The sky of the Great Tang, once a serene blue of prosperity, now grew shrouded in a stealthy shadow. Princess Jinyang, the most cherished sister of Emperor Li Yi, had been raised amid the gilded halls and jade tiles of the palace, enjoying boundless luxury and favor. Beautiful and talented, she should have found a happy marriage in this peaceful era, living a stable life as a wife and mother. However, her long immersion in the core of court power gradually filled her heart with the desire for dominance. The supreme throne, once her brother's respected position, now appeared to her as a world she longed to control.
She knew that as a woman, ascending the throne would be extraordinarily difficult. Thus, she turned her gaze to the powerful imperial in-laws at court. These maternal relatives, relying on their blood ties to the royal family, held numerous high positions, their influence deeply entrenched. Though they outwardly swore loyalty to the Emperor, each secretly harbored ambitions, their hunger for power no less than Princess Jinyang's.
Late one night, the princess secretly summoned several influential maternal relatives ministers. By the flickering candlelight, their faces wore grave expressions, betraying unease. "Noble lords, though the Tang appears prosperous, undercurrents swirl. My brother, though Emperor, has grown overly fond of Lin Yue in recent years, heeding her every word and losing his own judgment in state affairs. As members of the royal clan and pillars of the court, how can we stand idly by?" she said softly, her tone brooking no argument.
An elderly maternal relatives stroked his beard, squinting. "Your Highness speaks truth, but what plan do you propose?"
The princess smiled faintly, a cold glint in her eyes. "I intend to emulate Empress Wu Zetian, ascending the throne to rectify the court and revive the Tang's glory. This, however, requires your full support."
The ministers started, but quickly grasped her intent. Exchanging glances, they silently calculated their own interests. Presently, a young maternal relatives stepped forward, bowing. "Your Highness's vision is noble; we pledge our service. But given the stakes, we must deliberate carefully."
After secret negotiations, they finalized a detailed coup plan. They intended to ambush the Emperor during his ancestral sacrifice at the summer palace, seize control of his escort, then march swiftly back to the capital to capture the palace, force the Emperor's abdication, and install Princess Jinyang as ruler.
Their conspiracy, however, did not escape Li Yi and Lin Yue. Li Yi, a capable young sovereign, was highly skilled in martial arts and deeply dedicated to the Tang. Lin Yue, the healer who had returned from maritime trade spreading TCM and learning overseas medicine, was now even more favored by the Emperor for her overseas contributions, granted unprecedented privileges: free access to the Hall of Diligent Government and the Royal Study, and the right to treat royal family members. Though unfamiliar with court intrigue, she was meticulous and observant.
One day, while treating the wife of an maternal relatives, Lin Yue overheard the woman whispering with a servant about strange matters. The lady spoke with nervous excitement, hinting at an impending "great event." Sensing something amiss, Lin Yue—though unversed in politics—intuited that a major crisis loomed.
Back in her chambers, she told Li Yi of the incident. Already vigilant about court dynamics, the Emperor immediately grew alert. He ordered covert investigations into the maternal relatives's activities. After arduous sleuthing, the couple uncovered Princess Jinyang's collusion with the maternal relatives to seize power.
They understood the gravity: if unchecked, civil war would ravage the Tang, plunging commoners into suffering. Li Yi and Lin Yue decided to feign normalcy while quietly preparing a counterstrike. The Emperor had already departed for the summer palace to officiate the sacrifice, accompanied by only a small guard. They feared leaking news would prompt the conspirators to act early.
Though heartsick that his beloved sister plotted against him, Li Yi hid his pain, mobilizing troops near the summer palace to strengthen defenses, awaiting the rebels. Lin Yue, meanwhile, used her medical skills to prepare special medicines for critical moments.
Soon, Princess Jinyang and the maternal relatives led their rebel forces to the summer palace. Believing the Emperor unsuspecting, they launched a rash attack—only to find Li Yi's forces ready. A fierce battle ensued. Though outnumbered, the imperial army was well-trained and held the high ground. Smoke choked the battlefield as cries of combat shook the air.
Lin Yue was not idle. She dashed across the field, using her prepared medicines to treat wounded soldiers while observing the rebels for weaknesses. As the battle intensified, Li Yi led his men in a valiant charge, boosting morale. But the rebels pressed hard, and the imperial forces began to waver.
Then, Lin Yue spotted the rebel command center. Seizing the moment, she led a small team on a daring flanking maneuver, sneaking behind enemy lines to launch a surprise attack. Panic erupted in the rebel ranks. Princess Jinyang and the maternal relatives, caught off guard, could only watch in dismay as their rear collapsed.
Seizing the opportunity, Li Yi ordered a full counterattack. Caught between the imperial army's front and Lin Yue's rear assault, the rebels crumbled and fled. The princess and her allies, realizing defeat, tried to escape but were surrounded by Li Yi's troops.
"Hui'er, as a member of the royal family, how could you commit such treason?" Li Yi demanded, eyes blazing.
Pale-faced, the princess stared at the scene, overcome with regret. "I… I only wanted to make the Tang greater," she murmured.
"Your actions serve only your greed, heedless of the people's safety," Lin Yue said gravely. "Do you not see that a successful coup would have cost countless innocent lives and shattered countless families?"
The princess fell silent, closing her eyes to await judgment.
The coup ended in Li Yi and Lin Yue's victory. They stabilized the Tang, and the Emperor heaped praise and rich rewards on them, treating them as trusted ministers. The court soon returned to peace, but the lesson of the rebellion lingered: the desire for power could drive one to betray morality and kin. Li Yi and Lin Yue, with their loyalty and wisdom, had defended the nation, becoming heroes in the people's hearts. Their story spread across the Tang, inspiring generations to strive for national prosperity and public welfare.