as his mother would be too ashamed to speak of it."

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Murong couldn't help but chuckle: "Men's love of beauty is only human nature—nothing serious. But he should still take care of his health."

And with that, the topic finally shifted away from the Prince of Linzi, Liu Wenji. The Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort Dowager chatted pleasantly, appearing perfectly harmonious, and the Empress Dowager did not raise the matter of recalling Liu Wenji to court again.

From leaving the Hall of Kunming until boarding her carriage to leave the palace, Noble Consort Dowager Xiao's face wore a consistently humble, natural smile.

Of course, once alone in the carriage, all traces of that smile—indeed, all expression—vanished. Her eyes were unusually heavy and somber as her mind replayed today's conversation with Empress Dowager Murong, endlessly reviewing whether her responses had contained any missteps.

Today's probing by Empress Dowager Murong may not have been particularly clever, but it was enough to pressure Xiao Chuo. After all, if the Empress Dowager and the Emperor truly wished to move against her and her son, they had little power to resist. Fish on the chopping block, at the mercy of the knife—perhaps not quite, but not far off.

Returning to the Prince of Linzi's residence, Xiao Chuo went straight to the study, dismissed everyone, deliberated for a moment, then bent over her desk, picked up her brush, and slowly, carefully wrote a letter—except the salutation read "Mother above," and the handwriting was that of the Prince of Linzi, Liu Wenji.

After a long while, she set down the brush, sealed the letter, and placed it in a brocade box on the bookshelf reserved for correspondence from Jiangnan.

Having attended to everything, she sat back down and let out a melancholy sigh. A trace of weariness surfaced on her aged face, lingering and unshakable.

After another moment, she exhaled a turbid breath and gave orders outward: "Someone—summon Xiao Hui!"

"Yes!" the servant attending outside responded.

Before long, a young man in solemn attire strode in quickly, announced himself, and upon seeing Xiao Chuo knelt in formal salute with utmost respect: "This subject pays respects to the Noble Consort Dowager. What instructions does the Noble Consort Dowager have for this subject?"

Over the past thirty-odd years, tribes from beyond the northern frontier had continuously migrated south from the Khitan, among them no small number of prominent Khitan clans. The "Xiao clan" was the most numerous, for the branch of "Xiao Siwen" had managed to gain a firm foothold and even integrate into the upper echelons of the Great Han.

Especially after the Khitan of Mobei had fully submitted to the empire, acknowledging vassalage, paying tribute, and accepting Shizu's enfeoffment, this trend became even more pronounced. Even though those who came south might face rejection from Great Han officials and commoners, the dazzling world of the southern kingdom still drew the longing of a great many Khitan tribal elites weary of Mobei's bitter cold.

With the Xiao family providing reception, the "Xiao clan" members—old and young, great and small, across generations—numbered over a thousand in total.

However, under the low-key conduct of the Xiao clan's three generations—grandfather, daughter, and grandson—the clan dared not flaunt themselves. Even when Xiao Siwen served as Commissioner of Barbarian Affairs, he showed no favoritism in settling the Xiao clan's people. Few of the southern-arriving Xiao clansmen entered the Great Han's official system, and even fewer obtained office—but every one who held a position was a capable talent.

The rest of the Xiao clansmen mostly engaged in commerce or scholarship in the Great Han, or attached themselves to kinsmen who had achieved success. In this way, over thirty-plus years, the Xiao clan had taken root in the Great Han, surviving and multiplying.

And there was no question that, however much they grew and developed, the Xiao clansmen of Khitan origin within the Great Han all regarded the "Xiao Siwen line" as their patriarch. Now they sheltered beneath the wings of Noble Consort Dowager Xiao and the Prince of Linzi—a fact dictated by blood, undeniable as it was.

After thirty-plus years of development, the Xiao clan had essentially integrated into the Great Han. At the same time, despite their low profile, no small number of talents had emerged. And after Liu Wenji established his princely administration, he had deliberately cultivated and appointed elites from the Xiao clan—the same principle as Prince Kang, Liu Ye, promoting and elevating civil and military officials of Yao ethnicity.

At this moment, Xiao Chuo summoned Xiao Hui—a young talent of the Xiao clan who had risen to prominence in recent years. He was no more than twenty-five, born and raised in the Great Han, learned in Han scholarship, knowledgeable in military affairs, and accomplished in both letters and arms. Going back several generations, they were certainly relatives. Moreover, since Xiao Chuo had moved out of the imperial palace, Xiao Hui had entered the Linzi Prince's residence to serve.

Facing the composed and measured Xiao Hui, Xiao Chuo inwardly praised him while maintaining a stern expression on her face. She solemnly instructed: "Go to Jiangnan and meet the Linzi Prince. Bring him a message—tell him to rest and recover well, and not to return to the capital lightly!"

Xiao Hui received the order, puzzled by it, but harbored no doubts. He immediately bowed and said: "Yes!"

"This matter must not be known to a fourth person!" Xiao Chuo stared at Xiao Hui with piercing eyes.

Facing the Imperial Consort's gaze, Xiao Hui felt an imposing aura pressing upon him, nearly suffocating him. Steadying his mind, he replied gravely: "Your servant understands!"

"Also!" Pausing briefly, Xiao Chuo added: "Once you reach Jiangnan, stay by the Linzi Prince's side and await his use!"

At this, Xiao Hui was slightly surprised, but quickly adjusted himself, suppressing the secret delight within, and bowed again: "Yes!"

Clearly, serving by Imperial Consort Xiao's side was not bad at all. However, a Linzi Prince's residence without the Linzi Prince was not the most suitable place for a young man of keen ambition—especially when there was another option available.