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

Chapter 206 Li Xian's Arrival in Beijing and Wu Zetian's Attitude
"If that's the case, then why did you still try to bring down Feng Xiaobao?"

Li Xian was slightly confused.

According to Liu Jianjun's statement, it's meaningless whether or not Feng Xiaobao is brought down. Even if Feng Xiaobao is brought down, there will be another Zhang Xiaobao or Wei Xiaobao.

"Because taking down Feng Xiaobao is a message we're sending to certain people... We can do it, we can cleanse the court of corrupt officials." Liu Jianjun paused, then added, seemingly superfluously, "Because in this whole Feng Xiaobao affair, we were just going with the flow; it was the simplest and most cost-effective thing to do."

Li Xian felt that his explanation only made him more confused.

But Liu Jianjun felt he had explained things very clearly and resumed his carefree and nonchalant demeanor.

……

Liu Jianjun is right; there will never be a shortage of people in Luoyang who want to be cat slaves.

After Feng Xiaobao's death, Wu Zetian's new identity as a fox spirit naturally fell to the Zhang brothers.

There is also no shortage of people who would lead horses and whips to appease "this" raccoon dog.

A group of people quickly surrounded the Zhang brothers, who affectionately called them Fifth Brother and Sixth Brother. Among them, the most conspicuous was Wu Sansi.

Wu Sansi did something to flatter Wu Zetian: he submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying that Zhang Changzong was not human, but the reincarnation of the immortal Prince Jin.

After the fire at the Mingtang, Wu Zetian seemed to have become particularly superstitious about these things, always fantasizing that she could become a god herself. So when she heard this, she was very happy and immediately made Zhang Changzong wear clothes made of feathers and ride on a wooden crane to play the sheng (a type of reed pipe instrument).

Ecstatic.

not only that.

Wu Zetian's pursuit of personal desires seemed to be intensifying.

To attract more handsome men to her side and to let the Zhang brothers experience the thrill of being officials, she established a new department called the Crane Control Bureau, appointing Zhang Wulang (Zhang Yizhi) as its head and Zhang Changzong as its chief member.

The Crane Control Bureau was a place of refined tastes, attracting not only handsome men from all over the world but also literary talents. For a time, it could be considered a place teeming with talent.

An interesting thing happened during this process.

Liu Jianjun, known as the "Black-faced Gentleman" of Chang'an, was naturally nominated by the Imperial Censorate.

But for some reason, Li Xian felt that Wu Zetian looked at him with disdain and then said, "His appearance is not good, so let's forget about him."

This suggests that she dislikes Liu Jianjun's dark complexion, as he doesn't fit her current ideal of a "pretty boy."

but……

Why is she looking at me with such disdain for no reason?
Li Xian was completely confused.

However, regardless of the circumstances, it was fortunate for Li Xian that Liu Jianjun was not favored by the Empress Dowager. If Liu Jianjun had been summoned to the so-called Crane Control Bureau, Li Xian felt that there would have been no shortage of trouble.

However, not long after the establishment of the Crane Control Bureau, it seems to have been renamed Fengchen Prefecture.

……

By the end of February, Li Xian had stopped paying attention to it.

Because Li Xian finally arrived in Luoyang.

Li Xian was very happy to see Li Xian again.

Because Li Xian's identity was not as sensitive as Li Dan's, Li Xian could be close to his younger brother without any scruples or concern for what others might think.

After receiving news that Li Xian was about to arrive in Luoyang, he waited outside the city gates of Luoyang early in the morning.

In early spring outside Luoyang, the willows along the official road were just sprouting tender yellow buds, and the wind still carried a chilly feeling.

Li Xian was dressed in a prince's everyday robe, with a thick fur cloak over it. Liu Jianjun also came along. Ever since the establishment of the Control Crane Bureau, he seemed to have become particularly indifferent to his appearance. He was wrapped up like a ball, standing behind Li Xian with his hands in his pockets, showing no regard for his image.

Before long, a convoy appeared on the horizon. The convoy was rather shabby, not quite befitting the status of a royal family like Li Xian's.

But the convoy stopped in front of the city gate.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a slightly hunched figure peeked out.

Li Xian.

Li Xian was slightly surprised. The last time Li Xian was secretly taken to Chang'an by Liu Jianjun, he was also emaciated, but after several months of recuperation and the cure of his heart disease, he had improved a lot.

How come it looks like this now?

Could it be that he suffered some inhuman torture after returning to Fangzhou?

Li Xian subconsciously leaned closer and gave him a worried look.

But soon, he saw the mischievous look in Li Xian's eyes.

And Li Xian's deliberately lowered voice: "I disguised myself a little."

Li Xian was stunned.

Then it dawned on me.

Li Xian also became smarter.

A person who has been dismissed from Fangzhou and is tortured by Wu Sansi's servants every day should not have a good mental state.

After a brief exchange of glances, Li Xian instantly regained his composure, helping the slightly staggering Li Xian to his feet, and said in a sorrowful voice, "Brother Xian...you've suffered so much..."

Li Xian just kept nodding, his voice filled with excitement: "Second brother!"

Although there were many people and eyes outside the gates of Luoyang, and Li Xian's actions seemed somewhat staged, when he actually held Li Xian's hand, he could not suppress the excitement and brotherly affection in his heart.

Li Xian's hands had become much rougher and were trembling slightly; this was something that could not be changed by simple pretense.

After he returned to Fangzhou, he must have suffered a lot.

The brothers held hands and looked at each other in silence for a moment. Years of separation and their respective ups and downs were all contained in this moment.

At this moment, the people in the car behind also arrived.

A woman led two young children closer; it was none other than Princess Wei of Luling and her children.

Li Xian did not come to Luoyang alone this time; he was summoned to the capital, so he naturally brought his wife, family, and children back with him.

Lady Wei was dressed in simple clothes and her hair was neatly styled. Although she looked tired, she still maintained the demeanor of a princess. She stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "This humble servant, Lady Wei, brings her children to pay respects to His Highness Prince Pei."

"Please rise, sister-in-law."

Li Xianxu offered a helping hand, but out of the corner of his eye he caught Liu Jianjun staring at Wei Shi with a strange look.

Li Xian coughed lightly to cover for Liu Jianjun, and then introduced him: "This is my chief secretary of the Prince's Mansion, Liu Jianjun."

Although Wei was puzzled as to why Li Xian would specifically introduce an official from the Prince's residence, she nodded to Liu Jianjun and said, "Greetings, Chief Secretary Liu."

……

After a brief meeting, Li Xian had to temporarily part ways with Li Xian to register his travel information for the capital at the official post station.

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun headed towards the Prince of Pei's residence.

On the way back, Liu Jianjun muttered to himself, "Your sister-in-law... doesn't seem to have been hurt much?"

Li Xian chuckled, "Isn't this a good thing? Perhaps it's because Brother Xian has protected his wife and children very well?"

Liu Jianjun shook his head, no longer continuing the topic, and instead said: "Xianzi has come to Luoyang. Now, no matter what, the matter of the crown prince should be settled. Your mother, the Empress, knows very well that people like Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi are not capable of shouldering the responsibility of this country. Forcibly establishing them will inevitably lead to chaos in the world."

"Therefore, the position of crown prince will definitely be chosen from among you, Xianzi, and Danzi."

"From the surface, Danzi's chances are the lowest because of the two concubines, so basically only Xianzi and you are competing."

"Xianzi is one of our people, and he is currently in Luoyang. All you need to do is clearly tell your mother that he has no intention of vying for the position of crown prince, and the position will be yours."

As Liu Jianjun spoke, he stared intently at Li Xian, his eyes burning with a scorching ambition.

Li Xian was also moved by Liu Jianjun's words.

Although I had sat in that seat before, the two feelings were different, completely different.

"Then... what should we do?"

"What else do we need to do now? Once Xianzi goes to meet your mother and declares that he has no intention of becoming the crown prince, you can just sit back and wait for the crown prince position to fall into your lap."

Liu Jianjun grinned and joked, "We've made so many preparations beforehand. If the position of crown prince still doesn't go to you, then I'll really start to doubt whether you're that old woman's biological son!"

Li Xian smiled with relief.

Yes, compared to Li Xian, I already have several prime ministers secretly supporting me. As long as they raise their voices, and given that I am now considered to be on the side of Emperor Wu, there is no reason why the Empress Dowager would not make me the crown prince.

Everything seemed to fall into place naturally.

All of this is thanks to Liu Jianjun.

Li Xian looked at Liu Jianjun again and said sincerely, "Liu Jianjun, thank you!" Liu Jianjun was about to speak when Li Xian grinned, "With your current status, finding a girl is a simple matter, isn't it? Why do you need me to help?"

Liu Jianjun, who was displeased that his lines had been stolen, rolled his eyes and stepped into the Wangfu (Prince's Mansion) on his own, heading towards his small courtyard.

Li Xian knew that he was once again pondering his gunpowder.

Although Liu Jianjun had successfully developed gunpowder, he seemed to be still working on improving the formula and figuring out methods for purification and greater efficiency.

However, Liu Jianjun also showed Li Xian one of his achievements. He used some red paper strips cut to the width of a finger to roll gunpowder into a tube about the thickness of a little finger, and then sealed the top and bottom with mud, leaving only a section of the fuse exposed.

Liu Jianjun calls it firecrackers.

He strung many firecrackers together with a fuse, lit the fuse, and all the firecrackers were lit at the same time, making a crackling and popping sound.

Li Xian thought that Liu Jianjun's naming of this thing as a firecracker was extremely apt. The firecracker was very small, and it contained very little gunpowder. The explosion sound was not as loud as the one he had heard that day. It really sounded like a whip cracking in the air.

Li Xian asked Liu Jianjun what he was doing with this thing. Liu Jianjun replied that once it could be revealed to the world, it would replace firecrackers and be set off on New Year's Eve for celebration.

Li Xian thought he was just bored out of his mind.

Fortunately, Li Xian knew the true purpose of this thing, so he continued to let it be.

……

The following day was the first day of the third lunar month.

It was the time for the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, the day for the morning court session. As usual, Prince Li Xian, who was not a prince, still had to attend the morning court session. So Li Xian got up early, put on his princely robes, and took a carriage to the Ziwei Palace.

If nothing unexpected happens, today should also be the day Li Xian returns to the capital and meets Wu Zetian.

Outside Chengtian Gate, officials and military officers had gathered in great numbers and stood solemnly in anticipation.

The news of Li Xian's return to the capital naturally did not escape their notice, and thus, the issue of not having established a crown prince once again came to mind.

As the bells and drums sounded, the officials entered the palace in order.

Inside the palace, everything was resplendent in gold and jade, and the air was filled with the fragrance of incense. Wu Zetian sat high on her throne, her crown and tassels drooping, exuding an aura of supreme majesty.

After a series of routine government affairs, the hall fell into a quiet silence.

Just then, the interpreter announced loudly, "Summon Prince Li Xian of Luling to an audience!"

All eyes immediately turned to the palace gate.

Li Xian also looked at it in the same way.

Li Xian, dressed in a slightly oversized prince's casual robe, walked into the main hall with his head bowed and his steps unsteady. He still maintained the same weathered, cautious, and timid demeanor as yesterday.

He walked to the imperial steps and knelt down in accordance with etiquette: "Your subject Li Xian pays his respects to Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

Wu Zetian's gaze fell on Li Xian, and after examining him for a moment, she slowly spoke: "Xian'er, you must be tired from your journey. Get up and answer my questions."

His voice betrayed no emotion.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li Xian bowed again before carefully standing up, still keeping a slight bow and not daring to look directly at the Emperor's face.

"You've been away from the capital for many years. Now that you've returned, what are your thoughts on the grandeur of this capital?" Wu Zetian asked casually.

Li Xian quickly bowed, his tone becoming increasingly humble and fearful: "Your Majesty, the prosperity of the capital is far greater than before, all thanks to Your Majesty's diligent governance!"

"This guilty subject... This guilty subject is in Fangzhou, and I miss Your Majesty day and night. I am deeply aware of my past mistakes and regret them beyond measure."

"To be able to return to His Majesty's side and see His Majesty's countenance is already a blessing from Heaven. I dare not ask for anything more. I only wish... I only wish that His Majesty is in good health and that the Wu Zhou dynasty will prosper forever!"

"This sinful subject...this sinful subject only asks to be a leisurely member of the imperial clan, to live a peaceful life, to do his filial duty, and to never again get involved in the affairs of the court, let alone face the weight of the nation's fate!"

Li Xian's words were extremely humble, revealing his attitude of "having no interest in power and only seeking stability."

Li Xian could tell that Li Xian's words were extremely sincere.

During his time in exile in Fangzhou, he seemed genuinely afraid of Wu Zetian, and upon his return, he made a show of great respect.

However, Wu Zetian's reaction surprised everyone.

Instead of showing any relief or relaxation as Li Xian had expected, her face beneath the crown darkened visibly.

The air inside the hall seemed to freeze instantly, and an invisible pressure spread out.

"Oh?" Wu Zetian's voice suddenly rose, carrying a chilling coldness. "Afraid to face the weight of the nation's fate? Only seeking to be a carefree member of the imperial clan?"

She suddenly stood up from the throne, the jade beads on her body clinking together with a crisp, rapid sound.

"Li Xian!"

This stern shout was like a thunderclap, causing Li Xian's knees to buckle and he almost knelt down on the spot, while also making the hearts of all the civil and military officials in the court pound wildly.

"Look at the state you're in!" Wu Zetian pointed at Li Xian with her finger, her anger surging like a tangible flame. "Did I summon you back to utter such disheartening and spineless words in front of all the officials in this grand hall?!"

"You are the son of Emperor Gaozong! You are my son! The blood of Emperor Taizong flows in your veins, the blood that allowed him to conquer the world and establish this empire! This vast land is your responsibility! Tell me, you dare not face it? You have no face to face it?!"

Her voice grew louder and louder, filled with a deep-seated pain and extreme disappointment.

Li Xian was stunned.

Not only Li Xian, but all the civil and military officials were stunned.

What did Wu Zetian mean by that?
Almost simultaneously, everyone in the court felt a sudden jolt in their hearts.

But Wu Zetian continued to berate him: "You've become despondent after experiencing a few setbacks, only knowing how to cower and protect yourself, showing no sense of responsibility whatsoever! How can you, so cowardly and incompetent, face your ancestors of the Li Tang dynasty? How can you face the people who entrusted this empire to your Li family?! I think you've been in Fangzhou for too long, which has softened your spine and worn away your courage!"

Li Xian was already terrified out of his wits. He fell to his knees with a thud, banging his head on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and pleading incoherently, "Mother Empress, please calm your anger! Your son knows his crime! Your son deserves to die! Your son... Your son did not mean it..."

"Get out!" Wu Zetian ignored his explanations and angrily rebuked him, "Go back to your palace and reflect on your mistakes! Think about the integrity and responsibility you should have as a descendant of the Li family! If I hear such spineless words again, I will not let you off easily!"

Two golden-armored warriors stepped forward and lifted the limp Li Xian from the ground, practically dragging him out of the hall.

Li Xian's audience was only lasted a single sentence before he was driven away.

After driving Li Xian away, Wu Zetian clearly had no intention of continuing the court session and hastily ended the morning court.

The officials silently withdrew from the hall, the atmosphere so oppressive it was suffocating.

Li Xian walked among the crowd, his mind in turmoil.

He wasn't stupid; he could see the hidden meaning behind Wu Zetian's harsh rebuke.

Wu Zetian's chosen heir apparent... is Li Xian!

Her outburst in court, besides possibly stemming from disappointment with Li Xian, was more about sending a message to the officials that Li Xian was her chosen successor. She was forcing some wavering individuals to move closer to Li Xian, and one could even say that she was building momentum for him!

This was completely baffling to Li Xian.

It even made Li Xian feel a little...disheartened.

He knew that he had never been favored by Wu Zetian since childhood, but he never imagined that Wu Zetian's favoritism could be to this extent.

In Luoyang, he walked with extreme caution, as if on thin ice. He had to pretend to be a supporter of Wu Zetian's faction while also appearing law-abiding and not associating with court officials. He tried his best to play the role of a submissive, capable, and harmless son in order to barely gain some of Wu Zetian's trust.

But what about Li Xian?

Upon his return from Fangzhou, Wu Zetian actively promoted him, even going so far as to lose her composure in front of court officials and launch a scathing attack.

A mixture of resentment, unwillingness, and a bone-chilling coldness almost swallowed him whole.

The Empress Dowager's thunderous rage, her words of piercing rebuke, especially the phrase "This vast land is your responsibility!" echoed repeatedly in his ears like a curse.

For the first time, he felt so clearly that in the face of absolute power and favoritism, all efforts and calculations could seem so pale and powerless.

The key is.

How should I explain this to Liu Jianjun?

He did so much for himself, but in the end, did he still lose because of the word "bias"?

Li Xian returned to the Prince of Pei's residence with almost unsteady steps, his heart feeling as if it were blocked by a wad of cotton soaked in ice water, both cold and heavy.

He didn't even know how to face Liu Jianjun.

But almost as soon as they reached the door, a familiar yet slightly mocking voice rang out: "Oh, what's going on here? Is our Prince Pei putting on a melodramatic show all by himself?"

It's Liu Jianjun.

He saw the disappointment on his face, but didn't seem particularly surprised.

……

(End of this chapter)