Chapter Twenty-Eight: Turning the Tables (Part Two)

According to the system of the Great Tang, aside from Censorate officials, only those of the fifth rank and above were honored with the privilege of appearing before the Emperor. Officials of the seventh rank and higher, except when taking leave before assuming a new post, had no right to an imperial audience unless specifically summoned by the Emperor. Even when called to remonstrate, should the Emperor not inquire, such lower-ranking officials had no right to speak. Even if they had a memorial to present, it had to be reviewed and forwarded by their superiors—it was not to be submitted directly to the throne. By these court regulations, Yuan Wanquan’s opportunity to appear before the Emperor was already a great imperial favor. To dare to present a memorial directly was a breach of protocol, and no matter how reasonable the content, it was a grave transgression. All present were men of great standing in the court and fully aware of the rules. Seeing Yuan Wanquan boldly present a memorial in open court, they all changed countenance, unable to fathom what madness compelled him.

“Insolence! How dare you act so rashly before His Majesty!”

Though Yuan Wanquan had broken protocol, the Grand Chancellors, knowing him to be aligned with Empress Wu, kept silent despite their alarm and suspicion. Only Li Xian, free from such concerns, rebuked him loudly and without hesitation.

“Sixth Brother, restrain yourself; Father has his own judgment,” Li Hong interjected. His support for the brothers Li Xian and Li Dan was strategic, meant to provoke conflict between them and Empress Wu, not out of genuine concern. Seeing Li Xian step forward to censure Yuan Wanquan, Li Hong seized the chance to fan the flames, pretending to mediate.

“Sixth Brother, the Crown Prince speaks truly; Father is wise and will judge fairly,” added Li Dan, who, though naturally stubborn, blushed furiously at Li Hong’s provocation and was about to argue. Fortunately, Li Xian quickly stepped between his brothers, smiling as he offered a conciliatory explanation. Seeing this, Li Dan swallowed his anger, clenched his fist quietly, and fell silent.

Li Hong, regretting Li Xian’s timely intervention, nonetheless ceased his provocations, merely nodding to Li Xian before turning his gaze toward Gaozong and Empress Wu.

Gaozong himself was not one for strict observance of protocol, but he disliked seeing others disregard it before him. The moment Yuan Wanquan, heedless of court rules, knelt before the throne, Gaozong’s expression darkened, though, mindful that Yuan was favored by the Empress, he withheld his anger. After Li Hong and his brothers’ commotion, his face was cold enough to freeze water.

“Your Majesty,” said Empress Wu with a smile, “Yuan Wanqian is forthright and dauntless. Though his memorial breaches protocol, such boldness is commendable. Perhaps it is worth hearing him out; any impropriety can be dealt with afterwards.” She had not expected Yuan Wanquan to act so abruptly, but could not allow him to be punished in a fit of imperial wrath.

Gaozong was never immune to her persuasion. Though he loathed Yuan Wanquan’s insolence, since Empress Wu had spoken, he suppressed his anger, snorted, and said, “If Minister Yuan has a memorial to present, let him speak. I am listening.”

“I, though but a lowly official, dare not forget the state, and would sacrifice my life without regret. Now, I have discovered a reckless deed, and dare not conceal it. I beg to inform Your Majesty and seek your judgment.” Yuan Wanquan, ever bold, was undaunted by Gaozong’s displeasure or his own breach of protocol. Straightening, he declared with fervor: “Though the case of Shangguan Yi’s treason cannot be fully investigated, Your Majesty has already exiled him to Ai Prefecture. According to law, his entire household should accompany him—no one may remain behind. Yet I know for certain that someone at court has harbored Shangguan Yi’s granddaughter in defiance of the law. This is a great crime and the culprit should be seized and interrogated. I present this matter for Your Majesty’s judgment!”

“What? Who dares such defiance? Speak!” Gaozong, well aware of the truth behind Shangguan Yi’s supposed treason, knew the matter was too sensitive to pursue deeply. Though exiling Shangguan Yi was a regrettable necessity, it was done, and he would not tolerate any manipulation. Hearing Yuan Wanquan’s grave accusation, he leapt up, slamming the imperial table, and thundered his demand.

So, the old dog had chosen this moment to stir up trouble! Li Dan had anticipated as much, suspecting that the matter would cause waves sooner or later. He was angry, but not fearful, for when he sheltered Shangguan Wan’er, he was already prepared for such an accusation.

“Father, I know of this matter. Allow me to explain,” Li Dan stepped forward calmly before Yuan Wanquan could name him.

“Is that so? And what do you mean by that?” Gaozong, surprised by Li Dan’s interruption, grew suspicious, frowning as he regarded his son.

“Father, Yuan Wanquan refers to none other than myself. If I do not come forward, he may make wild accusations,” Li Dan replied with a carefree smile.

“Dan, do not speak lightly! This is a matter of grave treason—how dare you involve yourself?” Empress Wu, though secluded in the palace, was well-informed and had long known of Li Dan’s secret sheltering of Shangguan Wan’er. She had merely been waiting for the right moment. That Yuan Wanquan had brought it to light now infuriated her, but she would not let the opportunity pass, especially after her recent defeat by Li Dan. She seized upon the chance to press an accusation of high treason, ready to bring it down upon Li Dan’s head.

“Mother, your rebuke is deserved. I dare not act recklessly. There is more to this matter, and I ask your leave to explain in detail,” Li Dan, confident in his preparations, remained unruffled, bowing respectfully.

“Oh? Is that so? Then speak—I am most curious,” replied Empress Wu coolly, her keen eyes seeing Li Dan’s confidence and sensing the difficulty ahead. Yet she was unwilling to let him off easily, and so pressed him for an explanation.

“Father, Mother,” Li Dan began, “this matter is linked to Grand Historian Li. When Shangguan Yi’s granddaughter was born, he asked Li to cast her horoscope. It was said that the child’s fate clashed with the family’s, and disaster would follow unless she was given up for adoption. Shangguan Yi dismissed this, but later, when calamity befell him, he began to wonder if the child truly was the cause. Despairing, he again sought Li’s counsel, who told him that if the girl were adopted by my steward, Zhang Yaoqian, her life would be spared. Zhang, being cautious, consulted me. I saw nothing improper in the arrangement according to our laws, and so consented. Afterwards, I verified the matter with Grand Historian Li and found no discrepancies. This is the entire truth, and I beseech Your Majesty for a just judgment.” Li Dan had anticipated every aspect, and with Li Chunfeng long gone and his instructions clear, even Empress Wu’s faction could not verify the story. He lied with perfect composure.

“How complicated! I did not know of this,” said Gaozong, whose anger had largely subsided. Still, unsure if Li Dan had broken any law, he turned to Dai Zhizhi for an opinion. “You are always strict with the law; tell me, did Dan overstep?”

“Your Majesty, if His Highness speaks truthfully, then he has not broken protocol. However, the facts must be verified before a conclusion can be drawn,” replied Dai Zhizhi, cautious and impartial despite his sympathy for Shangguan Yi.

“Prime Minister Xu, what is your view?” asked Gaozong, turning to Xu Jingzong, who had remained silent.

“Your Majesty, this case may seem minor, but it concerns the reputation of His Highness. I believe it should be investigated,” Xu Jingzong replied. He, a master of intrigue, understood the political undercurrents. He sensed Gaozong’s desire to let the matter fade, while Empress Wu wanted a thorough inquiry. As for Li Dan’s story, Xu did not believe a word, but he also knew Li Dan was well prepared. Without a serious investigation, nothing would be uncovered. In any case, an open inquiry would not entail torture for a prince, and a mere investigation would yield little, but it would be enough to trouble Li Dan—a result that suited Empress Wu.

“Very well, let there be an investigation. What do you think, Wu?” Gaozong asked, seeking Empress Wu’s opinion to reassure himself.

“Your Majesty is wise; I have no objection,” replied Empress Wu. Though she would have liked to escalate the matter, she knew that if a grand inquest yielded nothing, her own authority might be further undermined. Reluctantly, she had to agree.

That was close—at last, the crisis was weathered! Li Dan felt the burden in his heart lift as Empress Wu spoke, relieved yet also more alert to the dangers ahead. He reminded himself that the struggle had only begun, and the road before him remained perilous. Whether he would have the last laugh was still uncertain…