Chapter 26: Going with the Flow (Part Two)

At present, Li Xian lacked a retinue, lacked support, lacked wealth, lacked military strength—lacked almost everything, except patience. The silence and oppressive pressure that others would find unbearable seemed to have no effect on him; even when the source was the chilling figure of Empress Wu, it left him unmoved. Though his waist ached from his deep bow, his legs remained firmly planted; not only did he not tremble, he didn't so much as quiver.

Silence, stillness—Li Xian had been bowed for the time it takes incense to burn, yet the only reply was suffocating quiet. He remained unshaken, fully aware that this was not only a test of patience, but a probing before the real confrontation. Had he shown even a hint of panic, Empress Wu would surely have unleashed a storm of reproach. In such a moment, even if he cried out for justice, it would be futile; no one dared intercede for him before her wrath. Not even Li Xian's brother or the emperor would have the courage. In truth, Li Xian was teetering on the edge of a precipice, with nothing to do but grit his teeth and endure.

"Rise," Empress Wu finally spoke.

She had stared at Li Xian for a long time, searching for any sign of wavering, and was surprised when she found none. Quickly masking her astonishment, seeing that pressure could not force him into exposing a flaw, she spoke in a cold, reluctant tone.

"Thank you, Mother. Your child awaits your instruction," Li Xian replied with utmost respect. Though his patience was intact, his back ached from the prolonged bow, and he quietly exhaled in relief as he straightened, gazing up at Empress Wu seated high upon the dragon throne with innocent, wide eyes.

"Oh? Is that so? Very well, let me ask you: has Yuan Wanqing, Lecturer at the Imperial Academy, ever offended you?" Empress Wu, though surprised by Li Xian's composure, dismissed it from her mind and questioned him with an icy voice.

"Mother, I do not understand. I have never had any dealings with Master Yuan, so there is no enmity between us. The idea of offense does not arise," Li Xian replied, blinking his large eyes with an innocent expression.

"Is that so? Then why did you draw your blade against him? Are you dissatisfied that I appointed Yuan Wanqing as your tutor?" Empress Wu pressed on, unmoved by his apparent innocence, her face cold and stern.

"Mother, you see clearly—how could I dare such a thing? It was truly an accident. I was engrossed in martial practice and failed to notice Master Yuan's arrival. Unable to stop in time, I startled him. The fault is mine. I have already apologized to him and explained the situation, and I dare not deceive you." Li Xian had anticipated this line of questioning and prepared his answer well. Seeing Empress Wu determined to defend Yuan Wanqing, he immediately adopted the role of the aggrieved, his words precise and flawless, as if he were the victim.

"Martial practice? What exactly were you practicing?" Empress Wu, though initially surprised by Li Xian's composure, was now taken aback by his clear and orderly reply. In her mind, Li Xian was a perpetual child—weak and inept. But his effortless eloquence revealed no trace of childishness, forcing her to be more cautious in her reproach.

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Li Xian noticed Empress Wu’s reaction, recognizing that his demeanor had aroused her suspicion. Of course, he had considered this beforehand and concluded that it was necessary. The reasoning was simple: with Empress Wu’s shrewdness, he could not feign ignorance forever. If he wished to build his own power, he would inevitably reveal his ambitions. Rather than wait and be forced to act, it was better to show a hint of his capabilities now, laying the groundwork for the future. Moreover, the recent prison incident had disrupted Empress Wu's plans; before she could secure the loyalty of the ministers, she could not immediately take up the reins of state. This rare period of stability was precisely the opportunity Li Xian needed to develop. Thus, he did not fear demonstrating a little ability.

"Mother, I..." Facing Empress Wu’s relentless questioning, Li Xian deliberately feigned difficulty, hesitating and not speaking plainly.

"Hmm?" As expected, Empress Wu snorted coldly, giving him no chance to evade.

"Mother, you know that I am foolish, lacking talent in scholarly pursuits. Despite my efforts, I cannot achieve much. I often reflect and feel deep shame. Reading the Book of Later Han, I was moved by Champion Huo’s defeat of the barbarian hordes, and admired Ban Chao's resolve in taking up arms. My heart yearns for such feats. Considering that my eldest and sixth brothers are both learned, I cannot compare. Unable to aid Father in state affairs through learning, I resolved to apply myself to martial pursuits. Ten days ago, I consulted Imperial Historian Li, who kindly advised me. He said that if I practiced martial arts, I might have a thirty percent chance of success. Though small, it might one day allow me to assist Father and Mother. Thus, I began training at home, but lacking a proper instructor, I have made little progress. I am anxious and fearful." Seeing Empress Wu fixate on his martial practice, Li Xian was secretly delighted, though outwardly anxious, rambling on with statements and reasoning, ending by invoking Li Chunfeng’s name for support.

His words struck a chord. Not only did several ministers show signs of appreciation, but even the emperor’s gaze softened. However, none dared speak openly for Li Xian with Empress Wu present.

"Father, Mother, I believe Seventh Brother’s desire for martial learning is not misplaced. Our borders are unsettled, warfare frequent; the urge to take up arms is necessary. Eldest Brother excels in scholarship, I have some knowledge as well, but we lack martial spirit. Seventh Brother’s resolve is commendable. He should be assigned a worthy teacher, and may one day become a virtuous prince who guards our realm." While others hesitated, Li Xian’s brother, Li Xian, spoke out boldly—not only because he had promised support, but also due to the lingering impact of Zhang Dekai's death, which had deeply affected him. Unable to repress his feelings, he spoke out before Empress Wu could respond, openly supporting Li Xian.

"That is reasonable," the emperor agreed. He himself had longed for the life of a warrior, wanting to personally lead campaigns against Goguryeo in his youth, but his poor health and the ministers’ opposition prevented it. Hearing his sons speak sensibly, he could not help but voice approval. Yet, seeing Empress Wu’s displeasure, he quickly hesitated: "But, ah, but..."

The emperor was never particularly clever, and his attempt to change tack was awkward; he repeated "but" several times without reaching a conclusion, his embarrassment palpable. The audience struggled to suppress laughter, but no one dared let it show, forcing themselves into uncomfortable silence.

"Your Majesty, while Xian’s intention to pursue martial arts is good, all the generals have their own duties. How could they be distracted by the trivial matter of instructing him? This matter should be discussed later," Empress Wu interjected, seeing the conversation stray from rebuke to choosing a teacher for Li Xian. Furious that Li Xian might get his way, she cut off the discussion.

"Ah, yes, we shall revisit this matter later," the emperor quickly agreed, as he always deferred to Empress Wu.

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Discuss it later? What nonsense! Father, could you be any more spineless? Watching the emperor once again capitulate to Empress Wu’s dominance, Li Xian felt a surge of disappointment and contempt for his father, but he was not willing to let things end so easily.

"Father, Mother is right. The generals have their own duties and cannot be distracted by my trivial pursuit of martial arts. If it caused harm to the affairs of state, I would accept a thousand deaths. Yet, I have a proposal and humbly request your approval," Li Xian stepped forward, speaking with conviction.

"Oh? What else do you wish to say? I am listening," the emperor replied, his brows furrowing as he saw Li Xian persist. After a brief pause, he withstood the pressure from Empress Wu and did not immediately reject Li Xian’s request.

"Father, Mother, martial training depends on one’s own dedication. As the saying goes, a teacher opens the door, but practice is personal. Historically, great generals often did not come from noble families; heroes emerged from obscurity. I dare not hope for instruction from veterans like Su Dingfang or Xue Rengui, but ask only for guidance from a captain versed in military tactics," Li Xian responded energetically.

"Oh? Is that so? Whom do you wish to learn from? Tell me," the emperor asked, intrigued that Li Xian only sought a captain as a teacher.

"Father, I do not yet know whom to choose. Imperial Historian Li advised me to visit the Left Brave Guard, saying I would surely gain something. I dare not deceive you," Li Xian replied, having cleverly steered the situation to his advantage. He had no intention of revealing his target prematurely, and once more invoked Li Chunfeng’s name.

"I see," the emperor, always trusting in Li Chunfeng’s abilities, felt no suspicion, yet did not immediately consent. He glanced at Empress Wu, probing, "Meiniang, what do you think?"

With this, all eyes turned to Empress Wu, waiting to hear her verdict.