Chapter Eight: Planning Before Action (III)

Time slipped by, minute by minute, and before long, the span of a stick of incense had passed. Li Xian had not uttered another word, and the atmosphere within the hall grew heavy and oppressive. Yet Li Xian was unconcerned, for he knew well Li Xian’s stubborn temperament. To persuade him was no easy feat; it required skill and patience, much like the art of cooking—a dish taken off the fire too soon remains raw, but left too long, it is burnt. Only with perfect timing can one create a masterpiece. Li Xian had considered all this before coming to King Lu’s residence, and so he remained calm, undisturbed by Li Xian’s silence, sitting quietly and sipping tea as if nothing were amiss.

Patience was a quality Li Xian possessed in abundance. In his later years as a civil servant, he had once spent three days and nights without sleep, conversing with protestors outside the city hall about life and ideals, gradually wearing down nearly a thousand demonstrators. Compared to that ordeal, testing patience with Li Xian was child’s play, a game to be enjoyed. Though Li Xian was also known for his endurance, he could hardly compete with Li Xian, whose tenacity bordered on inhuman. And so, just after the incense burned down, poor Li Xian was already breathless, his chest heaving like bellows.

“What—what do you want? Well? Speak, speak!” Li Xian’s composure had completely unravelled, and he slammed the table, bellowing angrily.

“You overstate things, Sixth Brother. I merely wish to state some truths. In years past, Chancellor Zhu and Chancellor Lai were exiled, and no one spoke on their behalf; they died. Then Chancellor Han was slandered by traitors, and no one spoke up; he too died. Later, Chancellor Changsun was accused, and again, no one spoke; tragically, he died as well. Now Chancellor Shangguan has been falsely accused, and it seems he will not escape death either. Who will be next? Perhaps it will be me. When that happens, who will speak for me?” Li Xian was furious, but Li Xian remained as calm as a placid lake, listing the old ministers who had perished due to Empress Wu’s machinations.

Though these old chancellors were ostensibly ruined by Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, who had been exiled the previous year, everyone knew they fell victim to Empress Wu’s deadly hand. And these were only the highest officials; countless mid-ranking officers had suffered as well. Such a tally was truly shocking, especially to Li Xian, who had never been favored by Empress Wu—he turned pale as if struck by lightning.

“Enough! Arrogant fool, nonsense! How dare you! Are you plotting rebellion? I shall report you at once!” Li Xian was furious, but unwilling to believe Empress Wu would target him. To mask his anxiety, he stood suddenly, glaring at Li Xian and shouting.

Li Xian had anticipated all of Li Xian’s reactions. Seeing his brother’s outburst, he remained unfazed, glanced at Li Xian with indifference, took another leisurely sip of tea, and replied with a cold smile, “If Sixth Brother wishes to accuse me, go ahead. Let’s see if Mother believes you.”

“You… Scoundrel! Get out! Get out—You are no brother of mine!” Li Xian, enraged by Li Xian’s words, nearly saw stars. He shouted so loudly that servants outside the hall gathered, but none dared enter without Li Xian’s summons.

“Ha! Very well, since Sixth Brother says so, I shall go. When I return, who knows what the situation will be? Farewell!” Li Xian rose decisively, swung his sleeve, and strode out, leaving only a formal farewell.

Step by step, Li Xian walked unhurriedly, like a stroll through a garden. Within a dozen steps he reached the screen at the hall’s entrance, but still Li Xian said nothing. Li Xian’s heart tightened slightly, yet the matter had come this far; there was no turning back. He steeled himself and continued toward the exit.

“Wait!” Just as Li Xian rounded the screen, Li Xian, who had been silent throughout, finally could not restrain himself, raising his voice in command.

So, he finally could not bear it? Good—the play’s main act was about to begin! Li Xian, who had been anxious, felt his worries fall away at Li Xian’s call. Yet his expression remained calm as he slowly turned back, saying nothing, merely gazing at Li Xian.

“What—what exactly do you wish to say?” Li Xian, uneasy under Li Xian’s gaze, shifted uncomfortably and pressed for an answer.

“The tree longs for stillness, but the wind will not cease.” As Li Xian walked slowly back to the table, he spoke with casual indifference.

As the proverb goes, a drum need not be struck hard to be heard. Li Xian was quick-witted and understood Li Xian’s words at once, which only heightened his alarm. His already pale face drained completely of color. He stared at Li Xian for a while before solemnly clasping his hands and saying, “Please enlighten me.”

Li Xian had always held himself in high esteem, rarely giving Li Xian a proper glance, yet now he made a formal salute, showing that he regarded Li Xian as an equal. For most, this would be a triumph, but it was not the outcome Li Xian desired. He had hoped to use his proud brother as a shield, not to stand as a peer.

“You overstate, Sixth Brother. I have always been dull-witted, and any insight I may offer is merely the clarity of an observer. If I can assist you in any way, it would be my great honor.” Li Xian returned the salute, then continued, “Our father is a gentleman, and thus not skilled at conflict, which allows traitors to run rampant in court. If this is not curbed, how can the state be restored? Now, Crown Prince is frail and kind-hearted, lacking the power to punish evil even if he wishes. I have surveyed all the officials, and only Sixth Brother is fit for such a heavy task. That is why you were sent to your fief.”

“And what of it?”

Li Xian was impulsive, but not reckless. He was not easily swayed by flattery or simple provocation. Though he now regarded Li Xian differently, it did not mean he would blindly follow his lead. Sensing Li Xian’s intention to pit him against Empress Wu, he immediately regained his composure, glanced at Li Xian, and replied in an even tone.

“Does Sixth Brother know why Father quarreled with Xu yesterday in the imperial study?”

Li Xian quickly regained his composure, demonstrating excellent self-control. Li Xian was not surprised; with memories from his past life, he knew his brother well and understood what he was pondering. He deftly steered the conversation, smiling, “You mean the amnesty decree, don’t you? Or is there more to it?”

As an ambitious man, Li Xian had reliable sources of information. He himself had clashed with Xu Jingzong over the amnesty decree yesterday morning. He was sensitive to news about the matter, and certainly knew about the dispute in the imperial study. Yet he could not see the hidden meaning behind the decree. Now, as Li Xian brought up the subject, he grew suspicious, scrutinizing Li Xian for a while before asking hesitantly.

“Father urgently signed the amnesty decree to save one person.” Li Xian’s words had barely ended before Li Xian responded.

“Oh? Is that so? Who is this person?” Li Xian was startled by Li Xian’s certainty, frowned, and pondered for a moment, unable to guess whom he meant. After a pause, he had to ask.

Li Xian’s expression grew serious as he enunciated, “Shangguan Yi.”

“What? How can that be? Wait, but Chancellor Shangguan…” Li Xian was visibly shaken by Li Xian’s words, leaping up in surprise. His expression shifted for a long while before he managed to calm himself. Biting his lip, he stared blankly at the composed Li Xian and took a deep breath. “Seventh Brother, you truly never speak without shocking. But do you have any proof? This is a grave matter, not to be trifled with—do not speak rashly.”

Proof? How could one find proof of such a matter? Was he to ask the Emperor directly? If not for his memories from three lifetimes, Li Xian would never have seen through the intrigue. Still, confronted by Li Xian’s demand, he could not allow himself to falter. He sneered, “Proof? If every matter required proof, it would be simple—peace would reign throughout the land. Don’t you think your question is a bit too pedantic, Sixth Brother?”

“Seventh Brother, you…” Li Xian was embarrassed by Li Xian’s retort, tried to respond in kind, but words failed him. He could only glare at Li Xian in frustration.

“Indeed, without proof, one cannot convince others. My words are but a venting of emotion; please forgive me. If you insist on proof, it is not impossible. I dare wager with you: if nothing unexpected occurs, today will be the day Shangguan’s entire family meets death in the prison!” As Li Xian stewed in annoyance, Li Xian suddenly shifted the conversation, revealing his trump card and startling Li Xian once more.

“Seventh Brother, oh Seventh Brother, are you deliberately tormenting me? Why not say everything at once?” After being shocked by Li Xian several times that morning, Li Xian was dizzy, yet could not scold him. He could only smile wryly and shake his head, complaining, then waved his hand, “What do you want? Speak plainly.”

“Since Sixth Brother asks, I shall tell you the truth.” Li Xian knelt solemnly and replied, “I have achieved nothing in literature or arms, truly an ordinary man. Brother has always guided me with love. I dare not estrange myself from you. My mind is made up: from tomorrow, I will put aside the pen and take up the sword, seeking a master to learn martial arts. Though the borders of Great Tang remain unsettled, I will not let Huo Champion shine alone. If I succeed, I will lead the charge for Brother, pacify the realm, and secure our empire’s foundation for generations!”

“A master? Whom do you intend to take as your teacher? I am very curious.” Hearing Li Xian’s impassioned declaration, Li Xian’s curiosity was piqued, and he pressed for an answer, setting aside thoughts of the amnesty decree.

“I already have a candidate in mind, but it requires Father’s approval. Time will tell, so let us leave it for now. Today I have come not only to save Chancellor Shangguan’s family, but also to rid the court of traitors. If Sixth Brother would raise his arm, I shall follow, and together we will achieve wondrous deeds.” Seeing the moment was ripe, Li Xian clasped his hands and spoke in a firm voice.

“Hmm…” Li Xian was always eager to participate in state affairs, and Li Xian’s proposal was tempting. Still, the matter was grave, and Li Xian dared not agree lightly. Yet before Li Xian, who earnestly sought his support, he could not easily refuse; so he hesitated, his brow furrowing.

“Sixth Brother, I have some modest ideas that may be useful. Here is what I propose…” Seeing Li Xian’s indecision, Li Xian smiled inwardly, seized the opportunity, and rose to whisper by Li Xian’s ear, outlining his plan in detail. Li Xian’s expression shifted from joy to shock to uncertainty as he listened…