Chapter Three: Under Currents in the Eastern Palace
Deep within the Eastern Palace, in a secluded side hall.
Compared to the Crown Princess Zheng’s chamber, this hall appeared considerably more humble—its eaves weathered and chipped, the corridor pillars before the door bearing visible signs of repeated repairs.
Before the door was even pushed open, a familiar scent of medicinal herbs wafted forth.
Li Chengche stepped inside and saw a woman dressed simply reclining half against a soft pillow on the brocade couch.
Her complexion was not pale, yet far from rosy; she held a rolled sutra in her hand, her brows lowered, exuding a gentle and quiet demeanor.
It was his birth mother—Lady Xu.
Hearing the movement, Lady Xu quickly set aside the sutra. Upon seeing her son, a faint smile blossomed on her face.
“Chengche, what brings you here at this hour?”
“Today isn’t it the day to pay respects to the Crown Princess? Don’t stir her anger.”
Lady Xu’s tone carried a subtle, unspoken worry—an expression born of years carefully navigating palace intrigues.
Li Chengche approached, bending to tuck a stray lock behind her ear, his smile innocent and obedient. “Mother, rest assured, your son knows his limits.”
Lady Xu stroked the back of his hand, her fingertips cold, sighing softly, “You’re not young anymore. Though you hold the position of Crown Grandson, if you never make a mark, the court will gossip.”
“Your father loves you, but if you remain without achievements, what will others say...”
“Chengche, you must leave yourself a path forward.”
Her words were gentle and slow, yet each one pierced the heart.
Li Chengche lowered his head, masking a serious look, his lips still curved in a smile, while his mind wandered over the tantalizing points options on his “lying flat” system panel.
Achievements, feats, leaving a path? What path?
According to history, his life would end in two years. Living dryly like this is only tormenting himself.
“If there’s a chance to ease your father’s burdens, that would be good too...”
“He relies most on your two brothers. Though little, that child Zheng is clever. You...”
Yet Lady Xu continued her worried rambling, her eyes full of sorrow.
Li Chengche suddenly looked up, smiling innocently, “Mother, rest assured, I wouldn’t dare contend with my brothers.”
“I only wish to stay by your side and honor you.”
“As for everything else... let others fuss over it.”
His voice was gentle and warm, stirring a bittersweet warmth in Lady Xu’s heart, reddening her eyes.
She touched his hair, voice trembling, “Foolish child, if you can do that, your mother will be content...”
***
“But your father and the Crown Princess... I fear they won’t let you be at ease.”
Lady Xu pressed her lips tightly, sighed deeply, her face growing paler.
Though she bore a son early for the Crown Prince and was respected by outsiders for it, in truth, she resented not having a powerful maternal clan, leaving her child without a firm foothold in the Eastern Palace.
This thought brought an indescribable sadness to her gaze.
Yet Li Chengche seemed not to grasp her meaning, placing a hand on her shoulder, soothing, “No matter, your son knows his place.”
“Besides, if anything truly happens, I’ll still live one day longer than them.”
Though words seemed like a joke, they only deepened Lady Xu’s unease.
She wanted to persuade further but only gripped Li Chengche’s hand tightly.
At that moment, a familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
【Ding—Detected host “refusing to share burdens,” successfully “lying flat” once, reward 20 points!】
Li Chengche clicked his tongue, nearly chuckling aloud.
Well, even filial piety can earn points.
He glanced at Lady Xu with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
No denying it, being a dutiful son is truly worthwhile.
***
Meanwhile, in the Qin Prince’s Mansion, Li Shimin stood before a desk, hands clasped behind his back.
Several dense memorials lay spread across the table, detailing recent movements of Eastern Palace factions and subtle currents within the Secretariat.
His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, his gaze cold.
Though the most valiant of the princes, he was born into a realm ruled by civil officials and brotherly strife.
Their father, Emperor Li Yuan, still trusted the eldest legitimate son, Li Jiancheng, above all, and everyone openly or covertly watched him.
“Your Highness, the Eastern Palace has recently allied with a few branches of noble clans.”
“If we don’t guard against it, the Crown Prince’s position may soon be at risk...”
Seeing Li Shimin remain calm, a confidant could no longer hold back.
Li Shimin slowly lifted his eyes, fixing his gaze on the man.
The man bit his lip, forcing himself to speak, “Perhaps... Your Highness should prepare early!”
“Troops are stationed outside the mansion; if matters become desperate...”
Before he could finish, Li Shimin cut him off sharply.
“Silence!”
“If I had such intentions, I would have seized the chance to declare myself at Hulao Pass!”
“The Emperor still lives; fighting with my brothers would only bring eternal disgrace!”
His voice was cold as a blade, his eyes flickering with vexation.
Though he desired the throne, he would never do something to invite the scorn of the world.
The atmosphere suddenly stilled, aides exchanged hesitant glances, no one daring to press further.
But among them, an elderly man with graying hair yet spirited demeanor sighed softly, offering counsel.
“Your Highness, if you wish to avoid war, you must at least leave yourself a way out.”
“The Crown Prince and Prince Qi both see you as a thorn in their side. Without allies, one hand clapping is futile.”
“Why not first cultivate friendship with the Crown Grandson of the Eastern Palace?”
“That Li Chengche, though older, has little foundation and a soft temperament.”
“If you can win him over, it will at least counterbalance the Crown Princess’s faction.”
Li Shimin closed his eyes slowly, the image of that boy—always hiding behind the Crown Princess and Lady Xu, smiling harmlessly—flashed in his mind.
This eldest legitimate grandson had never truly involved himself in court affairs, but now might be of some use.
“If I truly befriend him, the Crown Prince will surely grow more suspicious.”
“Your Highness.”
The elder raised his head, voice grave.
“Not forming alliances is the greatest danger. If you do not wish to rebel, you cannot come empty-handed.”
“Moreover, Li Chengche is a threat to Zheng’s faction. If he secures the Crown Grandson position, the Crown Princess’s line will be distracted.”
In the brief silence, Li Shimin opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as an eagle’s.
“Very well, let’s test his intentions first.”
After a moment, he looked to another attendant, giving a calm order.
“Find someone reliable.”
“Seek an opportunity to deliver a message to the Crown Grandson... and be careful not to alert the Eastern Palace’s ears.”