The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 451 Hua Tuo: His Majesty may not survive this winter; Prime Minister Li needs to make plans early.
In Luoyang, the sky always turns gloomy early in winter.

Lead-gray clouds hung low over the eaves of the palace.

A cold wind swept across the empty square, swirling up a few withered leaves.

It added to the somber and desolate atmosphere.

Li Yi did not ride in his magnificent four-horse carriage.

He was dressed only in a dark-colored casual outfit, with a heavy fur cloak draped over his shoulders.

Accompanied by several plainclothes guards, he walked steadily toward the depths of the palace.

His brows were slightly furrowed, and his gaze was even more somber than the weather.

What he carried in his arms was a detailed investigation report by Lu Xun on the extravagant lifestyle of the powerful and wealthy in the capital.

Its contents are shocking.

Upon arriving outside the emperor's bedroom, the eunuch Cen Hun, who was on duty, was already waiting under the porch.

Upon seeing Li Yi arrive, a fawning yet somewhat fearful smile immediately appeared on his face.

He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and whispered:

"This servant greets Prime Minister Li! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"

"However... Your Majesty still feels heavy and lacks energy today."

"I just took my medicine and went to bed, so it's really inconvenient for me to see guests."

"Your Excellency, would you consider coming another day?"

"This servant will certainly..."

Li Yi stopped in his tracks, his gaze as still as a deep well.

He merely glanced at Cen Hun indifferently, his gaze not particularly sharp.

But it seemed to carry an immense weight, causing Cen Hun to abruptly stop speaking.

A fine layer of cold sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.

"I have urgent business to attend to and need to see Your Majesty immediately."

Li Yi's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable decisiveness.

"Go quickly and inform them."

Cen Hun felt as if that gaze was tangible, making him tremble with fear.

He was so exhausted that he almost collapsed to the ground. How could he dare to make any more excuses?

He hurriedly replied in a trembling voice:

"Yes...yes, yes, yes! This servant will go right away!"

"I'll go and inform them right away! Your Excellency, please wait a moment! Please wait a moment!"

Having said that, he scrambled around and turned away.

He practically rushed into the bedchamber using both his hands and feet.

Inside the bedroom, the fragrance of medicine was so strong it was almost overwhelming.

Liu Bei leaned against the dragon bed, his face sallow and his eyes sunken.

The once powerful and influential ruler is now emaciated and ravaged by illness.

As he listened to Cen Hun's stammering report, a glimmer of light flashed in his cloudy eyes.

The voice was weak and hoarse.
"Prime Minister Li... he has already partially retired from court."

"If it weren't for a matter of utmost urgency concerning the very foundation of the nation, you would never disturb my peace at this time..."

"Let him in."

“Yes…Yes!”

Cen Hun felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly withdrew to invite Li Yi.

Li Yi entered the bedchamber silently.

He came to the bedside and looked at Liu Bei's haggard face, and his heart ached.

He bowed first, then asked softly:

"Your Majesty... do you feel any better today?"

Liu Bei forced a bitter smile to his lips.

He shook his head, his voice broken and intermittent:
"Okay? Ha... Lie down... on this couch."

"For more than half a year... I couldn't move."

"Like...rotten wood...I have already felt...life...like an hourglass."

"It's slipping away... little by little... I'm afraid..."

"We won't make it through...this winter..."

The sorrow and helplessness in his words silenced Li Yi.

Only Liu Bei's heavy breathing and the occasional crackling sounds from the charcoal brazier remained inside the hall.

A sense of tragic heroism permeated the air.

a long time,

Liu Bei spoke again, his voice weak:

"Prime Minister Li...what brings you here?"

Li Yi composed himself, knowing that this was not the time for sadness.

He took a deep breath and took the report from his pocket.

However, instead of presenting it directly, he reported in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, I recently traveled incognito to investigate the situation in the capital."

"I saw...I saw many nobles and their sons indulging in luxury and pleasure."

"The trend of extravagance and waste is getting worse day by day."

“His residence was unauthorized, and his carriages and clothing exceeded the prescribed limits.”

"Excessive feasting and drinking, with people competing to outdo each other."

"The amount of money spent is staggering!"

He described in detail how Yuan Yin's mansion used watercraft for boating and how Liu Yan's family held banquets that stretched to the ends of the earth.

And the scene of many powerful and wealthy people partying every night and staying up all night.

In conclusion:
"Your Majesty, our dynasty is now unified across the land, and our national strength is growing stronger every day."

"However, if such extravagance is allowed to spread, it will cause great harm!"

"Firstly, the sons of the powerful and wealthy are born into comfort and grow up in wealth and privilege."

"Without any training, they have already fallen to this state."

"If one indulges in pleasure and neglects ambition, how can one become a pillar of the nation in the future?"

"This is self-destructive, leaving behind endless troubles!"

"Secondly, in the capital city, the rich own vast tracts of land, while the poor have no place to stand."

"The gap between the rich and the poor is as wide as heaven and earth."

"Since ancient times, people have been more concerned about inequality than scarcity. I fear that if this continues, resentment among the people will grow."

"At that time, social conflicts will intensify, shaking the foundation of the country and endangering the nation!"

"If this trend is not strongly curbed, it could lead to a major disaster!"

Liu Bei listened quietly, his gaze sometimes unfocused and sometimes focused.

He was clearly trying to concentrate.

After Li Yi finished speaking,
He remained silent for a long time before wearily closing his eyes and murmuring:

"What Prime Minister Li said...I...am well aware of it."

"However...I am currently...dizzy."

"During a day... the time one is awake is no more than... two hours..."

"I feel weak all over, I can't hold anything in my hands, and I can't put my feet on the ground..."

"Rectify official corruption and curb extravagance..."

"Such matters require... swift and decisive action, and are very demanding..."

"I... am truly... willing but powerless..."

He took a few breaths, struggled to raise his hand, and waved gently.

"Prime Minister Li... if you feel this matter... concerns the fate of the nation..."

"Then...then go ahead and do it...I...trust you..."

"You are granted... full authority to handle this matter..."

Upon receiving this almost entrusted authorization, Li Yi felt no joy, only a deeper sense of heaviness.

He knew that Liu Bei's health was probably worse than he had imagined.

He bowed and said:

"This old minister...accepts the decree."

"Your Majesty, please rest and recuperate. Taking good care of your health is of utmost importance."

Having said that, he slowly withdrew from the bedchamber.

After leaving the palace, Li Yi did not return to his residence.

Instead, he immediately ordered his personal attendants:
"Go to the Imperial Medical Bureau immediately and invite Master Hua Tuo Yuanhua to your residence for a chat. Be quick!"

Before long, Hua Tuo, with his white hair and beard and a gaunt face, arrived at the side hall.

Li Yi dismissed his attendants and asked directly:
“Mr. Yuanhua, there are no outsiders here.”

"You must tell me the truth, about His Majesty's health..."

Is there any possibility of recovery?

Upon hearing this, Hua Tuo sighed deeply, his face revealing the helplessness and solemnity a physician faces when confronted with an incurable disease:

"When the Prime Minister inquired, I dared not conceal anything."

"Your Majesty is over seventy years old, an age when one's vital energy and blood are gradually declining."

"In addition, he fought in various places in his early years, enduring wind and rain."

"Accumulated internal injuries have long laid the groundwork for illness."

"Now that I am old, my qi and blood are depleted, and the functions of my five internal organs are not as good as before."

"Especially... especially because of the matter concerning the King of Wu, His Majesty was so enraged that he vomited blood and injured his body."

"This leads to stagnation of liver qi, further hindering the circulation of qi and blood..."

"This is a chronic and intractable disease, which cannot be cured quickly by ordinary medicines."

Li Yi's gaze sharpened as he pressed on, asking:

"So, there's no other way but to... leave it to fate?"

Hua Tuo pondered for a moment before cautiously speaking:
"If...if we wish to prolong His Majesty's life, there may be a way."

"However...it is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"speak!"

"Only... can His Majesty completely abandon these myriad troubles and forget about state affairs and family matters."

"Following the example of the ancients, I sought a quiet place."

"Find solace in nature and seek immortality."

"Completely relaxing the mind and body, and being free from constraints, may... slow down the loss of life."

"This approach starts with regulating the mind and spirit, allowing the body and mind to be released, which may offer a glimmer of hope."

Hua Tuo's voice grew softer and softer, clearly indicating that he himself felt the method was unlikely to work.

"absurd!"

Li Yi abruptly interrupted, his brows furrowed.

"That's absolutely impossible!"

"The empire is at a crucial juncture of transition, how can it be without His Majesty's presence?"

"Regardless of whether His Majesty is truly determined to abandon the foundation he has built with his life's work, even if he is—"

"If the emperor abandons the country to pursue Taoism, what face will the royal family have left?"

Where is the imperial court's authority? How will the world be shaken?

"This matter should not be brought up again!"

Hua Tuo smiled wryly:
"...Your Excellency is wise."

"Therefore, I, your old minister, have said that it is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"And even if it were possible, it would only be a matter of doing one's best and leaving the rest to fate."

Whether His Majesty's serious illness can truly improve is also a matter of fate.

Li Yi remained silent for a long time, then took a deep breath.

He asked the most crucial, yet least desirable, question:
"Then... in your opinion."

"Your Majesty... how much longer can you hold on?"

Hua Tuo looked troubled and hesitated to speak.

Li Yi said in a deep voice:
“Mr. Yuanhua, this is no ordinary medical consultation.”

"Indeed, it concerns the safety of the empire and the survival of the nation!"

"This Han dynasty belongs to me, Your Majesty, and many of our old brothers."

"Braving wind and rain, fighting bloody battles, we have achieved what we have today!"

"It is my responsibility to protect it! You must tell me the truth, without hiding anything!"

Sensing the weight and resolve in Li Yi's words, Hua Tuo finally stopped hesitating.

He lowered his gaze, his voice low and clear:
“In that case… I will speak frankly.”

"Given His Majesty's current condition, his life force is as fragile as a candle flickering in the wind..."

"I'm afraid... at most... we won't make it through... this winter."

Although I had a premonition, I was still surprised when these words came out clearly from the mouth of the world's number one doctor.

Li Yi still felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer, and his body swayed slightly.

He closed his eyes, and after a long while, he slowly opened them.

My eyes are now filled with a cold, clear light:

"I... understand."

"Thank you for your help, Mr. Yuanhua."

"What you say today comes from your mouth and enters my ears."

"Absolutely no information may be leaked to the outside world."

"I understand."

Hua Tuo bowed respectfully and quietly withdrew.

Li Yi was left alone in the study.

Outside the window, the night was already deep.

He sat alone for a long time until the crackling of the candlelight startled him awake.

He knew he had to start making plans.

He stood up and gave the instructions:
"Summon all the ladies, gentlemen, and young ladies of the household to the main hall for a meeting."

However, when family members gradually gathered in the main hall...

Li Yi glanced around and found that one person was missing.

Where is Tai'er?

Li Yi frowned slightly and looked at Lü Lingqi, the birth mother of his fourth son, Li Tai.

Seeing her husband's displeasure, Lü Lingqi felt uneasy and quickly explained:
"My husband, Tai'er..."

"He went out in the afternoon, saying he was having a small gathering with some friends to drink and discuss poetry..."

"Discussing poetry over wine?"

Li Yi snorted coldly, his face instantly darkening.

"The extravagance in the capital is rampant these days, and I intend to vigorously rectify it!"

"And yet, he defies the wind and goes off to indulge in debauchery with those spoiled brats?!"

"Whose residence is this?"

Seeing Li Yi's anger, Lü Lingqi became even more terrified and defended her son, saying:
"My lord, please calm your anger! Tai'er is still young."

"Perhaps...perhaps they are unaware of the implications. Ignorance is no excuse..."

"I don't know?"

Li Yi's tone grew even colder, "As a member of the Li family, how can you be so ignorant!"

He ignored Lü Lingqi and turned to his second son, Li Ping, giving the order:
"Ping'er, immediately gather one hundred warriors from the manor and come with me out of the manor!"

"Go and bring that unfilial son back to me!"

"My son, take your orders!"

Seeing his father's fury, Li Ping dared not say anything more and immediately turned to make arrangements.

Soon, one hundred elite guards from the Prime Minister's residence had assembled.

Everyone was dressed in full armor, swords at their sides, and stood at attention, ready to be ordered.

When Li Ping returned to report, Li Yi had already put on his outer cloak and said in a deep voice:
"Fine, I will go with you myself!"

"I want to see what kind of 'friend' dares to invite my son to a banquet at this time."

The father and son walked down the deserted street, followed by a silent and imposing guard.

Li Yi asked:

"Do you know whose house Tai'er went to?"

Li Ping answered in a low voice:

"According to the gatekeeper, he... he went to the residence of Attendant-in-Ordinary He Yan."

"He Yan?"

A hint of disgust flashed in Li Yi's eyes. "Is he the grandson of General He Jin?"

"Exactly."

"Humph!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yi scoffed.

"He Jin was originally a mediocre butcher and wine seller who gained power by relying on his connections, which ultimately led to chaos in the palace."

"His descendants are even more sycophantic and hypocritical scoundrels!"

"Besides relying on his ancestors' legacy and swaggering around the capital, does he have any talent or political achievements whatsoever?"

Li Ping cautiously replied:

"...Father is absolutely right."

"However, the He family was once the head of the imperial relatives, with deep roots and a complex network of influence in the capital."

"Back then...when His Majesty first established the capital in Luoyang..."

"The He family is quite pragmatic and has done some work."

"Therefore, after His Majesty ascended the throne, he also bestowed honors upon He Yan and others, and promoted them to the position of Attendant-in-Ordinary."

Li Yi said no more, but his expression grew increasingly gloomy.

Before long, the group arrived at the gate of the He residence.

But all that could be seen were vermilion gates and high walls, with ferocious stone lions standing before the gates.

Although it was already night, the faint sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard from inside the mansion.

The lights were on, indicating that the banquet was in full swing.

The two guards of the He residence saw a large group of people surrounding an elderly man with an extraordinary bearing as they approached.

Although he was dressed simply, we dared not be negligent.

He stepped forward to stop them, his tone relatively polite:
"Halt, everyone! This is the residence of Attendant-in-Ordinary He."

"What brings you gentlemen here so late at night?"

Do you have invitation cards for reservation?

Li Yi stopped, his gaze calmly sweeping over the gatekeeper, and uttered only four words:
"I am Li Yi."

"Prime Minister Li...?!"

The two security guards turned deathly pale as if struck by lightning.

My legs went weak and I almost collapsed to my knees.

One of them stammered:

"No... I didn't know it was the Prime Minister who graced us with his presence..."

"This...this lowly person deserves to die!"

"But... but my young master has ordered a banquet tonight."

"No...no outsiders are allowed to disturb us...this..."

"Prime Minister...do you have any name cards to reserve?"

Li Yi was too lazy to waste words with them and stepped forward directly.

He pushed open the half-closed, heavy door.

It made a loud "bang"!
He shouted sternly:

"Bullshit! Do I need an appointment to see He Yan?"

"Who does he think he is? The emperor?!"

"Get out of here!"

This angry shout was like a thunderclap.

The two guards were so frightened that they dared not obstruct the way in the slightest.

He scrambled to the side, his voice trembling as he said:
"I...I'll get out of here right now! I'll get out of here right now!"

"Your Excellency, please...please..."

Li Yi stopped looking at them and waved to Li Ping and the guards behind him:

"Get in!"

The group surged into the He residence like a tidal wave.

The mansion was indeed a hidden paradise.

Despite it being winter, potted flowers in full bloom were displayed under the eaves, clearly cultivated in a greenhouse.

Artificial hills and flowing water, pavilions and towers.

Everything was exquisitely crafted and luxuriously decorated.

It was even more luxurious than Liu Yan's mansion.

Following the noisy music and laughter, Li Yi and the others went straight to the outside of the most spacious and magnificent hall.

Before even entering, a warm breeze carrying a mixture of the smells of alcohol, perfume, and a strange, sweet odor wafted towards us.

The hall was brightly lit, and people were moving around.

The sounds of stringed instruments filled the air, and the giggles of the courtesans mingled with the licentious words of the men.

Li Yi's face turned ashen. He suddenly raised his foot and kicked open the half-closed hall door with a "bang"!

The loud noise silenced the hall instantly!
All eyes turned in astonishment toward the doorway.

The scene inside the hall was utterly appalling:
He Yan, Deng Yang, Ding Mi, and seven or eight other notorious playboys from the capital.

They were all disheveled and their clothes were in disarray.

Some were even shirtless, with unnatural flush on their faces.

Several singers and dancers, also barely clothed, hurriedly hid to the side.

The floor was littered with cups and plates, and spilled wine.

The air was filled with a strong smell of alcohol and that strange sweet aroma.

He Yan seemed to have taken some kind of drug, and was the most confused.

He pointed at Li Yi with blurry, drunken eyes and mumbled:

"You... who are you?"

"How dare you... how dare you trespass on my residence?!"

"Someone come here!"

Li Tai, who was huddled in the corner, was already pale with fright and had sobered up considerably.

When he finally saw the old man with an icy, iron-like face standing at the door, he felt as if he had seen a ghost.

Her whole body trembled violently, and she screamed in terror:
"Father...Father!"

"Father...Father!"

That cry of "Father" was like cold water poured into a burning coal fire.

This instantly sobered up most of the other privileged young men in the hall!

Everyone recognized the powerful and awe-inspiring Prime Minister Li Yi!

The previous clamor and debauchery vanished instantly, replaced by a deathly silence and fear.

Everyone fell silent, heads bowed and necks hunched.

He dared not meet Li Yi's gaze.

Li Yi's gaze was like a knife, first sweeping over He Yan, who was slumped on the ground, making a complete fool of himself.

Then the gaze settled on the trembling Li Tai, the voice icy cold and devoid of any emotion:
"stand up."

Li Tai struggled to his feet, staggering as he hid behind Li Yi and Li Ping.

His head was bowed very low, as if he wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Only He Yan, relying on the effects of the medicine and his family background, succeeded.

Some, still oblivious to the danger, forced themselves to ask:

"Prime Minister Li... even if you... wield immense power..."

"But...you can't just barge into someone else's private home like that, can you?" "This...this is against etiquette..."

Deng Yang, Ding Mi, and the others standing nearby were utterly terrified.

He desperately tried to wink at He Yan, signaling him to shut up.

Unfortunately, He Yan's eyes were unfocused, and he couldn't see clearly at all.

Li Yi simply ignored He Yan's questioning.

He walked slowly for a couple of steps in the hall, which was filled with a strange smell, with his hands behind his back.

His sharp gaze swept over the mess on the ground, finally settling on a small pile of white powder and several small jade snuff bottle-shaped objects.

He pointed at the object and asked Li Ping beside him:

"What is this?"

Li Ping had clearly heard about this, and whispered:

"Father, this substance... is called 'Cold Food Powder,' also known as 'Five Stones Powder'..."

"They are...these are many young masters and nobles from the capital..."

"Things that I like in private."

"Five-Stone Powder?"

Li Yi frowned deeply, a hint of disgust and understanding flashing in his eyes.

He had long heard that this substance caused him to feel hot and excited after consuming it.

It requires cold food and a cold bath to dispel the stagnation, hence the name Cold Food Powder.

In reality, it is a poison that harms the body and mind and causes addiction!

He snorted coldly, no longer glancing at the disgraceful sons of the powerful and wealthy, and said to Li Tai:

"You unfilial son, come back to the manor with me!"

After all, he turned around and wanted to leave.

Before leaving, he instructed Li Ping:
"Take away all the filth on the ground, and do not leave anything behind."

When He Yan and the others saw that Li Yi was going to take away the Five-Stone Powder, they mistakenly thought that Prime Minister Li was also interested in this substance.

He shamelessly fawned over her, saying:
"If...if Your Excellency likes this..."

"I...I have some better stuff here..."

"Then...then we'll have someone prepare an extra copy for the Prime Minister..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi abruptly stopped in his tracks.

He slowly turned around, his gaze as cold as ice.

Filled with boundless rage and utter contempt, he glared fiercely at He Yan and the others!
That gaze was like a sharp sword, sending chills down He Yan's spine.

They were instantly speechless and frozen in place.

Li Yi said no more, snorted coldly, and left in a huff.

Li Ping ordered the guards to collect the Five-Stone Powder on the ground and followed closely behind his father.

The guards of the Prime Minister's residence also retreated like the tide.

Inside the vast hall, only a group of distraught and bewildered scions of the powerful and wealthy, including He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi, remained, looking at each other in disbelief.

The lingering, decadent music and strange, sweet fragrance accentuated the fear and bewilderment on their faces.

Through this incident, they learned...

The situation in the capital is likely about to change.

Li Tai, on the other hand, followed his furious father dejectedly, like a lamb to the slaughter.

My heart was filled with endless regret and fear.

……

The night was as dark as ink, and the chill seeped into my bones.

The stone lions in front of the Prime Minister's residence appeared particularly solemn and ferocious under the dim light of the lanterns.

When Li Yi appeared at the bottom of the steps of the mansion, Li Ping, with a solemn expression, followed behind him.

And Lee Tae-shih, whose clothes were slightly disheveled and who looked dejected.

A group of family members, who had already received the news, gathered anxiously in front of the door.

My heart jumped into my throat.

The four wives were Yuan Ying, Mi Zhen, Zhen Mi, and Lü Lingqi.

And Li Zhi, Li An and their children, all held their breath.

No one spoke; they even deliberately kept their breathing quiet.

The air was thick with a sense of impending doom.

Li Yi did not look at anyone, nor did he pause at all.

He walked straight through the crowd and headed into the mansion.

That face, usually gentle or dignified, was now covered with a layer of frost.

His expression was blank, yet it was more terrifying than any angry rebuke.

Lu Lingqi saw her beloved son Li Tai looking lost and dejected, not daring to raise his head.

My heart felt like it was being stabbed, and although I opened my mouth, I didn't dare to utter a single word.

She simply looked at Yuan Ying and the other sisters with pleading eyes.

Yuan Ying shook her head slightly, indicating that she must not anger her husband at this moment.

Mi Zhen and Zhen Mi both looked worried, but remained silent.

With perfect understanding, everyone quietly dispersed after Li Yi's figure disappeared into the porch.

It was as if they had never gathered here before.

This silence is itself a form of absolute obedience to the authority of the head of the household.

It is also a silent fear of the impending storm.

Only the eldest daughter, Li Yi, was naturally bold and was always favored by her father.

She quietly lagged behind, waiting for everyone to leave.

She quickened her pace and approached her absent-minded fourth brother, Li Tai.

She nudged him lightly with her elbow, lowering her voice with a hint of playfulness and schadenfreude:
"Fourth Brother~ Look at Father's face, it's as black as the bottom of a pot."

"I think you're in for a really bad night!"

"Is he perhaps going to experience the taste of family discipline?"

Li Taizheng felt like he was drawing water with fifteen buckets in his heart – going up and down in a state of anxiety.

Upon hearing this, I was startled and almost jumped up.

He grabbed Li Yi's sleeve as if it were a lifeline.

Her voice trembled with tears as she pleaded:

"Good sister! My dear sister!"

"You...you have to save Fourth Brother!"

"Your father dotes on you the most, please put in a good word for me."

"Even if... even if it can save my brother's life by half."

"Fourth Brother... Fourth Brother will remember this immense kindness of yours for the rest of his life!"

"From now on, if you tell me to go east, I will never go west!"

Li Yi broke free from his hand and tilted her head to the side.

He sighed, feigning maturity, and shook his head:

"Fourth brother, it's not that your sister doesn't want to help you."

"Don't you know your father's temper?"

"He's usually gentle and mild-mannered, but once he gets truly angry, not even nine oxen could pull him back!"

"Judging from his expression just now, he was clearly furious, but he just suppressed it."

"If I were to plead for you now, it would not only be useless, but would also make things worse."

"Even I will be implicated."

"You're probably doomed tonight. Good luck!"

Li Tai was terrified upon hearing this, his face contorted with grief, and he couldn't help but complain:

"I...I was just having a few drinks with some close friends, reciting poems and composing verses..."

"Although...although he was somewhat dissolute, he...he didn't deserve to be punished like this, did he?"

"Why would Father go to such lengths, personally leading armored soldiers to capture me?"

"This...this is too..."

"Oh dear, my silly fourth brother!"

Li Yi stomped her foot, giving him a "you're hopeless" look.

"All you do all day is hang out with your bunch of scoundrels, you're oblivious to everything else!"

Do you know why Father has been frequently traveling incognito lately?

"He is secretly investigating the extravagant lifestyle of the powerful and wealthy in the capital and is determined to make great efforts to rectify it."

"To rectify the court and cleanse the bureaucracy!"

"And you, of all people, at this crucial moment, went to have a banquet with a group of people with a bad reputation like He Yan."

"And...and still doing those dirty things."

Although she did not explicitly mention the Five-Stone Powder, her eyes said it all.

"Aren't you just walking into a dangerous situation, as if you're afraid Father won't find a reason to establish his authority?!"

Li Tai suddenly realized what was happening, as if struck by lightning.

Beating his chest and stamping his feet, filled with remorse:
"How...is this really true?!"

"You... since you knew, why didn't you tell your brother sooner?"

"If I had known Father had this intention, I would have rather suffocated at home than dare to step out of the mansion!"

Li Yi spread his hands helplessly and said:
"How could I know that you were completely unaware of such a crucial matter concerning the safety of the family and the decrees of my father?"

"I thought my brothers had already tacitly agreed to this and were being careful with their words and actions."

"Who told you to never care about your father's actions in court and only care about your own carefree life?"

Li Tai was rendered speechless and could only say sullenly:

"How...how can I compare to you?"

“You’re always sticking to your father’s side, so you naturally know a lot.”

"As an elder brother... as an elder brother, I must have my own social obligations..."

"Yes, yes, you're amazing, you're so high and mighty!"

Li Yi rolled his eyes at him and turned to leave.

"Then you'll have to deal with Father's wrath yourself, sister. I wish you good luck tonight."

"I hope I can see my lively and energetic fourth brother again tomorrow!"

"No! No, no, no!"

"Good sister! Dear sister! Fourth brother knows he was wrong!"

"Fourth Brother is tongue-tied and doesn't know how to speak!"

Li Tai hurriedly grabbed her again, almost kneeling down.

"No matter what, it's all my fault!"

"You...you're always so clever, quickly think of a way for your brother."

"As long as you can help me get through tonight's ordeal, from now on... from now on, Fourth Brother will listen to whatever you say!"

"Even if you wanted the moon in the sky, your fourth brother would find a way to pluck it down for you!"

Seeing that he was indeed terrified, Li Yi stopped putting on airs.

Her eyes darted around, and she leaned close to his ear, whispering secret instructions:
"As for a solution... well, there is one."

"After you go in, don't wait for your father to ask you any questions."

He immediately knelt down and burst into tears!

"Remember, it's not just pretending, it has to be real crying!"

"The kind where you're crying your eyes out!"

"She cried while blaming herself intensely."

He said he was bewitched and shouldn't have associated with a villain like He Yan, and shouldn't have drunk so much.

"And we should not touch those filthy things, thus failing our father's teachings and expectations..."

"In short, you must keep a very low profile and make your remorse as genuine as possible!"

"Although my father was strict, he was not heartless."

"Seeing you like this, I might soften my heart a bit and be lenient with you."

Li Tai nodded repeatedly, as if grasping at the last straw.

He kept his sister's words firmly in mind.

"I've got it! I've got it!"

"Tears streaming down my face, I deeply blame myself... I understand!"

The two arrived outside the main hall, and Li Tai took a deep breath.

I straightened my disheveled clothes and tried to gather my emotions.

Then, with a look of grim determination, he stepped into the hall.

Inside the hall, Li Yi was already seated in the main seat, holding a cup of tea in his hands.

The rising steam blurred the expression on his face, making it impossible to discern his joy or anger.

Lu Lingqi was standing behind him, carefully massaging his shoulders.

His eyes kept glancing worriedly toward the door.

Although she dared not openly plead for her son, she hoped to ease her husband's anger in this way.

Li Tai kept his sister's instructions firmly in mind, and upon entering the door, he didn't dare to look up at his father.

She then knelt heavily on the ground with a "plop," tears streaming down her face before she could utter a word.

Then a deafening cry erupted, and the child pounded their head against the ground with a resounding thud.

"Father! Father! Your son knows he was wrong!"

"I deserve to die!!"

His voice was hoarse, and tears streamed down his face; he appeared filled with deep remorse.

“I shouldn’t have disobeyed my father’s teachings and should not have associated with sycophants and morally corrupt people like He Yan!”

"We should not be misled by them into drinking, revelry, and dissolute behavior!"

"I should never have... I should never have been so foolish as to get involved with that harmful Five-Stone Powder!"

"I have failed my father's expectations and disgraced the Li family!"

"Your child... Your child has failed your ancestors!"

"Father, please punish your child severely!"

"Even if you beat me to death, I will have no complaints."

"I only beg Father not to get too angry and ruin his health! Waaah..."

His performance was truly vivid and expressive.

Especially the force with which he kowtowed, which was completely genuine, and blood quickly appeared on his forehead.

Li Yi continued to drink his tea quietly, without even lifting his eyelids.

It was as if the person crying at her feet was not her own son.

However, just as Li Tai entered the room, his gaze swept over Li Yi, who was following behind and tiptoeing in.

When Li Yi saw his father's gaze sweep over him, he knew that his little trick had been seen through.

She wasn't afraid at all; instead, she winked playfully at her father.

He stuck out his tongue and made a face.

Li Yi let out a barely audible snort.

It seemed both helpless and as if he had already seen through everything.

He didn't point it out, and continued to slowly sip the tea that seemed to never be finished.

Time slipped away amidst Li Tai's desperate cries and the resounding thuds of his kowtows.

About half an hour later, Li Tai was already feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

Blood mixed with tears and sweat smeared all over his face.

She looked disheveled, and her cries gradually became weak and hoarse.

Only then did Li Yi gently place the teacup in his hand on the table beside him.

It made a crisp, soft sound.

The sound wasn't loud, but it silenced the entire hall.

"Now that everyone is here."

Li Yi finally spoke, his voice calm and emotionless.

"Go and call everyone over."

The servant standing by immediately obeyed and left.

Soon,
Yuan Ying, Mi Zhen, Zhen Mi, Lü Lingqi, and their children Li Zhi, Li Ping, and Li An gathered again in the main hall.

Everyone looked at Li Tai, who was kneeling on the ground, his forehead covered in blood, and almost exhausted.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines, stood with their heads bowed, and dared not utter a single word.

Li Yi's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Li Tai, and he said calmly:
"Why are you still kneeling?"

"Get up and sit down to talk."

Li Tai was already dizzy and disoriented. Upon hearing his father's instructions, he tried to struggle to get up.

But his legs went weak, and he stumbled and almost fell to the ground again.

Li Ping, who was standing nearby, reacted quickly and stepped forward to help him.

They helped him to a chair nearby and sat him down.

Once Li Tai was seated, he practically slumped into the chair.

Li Yi then spoke slowly, his voice steady and carrying the authority of a family head.

His patriarch began his speech:

"I have summoned you all today to inform you of an important matter, and also to serve as a warning."

His gaze was sharp as he swept across the faces of each family member.
"Recently, I visited the capital and saw that many officials and nobles lived extravagantly."

"The trend of competing with each other, overstepping the bounds of etiquette, and wasting national resources and the people's wealth has become widespread."

"The rampant spread of this trend will not only corrupt social morals, but will also widen the gap between the rich and the poor."

"It makes the rich richer and the poor more resentful."

"If this continues, public resentment will accumulate and social conflicts will intensify."

"Then the foundation of the nation will be shaken, and this is by no means an exaggeration!"

He elaborated in detail on the manifestations and harms of extravagance.

From residences, carriages, and banquets to sensual pleasures and extravagant lifestyles.

He analyzed each point meticulously, his tone heavy.

"'It is not scarcity that is to be feared, but inequality' – this is an ancient and wise saying."

"My Li family started from humble beginnings and followed His Majesty through thick and thin to achieve what we have today."

"I am well aware of the difficulties of starting a business and the challenges of maintaining it."

"Never emulate those spoiled brats who indulge in pleasure and lose their sense of propriety!"

He changed the subject, and although he didn't name names directly, his gaze swept over the limp Li Tai again.

The meaning is self-explanatory.

"Starting tomorrow, I will officially begin a vigorous campaign to rectify this extravagant and corrupt trend in the capital!"

"However, 'one who wishes to correct others must first correct himself.'"

"My Li family is a pillar of the imperial court and a role model for all officials."

"We must set an example and be strict with ourselves!"

“All members of the Li family must be careful in their words and deeds, and be diligent and thrifty in managing their households.”

"Stay away from extravagance and dedicate yourself to public service!"

"If you disobey, don't blame the family rules for being ruthless!"

These words struck the hearts of every member of the Li family like a heavy hammer.

This made Li Tai feel extremely uncomfortable, and he wished he could kneel down and beg for forgiveness again.

Subsequently, Li Yi ordered Li Ping to take out the small package containing the Five-Stone Powder that had been brought back from the He residence and place it on the table.

He pointed to the packet of white powder, his tone filled with deep disgust and warning.

"This substance is called 'Five-Stone Powder' or 'Cold Food Powder'."

"It is said that taking it can strengthen the body and invigorate the spirit."

"However, according to doctors, this substance is extremely hot and dry, truly a potent medicine!"

"Those who take it mostly do so to enhance their sexual desires and seek momentary pleasure."

"However, its lingering poison is endless; at best, it depletes one's vital essence and leaves one emaciated."

"In severe cases, patients may become paralyzed and bedridden, suffer mental confusion, or even die suddenly; such cases are frequently recorded in history!"

"Do you know how many privileged young men in the capital are now addicted to this thing and unable to extricate themselves?"

Eager to atone for his crime, Li Tai quickly struggled to his feet, bowed, and replied:
"Replying to Father, according to... according to what I know."

“In the capital…the sons of many powerful and influential families in the capital, such as He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi.”

"They all...they all love this item, and it's almost indispensable when they get together..."

"It's as if...it's become a trend..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi sighed heavily and said with deep sorrow:
"Fashion? This is a sign of national ruin!"

"Idle talk ruins the country, and famous scholars are ruined."

"What appears to be a life of pleasure is actually a sign of national decline!"

"This substance is entirely harmful and offers no benefit whatsoever; it is a deadly poison that harms the body and mind and wreaks havoc on the nation!"

"Today, I hereby establish the following family rules: —"

"Within the Li family, from the master to the servant."

"It is strictly forbidden to come into contact with, consume, or even possess this Five-Stone Powder!"

"Anyone who violates this rule, no matter who they are, will be immediately expelled from the family and never acknowledged again!"

"Did you all hear me clearly?!"

"Listen clearly!"

Everyone in the hall, including the ladies, responded in unison, their expressions solemn.

Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Li Yi waved his hand, his tone slightly weary:

"Alright, I've said everything I needed to say."

"It's getting late tonight, you should all go back and rest."

"Remember what is said today and act accordingly."

Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and was about to leave as instructed.

Zhen Mi, who had been silent all along, hesitated for a moment before asking softly:
"Prime Minister...didn't you say before that you wanted to discuss...His Majesty..."

"After Your Majesty's long life..."

She hesitated, not uttering the words "afterlife".

But the meaning was clear: "How should the family deal with this? Tonight... let's not talk about it?"

Li Yi glanced at her, his gaze deep, and slowly shook his head:
"It's late today, and after this incident, everyone is still uneasy."

"This is not a good time to discuss such important matters; let's discuss it another day."

"Go back and rest."

Seeing that the head of the family had made up his mind, the others said no more.

After bowing, they all quietly withdrew from the main hall.

Lu Lingqi glanced worriedly at Li Tai, who was almost completely exhausted.

With the help of Li Ping and Li An, he staggered away.

In the blink of an eye, only Li Yi remained in the huge main hall.

The flickering candlelight cast his shadow long and short.

He did not get up immediately, but slowly walked to the window and pushed open the tightly closed window.

A chilling aura rushed in instantly, stirring the pages of the book on his desk and invigorating him.

He gazed out the window at the deep, starless, and moonless night sky.

His deep gaze seemed to pierce through the thick darkness and see the future fate of the empire.

He took a deep, slow breath of the cold air.

Between his brows was an unyielding solemnity and a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Like a series of mountains, it is undulating.

To curb extravagance and prepare for the possibility that the emperor might not live much longer.

Educating the wayward children is how this vast family manages to maintain its course...

A myriad of tasks, a heavy burden on my shoulders.

This night was destined to be long for Li Yi.

(End of this chapter)