Chapter 128: The Crown Prince's Counterattack (Part 5)

"Your Highness, Di Gong has been waiting in the study for some time."

Li Xian had just returned to the Prince of Lu's estate after leaving the Eastern Palace. He had recounted his negotiations with the Crown Prince to Li Xian without reservation and discussed the specific plans and maneuvers for their next steps. It was nearly dusk by the time he left the estate, and he headed straight for his own residence by carriage. As soon as he stepped down, Gao Miao approached him and whispered the news.

"Understood. Go, prepare a banquet; I intend to drink heartily with Di Gong tonight."

Things had proceeded smoothly, and Li Xian was already in high spirits. Hearing that Di Renjie had arrived as promised put him in an even better mood. He smiled and gave the order, then climbed the steps to his residence and strode toward the study in the rear courtyard.

Inside the study, Di Renjie, dressed in simple civilian robes, stood with his hands behind his back, silently admiring a landscape painting hanging on the center wall. He seemed deeply moved by the artistic conception, so much so that he did not even hear Li Xian’s footsteps as he entered.

"Di Gong, I was delayed by some matters and arrived late. Please forgive me, forgive me."

Li Xian emerged from behind the screen at the entrance of the study. Seeing Di Renjie so absorbed in the painting, he offered a triumphant smile, then gave a feigned cough to draw the other man’s attention before greeting him with a laugh.

"I dare not presume. Your Highness has much to attend to; it is only fitting that I should wait." Di Renjie had never truly wanted to serve under Li Xian, but having taken a wrong turn, it was now difficult to disembark. Seeing Li Xian arrive, he showed no warmth, merely offering a standard, polite bow and a flat, indifferent reply, his tone carrying a faint trace of resentment.

"Does Di Gong also enjoy painting? Ha, this piece is but a casual doodle of my own; I fear it makes me a laughingstock before a master like you." Li Xian did not mind the coldness and walked slowly toward the wall, gesturing to the painting with a smile.

"Oh? This was painted by Your Highness? And who composed the poem on it?"

Di Renjie had always loved fine art and was a true connoisseur. In his eyes, Li Xian’s technique was merely average—passable at best—but the artistic spirit was profound. The poem inscribed upon it was particularly extraordinary. He had been wondering about the origins of the work, and upon hearing that it was Li Xian’s own, he was genuinely stunned.

"A thousand mountains, birds fly away; ten thousand paths, human traces vanish. A lone old man in straw cloak and hat, fishing alone in the cold river snow. The poem is titled 'River Snow,' and it is indeed my own amateur scribbling. I apologize for embarrassing a master." Li Xian, possessing a remarkably thick skin, shamelessly claimed the work of Liu Zongyuan as his own.

"A fine poem, the likes of which I have rarely seen in my life. The artistic conception is lofty, reflecting a heart of pure tranquility; it is truly incomparable. I was curious as to the origin of such a masterpiece, yet I never imagined it was the work of Your Highness. I am outmatched." Upon realizing that Li Xian had also written the poem, Di Renjie could not help but sigh with emotion. However, once the words left his lips, he grew confused, looking at Li Xian in disbelief: "Your Highness, pray forgive my boldness, but with such talent, Your Highness could be a great scholar of our time. Why then..."

"Is Di Gong wondering why I have abandoned the pen for the sword?"

Di Renjie trailed off, sensing his question might be inappropriate, but Li Xian did not mind at all, laughing heartily as he finished the sentence for him.

"I am ignorant, Your Highness. Please enlighten me." Seeing Li Xian had broached the subject, Di Renjie was direct and admitted his curiosity.

"Di Gong, I did this out of sheer necessity. Alas, it is a long story. If you do not mind, let us have some wine and food, and I shall tell you from the beginning." As Di Renjie finished speaking, a look of gloom immediately appeared on Li Xian’s face. He let out a long sigh, appearing to be filled with infinite helplessness.

"Then I shall trouble Your Highness."

Di Renjie was not a pretentious man. Since he was interested in what Li Xian had to say, he did not refuse the invitation. He bowed courteously and accepted.

"Someone, bring the wine and banquet!"

Hearing this, Li Xian was overjoyed. He did not say much more, simply clapping his hands firmly. Servants immediately rushed in, presenting various dishes and wines until the table was filled, before quietly withdrawing, leaving the two men to sit opposite each other.

"Di Gong, you must have heard that He Lanminzhi has been running wild in the palace, yet not only has he escaped punishment, but he has also been promoted three ranks to become the Prefect of the Lantai. Since ancient times, has such an absurd thing ever happened?" Li Xian did not rush to explain his reasons for switching to martial pursuits; instead, he poured wine for Di Renjie while speaking with deep emotion.

Li Xian’s words sounded light, but to Di Renjie’s ears, they were anything but. Such topics involving the privacy of the Imperial family were not something an ordinary person dared to touch. One slip, and he would lose his head. Di Renjie had enough self-awareness for that; no matter how many thoughts raced through his mind, he dared not speak them aloud at this moment, choosing instead to feign ignorance and ignore the bait.

"Such strange occurrences only happen in our dynasty. It is not surprising, though—who allowed that scoundrel to be the Empress’s nephew? Heh, isn't it interesting? A nephew is more important than a son. For the sake of a petty thief, the Imperial family would cast aside its own dignity. It is truly the greatest farce under heaven, an unprecedented spectacle. With such a mother, what else could I do but abandon the pen for the sword?" When Di Renjie remained silent, Li Xian did not care, continuing on his own. His words became increasingly blunt, causing Di Renjie to furrow his brows deeply. Yet, he could neither refute the claims nor find a reason to argue, so he was forced to continue pretending to be oblivious.

"Does Di Gong think I am hiding my talents to secure the Eastern Palace? Heh, that would be a grave mistake. I swear to the heavens, I have no such intentions. Do you not see how stifled the Crown Prince is now? And that is not all—the Empress is using this matter to dig a deep pit for the Crown Prince to jump into. Had I not learned the truth by chance, perhaps the day after tomorrow’s morning court would be the day the Crown Prince falls!" Li Xian slammed his wine cup onto the table, throwing out this earth-shattering news with indignation, which immediately left Di Renjie dumbfounded.

"Your Highness, how can you say such a thing?"

Though Di Renjie had heard rumors about the court, he had only just entered office and was not entirely clear on the movements of the various factions. Seeing Li Xian speak with such conviction, his suspicions were aroused, and he could not help but ask for clarification.

*Ha, finally he speaks! Otherwise, I feared you were going to pretend to be ignorant until the end!* Li Xian felt triumphant inside. Inviting Di Renjie was not about relying on his skills to solve this specific problem, but about winning his heart completely. Now that Di Renjie was on the hook, Li Xian could naturally afford to be pleased.

"Di Gong, pray listen. It is like this..."

Li Xian recounted the situation of his negotiations with the Crown Prince, omitting only the most sensitive secrets. He did not hold back his desire to dismantle the Empress's faction, and he did not even shy away from mentioning Li Xian’s (the Prince of Lu's) ambition to replace Li Hong. He spoke for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, leaving Di Renjie with his hair standing on end and cold sweat pouring down his back.

"So that is how it is... I, I..."

Di Renjie was a master of deduction. He could naturally hear the rigorous logic in Li Xian’s account. Checking it against what he knew, he could not find a single flaw. It was clear that everything Li Xian said was true, which left Di Renjie so astonished he did not know what to say.

"Di Gong, although I can help the Crown Prince pass this trial, I can help him for a moment, but not for a lifetime. The Empress controls the inner palace, and His Majesty is a benevolent man, truly unable to resist her tyranny. In time, the Crown Prince will inevitably face disaster. This is foreseeable, not my mere speculation. Even if the Prince of Lu were to take his place, the outcome would be the same. If you do not believe me, wait and see. Even if I try again and again, I fear I cannot reverse this tragedy. I can only do my best. Di Gong, you are a pillar of talent; if you can lend me a hand, perhaps we can change the tragic outcome. I entrust this to you."

*Strike while the iron is hot.* Seeing that Di Renjie believed him, Li Xian would not miss this chance to recruit him. He looked at Di Renjie with anticipation, speaking with the utmost sincerity.

"I am but a willow in the wind, and to be so valued by Your Highness fills me with shame. How could I dare refuse? However, I have only just entered the court and cannot yet achieve great things. I shall follow whatever orders Your Highness gives." Faced with Li Xian’s heartfelt openness, Di Renjie was deeply moved. A sense of loyalty—the desire of a scholar to die for one who truly knows him—welled up inside. With a solemn expression, he bowed and earnestly accepted Li Xian’s request.

"Having you, Di Gong, is no less than Liu Bang gaining Zhang Liang, or Liu Bei gaining Zhuge Liang. It is the heavens' favor that has brought you to me. Truly a blessing, a great blessing!" Hearing Di Renjie finally agree, Li Xian became so excited he was almost incoherent.

"Your Highness is too kind. I am truly unworthy of such praise; I shall simply do my utmost!"

Seeing Li Xian so moved, Di Renjie was also filled with emotion. Being unaccustomed to flattery, he replied with modest humility.

"The hardest thing in the world to find is one who gives their all. I swear here: if I succeed, I will never fail you. I dare not promise fame and wealth, but the heavy burdens of the court shall rest upon your shoulders, Di Gong. Hahaha..." In his high spirits, Li Xian teased Di Renjie with a mix of jest and sincerity, finally breaking into loud, hearty laughter.

"It is my heart's desire; I would not dare ask for more. Hahaha..." Having decided to serve Li Xian, Di Renjie shed his internal reservations and recovered his natural, witty self. He teased Li Xian in turn, and the two men laughed together, their joyful voices drifting out of the study and filling the night air.