Chapter 67: The Wei Family of Jingzhao’s Probe, Headache for the Influential Families!
Li Shimin, once at ease, has changed since Concubine Wei’s arrival. He frequently furrows his brow, giving off an irritable vibe.
“What is my concubine looking for?” Li Shimin smiled as Concubine Wei signals a maid to bring a box.
Puzzled, Li Shimin asked, “My beloved, what is this about?”
“Your Majesty, with the recent drastic drop in temperature, it’s hard for the people to stay warm. This is a small token from me. Please accept it!”
Concubine Wei presents a box filled with jewelry, gold, and silver, totaling a few hundred taels.
With a complex expression, Li Shimin nodded in relief, “My beloved, you are considerate. I will accept it.”
Not missing a beat, Empress Wei signaled for the box to be taken away. Understanding Empress Wei’s intentions, Li Shimin soon found an excuse to dismiss her. As Li Shimin gazed at Empress Wei, his eyes turned cold—not specifically towards her, but at the Wei family of Jingzhao behind her.
Although Empress Wei was Li Shimin’s consort, her allegiance lay with the influential Wei family of Jingzhao, not solely due to Li Shimin’s favor. As long as the Wei family of Jingzhao remained strong, her elevated status persisted, even through potential dynastic changes.
The period from the Han Dynasty to the Sui and Tang Dynasties gives the impression of ever-changing dynasties and enduring noble families.
Many noble families trace their roots back to the Han and Jin Dynasties, boasting a formidable heritage. During the chaotic period of the Five Barbarians, regimes like Later Zhao and Former Qin had to collaborate with noble families like the Cui and Lu families.
For instance, Cui Yue of the Cui family became a key minister under Zhao Shile, and his descendants played significant roles in the Former Qin and Northern Wei Dynasties.
In the Sui Dynasty, noble families remained a potent force despite Emperor Wen ending the North-South conflicts. Being a prominent Hongnong Yang family, the Yang family was influential in its own right.
During the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, the imperial examination system was implemented to counter the rising influence of the gentry. The gentry’s power gradually diminished after stripping away the authority to select officials. However, a phenomenon persisted where the gentry looked down on the royal family.
The Tang Dynasty royal family, specifically the Li family of Seven Kings, was one of the five surnames and seven hopes. As the founders of the Li Tang Dynasty, the Li family should be more esteemed than other major families.
Yet, the Shandong gentry was reluctant to form alliances through marriage with the Li family. From the beginning, the Tang Dynasty faced constant struggles with the aristocratic families, and Li Shimin continuously aimed to eliminate their influence.
The deeply rooted legacy of the aristocratic families developed over centuries proved resilient to the new imperial order. Despite Li Shimin’s initial good mood, dealing with the aristocratic families remained a constant headache. Li Shimin understood that Empress Wei’s intentions were probing, likely related to borrowing charcoal.
Returning to Qianxiang Palace, Empress Wei hinted, “Inform the family that no abnormalities were found, but this matter is intricate and suspicious.”
“Yes, Empress!” Replied the attendant.
Empress Wei, familiar with Li Shimin, sensed that something was amiss with the situation. She couldn’t pinpoint where the problem lay.
“Your Majesty, today the palace is abuzz with talk about the Empress Dowager acquiring a special garment with exceptional warmth,” the maid reported.
Empress Wei, intrigued, inquired, “Isn’t it normal to have such clothing in winter?”
“It’s worth fifty taels of silver, and several palace ladies have rushed to see it,” the maid revealed.
Empress Wei expressed interest, “Why don’t we go and see what this extraordinary item is tomorrow?”