Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Art of Compromise (Part Six)

“Hmm, what did you say? He’s not coming?”

In the study of the Eastern Palace’s Xiande Hall, Crown Prince Li Hong sat upright behind the desk. Upon hearing Wang Dequan’s report, his expression immediately fell, and he let out a displeased grunt.

“Yes, Your Highness, I regret to say that this humble servant failed to persuade Prince Zhou to attend the banquet.”

Having served the Crown Prince for a long time, Wang Dequan knew that Li Hong was usually a gentle man. But when angered, he could be as fierce as a thunderbolt from a clear sky. Seeing Li Hong’s changed countenance, Wang Dequan panicked, immediately dropping to his knees and kowtowing, hurriedly explaining.

“Hmph!”

Li Hong gave a cold snort, his pale face surging with anger. Yet, he refrained from an outburst, waving his hand with disdain to dismiss Wang Dequan. Rising restlessly, he paced back and forth in the room a few steps, barely restraining the fury in his heart. Then, he turned his gaze to Yan Liben and Liu Xiang standing nearby and pondered aloud, “Lord Yan, Lord Liu, does that brat truly intend to take up the position of river engineer?”

Li Hong was clearly furious, his words losing their usual gentleness. Even the unrefined term “brat” slipped from his mouth. Given this, Yan and Liu dared not speak recklessly. After exchanging glances, they both adopted an expression of deep concern and contemplation. Whether they were genuinely pondering or merely feigning it was known only to themselves.

“What is it? Neither of you has any insight?”

The matter of the river engineering was of great consequence. Li Hong found it difficult to maintain composure. Seeing his two trusted ministers silent for so long, his irritation boiled over, and with a gloomy face, he grumbled impatiently.

“Your Highness, in this old minister’s opinion, Prince Zhou may not genuinely wish to take on the river engineering post. His refusal to come might be a deliberate ploy of ‘catching while letting go,’ a tactic to entice,” Yan Liben and Liu Xiang were reluctant to speak further on this sensitive topic. But under Li Hong’s pressing question, they found themselves cornered and had no choice but to respond. With a hint of hesitation, Yan Liben spoke.

“‘Catch while letting go’? What do you mean by that?”

Li Hong’s mind was evidently troubled, and he lacked the patience to interpret Yan Liben’s implication. He pressed for a straightforward explanation.

“Your Highness, if I may speak frankly, Prince Zhou’s actions resemble the bargaining tactics of a merchant. The river engineering is a matter of great importance—far beyond the capacity of a novice like Prince Zhou. Even with the Empress’s involvement, it is unlikely that he would secure the position. The only ones truly capable of managing this task are Your Highness and Prince Lu. I believe Prince Zhou is well aware of this. Due to the Empress’s recommendation, Prince Zhou now occupies a crucial position. Whichever side he supports gains the upper hand. This is merely a matter of bargaining. His conflict with Prince Lu and refusal to heed your invitation stem from this strategy. There is nothing suspicious about it.”

Seeing Li Hong still unable to calm his mind, Yan Liben reluctantly elaborated further to clarify the reasoning.

“Ah, I see. It would have been a pity if my seventh brother had become a mere merchant. Very well, since he won’t come, I shall go myself.” Li Hong, sharp-minded by nature, felt his agitation ease considerably after hearing Yan Liben’s sensible explanation. He even found a moment to mock Li Xian.

“Your Highness need not go personally. Send someone to invite him once more, and Prince Zhou will surely come.”

The Crown Prince, as a semi-sovereign, should not step outside the Eastern Palace lightly. Given the complex situation, it was unwise to act rashly. Yan and Liu, both seasoned and prudent, exchanged looks and almost spoke in unison to advise caution.

“Very well, I shall send someone again.” Li Hong considered this and agreed it was improper for him to visit Prince Zhou’s residence at such a sensitive time. Even going in disguise would be unsuitable. Thus, he relinquished his stubbornness and consented to their counsel.

“Your humble servant greets the Crown Prince elder brother!”

Just as Yan Liben had predicted, when Wang Dequan returned to urge Prince Zhou, Li Xian readily accepted. Without delay, he assembled a grand entourage and arrived at the Eastern Palace with great ceremony. Upon entering the study, before Li Hong could greet him with a smile, Li Xian had already stepped forward, meticulously performing the formal salute with impeccable decorum.

“Enough of that. It’s truly difficult to invite my seventh brother. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Though Li Hong was inwardly vexed—knowing that Li Xian was a key figure in the river engineering matter—he could not help but feel displeased that his brother was playing games with him. His smile was polite, but his words carried a sharp edge.

Tch, what a sour remark. Invite? We’re here to discuss business, not to call a beggar who’ll come running at any shout. Li Xian had intended to conduct major negotiations regarding the river engineering with Li Hong. Naturally, a visit to the Eastern Palace was necessary. But if Li Hong was not mentally prepared, the deal would surely collapse. This was precisely why Li Xian had initially refused the invitation—to send a message: his demands were not trivial, and he would not be swayed by mere trifles. Whether Li Hong understood the subtle rebuke was uncertain, but Li Xian was confident that if the Crown Prince grasped the meaning, he would send envoys again. This was why Li Xian dared to decline the first invitation.

Seeing Li Hong respond with a sarcastic remark upon meeting, Li Xian knew his point had been understood. He laughed heartily, clasped his hands, and apologized, “Little brother was late, making elder brother wait. My apologies, my apologies.”

“Enough, since you’ve come, that’s what matters. Bring seats.”

As a pivotal figure in resolving the river engineering issue, Li Hong could not afford to offend Li Xian. Seeing Li Xian’s apology, he refrained from further sarcasm, signaling him to stand at ease and offering a seat. Immediately, a group of eunuchs brought a brocade stool. Li Xian accepted without ceremony, apologized again, and sat down upright, awaiting Li Hong’s instructions with utmost respect.

“Seventh brother, have you heard that scholars Liu Yi and Zhou Simao from the North Gate jointly recommended you to take charge of the river engineering? I wonder what your thoughts are on this.”

Li Hong was exceptionally capable in governance but only average in eloquence. Compared to the cunning Li Xian, or even Li Xian’s brother Li Xian, he was less articulate. Facing the silent Li Xian, Li Hong hesitated, unsure where to begin. After a long pause, he decided to be direct.

“Thoughts? Ha, I have plenty. But it’s not what I think that matters—it’s what you think that counts!”

Li Xian had not expected Li Hong to abruptly cut to the chase and ask about business. He chuckled inwardly but maintained a humble demeanor, clasping his hands in response.

“Your Highness’s praise is too generous. This humble brother finds the burden heavy and feels ashamed, truly ashamed.”

Though Li Xian spoke modestly, his face showed no trace of embarrassment. Instead, a subtle air of pride shone through, which inexplicably irritated Li Hong. He longed to rebuke Li Xian angrily but knew better than to act on impulse. Resigned, he gave an ambiguous reply.

“Seventh brother, your talent is undeniable. ‘Ambition knows no age’—this is truly apt for someone as gifted as you. I have always admired you greatly.”

“Not at all, elder brother. You flatter me. I am but a humble reed in the wind, hardly worthy of such praise, let alone great talent. It is Your Highness who is unparalleled in wisdom and virtue, a true model for us all.”

When it came to lofty but empty compliments, few could rival Li Xian’s eloquence. Seeing Li Hong hesitant to bring up conditions, Li Xian was in no rush to discuss business. So, they continued their polite banter as usual.

“Seventh brother, your tongue is sharp indeed. Very well, I cannot outtalk you. Let us discuss the matter at hand.”

Li Hong, having experienced Li Xian’s silver tongue many times, was unwilling to waste time on idle chatter. After a teasing remark, he grew serious, fixing Li Xian with a steady gaze.

“You must know that the river engineering concerns the nation’s security and cannot be taken lightly. The court is rife with debate but no consensus. This is detrimental to the state. I have summoned you today to hear your views on the matter. Speak freely—there is no harm in error.”

“Very well, since Your Highness has said so, I shall not treat this lightly.”

At the mention of business, Li Xian straightened, his playful smile vanishing. He responded solemnly.

“The river engineering benefits the nation greatly; its importance needs no elaboration. What matters now is who shall oversee it. I am young and inexperienced, unworthy of such great responsibility. In the current court, aside from Your Highness and the Sixth Prince, there is no one else capable of this duty.”

“Oh? Then who do you think is more suitable?”

Hearing Li Xian rank him alongside the Sixth Prince, Li Hong was not angered but secretly pleased. His eyes gleamed as he quickly asked a follow-up. Unexpectedly, Li Xian did not answer but smiled meaningfully. That smile sent an inexplicable chill through the Sixth Prince’s heart…