Chapter Ninety-Nine: Each Takes What They Need (Part One)

“Seventh Brother, what is this you’re doing...?”

The matter of the river works was of such great consequence that even Li Hong, as the Crown Prince, dared not err in the slightest. Naturally, he hoped Li Xian would utter the words “Crown Prince Brother” without hesitation, but he also understood that the likelihood was slim—at least until Li Xian’s appetite was satisfied, it was unlikely to happen. Now, seeing Li Xian smile so ambiguously, Li Hong’s heart trembled slightly. He forced a hesitant smile and stammered half a question.

“Crown Prince Brother, your younger brother has some doubts and humbly requests your guidance.”

Li Xian was not one to act without clear gains; though he had long intended to pass the river works to the Crown Prince, he would not commit without first reaping some benefit. Seeing Li Hong’s worried yet confused demeanor, Li Xian inwardly found it amusing but did not expose him. Instead, he suddenly adopted a solemn expression, cupped his hands, and replied:

“Seventh Brother, please ask whatever questions you have. Whatever your brother knows, I will ensure your satisfaction.”

Li Hong was likewise a careful thinker—not as quick-witted as Li Xian, but no fool. It was obvious Li Xian was evading the subject, which stirred a slight displeasure in his heart. Yet he said no more, merely hinting in his words that Li Xian should stop beating around the bush and state his demands plainly.

“Thank you, Crown Prince Brother, for your kindness. I only wish to know: if you were to oversee the river works, how would you proceed?”

Li Xian heard the unspoken implications but paid no mind. Smiling faintly, he lightly tossed out the topic.

“Well…”

At the mention of this, Li Hong was momentarily stunned. For days, he had gathered experts to study the reforms proposed by Li Xian, concluding they were generally feasible. The only major contention was the source of funds for the river works—aside from a few officials like Liu Xiangdao supporting the licensing of wine and carriage permits, most senior ministers such as Le Yanwei, Lu Chengqing, and Yan Liben staunchly opposed this, advocating alternative methods. Yet no one could offer a reliable plan, which was the main reason Li Hong hesitated to submit a direct memorial to the Emperor to claim authority over the river works. Being asked this question struck a nerve, and he faltered, unable to articulate a clear answer.

“Crown Prince Brother, I do have some rather uncertain ideas regarding the river works. I humbly ask for your correction.”

Li Xian was well aware of Li Hong’s predicament. After all, he had only recently begun to involve himself in the river works. To propose measures more brilliant than those already submitted by Li Xian was nearly impossible. His question was not meant to trap Li Hong, but rather to bring the subject to light. Seeing Li Hong hesitate, Li Xian smiled faintly, cupped his hands, and said:

“Oh? Seventh Brother, please speak. Your brother is listening.”

Li Hong, unsure how to respond, perked up at the suggestion that Li Xian had further thoughts on the matter. Smiling, he gestured for Li Xian to speak freely.

“Crown Prince Brother, with your wisdom, your younger brother believes the difficulties of the river works lie in three points: first, the river channels are in disrepair and frequently silted, requiring vast and costly reconstruction; second, the matter involves many parties—the central government’s various departments and local officials all have stakes, leading to fragmented control and inevitable disorder; third, the entangled interests make it difficult to reach consensus, despite repeated court discussions, wasting precious time. Does the Crown Prince Brother find these points reasonable?”

The river works concerned the stability of the realm. Though Li Xian had his own designs, he did not wish to see the endeavor fail. Beyond seeking benefits, his purpose was to ensure the project proceeded smoothly. Seeing Li Hong engaged, Li Xian candidly outlined the challenges.

“Seventh Brother speaks truly. Without addressing these three great difficulties, the river works cannot succeed. But what advice might Seventh Brother offer?”

Having acted as regent multiple times, Li Hong was well versed in governance. He recognized the truth in Li Xian’s words and sensed his intent, which brought a faint gleam of pleasure to his heart. Yet he did not reveal it, instead quickly pressing on.

“In response, Crown Prince Brother, the details of the river works have been thoroughly explained in the memorial by Sixth Brother and need not be repeated. I have only two suggestions that may aid the reform: first, establish a River Governor’s Office to unify command over all river-related affairs, including flood control, grain transport, and granary management, with subordinate departments and local officials assisting. This would centralize authority and clarify responsibilities; second, the expenses are vast. Although Sixth Brother’s proposal of wine and carriage licenses might temporarily relieve the burden, it is difficult to implement fully and merits reconsideration. In my view, allocating funds over a five-year period in stages would lessen the Ministry of Revenue’s pressure and, if managed prudently, should avoid financial strain.”

Li Xian spoke smoothly, expressing his thoughts plainly but with innovative ideas that felt refreshing to Li Hong.

“A River Governor? An excellent idea—centralized authority and clear accountability. Very well, if implemented as you suggest, why should the river works fail? Seventh Brother is indeed a great talent!”

Experienced in state affairs, Li Hong appreciated the subtlety of Li Xian’s plan, especially the avoidance of imposing new liquor taxes. Many of Li Hong’s ministers hailed from prominent families, and he wished to avoid alienating them by forcing such levies. This, however, was not for outsiders to know. Thus, he praised the establishment of the River Governor’s Office but made no mention of the licensing proposal—a careful evasion.

“If the Crown Prince Brother approves, so be it. Heh, I was merely pondering aloud. However…”

Li Xian, quick-witted, understood Li Hong’s shifting thoughts but did not press the matter. Smiling softly, he shifted the topic, leaving a hint.

“Seventh Brother, do you harbor any other concerns? Please share them with your brother; perhaps I can help.”

Li Hong, now excited, paused at Li Xian’s words, then smiled broadly, clearly awaiting an offer.

“Crown Prince Brother, as this matter was proposed by Sixth Brother, it is not proper for me to take charge, nor would it be appropriate for others to overstep, especially with certain petty individuals watching closely. This requires great caution. What is your opinion, Crown Prince Brother?”

Seeing Li Hong ready to negotiate, Li Xian playfully adopted a troubled expression and asked anxiously.

“Hmph! The river works concern the realm. I refuse to believe that petty men dare act recklessly. Father, the Emperor, is wise and would never allow troublemakers to meddle. Seventh Brother need not worry so much!”

Li Hong understood the “petty men” referred to the clique of scholars at the North Gate. Thinking of Empress Wu’s frequent interference in court, he grew angry, snorting coldly with a dark, stormy expression.

“Not dare? Perhaps not so certain,” Li Xian retorted calmly, shrugging, unfazed by Li Hong’s sour look.

“Seventh Brother, you…” Li Hong was immediately silenced by the sharp reply. Anger flared as if to explode, yet he sighed and held back, knowing well that Li Xian spoke the truth. Empress Wu would never relinquish control over such a vital matter. Without confidence to thwart her interference, his frustration dwindled. After a long pause, he spoke cautiously:

“Seventh Brother, a straightforward man does not speak in riddles. Since you dare mention this, I assume you have a strategy. I grow tired of guessing. Speak plainly, and I will consider it carefully.”

Exactly the words Li Xian awaited! Having laid out the plans to aid Li Hong, now it was time to secure some benefit and withdraw. Seeing Li Hong lay his cards on the table, Li Xian concealed no pleasure, keeping a calm demeanor. From his wide sleeves, he drew a scroll and presented it with both hands, saying coolly:

“Your younger brother has here a small proposition for the Crown Prince Brother’s perusal. Should it be acceptable, your younger brother would be deeply grateful.”

“Oh?” Li Hong glanced at Li Xian and softly uttered a sound but made no other comment. He took the scroll and unrolled it. His face immediately darkened—the scroll listed over a dozen names, noting current posts and proposed new appointments. The number was not insignificant, but most requested ranks were modest, rarely exceeding the sixth rank. Aside from two appointed as censors, the rest lacked even the qualification to attend court. Such minor reshuffles posed no difficulty for Li Hong, who could arrange this with the Minister of Personnel, Liu Xiangdao, with a word. What unsettled Li Hong was that most of these officials hailed from Qizhou or the Lu Prince’s mansion—clearly Li Xian’s trusted followers.

“Seventh Brother, what is the meaning of this?”

Inviting Li Xian to his residence had not only been to discuss the river works but also to draw Li Xian closer amid the rift between the two princes. Seeing that most proposed promotions favored Li Xian’s faction, Li Hong felt deep displeasure but dared not reject them outright. After much thought, he asked with a somewhat stern tone.