During the grand banquet of the Tang Dynasty, as an American woman writer, what I witnessed was not only the glamour and prosperity of the era but the intense collision of power and wisdom. At Emperor Li Yuan's feast, my interactions with Li Hao and Li Shimin were not the only highlights. The sensitive frictions between distant delegations also underlined the complex chessboard of court diplomacy.
The delegations from the Turks and the Eastern Roman Empire both took pride in their nations' glory and strength, sitting face to face at the banquet table adorned with gold. Initially, polite exchanges between them seemed to embody the banquet's prosperity. However, with the influence of alcohol and the progression of the event, a subtle and tense atmosphere between the two delegations took shape, drawing covert glances from the guests.
During the banquet, a misunderstanding through translation led a member of the Turkish delegation to reveal disrespect towards the Eastern Roman Empire. The reaction from the Eastern Romans was both proud and sharp. This sudden friction, like sparks in the cold wind, instantly ignited the sensitive nerves of both sides. What was once eloquent speech quickly degenerated into sharp and mocking retorts, instantly straining the harmony of the event.
Amidst the heated argument, the topic gradually shifted to the Fire Phoenix, an enigmatic conspiracy involving two long-traveling delegations—the Turks and the Eastern Romans. The conflict over the matter of the Fire Phoenix left the delegations at odds. Initially, the Eastern Roman side claimed to have found the true mastermind behind the Fire Phoenix to be the Turkic state, which was firmly denied by the Turkish party. They argued that it cannot simply be assumed that the Turkic nation was responsible just because the dead were Turkic, insisting that another state must have used Turkic mercenaries to frame the Turks and thereby sow discord between the Turks and the Tang. The representatives of the Turkish delegation were so eloquent that they could turn the tide of the debate even with unfavorable evidence present.
This clash rapidly escalated, and soon the greed and ambition hidden behind politeness and smiles became glaringly evident. Both sides filled their rhetoric with contempt and mockery, each accusing the other's envoys of ignorance and insubordination, exacerbating an already tense atmosphere.
The dispute grew fiercer, drawing the attention of other guests who began to watch the unfolding drama. Words from attendants of both sides grew increasingly hostile, and the atmosphere shifted from civilized exchanges to unbridled confrontation, with weapons in hand, edging towards a physical altercation. What was once a serene and joyful banquet turned into a tense and explosive standoff in an instant.
I saw firsthand the intricacies of relationships among the delegates—each emissary represented a nation's interests and face. Their every action and word were laden with utility and calculation, like actors on a stage, each carefully planning their lines and movements, vying for a spot in this diplomatic battle.
Just when the situation seemed to spiral out of control, the true protagonist of the banquet, Emperor Li Yuan, known for his wisdom and composure, intervened to defuse the conflict. The Son of Heaven, with an unperturbed approach, mitigated the tensions by walking slowly to both delegations amidst the gentle plucking of pipa strings, personally offering words for a toast. He cleverly shifted the conversation towards common external threats and mutual commercial interests on the trade routes, allowing representatives of both parties to save face and ease the strained relations.
Emperor Li Yuan's words were laced with diplomatic sagacity. On the surface, he lauded the civilizations and achievements of both nations, yet subtly hinted at the mediating and leading role played by the Tang Dynasty. His astute handling not only allowed everyone present to step down gracefully but also reflected the depth and magnanimity of the Tang regime itself.
The prominent diplomatic rivalries that emerged during the banquet and Emperor Li Yuan's wise handling of them left an incredibly profound impression on me. This civilized contest of civilizations and the clash of wisdom, as well as how the astute ruler deftly managed these events, provided me with a deep experience into ancient political wisdom, which is a valuable treasure for my understanding of history and human nature.
The issue was ultimately resolved through mediation by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, with both the Turkish and Eastern Roman delegations reaching reconciliation within Chang'an. Misunderstandings and conflicts dissipated like smoke. On their journeys back to their respective nations, they marveled at the Tang Dynasty's prosperity and wisdom. The near-catastrophic affair of the Fire Phoenix was also sealed in the dusty corners of history, reduced to dust.
As the Tang Dynasty's banquet finally drew to a close, filled with stories and reflections, I prepared to bid farewell to this extraordinary adventure under the witness of the moon and the cool breeze. At the banquet, each delegation and Emperor Li Yuan held a farewell ceremony, signaling that the Eastern Roman delegation would soon depart from the Tang Dynasty, returning to the Western Regions. In the fading splendor of the lanterns, the goodbye between Li Hao and me became ever more tender and lingering.
That moment of farewell was not a mere wave of the hand. Li Hao's eyes revealed struggle and reluctance. We faced each other in silence, many words redundant at that moment. He clasped my hands tightly, his parting words carrying not just a goodbye but also a deep blessing and expectation, as if pouring all the unfinished affection into this very moment. After our brief reunion, we both knew, this might be the last goodbye.
The far-sightedness of Emperor Li Yuan was even more apparent after the banquet. While the incident showcased the Tang Dynasty's diplomatic astuteness, in its afterglow, I could still sense his acumen as a political leader in weighing the situation and controlling the bigger picture. His every move reflected a deep consideration for the empire and the future of the nation. At that moment, I held both respect and curiosity for him, imagining how his wisdom and courage had forged the golden chapters of the Tang Dynasty.
The attitude of Crown Prince Li Shimin was particularly subtle. That unexpected interaction with me left me sensing his extensive planning and preparation for the future. Though he spoke little, beneath that composed exterior, I could feel his ambition and scope. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, he would be the one to change history.
Leaving the banquet that evening, my father and I returned to our residence, reflecting on the various enlightenments this experience had brought me. These unforgettable moments—Li Shimin's subtleties, Li Yuan's deep strategies, and the farewell with Li Hao—would all become significant parts of my life's journey.
That unexpected exchange with Crown Prince Li Shimin was like a bridge built between the past and present. In Li Shimin, I saw the contemplation and exploration for the future of the nation; his gaze was deep, revealing the ambition and wisdom of a talented individual of an era. He showed me how great historical figures demonstrate their vision and ambitions against the backdrop of a grand period.
Just as the contrast between individuals and collectives, the play between emotions and responsibilities caused great ripples in my heart. Having experienced this time-travel adventure, I began to contemplate my own path of personal growth.
I saw my own development reflected in Li Hao's warmth and Li Shimin's resolve. From my initial timid writings to now being able to confidently converse with historical figures across time, I learned to find balance in the complex web of human relationships and locate my place between reality and dreams. My journey has been filled with poetry and vastness, as well as introspection and determination.
Every historical period has its uniqueness, and the magnificent surges of the Tang Dynasty have given me a multi-dimensional consideration of human nature. I have discovered that in the development of history, it is the character and choices within the details that truly bring history to life. The emotional depth of the characters, the behind-the-scenes decision-making reflects the intricacy and complexity of the era.
This experience has helped me understand the connection between the past and the present, and how our perception of history influences our understanding of the present and future.
In the end, this journey through time taught me that no matter when or where one is, individual life experiences are the most expressive microcosms of an era. With those dialogues that bridged time, I learned to maintain compassion and understanding and to bravely express and stay true to myself.
In the long night full of stars, Crown Prince Li Shimin gazed up at the night sky, as if the stars could guide him through the darkness. Reflecting on the grand banquet just past, the hall was gleaming with gold and adorned with the smiling faces of the guests. His gaze kept drifting unconsciously towards a certain direction. There was a unique woman who starkly contrasted with the grandeur of the era; her arrival was like a beam of light piercing the night sky, making one forget the hustle and bustle around. This woman, with her long hair flowing and eyes full of deep curiosity and exploration.
Though their exchange was brief, it was significant. Despite being surrounded by nobility, his attention was almost entirely captivated by her. He found her manner of speaking to be unlike any woman he had encountered, her independent thought and clear perspective seemed like the stuff of legend from another world. His interest in her every move was extraordinary, and he felt that even the profound conversations of the evening did not touch him as deeply as his exchange with her, which was like a refreshing breeze on a summer night.
Even after the banquet had ended, he was long unable to find peace. He increasingly felt that this woman was the one he had always been searching for. In the male-dominated era of the Tang Dynasty, her appearance was undoubtedly miraculous. Her talent, courage, and unique charm perfectly matched his vision of a future Empress. To him, she seemed like the perfect other half, capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with him and assisting in the expansion of his empire.
The alternative perspectives and profound insights she possessed were extremely precious to him. In that era of great turmoil, what he needed was not only a companion to share his adversities but also a wise woman to understand his grand strategies and assist in governing and managing national affairs. And she, seemingly a gift from the heavens, aligned perfectly with his dreams.
In the nights following, he would relive every exchange of glances, every brief conversation from that banquet. He even began to question whether fate was playing with them—bringing into his life someone who could potentially change it forever. He began to gather as much information about her as possible, wanting to understand her world, her thoughts, and how she saw him more deeply.
However, as a traveler through time, I was unaware of the waves stirring in Li Shimin's heart. My own heart was also experiencing turbulent collisions, a clash of two different times, and confusion over an unknown destiny. I knew that my arrival had altered the course of history, yet the future remained uncertain.
Upon learning of my identity as a lady of the Wu family, Li Shimin's resolve was further strengthened. He silently vowed to do whatever it took to find a way to make me his principal wife, to start a legendary chapter. He had already begun to devise a plan to keep me at his side—a position that would not only make me feel respected but also reflect my unique identity.
He was well aware that his future was not determined by him alone; he hoped to write the great era of the Tang Dynasty together with me. Amidst the vast sea of people, Li Shimin believed that the encounter between him and me was not by chance but the destiny of two souls seeking each other, a testimony to history, a prophecy of the future.