Chapter Sixty: Li Duozuo's Secret Concerns

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Li Chongjun raised his eyebrows and said, “Do they dare to plot rebellion?”
Li Duozuo replied, “Rebellion is not within their courage, but becoming powerful ministers is well within their reach.”
Li Chongjun’s expression eased, and he smiled, “That matters little. They seek to be mighty courtiers, while the Wei clan aims for a queen of power. Two factions vying for one bowl of porridge—does this not suit my intent perfectly?”
Li Duozuo said, “My lord, do you harbor the hope of profiting from the quarrel of crane and clam, as the fisherman does? I dare advise you to abandon such thoughts.”
“Why is that?” Li Chongjun was puzzled.
“Even if Zhang Jianzhi and his cohort become powerful ministers, the scholar-officials will forever see them as servants overpowering their master—lacking rightful legitimacy and unable to endure. As for the Wei clan, even if they achieve a queen’s power, it is meddling in governance. The entire court still shudders at the memory of Empress Wu’s reign and will not accept her; obstacles will abound. But you, my lord, are different. You are the emperor’s legitimate eldest son, the rightful heir to the Crown Prince’s seat. When you inherit the throne, neither Zhang Jianzhi nor the Wei clan will have grounds to object.”
Li Duozuo’s face grew grave. “The emperor is weak by nature, listening credulously to both Zhang Jianzhi and Empress Wei, letting the two factions counterbalance each other. At present, both factions are unstable, not daring to overreach, each using the opportunity to foster their own supporters and gather strength. But you, my lord, are bold and decisive; you will never be anyone’s puppet. This I see clearly, as do Zhang Jianzhi and the Wei clan. Therefore, while these factions may not truly fight each other, they are far more likely to join forces against you. Should they unite, you will be left with no strong allies within, no loyal ministers without, and will face grave peril. My lord, you must be watchful.”
Hearing these words, Li Chongjun drew a sharp breath, silent for a long while before asking, “What do you propose?”
Li Duozuo replied, “The Dao De Jing says: ‘The best soldiers do not fight, the best warriors are not angry, the best victors do not contend, the best leaders put themselves below others. This is the victory of non-contention, the power of using others, the way of ancient harmony with Heaven.’
My lord is a scholar; you know these teachings well. Now, you must hide your brilliance, flatter the Wei clan, for they already look down on you and will dismiss you. Meanwhile, secretly befriend Zhang Jianzhi’s group. Have you heard the story of Liu Shan, the so-called ‘Hopeless A Dou’ who enjoyed music and forgot Shu?
I believe that after Shu fell, had Liu Shan not feigned foolishness, Sima Zhao would have killed him at once to remove future threats.
Thus, you must appear incapable of great deeds, so Zhang Jianzhi will relax his guard. In time, discord will arise between Zhang Jianzhi and Empress Wei. Once they are at odds, I will use subtle means, and you will stand alone in power. Even if they realize it later, it will be too late. When you ascend the throne, they will be at your mercy, to be dealt with as you wish.”
Li Chongjun, angered, protested, “How could a son of the Li clan stoop to such dishonorable acts! You ask me, a legitimate prince, to bow and scrape before others! Li Duozuo, you are cunning indeed!”
Li Duozuo hurriedly knelt and spoke urgently, “My lord, the situation is dire; there is no other way. You have wandered since youth and seldom mingled with court officials. There is mutual distrust between you and the ministers; the Wei clan will not accept you. Those you command are but remnants of my old Inner Guard, none of whom hold high office—men of little influence, unable to aid your grand cause. Moreover, being of Inner Guard origin, others avoid them. How can they stand up for you? King Goujian endured ten years of hardship before becoming a ruler; we must humble ourselves to seize opportunity. These are words from my heart, my lord—please consider them carefully!”
Li Chongjun closed his eyes and sighed, silent for a long time.
The next morning, Li Duozuo, disguised with a human-skin mask, went out. Having trained strictly in the art of disguise as a member of the Inner Guard, he was unrecognizable. His original face, haggard from days of travel, now appeared even older—dark, deeply wrinkled, like a farmer of seventy years.

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Li Chongyuan, Lin Qingli, and Lan Wutong could not recognize him at all, but Li Duozuo recognized them. He cast a resentful glance their way, then turned aside. He still bore a grudge over their taking the Tendon-Transforming Manual, but upon reflection, he realized stealing it had been merely for self-preservation. Now, as long as he returned safely to Chang'an, his merit in protecting the heir would suffice to earn him a high-ranking generalship. Even if the Shaolin monks discovered he was the monk Jia Neng, they would not dare lay hands on a court official. The Tendon-Transforming Manual was now like a useless chicken rib in his possession; seizing the chance for fortune was all that mattered, so he cared little about it.
Yang Wuji and Zi Wuzhu knew Li Chongjun’s exceptional background and asked no questions. The other disciples, though curious, kept silent at their master’s instruction.
The Wang brothers, however, were surprised to see an extra person. Li Chongjun smiled and said, “This man is an old servant of my house, lost for years and reduced to begging in Luoyang. Yesterday, he spotted me at the gate and climbed the wall at night to meet me. I had not yet informed you of this—please forgive my oversight.”
The Wang brothers immediately relaxed and laughed, “So the old fellow has come to see his former master; very well!”
They ordered a new blue cloth robe for Li Duozuo. Seeing everyone had recovered, Zi Wuzhu wished to return to Tianshan without delay.
Now that Zi Lan was rescued, Li Chongjun hurried to Chang'an to pay respects to his father. Zi Lan, unwilling to part from him, insisted on accompanying him, and Zi Wuzhu consented. Li Chongyuan and Lin Qingli were also unwilling to return to Tianshan—Lin Qingli sought her enemy, while Li Chongyuan aimed to investigate the assassin from years past and find the mastermind, as well as to seize the Ghost Sword’s Xuanming Sword and rescue Qu Beiyuan.
Unexpectedly, Ma Beifang declared his intent to travel the martial world alone. This was a requirement for Tianshan disciples, but the sudden announcement surprised everyone.
Ma Beifang bowed to Yang Wuji, saying, “Master, I have trained hard in Tianshan for years, seeking only to avenge the past. Now that Senior Sister Zi Lan is safe, please allow me to journey the martial world.”
Yang Wuji knew Ma Beifang was young but resolute, diligent in training, and outstanding among younger disciples, second only to Song Changkong and Li Chongjun.
He only worried about Ma’s lack of experience. Li Chongyuan said, “Master, do not worry; I entered Tianshan with Ma Beifang, and now he wishes to travel, so we shall go together. Both seeking vengeance, we are kindred spirits.” Yang Wuji was delighted and consented.
The Wang brothers, reluctant to part, could only prepare a farewell banquet at the kitchen, and during the feast, everyone drank and discussed tales of the martial world.
Li Duozuo found a chance to call the Wang brothers aside. They thought he wanted something and hurried over. Without another word, Li Duozuo drew a soft sword from his waist and smiled, “Do you recognize this?”
The Wang brothers examined it and were startled, immediately kneeling, “We did not realize the Inner Guard was present; please forgive our negligence.” They regretted giving him the servant’s robe, fearing this was a grave offense against a court official.
When the Inner Guard was first formed, their regulation soft swords were commissioned from the Wang family in Taiyuan, so the brothers recognized it instantly.
Li Duozuo smiled, “Since you know the Inner Guard’s status, you must wonder why I am a servant, yes?”
Wang Cheng and Wang Zhuo hurriedly bowed, “Your actions must follow imperial command; we dare not presume.”
Li Duozuo sneered, “You are merchants—unfit for great tasks! Let me be clear: today you have met a noble person.”
The Wang brothers bowed again, “To have a court official visit our humble home is indeed an honor. Please command us; we shall obey.”
Li Duozuo said, “The noble is not me, but another.”
The Wang brothers were puzzled, “Is there someone more noble than you?”
Li Duozuo discreetly pointed at Li Chongjun, “Do you recognize him?”

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The Wang brothers nodded, “We recognize him—he is the great hero Li Chongjun.”
Li Duozuo said, “Remember this well: he is my master, the legitimate imperial son, Prince of Yixing. He will soon be Crown Prince, and when the emperor passes, he will be the Son of Heaven. If you are loyal from this day forth, your descendants will prosper for a hundred generations. If you have second thoughts, leak his whereabouts, or harm him, then disaster will begin today.”
Hearing this, the Wang brothers turned ashen, bowing frantically, “We will serve Prince Yixing faithfully and shall never be disloyal. Please see our sincerity!”
Li Duozuo said, “If you serve Prince Yixing well, I will report your loyalty to him. The prince rewards and punishes justly and will not mistreat you. I hereby appoint you as Inner Guard Attendants of the sixth rank, Commanders of Might. Soon, I will send your badges and seals. Remain stationed in Luoyang—openly as medicinal merchants, secretly gathering intelligence on threats to the prince. Do not fail! Do you understand?”
The Wang brothers, once mere merchants, were suddenly made officials—feared Inner Guard officers. Overjoyed, they bowed, “We understand.”
Li Duozuo snorted. The Wang brothers were momentarily confused, then quickly bowed again, “We accept the command!”
Back at the banquet, they became very cautious, glancing at Li Chongjun and Li Duozuo, who secretly laughed and paid them no mind, quietly drinking at a side table.
After the farewell feast, as everyone mounted to leave, the Wang brothers knelt at the door to send them off. Li Chongjun knew Li Duozuo had played a trick and shot him a glance before riding away.
When they reached the main road, Zi Wuzhu and his group turned northwest, while Li Chongjun and his companions headed directly west. Parting was bittersweet; Zi Wuzhu, worried for his daughter, drew her aside for detailed instructions.
After much advice, Zi Wuzhu said, “Jun’er, treat Zi Lan well; do not let her down.”
Li Chongjun quickly knelt, “Master, rest assured—I will cherish her as my own life.”
Zi Lan blushed deeply and smiled without a word.
When the group had gone, Li Chongjun complained, “Li Duozuo, what trick did you play to frighten the Wang brothers so?”
Li Duozuo laughed, “My lord, forgive me. The situation in Chang'an is extremely complex, and we lack manpower. I must secretly recruit subordinates. The Wang brothers are not ideal, but their wide connections in the martial world make them perfect for gathering information. So I took the liberty of enrolling them as Inner Guard, to serve as our eyes and ears.”
Li Chongjun said, “Empress Wu issued a secret decree dissolving the Inner Guard years ago, yet you recruit under their name.”
Li Duozuo smiled, “Fear not, my lord. Empress Wu’s secret decree was known to few, least of all the Wang brothers. Moreover, she did not cast the Inner Guard adrift, but carefully placed them in key government positions—not high, but all central. Perhaps this was her deliberate arrangement. If we rebuild the Inner Guard, we can summon those officers back under our command.”
Li Chongjun sighed, “Though I would rather not use such power, alas…!”