Huang Mengliang, seething with rage, barked at the lead beggar, “I’ve only turned to begging because I have nowhere else to go! Never in my life have I heard of beggars needing to pay dues. If I had silver to spare, would I be begging at all? You lot—filthy beggars yourselves—ignore the wealthy and choose to extort the impoverished! Have you no shred of conscience left?”

　　The lead beggar turned to the two at his side and snarled, “Beat him to death!”

　　The three of them charged at Huang Mengliang like a pack of wolves, pummeling him with fists and kicking him relentlessly. They didn’t stop there—snatching away the few copper coins tucked inside his hat, leaving nothing behind but his groans and tattered pride.

　　The beating left Huang Mengliang bruised and battered, his body covered in wounds. Yet the lead beggar wasn’t finished. Grabbing Huang Mengliang by the chin, he sneered, “Look at that handsome face of yours. That’s no beggar’s face! With a face like that, boy, you’ll never earn a coin. Take a good look at mine—see these scars? Only with marks like these will people pity you enough to give you alms. Let me help you out.”

　　With that, he drew a dagger from his sleeve and slashed Huang Mengliang’s face in wild, jagged strokes. Blood gushed from the wounds as Huang collapsed unconscious. Only then did the three beggars finally walk away, leaving him in a pool of crimson silence.

　　When Huang Mengliang regained consciousness, his body and face were riddled with wounds, every inch of him aching unbearably. Struggling to his feet, he staggered forward, limping with each painful step. As he passed behind the City God Temple, he came upon a City God Temple, its gates slightly ajar.

　　Mustering what little strength he had left, Huang dragged himself into the dimly lit temple. Collapsing onto the dry straw behind the altar, he was overcome by hunger and pain, his vision fading as he slipped into unconsciousness once more.

　　In his hazy, semi-conscious state, Huang Mengliang heard the murmur of voices nearby. Their words were unintelligible to him, except for occasional phrases like “ah-ra-so” and “kam-sa-ham-ni-da.” A faint memory stirred within him—he recalled a storyteller in the Shu Prefecture teahouse mentioning that the people of Silla[ “Silla” was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, alongside Goguryeo and Baekje. It was located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula, with its capital at Gyeongju. Silla is notable for its advanced culture, the promotion of Buddhism, and its eventual unification of the Korean Peninsula under one rule in 668 AD, after defeating the other two kingdoms with the help of the Tang Dynasty of China.

　　] spoke in such a manner.

　　Weak and unable to move, he mustered what little strength he had and whispered faintly, “An-nyong-ha-se-yo.”

　　An elderly man from Silla heard the faint voice and looked toward its source. Spotting someone lying behind the altar, he approached Huang Mengliang and greeted him with a gentle “An-nyong-ha-se-yo.”

　　Huang, recalling the tales he had heard from the storyteller about the people of Silla, realized that this was the only phrase he knew in their language. Desperate, he began gesturing wildly and pleading in Chinese, “Help me! Please, help me!”

　　The elderly man from Silla immediately responded in Chinese, his speech tinged with a Silla accent, “Young man, you’re badly hurt. Let me take a look at you.”

　　A flicker of joy flashed across Huang Mengliang’s face, but it was soon overshadowed by the relentless pain that drained his strength. Weakly, he asked, “So, Elder, you speak Chinese as well?”

　　The elderly man from Silla replied in halting Chinese, “Young man, you may not know this, but since the reign of King Sinmun of Silla, our country has established a national academy to teach the Nine Confucian Classics. The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty once praised Silla as a land of gentlemen, well-versed in classical texts, and similar to China. He even composed a poem to commend our country for its attire, respect for rituals, loyalty, and knowledge of Confucian principles. Our two written scripts—official and local—are both derived from Chinese characters. But these matters, I will explain to you in time. For now, the most urgent thing is to clean and dress your wounds, or you may face a serious threat to your life.”

　　A few Silla people brought clean water and carefully cleaned Huang Mengliang’s wounds, then applied a ointment from Silla. They also gave him a small flatbread to eat.

　　The next day, when the elderly man saw that Huang Mengliang’s condition had greatly improved, he asked how he had ended up in such dire straits. Huang Mengliang, with no hesitation, recounted his entire ordeal to the Silla people in detail.

　　The elderly Silla man spoke in halting Chinese with a Silla accent, “We are merchants dealing in Goryeo ginseng. A few days ago, the Prince of Shou ordered a batch from us. It’s true that his new concubine is the daughter of Yang Xuanyan, the former registrar of Shu Prefecture. We’ve all heard about it; there’s no mistake.”

　　Upon hearing this, Huang Mengliang was overwhelmed with emotion and began to weep uncontrollably. “I... I must go to the Prince of Shou’s residence and find Yang Yuhuan!”

　　The elderly man continued, “I advise you not to seek out Yang Yuhuan. First, you’re still injured, penniless, and without the means to enter the Prince of Shou’s residence. Second, she is already married, and the Prince of Shou holds significant power—are you planning to go there and steal her away? Third, your appearance is ruined, and I fear that if Yang Yuhuan sees you in this condition, she may not wish to have anything to do with you anymore. There is a skilled healer in Silla, a friend of mine, who is renowned for his medical expertise. Instead of pursuing a hopeless path, why not come with us to Silla? I will ask him to see if he can help restore your appearance.”

　　Huang Mengliang replied, “Thank you, Master, for saving my life. We are strangers who happened to meet, yet you have thought of my well-being at every turn. I... I truly don’t know how to repay you.”

　　The elderly man responded, “I see that you’re about the same age as my son. When one is far from home, it is only natural to help and look out for each other.”

　　Huang Mengliang travelled with the Silla merchants by boat, following the Grand Canal to Hangzhou. From there, they set out to sea, enduring a journey of several months before finally arriving in Silla.

　　During these long months aboard the ship, Huang’s thoughts grew darker. He felt deeply wronged by the god, who had allowed him to fall into such a wretched state. Pointing toward the sky, he swore an oath: one day, he would return to China and reclaim Yang Yuhuan.

　　“Please, no, don’t kill me! I beg you Empress, don’t kill me—spare my child too!” Consort Wu Hui jolted awake from her nightmare, her voice trembling with fear.

　　“Your Grace had another nightmare, didn’t you?” asked the eunuch Niu Guier, attending her faithfully by her side.

　　Consort Wu Hui let out a heavy sigh. “Wang Yourong, that wretched bitch! Her spirit lingers still—after all these years in the grave, she refuses to leave me in peace!”

　　It turned out that Emperor Xuanzong’s empress bore the surname Wang, with the given name Yourong. She had once aided Li Longji in overthrowing the Wei clan but had never borne him a son. As the years passed, time took its toll, and her fading beauty caused her to fall out of favour.

　　Consort Wu Hui was the daughter of Wu Youzhi, raised in the palace under the protection of Empress Wu Zetian. From a young age, she exhibited a gentle and obedient nature, excelling in the art of winning favour. By her early twenties, she had already borne Emperor Xuanzong three sons and three daughters, earning his deep affection and unwavering favour.

　　As time went on, the Consort Wu Hui began harbouring ambitions to supplant the Empress. To this end, she placed a palace maid named Niu Xiuer as a spy in the Empress’s quarters, tasked with monitoring her every move and reporting any developments back to her.

　　One day, the Empress’s elder brother, Wang Shouyi, came to the palace to visit her. During their conversation, the Empress confided her fears about the affairs within the palace, expressing concern that the Emperor might depose her on the grounds of her childlessness.

　　Empress Wang, the Emperor Xuanzong’s original consort, was nearing forty at this time, yet her appearance remained dignified and graceful. On this day, she donned a gold-threaded crown adorned with pearls and wore a ceremonial robe of yellow silk embroidered with intricate patterns, its hem trailing elegantly behind her. Under the pretext of offering prayers for blessings at Baochang Temple, she left the palace.

　　Her brother, Wang Shouyi, had arranged for the temple’s esteemed abbot, Master Mingwu, to perform a ritual to beseech the heavens for a child on her behalf.

　　Master Mingwu guided Empress Wang in a ritual of worship to the Southern and Northern Dippers. He then carved celestial symbols and Emperor Xuanzong’s name onto a piece of sacred lightning-struck wood, presenting it to the Empress. “Wearing this,” he assured her, “will bless you with a son, and in the future, your legacy may rival that of Empress Wu Zetian.”

　　This event, however, was quickly reported to the Consort Wu Hui by her planted spy, Niu Xiuer. the Consort Wu Hui wasted no time in bringing the matter to Emperor Xuanzong’s attention.

　　Li Longji dispatched Gao Lishi to search the Empress’s quarters, where the lightning-struck wood was indeed discovered. Furious, Emperor Xuanzong declared that witchcraft and sorcery were strictly forbidden in the palace, punishable by death. He immediately resolved to sentence both Empress Wang and her brother to death.

　　In desperation, Empress Wang tearfully pleaded with the Emperor: “Does Your Majesty no longer remember those difficult days, when Azhong” — referring to her father, Wang Renjiao’s childhood name — “exchanged his clothes for a measure of flour to prepare longevity noodles for Your Majesty’s birthday?”

　　Emperor Xuanzong, moved and saddened by the Empress’s heartfelt plea, spared her life but stripped her of her title, demoting her to the status of a commoner. However, he showed no mercy to her brother, Wang Shouyi, and ordered his execution.

　　Within three months, the former Empress succumbed to grief and passed away. A poet lamented her fate with these lines:

　　The jade-green plume sways, lost to dawn's cold breath,

　　When shall fortune’s dream be crowned by bear and wreath?

　　A sleeve is shed to share the broth of humble cheer,

　　With tears I plead, remember me, O brother dear.

　　After the death of Empress Wang, Li Longji felt a sense of guilt in his heart. He honoured her with a first-class funeral and had her buried at Wuxiang Temple. Furthermore, he issued an imperial edict to prohibit communication between the imperial relatives, the consort’s family, and the inner palace. He also forbade the practice of divination and sorcery. The edict stated:

　　“Members of the royal family, imperial relatives, and consorts’ families, unless they are direct kin, shall not have the liberty of coming and going. Those who engage in divination, fortune-telling, or the practice of magic shall not enter or leave the homes of government officials.”

　　After waking from a disturbing dream, Consort Wu said to Niu Guier:

　　“Empress Wang and Lady Zhao were vile women who, in life, tried several times to harm my son and me. Even in death, their restless spirits haunt us. Though these wretches are gone, the Crown Prince, Li Ying, still harbours ill thoughts and seeks to harm Zhaor. As a mother and consort, how can I not be filled with constant worry?”

　　In the imperial harem, Emperor Xuanzong increasingly favoured Consort Wu. The Crown Prince, Li Ying’s biological mother, Consort Zhao, as well as Imperial Concubine Huangfu and Lady Liu, gradually fell out of favour. As the saying goes, “A son’s status is determined by his mother,” and Emperor Xuanzong, loving the house and all within it, grew more and more partial to Consort Wu’s son, Prince Shou, Li Zhao. He would often praise Li Zhao in front of the other princes, while reprimanding the others, especially Crown Prince Li Ying, who received the most scolding and the fewest compliments.

　　One day, the sons of Imperial Concubine Huangfu and Lady Liu, Prince E Li Yao and Prince Guang Li Ju, along with a dozen others, gathered at the Crown Prince’s residence for a drinking session. After several rounds of toasts, Prince E Li Yao and Prince Guang Li Ju were already slightly intoxicated.

　　Taking advantage of the alcohol, Li Yao lamented, “Your Highness, the Crown Prince, now that Consort Wu holds such sway in the palace, she constantly makes things difficult for my mother. My mother endures in silence, filled with fear and anxiety. As her son, I am deeply concerned for her well-being.”

　　Prince Guang, Li Ju, clenched his fist and interjected, “As for my brother, Prince E, and myself, it can be understood. Our mothers hold low ranks in the palace, and there’s little we can do when Consort Wu bullies them. But Your Highness, it’s different for you. Your mother, the late Consort Li, and Consort Wu both held equal rank, and you, as the Crown Prince, stand above all others in the Eastern Palace. I’ve heard from my mother that Consort Wu was exceedingly disrespectful to Consort Li during her lifetime. Now, with her favour and pride, it seems she no longer holds you in regard. Could it be that she plans to support Li Zhao and create a succession struggle?”

　　Crown Prince Li Ying remained silent for a moment, then lifted his cup and took a drink. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed that Princess Xianyi’s husband, Yang Hui, was also present. Furrowing his brows, his expression changed, and he said, “Today, let us brothers simply drink and compose poetry, and refrain from discussing state matters. You both should also advise your mothers to maintain harmony in the harem. Only with peace in the palace can Father have the energy to focus on state affairs.”

　　Yang Hui, the son-in-law of Consort Wu and a cousin of Princess Yang Yuhuan, the wife of Prince Shou, had always maintained a close relationship with Prince Shou. After hearing the idle chatter of Li Yao and Li Ju, he reported it to his mother-in-law, Consort Wu, the following day.

　　Consort Wu, already troubled by her lack of opportunity to undermine the Crown Prince, was pleased to hear Yang Hui’s report. She immediately rewarded him handsomely and instructed him to continue gathering information on the Crown Prince’s faults, no matter how trivial, and bring all matters to her attention.

　　When Emperor Xuanzong arrived at Consort Wu’s palace to stay the night, neither of them took the time for a leisurely conversation, but instead quickly began to undress and engage in intimate actions. As Emperor Xuanzong lay with Consort Wu, he felt her body soft and pliable, as though lying upon cotton. In the heat of the moment, his desires overwhelmed him, and his unattractive side was fully revealed.

　　Just as they were finding it difficult to part, Consort Wu suddenly began to cry uncontrollably, saying, “Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and favour. Yet, I fear that I may no longer be able to serve you in the future. Someone seeks to harm my son and me. Your Majesty, please, you must protect us!”

　　Seeing Consort Wu in tears, her sorrow palpable, Emperor Xuanzong felt a surge of compassion. He gently embraced her arm and comforted her, saying, “As long as I am here, who would dare to harm you and your son?”

　　Consort Wu sobbed as she spoke, “Your Majesty, I must report that it is the Crown Prince. A few days ago, Prince Yang Hui, the husband of Princess Xianyi, was at the Crown Prince’s residence drinking, and he personally witnessed the Crown Prince secretly colluding with his allies, including Prince E and Prince Guang, plotting to harm my son and me. He also criticized Your Majesty for frequently reprimanding the princes in public, while only praising Prince Shou.”

　　To know what decision Emperor Xuanzong would make, please stay tuned for the next chapter.