Chapter Sixty-one: The Tiger Lord and His Dog Descendants (Part Two)

“Your Grace, I pay my respects to you.”
Accompanied by Li Jingye, Li Xian had just rounded the screen wall of the front courtyard when his eyes fell upon the Duke of England, Li Ji, his hair as white as snow, standing before the hall with a large retinue. Li Xian dared not show the slightest negligence; he hurried forward, bowing deeply in salute.

“Please, Your Highness, there’s no need for such courtesy. Are you trying to shorten this old man’s life?”
Before Li Xian could complete his bow, Li Ji had already strode forward, reaching out with both hands to support Li Xian’s arms, smiling warmly as he spoke.

What a grip this old gentleman has! Though Li Ji hadn’t used much force, Li Xian found himself quite unable to move, and could only rise along with the old man’s guiding support. Smiling, he offered a polite greeting: “Your Grace, it has been several months since we last met, and you seem ever more spirited. Truly, it is the good fortune of the Tang Empire.”

“Old, I am old. I am seventy-one this year, unlike Your Highness, so young and outstanding. Come, come, let us go inside.”
Pleased by the flattery, the old gentleman burst into hearty laughter, released Li Xian’s left arm but kept hold of his right, gesturing with a half-pull, half-invite, to lead Li Xian into the main hall. He then introduced, one by one, the family members who waited at the side. The warmth of the reception was almost overwhelming—Li Xian, after all, had only ever encountered Li Ji at imperial banquets on festival days, and they’d scarcely exchanged a few words, let alone built any real acquaintance. Such enthusiasm was almost too much for him. Still, Li Xian was no ordinary youth; his words were deft and appropriate, and having come with gifts prepared, he managed to navigate the situation without misstep.

“Your Grace, I have come today by order of my elder brother, the Crown Prince, to offer congratulations on your appointment as the chief presenter at the upcoming Fengshan ceremony on Mount Tai.”
At last managing to steer the conversation to the main point, Li Xian, a little weary from all the formalities, delivered his message with a respectful and congratulatory tone.

“Oh? Is this true?”
Li Ji feigned astonishment, raising his brows as if deeply surprised, but Li Xian saw in those still-clear eyes a perfect calm.

So, the old man knew all along? Li Xian’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained bright with a broad smile. He clapped his hands and said, “Indeed, Your Grace. The edict has already reached the Eastern Palace and will be announced to the realm in a few days. I dared not delay in bringing you the good news.”

“To be so favored by His Majesty, this old servant is deeply grateful, and wishes only to set out at once. Alas, I am old, and have recently caught a chill. My old leg injury has flared up; just today I am feeling a little better, but I fear I am unfit for such a long journey and may not be worthy of His Majesty’s great favor. If Your Highness would be so kind, please convey my humble apologies to His Majesty.”

What? You want me to help you politely decline? Surely not!
Li Xian’s smile nearly froze. To appear at the Duke of England’s residence at such a sensitive time was already risky enough; if he were to also deliver a memorial of refusal on Li Ji’s behalf, those in the know would say he was merely delivering the imperial edict, but those who didn’t might accuse him of coercing the old duke to refuse the post. If gossip spread, he would be in serious trouble. Such a thing must never be done! Yet, being in the Duke of England’s house, it was impossible to simply extricate himself. As the saying goes, when mud is thrown into your trousers, it doesn’t matter what it is—people will think the worst.

This old fox! It’s clearly his own reluctance to go, yet he would have me bear the brunt! Li Xian could have wept with frustration, but no one would pity him even if he did. His head was beginning to ache. With no other choice, he forced a smile: “Your Grace, you jest. You are a pillar of the realm. How could the grand Fengshan ceremony proceed without you? My father would surely be most anxious. I beg you, Your Grace, to attend despite the inconvenience.”

“That would not do. This old body is frail. Should I make a fool of myself at the ceremony, it would be most improper. I am grateful for His Majesty’s and Your Highness’s kindness, but I must trouble you to explain to His Majesty on my behalf, and beg forgiveness for my inadequacy.”
The old duke shook his head vigorously, refusing to let Li Xian off the hook.

Is he determined to be unreasonable? Fine, two can play at that game!
Li Xian was exasperated, but a wry amusement crept in. He decided to counter the old man’s obstinacy with a little of his own—just as he’d seen in the bureaucratic games of later generations. He grinned, scratched his head awkwardly, and said, “Your Grace, you are wise. I am but a child, ill-versed in letters, and having abandoned scholarship for martial pursuits, my skill with the brush is woeful. If I were to draft a memorial on your behalf, I cannot promise there would be no errors. Should that occur, I beg your indulgence.”

This tactic—fighting poison with poison—was rather amusing. After all, Li Xian was just ten years old; any slip of the tongue could be excused as childishness. But should any real mistake occur, could Li Ji truly bear the consequences? Plainly, Li Ji had not expected Li Xian to resort to such tricks, and burst out laughing.

“Oh? Hahaha…”
After a hearty laugh, the old man stroked his long beard and said, eyes twinkling, “Interesting, very interesting. It has been long since I felt so invigorated. But laughter is wearying at my age; my illness may well return. The physician has ordered me to rest in bed for some time, so I will not keep Your Highness further. Jingye, see the Prince of Zhou out.”

Well, the old fellow really did take me for a ride!
Li Xian, quick-witted as he was, instantly understood the message behind Li Ji’s words: he was well aware of the little schemes between the Crown Prince and Li Xian, and would not be so easily deceived. He might lend a small hand, but nothing more; it was up to the young men to sort matters out themselves. Whether they succeeded or failed was of no concern to him.

“Your Grace, please take care. Your health is the fortune of the realm. I bid you farewell. Please, do not see me out.”
Having achieved his purpose, Li Xian had no wish to linger. He was eager to report back to the Crown Prince, and, truth be told, a little intimidated by the old man. He took his leave with a respectful bow, and, accompanied by Li Jingye, left the Duke of England’s residence, returning to the Eastern Palace by carriage.

“Grandfather, the Fengshan ceremony is a grand and rare occasion, an honor through the ages! To be appointed chief presenter is a glory many can only dream of. Why would you…”
Li Jingye, young and impulsive, had not dared interrupt while Li Xian was present. But as soon as the prince was gone, he practically ran back to the inner hall, paying no heed to his grandfather’s quiet conversation with his uncle Li Bi, and burst out his question.

“Silence! Is this a matter for children to meddle in? Go to your room and study at once!”
Li Ji ruled his household with strict discipline. He would not tolerate such impertinence. Before Li Jingye could finish, he scolded him sternly.

“Yes, your grandson obeys.”
Though full of indignation, Li Jingye dared not defy his grandfather. He bowed his head and, dragging his feet, left the hall.

“Wait. No one is to speak of today’s events again. If anyone does, they will be punished by family law. Is that clear?”

“Yes, your grandson understands.”
Li Jingye’s burly frame halted; he turned and bowed again, then left, resentment and anger flashing in his eyes. As to whom that anger was directed, only heaven could know.

“Elder brother, what Jingye said is not without reason. You…”
Li Bi, ever cautious, knew his brother’s temperament—prudent and averse to standing out—but he still found it hard to let go of the chief presenter’s honor. Once Jingye had left, he ventured to ask.

Li Ji raised a hand, cutting him off. “I have my reasons. Do not mention it again. The realm is in troubled times. I have always conducted myself with caution, and perhaps I will preserve my own later years. But as for our grandchildren, who can say? Do you not see how Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui both suffered ruin because their descendants were unworthy? We must be careful. Jingye is hot-headed; you must keep a close watch on him.”

“You are right, elder brother. I will remember your words.”
Knowing that his brother was deep in thought, Li Bi dared not ask further. He bowed and withdrew, leaving Li Ji sitting in worried silence. After a long while, when all had gone, Li Ji finally stood, walking to the front of the hall. He gazed up at the sky and let out a long, lingering sigh.

Troubled times indeed…