Chapter 87: The Three Rules (Part Two)

To accept, or not to accept—that was the question. At least, for Luo Binwang, it was a matter of life and death. In truth, Luo Binwang had no desire to become entangled with the princes. The moment he took the memorial from Li Xian’s hand, even if he refrained from offering any opinion, he would still be involved. Though there was no one else present, he could not deceive his own heart. Luo Binwang did not wish to do such things behind closed doors. Yet if he refused, he truly did have a deep interest in reforming the imperial examination system and genuinely wanted to see what earth-shattering ideas Li Xian might propose. Thus, his conflicting thoughts became all the more apparent, leaving Luo Binwang torn for quite some time. In the end, his desire to accomplish real work prevailed; his somewhat stiff hand finally reached out to accept the memorial from Li Xian. Cautiously, he opened the cover and began to read it intently.

The memorial was thick, some ten pages or more, densely filled with fine calligraphy. From its opening argument to every specific method of implementation, it was exceedingly thorough—a true treatise of ten thousand words. Yet Luo Binwang felt no aversion; as he read carefully, the expression on his face shifted constantly—at times frowning in deep thought, at times breaking into a knowing smile, at times grave with concern. Clearly, he was deeply engrossed.

“Your Highness, forgive my bluntness. This is a plan of great benefit to the realm, but to carry it out will be no easy matter. If this memorial is submitted, fierce opposition will surely arise, and it may not be to Your Highness’s advantage.” Luo Binwang, after reading for a full half hour, finally looked up, exhaled deeply, and offered his cautious conclusion.

“Since you say it is for the good of the state, how could I not strive for it with all my might? Even if danger lies ahead, what is there to fear? Have you not heard the sage’s words: ‘If it benefits the realm, life and death are but one!’ Will you lend me your aid?” Li Xian smiled warmly, his tone full of spirited resolve.

“This…” Luo Binwang was momentarily at a loss for words, his face twitching as he struggled. After a long pause, his expression grew somewhat somber, and with a bitter smile, he sighed, “It is not that I am unwilling, but truly, I am unable. Not to mention my low rank and feeble voice, even if I wished to help, I would not know where to begin. Besides, I am soon to leave my post. My heart is willing, but my strength is lacking.”

“Then if you had the power, you would surely help me, would you not?” Li Xian ignored Luo Binwang’s stated reasons and pressed on with a smile.

“In this matter, that is indeed so. If I could open the gates wide for talent to enter the court, I would face death without fear!” Luo Binwang, a man who valued his word, was always careful in his promises. He would only speak to the matter at hand, unwilling to leave Li Xian any gaps to exploit.

This old fellow is truly wary—how interesting! Indeed, Li Xian’s words had contained a subtle trap, but he never really expected to ensnare Luo Binwang with mere rhetoric. Yet, from the moment Luo Binwang accepted the memorial, he had already fallen into Li Xian’s scheme, and there was no escaping it now.

“Good, let it be so. Sir Luo, your righteousness and generosity have always inspired my admiration. I truly need your assistance in this matter!” Li Xian, ever adept at turning situations to his advantage, immediately responded with fulsome praise once Luo Binwang had made his stance clear.

“Wait. I am about to leave office and have no power at all. How could I possibly help Your Highness?” Luo Binwang was unmoved by Li Xian’s flattery. He waved his hand curtly in refusal.

“Leaving office? Ah, you must mean the impeachment by Liu Minxing and Wang Zhongda for disrespect to superiors? No matter. Those two are mere donkeys, not worth your attention. In my view, the post of Scholar of the Eastern Secretariat is beneath your talents. You should stand at the heart of court affairs, a pillar of the realm!” Li Xian was well aware of the details of Luo Binwang’s persecution by petty men. He had his own reasons for not intervening sooner, but upon hearing Luo Binwang’s words, he could not help but laugh.

Upon hearing this, Luo Binwang’s expression grew grave. He regarded Li Xian with a gaze complicated and unreadable. Liu Minxing and Wang Zhongda were mere sixth-rank officials, insignificant among the powerful and noble at court—such people could never catch Li Xian’s attention. Yet Li Xian had named them directly, and even stated the charge used against Luo Binwang. Clearly, Li Xian had been watching him for some time. Luo Binwang did not know whether to be pleased or alarmed—on the one hand, to have Li Xian’s attention was proof of his worth in the prince’s eyes, which was moving; but who would wish to have every action watched by another?

“Your Highness flatters me. I am not worthy.” After a moment’s silence, Luo Binwang did not pursue the matter of how Li Xian intended to submit the examination reform memorial. He simply demurred in a distant, cold tone, clearly wanting to keep his distance.

“There is no need for such modesty. My words are sincere, not empty praise. I wish to present a memorial on examination reform and truly need your talents.” Li Xian was unfazed by Luo Binwang’s coldness. In his view, anyone of great talent would naturally be proud, and careful in choosing whom to serve; such a man could not be easily won over. If Luo Binwang had pledged loyalty at the first mention of high office, Li Xian would have been suspicious. So he was not troubled by Luo Binwang’s reserve, and explained with a smile.

“I am dull-witted and do not understand. Please speak plainly, Your Highness. If there is any way I can help, I will not shrink from it.” Luo Binwang did indeed wish to see the gates of the examination system opened wide. However, without knowing Li Xian’s intentions, he dared not promise lightly, so he spoke with caution.

Ah, that’s the answer I was waiting for! Now that you’re on my boat, you won’t be getting off! Li Xian was inwardly delighted at Luo Binwang’s reply, and his face took on a look of gratitude as he said, “Your righteousness is exemplary. My request is but this: I need your pen.”

“Oh? What do you mean by that?” Luo Binwang had expected to hear how Li Xian intended to operate the memorial, but hearing that Li Xian wanted to borrow his literary reputation, he immediately grew wary, his brows knitting. After a moment’s silence, he asked carefully.

“No need for alarm. The matter is not complicated. I will handle the court debates and my father, the emperor. What is lacking is public opinion. If you would lend your support, using your pen to convey the way, we could stir up the voice of the people, and the matter will surely succeed. Should we succeed, my father will not forget your contribution.” Managing the memorial for examination reform required many tactics, and had to be coordinated with the memorial on grain transport from Prince Lu’s side, involving competition among the court’s powerful and even within the palace. It was not something that could be explained in a few words. Besides, given the gravity of the matter, even if Luo Binwang were already in his camp, Li Xian would not reveal all the darker dealings. So he glossed over the details, only asking for Luo Binwang’s literary support.

“If it is only to write, I can do my best.” Luo Binwang did not believe things would be as easy as Li Xian suggested, but seeing he would not elaborate, he did not press further. In truth, he was eager to see examination reform succeed, and so he agreed.

“Thank you for your help.” Li Xian had already prepared many “ghostwriters” to launch a public campaign, but what he lacked was a leader. Given Luo Binwang’s renown in literary circles, he was the perfect choice. Hearing Luo Binwang’s ready assent, Li Xian was overjoyed and immediately made a gesture of thanks, eager to seal the matter.

“Wait. I will write, but only under three conditions.” Before Li Xian’s thanks had finished, Luo Binwang raised a hand and set his terms.

Ah, laying down three rules? How interesting! What Li Xian wanted was simply for Luo Binwang to stand with him, so he had no objection to whatever conditions the man might propose. He smiled and gestured for him to continue: “Please, state your requirements. As long as I can manage it, I will not refuse.”

“First, I will write, but only according to my own conscience. Your Highness must not force your views upon me. Can Your Highness agree to this?” Luo Binwang, unmoved by Li Xian’s eloquence, raised one finger and calmly asked.

“Of course. As long as your writing advances the cause of examination reform, that is enough. Only, when your piece is finished, you must wait for my word before publishing it.” Li Xian knew well Luo Binwang’s integrity and would not ask him to write to his own design.

“Agreed. Second, if this matter succeeds, the credit is yours; if it fails, I will bear the blame. But from then on, I ask that Your Highness not involve me further, nor trouble me again.” Luo Binwang raised a second finger, his face impassive.

So you still hope to walk away, do you? Once you have written, your name will be stamped with the seal of my household—let’s see if you can leave then! Li Xian laughed inwardly, but outwardly he maintained a serious air, nodding: “Rest assured, there will be no blame, only credit. As for the rest—” Seeing Luo Binwang’s brows knit, he immediately changed his tone—“as you wish.”

“Good. My third request concerns the fifteen strings of cash I owe Your Highness from before—please allow me two months’ grace, and I will repay you then.” Luo Binwang raised a third finger, his face solemn.

“This…” Li Xian had not expected this last request, and was momentarily taken aback. Seeing Luo Binwang’s resolute expression, he thought of another plan, but did not reveal it. With a hearty laugh, he agreed, “Very well, as you wish.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. It grows late; I shall take my leave.” Seeing the matter settled, Luo Binwang did not wish to linger. He rose without hesitation, bowed deeply to Li Xian, and without a glance at his expression, turned and walked out.

This old fellow is truly stubborn! Watching Luo Binwang leave so abruptly, Li Xian could only smile wryly and, unable to detain him, shook his head and watched as the old man disappeared through the door. He himself then fell into deep thought…