Chapter Fifty-One: A Necessary Lesson (Part One)

“Your Highness.”

As soon as Gao Miao saw Li Xian’s gaze sweep over, he hurried forward, bowed, and called out, but did not continue speaking. Instead, he glanced deliberately at Deng Cheng.

“Very well.”

Li Xian, noting Gao Miao’s manner, immediately realized the matter was significant. Naturally, he would not question details in Deng Cheng’s presence; so, he merely grunted noncommittally and waved Gao Miao aside. Then, he turned his attention back to Deng Cheng and, after a brief pause, said, “I am not a harsh or unkind person. With time, Deng Steward will come to know this. Here’s my offer: I’ll grant you a twenty percent share. If you manage the business well, there will be further rewards. Are you willing to serve me?”

“I am willing to toil faithfully, but I dare not accept the share, Your Highness. Please withdraw your command.”

Deng Cheng was evidently an honest man. Hearing Li Xian’s generous offer, gratitude overflowed from his expression, yet he firmly declined the gift.

Li Xian’s face grew solemn as he waved to halt Deng Cheng’s protest, his tone level as he instructed, “My decision is made. No need for further refusal. Let it be settled thus. There are three things you must remember: First, this enterprise is to be established by you alone and bears no connection to me. Second, I may be able to assist you publicly, or I may not; all depends on your own planning. Third, I will assign Lin Hu to cooperate with you. Should any matter arise that you cannot resolve, do not come straight to me—let Lin Hu handle it. Do you understand these three points?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will obey and keep them ever in mind.”

Though Deng Cheng was honest, he was far from foolish; indeed, underneath he was shrewd. At Li Xian’s instructions, he instantly grasped the prince’s intentions and his heart grew alert. Yet, at this juncture, he could not refuse; he could only grit his teeth and accept.

“Good. Remember well. Go and prepare; everything must proceed swiftly. I await your good news.”

Li Xian, preoccupied with the tidings Gao Miao brought, had no wish to linger in conversation. Seeing Deng Cheng’s attitude now established, he gave a final instruction, with a clear hint of dismissal.

“Rest assured, Your Highness. I will do my utmost!” Knowing himself unqualified to participate in the secrets of the Prince Zhou’s household, Deng Cheng dared not linger further, hastily bowed, and withdrew from the room.

“Your Highness, the latest news: Censor Lin and Assistant Minister Yang Wu, along with over ten ministers, have jointly submitted a memorial. They claim that though Lord Shangguan has long served at court and earned some merit, he remains a banished man. To bestow the posthumous title ‘Mu’ is inappropriate; ‘Zhi’ would suit him better. Upon this submission, the scholars of the Ministry of Rites have erupted in dispute, unable to reach consensus.”

Once Deng Cheng had left, Gao Miao, knowing the gravity of the matter, hurried to Li Xian’s side and whispered the news.

What? That wretch Lin Qi dared act without orders—damned fool! Li Xian, hearing that Lin Qi had submitted the memorial, was instantly furious, his face darkening. In recent days, the Crown Prince had been busy, meeting privately with officials from the Ministry of Rites, all in hopes of securing a prestigious posthumous title for Shangguan Yi. His aim was to use this as a counterattack against Empress Wu’s usurpation. While this was a hidden maneuver, it was hardly concealed from the sharper minds at court. Thus, though Li Hong had made many private efforts, the matter of the title remained undecided, with much controversy. Most sided with the Crown Prince, and the outcome seemed nearly settled. Yet now, with Lin Qi and his faction’s memorial, everything was thrown into confusion, and Li Xian’s carefully laid plans faced ruin. How could he not be enraged?

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Submitting the memorial was not impossible, nor was it wrong to oppose Li Hong. But now was not the time. By Li Xian’s original strategy, Lin Qi and the officials of the Prince Lu’s faction were to keep silent, letting the Crown Prince and Empress Wu battle over the title. Then, when their struggle reached a deadlock, the memorial would be submitted, and the matter would become so public that neither side could ignore it. The probability of both sides suffering reputational damage would be high, and in the end, to restrain Li Hong, Empress Wu would likely recall Li Xian to the capital. Thus, Li Xian’s shield would be in place. But now, with the title undecided at court, how could it be sent to the High Emperor in Luoyang? With time, the matter would be exposed, and Empress Wu need only seize the opportunity to act first, ending it all. Clearly, Lin Qi’s meddling had likely ruined Li Xian’s scheme.

Greedy fool, worthless cur! Li Xian cursed inwardly, his anger rising. He paced the room in agitation, then suddenly paused, realizing something was amiss. Lin Qi, though flamboyant, would not dare act rashly in such serious matters. Even if he did, without Li Xian’s tacit approval, he could not mobilize all Prince Lu’s ministers. In other words, this was likely Li Xian’s initiative, intended to curry favor with Empress Wu and seek a return to the capital.

Naive—utterly naive! Thinking of Li Xian’s impulsive nature, Li Xian grew even more frustrated. At present, the conflict between Empress Wu and Li Hong had not intensified; both still had room to maneuver, and a temporary truce was possible. If so, Empress Wu would have no reason to recall Li Xian—whom she disliked—to restrain Li Hong. Thus, Li Xian would have played the villain for nothing, gaining no benefit, and Li Xian himself might suffer collateral damage. Once Li Hong was freed, he would surely take revenge on Li Xian. Though Li Xian did not fear him, the trouble would be endless—an outcome Li Xian was loath to see. Yet the situation was tangled, and even with Li Xian’s vast experience in political struggle, he could not devise a perfect remedy at once.

Since you show no mercy, don’t blame me for responding in kind! After a long contemplation, Li Xian made up his mind, stamping his foot in anger. He waved his hand and ordered loudly, “Prepare the carriage—I must enter the palace at once!”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Gao Miao, seeing Li Xian’s dark mood, dared not delay and hurried out to make arrangements. After a brief commotion, the retinue of Prince Zhou’s household left “Bing’er Village” and rushed eastward toward the Crown Prince’s palace.

Late noon had already passed, yet Li Hong felt no appetite at all. He sat in dull silence behind his desk, his face etched with fatigue he could not conceal. Were it not for the occasional movement of his eyes, he would seem a lifeless statue.

Li Hong was deeply troubled—more than usual. Over the years, he had endured enough of Empress Wu’s interference in state affairs. Yet, as a son, however much resentment he harbored, he dared not voice it, nor even show the slightest sign. He could only nurse his anger in secret. This time, he had finally devised a proper opportunity to strike back, only for Lin Qi’s faction to intervene, wrecking the already complex situation. Now faced with such a mess, Li Hong was at his wit’s end.

“Your Highness, Prince Zhou is at the palace gates requesting an audience.”

As Li Hong brooded in silence, a young eunuch hurried in from outside and quietly reported.

“Hmm?” Hearing Li Xian was here, Li Hong was taken aback, his eyes turning as if he had thought of something. Yet, he did not respond immediately. He rose, paced the hall, then glanced at Wang Dequan, who stood nearby, and said thoughtfully, “Dequan, go see him. If he’s here for idle talk, tell him I’m resting and he can come another time.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Wang Dequan replied respectfully and turned to leave. But before he could take a step, Li Hong’s voice called after him, “Wait,” forcing him to stop and turn back, awaiting further instructions.

“Never mind, bring him in.”

After much hesitation, Li Hong decided to receive Li Xian personally and gave a gentle command.

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“Yes, Your Highness.” Though Li Hong’s indecision had left Wang Dequan confused, he dared not question. He hurried out and soon returned, accompanying Li Xian into the hall.

“Your servant brother greets the Crown Prince.”

Upon seeing Li Hong seated behind his desk, Li Xian quickly stepped forward, bowing in greeting.

“Rise. Seventh brother, you haven’t visited the palace in quite some time. What brings you here today?”

Li Hong smiled and raised his hand slightly, his tone both mocking and teasing.

Ha, how sour his words sound! Clearly, he harbors deep resentment; if he keeps bottling it up, he’ll turn into a bitter woman! Li Xian, keenly perceptive, easily sensed the jealousy in Li Hong’s words. He secretly scoffed at Li Hong, but outwardly flashed his brightest smile and replied, “Let me assure Crown Prince brother, I have lately devoted myself to martial training, so immersed that I neglected to pay my respects daily. I am ashamed.”

“Hmm, martial training is proper business. If you are diligent, I am pleased. As for paying respects, that’s a trivial matter. Still, if you have time, it wouldn’t hurt to visit more often. If anything arises, we brothers can discuss it. What do you think?”

Li Hong smiled and waved, his words carrying a clear invitation.

“Of course, brother. In fact, I have an important matter to discuss with Crown Prince today.”

Li Xian, ever astute, easily heard the overt attempt to draw him in. Yet, instead of the usual polite refusal, he smiled and accepted.

Li Xian’s straightforward manner caught Li Hong off guard, leaving him momentarily confused about Li Xian’s intentions. For a moment, he was lost in thought…

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