Chapter Sixty-Five: Night Conversations at Hangu Pass (Part Two)

The matter of the canal transport was not unfamiliar to Li Xian. In fact, in his previous life, during his second ascension to the throne, he had expended countless efforts to reform the canal system. As for the methods, they were not much different from what Li Xian had just proposed. Yet, after five years of painstaking management, the results had been negligible, and the costs were truly staggering. Later, during his time mingling in the bureaucracy, due to his work, Li Xian had studied the strategies of canal transport throughout history, making him something of a theoretical expert. Even so, he dared not claim he could improve the canal system within three years, let alone someone as inexperienced as Li Xian; with his abilities, not even ten years would guarantee success. In such a turbulent political climate, where would Li Xian find so much time to squander?

“Sixth Brother, your talents are immense, and I naturally trust your words, but…” Li Xian knew Li Xian was boasting, yet he could not expose him directly. Instead, he adopted a strategy of praising first and then restraining, deliberately leaving his words unfinished.

“But what? Seventh Brother, if you have any opinions, please speak frankly. Your brother has no patience for riddles.” Li Xian, full of confidence in his plan to reform the canal, expected Li Xian to be awed by his ambition. Yet Li Xian continued to gently oppose his grand vision, which made Li Xian rather irritated; his face hardened as he responded bluntly.

“Sixth Brother, three years is a thousand days. As the saying goes, a thief may steal for a thousand days, but who can guard against a thief for a thousand days? Your diligence in affairs is commendable, but will others simply watch? If changes come, what then?” Not wishing to tear open the matter with Li Xian, Li Xian avoided criticizing the plan itself and instead redirected the issue to the possible reaction from the Crown Prince’s side, hinting at it with a subtle remark.

“He dare? This is a matter of great benefit to the nation and the people. I do not believe he would be so depraved as to interfere. Hmph!” Though Li Xian spoke obliquely, Li Xian was no fool; he immediately understood that the “others” referred to the Crown Prince, Li Hong, and was instantly enraged. He slapped the table and leapt up, shouting almost at the top of his lungs, his handsome face contorted with anger.

“Your Highness.”

“Your Highness, what has happened?”

...

Li Xian’s sudden outburst was so loud that Gao Miao and Zhang Che, waiting outside the door, hurriedly led their household guards into the room, each voicing their concern almost simultaneously.

“Out! All of you, get out!” Li Xian, still furious, would not tolerate anyone’s interference. He angrily waved his hand and shouted, frightening the two young eunuchs so much that their faces turned pale. They quickly led their men out of the room in a flurry.

Li Xian strode back and forth in the room, repeating indignantly, “I act upright and sit straight; why should I fear that scoundrel’s mischief? Hmph, outrageous, truly outrageous!” Though he appeared resolute, his words betrayed a clear sense of apprehension. After all, Li Xian and the Crown Prince were at odds, locked in a deadly rivalry. How could they not try to undermine each other? The last time Li Xian was sent to his fief, it was the Crown Prince’s doing. If the canal reform succeeded, Li Xian’s power would surge, and the Crown Prince would surely intervene. When that happened, things would become truly complicated.

Ha, this fellow admits it in his heart, though his mouth remains stubborn—a boiled duck indeed! Watching Li Xian mutter angrily, Li Xian felt secretly amused but kept a calm face, saying nothing and simply sitting upright, letting Li Xian vent as he pleased.

“Seventh Brother, do you have any good strategies for this?” After a while, seeing Li Xian unmoved, Li Xian felt somewhat bored, sat down sulkily, and after a long silence, asked gloomily.

Alright, he’s done venting—time for business. Li Xian saw that Li Xian had calmed down and smiled: “Sixth Brother, as the saying goes, affairs have their priorities. In my opinion, your immediate concern should be to establish yourself in court with a project that yields quick results. As for the canal, perhaps it’s best to delay it. If it must be done, submit a memorial; others will scramble to take it up. We brothers can watch from the sidelines.”

“Hmm, this...” Hearing Li Xian suggest handing the canal project to the Crown Prince, Li Xian was instantly enraged, glaring at Li Xian. He was about to explode but suddenly paused, his eyes darting rapidly. After a moment’s silence, he burst into hearty laughter: “Well, Seventh Brother, you are indeed calculating. Good, very good!”

Naturally, this was a good plan: once the memorial was submitted, the Crown Prince would worry about Li Xian growing too powerful and would surely intervene. If Li Xian calmly played along and pushed the canal matter onto the Crown Prince, then if it succeeded, it would be credited to Li Xian’s idea; if it failed, it would be the Crown Prince’s incompetence. In this way, any merit would belong to Li Xian, and any fault, Li Hong could bear himself. Such a calculation was all benefit and no harm, so Li Xian had every reason to be excited.

“If you find it good, Sixth Brother, that’s enough.” The canal concerned the fate of the country; Li Xian could not truly wash his hands of it. Once the Crown Prince took over, even if he was indifferent, Li Xian would still offer advice at the right moment. In any case, the matter could not be allowed to fail, but there was no need to rush. Naturally, he did not need to tell Li Xian this, so he simply smiled and shifted the topic: “Sixth Brother, in my view, the canal proposal is excellent, but it is difficult to show results in a short time and offers little benefit for your advancement in court. I am not particularly talented, but I have thought up a few strategies that might be of use to you.”

“Oh? Seventh Brother, what are your excellent strategies? Speak quickly.” After so many incidents, Li Xian was convinced of Li Xian’s abilities. Though Li Xian claimed his ideas were random, Li Xian dared not dismiss them. He paused briefly, then hurriedly pressed for details.

“Sixth Brother, may I ask a question, though I am not sure if it is appropriate?” Li Xian did not rush to reveal his strategies but instead grew serious, with a hint of hesitation.

“Seventh Brother, what are you saying? We are brothers, there is nothing we cannot ask. Speak freely.” Seeing Li Xian’s odd question, Li Xian was puzzled. He glanced at Li Xian, who looked solemn, not joking, and so replied seriously.

“Very well, forgive my bluntness. May I ask, Sixth Brother, among the influential families of Guanlong, whom do they favor? If you were to compete with that person, who would win?” Li Xian offered a bow to show apology, but his question was sharp, and for Li Xian, somewhat stinging. His face instantly darkened, lips trembling as anger threatened to burst forth.

“Seventh Brother asks well. As for talent, I do not think myself inferior, but, alas, the circumstances are against me. In terms of influence among the great families, I am indeed not as strong as that one.” Li Xian’s chest heaved, but he suppressed his outrage and replied with a darkened face.

“Sixth Brother speaks rightly. This is the way of things, not a matter of effort, but of position. To contend directly is impossible. Yet the world has more than one path. If this road is blocked, take another. I do have a strategy that may succeed.” Li Xian smiled confidently and explained gently.

“Truly?” Li Xian had spent years trying to win over officials from the Guanlong faction, but results were meager. Those he could gather were mere stragglers. Compared to Li Xian, he was stronger, but compared to the Crown Prince, he lagged far behind. He fretted daily over this, finding no solution. Hearing Li Xian had an alternative, his interest was piqued, and he pressed eagerly.

“Look at your question—do I seem like a liar?” Li Xian still held back, feigning grievance.

“You misunderstand, Seventh Brother. I did not mean that. Sigh, this matter is important, no room for jokes. Please, speak quickly.” Li Xian, teased by Li Xian’s suspense, felt his heart itch; he glared at Li Xian and urged him on.

“Do not be impatient, Sixth Brother. I will speak now.” Having whetted Li Xian’s appetite, Li Xian laughed: “Our Great Tang has passed through three reigns since its founding and has enjoyed prosperity. The people grow wealthy, the martial spirit thrives, and literary pursuits flourish. Many are ambitious scholars, true patriots, yet talent is everywhere, neglected like hidden pearls. Unfortunately, the civil service examination system has not changed for years. Each round selects only a handful, most already old and grey. Is it truly that the people lack wisdom? Nonsense! If nothing changes, it is a small matter that patriots have no means to serve; but in time, chaos will surely arise. Times change; reform is necessary!”

“Hmm?” Li Xian fell silent, lost in thought at Li Xian’s lengthy speech. Li Xian was clever and saw clearly the changes in court and society, as well as Li Xian’s intent in proposing examination reform. The aim was to recruit talent from humble origins and thus gain a chance to rival Li Hong. In Li Xian’s view, the path was viable in principle, but not easy—if Li Xian dared suggest such a reform, he would deeply offend the powerful Guanlong families. As more commoners entered the bureaucracy, the interests of noble descendants would be threatened, and the risks were considerable. Whether the path was workable was one question; whether the immense cost was worth it was another. As an ambitious prince, Li Xian could not help but weigh the pros and cons. With this in mind, he grew pensive, his brows furrowed tightly…