Chapter 63: Midnight Conversations at Hangu Pass (Part One)

On the thirteenth day of the eighth month in the second year of Linde, Emperor Gaozong issued a solemn edict, proclaiming to all under heaven that he would ascend Mount Tai to perform the Fengshan sacrifice on the first day of the following year, praying for the people’s blessings. Empress Wu was to serve as the secondary officiant, with the Grand Minister of Works, Li Ji, appointed as the final celebrant. The issuance of this decree stirred a whirlwind of discussion within the court—some were elated, others astounded, and more still voiced their opposition. The entire court and country were abuzz with debate.

On the fourteenth, Li Ji submitted a memorial requesting to be relieved of his role as the final celebrant, citing a recurrence of old injuries which rendered him unfit for arduous climbs, fearing he might fail in his duty, and earnestly asked Emperor Gaozong to reconsider and appoint another.

On the sixteenth, Yan Liben, Minister of Works, and Liu Xiangdao, Minister of Rites, joined dozens of officials in a memorial concerning the Fengshan ceremony, arguing that ancient rites must not be abandoned or lightly altered, lest it bring misfortune, and implored the emperor to rescind his command appointing Empress Wu as the secondary officiant. At the same time, Wang Dejian, Vice Minister of Revenue, Hou Shanye, Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Liu Yizhi, Left Historian, and other officials aligned with Empress Wu submitted a rebuttal, asserting that Empress Wu had rendered immense service to the state and was eminently qualified for the role. Both factions refused to yield, their dispute even reaching the Hall of Virtue in the Eastern Palace, where Crown Prince Li Hong was unable to mediate. Consequently, both parties presented their cases directly to the emperor, turning the matter into a legal battle before the throne, shaking the entire realm.

On the eighteenth, Prince Lu, Li Xian, too, submitted a memorial regarding the ceremony, unequivocally supporting Empress Wu as secondary officiant. He was joined by Yang Wu, Vice Minister of Works, and more than a dozen other officials. With this, the already chaotic court became an impenetrable tangle of intrigue.

On the twenty-second, Emperor Gaozong, who had thus far remained silent, suddenly issued an edict censuring Yan Liben, Liu Xiangdao, and their supporters for their reckless dissent. Yan Liben was demoted to Inspector of Henan Circuit, Liu Xiangdao was exiled as Prefect of Zezhou, and the other signatories were variously penalized—some fined, others demoted. At the same time, Gaozong issued multiple decrees reaffirming his appointment of Li Ji as final celebrant. After several refusals, Li Ji had no choice but to accept.

On the third day of the ninth month, the emperor again issued a decree, summoning Prince Lu, Li Xian, and Prince Zhou, Li Xian (the younger), to participate in the Fengshan ceremony, while ordering Crown Prince Li Hong to remain in the capital. This blow, following his defeat in the Empress Wu dispute, left Li Hong despondent and bedridden. On the ninth, Prince Zhou departed the capital for Luoyang by imperial order, and on the fourteenth, he lodged at Hangu Pass.

Hangu Pass, with its western highlands, precipitous cliffs to the east, the Qin Mountains to the south, and the Yellow River blocking the north, was famed for its formidable terrain. Since ancient times, it had been a strategic military chokepoint, lauded as “the sublime gateway opening to the heart of the land, where myriad valleys send dust northward.” It was also the most renowned fortress on the old road to Chang’an. Since the flourishing of the Silk Road, merchants and travelers had crowded its thoroughfares, their endless processions forming a spectacle unseen in earlier times. The bustle was overwhelming, and even someone as well-traveled as Li Xian could not help but marvel at the sight.

What is the grandeur of the Tang dynasty? This is it! To live under the reign of the greatest dynasty in the world is surely a blessing. In high spirits, Li Xian found beauty in all he saw. Standing atop the lofty city gate, his face radiated contentment, utterly ignoring the flattery of the local officials gathered beside him. His eyes wandered restlessly between the bustling markets at the foot of the pass and the distant road, as if awaiting something, though his mind had already drifted far away.

“Your Highness, look! They’re here! They’re here!”

As Li Xian lost himself in his thoughts, Gao Miao, who was attending him, suddenly cried out, snapping him back to reality. Looking up, Li Xian immediately saw a plume of dust rising at the far end of the road. Several carriages, escorted by a troop of cavalry, swept around a bend and sped toward the fortress along the ancient highway. At the head of the procession fluttered a crimson banner emblazoned with a large “Li” character, unmistakably proclaiming the identity of its bearer—Prince Lu, Li Xian.

At last, my good brother has arrived! The instant he recognized the insignia, a surge of excitement swept through Li Xian. Waving his arm, he called out, “Come, let us go down to greet my sixth brother!” Without waiting, he strode down the steps from the city gate, unable to contain his joy. The officials and attendants, unwilling to be remiss, quickly followed in a flurry.

Though the carriages appeared close, they were still a good distance from the gate—a classic case of “mountains near, horses tired.” Li Xian waited eagerly for nearly half an hour before the rushing convoy finally halted before the pass. The curtain of the lead carriage parted, and Prince Lu, Li Xian, stooped as he emerged.

“Sixth brother, you’ve finally come! You nearly made me sick with worry from waiting!”

As soon as he saw Li Xian alight, Li Xian strode up to greet him, his voice brimming with excitement.

“I thank you, seventh brother.”

Though more than half a year was not so long, Li Xian had changed greatly. In the midst of adolescence, he had shot up in stature, now towering a full head above the yet-unmatured Li Xian. The once youthful face, tempered by the rigors of provincial administration, had grown markedly more mature. Standing there, he already bore the self-assured air of a prince, and though his eyes sparkled with emotion, his expression remained composed, his words few and simple.

“Sixth brother, come. I’ve had a feast prepared—we brothers must truly drink our fill today!” Li Xian, noticing the change in his brother, was secretly moved, but his face remained radiant with enthusiasm as he pressed his invitation.

“Very well! I shall not refuse my brother’s wine. After you, seventh brother!”

Naturally, Li Xian would not decline. Smiling, he gestured for Li Xian to lead the way, and together, arm in arm, they entered the fortress, laughing and conversing as only true brothers could. Their camaraderie moved all the attendants who witnessed it.

The welcome banquet was little more than a formality, for neither brother was inclined to drink heavily. Still, given the number of guests—officials from both princes’ households as well as local dignitaries—they had no choice but to see the banquet through, only dismissing everyone once night had fully fallen. At last, the brothers, lodging together at the post station, were able to meet in private.

“Seventh brother, I am deeply indebted to you for this matter. Allow me to repay you in time.”

In a quiet room at the post station, the two sat across from each other, faces still flushed with wine, but their eyes clear and calm. After a moment of silence, Li Xian broke it with heartfelt gratitude.

His words were entirely sincere, without a hint of falsehood. For if not for Li Xian’s timely warning of the Crown Prince’s plans, along with his clear advice, Li Xian could not have responded so deftly, let alone profited from the situation. In short, his chance to participate in the grand ceremony and return to the capital was all thanks to Li Xian’s careful maneuvering. Otherwise, he might have languished as Prefect of Qizhou for who knows how long, losing his foothold at the heart of power and, even if recalled, having no stage left to perform.

“Sixth brother, you give me too much credit. We are brothers, sharing fortune and loss alike. To be of some small use to you is my honor,” Li Xian replied, not at all smug but with a gentle, sincere smile.

“Your words, seventh brother, I trust. United, we are stronger than steel. To have your support is my greatest fortune,” Li Xian replied. After so many twists and turns, he no longer doubted Li Xian’s loyalty. Though some wariness remained, he was now convinced of their shared cause.

“You flatter me, sixth brother. I am but a humble reed, able only to serve and run errands. The court remains in turmoil; all depends on your skill at its center,” Li Xian responded, recognizing that his plan to develop quietly behind Li Xian had largely succeeded. He was inwardly pleased, though his face showed only modesty.

“Now that the other side has suffered a crushing defeat, this is a fine opportunity. What do you think?” Li Xian ignored the flattery, his interest piqued by mention of the court’s chaos, and spoke plainly.

Ah, this one’s impatience remains undiminished—troublesome! Though Li Xian’s words were measured, Li Xian instantly recognized his brother’s intention to seize the advantage. He cursed inwardly but did not show it, instead pondering briefly before replying, “You are right, but though he’s suffered a setback, his foundation remains strong and cannot be easily shaken. Now that you’ve just returned to court, it would not be wise to stand out. In my view, if you could intercede before Father and Mother on his behalf, it might yield unexpected benefit. Of course, this is just my humble suggestion—the decision is yours.”

“Very well, let’s see how things develop. That may be for the best. Seventh brother, after the Fengshan ceremony, I expect Father will issue new orders, perhaps allowing me to participate in court affairs. Do you have any advice?” Though Li Xian was unhappy with Li Xian’s opposition, after much thought, he reluctantly agreed and shifted the discussion to practical matters.

Ha, his competitive spirit is as fierce as ever—amusing! Li Xian saw right through his brother’s intentions, knowing he was eager to regain some ground through practical action. Suppressing a smile, Li Xian pretended to consider before shaking his head. “You flatter me, sixth brother. I have no experience and little to offer—everything should be left to your judgment.”

“That may be, but with your talent, in a few years’ time you will surely excel in such matters.” Li Xian, soothed by these words, smiled reassuringly.

“You overpraise me. I am merely a hanger-on, but I wonder from where you plan to begin. Perhaps I can assist, even if only in some small way.” Court affairs were no trifling matter; a single misstep could bring disaster. Sensing Li Xian had a plan in mind, Li Xian grew anxious.

“To be honest, I intend to start with the Ministry of Revenue. The central provinces are rich, yet lack grain, and the failure of the grain transport system is the root cause. If I can address this, much can be achieved. What do you think?” Li Xian revealed his clear intentions with a smile, but his words made Li Xian’s head spin…