Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Proposal to Offer Surrender (Part Two)

As expected—what a formidable Empress Wu! Even in such a precarious political situation, she dares to act so boldly. Such courage, such cunning! Li Xian appeared to be carefully studying the imperial edict, but in truth, he had already absorbed its contents with a single glance. The shock in his heart was extraordinary, for the edict explicitly stated that Empress Wu would serve as the secondary officiant. However, the chief officiant was not the Princess Consort of Yan as in his previous life, but Grand Minister Li Ji. This subtle shift, though slight, was all the more terrifying and difficult to resolve.

Li Ji was no ordinary man; he was the very anchor of the Tang dynasty. Though he was now half-retired, rarely attending court and seldom involving himself in affairs, whenever he spoke, not a single official dared oppose him. Empress Wu’s ascent to empress had been aided by Li Ji—just a single phrase, “This is a matter for His Majesty’s household; why trouble outsiders?” Yet it was enough to smooth over enormous resistance and make the transition seamless, even the powerful Changsun Wuji could do nothing. Now, Empress Wu had raised that banner once again. With Li Ji’s involvement, the matter of the sacrifices at Mount Tai would likely be impossible to alter.

The situation was dire. Li Xian felt his scalp tingle, his mind whirling at speed, searching for solution after solution, yet none seemed feasible. At least, he himself could not believe any would overturn the edict already issued. The crux of the matter was Li Ji’s unrivaled prestige; with him as chief officiant, no one could object. Clearly, stopping Li Ji from assuming the role was nearly impossible. If he only opposed Empress Wu as secondary officiant, it would be too conspicuous and difficult to handle—after all, as a son, it was hardly appropriate to openly oppose his mother. Neither Li Hong nor Li Xian could take that position. In short, overturning the edict was nigh impossible.

“Elder brother, the sacrifices at Mount Tai are a grand event, enough to show the strength of our Great Tang. What are your thoughts on this?” Li Xian pondered long and hard, struggling to find a suitable reason for opposition, and in the end, resigned himself to feigning ignorance.

“You think it good too, seventh brother? Then it must be good. I have no other opinion,” Li Hong replied, smiling and waving his hand, refusing to take up the topic Li Xian offered. Li Hong always gave the impression of being somewhat weak, but in truth he was exceedingly shrewd. Since the edict-prison case, Li Hong had kept a close eye on Li Xian’s actions, sensing that most were aimed at Empress Wu. Though he didn’t understand why, he thought it a good thing, at least for curbing Empress Wu’s interference in governance—there was a foundation for cooperation. Yet that was all; they were not truly allies, and Li Hong would not easily reveal his own intentions.

Ah, clever fellow, he’s determined to use me as the one to sound the trumpet of rebellion. Well, good for him! Li Xian was quick-witted; he saw through Li Hong’s intentions instantly. It was nothing but wanting Li Xian to be the first to stick his neck out, otherwise Li Hong would not have summoned him so urgently.

Indeed, Li Xian wished to topple Empress Wu, but he had no intention of sacrificing himself. Even risks must have their limits; to rush headlong into certain death was not bravery, but foolishness. Clearly, Li Xian was not so foolish. To him, the current matter was nearly impossible, and he dared not fight a battle he couldn’t win.

“I have learned from your counsel, elder brother,” Li Xian replied, his mind turning rapidly, having already assessed the situation. He did not wish to entangle himself further, so he respectfully cupped his hands and gave a noncommittal response.

“Oh?” Li Hong was surprised by Li Xian’s calm reaction, taken aback, and looked at him suspiciously, but made no further comment.

“Elder brother, I have been practicing martial arts all morning and am quite fatigued. If you have no further instructions, I shall take my leave and return later for your guidance.” Li Xian had no intention of getting involved; seeing Li Hong silent, he was eager to depart and respectfully cupped his hands to take his leave.

“Wait, seventh brother.” Seeing Li Xian about to leave, Li Hong couldn’t contain himself, pressing his hand to signal him to stay, while he stood up and paced anxiously about the room.

“Seventh brother, you must know that the sacrifices are an ancient rite, and their procedures must not be lightly altered; otherwise, it would be disrespectful to Heaven. The Chief of Ceremonies is still in post—why change personnel? Mother’s actions...alas, I cannot approve. How can you sit idly by?” After much pondering, Li Hong finally decided to speak plainly.

Well, if you disapprove, then submit your memorial. What good does it do to tell me? Hearing Li Hong’s words, Li Xian could not help but secretly scorn him, but his face remained impassive, lips tightly shut, refusing to respond to the topic Li Hong had raised.

“Very well, if seventh brother is tired, then go and rest,” Li Hong waited in vain for Li Xian to speak, his heart sinking. Realizing he could not persuade Li Xian to do the dirty work, he grew resentful and impatiently waved him off.

“Thank you for your kindness, elder brother. I take my leave.”

Li Xian had no intention of lingering further. Upon hearing Li Hong’s dismissal, he was glad to comply, rising to bow respectfully and preparing to exit the study.

“Seventh brother, wait.”

Just as Li Xian was about to leave, Li Hong’s voice sounded from behind.

“If you have instructions, elder brother, I am listening,” Li Xian had decided not to get involved, but did not wish to offend Li Hong, so he paused, turned, and bowed in a posture of respectful attentiveness.

“Hmm, would you be willing to go to the Duke of England’s residence for me?” Li Hong glanced at Li Xian, his mouth twitching, and asked hesitantly.

To visit Li Ji? For what purpose? To ask the old gentleman to oppose Empress Wu? Nonsense! Li Xian did not know Li Ji well, but understood his character: a master of self-preservation, unlikely to risk offending Empress Wu by submitting a memorial.

“If you command it, elder brother, I will obey. But what message do you wish me to convey? Please state it clearly, that I may act accordingly,” Li Xian had no desire to visit the Duke of England, but could not refuse Li Hong outright, so he brought the topic into the open.

“I have no special instructions; just convey my congratulations,” Li Hong sensed Li Xian’s refusal to act as a messenger and could not force him, so he issued a perfunctory order.

“Yes, I will deliver your regards to the Duke of England,” Li Xian relaxed, seeing that Li Hong was no longer pressing him, and replied respectfully.

“Very well, let it be so. Go now,” Li Hong, disappointed that his efforts had come to nothing, grew impatient and waved Li Xian away.

“I take my leave.”

Though he inwardly sneered at Li Hong’s intentions, Li Xian did not neglect proper courtesy. He bowed, exited the study, left the Eastern Palace, and returned home by carriage, pondering all the way but still unable to find a way to prevent Empress Wu from serving as secondary officiant. Though unwilling, he was powerless.

“Your servant greets Your Highness.”

Outside the Prince of Zhou’s residence, Li Xian had barely stepped out of his carriage when Lin Qi appeared, bowing to offer his respects.

He arrived at a convenient moment—no doubt about the sacrifices at Mount Tai! Li Xian glanced at Lin Qi, quickly guessing the purpose, but said nothing, merely raising his hand, “Enough, follow me into the residence.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ever since Li Xian had reprimanded him, Lin Qi dared not show any pride before him. He replied respectfully and followed Li Xian into the main hall, standing properly at the side, awaiting instructions.

“Does Censor Lin have business with me?” Li Xian did not speak immediately, instead drinking a few sips of cool tea before finally asking.

“May I ask, Your Highness, did you go to the palace today regarding the sacrifices at Mount Tai?” Lin Qi bowed and asked with a cautious smile.

“Yes, that is the matter. What opinion do you have, Censor Lin?” Li Xian replied indifferently, not looking up from his tea.

Sensing a hint of displeasure, Lin Qi quickly stepped back and hurried to answer, “No, no, I have only heard some news and have come to seek your guidance.”

Guidance? Hmm, a good opportunity for old sixth to return to court! Li Xian raised his brows, a plan forming in his mind, but he did not reveal it; after a moment’s thought, he said, “There’s no hurry. Let’s wait a few days and see.”

“Ah, but…” Lin Qi had his own views and wished to impress, but upon hearing Li Xian’s order to hold back, he became discouraged.

“What? Censor Lin has his own opinion?” Li Xian had no fondness for Lin Qi; were it not for Li Xian’s brother’s favor, he would not even bother with him. Seeing Lin Qi’s hesitation, Li Xian frowned in displeasure and let out a cold snort.

“No, no, I dare not. I follow only Your Highness’s command,” Lin Qi, seeing Li Xian’s dark expression, became flustered and hurriedly bowed his head in reply.

“Let it be so for now. I will send word in a few days,” Li Xian set his tea bowl aside and spoke with a tone of dismissal.

“Yes, your servant takes his leave.” With Li Xian’s words, Lin Qi dared not linger and bowed out.

Hmph, a fool more likely to ruin matters than achieve anything. Old sixth is truly blind to value such a person! Li Xian glanced at Lin Qi’s retreating figure, inwardly scorning him. Li Xian’s dislike was one thing; more importantly, he knew Lin Qi’s character: someone who, given a little color, would open a dye shop. Without strong restraint, he would surely cause disaster. Now that Lin Qi had left obediently, Li Xian did not bother further, his mind returning to the matter of the sacrifices at Mount Tai. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and his expression changed…