Chapter 20: Immortality Beyond Reach

The greatest fear in all things in this world is to devote oneself wholeheartedly. I wandered aimlessly for four years, paying little heed to the world around me. But one day, as I watched the river, I entered an indescribably wondrous state. I stepped forward, my foot plunging into the water, yet I was utterly unconcerned. I saw the origin of heaven and earth—a primordial explosion that shattered the void and opened the world. I witnessed the Yellow Emperor battling Chiyou, which was nothing more than a conflict between thousands of men. I saw too many things to name; this was the river of time, without beginning or end. As I beheld the coming years, a beast swimming in the river of chaos cried out, "Rest, rest, the path cannot be changed," and then kicked me out.

"What is chaos?" Li Shimin’s breathing grew heavier, his eyes reddened, and he pressed with a hoarse voice. He knew of the Classic of Mountains and Seas, but who had truly seen chaos?

"Chaos is born in the river of time, undying and eternal. All the affairs of humanity are but repetitive dramas to them. Whenever they wish, they can observe any era, any moment."

"Does true immortality exist?" Li Shimin suddenly stood up, staring intently at Cai Cong, his face full of hope. At this moment, the person behind the screen stepped out, eyes brimming with murderous intent.

"I too wish to hear of the path to immortality. Speak, let me hear it," Empress Zhangsun said coldly, her aura formidable and the murderous intent in her heart surging. Well-read as she was, how could she not understand the dangers of eternal life?

At this moment, Cai Cong rediscovered his former confidence as a great deceiver. With a wave of his hand, he paced slowly, speaking with deliberate confidence: "There is no such thing as undying or eternal life in this world; all things are limited. Chaos is devoid of knowledge or feeling. Should it develop human desire and leave the river, it instantly becomes a stone, lifeless and dead. As for humans? Ha..."

Cai Cong laughed disdainfully. "They say the Yellow Emperor commanded three thousand celestial maidens, that the yellow dragon descended from the heavens, and finally he ascended to the sky. But I saw him encounter a giant yellow serpent and be devoured. The pursuit of immortality is a common flaw among emperors, yet I must say it is a grave mistake. Do you not see? There are only emperors who starve to death, never emperors who attain immortality. Did not the Jin Emperor perish in his quest for immortality? The most urgent matter now is the Turks, not concerns that one may never encounter in a lifetime."

Li Shimin’s expression changed dramatically. Wasn’t this a direct insult? Yet, being the emperor of the ages, his self-control was unmatched; he forcibly suppressed his curiosity and spoke in a somber tone:

"You’re right. The Turkish matter is most pressing now. But as the ruler of a nation, do I not have the right to know these things?"

Li Shimin could not help himself. Immortality! A monarch who holds the world fears only death in the end.

"If Your Majesty wishes to know, there is no reason to refuse. In the Eight Gui of Lingnan County, there is a forest of immortals, with grotesque stones and myriad creatures—demons, immortals, monsters, all manner of things. It is the gateway for chaos to enter the mortal realm. If chaos develops human desire, after millions of years it can slowly squeeze its body out of the river of time, but alas, once it leaves, it dies. What is the point?"

Cai Cong spoke with a tone of worldly experience. Li Shimin and his wife sighed deeply upon hearing this. To develop mortal desire is to endure life and death; this is the rule of heaven—who can change it?

"Is there truly no exception?"

Li Shimin feared Cai Cong would rebuke him again for neglecting his duties, so he exchanged glances with Zhangsun to have her ask, but she would not oblige him in this matter. Pretending not to notice, Li Shimin had no choice but to ask himself.

"If there were a path to immortality, Your Majesty, do you think I would linger in the world? I would long since have taken my mother to seek eternal life."

"Enough, enough. The path to immortality cannot be found. I will no longer entertain such thoughts. You may go," Li Shimin said in defeat, for even he could not deny that earthly riches pale beside the lure of immortality.

"Did Your Majesty forget the reason you summoned me? How can you let a moment's disappointment cause you to forget the tens of thousands of people?" Cai Cong rebuked him bluntly. If he was to play the role of a sage, he would not be at the emperor’s beck and call; he too had a temper.

"My fault—I let my mind be clouded by the desire for immortality. What strategy do you have, Cai Qing?" Li Shimin earnestly apologized, inviting Cai Cong to sit and speak.

"May the Empress kindly dismiss all from the study, inside and out. Matters of life and death cannot be neglected."

Zhangsun was not annoyed at being directed by Cai Cong. She smiled warmly and left the study. The imperial harem did not meddle in politics—had the matter not been so grave, she would not have stepped out from behind the screen. She exited the study, ordered no one to approach within one hundred feet, and stood outside herself to keep watch. Tens of thousands of people—this required utmost care. Within the imperial study, only murmured conversation was heard. Occasionally, she caught her husband exclaiming, "Too risky!" and Cai Cong urging him on.

Long after, Cai Cong finally opened the door and stepped out. Seeing Zhangsun still waiting at the threshold, a trace of respect flashed in his eyes, and he bowed.

"No need for ceremony! Someone, prepare a carriage to escort Lord Cai home."

Zhangsun smiled. Anyone who could quarrel with her husband and ultimately persuade him deserved her respect.

"Thank you, Empress. When this matter is settled, I hope to see you again. Please do not refuse," Cai Cong said cheerfully, waving his ample sleeves and departing with style.

Zhangsun returned to the study to find her husband frowning. She stepped forward to massage his temples. Li Shimin grabbed her hand, troubled.

"Wu Hou, that Cai family son’s plan is too risky. For me to act so boldly this time…"

"This is a weighty matter, Your Majesty. Since you have decided, do not tell me. Whatever you choose, I will support you."

Zhangsun spoke gently. This was why she always remained close to the emperor’s heart. Unless Li Shimin insisted, she would never ask.

"Look at you—husband and wife are one. Is there anything you cannot know?"

Li Shimin smiled.

"You are to be a wise ruler, so I must be a good helpmate. The harem does not meddle in politics. This is ancient wisdom, and I must not violate it," Zhangsun replied playfully. She was the empress of all, but in front of Li Shimin, she was simply his beloved.

"Ah, you! Shall I visit you tonight?" Li Shimin caressed Zhangsun’s hand, becoming increasingly mischievous...

As the flowers bloomed, two stories unfolded. The Turkish envoy was expelled, and over in the Turks’ camp, chaos erupted. Li Shimin’s letter seeking peace lay on Jieli's desk. The Turks were nomads; they had no concept of land, only of plunder—grain, wealth, women, and slaves.

The Tang's request for peace meant paying a price, just as they hoped. Some tribes agreed to negotiate, but Jieli felt his pride wounded and could not back down, so he stubbornly insisted on war.

"If the Tang has already yielded, why fight? Our warriors have made them fear us. They will tribute gold, jewels, and grain. If we fight, many brave warriors will die needlessly," Tuli said loudly, slapping the table. Other tribal leaders chimed in.

Jieli’s expression was calm, but inside he pondered carefully. These men had united, but who was leading them? He glanced around, seeing Tuli and Meng Naiteler as the most active, their words sparking others’ agreement. This made him wary. Tuli was a definite threat, while Meng Naiteler, young, ambitious, and commanding many followers, was also a great danger.

"A mere humble letter seeking peace, and you so easily believe the Tang truly wish for peace? Do you not see it is a trick? The Tang are cunning. We must fight until they cannot resist."

"Fight? If you wish to fight, go ahead! Winter is coming, the steppe will soon be bitterly cold. My people await the warriors to bring back grain. Do you know how long a war will last? The Tang have city walls; we may fight until spring, by then our people will die of hunger or cold. I will not agree to this," Meng Naiteler said steadily. His words struck home for everyone, even Jieli could not deny it—their logistics and rear could not support a prolonged war.

All fell silent. Without the peace letter, they would fight, they would plunder. But now, with Li Tang offering tribute, they wavered. It takes sixteen years to raise a warrior, but only an arrow from afar to destroy one.

That night, under a clear sky, a squad of Turkic cavalry galloped near the city walls and shot a letter onto the gate before riding away. Victors do not stoop to converse with the weak.

The commander atop the wall took the envelope from a soldier, glanced at it, and trembled with rage, his face dark and ugly. Yet he dared not delay, and rode swiftly toward the palace.