Chapter Thirteen: Li Hong Reaps the Rewards

Planting trees goes unseen, yet when it comes to picking peaches, they appear with remarkable speed. Well then, let’s hope you don’t choke on those peaches! Though he had yet to see the Crown Prince in person, Li Xian had already guessed his purpose. His expression betrayed a touch of annoyance, but inwardly, he was smirking coldly. The one most vexed by Empress Wu’s grasp on power was not the Emperor, but the Crown Prince. The reason was simple enough: the Emperor, long cowed into submission by Empress Wu, might harbor some resentment, but it was not so deep. The Crown Prince, however, was another matter. He ought to have seized the chance to consolidate his position through state affairs, yet found himself obstructed at every turn by a mother who meddled in everything, great or small. Unable to vent his frustration, it had accumulated over time until it stood as tall as the heavens. Now, finally, with the clouds beginning to part, how could he not intervene? For Li Xian, though, the Crown Prince’s presence or absence hardly mattered; it was merely the difference between muddier or clearer waters, neither of which would disturb his plan to idle his way through.

“Your servants greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”

Li Hong had always been gracious in his dealings, never putting on the airs of the Crown Prince. He quickly alighted from his gilded carriage, accepting the ministers’ greetings with a gentle smile, lifting his hand in a perfunctory gesture before speaking with calm warmth: “You may all rise.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

None of the ministers were fools; most had already guessed Li Hong’s purpose. So, though they offered their thanks, none were willing to step forward and report any matters. After expressing their gratitude, they all promptly withdrew to the sides, leaving Li Xian and his brother squarely in the open.

A pack of old foxes, truly! Li Xian had hoped to profit quietly, but the ministers were sharper than he’d expected. Too late to avoid the limelight now, he glanced over to see his brother Li Xian already scowling and turning away. Calculating quickly, he realized that aside from himself, no one else was in a position to face the Crown Prince’s smile.

“Crown Prince, you’ve come at last! My brother and I were just about to report to you, and here you are—it’s truly a stroke of luck.” With everyone else silent, and left with no choice, Li Xian forced himself forward, wearing a broad grin and speaking in a playful tone.

“Oh? And what is it you wished to report? Don’t be nervous, take your time—just tell me, I’m listening,” Li Hong replied gently, though his smile took on a subtle new flavor. While he was displeased at the brothers’ actions behind his back, he showed no irritation.

“Your Highness, today happens to be a day of rest. Finding myself restless at home, I invited Sixth Brother out for a little excursion. But no sooner had we met than news came from the Imperial Prison of some disturbance. On investigation, we discovered that Censor Cui Xuan attempted to forge an edict and plot the extermination of Lord Shangguan’s household. I was shocked, but it was thanks to Sixth Brother’s wisdom that the traitor was seized and order preserved. We rushed to the prison, arriving just in time to rescue Lord Shangguan from the executioner’s blade. Soon after, we followed another lead, captured the villain who had framed Lord Shangguan, and uncovered solid evidence of his innocence. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, we dared not delay and hurried here at once, intending to seek your guidance—only to find you had already arrived. Surely, this is Heaven’s will!” Li Xian delivered his account with fervor, heaping all credit on Li Xian, depicting him as decisive and heroic, while also currying favor with Li Hong, as if the two brothers had truly intended to seek his leadership. It was a masterful move, pleasing both Li Hong and Li Xian.

“Oh? Is that so? I cannot turn a blind eye to such a case. I must see justice done for Lord Shangguan. There is no time to lose—I will immediately request an audience with Father. Sixth and Seventh Brothers, you should come as well.” Li Hong stopped there, swept his gaze over the gathered ministers, and saluted them. “Honored ministers, this is a grave matter that only His Majesty can judge. I ask you all to accompany me inside.”

Though Li Hong had yet to make any great achievements in government, he had never blundered and was known for his kindness. Thus, he was well regarded among the ministers. With many having suffered under the Empress’s faction for years, they longed for such an opportunity to see her party chastised. At Li Hong’s invitation, they quickly voiced their support and acclaim, the crowd’s spirits rising in unison.

As the ministers rallied, Li Xian’s expression grew rather sour. Li Hong’s words were nothing extraordinary—Li Xian himself had spoken similarly before, yet never received such an enthusiastic response. The contrast was galling, but he could do nothing but stew in silence.

Poor fellow—such is the fate of those who are not Crown Prince, Li Xian thought. Best to soothe him before he does something rash. Sharp-eyed, he caught Li Xian’s mood despite not turning his head. Privately amused, he masked any trace of it and, mindful of his next move, quietly sidled closer to offer a gentle reminder.

“Sixth Brother, with so many people here, be careful not to let any petty schemers take advantage. Keep a close eye on that villain, Shangguan Fu.”

A word to the wise is enough. Li Xian was quick on the uptake and immediately understood: regardless of Li Hong’s actions, the chief merit in this case was his and could not be erased. The ministers might not say it aloud, but they surely knew. His eyes lit up, and he nodded with a smile, standing silently beside Li Xian as they awaited the imperial summons.

Minute after minute ticked by—nearly half an hour had passed. The request for an audience had long since been sent in, yet there was no response from the Emperor. Meanwhile, more officials gathered before the Chengtian Gate, until nearly a hundred stood crowded together, anxious but hushed, the atmosphere growing oppressive like the lowering sky.

“Look, they’re coming!”

Just as patience was wearing thin, the chief eunuch Liu Fuming emerged from the gate with two young attendants. The formerly silent crowd stirred at once, soft murmurs rising. The three brothers straightened, stepping forward to meet him.

“By imperial command: Crown Prince Li Hong, Prince Lu Li Xian, and Prince Zhou Li Xian are summoned to the Hall of Supreme Harmony!” As the brothers approached, rotund Liu Fuming bustled forward, then halted with dignity. Waving his whisk, he intoned the summons with ceremonial formality.

“Hm?” Li Hong, bowing to accept the decree, raised his head with a look of puzzlement toward Liu Fuming. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Eunuch Liu, all these ministers have waited long. Has Father issued any further instructions?”

“None, Your Highness. His Majesty awaits in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. You three mustn’t delay,” Liu Fuming replied, his plump face twitching slightly but offering no explanation, only a gentle reminder.

“This…” Li Hong had not expected the Emperor to summon only the three of them. He hesitated, mouth opening as if to speak, then merely nodded. “Very well, then I shall enter first.” Turning, he addressed the ministers, “Please wait here a while. I will report to Father and return with word.”

Something is wrong—very wrong. There must be some hidden danger. Has the Empress already made her move? Damn it, this is trouble. Li Xian shot Liu Fuming a glance, unease surging within him. Yet there was nothing to be done; suppressing his anxiety, he quickened his pace to join Li Xian at Li Hong’s side, following him toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, also known as the Central Court, was the palace’s main hall—not only the site of imperial audiences, but also ceremonies of worship, enthronement, and other grand events. Its imposing grandeur was enough to make even seasoned courtiers tremble. Though the three brothers were accustomed to court life, they found themselves unconsciously slowing their steps as they approached, each face now grave. None were in the mood for conversation; in silence, they mounted the steps and entered the hall.

Inside, on the lofty dais, sat two figures. One was the Emperor; the other, crowned in phoenix headdress and radiant with ceremonial robes, was none other than Empress Wu herself. The brothers froze in their tracks.

So, it’s true—she’s come so quickly! Though Li Xian had anticipated the Empress’s intervention, he had not expected she would break the customary confinement after childbirth to appear in person. Shocked to his core, a wave of fury surged within him, old and new grievances roiling together, nearly beyond control. His eyes instantly reddened with a web of blood.

Calm yourself—must stay calm! Though resentment threatened to overwhelm him, with three lifetimes of memory, Li Xian knew this was no place for recklessness. Clenching his fists, he drew a deep breath, forcing down every untimely emotion, and, head bowed, followed Li Hong briskly into the hall…