Emperor Taizong, Volume 5, All Rivers Flow to the Sea

Author: Zhao Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: In the eighty-first chapter, Emperor Li Shimin makes his third visit to Wei Zheng, the loyal minister, who bids farewell to the bright ruler. In the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era, the Spring Festival arrived with nonstop snowfall. The snow covered the entire Chang'an City in white, with the distant Zhongnan Mountain appearing as a white ribbon. The Wei River to the north was frozen over and then blanketed with snow, transforming the earth into a silver-white world. The snow fell relentlessly, the sky filled with dense snowflakes, without end. "A good snow promises a bountiful year," people thought. They stayed indoors by the fire, gazing at the falling snow outside, feeling the peaceful atmosphere of the festival, and hoping that the coming year would also be a beautiful and prosperous one. Perhaps because the snowflakes were pure and sparkling, and no matter how much it snowed, it would not harm the crops, people had a genuine fondness for snow. At this time, everyone loved to go out and trample the snow to welcome spring.
On the fifth day of the first lunar month, after the morning court, Emperor Li Shimin invited his close ministers and imperial princes to a breakfast. Looking out the window at the falling snow, he said, "This snow has already accumulated more than a foot on the ground. Hmm, after breakfast, let's not hide in the palace to discuss matters. Instead, how about we all go to the Western Inner Garden to admire the snow together?" The naturally responded with cheers.
The Western Inner Garden was completely a silver-white world. The branches were almost entirely covered in snow, appearing twice as thick. The lake was invisible, with only a few withered lotus leaves sticking out of the surface, like clusters of white mushrooms. The alleys were buried under snow, and a dozen eunuchs, holding large brooms, were sweeping the snow from the alleys. Seeing them working from a distance, Emperor Li Shimin quickly called for Chang He to stop them and said, "I came here to admire the snow, not just to watch the scenery. Treading on this undisturbed alley is also a form of enjoyment. If they clear the snow away, it will return to its former state, reducing my enthusiasm for admiring the snow." Chang He quickly rushed over to stop them.
Emperor Li Shimin stepped onto the snow, but the thick snow made it difficult to lift his feet. Snowflakes fell into his boots, melting due to the warmth of his feet, making his feet feel cold. After taking a few steps, he turned to the and said, "In ancient times, people were one with the earth. Even in the depths of winter, they would go out to hunt. Now, with warm homes and grand buildings, people are reluctant to go outside. It seems that laziness is the cause."
Ma Zhou chimed in, "Your Majesty is right. I remember Your Majesty once said, 'Those who start well prosper, but those who finish well are few.' Human laziness is also evident in self-cultivation, family harmony, and governing the world."
Emperor Li Shimin sighed, "Enough of that. Why do you always bring up governance whenever I am pleased, as if you are trying to advise me? Hmm? Where is Wei Zheng?"
Chu Suiliang whispered, "Your Majesty, you forgot that Wei Zheng has already taken leave due to illness."
Emperor Li Shimin nodded and said to Fang Xianling, "That's right. Wei Zheng has not been in good health since last winter. Xianling, over the years, Wei Zheng has rarely taken leave for personal reasons. He has attended court on time for over ten years. He is now taking leave due to illness. If his condition were not serious, he would not do so."
"Hmm, I will visit Wei Zheng's residence tomorrow. Chengqian, you accompany me."
Li Chengqian replied with a nod from behind. Due to his, he lagged behind, and a eunuch was assisting him on his left. The followed Emperor Li Shimin forward and finally gathered in the garden.