When the emperor held court the next day, the officials discovered a little figure beside him on the dragon throne.
Father and son wore identical clothes, and even their sitting postures were strikingly alike.
The Empress Dowager, presiding behind the curtain, frowned in displeasure.
"The crown prince is still young, yet the emperor is indulging in this nonsense with him."
The Qi Emperor said calmly, "Zuo'er is the heir to the throne. There is nothing wrong with letting him grow familiar with it early."
He had brought Qi Yuanzuo out both to show everyone that the crown prince was unharmed and to make his own position clear.
Poor Qi Yuanzuo had been hauled out from under his covers before he was even fully awake and rushed into Xuanshi Hall at dawn. He felt none of the excitement of sitting on the dragon throne; his mind was filled with one thought: I'm doomed.
The emperor-is he the hardest-worked beast of burden under heaven?
Sure enough, not everyone has the perseverance to become a wise ruler.
With lifeless eyes, Qi Yuanzuo watched the two factions at court argue back and forth over the Elder Princess's rebellion and the Prince of Annam's disloyal intentions.
To demonstrate his loyalty, the Prince of Annam had sent the Heir of Annam to the capital. Judging by the dates, he would arrive soon.
Qi Yuanzuo guessed that the proposal concerning the Heir of Annam had almost certainly come from the Empress Dowager.
Because the Heir of Annam's birth mother was the Elder Princess.
She was warning the emperor that the Elder Princess was the mother of the next Prince of Annam. If he did not want trouble from two successive generations of Annam's rulers, he should release her.
Besides, the Elder Princess was His Majesty's own elder sister. Everyone under heaven knew she had failed in her duties to her brother, her parents, her sovereign, and her children. The crown prince was out of danger, and her reputation was already blackened. Confining her somewhere would suffice; no one would consider her worth dirtying his hands over again.
The emperor had yet to give a definite answer.
Perhaps he wanted to negotiate with the Empress Dowager for greater concessions.
The Empress Dowager had also sounded him out in tentative negotiations, but had received no response.
Another meaningless morning court session. Almost a month had passed, and there was still no resolution.
But the officials thought it would be settled within the next few days, because the Heir of the Prince of Annam would soon reach Chang'an.
After court was dismissed, the Qi Emperor kept the Grand Commandant behind to discuss matters.
The Grand Commandant did not command troops, but he oversaw military affairs throughout the realm.
He was also a member of the crown prince's maternal family.
There was nothing objectionable about His Majesty letting the crown prince meet the Grand Commandant. In recent years, the Qi Emperor had reached his prime, and the Empress Dowager could no longer control him as she once had. She left, sparing herself the irritation of watching.
After court, the Qi Emperor led the crown prince over to the Grand Commandant and stroked Qi Yuanzuo's head.
"Zuo'er, this is your maternal grandfather, Yin Jinghan, the current Grand Commandant. He is your mother's father. He even held you when you were little."
Grand Commandant Yin bowed deeply to Qi Yuanzuo. "This old subject greets Your Highness."
Qi Yuanzuo looked him over. "Since you are my grandfather, there is no need for such ceremony."
The Qi Emperor stroked the back of his head. "Go and play first. Once I have finished discussing matters, I'll take you to eat."
Qi Yuanzuo gave a whoop and ran off. He climbed onto the dragon throne and began digging at the golden pearl held in a dragon's mouth.
The Qi Emperor shook his head with a smile.
"What are your thoughts on the matter of the Elder Princess, Grand Commandant?"
Grand Commandant Yin never took sides at court. "I shall follow Your Majesty's instructions."
Grand Commandant Yin also felt that this matter ought to be settled. Dragging it out now served only to extract further concessions from the Empress Dowager.
But the Empress Dowager knew the Qi Emperor would not kill the Elder Princess, so there was ultimately a limit to what he could obtain.
No one thought His Majesty would kill the Elder Princess.
Personal likes and dislikes had no place in political maneuvering. Everyone who played at politics understood that.
The Qi Emperor took a few steps and smiled. "The Heir of the Prince of Annam is arrogant and spoiled. I hear he often injures people while riding through his fief. Once he reaches Chang'an, he will hardly behave himself."
By the time the emperor finished those few sentences, Grand Commandant Yin's mind had raced through a dozen twists and turns.
"I hear the Prince of Annam dotes excessively on his only son. But Your Majesty is the heir's maternal uncle, so it would be entirely proper for you to instruct him."
"Your eldest grandson is six this year, older than the crown prince. I wish to have him enter the palace and keep the crown prince company. What do you think, Grand Commandant?"
Grand Commandant Yin said, "This old subject's grandson is an incorrigible little rascal. Should he offend the crown prince..."
"Very well, very well." The Qi Emperor assented gently. "I hear you and the General of Chariots and Cavalry are friends bound by life and death."
The sovereign's tone could almost be called mild, yet Grand Commandant Yin broke into a cold sweat. His knees instantly buckled, dropping him to the floor.
"Your Majesty! I merely became acquainted with Chang Gui while traveling to study in my youth!"
"I... I..."
Another sigh sounded like a summons to his death.
"Grand Commandant, think carefully before you speak."
His private dealings with Chang Gui flashed through Grand Commandant Yin's mind. He knew the emperor was not easily deceived.
Gritting his teeth, he reported everything one item at a time.
"In my younger days, I became acquainted with General Chang while traveling to study. He saved my life once. To repay that debt, I secretly provided him with money until Chang Gui joined the army..."
"No, no! Chang Gui wished to enlist, so I asked my family to secure him a place, starting as a commander of a hundred men. I swear! Aside from that initial appointment, all his subsequent military merits were earned through his own efforts!"
"I feared outsiders would misunderstand, which was why I did not disclose my relationship with Chang Gui."
"Chang Gui and I merely exchange a few gifts privately at New Year and on festivals..."
By this point, Grand Commandant Yin had already fallen into despair. Even he thought it sounded suspicious, let alone the emperor.
He oversaw military affairs, while Chang Gui commanded troops!
And they were close personal friends, and had concealed it from their sovereign!
Grand Commandant Yin pressed his forehead to the floor in a kowtow. "I swear, if I harbor any disloyalty toward Your Majesty, may I be cut into a thousand pieces and my entire clan expunged!"
The Qi Emperor laughed heartily and helped him up, personally wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"You are Zuo'er's grandfather. How could I distrust you?"
"You fat fool! What are you standing there for? Can't you see the Grand Commandant is sweating from the heat? Hurry up and fan him!"
Fat Eunuch scurried over and spread out his sleeves to attend to the Grand Commandant.
Grand Commandant Yin's legs were weak, and he could only smile bitterly.
"Grand Commandant, one half of the military tally is in the Empress Dowager's hands, and she is using Annam to threaten me. If Annam truly harbors disloyal intentions, what am I to do?"
Grand Commandant Yin took a deep breath. Abandoning his earlier detached attitude, he followed his sovereign's lead and offered his analysis.
"Your Majesty, the Prince of Annam is a rough, blunt man, and his relationship with the Elder Princess is poor. They are husband and wife in appearance only, their hearts far apart. He has continued to indulge her only because she is Your Majesty's sister and has the Empress Dowager behind her, and he fears punishment from the court."
"In fact, he secretly keeps a mistress. She is pregnant and deeply cherished by the Prince of Annam."
"If Your Majesty wishes to bestow favor upon the Prince of Annam, you could begin there."
"In that case, even if Your Majesty severely punishes the Elder Princess, Annam will certainly harbor no disloyal intentions."
"If Your Majesty remains uneasy, you could have General Chang Gui establish defenses along Annam's border."
"General Chang Gui has a son who is about to be recommended for office for his filial piety and integrity. Your Majesty could begin with him."
None of this was what the Qi Emperor wanted.
He watched him quietly. "I do not wish to kill my imperial sister, but she has crossed my bottom line. Tell me, what should I do?"
Grand Commandant Yin staggered. Fat Eunuch caught him steadily and helped wipe away his sweat.
"Grand Commandant, do be careful. You must take care of your health so you can serve His Majesty."
Grand Commandant Yin said shakily, "It is my honor. I will certainly not disappoint Your Majesty."
"Have your grandson enter the palace to keep Zuo'er company."
"Yes! It is this old subject's honor."
Having finished his business, the Qi Emperor was in a fairly good mood. He turned to look at the unusually quiet crown prince, only to discover that one of the golden pearls held in the mouths of the throne's two dragon heads was missing!
The crown prince held up a copy of the Thousand Character Classic, pretending to study with great seriousness.
The Qi Emperor laughed in exasperation.
The pearl in the dragon's mouth was like the ball inside a stone lion's mouth. In theory, it was impossible to remove-and if it did come out, it could never be put back in.
The Qi Emperor lunged forward and scooped him up, swinging his palm back to lavish some affection on his bottom.
Qi Yuanzuo squealed wildly.
"Father, you mustn't disturb my studies! What you're doing is wrong! I strongly condemn it!"
"Studying? Do you even understand what you're studying? And you dare condemn me?"
"I think the Grand Commandant was right. At your age, you're simply asking for a beating!"
For the sake of his dignity and his bottom, Qi Yuanzuo went all out. "I understand it! You've read it hundreds of times! Anyone who still doesn't know it is an idiot!"
The Qi Emperor did not believe him at all. He tossed out an arbitrary, absurdly difficult question.
"What is the second line on page eight?"
Qi Yuanzuo said, "..."
The Qi Emperor sneered and raised his palm again.
"Keep your word so it may be verified; a person's capacity is hard to measure!"
Qi Yuanzuo recited it loudly.
Both the Qi Emperor and the Grand Commandant froze.
That sentence was indeed from the Thousand Character Classic.
Half believing and half doubting, the Qi Emperor opened the book.
-Keep your word so it may be verified; a person's capacity is hard to measure.
His pupils contracted, and astonishment appeared on his face.
Seeing the emperor's reaction, the Grand Commandant cautiously stepped forward to look and was startled as well.
Sovereign and subject exchanged a glance.
The Grand Commandant said, "Your Majesty, the crown prince must have made a random guess and happened to get it right. This does not prove he was studying diligently."
"Let this old subject ask him. If the crown prince answers correctly again, please show him mercy, Your Majesty."
The Qi Emperor pretended to consider it, then set the little crown prince upright. "Very well. Zuo'er, this is your last chance."
Clutching the dragon pearl, Qi Yuanzuo moved two steps away.
"If I answer correctly, Father must give me a reward too!"
The Qi Emperor said, "Name it."
"I want Father's Green Light Gathering Emerald!"
The Qi Emperor said, "You'll have to answer ten questions for that."
Qi Yuanzuo looked utterly confident. "Ten it is!"
The Grand Commandant began asking questions.
"What is the 123rd sentence of the Thousand Character Classic?"
Without a moment's thought, Qi Yuanzuo answered, "Fasten your sash and maintain a dignified bearing; stroll about and gaze into the distance."
"And the 123rd character?"
"Rong! The rong in 'bring the Rong and Qiang to submission'!"
"What does that sentence mean?"
"To make the Rong and Qiang peoples bow their heads and acknowledge themselves as subjects."
"..."
No matter what the Grand Commandant asked, Qi Yuanzuo answered fluently. It was as though the entire book had been imprinted on his mind!
No!
This was not merely a matter of knowing it backward and forward!
Remember, he had not asked which line appeared on which page. He had asked for specific sentences and individual characters by number!
Even adults would need time to calculate, and some would be unable to answer at all.
Yet the little crown prince answered the instant he opened his mouth, without a single mistake!
The more they asked, the more astonished the two men became.
The final question came.
"What follows 'attend carefully to the dead and honor distant ancestors'?"
"The people's virtue will return..."
Wait, this isn't the Thousand Character Classic! This is from the Analects!
Qi Yuanzuo protested against the two of them.
Looking at the little figure indignantly condemning him, the Qi Emperor could not help reaching out and thoroughly caressing his head.
Qi Yuanzuo shuddered. "F-Father?"
The Qi Emperor knew he was intelligent. Sometimes, while reading to the crown prince, he would ask what he had just read. Zuo'er's swift, unhesitating replies had already shown how clever he was.
But he had not expected such intelligence. It seemed like knowledge he had been born with, frightening in its brilliance.
The Qi Emperor thought again of that old monk, that bald ass who had declared that Heaven would one day claim the crown prince.
Fear rose in the Qi Emperor's heart. He would rather Zuo'er were not so clever, as long as he grew up safely.
"When did you learn all this, Zuo'er?"
Qi Yuanzuo said, "Once Father read it, I knew it."
"Don't you remember things as soon as you hear them?"
The Qi Emperor's heart caught. "And how did you match it to the book?"
Qi Yuanzuo answered as though it were obvious, "Because Father read it. I followed along character by character, and then I remembered it."
Holding his precious son, the Qi Emperor resolved to make an incognito visit to Lingsue Temple. "Promise Father you won't let anyone else know about this, all right?"
Qi Yuanzuo held out his little finger. "Pinky promise."
Father and son tenderly hooked their little fingers together.
Once the promise was made, Qi Yuanzuo gave a delighted whoop and strode outside on his little legs.
"Fat Eunuch! Let's go pick the green chrysanthemums!"
The Qi Emperor smiled helplessly. Looking at the Grand Commandant, who had turned as sour as a slice of green mandarin, he smiled smugly.
"Forgive the spectacle. My crown prince is still young and a little too fond of playing."
"By the way, how old is your grandson this year, Grand Commandant? Can he recite the Thousand Character Classic yet? Does he know what its 123rd character is?"
The Grand Commandant said, "..."
"I have a young daughter... eighteen years of age, who admires Your Majesty. Day and night, she clamors to stay by Your Majesty's side. I truly had no other recourse, so I came to trouble Your Majesty with this."
The Qi Emperor agreed. "The crown prince is young. As the empress's younger sister, she could come into the palace and help look after him. That would be good."
Grand Commandant Yin thanked him for his grace and shuffled away, bent and decrepit. The instant he stepped out of the great hall, he returned to normal.
The Qi Emperor's smile gradually faded. Reviewing the entire exchange, he suddenly snorted. "Old fox. I gave you face, and you threw it away!"
Qi Yuanzuo hurried toward the Qi Emperor's bedchamber, reviewing the clash between the emperor and the grand commandant along the way.
At first, the Qi Emperor had asked the grand commandant his opinion on the Elder Princess's affair, but the grand commandant had wanted to stand by with his hands tucked into his sleeves.
The Qi Emperor had then brought up the Heir of the Prince of Annam, saying the heir was restless. What he actually meant was that the Prince of Annam would become restless. As a subject, the grand commandant ought to have declared his position and helped shoulder that concern, but instead, he said that the Qi Emperor was the heir's uncle and should decide.
The Qi Emperor had then spoken of the grand commandant's own grandson. Asking him to send the boy into the palace was another attempt to make him declare his position, but the old bastard had refused again.
And so the Qi Emperor had grown angry.
The Qi Emperor needed troops to keep Annam in check. The Empress Dowager held one command tally, and General Chang held the other. You fucking dare refuse me three times, while secretly cozying up to General Chang? Do you have a death wish?
The grand commandant's relationship with General Chang was a secret. Once it was exposed, he panicked and hastily offered advice to declare his allegiance, selling out General Chang's son as his pledge of submission.
Once the Qi Emperor had settled the matter of Annam, the map unrolled to its end and the dagger was revealed. Why had he pressed the grand commandant to declare his allegiance? To have him placate General Chang and ensure that both men stood on his side. His ultimate target was still the Elder Princess!
He wanted to kill the Elder Princess.
But the emperor did not want the infamy to stain his own hands.
Making a dishonest grand commandant play the villain suited him perfectly.
The grand commandant's grandson would enter the palace as a hostage. When he could leave would depend on how quickly the grand commandant got the job done.
Qi Yuanzuo had been an unexpected pleasant surprise for both men.
The grand commandant had not intended to support the crown prince-at least, not yet.
But after Qi Yuanzuo's performance, the grand commandant had probably changed his mind.
Qi Yuanzuo analyzed it with 88.
"Remember Consort Yin from the book?"
"The grand commandant had always planned to hedge his bets. Father guards fiercely against imperial in-laws, and I no longer have Mother to help ease my relationship with the Yin Family."
"First, the grand commandant thinks my good fortune won't last. Second, he fears that I'll grow up to be like Father, wary of imperial in-laws and keeping them at arm's length."
"So he sent another daughter into the palace. If she could bear another prince, the Yin Family would have two options."
In the book, the grand commandant had attached himself to the crown prince when he enjoyed the greatest favor, then distanced himself when the crown prince was deposed.
After the crown prince ascended the throne, he had come to attach himself again. By then, the crown prince had gone on a killing spree. One more Yin Family made no difference, and one fewer made no difference either.
A veteran minister of three reigns, uprooted by his own grandson.
"I'm certain he'll make the same choice today."
"Come to think of it, I ought to call the future Consort Yin my aunt."
"What the Yin Family intends this time will depend on my aunt's attitude."
"My aunt was apparently the fifth prince's birth mother?"
88 said, "Yes, host."
"Host, you were a little impulsive today."
Qi Yuanzuo smiled. "I wasn't impulsive. I don't want to disgrace my position as crown prince."
"He could read at three, mastered the classics at five, and defeated his teacher in debate at six. At thirteen, he shot a bear on the hunting grounds and claimed the highest honors. At fifteen, he swept a clear blue sky out of the murky mist and rain."
"At twenty, he marched to war and extended the borders by fifty li, declaring-For the realm, I can shoulder mountains and cleave seas; I can also drench the high ministers in blood and point my sword at imperial power!"
"My performance fell far short of Qi Yuanzuo's in the book."
88 fell into a strange, prolonged silence, then went back to munching fries.
Before you continue