Chapter 109: Zhangsun Wuji

In historical dramas, there are two starkly different portrayals of Zhangsun Wuji. One depicts him as a loyal and steadfast statesman of the Zhenguan era, who helped Li Shimin ascend the throne, contributed to the prosperity of the Zhenguan reign, and held the top rank among the heroes of Lingyan Pavilion. The other portrays him as a cunning and unscrupulous schemer during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, who, to secure Li Zhi’s position, manipulated the Princess Gaoyang treason case to frame and execute Prince Li Ke, and later clashed with Li Zhi in a bid to control the court, eventually meeting his tragic end by hanging himself while in exile after being defeated by Wu Zetian. He was the most prominent of the Lingyan Pavilion heroes, yet suffered the most miserable fate.

Facing such a formidable figure, Mo Dun felt that even with righteous motives and no selfish intent, he could not be too careful, as he had effectively sabotaged the man’s plans for his family’s prosperity for the next century. If possible, Mo Dun wished he would never have to meet Zhangsun Wuji again until the man had forgotten the entire affair. Unfortunately, he could not, for it was Mo Dun who had brought this upon himself by becoming the artist commissioned to paint the portraits of the Lingyan Pavilion heroes; today was the day he was scheduled to paint Zhangsun Wuji.

"Greetings, Lord Zhangsun!" Mo Dun said, steeling himself for the visit.

"Hmm," Zhangsun Wuji replied indifferently, continuing his work without a pause, his eyes fixed on the documents before him.

Mo Dun felt no resentment at the slight. Given their disparity in status—he was merely a minor count and a student at the Imperial Academy, while the other was the Chancellor—had the portrait not been a matter of political significance, Mo Dun doubted he would even have been allowed past the gates of the Zhangsun estate. In fact, Mo Dun fervently hoped that Zhangsun Wuji would simply ignore him.

"Count Mo, you have only half an hour," the butler instructed.

Mo Dun nodded, set up his easel, and began to work. Seeing Zhangsun Wuji for the first time, he could not help but be struck by the man’s presence. Zhangsun Wuji was then in his late thirties, the prime of a man's life. Born into a prestigious family, he possessed both striking looks and an imposing bearing that naturally commanded respect.

Mo Dun worked quickly. In less than half an hour, the portrait was complete. Through his deliberate embellishments, the Zhangsun Wuji on the canvas appeared remarkably handsome and dashing, looking easily ten years younger.

"Duke of Zhao, please take a look. Are you satisfied? If there are any issues, I will gladly make adjustments," Mo Dun said, handing the portrait to him.

Zhangsun Wuji was visibly surprised when he saw his own youthful image on the canvas. Initially, he had paid little mind to this "Mo family son," having only heard rumors of his uncanny artistic skill, but the lifelike quality of the portrait shocked him. However, being a man who had weathered many storms, he regained his composure within three breaths, set the draft aside, and nodded his approval.

Seeing Zhangsun Wuji lift his teacup, Mo Dun took the hint and excused himself.

"Count Mo, this way, please," the butler said, his expression as cold as his master's.

As Mo Dun packed his tools and walked toward the exit, he ran into Zhangsun Chong.

"You, son of the Mo family!" Zhangsun Chong hissed through gritted teeth. If the previous incident at the Jiaosi Pavilion had cost him face, the "Mo Journal" affair had left him with nothing but indignation. Not only had his impending marriage fallen through, but he had also become a laughingstock among the playboys of Chang'an. Seeing his rival, his anger flared. Having lived a pampered life, he had never suffered such humiliation.

Mo Dun sighed inwardly, lamenting how difficult it was to be a "good person" when every action inevitably offended someone.

"Chong!" A stern voice rang out, stopping Zhangsun Chong’s outburst. Mo Dun bowed in gratitude to Zhangsun Wuji and quickly departed.

"Father! Why did you let that brat go?" Zhangsun Chong demanded, glaring at Mo Dun’s retreating figure.

"And what reason would you offer to punish him?" Zhangsun Wuji asked, looking at his son with disappointment.

Zhangsun Chong was rendered speechless. It was true: on the surface, Mo Dun’s publication of the "Mo Journal" had actually done the Zhangsun family a great favor. If he had married Princess Changle, a close relative, and they had produced a child with disabilities, or if the Princess had suffered complications during childbirth, the consequences would have been unbearable. Compared to the survival and legacy of the family, mere face was insignificant. If the Zhangsun family were to attack the Mo family now, they would only be inviting criticism.

Zhangsun Wuji shivered at the thought. Failing to marry the Princess was a small matter, but having a mentally impaired heir would have been a disaster for the Zhangsun family.

"Besides, Princess Changle has already clearly refused. The matter is over," Zhangsun Wuji declared, settling the issue. In truth, he knew much more than his son. He knew that Li Chengqian and Princess Changle had visited the Mo estate in disguise, and that Li Chengqian had been privately collecting case studies on the risks of consanguineous marriage. He even possessed a copy of the very same report on his desk, sent to him by Li Shimin. Though Li Chengqian had ordered his staff to keep it secret, nothing in Chang'an escaped the Emperor's eyes. This meant Li Shimin had tacitly approved of the situation and the way Mo Dun had handled it. To retaliate now would be to alienate both the current Emperor and the future one—a mistake Zhangsun Wuji would never make.

Zhangsun Chong opened his mouth, then shut it, saying sullenly, "Yes."

"Rest assured, I have already arranged another marriage for you. His Majesty has betrothed Princess Gaoyang to you," Zhangsun Wuji comforted him.

"Princess Gaoyang!" An image of a willful and headstrong girl flashed through Zhangsun Chong’s mind. Though she was not born of Empress Zhangsun, she was deeply favored by Li Shimin. Unlike the gentle and graceful Princess Changle, Princess Gaoyang, having lost her mother at a young age and lacking proper discipline, had grown into a spoiled and arrogant woman.

"I...!" Zhangsun Chong was filled with resentment, but silenced by his father’s authority, he dared not protest.

Perhaps it was fate. In history, Zhangsun Wuji would eventually use the Princess Gaoyang treason case to unleash a bloodbath, only to find himself reaping the bitter fruits of his own machinations.