The Human Emperor Chapter 2460 - Side Story Chapter 33: Common Understanding!
Previously on The Human Emperor...
First Brother Li Xuantu possessed immense pride. Should he wish to eliminate Li Taiyi, he would not resort to clandestine methods like assassins. After pondering the possibilities, Li Taiyi could only place the blame on his two other brothers.
“If they are indeed the ones responsible, then they have grown excessively audacious. Attempting to assassinate a Prince within the Imperial Palace is an act of treason!” Wang Jiuling exclaimed suddenly, clearly arriving at the same conclusion as Li Taiyi.
“This affair is far more intricate than it appears. The Imperial Palace boasts stringent security, with numerous experts within the inner court, both overtly patrolling and concealed. Most critically, it is common knowledge that the Imperial Army operates under the command of the First Prince.
“Without his tacit approval, those individuals could never have infiltrated Jade Dragon Palace undetected,” remarked a young general standing behind Li Taiyi. This was Zhang Shougui, one of Li Taiyi’s recently acquired subordinates.
During the conflict with the Turks, Zhang Shougui had demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for warfare, coupled with an exceptional intellect for strategy and planning.
Zhang Shougui’s pronouncement cast a heavy silence over the assembly, their hearts laden with worry.
The Emperor of Tang was gravely ill, and the court was a viper’s nest of schemes and intrigue.
The Second Prince, having resided within the palace for many years, had amassed a considerable following, making him a formidable adversary. In conjunction with the First Prince, Li Xuantu, whose prestige was unparalleled, they constituted an exceedingly potent force.
“Every predicament has a solution. There is no need for any of you to fret over this matter. I have devised a course of action,” Li Taiyi stated with composure.
He was not one to passively await his demise. Should Li Chengyi overstep his bounds, he would no longer be able to confine himself to concerns for his own fate.
......
Meanwhile, in a separate imperial residence...
“What is the meaning of this in dealing with the Yin Yang Ghosts? They dare to pocket my payment yet fail to complete the task?!”
Second Prince Li Chengyi was consumed by rage, his fingers tightening around his teacup. Unbeknownst to him, the scalding tea was seeping through hairline cracks, scalding his hand.
Prior to Li Taiyi's recent ascent, he had exploited Li Xuantu’s absence to covertly secure influence over more than half the court. His intention was to utilize his own loyalists and those formerly devoted to his elder brother to discredit the First Prince. With his own carefully crafted narratives presented to the Emperor of Tang, he was confident that his elder brother would be stripped of his Crown Prince status.
The position of Crown Prince would then undoubtedly be his.
But now, that insignificant nobody was suddenly rising in prominence???
He was known to be a debauched Prince; how had he suddenly gained such favor!!
This thought caused Li Chengyi to gnash his teeth, an expression of disbelief and resentment contorting his features.
The corruption scandal unearthed by Li Taiyi had caused the carefully constructed power base he had established within the court to crumble, leaving him with only a handful of trustworthy individuals.
Great achievements often demanded sacrifice, and he was prepared to endure any hardship. If he lacked sufficient manpower, he would simply need to recruit more.
However, it wasn't long before Li Taiyi returned triumphant from his campaign against the Turks and re-entered the imperial court. Those officials who had once pledged allegiance to him abruptly shifted their loyalties, flocking to Li Taiyi’s banner.
At that precise moment, Li Chengyi comprehended that he was no longer at the epicenter of the political struggle.
In the eyes of these court officials, the Emperor of Tang’s most favored sons were the First and Third Princes. It was a foregone conclusion that one of these two would eventually occupy the supreme throne.
As time wore on, the hall grew progressively more silent.
After a period, the Second Prince appeared to regain a measure of control. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he uttered cryptically, “Exceptional circumstances necessitate exceptional measures. I shall not permit those two to seize the throne! It appears I must resort to… that.”
After a few moments of contemplation, he summoned a lowly eunuch.
“Make arrangements for a delegation to visit the Eastern Palace.”
When two tigers clash, one is bound to emerge wounded. Only by employing such a strategy would he stand a genuine chance.
......
At this very moment, within the confines of the Eastern Palace...
“Your Highness, the individual in Jade Dragon Palace secured the assistance of the Bureau of Works some time ago. Now, his subordinate, Wang Jiuling, has been appointed Minister within the Bureau of Personnel. The current trajectory of events is unfavorable to our cause,” one of Li Xuantu’s advisors expressed with evident concern.
The other advisors present echoed his sentiments with nods of agreement.
“We must exercise patience a while longer.”
Despite the chorus of recommendations for immediate action, Li Xuantu kept his eyes partially closed, his index and middle fingers tapping rhythmically on the table, as if awaiting a specific cue.
“This is…”
The advisors in the Eastern Palace exchanged perplexed glances, their confusion palpable.
Just then, a swift-footed eunuch appeared at the threshold of the Eastern Palace.
Li Xuantu seemed to sense his arrival, his eyes opening as he gestured for the eunuch to present his report.
The eunuch lowered his head, announcing, “The Second Prince has arrived for a visit.”
A collective frown rippled through the Eastern Palace at the news.
Why would their Liege have a visitor in the Second Prince?
“Permit him to enter!”
Li Xuantu, as if anticipating this, remained unperturbed and gave the order.
The eunuch departed, and soon after, a tall, handsome figure graced the Eastern Palace- the Second Prince, Li Chengyi.
“Eldest Brother,” Li Chengyi offered a respectful bow the moment he entered.
Normally, Li Xuantu would have responded promptly, allowing them to proceed to the main point of discussion. However, Li Xuantu deliberately ignored him, instead taking a slow sip of his tea.
Li Chengyi's smile faltered.
As the silence stretched, growing increasingly uncomfortable, a chilling voice pierced the air.
“Second Brother, did you only remember your Eldest Brother after failing in your scheme to steal the chicken, losing the rice in the process!”
A flicker of bewilderment crossed Li Chengyi’s face, but he quickly grasped the implication, his heart pounding.
“Failing to steal the chicken and losing the rice?”
Was this not a direct reference to his assassination attempt?
Second Prince Li Chengyi surreptitiously met Li Xuantu’s gaze. Those cold, sharp eyes, which seemed to penetrate one's very soul, caused a cold sweat to break out on his brow.
His Eldest Brother was aware of everything!
“Eldest Brother, your brother had no other choice!”
In a panic, Li Chengyi immediately knelt.
“Do not fret. You are this prince’s brother. How could this prince possibly condemn you so easily?” Li Xuantu's voice was calm and devoid of emotion, yet Li Chengyi trembled.
“Thank you, Imperial Brother, for your magnanimity.”
Li Chengyi swallowed nervously.
“Speak. You surely did not journey here merely for this purpose.”
Casting an ‘earnest’ glance at Li Chengyi, Li Xuantu let out a cold laugh.
“Since Imperial Brother is being so direct, your brother shall reciprocate,” Li Chengyi stated firmly. “Imperial Brother’s prowess in martial arts and governance far surpasses mine. I acknowledge that I cannot compare. Therefore, I am willing to withdraw from the competition for the throne. Should Imperial Brother agree to grant me the title of King in the future and bestow upon me a nominal official post, your brother pledges to join your side and assist you against Third Brother in the struggle for the Nine-Five position.”
“Oh? It sounds quite enticing, but what assurance do I have that I can trust your word?”
Li Xuantu grinned, appearing unfazed.
In the imperial court, pretense was a common currency. Li Chengyi himself had vied for the throne; how could he be so readily believed now?
“Imperial Brother, you were present at Taiji Palace. Our Imperial Father’s health has deteriorated significantly. It has been several days since he last presided over court at Taihe Palace, with the Grand Preceptor and Grand Tutor stepping in his stead. Forgive your brother for speaking plainly, but Imperial Father…”
Li Chengyi lowered his head, leaving his sentence unfinished. He was certain the First Prince understood his unspoken meaning.
“Such brazenness! You suggest that Imperial Father’s life is nearing its end?! How dare you utter such words so boldly? Imperial Father merely feels unwell. This Prince shall endeavor to procure medicinal elixirs to aid Imperial Father in his recovery.
“Such thoughts from you are tantamount to treason!” Li Xuantu rebuked sternly, his expression hardening.
Li Chengyi gritted his teeth, realizing these words would not sway Li Xuantu.
“Imperial Brother, the Ziwei star has reappeared, accompanied by five celestial bodies…”
Li Xuantu and the Eastern Palace strategists went ashen, while Li Chengyi let out a sigh of relief.
“Remarkable that even you are privy to this knowledge. It appears you have infiltrated the Eastern Palace with quite a number of operatives,” Li Xuantu remarked coldly.
“Does Imperial Brother not also maintain a considerable network of spies within my own palace?” Li Chengyi replied calmly, his head still bowed.
“The celestial alignments have foretold the future dominion of Great Tang. Your brothers are not among the auspicious stars, making your contention against Imperial Brother exceedingly difficult. However, Third Brother is a different matter. That newly emerged Ziwei Emperor Star, if prophecy holds true, signifies Third Brother.
“In a mere handful of years, he has amassed a formidable cadre of talented individuals, not to mention the efforts of Virtuous Empress Dou on his behalf. Currently, only Virtuous Empress Dou is granted audience within Taiji Palace. Should an incident occur there, and Virtuous Empress Dou claims to be acting under imperial decree… the one ascending the throne might not be Imperial Brother, but Third Brother.
“If such a turn of events unfolds, Imperial Brother… will you accept it?” Li Chengyi inquired gravely.
A heavy silence descended upon the Eastern Palace. No one spoke, and Li Xuantu raised his head, his expression fluctuating with indecision.
“I will take your word for it this time, but if you dare to betray me, your fate will be worse than death!” The First Prince declared, his voice firm.
Li Chengyi lifted his gaze, a subtle smile gracing his lips.