As the sun tilted westward, Li Yuangu led the way, followed by Yang Xinzhi and Chai Yinglo—who had changed into practical men’s attire—along with a group of mounted escorts from the Chai residence, making quite a procession as they galloped toward Princess Guiyang’s mansion in Changxing Ward.
Neither Yang Xinzhi nor Chai Yinglo was particularly willing to accompany him on this visit, muttering complaints along the way, but Li Yuangu simply ignored them. Bringing his niece along to Fifth Princess’s residence was out of necessity—he couldn’t think of a better alternative after much consideration.
Wei Shubin had told him that it was Fifth Imperial Son-in-law Yang Shidao who had secretly taken away Princess Hailing Yang. Li Yuangu was determined to question him about this in person. But since the whole matter involved palace secrets and was quite mysterious, the fewer people who knew about it, the better.
Princess Guiyang was his half-sister, so as her younger brother, he couldn’t properly visit without first paying respects to his sister. His Fifth Sister was famous for her meddlesome and explosive temper, while his Fifth Brother-in-law was renowned for his temperament. Li Yuangu addressed her as “Fifth Sister” and Chai Yinglo as “Fifth Aunt” as they paid their respects in turn. The noble lady in her thirties took the hand of the Daoist priestess in men’s clothing, her face full of smiles:
“Yinglo, ah, what a rare guest you are! How many years has it been since you’ve visited me? —And Fourteenth Brother, is this your first time visiting your sister’s home? Quickly, sit, sit, this is your own home, don’t be formal—you children, why didn’t you send word earlier? I could have prepared some good food for you, stay at my place tonight, don’t leave…”
Although Princess Guiyang and the current Emperor were not born to the same mother, the siblings were less than a year apart in age and had grown up playing together, sharing a close relationship. Her first husband, Zhao Cijing, had sacrificed his life for the country during the founding campaign, and throughout both the Wude and Zhenguan reigns, the Emperor had shown her great sympathy and respect. Among the dozen or so surviving princesses, she held an implicitly superior position and frequently entered the palace to chat casually with the Emperor and Empress.
Li Yuangu had heard from his mother about this Fifth Princess—she had been a beauty in her youth when first married, but her fertility was too impressive. In four years of marriage with her first husband, she had given birth three times, and after marrying Yang Shidao, she continued to have joyous news every year or two. Now she had a crowd of children, but her figure had become unwieldy, with what seemed like a barrel hidden under her high-waisted dress, and layers of fat under her chin nearly reaching her chest.
If it were just the weight, it would have been fine—the Fifth Princess still maintained smooth, fair skin and took great care with her appearance, maintaining quite a dignified royal bearing. Unfortunately, she couldn’t bear to be apart from her current husband, Imperial Son-in-law Yang Shidao, always appearing side by side with him… in comparison… Li Yuangu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, unsure whether to feel sorry for his sister or brother-in-law.
Yang Shidao was bending to help his wife to her seat, curved like a carpenter’s square, yet strangely, even in this posture, he still gave the impression of “broad shoulders, straight back, and upright bearing.” He stood seven feet four inches tall, with an impressive beard and handsome eyebrows and eyes. Though in his forties with graying temples, this only added to his refined bearing and noble spirit. Among the capital’s nobility, it was privately said that Imperial Son-in-law Yang was “the most handsome man in the Great Tang.” Although his eldest son Yang Xinzhi was also tall and magnificent, he lacked his father’s effortless scholarly grace of a noble young master.
Due to his duties, Yang Xinzhi followed his lord Prince of Wu into the hall but only stood at attention by the entrance, his robust frame deliberately trying to hide behind the wall, as if hoping to escape the line of sight of his father and stepmother—Princess Guiyang and Imperial Son-in-law Yang didn’t disappoint him either, the couple seeming not to notice this son, focused only on warmly conversing with Chai Yinglo and Li Yuangu.
After some casual conversation, Li Yuangu caught Chai Yinglo’s eye. The Daoist priestess understood and said to the Fifth Princess, “I haven’t seen my cousins in so long, Fifth Aunt, would you take me to see the girls?” and pulled her away from the hall into the inner quarters.
Left alone facing each other, Li Yuangu and Yang Shidao sat opposite one another, with the brother-in-law showing a slight smile, waiting for his wife’s brother to speak.
“Fifth Brother-in-law, Yuangu came here—”
Li Yuangu stopped mid-sentence, turning to look at the spacious main hall of the princess’s residence and the numerous attendants standing below, saying to his host: “Some matters are sensitive, might we move to brother-in-law’s study to talk?”
Yang Shidao frowned slightly and nodded, rising to lead the way down from the hall. Li Yuangu beckoned to Yang Xinzhi, who stood to one side, indicating he should come too, but Yang Xinzhi hesitated, looking at his father and calling softly: “Sir?”
This was the first exchange between father and son since Yang Xinzhi’s return home, Li Yuangu realized. Yang Shidao finally turned to glance at his son but still said nothing, only sighing as he led the way into the residence.
Not refusing meant tacit permission. Yang Xinzhi kept his head down, following behind his father and Li Yuangu, leaving the main courtyard and entering a small compound with artificial mountains and a flower pond, then into an elegant study, where they dismissed the servants and closed the door.
Yang Shidao directed Li Yuangu to sit in the place of honor, while Yang Xinzhi remained standing at attention by the door. Li Yuangu tried to ignore the awkward silence in the room and said to Yang Shidao:
“A few days ago at the Ganye Temple in the Imperial Garden, the Crown Prince’s eldest daughter, Countess of Linfen, met with misfortune at her wedding ceremony. Brother-in-law must be aware of this.”
“Indeed.” Yang Shidao nodded, then explained: “That night the Princess and I should have attended the wedding, but the Princess was unwell and personally requested leave from the Empress. I stayed home to care for my humble wife, so I didn’t attend either.”
You probably deliberately avoided those ill-fated members of the former Crown Prince’s family… Li Yuangu thought but naturally couldn’t say aloud, only continuing: “First Lady’s death was strange and unjust, alarming both Emperor and Empress, who specially commanded Yuangu—along with Minister Wei, to investigate this case. We have already questioned relevant persons at Ganye Temple, among whom Princess Hailing Yang is quite suspicious…”
As he spoke, he carefully observed Yang Shidao’s expression, but this middle-aged handsome man just sat listening quietly with a humble smile, not even his beard tip moving. When Li Yuangu finished speaking, he stroked his beard with a slight smile and said:
“I have heard in the Secretariat about Prince of Wu and Minister Wei conducting an imperial investigation. However, Minister Wei has already received the Empress’s order to stop investigating the Countess of Linfen’s case and conclude it as suicide with the Clan Court. Fourteenth Brother wasn’t aware of this?”
Li Yuangu was somewhat flustered, clearing his throat lightly before replying: “This case concerns the Empress’s reputation, but His Majesty is unwilling to make a hasty judgment. His Majesty discussed it again with the Empress, deciding to still investigate thoroughly, just without public clamor, entrusting the matter entirely to Yuangu.”
“I see.” Yang Shidao nodded with a smile, though his warm expression clearly showed skepticism.
Li Yuangu raised his hand in annoyance, about to pull out the Emperor’s command as proof, but felt it would be making too much of the matter—if he had to pressure people with the imperial command at every turn, probably no one would dare speak truthfully.
“Fifth Brother-in-law,” he leaned forward earnestly, “this matter is of great importance. How would Yuangu, a mere youth, dare to speak falsely? Ganye Temple suddenly caught fire last night, burning to the ground, showing how crucial the First Lady’s case is—someone was willing to take extreme risks to destroy evidence. Fifth Brother-in-law has now entered the court as a minister, a trusted official of His Majesty, and surely understands the imperial will. If brother-in-law knows any clues about this case, please don’t hesitate to enlighten me.”
“Of course.” Yang Shidao’s smile remained unchanged, “If I could help Fourteenth Brother in any way, how could I hold back? It’s just that I truly have no insight into this case, let alone any clues to share. I regret I cannot be of help.”
Li Yuangu felt his anger rising and stopped beating around the bush:
“Then why did brother-in-law personally go yesterday noon, before Ganye Temple caught fire, to take away Princess Hailing and her two birth daughters? Where are the Fourth Sister-in-law and her daughters now? Please enlighten me, Lord Yang.”
For the first time since their meeting, a look of shock and horror flashed across Yang Shidao’s face, his warm smile vanishing without a trace. He first turned to look at his eldest son standing by the door, then turned back and asked in a deep voice:
“Who said I took away Princess Hailing? Please have them come forward and confront me directly.”
“Did you not?” Li Yuangu stared into his eyes, “Could it be that Yuangu misheard? Can Fifth Brother-in-law clearly state that you did not go to Ganye Temple in the Imperial Garden yesterday to take away Princess Hailing and her daughters?”
His information actually consisted of only three words—”Yang Imperial Son-in-law”—muttered by a severely wounded guard in a confused state, so it wasn’t very certain and could be mistaken. But seeing Yang Shidao’s current complicated and troubled expression, he was deeply connected to Princess Yang’s disappearance. Even if he hadn’t taken her away himself, he must know many inside details.
After a moment of silence, Yang Shidao’s expression gradually steadied, and he said:
“Regarding Princess Hailing, I regret I cannot say anything. This matter has no connection to the Countess of Linfen’s death.”
“Oh? Brother-in-law is so certain?”
“Princess Hailing left Ganye Temple for other significant reasons,” Yang Shidao said slowly. “Those reasons—it would be better if the Prince of Wu remained unaware of them.”
That familiar sense of “children shouldn’t meddle in adult affairs” had returned. Li Yuangu bit his lower lip and finally couldn’t restrain himself, pulling out the Emperor’s command from his robe:
“I bear His Majesty’s command to investigate the Countess of Linfen’s case. Princess Hailing is already a major suspect. Please inform Yuangu truthfully of her whereabouts, Lord Yang, or else Yuangu will have to report to His Majesty and charge you with defying an imperial order.”
He unfolded the command and presented it to Yang Shidao with both hands. Yang Shidao received it with both hands, kneeling to hold it, and respectfully scanned it quickly—as Chief Minister of the Imperial Secretariat who daily drafted imperial edicts, he naturally knew the Emperor’s handwriting better than anyone and couldn’t doubt this command’s authenticity—Li Yuangu thought with some satisfaction.
Yang Shidao raised his head, once again showing a warm, gentle smile:
“This unworthy one dares not comply with the Prince of Wu’s order. If Fourteenth Brother wishes to report this, I will willingly accept the punishment.”
With a warm smile, the Imperial Son-in-law respectfully returned the Emperor’s command with both hands, his tone impeccably humble and modest—yet the content of his words was essential “I’m simply refusing to obey the imperial order, so what? You little brat can go ahead and report me if you want.”
Li Yuangu accepted the command back numbly, momentarily speechless. He never dreamed that his Fifth Brother-in-law Yang Shidao, known for being timid and docile, would dare to openly defy an imperial order.
“Sir!”
Standing by the door, Yang Xinzhi was also shocked, the cry escaping involuntarily. He hadn’t expected his father to dare act this way either.
Li Yuangu and Yang Shidao both turned to look at the tall guard. Yang Shidao slightly withdrew his smile, growing more serious, but still ignored his son, speaking only to Li Yuangu:
“Since last autumn, my worthless son has received Fourteenth Brother’s guidance and care, for which I am deeply grateful. Regarding the Countess of Linfen’s case, the Fourteenth Brother and my son are already deeply involved. Both publicly and privately, I must warn you—the Prince of Wu should withdraw early and not wade into these muddy waters.”
“Why?” Li Yuangu challenged, “My investigation follows His Majesty’s direct command. The First Lady died an innocent, unjust death that also affected the Empress’s reputation. What’s wrong with my pursuing her killer? Why won’t Fifth Brother-in-law help and cooperate?”
Yang Shidao sighed softly, his handsome face clouding over:
“I find it difficult to answer each point in what Fourteenth Brother just said. Let me say just one thing—you say the First Lady died an ‘innocent, unjust death,’ but that may not be true.”
“What do you mean?” Li Yuangu asked, “She was a lonely palace lady confined for nine years without seeing outsiders—what crime could she have committed? Are you saying her death at her wedding was deserved?”
His emotions were running high, making his tone sharp. But Yang Shidao didn’t take offense, simply smiling mildly:
“During the nine years that Prince Xi and Princess Hailing’s wife and daughters lived in the temple, they naturally couldn’t have committed any wrongs. But ten years ago, when the Countess of Linfen was still in the Eastern Palace, she may not have been so innocent and blameless.”
“Ten years ago…” Li Yuangu’s thoughts turned, and he laughed in disbelief, “Fifth Brother-in-law must be joking. Ten years ago, the First Lady was only six or seven years old in the Eastern Palace. How could she not be innocent? Even if she had quarrels with others, they would have been mere children’s games—how could that warrant retribution against her life ten years later?”
Yang Shidao pondered for a moment, then beckoned to Yang Xinzhi by the door, directing his son to kneel beside Li Yuangu, and stroked his beard with a solemn expression:
“Perhaps I shouldn’t say what comes next, but you are both young and impetuous, unaware of the delicate matters involved. If I don’t speak clearly, I likely won’t be able to stop your reckless actions, and you might someday face heaven’s punishment—that Countess of Linfen, the Emperor Emeritus’s eldest granddaughter, ai, suffered heaven’s punishment.”
Li Yuangu and Yang Xinzhi exchanged glances, both seeing bewilderment in each other’s faces—what did he mean by heaven’s punishment?
“During the chaos at the end of Sui, I was in the Eastern Capital Luoyang, forced to serve that traitor Wang Shichong. At that time, people everywhere were saying heaven’s mandate lay with Tang, so I abandoned my family and child to return to Chang’an.” Yang Shidao glanced at his eldest son, seeming to show a flash of apology in his eyes. “The Emperor Emeritus was then in his prime, vigorous and magnificent, and the former Crown Prince was honest and mature, steady and approachable. Both father and son were outstanding men of their time, but when I saw the Prince of Qin then, I knew upon whom heaven’s mandate had truly fallen…”
The middle-aged handsome man stroked his meticulously groomed beard, smiling self-deprecatingly: “You may not believe me saying this. But think about it—among the great generals during the founding years, how many had never served under the Prince of Qin or received his orders? You could count them on one hand. And I, Yang Shidao, was one of them—not because I didn’t want to, but because the Emperor Emeritus and former Crown Prince had their plans. Being from the previous dynasty’s imperial clan and having received orders to marry a princess, I naturally didn’t dare entertain improper thoughts, yet the Prince of Qin—His Majesty knew my loyalty, and after entering the Zhenguan era has consistently trusted and employed me without doubt—ai, I’ve wandered far from the point…”
You certainly have wandered far, Li Yuangu thought privately. But he understood Yang Shidao’s purpose in rambling about these things—he wanted to emphasize that the Prince of Qin, the current Emperor, was the “true ordained ruler,” and that he, Yang Shidao, had shown great foresight. But what did this have to do with the First Lady?
“His Majesty carried heaven’s mandate, so although he charged into hundreds of battles without avoiding arrows and stones, he was never wounded by weapons,” Yang Shidao emphasized. “However, do you know what was His Majesty’s first great peril in life? It was in the eighth year of Wude, in the Eastern Palace, when he drank a cup of poisoned wine and vomited several sheng of blood, nearly dying.”
Li Yuangu had naturally heard of this—in different words from the consorts and maids’ gossip at Daan Palace—but as Yang Shidao mentioned it now, a thought flashed through his mind like lightning, and he straightened up, pressing his knees:
“That cup of poisoned wine, could it have been—”
“Indeed,” Yang Shidao looked at him and nodded, “It was offered to her Second Uncle, the Prince of Qin, by the First Lady herself.”
Notes:
1. Li Shimin’s Fifth Sister, “Princess Guiyang,” was later renamed “Princess Changguang,” which appears more frequently in historical records, though the timing of the title change is unclear. Here it’s set that she is still “Princess Guiyang (Chang)” in the ninth year of Zhenguan, mainly based on the timing of her Fourth Sister’s title change.
Her Fourth Sister (naturally also Li Er’s Fourth Sister) was initially titled “Princess Langya” and later renamed “Princess Gaomi.” In the major event of Princess Wencheng entering Tibet in the fifteenth year of Zhenguan, there was a record mentioning “Princess Langya’s maternal grandson,” suggesting that the Fourth Sister hadn’t yet been renamed by the fifteenth year of Zhenguan. Conferring and changing titles required ceremonies and significant expense, so the court tended to handle them in batches. Thus, it’s set that the Fourth and Fifth Sisters (along with several younger sisters later) were renamed at the same time, and in the ninth year of Zhenguan, they still held their initial titles.
2. The term “Daren” (Sir/Lord) in the Tang Dynasty (and for a long period afterward) was not used to address officials. When used as an honorific title for specific individuals face-to-face, it was mostly used to address fathers, and occasionally mothers and uncles or other senior family members. Of course, when children addressed their father as “Daren” in person, the atmosphere and emotion would be rather serious, respectful, and formal. To express affection and filial devotion, they would use “Aye” or “Ada” instead.