Chapter 21: A Sudden Change in the Situation (2/2)
“If you are willing to wholeheartedly support me,” replied Li Zhi unhurriedly, “I will treat you as I have in the past.”
“Like the past?” Li Xian burst out into loud laughter. “Once upon a time, my youthful self admired you. After entering the military, without second brother’s teachings, it is likely that I would not have lasted long. However, I have always wanted to escape second brother’s shadow. Therefore, I stopped on the path to become the next second brother, but rather became today’s Prince of Qi. However, second brother, I may have easy morals and perhaps I am foolish, but I am not fickle or a turncoat.4 Since I am supporting the Crown Prince, I will not betray him even if I have to die.”
Unable to suppress his anger, Li Zhi declared, “If big brother is plotting a rebellion, are you going to follow him to commit outrages?”
Li Xian was startled. Instantly, he changed his tack and replied, “So that is the case. Second brother intends to force big brother to rebel. In this way, you can perfectly and legitimately become the heir apparent.”
“Sixth brother, I have always admired your intelligence,” spoke Li Zhi, heaving a sigh. “But why are you presently unwilling to cover things up? Right now, the arrow is already notched. I’m afraid that I cannot allow you to enter the capital.”
The Prince of Qi smiled faintly. “Second brother, do not worry. I am not a fool. I am clear about the present state of affairs. I will not prevent you from doing what you intend to do. I also will not inform big brother. However, unless big brother truly rebels, I will not betray him. If second brother does not believe me, there is someone in the carriage outside. Once second brother has seen who it is, then you will immediately understand that I will not reveal a hint of what has happened today.”
The Prince of Yong’s expression shifted, as he shot a glance at me. I, who had remained silent throughout, withdrew from the main hall. Walking to the front of the carriage, I lifted up the curtain. Within the carriage were two individuals, one seated and one lying down. The seated individual was a fifty-year-old, middle-aged man. His facial expression was respectful and calm. Lying down was a delicate looking youth, his skin color blackened. Although he was in a coma, his expression looked disturbed and uneasy. In a low voice, the middle-aged man spoke up, “This is my little master, Jiang Haitao.”
Stunned for a second, I then smiled and introduced myself. “I am Jiang Zhe.”
The middle-aged man happily exclaimed, “You’re Jiang daren! The medicine brought back by General Fang stabilized my little master’s injury.”
In a soothing voice, I replied, “Your distinguished self, do not worry. At present, His Highness, the Prince of Yong, is still waiting inside the main hall for my report. Please wait a moment.”
Returning to the temple, I respectfully glanced at the Prince of Qi and walked to the Prince of Yong’s side. In a low voice, I whispered, “It’s the son of Marquis Jiang.”
The Prince of Yong’s expression changed greatly, and he stared in astonishment at the Prince of Qi. Li Xian’s expression was icily arrogant and yet he did not speak a single word. Becoming softer, the Prince of Yong spoke, “You must know that by becoming involved in this matter, I can coerce you, right? It’s fine if news of this matter were to spread. The Crown Prince and the Fengyi Sect won’t let you off.”
In an aloof and detached voice, Li Xian replied, “I don’t care what they think. This child called me uncle. I would be too heartless if I were to stand idly by. I wonder if second brother has the courage to take over?”
The Prince of Yong suddenly lightly saluted. “This Prince is ashamed to admit that he is inferior to sixth brother’s chivalry. Do not worry. Since this child has already arrived in Chang’an, I will do my utmost.”
Turning around once more, Li Xian requested, “Take him away. When he is completely healed, send him back. If that is inconvenient, then I will take him back.”
Li Zhi gazed solemnly at the Prince of Qi and asked, “Are you truly unwilling to change your mind? You must know that once everything begins, things will only conclude when one of us is dead.”
Li Xian smiled faintly, his smile exuding ridicule. Icily, he countered, “Many thanks for second brother’s kind intentions. Even if I were to support you, would you truly trust me?”
The Prince of Yong was left speechless. He truly wished to state that he would implicitly trust the Prince of Qi. But remembering his frequent opposition and the Princess of Yong, Qing Zheng, Li Zhi ultimately only weakly stated, “I believe that sixth brother has his ways to express his sincerity.”
Turning to the side, Li Xian said in a low voice, “Although Zheng’er has her faults, she is after all my wife, the mother of my child. Li Xian is untalented and cannot kill my wife in order to obtain riches and honor.”
Li Zhi heaved a heartfelt sigh, replying, “Then good luck, sixth brother.” Finished speaking, he turned and departed.
I glanced at the Prince of Qi. Cupping my hands together in front of my chest, I stated, “Before, Zhe only knew that Your Imperial Highness was outspoken and straightforward. Today, I learned that Your Imperial Highness dares to act with courage and determination.5 Would Your Imperial Highness please be careful going forward? The Crown Prince is a fool, while the Fengyi Sect is ambitious to the extreme. Why does Your Imperial Highness wish to be buried alongside them?”
Li Xian glanced at me. In a dull voice, he replied, “Suiyun is an incomparable talent in the entirety of the world. If I had ruthlessly killed you, it is likely that I would still have fallen into today’s dire straits.”
Hearing his words, I grew distressed. With these words, I fully understood that this proud and arrogant imperial prince had already given up control over his destiny, willingly allowing himself to be drowned in the blood of this struggle to become heir apparent. However, I was powerless to help him. Reaching today’s state, regardless of what kind of person the Prince of Qi was, neither the Prince of Yong nor I would be willing to let go. Were it not for the opportunity to use today’s meeting to sow discord between the Prince of Qi and the Crown Prince, I would absolutely not allow the Prince of Qi to return to Chang’an.
Bidding my farewell, I departed. When I boarded the carriage, the Prince of Yong’s face was frosty. Even when the carriage started moving, he did not speak. It was a good while before he listlessly stated, “A pity about the Prince of Qi.”
I knew that the Prince of Yong’s killing intent had been stirred. However, I could also hear the deep and profound regret in his voice. This had not been present when we were discussing assassinating the Prince of Qi. Thus, I replied, “Your Imperial Highness, do not worry. It looks like the Prince of Qi won’t follow the Crown Prince into rebellion. At the very least, there is no need for Your Imperial Highness to worry that the Prince of Yong’s army will rise in revolt.”
Shaking his head, the Prince of Yong recited, “One cannot afford to take the chance.6 If we cannot reliably control sixth brother, this Prince cannot rest easily. Suiyun, do you have any solutions?”
After considering over a hundred, a thousand possible approaches, I could only regretfully shake my head and answer, “Other than killing the Prince of Qi, this subject does not have any ways of controlling him.”
The Prince of Yong let out a light sigh, speaking no further. Only then did I continue, “Unless we can cause the Prince of Qi to suddenly fall seriously ill. Without the Prince of Qi personally commanding them, his troops are the same as a pack of wolves without an alpha.”
Li Zhi raised his eyebrows and he stated, “Let’s first take a look. However, we have to make preparations now. We can’t wait before acting.”
Smiling slightly, I replied, “I wonder what the Fengyi Sect is going to think of all this.”
After the Prince of Yong’s carriage had traveled into the distance, the head of the Prince of Qi’s personal guards walked in and reported, “Your Imperial Highness, we should also get going. If the Crown Prince learns of this matter, the Crown Prince will likely become suspicious.”
“That doesn’t matter,” replied Li Xian, nodding his head. “I have already fulfilled my obligations as a subject and as a brother. There is nothing I can do if the Crown Prince were to become suspicious.”
The personal guard suddenly asked, “This subordinate doesn’t dare doubt Your Imperial Highness’s decision, but is that man truly deserving of Your Imperial Highness’s loyalty?”
The Prince of Qi then expressed contempt. “This isn’t something that you can question.”
Although that personal guard had a look of terror on his face, the unbending resolve in his eyes did not change in the slightest. Glancing at him, Li Xian sighed and explained, “Seeing the Crown Prince’s nature exposed, I am also extremely disappointed. However, I have the tiger by its tail.7 Even if he is heartless, I cannot be faithless. Regardless of what happens, without the Crown Prince’s previous help, I absolutely would not have today’s accomplishments.”
Not long after the Prince of Qi’s carriage departed, a woman in the clothes of the commoners stood up on top of a knoll. Although her clothing was simple, it was exceedingly elegant. Watching the Prince of Qi depart, she smiled icily. Although her smile was callous and ruthless, it was like the dazzling radiance of the morning sun, quite moving.
Footnotes:
镇州, a prefecture that is now modern-day Zhengding County in Hebei province
知难而退, zhinan’ertui – idiom, lit. to sound out the difficulties and retreat to avoid defeat; fig. to back out of an awkward situation, to get out after finding out what it’s really like
退避三舍, tuibisanshe – idiom, lit. to retreat three day’s march; fig. to give way in the face of superior strength
朝秦暮楚, zhao Qin mu Chu – idiom, lit. serve Qin in the morning, Chu in the evening; this is an idiom regarding the many officials of the Qin Dynasty who surrendered as the dynasty fell; fig. quick to switch sides
敢作敢为, ganzuoganwei – idiom, lit. to do something without fear of the consequences; fig. to dare to do anything
不怕一万，只怕万一, bupayiwan, zhipawanyi – idiom, lit. we’re not afraid of the ten thousand times that it turns out okay, we’re only afraid of the one time that it turns out bad; fig. one cannot afford to take the chance
骑虎难下, qihunanxia – idiom, lit. if you ride a tiger, it’s hard to get off; fig. impossible to back down; have a tiger by the tail