Chapter 62: To Act and to Refrain

“Your Highness, Prince Zhou is waiting outside the palace gates.”

Within the study of the Xiande Hall in the Eastern Palace, Li Hong was conferring in hushed tones with Yan Liben, Liu Xiangdao, and other senior officials. Wang Dequan, the deputy steward of Xiande Hall, hurried inside and leaned close to Li Hong, quietly reporting the news.

“Oh?” Li Hong paused at the words, his eyes flickering with a subtle turn. Suddenly, he smiled and waved to Yan, Liu, and his trusted ministers. “Gentlemen, please remain here for a moment. Allow me to meet my seventh brother, and we shall continue our discussion afterward.”

“We obey Your Highness’s command.”

Since Li Hong had spoken, the ministers naturally did not object, bowing in acknowledgment as they watched Li Hong depart the study, accompanied by a retinue of young eunuchs.

“Your subject greets the Crown Prince Brother.”

Led by Wang Dequan, Li Xian entered the grand hall of Xiande. He immediately saw Li Hong seated high upon the dais, the arrangement clearly that of a sovereign receiving his ministers. This made Li Xian inwardly uneasy, but at such a moment he could not protest. He hurried forward, respectfully bowing and offering greetings.

“No need for that. Seventh brother, you sought me so urgently—do you have important matters to discuss?” Li Hong accepted Li Xian’s salute with equanimity, then raised his hand gently and smiled as he asked.

Important matters? Nonsense—wasn’t this a question he already knew the answer to? What was Li Hong playing at with such a display? Li Xian had visited the Eastern Palace many times, but never encountered Li Hong acting so formally. Though unsettled, he did not let it show, merely grumbling inwardly as he answered fluently, “Your Highness, I have already visited the Duke of England’s residence and, by good fortune, fulfilled my mission.”

“Oh? Is that so? Did the Duke of England entrust you with anything?” Li Hong had been informed ahead of Li Xian’s visit, though he did not know precisely what was discussed. He had long anticipated the outcome, but chose not to reveal this, instead smiling and pressing further.

Keep up the act if you wish, Li Xian thought, unimpressed. Clearly, Li Hong felt his attempts at gentle persuasion had failed and was resorting to intimidation. But no matter what Li Hong did, Li Xian would never board his ship—not out of sentiment, but for the sake of his own safety. There was no choice.

“Brother, I conveyed your congratulations. The Duke thanked Father for his kindness, but said his health was poor and he could not endure the journey. Old wounds have returned, requiring him to rest in bed, so he regretfully declined the honor. He spoke of nothing else.” Li Xian, unwavering in his resolve, calmly described the events, offering no personal opinion.

“I see. You’ve worked hard, Seventh Brother. Since the Grand Minister is indisposed, Father surely won’t insist. What are your thoughts on the matter?” Li Hong listened quietly, noticing Li Xian’s lack of commentary. His brows furrowed and he cast Li Xian a meaningful glance, his tone subdued.

Advice? What advice could there be? On his way to the Eastern Palace, Li Xian had already considered the situation thoroughly. He had little faith in Li Hong’s overt opposition to Empress Wu. In Li Xian’s view, Empress Wu’s power was beyond Li Hong’s reckoning. This grand maneuver would never escape her notice, and a swift counterattack was inevitable. Moreover, Emperor Gaozong was like clay in Empress Wu’s hands—easily molded. Unless she openly rebelled, Gaozong’s weak nature meant he would rarely deny her requests. From the emperor’s perspective, the Crown Prince’s extensive contact with senior officials was a grave misstep. Even if Gaozong was not a competent ruler, he would never tolerate such behavior. Combining these factors, Li Xian was certain Li Hong was bound to fail, and he would never set foot in such a doomed venture.

“I have no objection, Your Highness. At present, I am at a crucial stage in my martial training and have little time for other matters. I beg your understanding.” Having decided not to participate, Li Xian declined without hesitation.

“Hm?” Li Hong was surprised by Li Xian’s response, staring at him with suspicion. Seeing Li Xian’s calm demeanor, he felt a sinking unease but forced himself to hold back further words. Glancing around, he waved his hand. “All of you, leave us.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

With the Crown Prince’s order, Wang Dequan and the attending eunuchs and maids bowed and withdrew, leaving the two brothers alone in the vast hall.

“Seventh Brother, I know you are clever—surely you understand the saying: a single chopstick breaks easily, ten are hard to break. The ancients said, ‘When brothers are united, their strength can cut through gold.’ Now is the time for great deeds. I earnestly hope you will lend me your aid. Should we succeed, you know I am not one to be stingy.” After a prolonged silence, Li Hong broke the deadlock, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.

The principle was sound, but things were not as easy as Li Hong claimed. With a figure like Empress Wu, it was nearly impossible to topple her in one stroke. Success would come only through small, gradual gains. To attempt a sudden victory would be folly. In Li Xian’s view, to truly confront Empress Wu, one must first cut off her wings before proceeding further. Otherwise, defeat was inevitable. Occasionally striking at her directly was possible, but only sparingly. From last year to now, less than a year, there was first the affair of the Imperial Prison, then the request for posthumous titles—each causing uproar. Not only was the grass disturbed, the snake had been struck; Empress Wu was already in pain. With her temperament, she would not react lightly. When she did, it would be like mountains collapsing. Li Hong could never withstand her wrath, so Li Xian had no reason to become a martyr. As the saying goes, a gentleman must know when to act and when to refrain; in times beyond his strength, self-preservation is paramount.

“Your Highness, you overestimate me. I am dull and foolish, unfit for great responsibility. My training is incomplete and I am of no use. Your Highness’s kindness is more than I deserve.” No matter how sincerely Li Hong spoke, Li Xian’s convictions remained firm. He declined without hesitation.

“Seventh Brother, you—”

Seeing Li Xian unmoved by both persuasion and pressure, even Li Hong, usually good-natured, could not help but grow angry. He rose abruptly, pointing at Li Xian as if to rebuke him, but reconsidered and forced himself to swallow his words, left speechless and flushed with anger.

“Your Highness, have you ever eaten tofu?”

Li Xian, seeing Li Hong so agitated, felt a twinge of guilt. After all, Li Hong had always treated him well, and their brotherly bond was genuine. Li Xian also did not wish for Li Hong to fall too quickly. After a brief pause, he asked an odd question.

“Hm? What do you mean?”

Li Hong, caught in anger, was startled by this strange question and asked with suspicion.

“The tofu Your Highness eats is surely cooked and ready, but perhaps you’ve never seen it fresh from the pot. When piping hot soy milk receives a few drops of brine, it becomes tofu instantly. The new tofu is tender and fragrant, but one cannot taste it immediately—otherwise, it burns the mouth. When I was young and ignorant, tempted by greed, I suffered greatly for it. Each time I recall it, I still shudder.” Li Xian spoke with self-deprecating humor. Though he spoke much, his point was simple—one cannot eat hot tofu in haste.

“Oh? Is that so? Seventh Brother, you were quite careless. Very well, since you have difficulties, I will not force you. Go, then.” Li Hong was not unreasonable and understood Li Xian’s intention. Yet he did not wish to concede, for with Li Ji’s cooperation, the matter seemed promising. One more or less ally would not change things, so there was no need to press Li Xian too hard. Better to leave room; perhaps in the future Li Xian could be persuaded to join his camp. With this in mind, Li Hong’s expression softened, and he smiled before dismissing him.

“I take my leave, Your Highness.” Not having to sever ties with the Crown Prince was the best outcome. Li Xian had no reason to linger. As Li Hong finished speaking, Li Xian respectfully bowed, turned, and departed the hall, exiting the Eastern Palace and riding home in his carriage…

“We greet Your Highness.”

Back in the study of Xiande Hall, the officials were quietly discussing when Li Hong entered, his expression slightly dark. They hurriedly rose in greeting.

“Be seated.”

Having failed to win over Li Xian, Li Hong’s mood was somber, his voice tinged with fatigue.

“Your Highness, what was Prince Zhou’s purpose in coming?”

Noticing Li Hong’s weary demeanor, the ministers dared not move. After exchanging glances, Yan Liben stepped forward to inquire.

“Li Ji has agreed to submit his resignation. As for my seventh brother, let’s not mention him. Let us return to business.” Li Hong, not wishing to discuss Li Xian further, replied vaguely and moved straight to the main topic. The ministers, sensing his mood, dared not press for details, keeping their suspicions to themselves as they resumed their prior discussion…