Volume One, Chapter Two: Li Longji’s Test

Li Heng ordered the carriage to halt and sat on the driver's seat, waiting for Chen Xuanli to approach. Though anxiety still gnawed at his heart, he was determined to see just what kind of death Li Longji had in store for him.

First, he needed to discern the cards held by his adversary, and then counter each move as it came. Armed with modern wit, he was certain he could reverse even the direst situation.

“Your old servant bows before the Crown Prince,” Chen Xuanli dismounted and saluted. Li Heng waved his hand, signaling him to dispense with ceremony.

“General Chen, for what purpose has His Majesty sent you?” Li Heng asked. Though uneasy within, he maintained an air of calm composure.

“Your Highness, I have something to report,” Chen Xuanli said, bowing slightly as he spoke. “At present, treacherous ministers hold sway, and the Emperor has led the army himself. The soldiers are restless. I have come to seek your counsel, Your Highness.”

“Seek my counsel? What counsel?” Li Heng asked in surprise.

Was he not here under orders to grant him death? Was he overthinking things?

“There is one who should have died long ago. I merely wish to ask the Crown Prince—how should he die?” Chen Xuanli bent in a deep bow, then looked up at Li Heng, his expression saying plainly, “You know what I mean.”

Indeed, he had come to grant him death. He had not imagined it!

“General Chen, since you have already received the imperial will, then act according to His Majesty’s command! What are you waiting for?” Li Heng replied coldly.

How should he die? As Crown Prince, surely he would not be dragged out and beheaded—that would disgrace the royal name far too much. A length of white silk, a cup of poisoned wine—were these not the customary ends? Did Chen Xuanli have some new, inventive method?

“Privately, His Majesty told me that unless this person dies, he will know no peace. His wish is to have him killed, but without inciting unrest. Your Highness knows well how unsettled the people’s hearts are,” said Chen Xuanli, his eyes full of concern.

For Li Longji, killing a Crown Prince was no more difficult than killing a dog—he’d done it before. And yet here he was, feigning concern?

Yes, unless he eliminated his heir, he would never know peace! Such was the way of emperors since ancient times—the older they grew, the more suspicious and fearful of their successors they became.

“What does General Chen propose?” Li Heng asked coolly.

He thought to himself: So, Chen Xuanli, even at this hour, you come to toy with me—what are your intentions?

You humiliate me now, but when the tables turn, be sure I will return the favor in full!

“Your Highness, many of the Left Dragon Martial Guard have grievances. How would it be to seize this opportunity and launch a mutiny?” Chen Xuanli stepped forward as he spoke.

What he said was true. Li Longji had abandoned the nobles, the soldiers had been forced to leave their families, and apart from their weapons, armor, and horses, they had brought nothing—not even provisions.

Even Li Longji himself was not secure. When they arrived at Xianyang at midday yesterday, the officials had all fled. It was only thanks to Gao Lishi, who bought a few flatbreads from the locals, that they staved off hunger.

Upon hearing this, Li Heng’s anger surged. Chen Xuanli had already devised a plan, yet he still came to consult him—what a blatant insult!

Just as he was about to explode in fury, Chen Xuanli spoke again, “Your Highness, that scoundrel Yang Guozhong has brought calamity to the nation. His Majesty has long wished to eliminate him, but lacked the opportunity. Now the Imperial Guards are unsettled and the people anxious—this is a golden chance.”

At this, Li Ruoyu berated himself inwardly for being so muddle-headed. He had grown too accustomed to suffering in silence, afflicted by a victim mentality, always seeing himself as the prey!

Now he was Crown Prince, no longer that bullied subordinate who bowed his head before the project manager!

The truth dawned on him. Li Longji wished to rid himself of Yang Guozhong. History recorded that Chen Xuanli, taking advantage of the discontent among the Imperial Guards, staged the Mawei mutiny, killing Prime Minister Yang Guozhong and Imperial Censor Wei Fangjin, and forcing Li Longji to order the death of Consort Yang. Li Heng himself was not involved.

Nevertheless, scholars had always believed Li Heng masterminded the mutiny—for who benefits is always suspect.

But Li Ruoyu thought differently.

He knew as well that Yang Guozhong had to die. As Prime Minister and Military Commissioner of Jian’nan, having managed the region for years, Yang Guozhong held enormous power. If they reached Chengdu, he could easily sideline the beleaguered Li Longji.

If Yang Guozhong were not killed, Li Longji dared not enter Shu; but to kill him outright would chill the hearts of all, especially in such perilous times—if his military followers rebelled, Li Longji would soon meet his royal ancestors.

Thus, Li Longji needed a mutiny that appeared to have nothing to do with him.

The killing of Yang Guozhong would appease the soldiers, ensure a safe passage to Shu, and remove a latent threat—a solution with multiple benefits.

Li Heng sneered inwardly. As expected, a man who rose by mutiny would even consider another rebellion as he fled for his life.

He also realized that for Chen Xuanli, killing Yang Guozhong was no difficulty—he had the Emperor’s secret orders, and the Imperial Guards were already seething with resentment.

Yet, for the commander of the Imperial Guards to kill the Prime Minister was dubious at best. If the Crown Prince himself lent his name to the deed, the matter would be legitimate.

For the heir to act under imperial command to eliminate a traitor was a righteous cause.

Chen Xuanli was here to drag him into the fray—a man of deep cunning indeed!

Anyone who could survive so long at Li Longji’s side had to be shrewd—those who weren’t had long since perished!

Suddenly, it struck him that this must be Li Longji’s test, fearing he might seize the opportunity for himself, and so sent Chen Xuanli to sound him out.

Chen Xuanli’s attempt to implicate him was merely a personal addition.

“Since His Majesty’s will is already set, please report to him that I am unwell and unable to govern any matters,” Li Heng replied serenely, having reached his own conclusion.

“Since Your Highness is indisposed, I shall not disturb your rest. I take my leave,” Chen Xuanli said, bowing before mounting his horse and departing.

Not a word more—clearly, it had been a test!

Watching Chen Xuanli’s retreating figure, Li Heng reflected: Oh, Li Longji, your scheming is…well, honestly, not all that impressive! When my time comes, I’ll show you a game worth watching!

Anyone who has read the Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government has seen countless plots and stratagems.

Back in the carriage, Lady Zhang sat with one hand on her swollen belly, the other resting on Li Heng’s shoulder. Her gaze was grave as she asked, “Your Highness, what was General Chen’s purpose?”

“It was nothing important. Rest and take care of yourself—there’s no need for concern,” Li Heng replied lightly, seizing her hand as she held her belly.

Lady Zhang shook her head gently and said in a low voice, “Your Highness, please do not conceal the truth from me. In these turbulent times, General Chen would not call unless there was grave business.”

Li Heng gazed at her deeply, gently stroking her belly in silence.

“Your Highness, I know your heart is set on restoring order to the realm, to turn back the tide. Here is the intelligence I have secretly gathered with Li Fuguo, along with our preparations. Please review it—it may prove useful,” she said, producing a delicate sachet from her sleeve and handing it to him.

Li Heng took the sachet, withdrew a slip of paper, and, upon reading it, a rare gleam of joy broke through his usually composed features. “Excellent! You have done very well—this is exactly what I needed.”

“To be of service to Your Highness is my greatest honor,” Lady Zhang replied, nestling in the Crown Prince’s arms.

As they spoke, the carriage began to roll forward once more. After a while, Li Heng dismounted to ride on horseback. He recalled that he had originally been riding, but had felt suddenly dizzy and was helped onto Lady Zhang’s carriage by Li Fuguo and others, where he had fallen into a deep sleep.

Some time later, Li Fuguo rode over quietly and said in a low voice, “Your Highness, something is amiss!”

“What is it?” Li Heng asked, startled.

“I believe we’re being watched,” Li Fuguo said, looking deeply uneasy.

“What?” Li Heng could scarcely believe his ears. Could it be that Li Longji not only intended to eliminate Yang Guozhong, but also seize this chance to dispose of him—killing two birds with one stone?