Chapter 96: The Art of Compromise (Part Four)

“Your Highness, Prince Lu has arrived. He’s been waiting in the study for quite some time.”

Li Xian was not particularly fastidious, but he did take care with his personal hygiene. Now that his plans were settled and his mood light, his bath felt especially pleasant—he lingered in the bathhouse for nearly half an hour, only emerging when the maids Yan Hong and Cui Liu had helped him change into fresh clothes. He left the bathhouse intending to return to his room for a meal and a well-earned rest, but just as he stepped out, Gao Miao rushed over, anxious and urgent, to report.

Tsk, this fellow really can’t keep his composure—indeed, old habits die hard! Li Xian had planned to visit Li Xian after his nap, but hadn’t expected Li Xian to come storming in himself so impatiently. He grumbled inwardly about his brother’s temperament, but outwardly remained calm, merely nodding with a brief acknowledgment, “I see.” Without concern for Gao Miao’s reaction, he leisurely headed toward the study.

“Sixth Brother, I was just washing up and didn’t know you’d arrived. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

Li Xian had barely turned past the screen at the entrance when he saw Li Xian standing motionless by the window, gazing at the back garden with an air of leisure. Yet, from the side of his face facing the door, Li Xian could clearly see a deep, unshakable worry and irritability. Amused, he kept his thoughts to himself, approaching Li Xian from behind and greeting him warmly.

“Seventh Brother, you’re here. Sit and let’s talk.”

Li Xian had been waiting in the study for some time. Hearing that Li Xian was washing up, he hadn’t wanted to urge him, but was surprised at how long Li Xian lingered, making him wonder if his brother was deliberately avoiding him. He was nearly at the point of losing patience, but when Li Xian finally arrived, Li Xian regained his composure. Glancing at Li Xian’s damp, loose hair, he gestured nonchalantly for him to sit, taking the main seat himself—whether intentionally or absentmindedly, leaving the guest seat for Li Xian.

Good grief, this fellow never forgets to assert his dominance wherever he goes! Li Xian, sharp as ever, easily saw through Li Xian’s gesture—a subtle reminder that Li Xian considered himself the backbone of their alliance. Li Xian felt a pang of irritation, but chose not to quibble over such trivialities, offering a slight smile as he sat opposite Li Xian and clapped his hands, “Tea, please!” At his command, the attendants quickly brought in freshly brewed tea, then withdrew, leaving the two brothers alone in the spacious study.

“Have you heard about the petition submitted by Liu Yi and the others, Seventh Brother?”

Li Xian did not conceal his purpose. Once the attendants had left, he ignored the tea before him and directly asked.

“I just received word before you arrived, Sixth Brother, but I don’t know all the details yet.”

The matter of the North Gate scholars’ petition had already spread rapidly through the capital’s official circles. Li Xian saw no need to hide his knowledge, responding with a smile and nod.

“What do you think of it, Seventh Brother?”

Upon hearing Li Xian’s candid admission, Li Xian’s eyelid twitched, but he gave no further reaction, pressing on quietly.

“Sixth Brother, surely you don’t think I’d be foolish enough to accept the task of overseeing the river works? At my age, even if Father agreed, the court wouldn’t; and even if all did, I’d have no interest. To be honest, I’d rather avoid it altogether.” Li Xian knew full well why Li Xian had come in such haste, and saw no reason to beat around the bush, laughing heartily as he laid his cards on the table.

“You misunderstand, Seventh Brother. That’s not what I meant.”

Li Xian’s face flushed slightly at Li Xian’s words, but he quickly recovered, offering a laugh and a vague excuse.

Not what he meant? As if! If he wasn’t up to something, why rush over? Was he craving my household’s cooking? Li Xian, both exasperated and amused by his brother’s petty scheming, privately scorned him, though his face remained cheerful. “Sixth Brother, as I’ve said before, Mother won’t stay idle. Here she is, making her move. If she truly wanted to protect someone, it should be you. Her reason for protecting me needs no further explanation.”

“Indeed, Seventh Brother, you’re right. This matter is tricky. Do you have any solutions?”

Li Xian was intelligent; he hadn’t seen the hidden complexities before simply because he was too close to the situation. Now, with Li Xian’s prompting, he immediately grasped the issue. Yet, understanding was one thing; finding a way to handle such a thorny predicament was another. After much deliberation, he could not find a suitable solution, and was forced to turn to Li Xian.

“It is indeed a thorny matter. I have some ideas, but cannot guarantee success.”

Li Xian knew the situation was far more complicated than he’d expected, involving nearly every faction at court. It was trickier than he’d anticipated—he’d assumed the Empress would intervene, but only to gently tip the scales, not act so decisively and unexpectedly by recommending him outright. This had complicated matters: the role he’d planned to play, mediating between his two elder brothers, was no longer tenable. How to broker a compromise with the Crown Prince was now his main concern. In fact, after being so publicly favored by the Empress, it was unwise for Li Xian to make private contact with the Crown Prince at such a sensitive time. In other words, he hadn’t fully worked out how to proceed.

“Speak freely, Seventh Brother. When we join forces, there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome!”

Having witnessed Li Xian’s talents through many trials, Li Xian was well aware of his brother’s strategic prowess. Seeing Li Xian’s genuine gravity, he grew worried and quickly offered encouragement.

“Well said, Sixth Brother. United, we are unbreakable! With you overseeing the big picture, we needn’t fear failure.” Li Xian responded with a smile, then steered the conversation to the heart of the matter: “Everything else can be managed, but right now, neither of us should approach the Crown Prince. Making contact will be difficult.”

“But why should that…”

Li Xian began to object, not understanding Li Xian’s point, but halfway through, realization struck him, leaving him speechless. Li Xian stood firmly opposed to the Crown Prince—if he went himself or sent someone, the Crown Prince would never trust him, much less sit down to negotiate. As for Li Xian, he was originally the perfect choice, but after the Empress’s favor, he too was under intense scrutiny. Even if the Crown Prince believed him, it would be risky, and Li Xian dared not meet privately at such a time. The Empress would certainly have other moves prepared. In an uncertain situation, how could Li Xian risk making secret agreements?

“It’s not easy. Do you have any other ideas, Seventh Brother?” Li Xian mulled the problem over, but could find no perfect solution, and could only look to Li Xian for hope.

“There is a way, but it carries risks, and you, Sixth Brother, may have to bear some indignities.” Li Xian had already considered the matter thoroughly and had a plan, but it required Li Xian’s cooperation and was not without uncertainty. He had circled around the issue to prepare his brother. Seeing Li Xian’s direct question, he realized his brother was out of options and responded, feigning difficulty.

“Oh? You have a clever plan? Speak freely—whatever the indignity, I can bear it.” Li Xian, truly at a loss and unwilling to lose face as the elder brother, agreed without hesitation, despite not knowing the extent of the humiliation involved.

“Very well, I’ll say it. If there’s any offense, forgive me, Sixth Brother.” Seeing Li Xian’s willingness, Li Xian didn’t delay, leaning in to whisper his plan. Li Xian’s expression shifted through a range of emotions, ending in utter astonishment…

The North Gate scholars’ petition was like a bombshell; it stunned not only the two brothers, but also the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace. Prince Li Hong, prepared to strike his brothers hard in court, was caught completely off guard. In his frustration, he summoned his close confidants for a lengthy closed-door discussion, but the situation was so tangled that everyone felt lost, unable to see through the fog. Helpless, Li Hong dismissed the group, retaining only Yan Liben and Liu Xiangdao, to ponder the dynamics and seek the best countermeasure. While their debate grew ever more confused, Wang Dequan, the deputy steward of Xian De Hall, burst in from outside the study. Li Hong, already vexed, frowned deeply.

“What’s the hurry?”

Li Hong’s irritation seeped into his voice, making his impatience clear.

“Your Highness, something has happened.”

Wang Dequan saw Li Hong’s displeasure and hurried to reply, his tense tone tinged with excitement as his gaze flicked nervously between Yan Liben and Liu Xiangdao, yet he still failed to clarify what had occurred. Li Hong’s frown only deepened…