Chapter 142: Masters of Acting

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!”

Li Xian and his younger brother hurried all the way to the front of Chengtian Gate. Just as they handed over the message, before any news came from inside the palace, a sudden shout echoed from the darkness. The two brothers turned their heads and immediately saw a large group of eunuchs holding lanterns, surrounding the Crown Prince as he swiftly approached from behind.

“Your humble servants pay respects to Crown Prince.”

The two brothers exchanged a quick glance, each seeing a hint of strangeness in the other’s eyes. Yet, at such a critical moment, it was hardly a time for conversation. Despite their reluctance, they each stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and greeted him.

“Sixth brother, seventh brother, you weren’t harmed, were you?”

Without waiting for a return greeting, Li Hong hurried forward anxiously, his face filled with worry.

“Hmm.”

Li Xian had always been at odds with the Crown Prince, and knowing full well that Li Hong was merely putting on a show, his mood darkened further. He was too indifferent to engage in much reply, only letting out a muffled sound as his response.

Originally, nothing was wrong—until this old man came along, and trouble followed. Seeing the fake anxiety on Li Hong’s face, Li Xian felt an urge to curse under his breath. With his intelligence, how could he not see through Li Hong’s true intentions? It was nothing but a guilty conscience coming to probe for information. Of course, what he felt inside was one thing, but the act he had to put on was another. Li Xian could not afford any out-of-line behavior in such a situation, so he feigned shock and trembling, saying, “Brother Crown Prince, you’ve arrived, your humble servant has barely escaped with his life, alas…”

“Sixth brother, don’t worry. I will surely report this to Father Emperor. The entire city will be searched to capture the traitors; I will never let my two virtuous brothers suffer unjustly.” Seeing Li Xian’s fearful expression, Li Hong was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained composure and offered gentle reassurance.

“Thank you, Crown Prince, for your kindness,” Li Xian replied. Though the change in Li Hong’s expression was subtle, Li Xian noticed it all and understood the worry behind it. He was well aware of what Li Hong truly feared, so he responded with a double entendre.

“Look at how seventh brother speaks. We are blood brothers. If seventh brother is frightened, I, as the elder, bear full responsibility. We shall explain this matter before Father Emperor. I refuse to believe that the traitors can overturn the heavens!”

Li Hong was keenly perceptive and understood the hidden meaning in Li Xian’s words. Though his face remained unchanged, a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes. He returned the veiled message in kind.

---

“Wise Crown Prince.”

Li Xian, shrewd as ever, immediately grasped the implied meaning in Li Hong’s words: they shared a common enemy in Empress Wu and need not fight among themselves. This logic was sound and reasonable, though anyone who had survived an assassination attempt would hardly be at ease. Li Xian, reluctant to bicker further, gave a vague reply.

“His Majesty has decreed: Prince Xianlu and Prince Zhou are to present themselves at the Two Principles Hall!”

Before Li Hong could continue, the Chief Eunuch Gao Hesheng, leading several junior eunuchs, hurried out from the palace gate and loudly announced the imperial edict.

“Your humble servants receive the decree with gratitude.”

Upon hearing the imperial summons, the men abandoned all idle talk and, following protocol, expressed thanks. They entered through Chengtian Gate and proceeded along the main palace avenue straight to the Two Principles Hall. Upon entering, they saw Emperor Gaozong pacing irritably on the front steps, while Empress Wu stood beside him, gently offering words of comfort. Though too far away to hear her softly spoken words, none dared linger or eavesdrop. All hastened to stand before the emperor.

“We pay respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress.”

Led by the Crown Prince, Li Xian and his brother bowed in unison, their voices steady but trembling, betraying their concealed fear. This was not unique to Li Xian and his brother; even the Crown Prince showed similar signs of distress. Whether genuine or feigned fear, only they knew.

“Xian'er, Xian’er, you have arrived. Were you harmed?”

Emperor Gaozong, pacing anxiously, relaxed slightly upon seeing his sons, not yet taking his seat but striding to the front step. His face was full of concern as he gently asked.

“Father Emperor, your humble servant...”

At these words, Li Xian, who had prepared himself emotionally, immediately began to sob, eyes brimming with tears as if burdened by unbearable grievances.

Well done! That’s the way to act! Though Li Xian kept his head lowered without glancing at his brother, he was actually focused mostly on him, fearing the boy might falter. Seeing Li Xian’s convincing performance, as if a child pouring out woes to his parents after a great wrong, Li Xian’s heart lightened. Yet, amusement aside, he did not forget the matter at hand. As soon as Li Xian finished, Li Xian quickly followed with a tearful voice:

“Father Emperor, your humble servants almost did not return. We have served the public wholeheartedly, yet have fallen victim to the jealousy of villains, resulting in an assassination attempt. We would gladly die, but if we fail the mission bestowed by Father Emperor, we would be unworthy of a hundred deaths, Father Emperor.”

“Father Emperor, it must be that within the Supreme Court there are traitors at work, seeking to prevent thorough investigation of our brothers’ plight. Such heartless villains deserve severe punishment. Your humble servant begs Father Emperor to judge wisely!”

---

Hearing Li Xian’s careful avoidance of naming the Supreme Court outright, Li Hong grew anxious. Afraid Li Xian might say something unpalatable, he quickly interjected before the emperor could respond, his face burning with righteous indignation. His performance was as skilled as that of Princes Lu and Zhou.

“Indeed? Is it so? Xian’er, you must tell us exactly how all this happened.”

Though Emperor Gaozong had been informed of the assassination attempt on the two princes, he lacked details. Hearing the Crown Prince speak with such certainty, his anger flared. Frowning, he snorted with displeasure as he demanded an explanation.

With the emperor’s words, all eyes turned sharply to Li Xian—some anxious, some fearful, some hopeful. Yet one feeling was unanimous: anticipation. Not only the Crown Prince and Li Xian, but even Empress Wu watched intently. However, her eyes carried a faint chill hidden from others, which Li Xian, sensitive as ever, sensed with a shiver.

“Father Emperor, with the morning court adjourned, Sixth Brother and I learned of a fire at the Supreme Court. Concerned about the mission you entrusted us, we hurried there without delay. Upon arrival, we happened to meet Prefect Cui Jing and Deputy Prefect Chen Renhao of Jingzhao Prefecture. Upon inquiry, we learned they had also received the report and rushed to the scene. I was relieved by their prompt arrival and thought to reward the informant. So, I asked Deputy Prefect Chen to bring the informant to us. But upon questioning, I sensed something suspicious and kept the informant for further inquiry. I intended to uncover the reason for his deceit, but instead, this drew a murderous threat upon me, nearly endangering Sixth Brother and jeopardizing your great affairs. I am truly fearful.”

Li Xian had long prepared this narrative before entering the palace. Though the gathered gazes made him uneasy, he remained calm and, bowing slightly, recounted the events with a trembling voice but smooth delivery.

“Xian’er, why do you suspect the informant? Speak to your mother,” Empress Wu interrupted, raising her hand and furrowing her brow.

“Replying to Mother Empress, the informant is surnamed Yan, given name He. He claims to be a patrol officer of Jingzhao Prefecture who was near the Supreme Court when the fire broke out. Seeing the flames, he hurried back to report. Logically, this seems plausible. However, I know the fire began at the third quarter of the si hour, yet the Jingzhao forces arrived before the fourth quarter. The distance between the Supreme Court and the prefectural office is over five li, meaning a round trip exceeds ten li. Unless Yan He can fly, it’s impossible to make such a trip in so little time. Moreover, mobilizing troops takes time as well. Therefore, I believe Yan He’s words must hide some secret. My original intent was merely to uncover why he lied but instead invited a near-fatal consequence, almost harming Sixth Brother and nearly missing your great mission. I am fearful.”

Li Xian understood Empress Wu’s interruption as a tactic to deflect and find flaws, to entangle the matter and ease the emperor’s wrath. But Li Xian was well prepared and remained unruffled, presenting his reasoning clearly and flawlessly.

“Father Emperor, Seventh Brother labors diligently but suffers such misfortune undeservedly. In my view, since Yan He’s words are false, Deputy Prefect Chen Renhao must be involved. I earnestly request Father Emperor to investigate him thoroughly, to restore justice to Sixth and Seventh Brothers.”

Li Hong, who had suspected corruption in Jingzhao Prefecture from the start, seized upon Li Xian’s revelation. Without waiting for Empress Wu to speak again, he stepped forward, loudly voicing his proposal, continuing to play the role of an outraged bystander.

“Father Emperor, your humble servant believes Crown Prince’s words are true. We earnestly beg for your wise judgment.”

Seeing Li Hong’s stance, Li Xian followed suit without hesitation, loudly agreeing.

“Such rebellious scoundrels cannot be spared! Send for Chen Renhao immediately!”

Emperor Gaozong could tolerate Empress Wu’s protection of Helan Min and her regency behind the curtain, but he could not tolerate anyone daring to assassinate his sons in broad daylight. His anger surged without consulting Empress Wu and he roared the command. At once, the hall descended into a flurry of confusion…