Chapter Seventy-Two: The Shangsi Festival

Seeing his expression, Wu Zetian, seated at her desk, could not help but smile and licked her teeth before saying, "Don’t pretend you didn’t hear, Child Zhi. This is no small matter."

"How serious could it be?" Li Zhi finally opened his eyes, smiling as he asked, "Do they really dare to rebel?"

"Do you think those people don't know your thoughts?" Wu Zetian countered. "Lately, many have submitted memorials urging me to let Chen study the Book of Documents and other classics. Ordinarily, when have these people ever cared about a princess’s studies?"

"Hmph!"

Li Zhi gave a cold snort. "All the more reason not to let them get their way. I want them to understand whose world this truly is!"

Wu Zetian’s face showed some worry. "If you are determined to reform, you must not act rashly, lest the very foundation of the state be shaken!"

"I know," Li Zhi replied with a smile. "I am in no hurry over this matter."

Both knew well that Li Yuechen opening a shop and making money was not as simple as it seemed.

In the eyes of the great clans, this was the imperial house stepping into business for profit—taking a slice of the pie. If the imperial family entered commerce, the already small market share would shrink even further.

Ordinarily, the clans could band together and use proper means to squeeze out competitors. But the emperor, blessed with a clever daughter, had created something new and achieved a monopoly.

This was troublesome; as a princess with a monopoly product, she faced no real competition from the clans.

For the great families, this had to be stopped at all costs.

Meanwhile, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian had spent years consolidating imperial authority. Li Yuechen's growth had been a delightful surprise—filial, kind-hearted, harmonious, and above all, innately clever, always inventing things others could not imitate.

This gave Li Zhi and Wu Zetian hope for the future of the throne.

But the straightforward Li Yuechen could never have guessed the depth of these undercurrents. At this moment, she had no idea she stood at the very center of a high-stakes contest.

All she wanted was to be a good daughter, a little comforter for her parents, so long as her father and mother were happy.

As for whether her workshop might be attacked, she was not much concerned—did people really think the army was just for show?

...

After dinner, in the Linbo Pavilion, Li Yuechen played hopscotch with Shangguan Wan’er.

Back in the countryside, games like hopscotch or elastic bands were not divided by gender, so he naturally knew how to play.

Shangguan Wan’er loved these new games she introduced and played with great delight.

Soon, her two elder sisters joined in, and under the bright moon and lantern light, the four of them played with abandon.

Just as Li Yuechen finished a round and was about to take the yogurt handed to her by Xiao He, Fulai quietly approached.

Seeing his expression, Li Yuechen knew he had something to say and motioned for him to step aside.

"Your Highness, today someone contacted Wang Xiang, wanting to buy goods to ship to Chang’an, Yangzhou, and other places..."

"At the current rate of production, won’t that be difficult?" Li Yuechen narrowed her eyes in thought.

Fulai nodded. "At present, the workshop produces only two hundred pieces a day. If we want to sell in Chang’an or other prefectures, we must expand production."

"Hmm..." Li Yuechen supported her chin with her hand. "How much money do we have left now? Is it enough to buy a few more workers?"

"If we use all the profits from these past days, it will be more than enough," Fulai replied.

"Then do it," Li Yuechen waved her hand. "Also, go to the artisans’ bureau for some equipment and molds, buy more workers, let the old teach the new, and expand production!"

Fulai bowed. "Yes, Your Highness!"

As he turned to leave, she called after him, "It’s late—get some rest. Go tomorrow. Don’t tire yourself out."

Fulai turned back, deeply moved. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness!"

Li Yuechen smiled and waved him away before returning to her games with Shangguan Wan’er and her sisters.

Beneath the sapphire sky, two older girls and two younger girls played joyfully in the courtyard. Among them, the girl dressed in bright red boys’ attire with her hair in a ponytail was especially agile...

...

Three days passed in a flash. That morning, after martial practice, Li Yuechen hurried to the court to listen to the news.

As always, hidden behind the screen, she intended only to eavesdrop, never expecting the gossip to land squarely on herself.

As the morning audience drew to a close, a usually unnoticed minister suddenly stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, Princess Taiping is clearly neglecting her studies and engaging in trade... I believe Your Majesty should command her to study the Book of Documents and other classics for self-cultivation..."

From behind the screen, Li Yuechen’s eyes flew wide open. What is this nonsense? What did I ever do to you?

But before he could finish, Li Zhi raised his hand and cut him off. "I am already aware of this matter. There is a misunderstanding. That shop does not belong to Taiping, but to Fulai’s nephew."

"But—"

"As emperor, I must manage my household staff strictly, but cannot be equally harsh with their families... This matter is not to be discussed further!"

Having said this, Li Zhi waved his hand and stood. "If there’s nothing more to be said, court is dismissed!"

From behind the beaded curtain, Wu Zetian also rose and left at his side.

"Your Majesty—"

"Dismissed!" Zhang Chengxin’s sharp voice echoed through the vast hall, silencing all dissent.

Seeing the emperor’s determination to protect his daughter, the ministers recognized his resolve and offered no further protest.

After a chorus of "We respectfully bid Your Majesty farewell," they all turned and left in unison.

Outside the court, ministers from the great clans exchanged glances and nodded. Clearly, extraordinary measures would now be needed.

...

Meanwhile, behind the screen, as Li Zhi approached, Li Yuechen leapt up and threw herself at him.

"Oof!" Li Zhi staggered, nearly knocked over, but managed to hold his daughter firmly.

"This unruly child, so rough!" Wu Zetian scolded at once. "Do you realize what a crime it would be if you injured your brother?"

She raised her hand as if to strike.

Li Zhi quickly stopped her. "I’m perfectly fine, am I not?"

Still, he reached out to ruffle Li Yuechen’s hair. "Chen, you’ve grown a lot. But you mustn’t do this again. These old bones can’t take a fall."

"Alright!" Li Yuechen stuck out her tongue. "I just couldn’t help myself—Father, you were so imposing in court!"

"Oh? Why?" Li Zhi asked with a smile.

Li Yuechen draped an arm over his shoulder. "I’ve read the Book of Documents. At this time, they’re clearly hinting at the old saying of a hen crowing at dawn..."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi exchanged a glance with Wu Zetian and then laughed. "You’re a clever one, Chen!"

Li Yuechen beamed. "Of course! How could I not understand their meaning?"

Wu Zetian raised her brow. "Then tell us, why did he mock you?"

Li Yuechen replied indignantly, "He must think that since I can make money and ease my parents’ burden, while he cannot, he feels embarrassed!"

At her childish retort, Wu Zetian paused, then covered her mouth and laughed.

Li Zhi chuckled as well and patted her head. "Well said!"

Noticing Li Zhi’s arm trembling slightly, Li Yuechen said, "Father, put me down. I’ll walk between my parents."

"Alright." Li Zhi seemed to realize his daughter was giving him a chance to save face, and his smile brightened. In his happiness, he even felt moved—truly, only a daughter knows how to care for her father. Those sons of his never noticed such little things.

Li Yuechen, holding both their hands, skipped all the way back to the Hall of Benevolent Longevity.

After that, the three never discussed the incident again, as if by silent agreement.

With the Emperor and Empress’s clear stance, Li Yuechen knew she could now act freely—her parents would shield her from courtly pressure.

Given that, she resolved to work hard and show Li Zhi the power of a monopoly, hoping to squeeze the great clans out of their profits.

What choice did she have, being born a princess? It was only right to work for her family’s interests.

...

In the blink of an eye, it was the first of the third month—two days before the Shangsi Festival.

In the Tang dynasty, this was a day for outings and spring walks; people went to the river to wash their hands, symbolically cleansing themselves of filth and misfortune.

Li Yuechen planned to take the opportunity to go outside the city for a look—and maybe enjoy a barbecue.

But one could not just head out at will; she needed to inform Li Zhi and Wu Zetian.

She ran all the way to the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, greeted Zhang Chengxin at the door, and rushed inside.

"Father, Mother, it’s almost the Shangsi Festival. I’d like to go for an outing outside the city!"

"Very well," Li Zhi nodded. "But be sure to take plenty of guards!"

Li Yuechen rested her head on his arm, blinking her big eyes. "What I mean is, I’d like you both to come with me."

She knew full well they could not go, but asking was a matter of form—a mark of a dutiful daughter.

As expected, Li Zhi only smiled. "No, your mother and I are too busy with affairs of state."

"It would be much less fun without you," Li Yuechen said, rubbing her cheek against his arm.

Even the emperor’s fine silk felt wonderfully different.

"No matter, just tell me all about it when you return," Li Zhi replied with a smile.

"Alright..."

Li Yuechen looked somewhat disappointed. "It’s just, you both are always so busy with the state. Sometimes you ought to think of yourselves too."

Wu Zetian, having finished reading a memorial, turned and smiled. "It’s good that you think this way, Chen; that deserves praise. But you must also understand—some things are more important than personal enjoyment or preferences!"

"Yes, Mother, I will remember your teaching!"

Wu Zetian took a sip of tea. "On the Shangsi Festival, if you plan to go out, why not invite Hong and the others as well?"

"That’s just what I planned!" Li Yuechen poured her a cup of freshly brewed tea.

After spending some time with her parents, Li Yuechen finally took her leave.

On the day of the Shangsi Festival, after morning yoga, everyone prepared to depart.

Fulai packed the barbecue grill and all the food into a fully loaded carriage.

Because there were many people today, they used a larger carriage—Li Yuechen, her two sisters, and Shangguan Wan’er all fit comfortably inside.

Fulai and Xiao He could sit at the entrance without any crowding.

Just as their carriage rolled out of the imperial city, Li Hong and his companions arrived in their own carriage.

Today’s escort included the Imperial Gate Guard and the East Palace’s Commandant’s men, all fully armed—nearly two hundred strong.

After exchanging greetings, the group set off in grand procession.

There were many people heading out of the city; noble families rode in luxurious carriages or on horseback. Those slightly less well-off had a carriage moving at a leisurely pace, followed by servants and attendants. Only those in dire straits would go on foot.

The carriage convoy, surrounded by armed soldiers, marched arrogantly down the center of the road, and all other pedestrians and carriages made way.

Clearly, this was the entourage of princes or princesses; in this era, no one dared show off before such a procession.

Through the swaying curtains, those inside could glimpse the lively scenes outside.

"It’s so bustling," Princess Xuancheng remarked. "I wonder how many people are leaving the city today."

"If you’re curious, why not try counting?" Princess Yiyang joked.

Princess Xuancheng waved her hand, "No thanks, too much trouble..."

Li Yuechen smiled at her sisters, then suddenly spotted several people riding slowly toward the city gates on the right.

It was Liu Huang and his friends. Judging by their faces, Li Yuechen was almost certain they were discussing the girls they had seen along the way.

With that thought, she stood, lifted the curtain, and called out, "Liu Huang!"

"Hmm?" On horseback, Liu Huang turned and immediately saluted. "Greetings—"

"That’s not necessary," Li Yuechen interrupted. "Come find me later—I’ll treat you to barbecue!"

"Yes, Your Highness!" Liu Huang replied.

Li Yuechen let the curtain fall and sat down again.

Shangguan Wan’er was puzzled. "Why invite him for barbecue, Your Highness?"

"Strictly speaking, I should call him ‘senior brother’," Li Yuechen replied with a smile.

"I see," Shangguan Wan’er nodded in understanding.

After leaving the city, the convoy headed west and stopped at a scenic spot.

Fulai and his crew began setting up the barbecue and preparing the food, while Li Yuechen and the others followed tradition and went to the stream to wash their hands.

Li Yuechen had no idea that just a few hundred meters north of their spot would stand, over a thousand years later, the Luoyang Railway Station.