Chapter 101: The Sudden Rise of the Strange Peak (Part 1)

April 28th, in the first year of the Qianfeng era. It was once again time for the morning court session. The court officials arrived early at the small square outside the Imperial City, gathering in circles of varying sizes to whisper and debate. The topic remained centered on the river works project. Everyone had their own opinions and wisdom, and the discussion was far more spirited than the formal proceedings held within the hall. All of this signaled that the day’s deliberations might well be a watershed moment for the political landscape, though who would ultimately benefit remained unclear. Naturally, not all officials were eager to express their views; the newly appointed Investigating Censor, Luo Binwang, clearly had no such intention. Far from joining the throngs of officials, he deliberately hid in an unnoticed corner.

Luo Binwang had been an official for some years, but this was his first time attending a morning court session. Despite this, he was not without acquaintances among the crowd; in fact, many of the ministers present were his poetry associates, with whom he often gathered to critique works and discuss philosophy. Under normal circumstances, he would have been on good terms with them, but today, he desperately wanted to avoid the crowds, as his mind was burdened with too many complications.

Not long ago, Luo Binwang had been impeached over a trivial matter. He had assumed his dismissal was inevitable, but thanks to the intervention of Prince Zhou, Li Xian, he had managed to retain his post. Though Luo said nothing, he felt indebted to Li Xian and had agreed to write a manifesto on recruiting talent from across the realm. He had intended to submit it when Li Xian visited, considering the favor repaid. However, he had never expected that instead of Li Xian, his old friend Liu Xiangdao would arrive with his official appointment as Investigating Censor. Liu’s demeanor lacked its usual warmth, replaced by evasive probing that left Luo bewildered. He could not fathom why he had been promoted, why Liu had personally delivered the appointment with such mystery, or what the hidden meanings behind Liu’s veiled remarks were. It was only when a messenger from Li Xian arrived to inform him of the morning court that everything clicked: he had inadvertently become part of the Prince Zhou faction. This realization left him utterly distraught, and he spent the entire night sleepless, unable to decide whether to follow Li Xian’s instructions to submit a memorial. With his mind in such turmoil, he had no heart for the noisy debates of the other courtiers.

"Look, Prince Lu has arrived."

"Oh? Prince Zhou is here too. Strange, I heard the two brothers just had a massive falling out. Why have they arrived together?"

"Sigh, who can understand the affairs of princes? Never mind, the session is about to begin. I fear there will be quite a show today."

As Luo Binwang’s thoughts raced, Prince Lu, Li Xian, and Prince Zhou, Li Xian, arrived together. The moment they stepped off their carriages, they were laughing and chatting, their apparent intimacy leaving the officials stunned. A wave of murmurs broke out, startling Luo Binwang back to reality. He cast a glance at the two princes, who were now surrounded by senior ministers, his expression shifting several times before he let out a long, heavy sigh. It seemed he had reached a decision.

"Enter the court, enter the court..."

The brothers had clearly timed their arrival perfectly. Before the officials could finish their pleasantries, the eunuchs’ calls echoed from the palace gates. Not daring to delay, the officials fell into their respective ranks according to their ranks and filed through Chengtian Gate, heading straight for the Taiji Hall.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

Perhaps because of the importance of the day’s session, Emperor Gaozong did not make the officials wait as he usually did. Just as they took their places, he emerged from the rear hall, followed by the Crown Prince, Li Hong.

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon seeing the Emperor and his son, the ministers prostrated themselves in succession.

"Rise, my ministers!"

Gaozong’s complexion was significantly better than it had been at the previous session, and his voice was more resonant. He gestured with a strength he had not displayed in some time.

"We thank Your Majesty for your grace! Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!"

In these sensitive times, nearly every official noticed the Emperor’s vigor. While surprised, no one dared to act out of turn. They offered their thanks, assumed their positions according to rank, and waited in silence for the Emperor’s decree.

"Ministers, the discussion regarding the river works from the previous session remained unfinished. Do you have any further insights to offer today? Speak your minds." Gaozong surveyed the crowd, skipping pleasantries to get straight to the point.

"Reporting to Your Imperial Father, I have a memorial here. I humbly request that you review it."

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, Crown Prince Li Hong stood from his seat before the front steps. He turned, pulled a document from his voluminous sleeve, held it high with both hands, and bowed as he spoke in a loud voice.

"Very well, bring it forward." Gaozong looked at Li Hong with approval and waved his hand. A young eunuch scurried down the steps, took the memorial, and presented it to the Emperor. Gaozong opened it unhurriedly, read it with apparent seriousness, stroked his long beard, and waved his hand. "Proclaim it!"

The word "proclaim" caused a stir among the officials. Everyone was aware that there was something peculiar between the Emperor and the Crown Prince; it was possible this memorial reflected the Emperor’s own will. Given the stakes, everyone was desperate to know what was written in it.

"I, Li Hong, report to the Holy Emperor: The river works concern the grain transport and the prosperity of the state... The matter is complex and requires unified authority. A River Works Governor’s Yamen is essential. The current Grand Architect, Yang Wulian, possesses ingenuity and expertise in mechanics, and has long been a senior official in the Ministry of Works. He is capable of this great responsibility and will surely resolve the chronic ills of our river transport. This is my report!" The ceremonial eunuch Gao Hesheng ignored the whispers and read the memorial in a measured, rhythmic tone.

Yang Wulian? Why would the Crown Prince recommend him of all people? Wasn't this just asking for trouble? Li Xian, ever cautious regarding the river project, had been listening intently. The first half of the memorial had followed the suggestions he gave days ago, but the choice of Governor left him scratching his head. In this life, he hadn't had much contact with Yang Wulian, but in his previous life, he knew him well: the man was capable but notoriously greedy. He had eventually been dismissed and exiled for embezzling tens of millions of coins. Appointing such a man to such a critical post would likely start well but end in disaster. It was a poor choice, yet Li Xian hesitated—should he speak out against it?

"Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince’s proposal is sound and should be implemented immediately. I beg for your sagacious decision."

While Li Xian hesitated, Yan Liben stepped forward first, singing the praises of the proposal.

"Your Majesty, I also believe the Crown Prince’s memorial reflects a mature strategy for the nation. It should be enacted swiftly. I hope for your wise judgment!" Liu Xiangdao, not to be outdone, stepped forward to echo the sentiment.

"Your Majesty, I agree with the Crown Prince..."

"Your Majesty, I second the motion..."

"Your Majesty, I also agree!"

Li Hong had followed Li Xian’s advice to keep the memorial secret, and among his inner circle, only Yan Liben and Liu Xiangdao were in the know. However, this did not stop his supporters from backing him, especially since the memorial effectively scrapped the wine and carriage permits previously proposed by Li Xian. Even many neutral officials stepped forward to show their loyalty. The hall became chaotic as voices in support rang out one after another.

"Imperial Father, I believe the Crown Prince’s proposal has its merits and should be tested. I await your wise decision."

Amidst the noise, Li Xian cast a probing look at Li Xian. Seeing his brother nod slightly, he did not hesitate, walking into the center of the hall to speak.

Li Xian had always been at odds with the Crown Prince, so the officials were ready for a show. After all, the river works had been Li Xian’s initial proposal; the Crown Prince was effectively stealing the credit. It would have been understandable for Li Xian to protest. Yet, to everyone’s shock, he did not fight the Crown Prince but instead voiced his support. Though he maintained a tone of reservation, his intent was clear. The hall fell into an eerie silence before erupting into a roar of whispers, as loud as a marketplace.

*Fine, let it be,* Li Xian thought. *If Yang Wulian causes trouble, it will be the Crown Prince’s misfortune. As for the river works, we shall see when the time comes.* Having mentally weighed the pros and cons and finding no safer alternative to replace Yang Wulian, he stepped out of the ranks and walked slowly into the hall. As he did, the murmuring officials fell silent, every eye in the room suddenly fixed upon him.