Chapter Forty: The Unlucky Child (Part Two)

“Sixth Brother.”

As soon as Li Xian entered the study, he saw Li Xian sitting upright behind the table, his face dark and brooding. His silent demeanor made it clear he was nursing a fit of anger; the shards of porcelain bowls piled in one corner, yet to be cleaned up, testified to the ferocity of his earlier rage. Li Xian had no desire to provoke him at such a moment, so he hurried forward, bowed, and softly called out.

“Mm, since you’re here, sit down.”

Li Xian glanced at him without expression, his face twitching as if he might explode, but in the end, he managed to keep himself in check and merely grunted.

“Sixth Brother, I was delayed by some mundane affairs and kept you waiting. The fault is mine alone.”

Seeing Li Xian’s demeanor, Li Xian knew all too well how frustrated he was. He smiled apologetically, swept aside his robe, and sat down opposite his brother.

“Hmm, you’ve heard the news, haven’t you?”

Li Xian shot him a look, ignoring the apology, gritting his teeth and coldly questioning him.

“Is Sixth Brother referring to the matter of being posted to Qizhou? I heard about it from Eunuch Zhang on my way here.”

Though the question seemed abrupt, Li Xian understood perfectly what it was about and did not hide the truth, nodding and explaining the situation.

“Ha, posted to Qizhou! What a fine appointment indeed. This time it’s me—next, I fear, it’ll be your turn, Seventh Brother! Hmph, truly a jealous, petty sort; I’ll not let him get away with this!”

Li Xian grew angrier as he spoke, his face darkening further. He slammed the table, his whole bearing one of furious agitation.

“Sixth Brother, what exactly is going on? The more I hear, the more confused I become. Please, explain it in detail so we brothers may discuss it properly.”

Hearing Li Xian’s bitter words, Li Xian realized that the worst-case scenario he had feared was indeed happening. His heart sank, but he did not expose the truth, instead feigning confusion and pressing for details.

“Hmph, what’s there to discuss? I refuse to believe he can truly dominate the court! Seventh Brother, I ask you—will you help me? Speak, speak!”

Li Xian was never one for patience, and though he had managed to restrain himself when Li Xian first entered, it was only because he had just vented his anger and was somewhat spent. Now, prodded by Li Xian’s questions, he could no longer hold back and began to shout, justified by his fury. Originally, riding the momentum of the prison case, Li Xian had planned to launch into bold action; but with the imperial order for his posting arriving, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him, chilling him to the bone with rage—so much that he might have wanted to kill someone. Yet, truth be told, there was much performance in his outburst, aimed simply at goading Li Xian into acting as his pawn.

“Sixth Brother, how can you say such things? We are as one—share in honor and disgrace alike. Whatever you command, I’ll brave fire and blade without so much as a frown. Or do you mistrust me, Sixth Brother?”

Though Li Xian’s intent was hidden, Li Xian saw through it. He would not be so foolish as to expose it then and there; instead, he straightened in a show of righteous indignation and retorted with passionate fervor.

“No need to get upset, Seventh Brother; how could I mistrust you? It’s just... just that my heart is in turmoil...”

Seeing Li Xian’s displeasure, Li Xian immediately shifted his tone, appearing heartbroken and shaking his head with a sigh.

“Sixth Brother, reason is greater than heaven or earth. There’s nothing that cannot be discussed. I refuse to believe in such fate. Tell me, what’s really happened?”

As Li Xian softened, Li Xian pressed harder, his tone forceful as if determined to stand by his brother no matter what.

“You have my gratitude, Seventh Brother. But the matter is settled; I must go to Qizhou. Even so, I will not let him profit from this. Hmph, shameless villain! He instigated Minister Yan to petition Father, claiming that the posting is established protocol: princes should govern their domains as a shield for the realm. Hmph, honeyed words and hypocrisy! He just fears I’ll overshadow him—utterly shameless!”

The mention of being forced into the posting infuriated Li Xian anew; his lips curled as he cursed.

Yan Liben? That makes sense—it’s surely the crown prince behind this! Hearing that the Minister of Works, Yan Liben, was the one who petitioned, Li Xian immediately understood the whole plot. He knew Yan Liben, now also serving as the crown prince’s right-hand man, was a pillar of the crown prince’s faction. If he was the one who brought the petition, the idea was clearly not Li Xian’s own. Obviously, the matter was more complicated, likely with hidden moves yet to come, and any rash action would risk everything.

“Sixth Brother, now that it’s come to this, how do you plan to respond?”

Li Xian didn’t know exactly what further schemes the crown prince might have, but he was certain there were more, probably involving Empress Wu as well. He was unwilling to act hastily, so after pondering for a moment, he respectfully asked Li Xian his intentions.

“There’s nothing to be done—just go through with the posting. It’s not such a big deal. But I won’t let him get away unscathed. Since Minister Yan dared to stick his neck out, I’ll make him suffer!”

Li Xian ground his teeth in a hateful reply.

Strike at Yan Liben? That’s a bit much—his appetite is too big! Hearing Li Xian’s intention to target Yan Liben, Li Xian couldn’t help but worry. Yan’s family had served as nobles for generations, and Yan Liben himself, a veteran of three reigns, was a major figure in court, deeply trusted by the emperor and backed by the crown prince. He would not be easily toppled—not with no evidence, and even holding a handle against him might not be enough. If the brothers acted rashly, they would likely come to grief.

“Sixth Brother, we mustn’t rush things. If action is to be taken, it should be delayed. If you trust me, leave this matter to me. I may not topple him, but I can teach him a lesson.”

For his own sake, Li Xian did not want to see Li Xian fall too quickly; if Li Xian were lost as a shield, Li Xian would be exposed to both Empress Wu and the crown prince’s attacks—a dangerous predicament. So, even though he didn’t want to indulge Li Xian’s thirst for vengeance, he had to shoulder the matter himself.

“Good, with those words, I know I wasn’t mistaken in you. The root of the matter is already explained to Lin Qi, the censor; when you act, he will assist. If I can see that old dog driven from court, I’ll have vented my anger!”

Li Xian had summoned Li Xian precisely to have him play the villain. Now, seeing Li Xian agree—even if not for immediate action—he was reluctantly satisfied.

“Sixth Brother, rest assured, I know what to do.”

As far as Li Xian was concerned, as long as he didn’t act immediately and fall into someone else’s trap, everything was fine. When the time came, he alone would decide whether to act, which made him readily agree.

“Mm, that’s good. Alas, I don’t know when I’ll return from Qizhou. You’ll be alone in the capital—be vigilant, don’t follow in my footsteps.”

Seeing Li Xian’s commitment, Li Xian did not press further, sighing as he spoke words of warning—more of a veiled threat than advice, meant to stir Li Xian’s nerves and keep him from siding with the crown prince.

“Your lesson is well taken, Sixth Brother; I will heed it.”

Li Xian was shrewd enough to catch the underlying meaning, secretly amused, but outwardly appeared humble and attentive.

“Enough, it’s getting late. My mind is troubled; I won’t keep you any longer.”

Li Xian, having achieved his purpose in calling Li Xian, had no desire for further chit-chat. Still preoccupied with the posting, he waved his hand in dismissal.

Ha! Poor fool, fretting over such a minor hurdle—he’s hardly cut out for great matters! Seeing Li Xian’s dejected state, Li Xian laughed inwardly and privately scorned him. Yet, he did not want Li Xian to sink into despair, so he adjusted his tone:

“Sixth Brother, in my view, your posting may not be so dire. If you can govern your domain well, I’m confident I can have Father recall you to the capital within a year. When that day comes, you’ll have the chance to display your talents!”

“Hmm? Are you serious?”

Li Xian was not worried about governing a province, but about whether he’d be able to return to the capital and participate in the succession struggle. Hearing Li Xian speak so confidently, he was instantly wide-eyed, agitated, and pressed for confirmation.

“Sixth Brother, do I seem the sort to lie?”

Seeing Li Xian’s eager reaction, Li Xian feigned displeasure, frowned, and retorted.

“Seventh Brother, let’s not joke—this is no trivial matter!”

Li Xian’s greatest concern was his chance to return to the capital and join the contest for the throne; he had no time to soothe Li Xian’s feelings, and stood up with a flush, waving his sleeve and pressing anxiously.

“Rest assured, Sixth Brother. Leave it to me. The time is not yet ripe, and it must not be revealed; if word leaks, everything is lost. If you trust me, then ask no more.”

With the experience of his previous life, Li Xian was well aware of the political landscape. Though history’s course had been altered, the main trends remained unchanged: the conflict between the crown prince and Empress Wu would not be eased by minor changes, and in their prolonged rivalry, Li Xian would inevitably become a piece Empress Wu needed to check Li Hong’s rise. This was why Li Xian dared to make such a promise, though the rationale could not be spoken aloud. Thus, facing Li Xian’s inquiry, he acted the sage, full of quiet confidence.

“Hmm?” Li Xian hadn’t expected such an answer, and was taken aback. His eyes darted as he wished to ask more, but in the end, he restrained himself, staring at Li Xian in suspicion, silent for a long while...