The Later Life of Li Shimin

On the Wuwu day of the twelfth lunar month in the eighteenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui dynasty, January 23, 599, Dou gave birth. Inside the delivery room, maids and servants bustled about while the midwives each tended to their duties. Outside, Li Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, brow furrowed and face tense with worry. He paced back and forth, murmuring, “My wife has always been frail. May the Bodhisattva bless her and keep both mother and child safe.” His attendants stood silently with their heads bowed. Before long, a clear cry rang out from the delivery room. Li Yuan was overjoyed and hurried forward. A midwife emerged carrying a baby, beaming as she congratulated him. “Congratulations, Duke of Tang. Your wife has given birth to a son, and both mother and child are safe.” Li Yuan took the baby and saw his rosy skin, tightly closed eyes, and tiny clenched fists. The child looked so adorable that Li Yuan was delighted. Laughing heartily, he said, “He is a cherished son heaven has bestowed upon our family!” He named him Li Shimin, meaning “to aid the world and bring peace to the people.”