Chapter Eighty-Six: The Three Articles of Agreement (Part Two)

“I pay my respects to Your Highness, Prince Zhou.”

Luo Binwang’s expression was far from pleasant, betraying a clear dissatisfaction with Li Xian. Yet, his discontent did not stem from Li Xian’s concealment of his identity, but rather from having deduced Li Xian’s true purpose in seeking him out—nothing more than an attempt at recruitment. This was precisely what Luo Binwang was most reluctant to accept. Were it otherwise, he would never have resolutely left Prince Dao, Li Yuanqing, years before. In Luo Binwang’s mind, only the imperial court represented the righteous path, while princes recruiting talent in private brought no benefit to the nation. Even now, driven to the depths of desolation, he would rather not entangle himself unnecessarily with the royal princes. Of course, though his displeasure was palpable, Luo Binwang did not neglect the proper courtesies; keeping his composure, he offered a respectful yet measured bow, his tone entirely devoid of warmth.

“Master Luo, you are too courteous. Please, rise and be seated,” Li Xian said, perfectly understanding Luo Binwang’s temperament. A mere glance at his face revealed his inner thoughts. Li Xian took no offense at Luo Binwang’s coldness. With a faint smile, he returned half a bow and gestured amiably for Luo Binwang to take a seat.

“Your Highness is present; I dare not be so forward,” Luo Binwang replied stiffly, unwilling as ever to form ties with any prince. Yet, recalling the assistance he had once received from Li Xian, he hesitated. After a pause, he placed the bundle in his hands upon the table, softened his tone, and continued, “I am grateful for Your Highness’s help in the past, which I will never forget. However, I am but a humble scholar and dare not presume to sit alongside Your Highness. As for the money I owe, allow me to repay it little by little. Here is one string of coins as interest. Your Highness is occupied with affairs of state; I dare not trouble you further. Please, allow me to take my leave.”

Tsk, this fellow hasn’t changed a bit—what a stubborn temper. Aside from Taizong, perhaps only I can tolerate him. Li Xian found himself both exasperated and amused by Luo Binwang’s obstinance, but did not mind. He merely smiled and said, “Master Luo, you are mistaken. Today, I invited you here for official business. Please, be seated.”

“This…” Luo Binwang frowned at these words. Not only was he on the verge of being dismissed from office, but even were that not the case, his humble position as a mere Scholar of Detailed Correction in the Eastern Secretariat hardly warranted interaction with a prince of such stature. In his view, Li Xian’s words were absurd. Yet, faced with Li Xian’s warm reception, Luo Binwang could not simply rise and leave. After all, his desire to avoid involvement with princes did not mean he wished to offend one without cause. After a moment’s hesitation, he relented, bowed apologetically, and sat upright, lips tightly sealed, making clear he had no intention of engaging in deep conversation.

What does it mean to remain upright and unbowed for five measures of rice? This is it! Far from being angered by Luo Binwang’s proud bones, Li Xian felt only admiration. In three lifetimes, Li Xian had met countless so-called men of talent, but none as principled as Luo Binwang—especially one who, even in utter destitution, held fast to his integrity. Over the past year, though he had not interacted with Luo Binwang directly, Li Xian had kept a discreet watch over his circumstances. He knew full well the difficulties Luo Binwang now faced. Originally, Li Xian had intended to use a timely act of kindness to draw him into his service. Yet, witnessing Luo Binwang’s unyielding conduct, Li Xian altered his plan. There was no need to rush. He simply smiled and personally began to prepare tea.

“Master Luo, this is Rain-Preceding Dragon Well tea, freshly sent from the south. Please, have a taste.”

Li Xian brewed the tea unhurriedly, poured it into a jade bowl, and, with the utmost courtesy, offered it to Luo Binwang, gesturing for him to partake.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness.”

Luo Binwang was a known connoisseur of tea. Though his humble station denied him the finest leaves, his reputation as a poet often brought invitations to gatherings where exquisite teas were served. He was no stranger to Rain-Preceding Dragon Well, having once tasted it at the residence of the former Minister of Rites, Liu Xiangdao. He knew that this was a tribute tea, reserved for the privileged. Seeing Li Xian offer such a rare delight so freely, Luo Binwang could not help but be pleased. He accepted the tea with both hands, sampled it delicately, and was quickly intoxicated by its fragrance. He could not help but exclaim, “Excellent tea!”

The tea was indeed exquisite—a rare imperial-grade blend that Li Xian had appropriated from the palace itself. He seldom indulged in it, and had it not been for Luo Binwang’s known passion for tea, he would not have brought it out today. Observing Luo Binwang’s obvious appreciation, Li Xian was delighted and said with a smile, “If you enjoy it, I have some in reserve. If you do not mind, you may have more.”

“Fine tea should be savored, not consumed in excess. Your Highness’s graciousness is noted, but I must decline.” Though fond of tea, Luo Binwang would not allow himself to be swayed by it, especially since Li Xian’s true intentions remained unclear. He calmly set the bowl aside and sat upright, waiting for Li Xian to state his true purpose.

Li Xian’s offering of fine tea was merely an attempt to ease the atmosphere, not a means to buy Luo Binwang’s loyalty. Seeing his polite refusal, Li Xian took no offense. With a light laugh, he drew a scroll from his voluminous sleeve, presented it respectfully to Luo Binwang, and said, “Master Luo, I recently composed a poem. I am unsure of its merit and would be honored by your critique.”

“Oh?” Li Xian’s much-publicized decision last year to abandon literature for the military had caused quite a stir. Though Luo Binwang was not high-ranking enough to participate in court affairs, he had heard much about it. Hearing now that Li Xian had written a new poem, he was momentarily surprised. He recalled their first meeting, when Li Xian, under the alias Wang Sanlang, had presented a fine quatrain. Thus, he let the matter go, said nothing further, and accepted the scroll. Unfurling it, he read softly:

“All under heaven’s vitality depends on wind and thunder;
A thousand steeds fall silent, how lamentable!
I urge Heaven to rouse itself anew,
And let all talents find their place, unconfined by form.”

“The rhyme and flavor are ordinary, a bit too plain, but the spirit is bold—adequate, I suppose. However…”

This poem was, in fact, “Miscellaneous Poems of the Year Jihai” by Gong Zizhen of the later Qing dynasty—appropriated wholesale by Li Xian and given a new title: “On Seeking Talent.” In terms of poetic craft, it was unremarkable, but the meaning was profound. Luo Binwang’s intelligence allowed him to perceive the underlying suggestion of reforming the existing system for selecting talent. Yet, unaware of Li Xian’s specific intentions, and mindful of the gravity of such a subject, Luo Binwang dared not comment lightly. Midway through his remarks, he sensed the danger and fell silent, his brows knit as he looked to Li Xian for a reasonable explanation.

“What are your thoughts on the current imperial examination system, Master Luo?”

Li Xian’s real purpose in presenting the poem was to broach this topic. Observing Luo Binwang’s reaction, he saw his intent was understood and dispensed with further preamble, asking the question directly.

At this, Luo Binwang drew a sharp breath, his face blanching. The imperial examination was indeed a weighty matter. He himself had experienced both success and failure within the system, and knew its flaws well. Reform was urgently needed, but the issue was fraught with peril and complexity. Not even the highest ministers would dare offer opinions on such matters lightly, let alone a soon-to-be-dismissed minor scholar like himself. In Luo Binwang’s view, even a prince of Li Xian’s rank could not possibly bear such a burden. A reckless attempt at reform would likely see Li Xian destroyed by the very forces he sought to change. Though upright, Luo Binwang was not heedless of the risks. He did not fear them himself, but he could not help but worry for Li Xian’s audacity.

“Your Highness, this matter touches upon too many interests and must be handled with great caution. My humble words carry no weight and I am unfit to advise on such affairs. I beg Your Highness’s understanding.” Luo Binwang, though eager to see the system reformed, knew he lacked the power to act. Reluctant to reveal his true thoughts, he offered these gentle words out of gratitude for Li Xian’s past kindness.

“No matter. This is just a private conversation; what is said here remains between us and will go no further. Please, speak freely if you have any advice.” Li Xian had come prepared and would not let the matter drop so easily. He waved away the concern with a cheerful smile.

Li Xian had earlier claimed there was official business, but now he referred to their discussion as casual conversation—this contradiction left Luo Binwang both amused and exasperated. If not for the favor he owed, he would likely have left long ago. Still, the topic of examination reform was one that greatly interested him. If he had the power, he would have pursued it with all his strength. But, lacking the means, he saw no point in discussing matters far beyond his reach. Thus, he chose silence.

“Master Luo, I believe you also agree the current examination system is in dire need of reform. Very well, allow me to set forth some initial thoughts,” Li Xian said, smiling as he subtly attributed this stance to Luo Binwang. Then, unhurriedly, he produced a memorial from his sleeve, its cover wrapped in yellow silk, and respectfully placed it before Luo Binwang.

Luo Binwang had not expected Li Xian to have a prepared memorial on the subject. His heart skipped a beat. Seeing Li Xian offer the document to him, he was momentarily at a loss as to whether to accept it or not…