Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 866 Mr. Zhang, please be gentle.

On the official road from Mingde Gate to the Imperial City, the loose soil had long been swept away, revealing the damp bluestone slabs on both sides. The Crown Prince's entourage moved slowly forward, with banners fluttering gently in the winter breeze.

Li Zhi's carriage was spacious and stable, and he personally poured a cup of hot tea for Old Zhang, who had just boarded the carriage.

"Uncle, please."

Old Zhang didn't stand on ceremony, took the tea, smacked his lips, and said, "This tea from the palace isn't as good as the one from your father's place. It has a stale smell."

He lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, surveying the solemn imperial guards standing outside and the towering palace walls in the distance, and clicked his tongue twice: "This is quite the spectacle, truly befitting the Crown Prince. So, nephew, how does it feel to be back in this cage?"

Li Zhi smiled slightly, a smile that carried a calmness beyond his years: "Uncle is too kind. This place is home, but also a battlefield. I am young and still need your guidance."

"Give advice?" Old Zhang put down his teacup, leaned back, and settled into a comfortable position. "I'm just an outsider, and a prime minister of an enemy country at that. What advice can I give you? At most, I can just watch the show and keep an eye on your parents so they don't get their precious son stewed."

He spoke casually, but his sharp eyes swept over Li Zhi: "Tell me, what kind of trouble do you want to cause by dragging this old man into the carriage? Let me make it clear first, don't come to me with any fighting or killing. I'm not like your dead old man; I can't take a knife."

Li Zhi was amused by him, and the atmosphere became a little more relaxed: "Uncle is joking. I just wanted to ask for your advice. Now that I have entered the capital, what should I do next? Changsun Wuji must have already set up the game. I can't just rush into it."

"A game of chess?" Old Zhang scoffed. "What kind of game was that? It was more like a quagmire, trying to trap you and get you covered in mud. Your father's game in Nanjing was real chess. He'd pretend to be all lovey-dovey with you, but behind your back he'd plundered your entire fortune, and you should thank him for that."

He sat up straighter and lowered his voice: "What you need to do now is not to break his scheme, but to start a new one. What's our biggest mistake right now? It's wanting to have a gentlemanly duel, a battle of soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals, with the winner taking all. No, no, no, that won't do, it's not worth it. He's a subject, you're the ruler, that's your biggest advantage. If he tries to seize power, you should show weakness; if he forms factions, you should visit your ailing uncle, Prince Qin, Li Jiancheng, more often."

A glint flashed in Li Zhi's eyes: "Uncle means..."

"What I mean is, you've come back to fulfill your filial duties, to visit your ailing elders, and to learn how to handle state affairs. Put filial piety and learning first. Does Changsun Wuji dare to stop you from fulfilling your filial duties? Does he dare to stop you, the crown prince, from learning how to govern? If he dares to stop him, you don't even need to lift a finger; someone will come back to deal with him. That's called disloyalty, understand?" Old Zhang chuckled. "What are you going to do? Just stand here on the dry bank and watch him flounder in the mud."

Li Zhi seemed to be deep in thought: "Then the specifics..."

"Specifically?" Old Zhang counted on his fingers: "First, after entering the palace, immediately go to the Prince of Qin's residence and serve him medicine without rest. Show everyone that the Prince of Qin's residence has been sealed off by Changsun, but while he can seal off everyone else, he dares not touch you. If he says no to you, I dare to issue a proclamation denouncing him. Just shout outside that after more than three hundred years, Sima is going to assassinate the Prince again, and you'll see how many lives he has. Second, submit a memorial to your mother, well, just a formality, saying that you feel deeply troubled by the affairs of state and request to observe and learn from the council of state affairs, but only listen and do not speak. Third, spend more time with your cousins ​​and members of the imperial clan, especially those who have been suppressed by Changsun Wuji. Send them some small trinkets from the Western Regions, nothing valuable, but a token of your appreciation."

He paused, then added, "By the way, have your junior sister interact more with the female officials in the palace and the female members of the imperial family. Women are sometimes more informed than men. Have her help you see who you can win over and who you need to be wary of."

Li Zhi nodded repeatedly, noting everything down. Seeing his earnest expression, Old Zhang slumped back down and said lazily, "Don't be too nervous. Your father is keeping things stable in the Western Regions, and your mother is watching over things in Anxi. Although I can't openly fight for you in Chang'an, I can still help by spreading rumors and making things difficult for your opponents. You're like a magnet now, slowly attracting those who are dissatisfied with Changsun Wuji to your side. But this is a slow and steady process, so don't rush it."

The carriage entered the palace gates, and the heavy vermilion doors slowly closed behind it, isolating it from the outside world.

Old Zhang looked at Li Zhi, then suddenly dropped his teasing tone and said seriously, "Let me give you one last piece of advice your father always says—let the bullets fly for a while. Some things are better left to ferment."

Li Zhi took a deep breath, his gaze firm: "Nephew understands. Thank you, Uncle."

Old Zhang waved his hand, jumped off the carriage first, straightened his wrinkled robes, and resumed his nonchalant scholarly demeanor, muttering under his breath, "This wretched place has so many rules. The Western Regions are much more carefree. Come on, nephew, take your uncle to see just how many monsters and demons are hiding in this den of dragons and tigers."

The uncle and nephew exchanged a smile, and one after the other, they walked along the bluestone imperial path inside the palace, heading towards the deepest part of that vortex of power.

In the following days, Li Zhi strictly followed the strategy instructed by Lao Zhang.

He visited the Prince of Qin's residence every day to inquire about his health, personally tested medicine for the ailing Li Jiancheng, and read memorials to the emperor. His actions were full of concern and respect, which naturally made him appear to the court officials as a benevolent and filial crown prince.

At the same time, in accordance with regulations, he requested to observe the administration of the government from the ministers who remained in Chang'an. He adopted a very humble attitude, only talking about learning and never mentioning interference.

Faced with the Crown Prince's behavior, Changsun Wuji was at a loss. Forcibly preventing the Crown Prince from fulfilling his filial duties and pursuing his studies would be against propriety and law, easily giving others ammunition against him, and might even lead to accusations against figures like Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao. He could only secretly strengthen his control over the Prince of Qin's residence and closely monitor the imperial clan members who came into contact with the Crown Prince.

With her calm demeanor and superb medical skills, Xiao Wu quickly established good relationships with several imperial concubines and princesses. While she seemed to be just chatting casually among the women, she always managed to inadvertently uncover some gossip that was not heard in the court.

On this day, Xiao Wu took the opportunity of examining the pulse of an old princess to learn that Prince Lu, Li Yuanchang, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, had recently been in close contact with Changsun Wuji, and they seemed to have been having secret talks until late at night on several occasions.

"Prince Lu?" Li Zhi frowned slightly upon hearing the news brought back by Xiao Wu at the Eastern Palace. Li Yuanchang was an elder member of the imperial clan, of high seniority, but held no real power in the court. What was Changsun Wuji's purpose in frequently contacting him?
Old Zhang, who was lounging on a couch eating grapes, spat out the grape seeds and chuckled upon hearing this: "The Imperial Clan Court, huh? It's in charge of the imperial genealogy and clan affairs. What could that old man Changsun possibly want from him? He just wants to make trouble for you as the crown prince."

Li Zhi's face darkened: "He dares to violate the patriarchal system?"

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Old Zhang sat up and patted the frosting off his hands. “Don’t forget, your position as crown prince is legally derived from your status as the son of the Li Tang emperor. Although your mother has tacitly acknowledged your lineage, it hasn’t been made public. If the Imperial Clan Court were to question your bloodline, even if it couldn’t shake the foundation, it would be disgusting enough to make you unable to hold your head up in front of the imperial clan.”

He paced back and forth, a calculating glint in his eyes. "However, he's made a terrible mistake. How many of those members of the imperial clan truly submit to Changsun Wuji? They're only afraid of his power. You can use this opportunity to win over those relatives who are dissatisfied with the Changsun family. Besides, when it comes to power, don't forget what that blood-related father's nickname is." "Hmm? I don't know... Uncle, I've been in Fuliang all this time..."

"Become an adult in Fuliang, then." Old Zhang glanced at Xiao Wu, which made the young girl blush.

Then he coughed and said, "Your father's nickname is utterly disreputable among the gentry, but among the common people, he's known as the Uncrowned King. In terms of power, ask anyone in the world if they dare question your father. Aside from those hotheads, even Changsun Wuji wouldn't dare say a bad word about Xia Lin in front of outsiders. They wouldn't dare!"

"Haha..." Li Zhi laughed loudly: "My father is really amazing. If we round it up, then I'm amazing too."

"Putting everything else aside, your shameless behavior is just like your dead father."

These words made Xiao Wu, who was standing next to her, giggle. She felt that her master was a bit too strict, but her senior uncle was much more relaxed and always had a string of witty remarks that made people happy.

At this moment, Old Zhang leaned closer and whispered, "Prince Lu has a precious grandson who recently fell from his horse and injured his leg. The quack doctors at the Imperial Medical Bureau treated him for half a month without any improvement; in fact, it's gotten worse. You and your junior sister should go and take a look. If you can cure him, it will be a tremendous favor. Even if you can't, it doesn't matter; it will show your concern. Remember to find a good opportunity to talk to him about Changsun Wuji. First, mention that you are the legitimate crown prince of the Li Dynasty, and second, be honest with him that your biological father is Xia Lin, Xia Daosheng. Remember one thing: your mother might not be as useful as your father in Chang'an, because if you anger him, he really will kill you. Your father is your greatest protection. Not only should you not avoid him, but you should also always mention him—'My father is Xia Daosheng!'"

Li Zhi understood immediately and, without saying a word, arranged for Xiao Wu to go to the Prince of Lu's residence as a female official of the Crown Prince's Palace, accompanied by several imperial physicians, to visit the Prince of Lu.

Xiao Wu's medical skills were personally taught by Dong Niang. Although he was not a formal disciple but learned from Jia Ye, his systematic training at Fuliang Medical College made him far more adept at treating such injuries than the conservative treatments offered by the Imperial Hospital.

After a few applications of appropriate ointments, combined with unique massage and bone-setting techniques, the leg injury of the grandson of the Prince of Lu quickly began to improve.

Prince Lu, Li Yuanchang, was overjoyed and naturally deeply grateful to His Highness the Crown Prince. Li Zhi immediately followed Old Zhang's advice and subtly offered a few words of advice, only mentioning that he had recently heard that Chancellor Changsun seemed particularly concerned about matters concerning the imperial clan, and wondered why.

Li Yuanchang, being an experienced and shrewd man, could certainly hear the unspoken message. He was already dissatisfied with Changsun Wuji's monopolization of power, and now, having been reminded of this, he became even more wary. Furthermore, considering that Changsun Wuji had indeed repeatedly hinted to him recently that he should "make a difference" within the imperial clan, he felt even more that Changsun Wuji's intentions were despicable.

Two days later, at a small banquet for members of the imperial clan, Li Yuanchang, emboldened by alcohol, grumbled a few complaints to several familiar princes, expressing strong dissatisfaction with Changsun Wuji's attempt to interfere in the affairs of the imperial clan.

The news spread like ripples through the imperial clan, and many members who were already wary of Changsun Wuji were now united in their hatred of him, unconsciously drawing closer to Crown Prince Li Zhi.

Of course, the most crucial factor was the careful consideration of the imperial clan. They were not unaware that Changsun Wuji wanted to make a fuss about Li Zhi's lineage and identity.

But now that his identity is out in the open, his father is Xia Lin, the Prince of Chang'an of the Great Wei, the Prince of Jinling of the Li Tang, and the Prince of Bei Han. His mother is the eldest daughter of the Li Tang imperial family and the Grand Princess personally appointed by the late King of the Great Wei. She is a powerful empress with military power and a strong backing.

As for how they got together, if you're so capable, go ask them yourself, whether it's Her Majesty the Empress or Xia Daosheng, go ask! Go find out the truth, ask them when and where they had their little escapade.

Damn it, you still want to question this bloodline? If you question it again, Xia Lin will come and chop you up...

Changsun Wuji quickly noticed the subtle change in the attitude of the imperial clan, and was secretly annoyed, but couldn't think of a solution for the time being.

He found himself no longer facing a helpless young crown prince, but an invisible net that was being quietly woven and gradually tightening. This net contained the crown prince's reputation for benevolence and filial piety, the pressure of public opinion from upright officials, the subtle support of the Northern Imperial Guards, and now, the centrifugal force of the imperial clan.

Behind all of this, one can always see the shadow of the Grand Secretary of Wei, who wanders around with a carefree smile.

"Zhang Zhongchun!" Changsun Wuji slammed his fist on the desk in the study, feeling as if he had punched cotton, with nowhere to land: "Fuck your mother..."

Meanwhile, inside the Eastern Palace, Li Zhi looked at the feedback from all sides brought back by Xiao Wu and was full of admiration for Lao Zhang's strategy.

"Uncle, what should we do next?"

Old Zhang, legs crossed, lay there reading the supernatural tales written by the talented scholars of Chang'an, some even with illustrations, muttering to himself, "No rush, let the young grandson lose his composure first. The more anxious he is, the more flaws he'll reveal. As for us, we should eat and drink as usual, fulfill our filial duties, and study as we should. By the way, when you go to observe the government tomorrow, why not ask a question about the rerouting of the Grand Canal? Just say it's a question you had while studying, and ask the prime ministers for their advice."

He squinted, smiling like a fox: "Remember, ask questions naively, and be humble. The key is to let everyone see that you, the Crown Prince, are studying diligently. Whether the answer is right or wrong is not important."

After a moment's thought, Li Zhi understood Old Zhang's intention. This was to further establish his image as a diligent and inquisitive learner, while also testing who in the Hall of State Affairs was willing to answer his questions seriously, who would be perfunctory, and even... who would use this as an opportunity to cause trouble.

He raised his glass and toasted Old Zhang, saying, "Uncle, you have shown me great wisdom and insight. I have learned a lot from you."

Old Zhang clinked glasses with him, downed his drink in one gulp, and wiped his mouth: "No problem, no problem. Just remember to make your father pay back the debt he owes me when he returns from the Western Regions. He promised to paint a portrait of a Western Region beauty, and he wanted six Western Region beauties!!!"

(End of this chapter)