Chapter 113: The Empress Wu Ascends the Throne (Part Two)

As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. Conversely, the more one knows, the deeper the fear that takes root in one’s heart. Clearly, Li Xian was currently gripped by such fear. Of course, what Li Xian feared was not the act of speaking up, but the sheer brilliance of Empress Wu’s political maneuvering. A court deliberation, as the name implies, requires debate; a one-sided affair is merely a formal summons. It was evident that Empress Wu sought a court deliberation in both name and deed. This was precisely why she had delayed addressing the case of Liu Xiangdao, opting instead to stir up so many other issues first. Whether it was the earlier disaster relief or the subsequent fuss over the imperial examinations, everything was focused solely on the concept of "court deliberation."

Empress Wu’s actions were not aimless; in fact, her objectives were crystal clear. First, by successfully presiding over this deliberation, she established a precedent for governing from behind the curtain. Given the Emperor’s weak-willed nature, he would likely be unable to resist her demands to attend court. Second, by using the disaster relief as a pretext, she had crushed the morale of the Crown Prince’s faction, ensuring they would struggle to make any significant moves in the political battles to come. Third, the reason she provoked Li Xian was not truly to force works like the *Chen Gui* (Rules for Officials) into the imperial examinations. Of course, if Li Xian hadn't stepped forward, she would have been delighted—after all, those books were authored under her own name, and using them to indoctrinate the scholars of the realm would have been a triumph. However, given Li Xian’s temperament, he was bound to object, which she had fully anticipated. By making a slight concession on this issue, she ensured that Li Xian and his allies would find it difficult to protest vehemently when she later dealt with Liu Xiangdao. In doing so, the alliance between the three princes would be torn asunder, and the eventual outcome need not be spelled out.

Li Xian had not been entirely certain of all this before, but once the Empress called him out, his suspicions were confirmed. Yet, what good was knowing? At this stage, even if Li Xian possessed heaven-defying intellect, he could only lament his helplessness. He held no hope for the outcome of this deliberation, but even so, he could not refuse to state his position when called upon. The inner turmoil he felt can well be imagined.

"Mother, your humble son believes that while the words of the sages are absolute truths, modern prose has its merits as well. Dr. Yuan’s proposal is surely well-intentioned, aiming for students to master both ancient and modern knowledge. However, I fear this move may be somewhat imprudent. The established Four Books and Five Classics already span tens of thousands of words; even for the gifted, it takes a decade or more of arduous study to achieve even minor success. If we add the requirement of modern prose, I fear the students will be overwhelmed, which contradicts the court's original intent to recruit talent. Therefore, I humbly suggest that this matter be reconsidered. This is merely my shallow opinion, and I hope Mother will examine it thoroughly."

Li Xian did not immediately launch a fierce attack on Yuan Wanqing, with whom he had a long-standing grudge. Instead, he tactfully cited the burden on students as the reason for his objection. His words were reasonable and clear, winning praise not only from the ministers but even a smile of approval from Empress Wu. Whether that smile was genuine or feigned, only the heavens knew.

"Hmm, Xian’er speaks with reason. I agree entirely. Let this matter be shelved for now and discussed at a later date. Do any other ministers have further insights?" Empress Wu put on a facade of being open to advice, nodding in approval of Li Xian.

"Your Majesty is wise. We have no objections."

With the Empress having spoken, the ministers were in no position to dissent. Doing so would not only offend her but would also antagonize both Li Xian and his brother. The ministers were not fools; at this point, regardless of their private thoughts, they could only offer praise.

"To be so well-versed in literature while also practicing martial arts—I am truly gratified to have such a son." As the ministers were preparing to withdraw, Empress Wu suddenly chuckled and heaped further praise upon Li Xian, her face filled with undisguised gratification and appreciation. Li Xian’s legs nearly gave way beneath him.

*Damn it! That old hag is ruthless. She’s started sowing discord already!* Li Xian was sharp; he knew exactly what she was doing. Glancing sideways at Li Xian, he saw the contemplation and suspicion in his brother’s eyes. His heart skipped a beat, and he cursed inwardly, but his face remained humble as he bowed and replied, "Mother overpraises me. I merely study martial arts and listen to my tutors’ idle chatter in my spare time, gaining only a superficial understanding. I truly do not deserve such commendation."

"My son, do not be so modest. To grasp the principles of literature and reason through casual conversation is no small feat. The sages of old were no different. It is excellent." Empress Wu did not stop there, smiling as she elevated Li Xian to the level of the ancient sages.

*Praise to kill—this is an overt attempt to destroy me with praise! You damned old hag, just you wait!* Li Xian already loathed her, and the fury inside him surged. But this was not the place to lash out. To speak more was to err more; rather than becoming entangled with her, it was better to simply accept it. As for what others might think, he could no longer afford to care. He clamped his mouth shut, bowed deeply, and retreated to the side.

"Do any other ministers have memorials to present?"

Empress Wu clearly had not expected such a response from Li Xian. A flash of sharp light passed through her eyes, but she did not press him further. Instead, she smiled and scanned the court, asking calmly.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have a memorial here. I wish to impeach Liu Xiangdao, Minister of Personnel, for improper conduct and for recklessly disparaging the princes. He has cast malicious labels upon the Prince of Zhou. Such conduct is unbecoming of an official and a gross dereliction of duty. His crimes are unforgivable. I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and set an example for others!" No sooner had the Empress finished speaking than the Shizhong, Xu Jingzong, stepped out of line, vehemently denouncing Liu Xiangdao’s "crimes."

A deathly silence filled the hall. After Xu Jingzong finished, no one dared to step forward to refute him. It was not just because of Xu Jingzong’s notorious reputation, but also because the Empress had just praised Li Xian as a peer of the sages. Who would dare suggest that Xu Jingzong’s impeachment was wrong? Liu Xiangdao himself dared not, and even Li Hong, who wanted to challenge the Empress’s faction, dared not emerge at this moment. As for Li Xian, he had no intention of getting involved and was happy to watch. Li Xian, though willing, could not step forward either—he could hardly contradict himself by saying Liu Xiangdao was right. With these key players remaining still, the other ministers were even more terrified to act.

"Where is Liu Xiangdao?"

Empress Wu waited for a long while, and seeing the ministers remained silent, she pulled a stern face and snorted coldly.

"This old official is here."

Seeing that the situation had turned dire, Liu Xiangdao was filled with sorrow. Hearing his name, he had no choice but to step forward, trembling as he bowed.

"I ask you, were those reckless words spoken by your own mouth?" Empress Wu stared at him coldly. A long silence followed, and only when Liu Xiangdao’s legs began to shake did she ask in a chilling voice.

"This old official deserves to die. I lost my composure after drinking; I was confused..." Completely shattered by the Empress’s presence, Liu Xiangdao knelt, stuttering as he confessed his guilt. Seeing this, the ministers were dumbfounded, and the officials of the Crown Prince’s faction, who had hoped to intercede, felt their hearts turn cold, knowing not how to assist him.

"Confused? A fine 'confusion.' Should I also be 'confused' enough to have your head removed?" Regardless of Liu Xiangdao’s pitiful pleas, the Empress showed no mercy, demanding coldly.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! This old official is aged and muddled, truly unable to continue serving. I beg Your Majesty to look upon my years of service and allow me to resign and retire." Terrified by her murderous tone, Liu Xiangdao trembled, kowtowing and begging. At nearly seventy years of age, his face was twisted in misery.

"Reporting to Mother, I believe Lord Liu spoke without malice. Though he erred, it is not an unforgivable crime. By precedent, he should be punished with a fine. I hope Mother will see this clearly." Seeing Liu Xiangdao on the brink of collapse, Li Hong could no longer sit still. He hurriedly stood, bowed, and pleaded tactfully.

"Punished with a fine? The Crown Prince has a generous heart. You must remember that Xian’er is your own brother. With such a suggestion, where do you place him?" The Empress raised an eyebrow, showing Li Hong no respect, and asked with disdain.

"Mother, please calm your anger. I would not let personal feelings override the laws of the state. The court has its regulations, and the state has its laws. Those who violate them should be dealt with accordingly. Otherwise..." Li Hong was not a silver-tongued man. Flushed bright red, he could only stammer as he tried to defend himself with the law.

"Hmph, 'laws and regulations.' Is the Crown Prince suggesting that I do not understand the law?" The Empress did not allow him to finish, waving her hand dismissively and cutting him off with a look of extreme displeasure.

"I dare not, I..."

Li Hong, never expecting such a blatant lack of face, was completely stunned. The more desperate he became to explain, the less he knew what to say, sweat pouring from his face like a spring...