Chapter Eighty: The Crown Princess

Wei watched as Wang Zhong walked away and, unable to contain her anger, exclaimed, “Guo’er! You truly lack restraint! How dare you forge an imperial edict to proclaim yourself the Imperial Princess! Don’t you realize this is a crime punishable by death? If word spreads, even I will not be able to protect you!”

Princess Anle responded indifferently, “This empire belongs to the Li family. My father can pass it to whomever he wishes—who dares question him? If anyone dares meddle, I’ll present the imperial decree and see who dares defy it!”

Wei sighed, “Guo’er, you’re far too naive. Do you think a piece of paper can subdue the world? What holds the world in check is not the decree itself, but the imperial power behind it!”

Anle sneered, “And what is the difference?”

Wei replied, “If a mere piece of paper could command the heroes of the realm, then we’d still be living in the era of Xia, Shang, or Zhou—never would your Li family have ascended. Now your father has only just taken the throne, his position is unsteady, the regional governors stir restlessly outside, and within, powerful ministers and factions harbor sinister intentions. You still wish to cause trouble? Are you not afraid others will seize the moment to incite chaos?”

Anle retorted angrily, “If Wu Zetian could become Emperor, why can’t I? Am I not superior to that servant Li Chongjun?” Wei embraced Anle, saying softly, “Child, one must accept fate.” Anle struggled free and shouted, “What acceptance of fate! My destiny is mine, not Heaven’s!” With that, she snatched the imperial edict wrapped in yellow silk and strode out of the hall. Wei called after her in terror, “What do you intend to do?” Anle replied without turning, “You’ll see soon enough!”

At the Princess’s residence, Princess Taiping listened quietly as Li Longji finished his account. She remained silent for a long time, gently prodding the lamp wick with her silver hairpin. After a while, she spoke, “Months ago, I pitied him as my nephew and couldn’t bear to see him blindly trapped. I had Jian’er secretly send word to Li Chongjun, urging him to ally with Zhang Jianzhi and others. Yet Zhang Jianzhi’s arrogance and Li Chongjun’s lofty nature kept their factions apart, neither willing to prioritize the greater cause.

They met only once and negotiations broke down. Alas, common folk rarely achieve greatness. I watched helplessly as Zhang Jianzhi and his group were first granted noble titles, then stripped of power, before being banished to the harsh borderlands. I foresaw that Wu Sansi would not leave them alive, and indeed, not even their corpses were preserved.

It chills the heart. Now that Zhang Jianzhi is gone, Wu Sansi has no scruples, and Li Chongjun’s days grow more perilous. You said just now that Anle forged an edict to name herself Imperial Princess, angering Wang Zhong so much he stumbled in the rear hall. Fortunately, they still have a reckless Anle—otherwise, trouble would abound.

But this is precisely a good opportunity. Aman, leak the news to Li Chongjun and see how he responds.” Li Longji said, “I’ve already learned that. Xiao Liuzi by the Emperor’s side is Li Duozuo’s informant; once we let Xiao Liuzi out of the palace, he’ll notify Li Duozuo. After this is done, Xiao Liuzi must be eliminated to sever Li Duozuo’s source in the palace. Without palace information, they’ll become restless.” Princess Taiping nodded approvingly.

Xue Chongjian asked, “But what if he acts recklessly?”

Princess Taiping smiled, “He certainly will act recklessly, but his only asset is Li Duozuo. He himself is capable as both general and minister, but lacks the qualities of a ruler. I fear he cannot accomplish anything great.”

Xue Chongjian continued, “If that’s the case, Mother, why don’t you persuade him to relinquish the Crown Prince’s position and remove himself from danger? Perhaps he could preserve his life.”

Princess Taiping shook her head, “The hardest thing is to know oneself. He does not believe he lacks the talent for kingship. If I ask him to give up the Crown Prince’s title, he’ll turn against me at once. Besides, the current situation is not one where he can simply withdraw. Moreover, he’s deeply resented by Wei and Wu Sansi; even if he relinquishes the title, they won’t let him go. In short… ah!”

Xue Chongjian looked at Li Longji and asked, “Cousin, you are close to Li Chongjun—can’t you save him?” Li Longji forced a bitter smile, “How should I save him? Advise him to give up the Crown Prince’s post and await death, or raise an army and rush headlong into disaster?

Either path leads to the same end, and would only expose the Princess’s residence. Rather than that, it’s better to use Li Chongjun’s strength to clear obstacles for us. Once he acts, Wei will mobilize the army to threaten and suppress the various lords. She won’t allow the Wu family to dominate; Wei is not so foolish. She’ll surely rely on the Princess’s residence, so cousin, if our predictions are correct, Wei will entrust part of the army to you, letting you check the lords and restrain the Wu family. Once you have military command and tens of thousands of troops under your control, we can begin our own plans. If our enterprise succeeds, Li Chongjun will be honored after his death.”

Xue Chongjian was dissatisfied and muttered, “He’s a good man. Are we just to stand by and watch…” Princess Taiping said, “Court intrigue allows no hesitation and no trace of sentimental weakness. You are still too young.” Xue Chongjian sighed deeply.

Chang’an’s Xuanwu Street was the city’s liveliest place, lined with brothels and taverns. Though night had fallen, the streets were bustling, carriages and crowds flowing endlessly, shops and pavilions ablaze with lanterns that turned night into day. The cries of street vendors, tavern boys soliciting customers, and brothel girls’ laughter filled the air.

In a quiet corner stood a black lacquered carriage, the kind common in Chang’an. Coachmen from the carriage companies frequently drove these vehicles; wealthy patrons out seeking pleasure also preferred them. The carriage driver, cloaked and hooded, lounged lazily against the shaft, as if his employer was indulging inside the brothel and he was simply waiting outside—an ordinary scene.

Soon, a young man of medium build in a brocade robe strolled by. When he reached the carriage, his boot must have stepped on a pebble, causing him to quicken his pace and grasp the shaft, slipping off his boot to shake it. As he did so, he swiftly slipped something into the driver’s hand—so deftly that no one could notice. He slowly put his boot back on and continued on his way, swaying slightly. The driver seemed unaware, still dozing.

Li Longji and Xue Chongjian, observing from the shadows, exchanged glances. In a low voice, Li Longji said, “It’s done. That man is no longer of use—go deal with him.” Several sturdy men silently turned to carry out the order.

The brocaded young man weaved through the crowd, glancing about. Someone brushed lightly against him; in the jostling throng, such bumps were common, and he paid it no mind. But moments later, his face changed drastically. He looked down to see a short blade plunged into his chest, with crimson blood gushing forth. Instantly, his vision darkened and he collapsed. The crowd scattered in panic. The distant carriage driver, seeing this, lightly flicked his whip and drove away.

He steered the carriage through dozens of streets, taking a circuitous route before arriving at the back alley of the General’s residence. Entering through a side gate, an elderly servant was already waiting. The old servant took the reins, leading the carriage elsewhere, while saying quietly, “General, you’ve returned.” The coachman nodded, removed his hood, revealing himself as Li Duozuo. He tossed his cloak to the servant and headed straight for the study. After closing the windows and changing clothes, he slipped out the back door and hurried to the Prince of Wei’s mansion.

Li Chongjun was pacing restlessly in his study. Tonight was the day Li Duozuo was to meet with the palace informant. He had been uneasy for days, sensing something major was afoot. As for palace developments, he relied solely on Xiao Liuzi for news.

The study door opened silently. Li Chongjun asked, “You’re back?” Li Duozuo replied, “I met Xiao Liuzi—there are indeed changes in the palace.”

“Oh? Tell me,” Li Chongjun said.

Li Duozuo replied, “Xiao Liuzi had just passed me a message when he was targeted and eliminated. It seems his identity was exposed and brought disaster.” With that, he produced a wax pellet from his bosom and handed it over.

Li Chongjun took the pellet, gently crushed the wax shell, and unfolded the paper within. It read: “Anle drafted her own imperial edict as Imperial Princess, the Emperor has sealed it with the jade seal, and will soon announce it to the realm. Wei and Wu plan to accuse the Crown Prince, and seek grounds to depose him.”

The two were silent for a long time. Li Duozuo placed the paper on the candle flame, watching it burn to ash, transfixed until the flame scorched his fingers. He scattered the ashes and said, “Given the circumstances, I believe we must risk a decisive strike—there’s no other option.”

Li Chongjun said, “The tree wishes to be still, but the wind won’t cease. Very well, we’ll do as you suggest.” Li Duozuo asked, “Your Highness, this will inevitably lead to arms against your father. Have you considered how to deal with him?”

Li Chongjun replied slowly, “We’ll take things step by step.”

Li Duozuo grew anxious, “This concerns the lives of entire clans, Your Highness! You must decide decisively—how can you simply take things step by step?”

Li Chongjun snapped, “Do you mean to force me into being a patricidal usurper?” Li Duozuo knelt, “I dare not! I am only reminding Your Highness: indecision breeds disaster.”

Li Chongjun calmed, “You may go now. Use these days to make contacts and arrangements.” Li Duozuo bowed and withdrew.