Chapter Nine: Calculated Moves Before Action (Part Four)

The decision was clearly not easy to make. Even though Li Xian spoke eloquently, as if the outcome was already determined, Li Xian hesitated and dared not readily express his opinion. He himself wished to sweep away the treacherous minions of Empress Wu in one stroke, yet the gravity of such an action was immense. Once the move began, it would be like walking on thin ice, and a single misstep might lead to disaster—one could easily fail to kill the snake and instead be bitten, resulting in a calamity too great to bear. How could Li Xian act rashly under such circumstances?

To abandon the plan seemed possible; all he had to do was say “No,” and all those uncertain factors could be set aside. Yet Li Xian felt unwilling, knowing that a chance such as today’s might not come again for years, if ever. In the meantime, he could not guarantee his own rise in the court would be safe. Moreover, yesterday he had argued with Xu Jingzong over the imperial pardon, and heaven knows how things would look if that matter reached Empress Wu’s ears. The thought of her iron will and cold cruelty sent a chill through Li Xian, making his dilated pupils contract in fear.

“Seventh Brother, are you certain that the accusation against Chancellor Shangguan was fabricated by Shangguan Fu, and that he framed the old Chancellor? Do you have any real evidence?” After a long silence, Li Xian clenched his fists and asked in a strained voice.

Ah, the young man was finally tempted! Hearing Li Xian ask such a question, Li Xian felt most of his worries ease, but he did not rush to answer. Instead, he poured himself a cup of cold tea, took a sip, and nodded with conviction, saying, “Sixth Brother, I would never lie about such a matter. If you don’t believe me, you can have that vile servant seized and interrogated—you will uncover the truth.”

“Seventh Brother, don’t jest. Seizing him is easy, but what if nothing comes of it? What then?” Li Xian frowned in displeasure at Li Xian’s casual tone, casting him a dissatisfied look and retorted with some agitation.

Nothing comes of it? There was such a possibility, but Li Xian thought it unlikely. In his previous life, after ascending the throne for the second time, he had reopened the case against Shangguan Yi to purge Empress Wu’s faction. It was the first and only case he personally supervised, and though many details had faded from memory, one aspect remained vivid—Shangguan Fu, the evil servant who had accused Shangguan Yi, was a collateral member of the Shangguan family, serving as the chief accountant since childhood. He lived to eighty-three, which complicated the trial—as Tang law forbade torture of the elderly. Shangguan Fu feigned confusion in court, stalling the proceedings. Later, his son, unable to withstand torture, confessed that his father kept a daily ledger hidden under the bed. Upon searching, the officials found dozens of thick account books, including crucial entries about the case. With this evidence, the injustice from forty years prior was finally revealed.

“Sixth Brother, I would never jest about such a matter. The story is almost like a play. Originally, I doubted the accusation against Lord Shangguan, and wouldn’t have bothered with a mere traitorous servant. Not believing Lord Shangguan to be a conspirator, I investigated the case further. Coincidentally, one of my guards is a neighbor of that vile servant and has some dealings with him. During a drunken episode, the servant let slip about the account books, and my guard caught wind of it. Rest assured, I have ordered strict surveillance. Once you give the command, we shall have both culprit and evidence!” Of course, the events from his previous life could not be shared, but Li Xian had a plausible explanation prepared for Li Xian’s doubts.

“Oh? Such a thing exists? Perhaps there is fate at work. Still, this matter is weighty, and I cannot decide immediately. Allow me some time to consider.” Li Xian fixed his gaze on Li Xian for a long time, seeing no sign of deception, and his heart was moved. Yet, mindful of the possible consequences, he dared not act hastily. He nodded thoughtfully and gave some perfunctory replies, pacing rapidly in the hall.

“Take your time, Sixth Brother. I shall wait.” Li Xian could see Li Xian’s interest, but refrained from further persuasion. He knew the timing was not yet right; to press too much would be counterproductive. Better to let things unfold naturally. Besides, he had other arrangements, and was not worried that Li Xian wouldn’t take the bait. He was glad to relax and conserve his energy for the complicated situation ahead.

“Move aside, quickly!”

“Stop! Do not rush in!”

“Get out of the way, don’t delay His Highness’s business!”

…

Time spent in deep contemplation always passes swiftly. Unnoticed, the hour approached noon, yet Li Xian remained undecided, pacing back and forth in the hall. Though the weather was cold, beads of sweat covered his forehead, evidence of the fierce internal struggle. Just as he was wavering, a sudden uproar outside shattered his hard-won concentration.

“Wretches!”

Li Xian’s rule was strict; he never tolerated servants’ insolence. Any offense was severely punished. Now, his train of thought disturbed, he was furious. He cursed loudly, strode to the screen, and kicked it heavily. With a dull thud, the carved landscape screen collapsed, startling the gathered servants, who forgot their quarrels and knelt in confusion.

“Your Highness, something terrible has happened!”

The servants’ sudden kneeling allowed Gao Miao, who had been struggling with them, to break free. Ignoring Li Xian’s dark expression, he darted to Li Xian, who was still seated behind the table, and cried out urgently.

“What’s happened? Speak, quickly!” Hearing Gao Miao’s words, Li Xian immediately sprang up, his voice full of anxiety.

“Your Highness, this—” Gao Miao, following Li Xian’s instructions from the previous night, deliberately glanced at the kneeling servants and at Li Xian’s grim face, hesitating to speak.

“You fool, Sixth Brother is family—what can’t be said? Speak!” Li Xian, impressed by Gao Miao’s performance, feigned impatience and scolded him.

“Yes, yes.” Gao Miao answered but still withheld the details, which only made Li Xian more irritable. He wanted to lash out, but out of respect for Li Xian’s position, could only snort heavily, fling his sleeve at the servants, and command, “All of you, leave!”

“Your Highnesses, I have discovered that Censor Cui Xuanche entered the Imperial Prison without orders, colluding with Senior Judge Hou Shanye, intending to secretly execute Lord Shangguan’s entire family in the prison. Upon my return, all the accused had been transferred to the execution grounds, and when noon arrives, the beheadings will commence. The matter is urgent; I beg Your Highnesses for instructions.” Gao Miao, being clever, waited for the servants to leave before hurriedly reporting everything he knew.

“What?”

“Hm?”

As Gao Miao finished, the brothers exclaimed almost simultaneously, their voices full of shock and suspicion. The difference was that Li Xian’s surprise was feigned, while Li Xian was truly stunned—not only by the news itself, but more so by Li Xian’s foresight, which he found both astonishing and unsettling.

Li Xian had always sought a legitimate opportunity to intervene in the court, but despite the cost, his efforts had yielded little. He was even forced to take up a post in Qizhou, which left him resentful. Now, a chance to openly step into politics had appeared, and Li Xian could not help but be tempted. Xu Jingzong and others belonged to Empress Wu’s faction, which had long been at odds with the mainstream Guanzhong clique. Though the latter often fought back, Empress Wu’s iron hand ensured her allies always prevailed. Thus, striking at her faction was the best way to win over the court’s mainstream. Moreover, if events played out as Li Xian predicted, victory was almost assured. If all went well, Li Xian could rise swiftly, perhaps even replace Li Hong in time. However, if the plan failed, the consequences would be dire.

To Li Xian, the Crown Prince Li Hong was no threat, and even Emperor Gaozong was not much of a concern. But Empress Wu, with her ruthless methods, was the one he truly feared. Acting according to Li Xian’s plan would mean a direct confrontation with her. Victory would be well and good, but any misstep could bring disaster. What troubled Li Xian even more was how his timid younger brother had grown so formidable. He worried that his efforts might end up serving Li Xian instead, and he became lost in thought.

It was time to add fuel to the fire! Li Xian observed Li Xian’s shifting expressions and guessed his inner turmoil and hesitation. After a moment’s contemplation, he rose abruptly, bowed to Li Xian, and declared, “Sixth Brother, noon is near—I cannot sit by and watch Lord Shangguan die unjustly. If you find it difficult, I shall go alone, even if it costs my life!” With that, he strode toward the hall’s exit.

“Seventh Brother, wait!” Li Xian, agitated and frustrated, saw Li Xian about to leave. In a flash, he blocked his path, gritting his teeth and squeezing out a resolute reply: “Since you are determined, I cannot let you face danger alone. I will take charge of this matter!”

“Sixth Brother, I await your command and will not hesitate even if it means death!” Hearing Li Xian finally make his decision, Li Xian was overjoyed, but his face remained solemn as he bowed deeply, declaring his resolve with passion…