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

Chapter 202 Liu Jianjun's Rise to Prominence

Li Xian found it difficult to describe his father-in-law's "great achievements".

To put it simply, when the embroiderer married him, his father-in-law politely complimented him, saying, "My son-in-law is truly radiant." Li Xian didn't take it seriously at the time, thinking that his father-in-law was quite polite and easy to get along with.

On their wedding night, for some reason, the servants in the mansion boiled water that was too hot. Li Xian didn't notice when he washed his face and was scalded, his face turning bright red.

Of course, this is also inseparable from Li Xian's infatuation with the embroiderer's beauty.

But no matter what, from then on, Li Xian felt that his father-in-law was a bit strange.

For example, when Guangshun was born, his father-in-law sent a congratulatory message, hoping that Guangshun would "follow good advice." However, Guangshun was still wetting the bed when he was six years old.

For example, before Changxin was born, they didn't even know if she was a boy or a girl. Her father-in-law said she was a beautiful little girl. As a result, when Changxin was born, she had a white apricot-shaped birthmark on her buttocks.

Of course, the father-in-law's unorthodox approach doesn't always lead to bad outcomes; it can also sometimes lead to good ones.

For example, when he was demoted to Bazhou, he said, "Your Highness has not met a virtuous woman." But in the end, didn't he meet Liu Jianjun?
Regardless, Li Xian always kept his distance from his father-in-law.

After all, compared to living in constant fear after hearing just a few words, Li Xian preferred a more peaceful life.

But right now...

My father-in-law has started his wicked ways again...

Li Xian glanced at Liu Jianjun with concern, welcomed Fang Xianzhong into the mansion, and then quietly stepped back half a step to stand next to Liu Jianjun.

He carefully chose his words and said, "Liu Jianjun, these days... be careful when you walk."

Liu Jianjun turned his head with a blank look: "What do you mean?"

As they were talking, Li Xian and his group happened to turn a corner, and there was a pillar in front of them.

Li Xian almost instinctively exclaimed, "Watch out!"

But Liu Jianjun had already naturally walked around the pillar. Seeing Li Xian's reaction, he couldn't help but laugh and said, "What are you doing? I've been in this Luoyang Prince's Mansion longer than I have in the Pei Prince's Mansion in Chang'an. How could I possibly bump into a pillar while walking?"

Li Xian breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, after hesitating for a moment, she said with a hint of uncertainty, "It's just... the old woman said you have a bright future... you might have to be careful not to bump your head on something these days, or you might really have a bright future..."

"Huh?" Liu Jianjun's eyes widened.

"Ah."

Li Xian looked at him very seriously, and then said, "I know this is a bit strange and unbelievable, but..."

Before Li Xian could finish speaking, Fang Xianzhong suddenly turned his head and asked, "Son-in-law, how has Furong been lately?"

Furong was the name of the embroiderer before she got married.

Fang Furong, the same name as the former name of the Prince of Pei's mansion in Chang'an.

Since Fang Xianzhong brought up Xiu Niang, Li Xian couldn't continue talking about his strangeness to Liu Jianjun. He could only respectfully reply, "Xiu Niang is doing well these days. She even had a daughter two years ago. However, I have been in Luoyang for the past two years and have not been able to take care of her and her daughter. I feel very bad about it."

As he spoke, Li Xian couldn't help but feel a longing for his wife and daughter.

This time, Wu Zetian summoned him to Luoyang without giving him a clear order to return to Chang'an. In particular, Liu Jianjun instructed him to obtain the position of crown prince. Therefore, Li Xian was not even able to stay with Xiu Niang and his newborn daughter.

Li Xian did consider bringing the embroiderer and her children to Luoyang.

Although the Prince of Luoyang's mansion was not as large as the Prince of Chang'an's mansion, it was more than enough to house his wife and children.

But Li Xian nipped the idea in the bud as soon as it arose.

Luoyang is too dangerous.

It is unwise to make the embroiderer run around like this, especially since she has just given birth.

"You had a daughter?" Fang Xianzhong's tone was a mixture of surprise and disappointment.

After all, he wasn't born a son.

Li Xian didn't think much of it. He already had three sons, but only one daughter, Changxin. It would be good to have another daughter.

As they spoke, the three of them stepped over a threshold.

Li Xian subconsciously reminded Liu Jianjun to "be careful".

But this time, Fang Xianzhong, who was talking to Li Xian, saw it.

Fang Xianzhong was taken aback for a moment, then realized what was happening. He looked at Liu Jianjun apologetically and said, "Young man, if you've bumped or bruised yourself on the head these past few days, I'll apologize to you here in advance."

After saying this, she suddenly realized and said, "You must be the chief secretary of the Prince's residence that Princess Pei mentioned, Liu..."

"Liu Jianjun!" Liu Jianjun answered quickly, then added, "He hasn't reached adulthood yet, and doesn't have a courtesy name."

"Truly a young man..." Fang Xianzhong was about to praise him, but then he realized something and awkwardly shut his mouth.

Now, Liu Jianjun finally became curious and asked, "What is this, Master Fang...?"

Li Xian and Fang Xianzhong exchanged a glance subconsciously, and then, embarrassed, revealed the strange nature of their father-in-law.

Once things were out in the open, Li Xian didn't feel so awkward anymore, since his father-in-law himself knew how strange he was.

This time, Liu Jianjun gave Fang Xianzhong a strange look and asked, "Master Fang, this is really... Didn't you think about restraining yourself?"

Fang Xianzhong sighed softly, "It's been a habit for decades, how could I possibly control myself? Fortunately, I've never really made friends with outsiders. Even if I occasionally say something that comes true in front of outsiders, they'll subconsciously think it's just a coincidence. So, only those close to me know how strange I am."

Li Xian thought Liu Jianjun would be scared or something after hearing this, but who knew that Liu Jianjun just waved his hand dismissively and said, "This is just feudal superstition. It's just a series of coincidences, plus a little psychological suggestion, that's why you think this way."

“My worthy son… Didn’t His Highness Prince Pei just say that things could develop in a good direction or a bad direction? If it is indeed a self-fulfilling prophecy, then it should be fixed as developing in a good direction or a bad direction.”

Although Liu Jianjun corrected himself in time, Fang Xianzhong had also heard Liu Jianjun address Li Xian, and immediately said unconcernedly, "The Princess of Pei and I mentioned Liu Changshi in their letter, as well as the unique title 'Xian...zi'. Liu Changshi need not be so formal."

Liu Jianjun chuckled and said, "Then, Master Fang, please don't stand on ceremony with me. I call the Princess Consort 'sister-in-law.' If you don't mind, just treat me like a nephew!"

This time, Fang Xianzhong laughed heartily and said, "Prefect Liu is quite cheerful. In that case, I'll call you Nephew Liu..."

Fang Xianzhong hadn't finished speaking.

With a sudden "rip," a sound rang out beneath Liu Jianjun.

Li Xian looked down in astonishment, and suddenly, for some reason, a tear appeared in Liu Jianjun's crotch.

This is really... cheerful...

……

Liu Jianjun went to change his pants while cursing, and you could still vaguely hear him saying something like, "Cotton is a new thing, so it's normal that the tailor in your household doesn't know how to sew it."

Clearly, he still didn't believe in Fang Xianzhong's superstitious claims.

Li Xian and Fang Xianzhong exchanged a glance before finally stepping into the guest room.

The casual conversation thus came to an end.

Li Xian inquired about Fang Xianzhong's experiences in Lingnan, but received nothing more than replies such as "too many miasma," "frequent wild animals," and "fierce local customs."

"However, the fruit wine over there is quite good. Unlike the stingy fruits in the north, the fruits there are large and sweet, and the wine made from them has a fruity aroma. It is truly a rare and excellent wine!"

Fang Xianzhong sighed, then his face turned grim again, and he said, "It's just hateful that scoundrel Wan Guojun, who executed three hundred people without even blinking an eye!"

Fang Xianzong's voice lowered: "This old minister...this old minister was on the high slope not far away at the time, ordered to count another batch of supplies. I watched helplessly as the cries and pleas for mercy...Your Highness, that wasn't a trial, that was a massacre! A naked massacre!"

"Afterwards, a count revealed 307 people with names, but many of them brought their families, including children, women, and infants... who were not on the list at all! The actual number is probably... probably close to 500!"

Li Xian was shocked. The news from the court said three hundred, and Li Xian didn't think much of it, but who would have thought there was such a layer?

"Although the Empress has not made a clear statement, the political climate in the court has changed, so he is not afraid..."

What is he afraid of?

Just then, Liu Jianjun walked in from outside and sat down next to Li Xian, saying, "He dared to act this way precisely because he saw His Majesty's fear of the rumors about 'Liu the Martial Artist'! Moreover, the faster he resolved this matter, the more your mother will think he is capable."

"In fact, he was using these hundreds of lives to tell His Majesty, and to the entire court, that cruel officials still have henchmen and can still kill! As long as His Majesty has even the slightest doubt, they can use this as an excuse to prolong their lives!"
"In this way, those in the court and the public who are still hostile to the cruel officials will restrain themselves a little, and the cruel officials will be in a better situation."

Fang Xianzhong gave Liu Jianjun an admiring look, then subconsciously glanced at his crotch, realizing his rudeness, and quickly looked away, saying, "Nephew Liu is indeed..."

Then, he instinctively shut his mouth.

It was as if they were afraid of triggering some unspeakable effect.

Liu Jianjun, however, didn't care at all and waved his hand casually: "If you want to praise me, then praise me as much as you want! This junior has never believed in such things!"

Fang Xianzhong gave an awkward laugh and waved his hand, "Alright, let's get down to business."

He steered the conversation back to the present, his expression turning solemn again. "Nephew Liu's analysis is thorough. Wan Guojun's actions were threefold: to claim credit, to establish his authority, and to protect himself. He used these five hundred lives to buy himself and the cruel officials' group a chance to breathe."

It's not surprising that my father-in-law, who once served as the Chief Secretary of the Yangzhou Grand General's Office and quelled the Chen Shuozhen Rebellion in Jiangnan, would have such insights.

Putting aside his uncanny ability to make his words come true, this father-in-law was actually a capable minister who was skilled in both literature and martial arts. Otherwise, the embroiderer wouldn't have said that she was really desperate and could go to Lingnan to seek refuge with him.

Fang Xianzhong continued, "His Majesty will summon me again tomorrow, and I imagine he will continue to discuss Wan Guojun's matter. I also have some informants in Rongzhou who sent a secret letter saying that Wan Guojun had already set off to return to the capital two days after I went there."

"Therefore, His Majesty summoned this old minister probably because he has already arrived in Luoyang and wants the two of us to confront each other in court."

Liu Jianjun stroked his chin, looked at Li Xian, and pondered, "This is a good thing. The confrontation in court means that your mother does not intend to let this matter go easily, but it also means that she wants to put this matter in the open and test the reactions of all parties."

"If all parties remain silent on this matter, your mother will probably think of keeping Wan Guojun and the others alive. But if public sentiment is agitated, Wan Guojun and the others will probably not survive."

"I guess Wan Guojun has also seen the current situation. Rather than sitting and waiting to be slowly boiled like a frog, he might as well fight to the death."

He thought for a moment, then looked at Fang Xianzhong, "Master Fang, did you have any direct contact with Wan Guojun in Lingnan? What are your impressions of him?"

Fang Xianzhong pondered for a moment and replied, "This man is cunning and ruthless. In Lingnan, he knew I was there, yet he still went his own way and acted without any scruples, as if he was certain that His Majesty would not punish him severely for this matter."

Liu Jianjun nodded. "If nothing unexpected happens, how can he fool others if he doesn't even show confidence himself?"

Li Xian interjected curiously, "How do you know he's just fooling others? What if he really received the Empress's secret order?"

Liu Jianjun said with feigned mystery, "Because it's the trend of the times."

Li Xian rolled his eyes.

Liu Jianjun then turned to Fang Xianzhong and said, “Lord Fang, when you meet the Emperor tomorrow, you may speak your mind freely. Tonight you are staying at the Prince of Pei’s residence. Many people in the court know about this. Your attitude will, to a certain extent, represent the attitude of the Prince of Pei’s residence. When the time comes, many people will agree with you, and you will surely be able to overthrow the likes of Wan Guojun in one fell swoop.”

Fang Xianzhong subconsciously looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian nodded at him, giving him a reassuring look.

Fang Xianzhong then said with relief, "In that case, I am at ease."

……

Fang Xianzhong had just arrived in Luoyang from Lingnan, travel-worn and weary. Li Xian didn't talk to him for long, briefly mentioning the upcoming audience with the emperor, before letting his father-in-law go and rest.

Only Li Xian and Liu Jianjun remained in the room.

Looking at Liu Jianjun's nonchalant attitude, Li Xian thought for a moment and asked, "Do you want Di Gong and the others to side with the old woman? But if the old woman takes the lead in attacking Wan Guojun tomorrow, the officials in the court will follow suit. Will the Empress discover that I have secret dealings with these officials?"

Liu Jianjun shrugged and said, "Don't worry about that. Your mother recently showed goodwill towards you and your sons. People in the court are already inclined to align themselves with you. However, one of you brothers stays at home and the other only occasionally receives some low-ranking officials. They have no way to curry favor with you. It's normal for them not to let go of such a good opportunity as your father-in-law's advice tomorrow."

Hearing Liu Jianjun say this, Li Xian felt a little relieved.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now. I'm still busy over there!" Liu Jianjun waved his hand and prepared to leave.

Li Xian thought for a moment and then instructed, "Be careful of the walls, beams, and doors..."

He was still somewhat uneasy about his father-in-law's strange "abilities".

But before he could finish speaking, Liu Jianjun stumbled and crashed into the door.

Li Xian exclaimed, "Watch out!"

But the next moment, Liu Jianjun steadied himself, turned around and chuckled, saying, "Superstition!"

Li Xian then realized that Liu Jianjun was teasing him, and immediately scolded him in an annoyed tone: "Just keep showing off, you'll be satisfied when you actually have a big bump on your head!"

……

Nothing to say for a day.

Liu Jianjun went back to his yard to tinker with the sulfur and saltpeter. It seemed that the old woman's strange abilities no longer worked on Liu Jianjun, and Li Xian breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The next morning, the old woman went to court.

Since Prince Li Xian was so idle and didn't have to attend court, he figured he had nothing better to do, so he decided to go see what new tricks Liu Jianjun had come up with. But as soon as he reached the courtyard gate, he heard a loud "boom" from inside!
The sound was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, making people's ears go numb.

Li Xian's heart tightened, and he rushed towards Liu Jianjun's courtyard.

As soon as the door was opened, Liu Jianjun was seen lying on the ground, his life hanging in the balance, with thick smoke rising from the side and a pungent smell emanating from it.

When Li Xian saw Liu Jianjun lying on the ground, he was already terrified. He ignored the pungent smell and rushed to Liu Jianjun's side.

Li Xian turned Liu Jianjun's body over, and with just one glance, Li Xian's eyes widened.

Liu Jianjun's already somewhat dark face was now blackened by the smoke, resembling the bottom of a pot. Only the whites of his eyes and the occasional glimpse of his teeth stood out, and his lips were barely visible, making him look like a Kunlun slave.

"Damn it, I'm scared to death!"

Liu Jianjun still had a look of shock on his face, and his chest heaved violently, clearly also greatly frightened by the sudden explosion.

Seeing that Liu Jianjun still had the energy to curse, Li Xian breathed a sigh of relief and asked irritably, "Are you alright?"

As he spoke, he reached out and pulled Liu Jianjun up from the ground, instinctively brushing the ashes off his robes, even though the clothes were so black that their original color was no longer visible.

Liu Jianjun used the momentum to stand up, rubbed his ears which were still numb from the shock, grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth that contrasted sharply with his dark face, and even showed a hint of excitement: "It's done! Hehe, although there was a small accident, the direction is definitely right!"

"What did you become? You almost died!" Li Xian looked at his face, feeling both scared and amused.

"Remember that unit of soldiers we had Xue Da train?" Liu Jianjun grinned, revealing exceptionally white teeth, and pointed towards the direction of the smoke, chuckling, "Just think about it, if all those people had this thing, how many could they be used as on the battlefield?"

Li Xian was stunned.

"This thing...you're the one who messed it up?"

Li Xian had initially thought it was some sudden thunderbolt or a landmine that struck Liu Jianjun's yard, but now, judging from his words... it seems Liu Jianjun brought this upon himself.

He didn't even have time to think about the situation Liu Jianjun was talking about before he was already stunned by Liu Jianjun's words.

"Isn't that obvious... Ouch!"

Liu Jianjun was halfway through his sentence when he suddenly rubbed his forehead.

Li Xian subconsciously looked up at his head, where a pea-sized bump was slowly swelling up where he was rubbing.

He truly has a remarkable talent.

……

(End of this chapter)