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

Chapter 208 Liu Aiguo, the Real Man
Li Xian watched as Liu Jianjun frantically fished out the leather-covered document.

While scooping it up, he muttered to himself, "These days, people are really honest; the book cover is made of real cowhide."

After Liu Jianjun finally extinguished the "fire scene," he continued, "Now there are two problems. First, you are a leisurely prince. Apart from the grand court assemblies on major festivals such as New Year's Day and the Winter Solstice, you only attend court on the first and fifteenth of each month. We need to ensure that you are present when Wu Zetian finalizes the crown prince selection. Only then can you put on that drama of a frustrated prince angrily heading north."

"Although establishing the crown prince is quite important, and Wu Zetian will probably choose a day when you are here to announce it, she is, after all, an old woman, and her actions cannot be judged by common sense. We must be on guard."

Li Xian nodded.

Liu Jianjun continued, "Second, you can't go on stage too early. I need Xue Ne to send over an urgent military report from the northern frontier. Even if we travel at full speed, it will take more than a month for the round trip. In other words, at the earliest, it will be delayed until the fifteenth of next month. If there are any delays in the journey, it may even be delayed until the first day of the month after next."

"The key is how to stall for such a long time."

Li Xian pondered for a moment and said, "The first question is not too difficult. Although Empress Wu Zetian's actions are difficult to predict, the establishment of an heir is the foundation of the country. For such an important decision, she will most likely choose to announce it in front of all the civil and military officials at the grand court on the first and fifteenth of each month to show her solemnity and to thwart the improper thoughts of some people."

"As long as I don't miss the morning and evening prayers, I should be able to make it."

Li Xian was still somewhat unaccustomed to addressing Wu Zetian by her full name.

Liu Jianjun saw through it and burst out laughing, "We're not saying you have to call that old woman by her full name. What if there's even a one in ten thousand chance that you really are her son? Wouldn't that be incredibly disrespectful?"

Li Xian glared at him angrily and said, "So you call her 'old woman' in front of her every day, is that good?"

Liu Jianjun rolled his eyes and said, "I'll do my thing, you do yours, what's it to you?"

Li Xian knew he couldn't out-talk Liu Jianjun, so he forced the conversation back on track, saying, "The second problem is the delay... How can we delay for a month or two? The Empress is meticulous; if we deliberately delay, we might make things worse and arouse her suspicion."

Liu Jianjun chuckled: "Who said we have to do the dragging ourselves? Let that old woman get busy, isn't that enough? Once she's busy, the first problem will be solved in the process, won't it?"

"Let her keep herself busy?"

“That’s right.” Liu Jianjun looked confident. “Think about it, what’s the most exciting thing in the court right now? Besides the selection of the heir apparent, isn’t it the newly built Fengchen Mansion, and those two brothers, Zhang Wulang and Zhang Liulang?”

Li Xian instantly understood his intention: "You want to... make a fuss about Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong?"

"That's right!"

Liu Jianjun snapped his fingers. "Feng Xiaobao has just died, and the Zhang brothers are his new favorites. They are full of pride, but their foundation is not yet solid."

"Wu Sansi and his gang are swarming around them like flies to blood, just trying to use them to climb up to your mother's high branch, right? This pool is already murky, we only need to stir it up a little to make it even murky."

How to mix them?

"You don't need to know that," Liu Jianjun said mysteriously.

Since Liu Jianjun didn't say anything, Li Xian didn't bother to inquire either.

Without a doubt, Liu Jianjun must have used some underhanded methods again.

……

March 4th.

Early that morning, before dawn, Li Xian went straight to Liu Jianjun's yard and woke up Liu Jianjun, who was still fast asleep.

Liu Jianjun seemed to be having a wonderful dream, a lewd smile still lingering on his face. He looked out the window blankly, then said angrily, "Xianzi, what are you up to? It's not even dawn yet!"

He rubbed his sleepy eyes, turned over, and prepared to go back to sleep.

Li Xian rarely saw him like this. With a smile in his eyes, he forcefully pulled him up: "Stop talking nonsense. Today is your big day. Hurry up and take a bath and change your clothes. Don't miss the auspicious time."

"A big day? What big day?" Liu Jianjun was pulled up and sat up abruptly, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Are you going to play matchmaker for me?"

Li Xian remained silent, only urging the maidservants accompanying him to help him with his washing and grooming.

After Liu Jianjun was tidied up, changed into a brand-new dark crimson official robe that matched his rank, and had his hair tied up and a crown worn, he still looked bewildered: "What's going on here?"

He adjusted his corset, as if he felt that the formal attire was more comfortable than the simple cloth band that held his hair up.

Li Xian slapped away his fidgeting hand in an annoyance and said, "Be serious!"

Then, after looking Liu Jianjun up and down for a while, he felt that Liu Jianjun finally looked somewhat dignified, so he led him toward the main hall.

The main hall of the Prince of Pei's residence was decorated in a solemn and elegant manner today.

The altar, mats, wine, and utensils were all complete, resembling the layout for an important ceremony.

Most importantly, there were already quite a few people standing in the hall.

The man at the head of the group, dressed in a purple official robe, with a lean face, calm gaze, and dignified bearing, stood beside the main seat; it was none other than Di Renjie.

Standing beside Di Renjie were several officials from Li Xian's faction, such as Li Zhaode and Su Liangsi. When they saw Liu Jianjun enter, they all smiled and nodded in greeting.

Even Shangguan Wan'er stood aside with a charming smile, observing the ceremony.

"This...this is?" Liu Jianjun was completely dumbfounded and looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian was very satisfied with Liu Jianjun's reaction. He patted Liu Jianjun on the shoulder, his eyes filled with sincere emotion, and solemnly said, "Jianjun, you have been with me for many years, both as a teacher and a friend, and have helped me a lot. You once said that you have no father or mother, no teacher or elder, but since you have entered this world, you should see it through to the end."

"The fourth day of the third month is your birthday, and it is also an auspicious day."

“I will perform the coming-of-age ceremony for you. From this day forward, you will truly become an adult, standing between heaven and earth, with a name and a surname, and a beginning and an end.”

Liu Jianjun was completely stunned.

He blinked, looking at the crowd below, some sitting and some standing, all smiling at him, his expression somewhat bewildered.

Li Xian chuckled and nudged his shoulder, saying, "What's wrong? Is it really necessary to be so surprised about a coming-of-age ceremony?"

Liu Jianjun then came to his senses and gave a rare, embarrassed smile: "No... it's just that this thing... is a first for a young lady like me, so I was a little caught off guard."

When Liu Jianjun said this, Shangguan Wan'er glared at him with a hint of embarrassment and annoyance.

Li Xian smiled; Liu Jianjun was still as outspoken as ever.

He joked, "In your words, even if you haven't eaten pork, haven't you seen a pig run?"

"Hehe... I've never seen that before..." Liu Jianjun chuckled awkwardly, then added, "In that poor place of Bazhou, a child is considered an adult after rolling around in the mud. There's no such thing as a coming-of-age ceremony."

Li Xian pursed his lips and remained silent.

But at this moment, Liu Jianjun had already regained his shrewd demeanor and said nonchalantly, "Alright, let's go! It's just a coming-of-age ceremony, I guess I'm being forced into it today!"

Li Xian snapped out of his daze, gave him a disapproving look, and then turned to Di Renjie respectfully, saying, "Lord Di, Jianjun is like a pillar of my family, a mentor to me. He is all alone, wandering here, and I cannot bear to see him without roots or support. Today, I trouble you, a man of high moral standing, to preside over his coming-of-age ceremony, to straighten his clothes, so that he may cultivate his mind and conduct himself righteously in the future."

"I hope Lord Di will not decline."

Although Li Xian had already told Di Renjie these words, he still repeated them in a serious manner.

Liu Jianjun's coming-of-age ceremony was something he could take lightly, but Li Xian didn't want to.

Di Renjie stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "Your Highness is loyal and righteous, which I admire. Although Chief Secretary Liu lost his father at a young age, he is exceptionally talented. Now that he has come of age, he should dress properly, clarify his aspirations, and fulfill the proper rites."

"Liu Changshi, please take your place."

Guided by Li Zhaode, who was acting as the officiant, Liu Jianjun was somewhat bewildered, but managed to kneel down in front of the incense table relatively smoothly.

The ceremony officially begins.

Li Zhaode sang loudly: "Begin!"

Di Renjie stepped forward solemnly, lit three sticks of incense before the altar, and as the smoke rose gently, he turned to face Liu Jianjun and solemnly said, "On this auspicious day of this month, your coming-of-age ceremony will begin. Cast aside your childish ways and follow your mature virtues..."

As the chanting of ceremonies began, Li Xian, acting as an attendant, presented Liu Jianjun with a black cloth cap.

The initial wearing of a black cloth cap symbolizes the entrustment of the responsibility of governing people.

Liu Jianjun, unusually serious, put away his playful demeanor and looked at him with a solemn expression.

"Add a leather cap, and show respect and compassion for the people..."

The addition of a leather cap symbolizes the responsibility of defending the nation.

"Three additional titles and honors, embodying wisdom and virtue..."

With the addition of three caps, the coming-of-age ceremony was complete, signifying that he had come of age.

Li Xian looked at Liu Jianjun with satisfaction.

Only when a man has undergone the coming-of-age ceremony can he truly be considered a "man," have the right to participate in sacrificial rites, and have his status formally confirmed and elevated.

After adding three characters, the next step is to select the character.

Di Renjie looked at Li Xian, and Li Xian nodded slightly.

Di Renjie then proclaimed in a loud voice: "The rites are complete. On this auspicious day of this month, your given name will be announced. Your given name is Kongjia, suitable for a distinguished scholar. May it be granted and protected forever, hence..."

At this point in Di Renjie's speech, Liu Jianjun suddenly paused, then raised his hand and said, "Um...Old Di?" "Hmm?"

Di Renjie paused, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

Everyone present looked at Liu Jianjun with curiosity.

Liu Jianjun chuckled: "Well, about the courtesy name... can I choose it myself?"

Di Renjie was taken aback upon hearing this, his hand holding the scroll hovering in mid-air.

The guests looked at each other in bewilderment. Since ancient times, courtesy names have always been bestowed by elders. How could one ask for one's own?

Li Xian couldn't help but whisper, "Liu Jianjun, stop messing around!"

The presiding person at the coming-of-age ceremony is usually the most respected elder, who bestows a name upon the junior, which also represents the elder's high expectations for the junior. Liu Jianjun's refusal at this time is not only improper, but also somewhat disrespectful to Di Renjie.

But Di Renjie was not annoyed at all. Instead, he showed a look of great interest. After thinking for a while, he stroked his beard and laughed, "I have long heard of Liu Changshi's talent. Since Liu Changshi has made this request, there must be a deeper reason. I would like to hear the details."

Liu Jianjun immediately beamed and said, "Old Di, you are wise! You see, I don't have any grand ambitions. I just hope for peace and tranquility for the people. So, I'd like to choose 'Patriotism' as my courtesy name... Liu Aiguo!"

Everyone present was stunned by these words.

It's not that Liu Jianjun's courtesy name is particularly elegant, subtle, or meaningful, but rather... it's just too vulgar!
At once……

Just like his name.

Li Xian couldn't help but cover his face with his hands.

He didn't expect Liu Jianjun to cause trouble at this time.

Li Zhaode, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but whisper a reminder: "Liu Changshi... this courtesy name is an important matter that will accompany you throughout your life. Would you like to... reconsider?"

"Minister Li, you are mistaken!" Liu Jianjun argued vehemently. "As the saying goes, the country comes before the family, and the family comes before the people. Patriotism is the foundation of benevolence and the basis of one's character. If every citizen of our Great Tang Dynasty could keep the word 'patriotism' in their heart, why would we worry about unrest on the border?"

He suddenly stopped joking, cupped his hands to the crowd, and said in an unusually solemn tone: "If we cannot protect our country, what use are those romantic titles?"

These words silenced the entire room.

Li Xian was stunned for a moment, never expecting Liu Jianjun to have such a serious side.

Di Renjie pondered for a moment, then his eyes gradually revealed approval: "To see simplicity and embrace the uncarved block, to have the heart of a child—this old minister believes that although this word is straightforward, it reveals sincerity; though it is simple, it reveals a broad mind. I wonder what Your Highness thinks?"

Looking into Liu Jianjun's burning gaze, Li Xian finally nodded: "As you wish."

When Di Renjie loudly proclaimed "Bestow the title 'Patriotism'", Liu Jianjun solemnly bowed three times.

After the ceremony, Li Zhaode announced loudly: "Those who are to be crowned, please change into the ceremonial robes!"

At this moment, Li Xian led Liu Jianjun into the back room.

The waiter had already prepared the black ceremonial robes to match the noble's cap. Li Xian helped Liu Jianjun change into them, and while changing, he casually teased, "How does it feel?"

"I didn't feel anything... it's just a little strange that a grown man like you was changing my clothes..." Liu Jianjun frowned and asked doubtfully, "Does changing clothes have to be done by someone else? Is there such a rule?"

Li Xian paused in tidying Liu Jianjun's clothes, then angrily shook him off: "Then do it yourself!"

Liu Jianjun immediately gave an awkward laugh, then hastily straightened his clothes.

Seeing that Liu Jianjun had tied the belt crookedly, Li Xian finally couldn't help but step forward, slap his hand away, and straighten it for him.

"I'll have to wear this to the reception later, what would I look like dressed like this?"

Liu Jianjun asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

"It's about changing into new clothes to show off to your colleagues," Li Xian explained to Liu Jianjun in layman's terms, sounding rather annoyed.

Liu Jianjun suddenly realized: "So you mean working as a stand-in for a model?"

Liu Jianjun started saying things he couldn't understand again, but Li Xian ignored him and straightened his clothes. He was extremely satisfied to see Liu Jianjun, who used to always wear his belt crookedly and his robe sleeves loose, gradually becoming well-groomed with wide sleeves and a neat knee covering.

"Alright, let's go to the concierge!"

The two walked out of the back hall one after the other.

Liu Jianjun took each step steadily, still showing a bit of awkwardness and restraint, but the solemnity of his deep robe made his shoulders and back stand straight, which actually made him look quite dignified.

The guests in the hall were all immediately impressed.

Li Zhaode, as the one offering praise, stepped forward first and proclaimed loudly: "Respect your dignified bearing, and cultivate your virtuous character."

Liu Jianjun, following protocol, went first to Di Renjie and bowed deeply.

Di Renjie accepted the greeting with a smile and encouraged him, saying, "Being given a courtesy name at the age of 18 signifies the coming of age. I hope that you will follow this path in the future, upholding the proper conduct expected of an adult, remaining loyal to the emperor and serving the country, and living up to your potential."

"Patriotism should always be kept in mind the teachings of Judge Dee." Liu Jianjun responded with unusual seriousness.

……

After Liu Jianjun showed his new clothes to each of the guests, the coming-of-age ceremony finally came to an end.

After that, it was time to host a banquet for the guests.

As the guests moved to the banquet hall, Liu Jianjun quietly approached Li Xian and asked, "The coming-of-age ceremony is finally over. Can I take off this outfit now? It's so tight I can hardly breathe."

"Just bear with it a little longer," Li Xian said irritably. "We'll talk about it after the banquet. You're the main character today, so you should act like this."

At the banquet, toasts were exchanged and guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Although Liu Jianjun was not used to such social engagements, he still did them quite well.

During the meal, while everyone's attention was on the food and drink, he leaned over to Li Xian and asked, "How did you manage to gather this group of people at the Prince of Pei's residence? Aren't you afraid your mother, the Empress, will find out?"

When this was mentioned, Li Xian was also a little puzzled. He replied, "Performing a coming-of-age ceremony for you is both a private matter and a formal one. You are the Chief Secretary of my Prince Pei's Mansion. Although your rank is not top-notch, who doesn't know that you are my most capable person? Performing a coming-of-age ceremony for you is in accordance with the rites."

"So I mentioned it to the Queen Mother."

Liu Jianjun nodded: "And then?"

"Then..." Li Xian's eyes flashed with confusion, "I informed the Empress in advance that I was grateful for your hard work and great achievements and wanted to fulfill the proper etiquette. The Empress did not say much, but just nodded."

"Then... I said I wanted to make your coming-of-age ceremony more grand and asked the Empress Mother to borrow some more people. The Empress Mother said... you can choose any civil and military officials in the court."

He paused, looked at Liu Jianjun, and asked, "Do you think... she's already decided to make Xiandi the crown prince, and is now trying to make amends to me in advance?"

But Liu Jianjun gave him a complicated look and said, "Never mind... it should be fine now."

Liu Jianjun started quizzing again, and Li Xian glared at him angrily.

At this moment, Liu Jianjun suddenly leaned closer, looking ahead, and asked in a low voice, "Then... is Wan'er going back to the palace today?"

Following Liu Jianjun's gaze, Li Xian saw Shangguan Wan'er sitting gracefully at the table, toasting Di Renjie.

Li Xian then looked at Liu Jianjun and noticed that his eyes were filled with lust.

Instantly, Li Xian knew what he was thinking and said irritably, "How would I know about this? Why don't you just go and ask Miss Shangguan?"

Liu Jianjun actually went, and with a sanctimonious air, he held up a wine glass and toasted Shangguan Wan'er.

The two were seated quite far apart, so Li Xian didn't quite hear what they were saying. He only saw Shangguan Wan'er get up and toast Liu Jianjun in return. Then, he saw Liu Jianjun return with a big smile on his face.

"That's it!"

Li Xian immediately gave him an annoyed look and said, "Why is your mind always filled with thoughts of men and women?"

After Li Xian finished speaking, he seemed a little embarrassed. Having sex on the day of one's coming-of-age ceremony was indeed a very "ceremonial" thing.

He himself back then...

"How did this come down to matters between men and women?"

Liu Jianjun rolled his eyes and retorted, "Wan'er is a spy sent by your mother!"

Li Xian was taken aback.

So Liu Jianjun really did go to take care of important business?
No wonder the Queen Mother agreed so readily; she had a backup plan all along.

only……

Did he use Shangguan Wan'er to monitor him?
Isn't this "theft by the one in charge"?
But Liu Jianjun lewdly added, "So, as long as the guests in the Prince of Pei's mansion haven't all left, she has to stay with them the whole time."

……

(End of this chapter)