Chapter 131: Brothers United (Part Two)

Li Xian walked steadily and unhurriedly, his demeanor calm and composed, exuding an air of confidence. Yet, inwardly, he was anything but peaceful. This trial before him could not be lost. If defeated, the Crown Prince would be utterly disgraced, losing all standing at court. Even if Empress Wu delayed her decisive blow, the prince would be stripped of the means to struggle further. But even if victorious, what then? With Empress Wu’s boldness to rule from behind the curtain, what was there she dared not do? Even if they suppressed her this time, it would only delay her ambition to control the court by manipulating the emperor. In other words, once she began her regency, the value of this political battle had already been greatly diminished. Yet, despite all this, Li Xian could not accept defeat. Even a small gain was better than a total loss.

“Xian’er, do you have something to report?”

Seeing Li Xian step forward from the ranks, Emperor Gaozong suddenly felt a surge of anxiety and heart palpitations. Before Li Xian could speak, he hurriedly asked.

“Your Majesty, Empress, I submit that Minister Xu is a veteran of three reigns. It is not improper for him to oversee the Dali Court case. However, this case is vast and complex, involving thousands of individual matters. Simply verifying each one is an arduous and taxing task. Minister Xu, advanced in age and esteemed in virtue, is a pillar of the court. If he were to be overworked by this case, it would be a great loss to our realm. I humbly suggest this approach may be unwise and ask Your Majesty to consider carefully.” Li Xian’s words were respectful, but they conveyed a subtle opposition to the proposal of Minister Xu Jingzong taking charge of the investigation. Seeing Emperor Gaozong’s evident distress, Li Xian felt a wave of sorrow but kept it from his face.

“Hmm, Xian’er’s words have merit. Minister Xu, what say you...?”

In truth, Gaozong wished to thoroughly investigate the Dali Court, but out of respect for Empress Wu, he dared not openly oppose her. Hearing Li Xian’s reasonable objection, he perked up and cautiously glanced at Xu Jingzong, tentatively beginning a question.

“Your Majesty, I have always enjoyed hearty meals—half a catty of meat at each of my three daily meals, and three bowls of rice. My ears remain sharp and my eyes clear. Is this not like the great general Lian Po of old?” Xu Jingzong’s aged face was expressionless as he bowed calmly to Gaozong, giving an answer that avoided the question but clearly implied his stamina and mental vigor remained undiminished, making him fully capable of handling the case.

“Your Majesty, Minister Xu grows stronger with age, a true treasure of our dynasty. As the saying goes, ‘An old man in the house is a treasure.’ Having Minister Xu among us is a blessing for the state, and he should be cherished and respected. How could we burden him with such trivial matters? I, unworthy, ask to be entrusted with a thorough investigation of the Dali Court to restore clarity to the court. I earnestly beseech Your Majesty’s approval!” As soon as Xu Jingzong finished, Prince Lu Li Xian strode boldly into the hall and loudly petitioned.

“Father, what Sixth Brother says is right. With war raging in the north and the court burdened with military and national affairs, we urgently need Minister Xu to stay put and ensure no disasters befall us. As for this investigation, which requires patience and meticulousness, it is unfit to trouble Minister Xu. Sixth Brother is always meticulous and is the best candidate to lead the investigation. I earnestly ask Your Majesty’s approval.” Li Xian, intending to use this matter to bolster Li Xian’s power, naturally supported the petition and immediately followed up, echoing his brother.

“Your Majesty, I believe Prince Lu speaks wisely. I humbly ask Your Majesty for a fair judgment!”

“Your Majesty, I think Prince Lu is the perfect choice for this investigation.”

“Your Majesty, we all agree!”

...

With the brothers united in their stance, the officials allied with the two princes dared not neglect the matter. Officials like Yang Wu, Lin Qi, He Long, and many others immediately rose, waving flags and shouting in support.

“Your Majesty, I believe Sixth Brother is truly the best choice to thoroughly investigate the Dali Court. I earnestly request Your Majesty’s wise decision.”

Seeing the two brothers seize the opportunity amidst such a critical moment, Li Hong’s expression darkened. Yet, he could not afford defeat; under no circumstances could he allow the power to investigate to fall into the hands of Empress Wu’s faction. Between two evils, he must choose the lesser. Though displeased, Li Hong resolutely stood up and loudly supported Li Xian’s petition.

“I humbly ask Your Majesty’s sacred judgment!”

With Li Xian’s declaration, officials loyal to the Crown Prince immediately understood the hint and came forth in force, their united voices swelling the momentum. The tide of the court, once controlled by Empress Wu, now shifted.

“Rise, my ministers! I also believe Sixth Brother is indeed the best choice for this investigation. Hmm...” Emperor Gaozong, moved by the unity of his sons and the overwhelming support from the court officials, felt his heart incline. He wished to nurture Li Xian as well—this was, after all, the purpose of bringing the two brothers into the court. Yet mindful of Empress Wu, Gaozong hesitated, mumbling uncertainly before turning to look at the beaded curtain and tentatively asking, “Empress, Sixth Brother’s loyalty is commendable. I think he might succeed. What is your opinion?”

“Your Majesty is wise. I think Sixth Brother is capable and will not disappoint Your Majesty’s favor. I have no objections. However, since Sixth Brother is young, this matter requires the assistance of a mature and prudent minister to ensure fairness and thoroughness. Minister Liu Yi, known for his steadiness, would be well suited to assist Sixth Brother. I humbly ask Your Majesty to decide.” Behind the beaded curtain, Empress Wu responded promptly and without hesitation. Unexpectedly, she did not oppose Li Xian’s responsibility for the investigation but added Minister Liu Yi, a loyal partisan, as his assistant.

“That is well. My decision is made: Prince Lu Li Xian shall lead, assisted by Minister Liu Yi, with all relevant departments cooperating to thoroughly investigate the alleged abuses in the Dali Court. Do any ministers have objections?” Hearing no dissent from Empress Wu, Gaozong secretly breathed a sigh of relief and promptly issued the edict.

“Father, Your Majesty is wise. However, I humbly believe that such an extraordinary investigation requires a minister versed in criminal law to assist. I propose Minister Liu Boying of the Ministry of Justice to aid Sixth Brother.”

The three brothers were united in opposing Empress Wu’s regency but not entirely harmonious among themselves; in fact, they were rivals. Seeing Li Xian seize such a great prize, Li Hong was displeased and moved to claim a share. He stepped forward to suggest this addition.

“Hmm, Hong’er speaks with reason. I approve!”

Though weak-willed, Gaozong was not foolish and understood Li Hong’s intent. This was also something the emperor welcomed, so he consented readily. Without waiting for further comment, he rose and left for the rear hall.

“Court is dismissed!”

Seeing Gaozong depart, Gao Hesheng, standing nearby, did not dare be negligent. He called out loudly and hurriedly led the palace maids and eunuchs after the emperor. Empress Wu, behind the beaded curtain, had already quietly left the hall before Gaozong rose. What could have been a deadly political battle ended with surprisingly little fanfare.

“Sixth Brother, congratulations.”

With Gaozong and Empress Wu gone, the Crown Prince did not follow as usual. Instead, he rose from his seat and slowly approached the two brothers, surrounded by their confidants. Wearing a sincere smile, he cupped his hands in greeting and offered congratulations, though his eyes cast a meaningful glance at Li Xian.

“Not at all. I shall exert every effort to thoroughly investigate this case and live up to Father’s great favor.”

Li Xian had never been close with the Crown Prince. Despite several alliances to block Empress Wu, they had little friendship. Now, receiving the Crown Prince’s congratulation, Li Xian responded with cold, formal words, devoid of warmth.

“Hmm, if that is so, it will be a great fortune for the court. I will await your good news, Sixth Brother.” Li Hong did not mind Li Xian’s coldness. He took on the demeanor of a prince, smiling and encouraging, then ignoring Li Xian’s expression, turned to Li Xian with a sidelong glance. “Seventh Brother, there is plenty of wine in the palace cellars. When you have time, come visit me. The wine is yours.”

By heaven, this fellow was openly sowing discord—did he never tire? Li Xian, clever as he was, saw through the petty scheme but chose not to expose it. He simply laughed and replied, “Thank you, Crown Prince. I will surely trouble you.”

“Hmm, you are most welcome.”

Li Hong smiled, casting a meaningful glance at the dark-faced Li Xian before sweeping his sleeve and leading his eunuchs away.

“Hmph!”

Li Xian’s displeasure was plain. Though he dared not curse in such a setting, he could not help but snort in anger.

“Sixth Brother, let us go. The Dali Court case is not easy to examine; we must plan carefully.”

Seeing Li Xian’s mood sour, Li Xian feared he might speak rashly and hastily interjected to divert the conversation.

“Hmm, let us go!”

Though straightforward, Li Xian was not foolish. He knew such occasions called for caution. He stamped his foot in irritation but paid no mind to his retainers and strode toward the hall’s exit. Li Xian followed, a faint smile on his lips, trailing half a pace behind as they headed for the palace gates. Just as they passed Chengtian Gate, two young eunuchs, Zhang Che and Gao Miao, were pacing anxiously nearby. Li Xian’s heart suddenly clenched, a strong premonition of ill fortune rising within him...