Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 200 Lai Junchen's Fall and the Resurgence of the Crown Prince Crisis

Fortunately, Wu Zetian's hesitation did not last long.

Faced with overwhelming public opinion and irrefutable evidence, she finally made up her mind.

Di Renjie was quickly taken from prison and brought to the palace.

Li Xian saw that although Di Renjie was wearing prison clothes and looked somewhat haggard, his steps were still steady and his expression remained calm.

Wu Zetian sat high on her throne, scrutinizing him with sharp eyes.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger: "Di Renjie, since you have already signed and confessed to treason, and now your son has presented a blood-written petition claiming that you were tortured and falsely confessed to the crime. I ask you, did the treason actually happen, or did it not?"

Di Renjie looked around but showed no surprise, as if he had expected this scene.

He straightened his slightly wrinkled prison clothes, bowed calmly, and then raised his head to meet Wu Zetian's gaze: "Your Majesty, if I did not confess, I would have been beaten to death by Lai Junchen long ago. How could I have the opportunity to plead my case before Your Majesty today?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly fell silent.

These words are too direct and too naked, almost tearing open the bloodiest and cruelest side of the politics of cruel officials—not trials based on facts, but confessions based on torture.

Li Xian noticed that Wu Zetian's eye twitched slightly.

Di Renjie's answer was neither a passionate defense nor a tearful plea for justice. He simply stated in an almost calm manner a fact that everyone knew but no one dared to directly point out to Wu Zetian.

But this is more powerful than any accusation.

Wu Zetian remained silent for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the people in the hall, before finally speaking: "Enough, it was my oversight that caused Huaiying to suffer injustice."

She immediately ordered that Di Renjie be reinstated to his original position and be given an additional 100 bolts of silk.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!" Di Renjie bowed again.

After dealing with Di Renjie, Wu Zetian's voice turned cold: "Lai Junchen, you fabricated charges, framed the prime minister, and deceived the emperor. You are hereby stripped of all your official positions, handed over to the relevant authorities, and imprisoned under strict supervision!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the crowd in the hall shouted in unison. Li Xian saw smiles on the faces of Wu Chengsi, Wu Sansi, and others, a slight upturn at the corners of Princess Taiping's lips, and expressions of satisfaction on the faces of ministers such as Su Liangsi.

Li Xian felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders.

……

However, things did not seem to develop as everyone had hoped.

Although Lai Junchen was imprisoned, Wu Zetian's verdict was delayed.

One day, two days, three days... Time passed day by day, and Lai Junchen was still imprisoned. He was neither executed nor exiled, as if he had been forgotten.

This state of uncertainty cast a shadow over the previously jubilant crowd once again.

Various speculations and rumors began to spread in Luoyang.

"What does Your Majesty mean by this? Do you still intend to protect Lai Junchen?"

"No way? The evidence is conclusive, and public resentment is boiling over. How could His Majesty be so unwise?"

"It's hard to say. After all, Lai Junchen has rendered great service to His Majesty. Perhaps His Majesty will remember our past relationship..."

"Old ties? Hmph! I think His Majesty still wants to keep this knife as a warning to us!"

Worry and fear have resurfaced.

Those officials who had actively participated in bringing down Lai Junchen were especially anxious, fearing that Lai Junchen might be suddenly pardoned or even reinstated, which would mean certain death for them.

Even inside the Prince of Lianpei's residence, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Li Xian found Liu Jianjun, his brows furrowed: "What exactly does the Empress mean by this? Could it be that she really intends to spare Lai Junchen?"

Liu Jianjun stroked his chin, his eyes deep: "My son, don't worry. Your mother, that old woman, is very cunning. She ordered Lai Junchen's arrest because of the situation, a sacrifice to save the king. But she is still weighing how to deal with this 'pawn'—whether to destroy it or store it temporarily."

"What are we weighing?"

“She’s weighing the pros and cons, the political situation, and also… her own sense of security,” Liu Jianjun analyzed. “With Lai Junchen down, she’s lost her most trusted mad dog. She needs time to observe whether potential opposition forces will emerge without Lai Junchen, and whether the political situation will spiral out of control. At the same time, she may also be waiting…”

"What are you waiting for?"

“Waiting for a 'reason' or 'stepping stone' that will make her decide to completely abandon Lai Junchen.” Liu Jianjun’s eyes flickered. “Or rather, waiting for a voice from an unexpected camp.”

Li Xian pondered for a moment: "Our people, including the Wu family, Taiping, and even some neutral officials, have already made their positions clear. Who else could it be?"

Liu Jianjun smiled, a smile that held a deeper meaning: "We have people from every camp, but we are missing the advice from those within the ruthless bureaucracy itself."

Li Xian was taken aback: "From within the ranks of cruel officials? Lai Junchen's cronies? How could they possibly..."

“Yes, everyone is struggling because they haven’t planted anyone within the ruthless officials’ ranks, or rather, no one dares to risk being implicated at this time and kick Lai Junchen, who is already sinking.” Liu Jianjun sighed. “But this is precisely the most crucial link. If even people within the ruthless officials’ group think Lai Junchen deserves to die, then what reason does Wu Zetian have to protect him?”

Li Xian fell silent; this was indeed a dead end.

……

However, to everyone's surprise, this deadlock was untied in a way that was completely unexpected.

On this day, Wu Zetian seemed to be in a bad mood, so she rode her horse to the Forbidden Garden to clear her mind.

The person attending to him was Ji Xu, who was then serving as the Vice Minister of the Imperial Stud.

Ji Xu was a tall man with a silver tongue. In his early years, he had attached himself to cruel officials such as Lai Junchen and could be considered a member of the group of cruel officials. However, he gradually distanced himself from Lai Junchen because he saw that Lai Junchen was too powerful to control.

At this moment, he was carefully leading Wu Zetian's horse.

After riding for a while, Wu Zetian gazed at the scenery of the Forbidden Garden and suddenly asked, seemingly casually, "Ji Xu, what's been happening outside lately? What are the officials and common people talking about?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Xu's heart stirred.

He knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but also an extremely dangerous juncture. A good answer might lead to further advancement; a bad answer could immediately bring about his death.

He took a deep breath, stopped, and answered loudly, "Your Majesty, everyone is saying that Your Majesty has not yet sentenced Lai Junchen to death!"

He made no attempt to avoid the issue and directly raised this most sensitive question.

Wu Zetian seemed somewhat surprised. She glanced at Ji Xu and said in a calm tone, "Lai Junchen has rendered meritorious service to the country and has handled many cases for me. I cannot ignore him."

These words carried a probing tone, as well as a subtle hint of protectiveness.

Ji Xu knew that he could not back down now.

He straightened his back, his voice becoming even more impassioned, and his words sharper: "Your Majesty! Lai Junchen has colluded with lawless scoundrels to frame loyal officials. The bribes they have received are piled up like mountains, and the wronged souls who have been persecuted to death by him fill the roads! Such a person is a traitor to the country and a public menace! People all over the world, whether wise or foolish, wish they could eat his flesh and sleep on his skin! Your Majesty, how can you have any pity for such a person?"

These words, spoken with resounding force, echoed like thunder in the silent Forbidden Garden.

Especially since these words came from Ji Xu, a man who had been associated with the group of cruel officials, their weight was extraordinary.

It represented a voice within the ruthless officials' group seeking to "correct the wrongs," completely shattering Wu Zetian's last remaining illusion of "remembering past merits."

Wu Zhao was silent.

She sat on her horse, gazing into the distance, silent for a long time.

Ji Xu held his breath, awaiting the final verdict.

Finally, Wu Zetian withdrew her gaze, let out a long sigh, a sigh that carried a hint of weariness, but also a hint of resolve: "So be it, so be it... this is the only way!"

……

The imperial edict was issued soon.

Lai Junchen was convicted of ten heinous crimes, including treason, embezzlement, and deceiving the emperor, and sentenced to death, which was to be carried out immediately. His family property was confiscated, and his family members were exiled to Lingnan.

When the news spread, Luoyang City was in an uproar!
On the day of the execution, the area around the execution ground was packed with people. Almost the entire population of Luoyang turned out to see how this notorious and cruel official would be beheaded.

The moment Lai Junchen's head was severed by the executioner and rolled to the ground, the pent-up resentment of the people erupted like a volcano. The people swarmed forward, ignoring the soldiers' attempts to stop them, rushing towards Lai Junchen's corpse and venting their hatred in a frenzy.

Eyes were gouged out, skin was peeled off, and even internal organs were pulled out... The scene was out of control, tragic and shocking.

This scene was reported to the palace through secret agents.

Sitting upright in the deep palace, Wu Zetian's face turned slightly pale as she listened to the horrifying description.

She really didn't expect that Lai Junchen would be so hateful, and that the public anger he aroused would be so terrifying!
She couldn't help but feel secretly relieved that he had been killed in time. Otherwise, if this pent-up, almost destructive anger were to erupt on her own head one day, wouldn't that be a huge problem?

Startled, Wu Zetian reacted immediately.

She must completely sever ties with Lai Junchen, extricate herself from this quagmire, and rebuild her image.

She personally picked up her pen and wrote the "Imperial Edict on the Crimes of Lai Junchen," in which she righteously and sternly listed Lai Junchen's various crimes, calling him "fierce, cunning, greedy, and tyrannical," "abusing the good and virtuous," and "coveting the power of the state." Finally, she declared with great force: "His entire clan should be executed to avenge the anger of the people!"

In an instant, the empress who indulged cruel officials disappeared, and in her place came a "good emperor" who acted on behalf of Heaven, sought justice for the people, and was wise and decisive.

……

Inside the Prince of Pei's residence.

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun also learned about the whole incident and its outcome.

“Ji Xu…” Li Xian murmured the somewhat unfamiliar name, “I never expected that it would be him who delivered the fatal blow to Lai Junchen in the end.”

Liu Jianjun chuckled and scratched his head: "Unexpected, yet reasonable. The ruthless official group is not a monolithic entity. Lai Junchen has been arrogant for too long and has offended too many people. Even people in his own camp can't stand it anymore. Wu Zetian needed this way out, and Ji Xu just happened to offer it. It can only be said that it was a matter of timing and fate!"

He paused, his smile fading.

"However, that bastard Lai Junchen is finally dead, and he died so... satisfyingly? Tsk, he got what he deserved. Xianzi, we can finally have a few days of peace and think about... the matter of the crown prince."

Li Xian's heart stirred.

……

With Lai Junchen executed, the terrifying cloud hanging over Luoyang seemed to dissipate, and the Wu Zhou court ushered in a brief but delicate period of calm.

But beneath this calm lies a far more turbulent undercurrent.

The undecided position of crown prince has captured the hearts of everyone.

What Li Xian didn't expect was that the matter of everyone condemning Lai Junchen would have an unexpected surprise.

Shangguan Wan'er's secret letter was delivered to the Prince of Pei's residence again:
[The King of Wei has recently been frequently summoning officials who were formerly loyal to Lai Junchen, seemingly intending to consolidate their remaining power for his own use.]

Although His Majesty did not say it explicitly, his expression clearly showed his scrutiny of Prince Wei. Yesterday, Prince Wei suggested that a confidant be appointed as the Prefect of Luoyang, but His Majesty refused, saying, "The successor's requests are too many; I fear it is not a blessing for a subject."

Wu Chengsi was clearly panicked by the stone-throwing incident and was eager to expand his power to protect himself, but he did not know that this move was exactly what Wu Zetian considered a taboo.

Looking at Liu Jianjun, who seemed completely unsurprised, Li Xian asked, "Was this also part of your calculations?"

When Wu Chengsi approached them, it was Liu Jianjun who advocated relinquishing the dominant position to Taiping.

"More or less, I didn't think that far ahead." Liu Jianjun still had that carefree attitude. "Wu Chengsi isn't a formidable enemy. Just a little bit of attention on him is enough."

As he said this, Liu Jianjun pinched his thumb and forefinger together, making an exaggerated "just a tiny bit" gesture.

Li Xian gave him a disapproving look.

But Liu Jianjun ignored him and continued, "As for Danzi... to be honest, there's not much to worry about anymore. His chances of winning are actually the smallest now."

"Ever since the incident involving Consorts Liu and Dou, he has become increasingly obedient and silent in public, almost becoming invisible. But the more he does this, the deeper the thorn in your mother's heart grows."

"Would someone as shrewd and suspicious as her really believe that a man who has lost two beloved women could be completely without resentment? The reason she hasn't made Danzi her heir now isn't necessarily because she doesn't want to, but more because she's afraid. She's afraid that if she does now, Danzi will settle old scores when she's old and frail."

"The bond between mother and child? It is fragile and vulnerable in the face of absolute power and past killings."

Li Xian remained silent, a pang of sorrow rising in his heart as he recalled Li Dan's increasingly desolate eyes.

"So," Liu Jianjun concluded, "the situation is now very clear: Wu Chengsi has brought this upon himself and cannot escape, while Danzi is trapped in the past and cannot break free."

"Who's left? Only you and Xianzi!"
"Let's not talk about Xianzi for now, let's talk about you first."

"You spent several years in Bazhou, far from the center of power. After returning to Beijing, you have always kept a low profile and remained patient, without forming cliques or engaging in personal gain. You are simply the best candidate for heir apparent."

"Most importantly, you were recalled after being 'wrongfully accused,' so Wu Zetian felt a sense of compensation for you, in addition to maternal affection, and... less suspicion and wariness compared to Xianzi and Danzi."

Li Xian took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in his heart: "Even so, the Empress's heart is as deep as an abyss, unfathomable. Without her final clear statement, everything is still just a mirage."

"That's right, so we need the final spark, the most crucial boost."

A glint flashed in Liu Jianjun's eyes, and he said with certainty, "This fire must be lit by our most respected 'elder statesman' who is also the one who understands His Majesty's heart best."

"It's time to give Di Renjie a chance. Create an opportunity for him to say what he needs to say in a way that will most move His Majesty."

……

Opportunity often favors the prepared, and it often arises when those in the highest positions of power are most struggling and hesitant.

After the court assembly one day, Wu Zetian kept a few trusted ministers behind to discuss the matter of the Grand Canal transport, and Di Renjie was naturally among them.

After finishing their business, Wu Zetian appeared slightly tired, but she did not dismiss everyone immediately. Instead, her gaze swept over the crowd and finally landed on Di Renjie. She asked casually, "Huaiying, there has been much discussion in the court and among the people about the succession. You are known for your insight; what are your thoughts on this?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

Su Liangsi kept his eyes down, his mind focused, while the other ministers also held their breath.

This is an extremely sensitive topic, and the emperor's intention in asking about it is unclear.

Di Renjie, however, seemed to have been prepared all along.

He didn't directly answer who to appoint, but instead spoke in a casual tone, as if chatting with an old friend: "Your Majesty, this old minister has often thought about the past lately. Who conquered this vast empire that Your Majesty now enjoys? It was Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong who fought their way through wind and rain, sword and spear!"

Why did Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong work so hard back then? Wasn't it to secure a legacy for the Li family that would last for generations?

He paused, then turned his gaze back to Wu Zetian earnestly: "What was Emperor Gaozong like on his deathbed? He personally entrusted this ancestral legacy, this Tang Dynasty, to Your Majesty! Your Majesty, Emperor Gaozong hoped that you would protect this legacy and pass it on to his son, your own flesh and blood!"

His voice gradually rose, carrying a hint of heartache: "But now, His Majesty has conceived the idea of ​​passing the throne to someone outside the imperial family. This... this is truly contrary to the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people!"
"Your Majesty, ask yourself honestly, how will you face Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong in the afterlife if you act in this way? How will you face Emperor Gaozong?"
"Besides, which is closer, an aunt and nephew or a mother and son? If Your Majesty establishes your son as emperor, then after a thousand years, he will be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and your descendants will worship you forever. But what if you establish your nephew as emperor? From ancient times to the present, I have never heard of a nephew becoming emperor and then worshipping his aunt in the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

This is just a rehash of old arguments, the same ones Li Zhaode used to say: one is the issue of the order of succession, another is the issue of posthumous ancestral worship, and the third is the issue of kinship.

The only difference was the tone of Di Renjie's voice.

Di Renjie and Wu Zetian were of similar age, and their conversation had a casual, old-fashioned feel, making it more palatable to listen to.

However, Wu Zetian still couldn't accept it.

Her face darkened, but she did not lash out. She said, "This is my family matter. You need not say more, and it is not appropriate for you to interfere!"

This is her usual shield, used to shut up those who offer advice.

However, Di Renjie immediately seized upon the flaw in the statement and retorted even more sharply: "Your Majesty is mistaken! A ruler considers the whole world as his home; all under heaven is the king's land, and all within the borders are the king's subjects. Within this world, which matter, which issue, is not Your Majesty's family affair? Your Majesty's affairs are the affairs of the state!"

He went a step further, using the body as a metaphor, and his words were extremely earnest.

"Furthermore, the ruler and his subjects are one, sharing both honor and disgrace. The ruler is the head of state, governing all directions; the subjects are his right-hand men, assisting the ruler."

"The head and limbs are one body, connected by blood, and share the same pain and discomfort! Your Majesty has trusted and appointed me as prime minister, placing me in the central position of the government. Now that the head of state has doubts, which concern the very foundation of the nation, how can we, as his trusted ministers, remain silent, turn a blind eye, and ignore the situation out of fear of disaster?"
"This is absolutely not the way of a subject, much less the original intention of His Majesty in establishing the position of prime minister!"

These words left Wu Zetian speechless. She opened her mouth, but ultimately couldn't win the argument, so she could only wave her hand wearily.

"I am aware of the elder statesman's intentions. Let's leave it at that for today. You may all withdraw."

……

(End of this chapter)