Chapter Sixty-Nine: Subtle Signs of Murder (Part One)

The Scholar of the Northern Gate—what a title, the Scholar of the Northern Gate! This absurd institution has appeared right on schedule after all; could it be that all my efforts have been in vain? Li Xian casually bantered with Li Xian as he reflected inwardly, feeling a mix of resentment and frustration. With memories spanning three lifetimes, Li Xian knew the roots of the Scholar of the Northern Gate all too well. In his previous life, this bizarre entity came into being only because the government had fallen completely under Empress Wu’s control. Unable to subdue those senior officials who outwardly complied but inwardly resisted, Empress Wu meticulously devised this institution, wielding the authority of the emperor to command the ministers. Yet the current situation is different: Empress Wu has not openly taken charge of the government, and though her victory in the matter of the Fengshan sacrifice at Mount Tai dealt a heavy blow to Crown Prince Li Hong, that triumph alone does not suffice to justify the creation of such an anomaly as the Scholar of the Northern Gate. Clearly, there must be some other mystery at work, though Li Xian is baffled as to what it might be.

While doubts linger about how the Scholar of the Northern Gate was established, Li Xian has already guessed its purpose in today's unveiling. Without question, this is Empress Wu’s testing hand—a deliberate move to replace the Ministry of Rites for two reasons: first, to gauge the reaction of the brothers Li Xian and Li Xian; second, to send a message to the senior officials of the court—that the Scholar of the Northern Gate will play a significant role in the political landscape to come, a sort of advance warning for the ministers.

This is a malignant growth that must be eradicated; otherwise, the future of the court will surely descend into utter chaos! Li Xian concluded in his heart, determined to uproot this malignancy at all costs. Of course, he knew this would not be easy—his own strength alone would not suffice, not even with Li Xian’s support. The hand of the Crown Prince would be needed, but even his faction could not guarantee success. The one who could truly decide the matter was Emperor Gaozong. Yet how to use Gaozong posed a real challenge for Li Xian. The thought of Gaozong’s weak character, so thoroughly dominated by Empress Wu, gave Li Xian a headache.

“Seventh Brother, do you have something on your mind?” Li Xian was adept at multitasking, but Li Xian was no ordinary person. Though he noticed nothing at first, their continued conversation eventually revealed some clues, prompting him to stop their previous topic and, with a slight frown, press the question.

“Yes.” With his thoughts seen through by Li Xian, Li Xian did not try to hide it. He nodded and said, “Sixth Brother, I’ve been wondering why Mother sent those two fools to welcome us. I suspect it’s not as simple as it seems.”

“It is strange, indeed. What do you make of it?” Li Xian had also been puzzled by the appearance of Li and Yan, but had let it slip after his earlier complaints were interrupted. Now, reminded by Li Xian and seeing he had formed an opinion, he didn’t bother to ponder further, and straightforwardly asked.

“It’s hard to say. I only have a vague idea—can’t be sure if it’s right or wrong.” Li Xian, intent on dealing with the Scholar of the Northern Gate, naturally sought Li Xian’s support. He pretended to hesitate, as if deep in thought, but in reality, his mind raced to prepare a convincing argument.

“No matter. It’s just us brothers here—speak your mind, forget about right or wrong.” Li Xian waved impatiently, seeming a bit displeased.

“You’re right, Sixth Brother.” Seeing Li Xian’s impatience, Li Xian dropped his pretense, apologized, and spoke gravely: “I believe Mother is preparing to take up the reins of government. Perhaps she intends to place the Scholar of the Northern Gate above the Six Ministries. If this precedent is set, the consequences will be dire!”

“What? How can that be!” Li Xian’s eyes widened instantly, his mouth agape in disbelief.

How can it be? Indeed, it’s incredible. If not for the memories of three lifetimes, Li Xian himself would not believe a woman’s ambition could reach such heights. In fact, when Empress Wu first took charge in his previous life, the ministers could not believe Emperor Gaozong would allow such chaos. Yet, that was the reality.

“Sixth Brother, it’s only a vague suspicion—I have no real evidence. If you don’t believe me, I can hardly blame you.” Li Xian could not reveal the secret within his heart, so he simply spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness.

“This, this…” Li Xian had always admired Li Xian’s wisdom, but this deduction was so astonishing he could hardly accept it. He stammered for a while, unable to say anything meaningful, then finally cast a doubtful glance at Li Xian and asked, “If so, what should we do?”

“I think…” In truth, Li Xian had not fully worked out what to do. He had raised the topic mainly to give Li Xian an early warning. When Li Xian pressed for a solution, Li Xian found himself at a loss. He pondered for a while before opening his mouth, about to explain the partial plan he had devised, when he heard Zhang Che’s voice outside the carriage: “Your Highnesses, the palace is near. Please instruct us.”

“Sixth Brother, this matter is complex and hard to explain all at once. Perhaps we should discuss it another day?” Li Xian had no intention of revealing an incomplete plan, and seized the opportunity to suggest a postponement upon hearing Zhang Che’s report.

“Fine. There’s no rush, let’s see Father and Mother first.” Li Xian still doubted Li Xian’s judgment, but since their conversation could no longer proceed, he didn’t mind. He nodded, lifted the curtain, and stepped out of the carriage.

“His Majesty commands: King of Lu, Li Xian, and King of Zhou, Li Xian, are summoned to the Hall of Compassion!”

Shortly after presenting their cards at the palace gate, the chief eunuch Gao Hesheng led two attendants out from the palace, stopping four paces from the brothers and solemnly declaiming Emperor Gaozong’s order.

“We thank Father for his grace.” Though it was only a verbal command, the proper ceremony of receiving an imperial edict could not be omitted. The brothers bowed as tradition required, then rose. Li Xian, after standing straight, ignored Gao Hesheng and strode toward the palace gate, while Li Xian, with a beaming smile, approached Gao Hesheng, deftly flicking a folded “Hundred String Flying Note” into the eunuch’s sleeve, then greeted him cheerfully: “Thank you, Lord Gao.”

Li Xian’s generosity was famous in the palace. Those who delivered imperial orders to the Prince of Zhou always left with full hands, making assignments to the Prince’s residence a coveted job among the eunuchs. Gao Hesheng had not experienced it personally but had heard plenty. Seeing the “Hundred String” note slip into his sleeve, even he, accustomed to gifts, was stunned. His round face broke into a broad smile, and he bowed hurriedly, replying politely, “Your Highness is too kind, this humble servant is unworthy.”

“Lord Gao, how are Father, Mother, and Princess Taiping lately? Has the little princess been behaving?” Li Xian knew Gao Hesheng was Empress Wu’s trusted confidant, key to her intelligence network in the palace. He had no intention of recruiting him, but didn’t mind exchanging pleasantries—who knows when he might need him—so he chatted away, never putting on the airs of a prince.

“All well, very well. The young princess can already walk a few steps. Your Highness…” Though Gao Hesheng held a high position, before princes like Li Xian, he was merely a servant, and naturally dared not neglect any question.

“Seventh Brother, stop dawdling. It’s not good to keep Father waiting.” Seeing Li Xian exchanging endless pleasantries with a servant, Li Xian grew impatient, halted at the palace gate, and interrupted Gao Hesheng rather rudely.

Heh, this fellow’s arrogance and disdain for others cannot be changed. With such an attitude, it’s no wonder he couldn’t keep his position even as Crown Prince! Seeing Li Xian’s impatience, Li Xian refrained from further conversation with Gao Hesheng. He inwardly scolded Li Xian, but his face remained radiant with a smile. He nodded apologetically to Gao Hesheng, quickened his pace, and followed half a step behind Li Xian, silently proceeding along the palace avenue toward the inner quarters.

The Luoyang Palace and the Taiji Palace in Chang’an both inherited the style of the Sui Dynasty’s old palaces. The difference lay in Luoyang Palace, which had been mostly destroyed by war and was now rebuilt on its original site. Its decor displayed the grandeur of the flourishing Tang dynasty: from the front palace’s main hall—the Palace of Myriad Phenomena—to the inner quarters’ principal hall—the Hall of Primordial Origin, all were splendid and magnificent. Everywhere, gilded dragons, red walls, yellow tiles, soaring eaves, carved beams and painted rafters, lattice windows with floral designs, truly a marvel of craftsmanship, dazzling and resplendent, imposing and grand. Its beauty defies description, yet Li Xian had no mind to appreciate these sights. Only one question circled in his mind: why was the audience arranged in the Hall of Compassion?

From what Li Xian knew, the Hall of Compassion was one among thirty-six halls of the inner palace, not particularly prominent, situated in the northwest corner, rather secluded. It was far from both the main hall—the Hall of Primordial Origin—and the Empress’s residence—the Hall of Phoenix Grace. It was hardly an appropriate place for receiving sons returning from afar. Unless there was some hidden agenda, but what that could be, Li Xian could not fathom. Yet this question did not linger long in his mind—for as soon as Li Xian caught his first glimpse of the hall’s interior, the mystery was revealed…