Chapter One Hundred and Ten: Schemes from All Sides (Part Two)

“Your Highness, this is a divine opportunity bestowed upon us; how can we simply let it slip away? Remember, opportunities lost are never regained.”

In the study of the Prince of Lu’s residence, Li Xian had just finished outlining the strategy proposed by Li Xian. Lin Qi, seated at the lower end of the table, could no longer contain himself. Rising with a look of deep distress, he cupped his hands and respectfully advised, his voice filled with urgency.

“Pray, explain what you mean.”

Li Xian had summoned Lin Qi out of a sense of dissatisfaction. Otherwise, he would not have gone to such trouble—simply dispatching someone to convey instructions would have sufficed. Seeing Lin Qi so impassioned, Li Xian only furrowed his brows slightly and asked calmly.

“Your Highness, in my humble view, since this impeachment was personally initiated by Minister Xu and the Empress Dowager herself is orchestrating matters, how could Liu Xiangdao possibly escape? His dismissal is inevitable. Even if the Crown Prince’s faction fiercely defends him, it would be to no avail. With the Minister of Personnel’s position soon vacant, the question of who will claim it becomes a matter of serious contention.”

Lin Qi, trusted by Li Xian as a confidant, was indeed capable. At the very least, few could match his ability to perceive Li Xian’s inner thoughts. Even though Li Xian had not openly revealed his feelings, Lin Qi keenly sensed the lingering resentment beneath the surface. Thus, his analysis of the political situation naturally aligned with Li Xian’s intentions.

“Hmm, continue.”

This matter was weighty and complex. Without absolute certainty, Li Xian was reluctant to show his hand. He nodded thoughtfully and uttered a low sound.

“Your Highness, do you think there is anyone among those loyal to the Empress Dowager who is fit to take charge of the Ministry of Personnel?”

Lin Qi did not continue his analysis but smiled slyly and posed this question.

“Hmph, a bunch of insignificant fools, hardly worth mentioning!”

Li Xian was well aware of the members of Empress Dowager Wu’s faction. Aside from the old Xu Jingzong, none were truly capable. He would never believe that a group of shallow Northern Gate scholars could attain the high office of Minister of Personnel. His cold snort was full of disdain.

“Precisely! Your Highness, consider this: Minister Xu’s impeachment of Liu Xiangdao is a direct blow at the Crown Prince. Would Xu dare act without the Empress Dowager’s directive? Clearly not. In other words, the Empress Dowager’s dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince has reached its peak. Under such circumstances, not only is Liu Xiangdao’s downfall certain, but the Empress Dowager will also never entrust the seal of the Ministry of Personnel to the Crown Prince. Since she herself lacks a loyal confidant capable of holding that seal, once the position is vacant, wouldn’t it be most fitting for Your Highness to claim it?”

Lin Qi smiled craftily, clapping his hands with excitement as he poured out his thoughts.

“That may be so, but as for Your Seventh Brother…”

Li Xian was naturally intelligent and could not fail to grasp the logic in Lin Qi’s words. His hesitation was not due to fear of the Crown Prince’s power or the Empress Dowager’s ruthlessness, but because he feared Li Xian’s resentment might lead to a rift with Li Xian. After all, he had received considerable support from Li Xian and did not wish to estrange him lightly. Furthermore, he was both impressed and deeply wary of Li Xian’s cunning. The real reason for summoning Lin Qi was not to hear his analysis but to hope he could devise a way to secure the Minister of Personnel’s position without offending Li Xian.

“Well…”

Lin Qi was always proud and seldom impressed by anyone in the court. Yet he greatly feared Li Xian, even to the point of dread. Hearing Li Xian mentioned, Lin Qi’s heart faltered, his face flushed, and he chewed on his words, unable to speak a complete sentence.

“Hmm?”

Li Xian had called upon Lin Qi precisely because he could not find a proper solution himself, but now seeing Lin Qi equally at a loss, he was frustrated. His face darkened, and he snorted in displeasure.

“Your Highness, this is a matter of great benefit and must be pursued. As for Your Sixth Brother, I believe he will understand your earnest intentions.”

Seeing Li Xian’s displeasure, Lin Qi’s heart trembled. He rolled his eyes and stepped closer with a sheepish smile.

“Hmm…”

Li Xian glanced at Lin Qi without responding, lost in thought. After pondering for some time, he still could not find a perfect solution. Weighing his options carefully, he resolved not to let this golden opportunity to seize the Minister of Personnel position slip away. He clenched his jaw, ready to make a final decision.

“Your Highness!”

Just as Li Xian was about to speak, a sudden shout from outside the study pulled his attention away. Hearing footsteps that were unfamiliar, he immediately realized—Li Xian had arrived! Hastily, he tidied his clothes and sat upright, signaling Lin Qi with a subtle glance.

“Sixth Brother.”

No sooner had Li Xian sat down than Li Xian entered the study, smiling broadly. Spotting Lin Qi, he sneered inwardly but showed no outward sign of displeasure. After greeting them, he casually took a seat by Li Xian.

“Seventh Brother, what news? Has something changed?”

Li Xian had not expected Li Xian to arrive at such a critical moment. His heart was unsettled, and hurriedly he feigned confusion.

“Changed? Nothing outside has changed. If anything has changed, it’s you!” Li Xian’s sudden arrival was no accident; he feared Li Xian might act rashly under emotional turmoil. To prevent mistakes, Li Xian had long arranged spies to watch over the Prince of Lu’s residence. Upon learning that Lin Qi was present, Li Xian immediately guessed Li Xian’s intentions and hurried over. Seeing the forced composure on Li Xian and Lin Qi’s faces, Li Xian was inwardly angry but kept his smile. He casually shook his sleeve and said, “No major changes, just one piece of news for you, Sixth Brother. It seems the Empress Dowager has received the Emperor’s decree and plans to personally preside over the court session the day after tomorrow.”

“So soon? The Empress Dowager... hmm, where did this news come from?”

Li Xian had far more informants in the palace than Li Xian. Naturally, he was not ignorant of this news. Yet, since he harbored secret worries, he deliberately feigned surprise.

“Pretend all you want, you little trickster! Enough of this charade!” Li Xian had seen through Li Xian’s ruse but was too lazy to call him out. Seeing Li Xian playing dumb, he cursed inwardly and suddenly became serious. “Sixth Brother, the court session is near, and fierce battles are sure to unfold. Are you prepared?”

“Well... haha, this is a matter of great importance. How could I be negligent? But, um, I still think the Minister of Personnel’s post is worth contesting. Seventh Brother, what do you think?”

Under Li Xian’s sharp gaze, Li Xian felt thoroughly exposed and panicked. His true thoughts slipped out, but seeing Li Xian’s worsening expression, he awkwardly stopped mid-sentence.

“Sixth Brother, I once heard a story that I find quite instructive. Please indulge me.”

Seeing Li Xian so embarrassed, Li Xian knew better than to press too hard and laughed heartily. “There was once a strong man, mighty enough to move mountains, whose strength was unparalleled. When he had a son in middle age, he was overjoyed and doted on him. At the boy’s first birthday, he invited friends for a feast. Drunk, he boasted, ‘I am a hero, and so is my son!’ When challenged, he became angry, placed his son on a platform, and put a hundred-weight object on him, expecting the boy to lift it. But the child could not bear the weight and died. The man wept and cried, ‘I can lift a thousand pounds; why cannot my son? Alas!’”

“Heh, Seventh Brother, that tale is quite apt,” Li Xian said with a forced laugh. Being so perceptive, he knew Li Xian was indirectly criticizing his overambition. Naturally, Li Xian, not being thick-skinned, turned red with embarrassment but dared not refute.

“If you think it a good story, then so be it. It is but a jest, yet its meaning is worth pondering. A strong man’s son, if nurtured properly, will be powerful. But in his toddling years, even the strongest child has limits. If burdened beyond his capacity, failure is inevitable. In my eyes, Sixth Brother, you are a dragon among men. If you proceed step by step, success will surely come. I would hate to see you rush and spoil everything. Please consider this wisely.”

“Seventh Brother, you mean well. I... I know what must be done.”

Hearing Li Xian’s earnest counsel, Li Xian’s awkwardness faded. Reflecting on his words, he found the reasoning sound and lost the desire to fight for the Minister of Personnel post. Nodding sincerely, he agreed.

This brat finally saw the light—close call! Had he gone off the rails, the trouble would have been immense! Li Xian, unmatched in reading people’s expressions, saw that Li Xian’s words were heartfelt and felt relief. Not wishing to dwell further, he laughed heartily. “Sixth Brother, there’s still time before the day after tomorrow. Why not play a few games of chess to pass the time?”

“Good! Today, I shall utterly defeat you, Seventh Brother!”

With his worries lifted, Li Xian gladly went along, throwing his head back in hearty laughter...