Chapter 108: Take What You Can Get (Part 2)

“Then, Seventh Brother, what do you intend to do for me?”

Li Hong was no ordinary man. Though stunned by Li Xian’s earth-shattering words, he quickly regained his composure. His eyes flickered as he looked at Li Xian, forcing himself to remain calm as he asked.

“Eldest Brother, the Crown Prince, given the current situation, do you think Minister Liu can hold on?”

Li Xian did not answer Li Hong’s question directly. Instead, he calmly retorted with a question of his own.

“Hold on? Or not hold on? Seventh Brother, I believe you have already made up your mind on this. Why not lay it all out so I may listen?”

From Li Xian’s usual demeanor, Li Hong could draw a conclusion: Li Xian’s suspicion of Empress Wu was even greater than his own. Seeing this, Li Hong did not mind exploiting Li Xian’s feelings; he shamelessly played tough, refusing to reveal his own stance first and instead turning the tables on Li Xian.

Hmph, this fellow is truly difficult, far more so than the Sixth Brother. It was just unfortunate that fate had dealt him a cruel hand—entangled with that treacherous woman, death was inevitable! Li Xian had not expected Li Hong to so swiftly regain his footing. He admired Li Hong’s magnanimity but could not help but feel a tinge of bitterness. After all, his own fortunes seemed hardly better. Empress Wu was his own mother, though he refused to acknowledge such a serpent-hearted woman. The harsh reality was inescapable, and with that thought, Li Xian’s spirit darkened, momentarily dazed.

“Crown Prince, forgive my bluntness. Whether Minister Liu can hold on is a matter for later. But if it comes to a political trial in court, who but Empress Wu herself could arbitrate? Once that precedent is set, the consequences are yours to consider.”

Having lived three generations, Li Xian’s mind was sharp and near uncanny. Though momentarily shaken, he quickly regained clarity. His expression grew solemn as he cupped his hands toward Li Hong, speaking sincerely.

“Hmph!” Hearing Li Xian’s words, Li Hong’s previously composed face darkened once more. He snorted coldly, his chest rising and falling heavily as if anger roiled within him. After a few spasms of his facial muscles, he squeezed out through clenched teeth, “Seventh Brother is urging me to abandon Minister Liu? Impossible!”

Impossible? Good grief, have you lost your mind? In such a situation, where’s the place for mercy? It’s courting death! Even Li Xian’s usually mild temper was stifled by Li Hong’s attitude, an unnamed fury rising like a surge of flame. His face darkened as he sneered, “If the Crown Prince is so capable, then consider my words reckless. I take my leave!”

With that, he immediately stood, ignoring Li Hong’s expression, swept his sleeve, and was about to leave.

“Seventh Brother, wait!”

Li Hong had not expected such a fierce reaction from Li Xian and was momentarily stunned. Seeing Li Xian already at the door, he grew anxious. Under immense pressure from Empress Wu’s faction, he lacked the strength or will to oppose the brothers Li Xian and Li Xian. No one dared to offend Li Xian seriously. Hastily rising, he called out and rushed to block Li Xian’s path, smiling bitterly as he shook his head.

“Seventh Brother, why such haste? Whatever the matter, we can discuss it. If I am at fault, is it not enough to say so? Come, sit down and talk.”

“Eldest Brother, please forgive my disrespect.”

Li Xian had not come to sulk with the Crown Prince. Before the major affairs were settled, he had no intention of leaving. His storming off was but an act. Now, with Li Hong’s urging, he gladly softened, respectfully apologizing before returning to his seat, lips sealed as if unwilling to speak further.

“Seventh Brother, you have yet to finish your thoughts. As the saying goes, one’s plan is limited, two’s is better. Please elaborate so I may supplement as well.”

After waiting a while with no response from Li Xian, Li Hong broke the silence.

“Eldest Brother, in my view, to prevent the court from falling into ruin, there is only one path: Minister Liu must humbly request retirement and return home. That way the target disappears, and the villains lose their leverage. This is the best course.”

Though Li Xian already sensed from Li Hong’s actions that he would never abandon Liu Xiang so easily, he had to make his own position clear.

“Let us reconsider. Since Seventh Brother has a best plan, there must be middle and lower ones as well. Please share them all.”

True to Li Xian’s expectations, Li Hong frowned deeply and hesitated before giving no clear reply.

“The worst plan is simple: Crown Prince, you may as well take the political battle to court. Win or lose, the uproar will be fierce, but who benefits in the end is uncertain.”

Knowing Li Xian would reject the best plan, Li Hong could not help but feel some irritation at Li Xian’s lukewarm responses. Still, he kept his annoyance hidden and chuckled as he laid out the worst plan first.

“That... seems improper. I would rather not adopt it. Please share the middle plan.”

Li Hong was no fool. He knew a drawn-out court battle would drag on for months or even years, with no guarantee of winning and certainly no benefit to himself. He would not accept such a foolish approach.

“The middle plan is to settle the matter swiftly in one session. If the tide turns against Minister Liu, he must still humbly retire. Then, Crown Prince, you promptly present a successor. I shall follow closely behind. Once the matter concludes, perhaps the damage can be minimized.”

Li Xian understood Li Hong would not go for the worst plan and calmly put forth the middle plan.

“Oh?” Li Hong’s interest was piqued but he tried not to appear too eager. He gave a noncommittal hum, furrowed his brow, and silently calculated the pros and cons. After a long sigh, he said gravely, “Seventh Brother, I am grateful for your offer of assistance, but what can I do for you in return?”

“Do for me? That’s easy. Just hand over the benefits—everything else is empty talk.”

Li Xian chuckled, “Crown Prince, you are too polite. I am but one man, with little to ask. However, this matter cannot be accomplished by me alone. I have heard that Minister of Works Yang Wu is highly capable and a veteran of three reigns. Should the Minister of Works position become vacant, he would be most suitable. Also, Inspector Lin Qi has served long and should be promoted, perhaps to Deputy Inspector (Junior Sixth Rank). Wang Feng of the Ministry of Justice, diligent and capable, may be advanced to Section Chief (Senior Fifth Rank). And there are others…”

Since it was a bargaining session, Li Xian did not hold back. He named over a dozen officials for promotion, mostly loyalists of Prince Lu Li Xian, with only one from Li Xian’s own household—Xiao Qian, who had served three years in the Prince’s guard and was due for reassignment as a local military officer. Li Xian requested instead to place him in the Right Jinwu Guard as a middle-ranking general, a promotion of one rank.

“Seventh Brother, you put me in a difficult position. The Minister of Works is a key post, and without the Emperor’s decree, who else could replace it? Though Yang Wu is worthy, there is no vacancy now. As for the others, promotions must follow regulations; I cannot overstep. I ask your understanding.”

While Li Xian’s demands were steep, Li Hong quickly bargained. Except for Yang Wu’s promotion, which he flatly refused, he vaguely consented to the others.

“Agreed. I have your promise to preserve what we have. Crown Prince, please consider and proceed. If it cannot be done, do not force it.”

Li Hong was burdened with managing waterworks and was unwilling to see the Ministry of Works disrupted. Li Xian knew this well; his earlier mention of the vacancy was merely a bargaining tactic. He did not mind Li Hong’s polite refusal. Smiling, he drew a memorial from his wide sleeve, stood, and handed it to Li Hong.

“Not forcing? Look at how well you phrase it—promises made and yet all this talk. It makes me want to curse. But now is no time for that.” Li Hong smiled bitterly as he accepted the document, not even bothering to open it, setting it aside. He pondered for a moment and said, “Seventh Brother, I will do my best for you. Please do not forget our agreement.”

“Of course. I shall follow your lead in all matters. Time is of the essence, and I will begin arrangements immediately. Once news is clear, you shall have my full support.”

Striking against Empress Wu had always been Li Xian’s intention. Even without benefits, he would fight with all his might. The perks were merely a bonus. Without incentives, he could not have persuaded Li Xian to cooperate wholeheartedly. Now that the Crown Prince had offered ample rewards, Li Xian was content to accept and stood, smiling as he took his leave.

“Seventh Brother, your efforts are appreciated. Please take care. I shall not see you out.”

Though Li Hong agreed vaguely to Li Xian’s terms, he remained hesitant, eager to confer with trusted ministers Yan and Liu on strategy. Seeing Li Xian leave was a relief. He bowed in half salute with a smile and let him go. Yet, before Li Xian passed behind the screen at the study’s door, Li Hong’s expression had already darkened…