Taizong's life took an abrupt turn when he was fourteen.
Court assemblies were regularly held by the Emperor and attended by top-ranking officials and ministers. During those policy-making conferences they were invited to air their opinions and debate important issues regarding all the workings of the country.
The frequency of these assemblies was decided by the Emperor himself. Unlike his predecessor, Emperor Akishino was a diligent ruler holding meetings every day—except on New Year's Day, Winter Solstice Day and his birthday.
The court meetings started at daybreak in spring and summer, and at seven in the morning in autumn and winter.
On this fatidic day, the callous winter was stifling the palace with its icy breath. A servant added more hot coal into the copper censer* decorated with flower patterns, put the cover on top, and placed it by the Empress's feet.
"Finally, your Father has invited you to the court council. You should be proud," she said with a bright smile. "He has noticed how successful you are in your studies and deems you ready to learn how to govern."
Yes, Taizong was happy! He had spent less time at hunting games and sword training to study more. He had just finished reading the tedious first volume of Peitāng about the intricacies of diplomacy and politics, and the copious Book of Rites which described all the social forms and ceremonial rites of the dynasty. There was still a multitude of knowledge to learn, and the court meeting would be a valuable practical experience.
"You are a potential emperor in waiting so you need to look worthy to step in your father's shoes," his mother said proudly.
His first council meeting: Never had he felt more elevated! Mother is right, Father wouldn't have invited me if he didn't consider me worthy to step into his shoes.
But most of all, he was acutely aware that the ministers would be studying if he was a worthy Seed of the Dragon, but still, his father Emperor had personnaly invited him. And with this last thought his vanity increased tenfold.
He chose his clothing with extra care: Was he exuding the aura of an emperor? Did he look special? Imposing?
"My dear son, you must behave like an emperor. When someone speaks, you turn your head around—slowly. With dignity. Like this." She gave a demonstration and swivelled her head smoothly around like a majestic owl, eyelashes held high. "And you never look down. Also, you must speak in a low but authoritative voice."
The maids had just finished dressing the prince. He wore the brilliant yellow Dragon Robe with wide flowing sleeves. The clothing was sumptuously embroidered with dragon and phoenix motifs using golden and silver threads. And his hair was decorated with a gold headwear.
The Empress examined closely the neckline of his robes and the folds in the sleeves. Next, she shot a glare at the maid who happened to be the nearest to her son. "Straighten the collars and the folds of the sleeves! All eyes will be upon him! How dare you bring shame upon His Highness!"
And everyone fell to their knees on the cold floor, begging the Empress's forgiveness.
"Mother..." Taizong whispered, clenching his teeth. She had yet another outburst of temper which upsetted him. He glanced at his maidservants and sighed deeply. Afterwards those maids would surely say bad things about him behind his back, and it distressed him that he wouldn't be able to shut them up.
"A man is judged on his appearance. Never forget this!" As he looked at his refection into the silver polished mirror, his mother slid her arm around his. "Truly, Heavens has granted me with the most handsome man for a son." She faced her son and reached out a hand, caressing his cheek and the corner of his lips with the tips of her long fingers.
"Heavens has indeed blessed me with such a regal and handsome son."
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.
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The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, the fourteen years old Taizong occupied the place beside him. As he tensed in nervousness, Emperor Akishino uttered: "Do not be too anxious. You are only here to listen and learn." While his father didn't spare him a glance, his voice sounded gentle.
And as soon as his muscles felt lightened, a palace attendant brought a second stool and set it down by his seat, causing him to tense up again.
The doors swung open on their oiled gold hinges, and a little boy entered the room, straight and with an air of confidence despite the timidity of his small steps.
Shufeng sat by his brother. Taizong stared right into his face and gave him a tepid smile.
He felt offended by the ten years old prince—why had he not been invited to attend the court council when he himself was the same age? Does Father think he is more capable than I am? More worthy to sit alongside him? The hands resting on his knees clenched into fists while still keeping his facial expression calm and neutral.
As soon as the three of them were seated the officials kowtowed and expressed how honoured they were to attend the meeting with the First Highness and the Second Highness.
Many topics were discussed, such as budget, building canals and new roads, rationing grain in the poor harvest; and plans were made for evolution in defences, farming, education and taxes.
Taizong realised that the ruler must know and have wisdom in a countless array of subjects. He understood why his Father was always in deep thoughts and unceasingly busy reading documents.
The Emperor was the Mandate of Heavens. The princes were taught that this role carried the colossal responsibility to take decisions for the good of the people.
Their Father repeatedly cited the words of the great scholar Hsun Tzu: "The Ruler is the boat, the common people are the water. The water can support the boat or the water can capsize the boat." Indeed the welfare of the nation depended on the moral cultivation of the nation's leadership. "Therefore, at all times," he told the princes, "the Ruler must be guided by the principle of benevolence. The Emperor is both the mother and father of the people."
The Emperor was considered the head of the Royal Family, of the nobility, of the state, of the judiciary and religious hierarchy.
He was the prime executive, the highest legislative authority, and the supreme commander of the military.
He could introduce new law codes and overrule any existing law, give favours, grant titles and privileges, but also mete out punishments and award pardons.
Such a heavy burden! Thought the princes.
The ministers and seniors officials spoke at length, and the meeting seemed to last a whole day… Shufeng yawned.
A loud yawn.
All eyes turned on the Second Highness. The ministers paused, the Emperor frowned and Taizong sighed.
Shufeng lowered his head and stared at his boots peeking from underneath his robes.
There was only the sound of a cough resonating in the hall, and right on cue the Minister of Justice, previously interrupted by the prince's rudeness, quickly resumed his address to the Emperor as though nothing happened.
"... and concerning this matter, a great number of reports have come from all over the country. This issue cannot be ignored."
The Emperor turned to his sons and quizzed them, "Do you know what is the magistrate role?"
Taizong was the first to answer: "A magistrate is the local authority who is responsible for civil and criminal justice."
The officials praised the First Highness with hushed tones of approval mixed by rounds of nods. Following this, the Minister of Justice pursued, "Your Majesty, a reform is needed if we want to tackle this growing issue of wrongful convictions and abuse of power. The way the magistrates operate and apply the law needs closer inspection, therefore I suggest that we dispatch observers in each province."
"Father," suddenly said Shufeng, "the magistrates—"
Taizong purposely cut in and criticised his court etiquette, "In formal events you should address Father as—Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty--" However, upon seeing his older brother shaking his head and rolling his eyes, Shufeng bit his lip.
"Unless prompted by His Majesty, one cannot speak on a whim." Taizong whispered his next words so that only his brother's ears could catch his voice, "Your rudeness is bothersome and an embarrassment."
The young prince didn't feel offended and nodded secretly with appreciation at his older brother's advices.
Afterwards, Shufeng slowly leaned forward and craned his neck to the side to watch his Father, a hint of worry sat on his brow.
With a wave of his hand, the Emperor beckoned to his son to speak.
In a cautious tone, Shufeng asked: "Your Majesty, the magistrate is someone who is an investigator, a prosecutor, a judge and an executionner all at once; is that so?"
"Yes, you are right."
His fine eyes lit up with a thoughtful, kindly, and surprising brightness, saying innocently: "How then could a magistrate be impartial in his decision-making and truly render justice?"
The ministers and officials looked at the young boy with amazement. They certainly didn't expect such mental sharpness!
The Emperor's brows relaxed when he realised everyone's attention was drawn to the Second prince, watching him intently. Curious to know the workings of his son's mind, he proudly encouraged him to continue to speak.
"Should not those three roles be independently given to avoid abuse of power?" Shufeng suggested timidly.
Furthermore, the young prince was indisputably highly gifted for his understanding of the law, thought the ministers.
Soon, ignited by his Father's proud gaze, he was brimming with self-assurance. "The Emperor is the father and mother of the nation, and he appoint magistrates to execute his law, for this reason the magistrates are popularly called 'mother-father officials' but they insult the Emperor when they do not reflect the Emperor's benevolent justice. It saddened me that Father's name is tarnished and his ability to rule undermined by those who behave wrongly in his name. For that reason, should not the magistrates be chosen more meticulously?"
The court officials were taken-aback for he was an exceptionally eloquent speaker.
The Emperor replied: "The majority of magistrates implement the law fairly and with benevolence of heart. Our moral principles are given to us since the day we are born, raise us and are seared into our heart. Sadly, those who do not have moral principles to uphold the law will mistreat it. Thus, Prince Shufeng, how do you suggest we read people's heart before appointing them as magistrates?"
He was trying to think of something to say, however nothing came to his mind.
"As a father to his son," immediately added the Emperor, "I am touched by your heartfelt concern regarding my reputation. But do not fret, every evil act done will eventually return to the doer with equal impact."
No sooner had the Emperor spoken, than Shufeng's vivacious mind, still pondering over his father's question, surged with a sudden insight into the reality of this world. "But what if the law also lack moral principals? Who is then responsible for mistreating the people?"
At this, everyone in the hall suddenly became indignant—a gasp on their lips. Horrified, they look at the Emperor then at the Second highness then back at the Emperor. They couldn't believe their ears! How dauntless!
How could His Second Highness speak against the Emperor! How dare he criticise the Maker of the Law!