The Idle Man of Zhenguan Intercepts Wu Zetian at the Start

As soon as Li Shimin spoke, the courtiers were in an uproar.

What was initially thought to be a simple case of corrupt concubines turned out to involve even the usually uninvolved Grand Astrologer!

All eyes turned to Li Chunfeng.

Li Chunfeng, with his white hair and youthful face, and clean-shaven features, made it impossible to guess his age. He stood up, bowed to Changsun Wuji, and smiled slightly.

"Duke Zhao, you may take a look and see if the writing on the white cloth is your son's handwriting."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, and Wang Youde immediately unfolded the white cloth in front of Changsun Wuji.

Li Shimin looked at his ministers:

"My dear ministers, please take a look at what is written on this white cloth. What does it mean?"

Changsun Wuji merely glanced at it and immediately said coldly:

"The Grand Historian lives a secluded life and may not know the name of his rebellious son. He is the number one good-for-nothing in Chang'an. Although this character is written with charcoal, it is vigorous and powerful, and very elegant. Not to mention that he cannot write it, he probably cannot even recognize these characters."

As soon as Changsun Wuji spoke, the courtiers burst into laughter.

Changsun Dan cursed inwardly.

I've never seen anyone undermine their son like this before. He knew perfectly well that this was his lifeline, but he denied it outright without even thinking.

Cheng Yaojin didn't know many characters, but as someone in a high position, he still had a lot of knowledge.

He rose and bowed to Li Shimin:

"Your Majesty, this old minister believes that this was written by Dan Xiaozi. My son Tie Niu told me that Dan Xiaozi is exceptional in both poetry and calligraphy, and that day at Yu Xian Lou, he became famous overnight."

A quick glance:

"I imagine there are quite a few young masters here who witnessed it that day."

All the ministers shook their heads and remained silent, but Wu Yuanqing's face burned with embarrassment.

Cheng Yaojin had no idea that, apart from Cheng Tieniu, none of the others dared to tell their fathers that they had been to Yuxianlou when they returned home.

Even Fang Xuanling shook his head. His son, Fang Yi'ai, was not much better than Changsun Dan, and the two had a good relationship, but he had never mentioned this matter to him.

Empress Zhangsun looked kind and loving, with Zhangsun Dan sitting right next to her feet—tacitly allowing Zhangsun Dan to overstep his bounds was simply an attitude she wanted to show to His Majesty and the court officials.

With a glance, Wang Youde also handed Changsun Dan a cushion, which Li Shimin pretended not to know.

At this moment, the palace maid beside Empress Zhangsun helped Zhangsun Dan wipe the blood off her face. There was a bump on her right cheek that was rolling around, probably because she had some dried fruit or something in her mouth.

"Dan'er, did you write the proverbs on this white cloth?"

Although Empress Zhangsun herself did not believe it, she recalled Yang Qingyue's determined gaze and hoped that a miracle would happen.

Even if it wasn't written by Dan'er, as long as Li Chunfeng acknowledges the truth of this proverb, Dan'er will still be credited for delivering the message, and His Majesty will weigh the matter accordingly.

Changsun Dan nodded obediently: "Auntie, I wrote it."

Empress Zhangsun was overjoyed upon hearing this, and her pale complexion vanished, her cheeks even appearing much rosier.

Li Chunfeng appeared calm and collected, but he kept a close eye on Changsun Dan. When he saw the Empress's expression change, he pulled his right hand back into his sleeve, his fingers moving rapidly, and his expression changed drastically once again.

She had subtly told His Majesty that the Empress's illness would not last past June, but now her fate seemed to be revitalized by the appearance of Changsun Dan.

Moreover, he had also deduced Changsun Dan's fortune, but all he saw was an endless black hole, with the secrets of heaven blocked.

Seeing that no one responded, Cheng Yaojin said angrily:

"It's been widely rumored that this young man is exceptionally talented. I don't believe that none of you have been to the Jade Immortal Pavilion, yet you're putting on an act for His Majesty."

Among the officials, another group felt their faces burning with embarrassment, but that didn't stop them from scoffing at Cheng Yaojin, this country bumpkin.

Wu Yuanqing knew this matter couldn't be kept secret forever, and just as Cheng Yaojin mentioned the rumors circulating in the streets, he quickly seized the opportunity, stood up, and bowed to Li Shimin:

"Your humble servant can attest that the handwriting on the cloth is indeed that of Young Master Dan. It is rumored that Young Master Dan is an expert in both poetry and calligraphy, which is why I wanted to invite him to my home to give my younger sister some pointers. I never expected that these two would cause such a trouble."

Wei Zheng had been carefully studying the pictures and words on the white cloth, but they were obscure and difficult to understand. Now, seeing that His Majesty remained silent about Changsun Dan's crimes, it seemed that he quite appreciated Wei Zheng's calligraphy skills.

No wonder he immediately tried to exonerate Changsun Dan by using Li Chunfeng's words.

Wei Zheng stood up indignantly:

"Your Majesty, I believe that the words on this white cloth, whether or not they were written by Changsun Dan, have nothing to do with the crimes he committed."

"If good handwriting can reduce one's punishment, if catering to His Majesty's preferences can make one disregard the law, and even challenge the dignity of the royal family, then the ruler is a tyrant and the minister is a treacherous minister."

"Your Majesty, we urge you to first investigate the case of Changsun Dan's defilement of the imperial concubines. As far as the common people are concerned, even a prince who breaks the law is subject to the same punishment as a commoner; as far as the powerful and wealthy are concerned, the wrath of Heaven is irreversible!"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Dan realized that Wei Zheng was indeed an upright official who would rather break than bend. His advice was reasonable and well-founded, neither humble nor arrogant, and he did not give Li Shimin any face at all.

How many ministers in the world would dare to casually mention the word "tyrant" in front of the emperor!

But Wei Zheng dared to say that if you don't abide by etiquette and laws, then Li Shimin is a foolish ruler.

Changsun Dan's admiration for Wei Zheng also arose spontaneously.

When Empress Zhangsun saw that Zhangsun Dan's face showed no resentment after listening to Wei Zheng's words, but rather admiration and worship, she felt deeply comforted. On the great path, Dan'er still knew how to be tactful.

After Wei Zheng finished speaking, Li Shimin's face showed anger. This old man, he always talks about being a tyrant.

As a subject, if you only know how to disobey the monarch, are you a loyal subject?

The ministers seemed to have long been accustomed to this scene.

Imperial Censor Cui Renshi stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is a wise ruler and should know the principle that indulging in frivolous pursuits will lead to the loss of ambition. You must not disregard the law of the land for your own desires."

Attendant-in-Ordinary Wang Gui stepped forward and said, "I second your opinion. Your Majesty should first investigate the crime of Changsun Dan's debauchery."

Changsun Wuji strode forward, his face now devoid of much expression:

"Your Majesty, I second this proposal. This boy is ignorant and incompetent, harbors evil intentions, has no respect for elders, disregards human relations, disobeys the law, and despises imperial authority. I beseech Your Majesty to investigate and execute him, to uphold morality for all people and to maintain righteousness for the world."

His tone was impassioned and left no room for argument.

When Changsun Wuji said this, he almost completely cut off Changsun Dan's chances of survival. The officials all sighed inwardly. Regardless of whether he was acting for the greater good or for his reputation, his actions at this moment revealed his cold-heartedness towards his illegitimate son.

Empress Zhangsun sighed inwardly. Perhaps her brother was doing it for the honor of the entire family, but was it really worth it to be so cold-blooded?

Changsun Dan didn't care. Regardless of his past or future life, he had no fatherly affection for Changsun Wuji. But they were still connected by blood. The fact that Changsun Wuji could be so heartless truly chilled his heart.

This time, dragging Wu Zetian into the water is a way of repaying the debt of father and son.

However, since my life and death are as insignificant as dust in your eyes, I will trample on your dignity in order to survive.

Li Shimin's face was grim as he glared angrily at Wei Zheng, neither willing to back down.

It wasn't that Changsun Dan's life or death could move him much, but Guanyinbi's days were numbered. Although he was the emperor, how many people had truly cared for him?

Only Guanyinbi can make me feel that rare and precious human love at all times.

They were childhood sweethearts, bound by thick and thin, and went through life and death together.

All I wanted was for her to feel my warmth!

Changsun Dan already had a plan in mind; who doesn't know how to flatter? But in this situation, to save himself, he had to first retreat in order to advance.

But kneeling before authority was something he couldn't bring himself to do so immediately. Changsun Dan shifted his position a few times and gave Li Shimin a slight bow.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. You can use a bronze mirror to straighten your clothes, use history as a mirror to understand the rise and fall of dynasties, and use historical events as a mirror to understand your gains and losses."

"It is precisely because of a benevolent and wise ruler like Your Majesty that there are loyal ministers like Chancellor Wei who are not afraid of death."

"People praise His Majesty for his benevolence that extends to all corners of the land, making him a great emperor for all ages. This is precisely because His Majesty is open to advice and can tolerate the dissenting opinions of Minister Wei. Minister Wei is truly His Majesty's wise mirror."

"I have been unruly since childhood and have a bad reputation, but my aunt has always taught me that although I have made mistakes in minor matters, I cannot neglect the greater good. I do not want my aunt to have her reputation tarnished because of me, nor do I want Your Majesty to lose your Mirror of Justice in order to protect the affection in my aunt's heart."

"The sinners are willing to accept judgment, and are not afraid of death!"

Sun Dan, who had participated in stage play performances during his university years, was now in tears, yet his spirit remained righteous.

When he spoke of being fearless even in the face of death, the expression on his face no longer showed the clarity and sorrow that a fourteen-year-old child should have.

As soon as Changsun Dan finished speaking, the assembled officials were greatly shocked. If he was the number one incompetent fool in Chang'an, then what were they?

(The saying about the bright mirror comes from what Li Shimin said to his courtiers after Wei Zheng's death in the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era. I'm borrowing it here in advance. Hehehe.)