Chapter 127: The Crown Prince's Counterattack (Part IV)

"Seventh Brother, what is it? Is there something amiss?"

Li Hong had always valued Li Xian's opinions. Throughout his narrative, he had been carefully observing Li Xian's shifting expressions. Seeing Li Xian's face turn chillingly cold, he was immediately alerted and hurriedly pressed for an answer.

Amiss? It was more than just amiss—it was a total disaster! Thank heavens he had come today; otherwise, he truly wouldn't have known how he would meet his "death." It was a close call, a terrifyingly close call! At the mere thought of Empress Wu's insidious schemes, Li Xian couldn't help but shiver. A wave of lingering fear washed over him, and his back was instantly soaked through with a sudden burst of cold sweat. Others might not know who Qiu Shenfu was, but Li Xian knew him all too well. This man was cut from the same cloth as his brother, Qiu Shenji—they were two of a kind, a pair of scoundrels. They were both part of Empress Wu's faction, though they were buried so deep that no one else was aware of it. However, with the memories of his past life, Li Xian knew exactly what they were. Amidst his relief, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of dread at Empress Wu's cunning and treachery.

"Crown Prince, please understand. If this is truly a secret report from Qiu Shenfu, please forgive your younger brother, but I dare not participate in this matter. I hope for your magnanimity," Li Xian replied, shaking his head gently, his tone resolute.

"Hmm? Why is that?"

Hearing Li Xian speak in such a manner, Li Hong was taken aback. He looked at Li Xian with suspicion, and seeing that he didn't seem to be joking, a thought stirred in his mind. He seemed to have guessed something, though he couldn't be certain, so he asked hesitantly.

Why? Because he didn't want to court his own death. That was all there was to it. But since this involved the secrets of his past life, it wasn't so simple to explain. Because at this moment, the Qiu brothers were still beneath the surface, with no indication that they had already pledged allegiance to Empress Wu. Li Xian couldn't exactly reveal his past life, but if he didn't speak, he couldn't convince the Crown Prince. After all, the Crown Prince was always cautious; his plan to strike back had surely been preceded by extensive private preparations. It was highly likely he had already investigated Qiu Shenfu, perhaps even looking into the very matters Qiu Shenfu had reported. If Li Xian couldn't provide a convincing reason, how could the Crown Prince easily believe him?

"Crown Prince, you know that a minor official under my command named Song Xian is currently serving as an Assistant at the Court of Judicial Review. He doesn't possess any great talent, but he does have a skill that others lack: no matter who he meets, he can become fast friends with them within the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. Since arriving at the Court of Judicial Review, I haven't seen him do a lick of proper work; he's only excelled at drinking, gambling, and carousing. Every time he runs out of money, he comes to my estate to beg for favors, leaving me unable to laugh or cry. However, he does have one redeeming quality: he is an excellent gossip. I learned a bit about the situation at the Court of Judicial Review from him. It just so happens that a few days ago, Song Xian mentioned this Qiu Shenfu to me. I didn't take it to heart at the time, but since you mentioned him, I recalled his connections. Well, let's just say this: he is very close to his brother, Qiu Shenji, and his brother is a frequent guest at Xu Jingzong's mansion. What kind of entanglements lie within that, it's hard to say. I am a timid man and truly dare not take such nameless risks. I beg for your understanding, Crown Prince." Li Xian pondered for a long time. Unable to come up with a better excuse, he had no choice but to drag Song Xian into a long-winded explanation. The reason sounded quite forced, but his resolve not to participate was expressed with absolute firmness.

"Hmm, what you say seems to have merit, Seventh Brother. However, Shenfu and his brother are not exactly the same person. I have personally investigated several cases, and what Shenfu has said seems to be true. Are you perhaps overthinking this?" Li Hong listened patiently to Li Xian's long discourse. After thinking it over carefully in his mind, he still felt that Li Xian's reason was far too far-fetched. He couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed, but remembering that he needed Li Xian's cooperation for the fierce court struggle—otherwise, he wouldn't achieve his goals—he suppressed his frustration and offered an explanation.

"Your younger brother is dull-witted and truly dares not act recklessly."

Li Xian knew his reasoning was unlikely to convince Li Hong, but he couldn't find a better excuse on the spot. Helpless, he stopped explaining and stubbornly held his ground.

"Seventh Brother, don't you think highly of that Di Renjie? If this matter succeeds, I promise to appoint him as a Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. What do you think?" Seeing that Li Xian would not budge, Li Hong's brows furrowed. Unable to lash out at him, he had no choice but to try to entice him with a grand promise.

Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review? Ha, what a guy—that was quite a substantial pie he was drawing, but unfortunately, one needed to live long enough to eat it! Since Li Xian had already seen through Qiu Shenfu's true colors, how could he change his mind for Li Hong's profit? Yet, seeing that this stalemate was no solution, Li Xian raised his eyebrows and said cautiously, "I appreciate your kindness, Crown Prince. However, I believe that a wise man does not force a course of action when it is clearly unfeasible. If there is truly something suspicious about Qiu Shenfu, do you have a contingency plan, Crown Prince?"

"Hmm, this..."

Li Hong had been planning to purge the Court of Judicial Review for more than a day, and he had certainly done his homework. But that work had mostly been in verifying whether Qiu Shenfu's reports were true; he had never considered the issue of Qiu Shenfu's true allegiance. Pointed out by Li Xian, and following that line of thought, Li Hong couldn't help but shiver. A cold sweat broke out on his brow. He stared at Li Xian, wide-eyed and full of horror, unable to regain his composure for a long while.

"Are you overthinking this, Seventh Brother? Qiu Shenfu wouldn't go that far, would he?" After a long silence, Li Hong shook his head violently and spoke hesitantly, though even he didn't seem to believe his own words; he was merely clinging to a sliver of hope.

"Crown Prince, it doesn't matter for me. At worst, if we lose, I'll just go off to my fief. But if you lose, then..." Seeing that Li Hong was now on alert, Li Xian wouldn't miss the chance to fan the flames. He shrugged with a smile, acting as if it were of no consequence, leaving his words hanging.

"Hoo..."

Although what Li Xian said was unpleasant, it was the truth. This kind of court struggle wasn't child's play. Once lost, turning the tables would be difficult. Li Xian was merely an assistant; if he lost, it wouldn't be a disaster—at most, he would be driven from the capital to serve as a prince in his fief. But if Li Hong lost, not only would he lose the throne as Crown Prince, but he wouldn't even be able to save his own life. This was a consequence Li Hong could not bear. At this thought, Li Hong shook his head gloomily, let out a long sigh, and rubbed his throbbing temples in frustration. "Does this mean I must swallow this insult?"

"On the contrary. In my view, the solution still lies within the Court of Judicial Review. How can we simply let it go?" Seeing Li Hong so discouraged, Li Xian couldn't help but smile, answering in a relaxed tone.

"Oh? What is your plan?" Li Hong had already intended to give up, but hearing that Li Xian seemed to have a brilliant strategy, his spirits lifted, and he hurriedly pressed for details.

"To fight them with their own methods—there's nothing truly miraculous about it. I have a memorial here, please take a look, Crown Prince." Li Xian reached into his wide sleeve, took out a document, and presented it with both hands to Li Hong.

"Fight them with their own methods? Good, a truly excellent strategy! My mind is made up; I will gamble on this!" Li Hong took the document and, after reading it carefully, slapped his thigh in excitement, unable to contain himself. The document Li Xian had provided was no simple matter; it contained not only the intelligence reported by Song Xian but also many secrets Li Xian knew from his past life. He had kept them hidden only because the timing hadn't been right. Bringing them out now would surely have infinite utility—it was no wonder Li Hong was clapping his hands in delight.

"I am glad you find it satisfactory, Crown Prince. There is no time to lose; I shall go and arrange the loose ends to ensure a swift victory. However, as this matter is of great importance, I urge you, Crown Prince, to be careful not to let any news leak." Seeing that Li Hong had made his decision, Li Xian had no desire to linger and stood up to take his leave.

"Very well, Seventh Brother, walk slowly. I shall not see you out. I look forward to your support in the court the day after tomorrow. I thank you in advance." Li Hong, intending to make adjustments to his plan to attack the Court of Judicial Review, did not press Li Xian to stay. He stood up, bowed to Li Xian, and gave him a polite reminder.

"That goes without saying. I would never dare to hinder the important affairs of the court. Please stay, Crown Prince, I take my leave." Li Xian responded with the utmost sincerity, turned on his heel, and strode out of the study, returning to the Prince of Lu's estate.

In the bedroom of the Yide Palace, Empress Wu, wearing a jade-green silk dress, lay sideways on a couch, leaning against thick silk cushions. With her hand supporting her cheek, she stared at the ceiling with half-closed eyes, deep in thought and seemingly undisturbed by external affairs. However, the moment Yan Desheng's head appeared from behind the folding screen, the Empress's eyes scanned toward him like blades.

"Your Majesty, there is news. The Prince of Zhou has left the Eastern Palace and is heading toward the Prince of Lu's estate. I have already arranged for men to follow him." Upon meeting the Empress's gaze, Yan Desheng couldn't help but shiver. He hurriedly lowered his head, walked quickly to the couch, bowed, and whispered his report.

"Hmm." The Empress looked at Yan Desheng and gave a noncommittal hum, then closed her eyes again, appearing as if she didn't care in the least.

"Your Majesty, everything is proceeding according to your expectations. Shall the plan proceed as scheduled?" After waiting for a long while and seeing that the Empress remained silent, Yan Desheng had to cautiously probe.

"Send word out. Begin."

After a moment of silence, the Empress waved her hand dismissively and commanded in an utterly flat tone.

"Yes, I shall make the arrangements at once."

Since the Empress had given the order, Yan Desheng dared not delay. He hurriedly acknowledged the command and retreated from the room, failing to notice that behind him, the Empress had suddenly opened her eyes. As a sharp, murderous glint flared, the atmosphere in the bedroom instantly became oppressive.