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

"Seventh Brother, speak your mind. Whatever is within my power, I will not let you down."
Counting it up, Li Xian had already refused Li Hong’s overtures twice. Though the brothers had not completely fallen out, there was nothing left of their former closeness, and certainly no foundation for cooperation. Now, Li Xian’s sudden appearance unsettled Li Hong; he did not believe Li Xian was seeking reconciliation, but suspected instead that some hidden scheme lurked behind his visit. Still, Li Hong was not overly concerned. After pondering for a moment, he smiled warmly, gazing at Li Xian with meaningful eyes, and spoke in a bold, generous tone.

"Thank you, Crown Prince Brother, for your kindness."
Li Hong’s words sounded magnanimous at first, yet they contained an escape clause: he would help only if able, and if not, there would be no obligation. Whether he could or could not, after all, was up to Li Hong alone—a subtlety sharp minds like Li Xian could hardly miss. Still, Li Xian did not expose it at such a moment, merely smiling and offering thanks, without continuing right away; he simply kept smiling.

"All of you, withdraw."
Li Hong had waited for some time, and seeing Li Xian still smiling silently, finally realized what was happening. He waved his hand, dismissing the eunuchs and maids from the hall, then looked at Li Xian and said, "Seventh Brother, speak your business."

"Crown Prince Brother, are you troubled by the matter of Lord Shangguan’s posthumous title?" Li Xian asked directly, without pretension.

"Oh? You really think so, Seventh Brother?"
Evidently surprised by Li Xian’s bluntness, Li Hong was momentarily taken aback, then masked his surprise with a smile, answering with a question instead.

"I would hope not, but alas..."
Li Xian shrugged, spreading his hands in regret, leaving his sentence unfinished.

"What do you mean by that?"

Li Hong’s expression changed instantly, struck by Li Xian’s insight, but he refused to admit it. He forced a smile, flicked his sleeve, and asked coldly.

"Crown Prince Brother, Lord Shangguan served three reigns, diligent and loyal for many years. Now, caught in calamity, he leaves not even a trace of his remains—truly a great misfortune for the court. If we do not bestow him proper honors, will it not chill the hearts of all under heaven? I believe the title ‘Mu’ is fitting; though there are faults, it consoles his spirit above, and answers the people below. There is nothing amiss—this should be settled quickly, lest hesitation breed trouble. I ask you to judge wisely."
Li Xian’s smile faded; his face grew solemn as he bowed, speaking earnestly and with passionate conviction.

"Seventh Brother speaks wisely, but... alas, it’s not unwillingness on my part, but the court is rife with discord and petty men meddle, so the matter remains unsettled. What can be done?"
Li Hong was unmoved by Li Xian’s rhetoric; he was no child to be swayed so easily. He was convinced Li Xian harbored some scheme, so he cautiously deflected, tossing the issue back to Li Xian, waiting to see what medicine he carried in his gourd.

"Crown Prince Brother, you are mistaken. This is a matter of the court, not to be left to villains. Though I lack talent, I dare debate them openly and strive to see this through. I ask you to judge!"
Li Xian had anticipated Li Hong’s evasiveness and was undisturbed, declaring his stance with fervor.

"Oh? Are you truly willing, Seventh Brother?"
Li Hong was moved—earlier, Lin Qi and others had submitted petitions, though they had not openly declared Li Xian and his brother Li Xian to be their sponsors, everyone in the court could see an impending clash among the brothers. Few wished to join the fray, even those who hoped the posthumous title would help curb the Empress’s faction. No one wanted to become a tool in the royal struggle, fearing a misstep would lead to ruin. Thus, the debate over the title had faded, frustrating Li Hong, who had no recourse. Now, hearing Li Xian’s words, it seemed he was distancing himself from Li Xian, and if Li Xian was willing to step forward, not only could the matter proceed more smoothly, but it might even sow discord between his brothers. How could Li Hong not be tempted?

"There are no idle words before the ruler. Since I dare speak, I dare act. Or do you not trust your younger brother, Crown Prince?"
Li Hong’s words had barely faded before Li Xian’s face changed, his eyes reddening with grievance, indignation, and anger, as he retorted loudly.

"You misunderstand me, Seventh Brother. I trust you, but... this is a grave matter, no trifling thing. Are you truly willing to do this?"
Li Hong was unsettled by Li Xian’s change in tone, hurriedly apologizing, though he remained uneasy and pressed further.

"If you doubt me, bring forth a military order; see if I dare sign it!"
Li Xian, flushed with anger, challenged him.

"You jest, Seventh Brother; this is not the army, and there are no military orders here. So, what do you intend to do?"
Li Hong laughed at himself, dropping questions of sincerity and turning to the main issue.

Phew... he managed to get through it!
Hearing Li Hong finally shift to the matter at hand, Li Xian breathed a sigh of relief. Indeed, hiding behind Li Xian was his strategy, but that was a means, not the end. His true goal was to topple Lady Wu; anything contrary he could not tolerate, even if it was Li Xian acting. Moreover, Li Xian’s unconsulted actions had harmed Li Xian’s interests; such behavior could not be allowed to continue. He had to teach Li Xian a lesson, so he would understand the weight of Li Xian’s presence. Otherwise, who knew how many times this would happen in the future? Better to act now and give Li Xian a warning.

"Crown Prince Brother, as I said, this matter must be handled swiftly; delay brings change. Today is better than tomorrow. There is still time—please summon the officials to settle the matter of the posthumous title. I am willing to be at the forefront!"
Strike while the iron is hot—Li Xian would not let the matter drag. He straightened his face and earnestly offered his suggestion.

"So urgent? Well..."
Li Hong hesitated at the proposal to convene the officials today, quickly calculating in his mind. Using the posthumous title to curb the Empress was not his true aim, but a tactic to hint that she should not meddle in state affairs, demonstrating that he was not a puppet. From this perspective, Li Hong hoped for a smooth resolution; a unified opinion sent to the Emperor was sufficient. What reaction might follow was less important—if the Emperor rejected the proposal, Li Hong could reconsider, and after repeated exchanges, the Empress’s prestige would be diminished. Even if the title he set was ultimately denied, the outcome would be similar. Such an opportunity was too good to pass. But why was Li Xian so urgent? Li Hong could not see what benefit Li Xian might gain, and so his suspicion grew.

Ah, he’s confused again!
Li Xian could read Li Hong’s thoughts from his expression. He knew his sudden visit seemed somewhat abrupt and, if possible, he would not have wished to play the villain. But circumstances forced his hand; it was too late for regrets. At this point, further words would be useless; he could only wait for Li Hong’s decision.

"Are you confident, Seventh Brother?"
Li Hong pondered long and hard. Though he saw no advantage for Li Xian, he saw no trap either. On the contrary, the more Li Xian struggled, the more it benefited Li Hong—at worst, it shared some responsibility. Such a gift was not to be refused. Moreover, if Li Xian clashed with the officials allied with King Lu, Li Hong might even draw him to his own side. Thus, Li Hong resolved to take a chance, though he doubted Li Xian’s ability to sway the court, so he asked hesitantly.

Confidence?
Li Xian asked himself the same question. Truthfully, he did not think Lin Qi and the others could cause much trouble, but to claim absolute confidence—no, he estimated perhaps sixty percent at best. Of course, this was for his own mind; he would never admit it aloud. Seeing Li Hong was interested, he quickly replied, "Rest assured, Crown Prince Brother, I will do my utmost to see this through, even at the cost of my life!"

"Good. Since you are willing, I cannot lag behind. We must not let Lord Shangguan’s spirit be wronged. But today is too late to assemble the officials; let us meet tomorrow morning. I will order all officials to gather at the Hall of Radiant Virtue for discussion. It is settled!"

"Very well. I will go and prepare, and come at dawn tomorrow. Farewell."
Though Li Hong insisted on postponing the meeting, Li Xian was inwardly dissatisfied, but could only feign cheerfulness and accept, quickly taking his leave. He departed briskly, leaving Li Hong once again deep in thought...