Chapter 105: Running Out for a Dozen Soy Sauces

A pounding headache—an unbearable one. Even with Li Xian’s remarkable intelligence and cunning, he found this intricate and tangled situation overwhelmingly difficult. No matter how he calculated, it seemed impossible to devise a perfect plan that could simultaneously prevent Empress Wu’s direct rule and secure the position of Minister of Personnel for their faction. The more he thought, the more vexed he became.

The only viable way to stop Empress Wu’s ascension was to unite with the Crown Prince's faction; only then could they hope to have a chance. But if they did so, the position of Minister of Personnel would clearly slip beyond their grasp. Moreover, having recently outmaneuvered the Crown Prince, and with the matter still fresh, even if Li Xian wished to appease him, the Crown Prince might not trust him. Besides, given Li Xian’s fervent attitude, it was unlikely he would willingly relinquish the fight for Minister of Personnel.

What if they played into Empress Wu’s eagerness to rule directly, cleverly maneuvering to seize the Minister of Personnel position? That was not entirely impossible. Yet, releasing that tigress would unleash consequences beyond imagination. Even if they managed to grasp the Minister of Personnel post temporarily, it would be perilous to hold onto it. Once Empress Wu firmly established herself in court, she would never allow such a vital position to remain in the hands of the princes. What chance would there be to retain it then?

None—absolutely none! Thinking of Empress Wu’s ruthless tactics, Li Xian rapidly concluded that even if they obtained the Minister of Personnel role, keeping it was impossible. The only course now was to choose the lesser of two evils. The urgent task was not to scheme for that position but to find a way to forcibly block Empress Wu’s direct rule. However, this was easier said than done. Setting aside any unexpected moves from Empress Wu, persuading the confident Li Xian himself was a challenge, not to mention the headache of negotiating with the Crown Prince. Without doubt, Empress Wu had timed her move with exquisite precision, squeezing Li Xian’s maneuvering room to the limit. Though not helpless, he felt it was difficult to seize the initiative.

“Who’s making such a racket outside?”

Just as Li Xian was lost in thought, a sudden clamor outside the study interrupted him, and Li Xian’s brother, Li Xian, lowered his face in anger, scolding sharply.

“Your Highness, it is Reader Wang clamoring to see you,” Zhang Che, waiting outside, hurried in to report respectfully upon hearing Li Xian’s anger.

“Oh? So it’s Zi’an. Let him come in,” Li Xian’s brother’s dark face immediately softened upon hearing the name, glancing thoughtfully at Li Xian. After a moment’s hesitation, he agreed to the visitor.

Wang Zi’an? What on earth is he doing here? Upon hearing it was Wang Bo, Li Xian instantly felt a surge of discomfort. The reason was simple: Li Xian harbored little fondness for this talented yet reckless fellow. In their past life, Li Xian had an unpleasant encounter with him.

Back then, cockfighting was all the rage in the capital. Neither Li Xian nor his brother had yet ascended the court and, out of idle rivalry, they had joined the trend. Wang Bo, watching from the sidelines, composed a scathing poem titled “A Manifesto Against King Zhou’s Chicken” and spread it far and wide. This caused the brothers to be severely reprimanded by Emperor Gaozong, souring relations. Wang Bo himself fell out of favor, dismissed from office, and expelled from the capital. This episode, though trivial, stuck because Wang Bo’s poem became famous, immortalized through the ages. Thus, Li Xian became synonymous with incompetence, forever disgraced.

Of course, that “Manifesto” belonged to their past life. In this new era, with the upheavals in the court, neither Li Xian nor his brother had time for such childish games, and the poem would never come to be. Still, Li Xian was not petty enough to hold a grudge over past lives. The problem was that this was a delicate moment in political affairs. The brothers were deep in serious discussion, troubled by the situation, and Wang Bo’s untimely arrival, causing a noisy disturbance, was simply intolerable. How could Li Xian harbor any goodwill toward such an inconsiderate fellow?

“Your servant Wang Bo pays respects to Prince Lu and Prince Zhou,” Wang Bo declared upon entering.

Since Li Xian’s brother had given the order, Zhang Che dared not delay. He quickly left, and behind a folding screen, a handsome youth with a rosy complexion, gleaming teeth, and delicate, refined features emerged—none other than Wang Bo himself. He strode forward a few steps, then halted with a hint of reserve, bowing politely to the two princes. His gesture was proper, yet carried an unmistakable air of arrogance.

“Zi’an, no need for formalities. Come, sit. This is the first time I’ve met my seventh younger brother, Zi’an. What do you think? Do you approve?” Li Xian’s brother clearly valued Wang Bo highly and, unfazed by his abrupt arrival, greeted him warmly.

“Your Highness, I have long heard that Prince Zhou’s eloquence is unrivaled throughout the land. Now that I see it, I truly wish to learn from you,” Wang Bo said with a touch of pride and provocation, addressing Li Xian.

My goodness, this fellow really thinks too highly of himself! Has all his scholarship gone to his head? Not even a trace of humility—what a reckless scholar, wasting all that poetic talent! Li Xian’s displeasure deepened, but his deep reserves of tact prevented him from showing it. Instead, he smiled and returned the bow: “Little Prince, I have long admired Brother Zi’an’s talent. Today’s encounter confirms your distinguished appearance—a truly handsome youth.”

“Your Highness flatters me,” Wang Bo replied. Known as a prodigy since childhood, he was exceptionally clever. Hearing Li Xian’s words, he immediately sensed the subtle sarcasm beneath the praise—an implied jab at his superficiality. Though unable to react openly due to Li Xian’s pleasant demeanor, his expression soured, and he responded coldly before ignoring Li Xian and sitting behind an empty desk.

“Zi’an, coming here in such haste—do you have an important matter to discuss?” Li Xian’s brother, equally sharp-minded, caught the undertone in Li Xian’s words. Seeing the tension between the two, he quickly intervened to prevent a conflict.

“Your Highness, I just learned of Minister Liu’s impeachment. I am shocked and deeply troubled. I could not remain silent!” Wang Bo said with righteous indignation. As their lord, Li Xian’s brother’s prompting freed Wang Bo from restraint, and he spoke fervently in defense of Liu Xiangdao.

“Oh? Zi’an, please share your views on this matter,” Li Xian’s brother encouraged, genuinely interested in Wang Bo’s opinion.

“Your Highness, I was honored to have the favor of Minister Liu and have exchanged poetry with him. I know him as a man of integrity and a great supporter of younger talents—a true virtuous minister of our Tang dynasty. To see him now falsely accused is a grave injustice. I implore Your Highness to extend your aid and not allow petty foes to run rampant, lest the court lose this worthy official!” Wang Bo’s impassioned speech aroused deep frowns on the brothers’ faces.

What a reckless youth! Such serious matters are hardly for someone of your standing to meddle in. If you want to intervene, at least propose a solid plan—empty shouting achieves nothing! Li Xian had never expected anything valuable from Wang Bo’s mouth, but this outburst was particularly nauseating. Were it not for Li Xian’s brother’s presence, he might have thrown the fellow out.

“Zi’an, I understand your concern. However, this issue is complex. Allow me to deliberate before taking further action, is that agreeable?” Li Xian’s brother replied, somewhat amused yet unwilling to be harsh.

“Thank you, Your Highness. Time is of the essence. I will at once rally fellow poets for support. We cannot allow Minister Liu to suffer unjustly. I take my leave,” Wang Bo said, still young and clever but missing the subtlety in Li Xian’s brother’s words. Believing aid was forthcoming, he left hurriedly after a perfunctory farewell.

Li Xian’s brother sighed, watching Wang Bo leave on his own accord. He was at a loss for words—he had intended to stop him but swallowed it back, swallowing hard and offering an awkward smile to a thoughtful Li Xian.

Ignorance breeds fearlessness, indeed. Poets see everything in stark terms of love and hate—they are simply not cut out for politics. Just a bystander playing a minor role! Faced with his brother’s embarrassed grin, Li Xian rolled his eyes and resumed his interrupted train of thought.

“Seventh brother, I didn’t realize Zi’an was so closely acquainted with Minister Liu. This matter… well, I…” Seeing Li Xian hesitate, his brother grew uneasy and tried to explain but faltered.

“Never mind. Sixth brother, don’t take it to heart. Wang Zi’an is young and talented. Some arrogance is normal. His willingness to speak out for justice, even at risk, shows a good heart. With more experience, perhaps he might yet become a man of worth.” Li Xian shrugged off the matter, not wanting to quarrel with his brother over Wang Bo. Yet, just as he finished speaking, his eyes suddenly brightened with a nascent plan forming…