Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 127 Meeting Empress Wu

"Ah."

The voice coming from the phoenix throne was ethereal and elusive, like that of a high and mighty deity.

"Mingyun, come and sit in front of your mother."

Li Xian nodded and answered, then carefully walked forward, sat down with his bottom slightly raised, and looked meek and obedient.

"Raise your head and let your mother see you."

Li Xian raised his head as instructed, his pupils contracting instantly.

The Empress Dowager's face didn't change much, but the roots of her gray hair showed signs of turning black, and upon closer inspection, even the wrinkles on her face seemed to have become shallower.

He dared not show any unusual expression and quickly resumed his submissive demeanor.

"You've lost some weight," Empress Wu said slowly, her tone seemingly concerned. "Was it hard in Chang'an?"

Li Xian suppressed the turmoil surging in his heart, lowered his eyes and respectfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Mother. I am doing well in Chang'an and have not suffered any hardship. Perhaps it is the fatigue of the journey that makes me look a little thinner."

"Ah."

Empress Wu nodded slightly, her fingertips seemingly casually brushing over the exquisite carvings on the armrest, and continued, "Chang'an is a good place, prosperous and peaceful, with far less turmoil than Luoyang."

She paused slightly in her speech.

"Especially lately, with so many things happening in the capital, the Empress Dowager has even started to miss the tranquility of Chang'an."

Li Xian's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the main topic was about to be discussed.

He lowered his head even more respectfully: "Your subject is foolish and dull, only knowing how to keep to his duty in Chang'an, and has failed to share the burdens of the Empress Dowager. I am truly ashamed."

"Keep to your duty..." Empress Wu repeated these four words, her tone gentle as if she were murmuring, "To keep to your duty is the greatest virtue. Nowadays, there are not many people in and out of the court who can keep to their duty."

She sighed softly, a sigh carrying an invisible pressure: "Do you know about what happened in Yangzhou?"

coming!

Li Xian took a deep breath, his face displaying just the right amount of indignation and solemnity: "Your Majesty, I have heard some things. The traitor Li Jingye dared to use the name of upholding justice to commit such a heinous act. I am heartbroken and wish I could personally go to the front lines to share the burden of suppressing the traitor for the Empress Dowager and the court!"

He spoke quickly and urgently, with the passion and indignation unique to young people, perfectly befitting the reaction of a prince filled with righteous indignation upon hearing of a rebellion, and further distancing himself completely from Li Jingye.

But Empress Wu didn't seem to intend to just let the topic pass by. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Are you aware that Li Jingye was using your name in Yangzhou?"

These words were like an ice pick, instantly piercing Li Xian's eardrums and reaching his heart, making his blood almost freeze.

But at the same time, he remembered Liu Jianjun's instructions.

He suddenly raised his head, his face drained of color, and he even "forgot" to maintain a respectful posture. His voice trembled with extreme shock and grievance: "How dare these traitors... How dare they defile my innocence and place me in a position of disloyalty and filial impiety!"

He seemed stunned by the sudden slander, and even subconsciously crawled forward half a step on his knees, eager to defend himself, his posture extremely humble, looking completely frightened and anxious to clarify the situation.

"Your son has been far from the capital, and has been careful in his words and deeds in Chang'an. Every day, I have only thought about how to govern Yongzhou and not bring shame to Father and Mother. I have never had the slightest improper thoughts! Li Jingye is such a traitor, his heart deserves to be punished! Not only has he disrupted the court, but he also wants to use such a vicious scheme to sow discord between the Emperor and his mother! Mother, please see the truth! Mother, please see the truth!"

He bent down, his voice choked with sobs, his shoulders trembling slightly. At that moment, he couldn't even tell how much of his performance was acting and how much was genuine fear.

Because the Empress Dowager's words were themselves the most fatal accusation.

"Your idea of ​​how to govern Yongzhou is to spend your days hunting, cockfighting, and hunting with your chief steward?!" Empress Wu's voice suddenly turned stern. "If it weren't for the fact that the Princess Consort of Pei is pregnant, you probably wouldn't even be able to find where the Prince of Pei's residence is!"

Li Xian was startled.

But then came a surge of joy and relief, though he remained bowed and dared not speak.

"Liu Rengui has repeatedly submitted memorials to the Empress Dowager, saying that you spend your days playing and neglecting your duties, leaving all the affairs of Chang'an to your subordinates. Is this true?"

Li Xian had just felt relieved that Liu Jianjun had won over Liu Rengui, but he quickly remembered that Liu Rengui was not "on his side." So he hurriedly and angrily said, "Mother! This villain Liu Rengui has framed your son!"

Then, as if remembering something, he argued: "Back in Chang'an, he insisted on not clearing my name. He... he is despicable!"

Empress Wu remained silent, and this silence made Li Xian even more nervous.

He even wondered if he had given himself away somewhere.

He thought of Pei Yan, who was killed by his mother for merely trying to observe for a while. What if he revealed his true colors...

In Li Xian's mind, Liu Jianjun's instructions became clearer and clearer: "The first level of disguise is the persona. As long as you remember what your persona is and always act in accordance with that persona, then your disguise will at least be able to remain undetected."

"But, when facing your mother, you must add another layer of disguise on top of that."

"That is... to try to be the way she wants to be."

"Because your mother has a strong personality, even if you pretend to be a spoiled brat, she will still be unhappy with your resistance and disobedience..."

Li Xian was thinking about what his mother wanted right now.

With absolute power in her hands and the world at her fingertips, what more could she possibly want?
obedience.

Unconditional compliance.

Li Xian instantly realized what was happening. This time, he panicked and prostrated himself on the ground, shouting, "Your subject... Your subject is guilty!"
"Your subject... Your subject has indeed been somewhat lazy... It's just that... it's just that I felt the officials in the household were all capable and efficient, handling everything in an orderly manner, so... I took a break and indulged myself a bit... Your subject knows his mistake! I beg Your Majesty to punish me!"

This time, Li Xianneng clearly noticed that the tangible pressure from Empress Wu had vanished.

He made the right bet.

There was a moment of silence above.

Finally, Empress Wu's voice rang out again, her tone seemingly softened somewhat, yet still tinged with coldness: "Your mother knows you are young and it's normal for you to be playful. With a mature and prudent minister like Liu Rengui overseeing the affairs of Chang'an, your mother is at ease..."

"Your subject knows his crime! Your subject was foolish! Your subject will definitely repent and reform, be careful in his words and deeds, and never do such a thing that damages the dignity of the imperial family again!"

Li Xian repeatedly assured him.

He knew that this hurdle seemed to be almost over, as the focus of his mother's reprimand had shifted from "treason" to "misconduct," a world of difference.

Empress Wu paused, seemingly choosing her words.

Then, he let out a cold snort.

She said, "I hope you truly know your mistake. Your mother sees that Liu Jianjun beside you as the culprit who led you to indulge in frivolous behavior! Such a sycophant will only bring disaster if left in the Prince's mansion!"

……

(End of this chapter)