Chapter 57: Maintaining Success Is Harder Than Starting It!
“Yulang, I have heard that you possess the remarkable talent of composing a poem within seven steps. Would you kindly demonstrate it now?”
“I am but a humble servant, lacking in talent and learning. How dare I embarrass myself before Your Majesty and Her Majesty?”
“Heh heh, such a renowned reputation is never unfounded. You need not be so modest.”
“In that case, I humbly ask Your Majesty to provide the theme.”
After breakfast, Li Longji suddenly felt inspired to test Li Zhao’s literary talent, to see if he was truly as gifted as the legend claimed—able to compose poetry within seven steps.
Unable to decline, Li Zhao agreed.
“Today, auspicious snow falls gently, and the plum blossoms in the garden are in full bloom, truly uplifting the spirit. Yulang, how about composing a poem on the theme of plum blossoms?” Li Longji gestured toward the open area surrounding the Nanjun Hall, where numerous plum trees were planted—varieties like palace pink plum, beauty plum, and imperial butterfly plum, all native to the Jiangnan region.
It was evident these plum trees were planted for Consort Mei, who hailed from Jiangnan and had always adored plum blossoms.
Meanwhile, Li Zhao folded his hands behind his back and began pacing inside the hall. Exactly seven steps later, he recited a poem titled “Snow Plum”:
The plum and snow vie for spring, neither willing to yield;
The poet’s pen labors to capture their grace.
Plum’s whiteness pales three parts to snow’s pure white,
Yet snow loses to plum’s lingering fragrance.
“Ha ha, what a fine poem! Truly a masterpiece of exquisite imagery. It has been long since I heard such beauty... Yulang, might you compose another?”
“Please, Your Majesty, do provide the theme!”
“As before, let it be about the plum blossom.”
This time, Li Longji pointed not to the trees outside the hall, but to Consort Mei seated beside him.
Consort Mei was tall and graceful, clad in a flowing white gown that swept the floor. Her rosy complexion glowed like a splendid plum blossom brought to life. To compose a poem about such a woman of rare beauty and grace was no easy task.
Again, Li Zhao paced seven steps, then recited a poem titled “Ode to the Plum”:
Beauty’s splendor never fades with spring,
Yet plum blossoms in snow lose some of their pure charm;
They always borrow the spring breeze’s warmth,
Refusing to compete with common flowers for novelty.
Li Longji was a charismatic emperor with thousands of beauties in his harem. These women vied for his favor with heavy makeup, jealousy, and rivalry, each more envious than the last.
Among them, Consort Mei was gentle and refined, wearing light makeup, disciplined, sensible, and virtuous. She never quarreled with other concubines, finding joy instead in playing the zither and admiring plum blossoms.
As the ancients said: “Because she does not contend, none in the world can contend with her.”
Because Consort Mei never indulged in jealousy, the emperor favored her greatly, and the entire palace respected this virtuous consort.
Li Zhao’s poem used the flower as a metaphor for Consort Mei, vividly depicting her icy complexion, exquisite beauty, and noble character—a truly outstanding work.
...
“Yulang, you are truly a man of great talent. Yet the praise in your poem is more than I deserve; I can only strive to improve and never forget my duties.”
“Ha ha, my beloved consort, your virtue and noble character set the standard for all the thousands of beauties in the harem. To have you by my side is one of life’s greatest blessings!”
After hearing the poem, Consort Mei rose and bowed with utmost humility. Li Longji laughed heartily and showered her with praise.
It was clear their affection was strong—a harmonious and loving couple.
Meanwhile, Li Zhao remained calm on the surface, though his mind churned with countless thoughts.
There is a saying: behind every successful man stands a wise woman; behind every failure, one or many troublesome women.
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Undoubtedly, Consort Mei was such a wise woman. If she and the emperor could remain devoted, it would be a great benefit to both the emperor and the Tang Empire.
Yet the problem was that Li Longji was notoriously a playboy, falling in love easily. With a harem full of beauties, it was nearly impossible for him to remain faithful.
More importantly, in February of this year, the stunning Princess Shou of the State of Zhou—Yang Yuhuan—had become a Taoist nun, taking the name Taizhen.
The reason for Yang Yuhuan’s ordination was well known to the shrewd.
Historically, four years later, Yang Yuhuan would enter the palace, be granted the title of Guifei, rise to supreme favor, and utterly bewitch Li Longji, who would become muddled and lose his former wisdom and decisiveness.
In truth, Yang Yuhuan’s arrival marked the beginning of Li Longji’s decline and the Tang Empire’s fall from prosperity.
Is there any way to prevent this femme fatale from entering the palace?
Or perhaps, take a risk and secretly eliminate this source of disaster, saving the empire?
The problem was that this “femme fatale” was cultivating at the Taizhen Temple, nestled within the Daming Palace—the Imperial Palace’s three grand palatial complexes—guarded by the elite Longwu Army, patrolling day and night with strict vigilance. Sneaking in was no simple matter.
...
Li Zhao pondered this silently, unable to decide.
Elsewhere, Li Longji was not yet satisfied and came up with a new challenge.
“Yulang, could you compose a poem about me, Your Majesty?”
“Ah, I am filled with dread and dare not!”
“Ha ha, it’s but a poetic game. What is there to fear? Compose boldly. Even if there are faults, I shall pardon you!”
“I am filled with dread and dare not!”
“Hmm, do you intend to defy the imperial command?”
“I obey Your Majesty’s order!”
Writing a poem about the emperor was one of the rarest and most perilous tasks in history—not only difficult but dangerous. Li Zhao shook his head vigorously, refusing.
But imperial orders could not be disobeyed. Even if reluctant, he had to comply.
What to write?
Li Zhao began pacing, deliberately slowing his steps, racking his brain for inspiration. He recalled poems that praised rulers, flattering verses, but feared flattering the emperor too openly might brand him a sycophant.
He also remembered satirical poems that criticized rulers, but even with eighteen hearts’ courage, he dared not recite those.
Emperors were known for their capricious tempers and broken promises. Though pardoned in words, if he angered His Majesty, would not come a reckoning after the fact?
Flattery was out of the question.
Direct criticism was unthinkable.
What then?
Poetry immortals, saints, heroes, madmen, prisoners, slaves—who could inspire me?
Yes, I have it! This shall be the one!
After seven steps, Li Zhao found his inspiration and recited:
Diligent governance and love for the people bring boundless merit,
Talent is sought from all quarters to embrace all streams.
The vast realm weighs heavily upon your shoulders,
Preserving the legacy is harder than founding it!
Indeed, in over thirty years of reign, Li Longji had governed diligently, valued talent, and ushered in the flourishing Kaiyuan era—a truly outstanding emperor.
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Yet history tells of many rulers who, after great achievements, became arrogant and indulgent, forgetting their responsibilities, resulting in tragic, ruinous ends.
The Duke of Qi, who unified the lords and stabilized the realm, was ultimately imprisoned and starved by treacherous ministers.
Emperor Wen of Song, Liu Yilong, who initiated the Yuánjiā governance, but craved glory above all, leading to national decline and his untimely death.
These two are prime examples.
Li Zhao’s poem praised Li Longji’s accomplishments in its first two lines while reminding him to remember his duties and persevere in governance, striving to remain a wise ruler for life.
The question remained: would the emperor heed these wise words?
Li Longji sat on the dragon throne, eyes half-closed, head bowed in thought. After a series of expressions, he suddenly laughed out loud.
“Ha ha, excellent poem, truly excellent! ‘The vast realm weighs heavily upon your shoulders, preserving the legacy is harder than founding it’—these two lines are truly golden words... Lishi, bring pen, ink, paper, and inkstone at once. Let Yulang write this poem down and hang it in the palace chamber. I shall behold it day and night as a reminder!”
“As you command, Your Majesty!”
Soon, Gao Lishi brought the writing materials. Li Zhao’s brush flew like a dragon and serpent, capturing his masterpiece. Several young eunuchs then hung the poem on the hall wall.
Afterward, Li Longji examined it repeatedly, nodding with satisfaction, then waved his hand.
Consort Mei understood and quietly led the maids and eunuchs out, leaving only Li Longji, Li Zhao, and Gao Lishi in the hall.
With the poetry game concluded, it was time to discuss matters of state.
...
“Previously, Yulang mentioned to me that the northeast, Fusang, and Nanzhao regions harbor abundant gold and silver mines. If we could seize them, the Tang Empire would never again suffer a currency shortage.
The northeast can be gradually planned for and eventually incorporated into our realm. Regarding Fusang, I have already ordered the Ministry of Works to select suitable coastal sites in the southeast to build good ports and construct sea vessels. Then, merchant caravans will be dispatched to the four islands of Fusang to trade Central Plains silk, porcelain, and tea for their gold and silver.
As for the Kingdom of Nanzhao, I intend to mobilize 200,000 troops from Jiannan Circuit to invade, annihilate the state, annex its lands, and seize its gold and silver to replenish the treasury. What is your opinion, Yulang?”
Though the currency crisis had eased, it was not entirely resolved. A graver crisis could erupt at any time, bringing greater disaster to the state.
Li Longji worried deeply and sought a permanent solution, hence the plan to attack Nanzhao.
Since the proposal came from Li Zhao, his opinion was sought.
“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I believe this matter cannot proceed yet.”
“Oh? Why?”
Li Zhao’s reversal surprised Li Longji, as he had initially proposed the attack.
“Your Majesty, attacking Nanzhao is inevitable, but not yet timely. First, Nanzhao has always been submissive to Tang; initiating war now would lack justification.
Second, Nanzhao lies deep in the southwest, with complex terrain, dense forests, and miasma. Its people are fierce and warlike. Hastily launching an attack might not guarantee victory.
In my view, before waging war, we must first train a force skilled in jungle warfare and prepare ample supplies. Only then can success be assured.
Third, have you noticed that the snow this year is unusually heavy? Moreover, I’ve heard from traveling merchants that the northwest has even more snow!”
Li Zhao gave three reasons; Li Longji readily accepted the first two, but the third puzzled him.
Heavy snow, even heavier in the northwest... could it mean?
After brief reflection, Li Longji’s eyes widened as he gazed toward the northwest, his expression darkening like still water.
Something momentous was about to happen!