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

Chapter 169: Dealing with Su Liangsi and Liu Rengui's Death
Su Liangsi, as expected of a seasoned official with unwavering composure, quickly regained his composure after the initial shock.

He did not respond to Li Xian's words immediately, but walked quickly to the window, looked outside warily to make sure no one was listening, and then turned back, his face becoming extremely serious, even a bit fierce.

He first bowed solemnly to Li Xian. Regardless of Li Xian's current status, he had once been the prince to whom he served, and even more so, the former emperor of the Tang Dynasty. This bow was a matter of loyalty that Su Liangsi adhered to.

But after bowing, his tone turned extremely cold and hard, even accusing: "Your Highness Prince Pei! Chief Secretary Liu! You...you have such audacity!"

"Do you know what a heinous crime this is?! To privately depose an emperor and leave one's fiefdom without permission is tantamount to treason!"
“If this happens, not only will you yourselves be in danger, but countless others will be implicated! How could you... how could you act so rashly!”

His chest heaved slightly, indicating that he was out of breath.

Liu Jianjun stepped forward, meeting Su Liangsi's gaze without fear. His voice was low but clear: "Chief Secretary Su! Who would take this risky step if a knife wasn't at their throat? Do you think the Prince of Luling is enjoying himself in Fangzhou?"

He turned to the trembling Li Xian, his voice filled with grief and indignation: "Look! Look at the son of the late emperor, the former emperor of the Tang Dynasty, how he has been humiliated!"
"The methods Wu Sansi sent to deal with were even more despicable and vicious than those used against notorious bandits!"

"They dared not force Prince Luling to his death, so they tortured him in every possible way! They used every means to torment him, from mental to physical abuse! If we had been any later, we probably wouldn't have seen a living person, but a corpse driven mad and to death!"

Liu Jianjun's words were filled with anguish, and coupled with Li Xian's pitiful, frightened appearance, they were extremely impactful.

Su Liangsi's gaze swept over Li Xian's sunken eye sockets and undisguised fear. His lips were tight, but his stern eyes softened imperceptibly.

But he remained adamant: "Even so, I should submit a memorial to the court to plead my case..."

"Submit a memorial to the imperial court?"

Liu Jianjun interrupted him, his voice laced with sarcasm and sorrow, "To whom should we submit this petition? To that Empress Dowager in Luoyang?"

"Chief Secretary Su, are you truly ignorant or feigning ignorance? Who sent Wu Sansi to torment the Prince of Luling? And who is it that wants to eliminate His Highness the Prince of Pei as soon as possible? Submit a memorial? Wouldn't that be like walking into a trap, handing over a knife that will kill us even faster!"

These words were so blunt that they almost tore away all pretense, making even Li Xian's heart pound.

Su Liangsi's face instantly turned extremely ugly. His lips moved, but he couldn't refute it.

What Liu Jianjun said was the truth that he was most worried about but dared not say.

The atmosphere in the study instantly became extremely tense.

Li Xian knew it was his turn to go on stage. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

His tone was gentle, but his stance was equally firm: "Chief Secretary Su, Jianjun's words are straightforward, but they are undeniable. Your brother's experience is by no means an isolated case."

“Back in Bazhou, Qiu Shenji also secretly ordered me to be forced to my death. The Empress Dowager's heart towards the Li Tang imperial family is already obvious. We are not plotting a rebellion, but only seeking a way to survive and preserve the bloodline of our father. Is that wrong?”

Li Xian recalled the past with a sorrowful and helpless tone, but this firsthand account from the person involved was clearly more touching to the hearts of orthodox officials like Su Liangsi than Liu Jianjun's vehement words.

Su Liangsi remained silent, his gaze returning to Li Xian.

Even after all that had been said, Su Liangsi's attitude remained wavering, leaving Li Xian feeling somewhat frustrated.

Su Liangsi was different from Liu Rengui. Liu Rengui was loyal to the Li Tang dynasty, to Emperor Taizong, and to Emperor Gaozong, and his identity was extremely useful.

Although Su Liangsi was also loyal to the Li Tang dynasty, his primary duty was to uphold the legitimacy of the dynasty.

Li Xian's gaze also fell on Li Xian.

Right now, the only one who can completely sway Su Liangsi to take sides is Li Xian.

At the same time, Liu Jianjun's gaze also fell on Li Xian.

Li Xian was a little worried. Could his younger brother, whose spirit had been broken, stand up at this time?
Li Xian clearly felt the gazes of the three men. He subconsciously looked away, but for some reason, he forced himself to raise his head.

Tears streamed down his face, his voice hoarse and broken, filled with despair and pleading: "Minister Su... Chief Secretary Su... save... save me... Fangzhou... that's hell... they... they don't treat me like a human being... I'm really... really about to die... please..."

He was incoherent, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind, and he even struggled to kneel down before Su Liangsi.

Su Liangsi was shocked and could no longer maintain his cold and hard posture. He hurriedly stepped forward and held Li Xian's arm to stop him from kneeling. When he touched Li Xian's arm, he felt that it was as thin as a stick.

At this moment, the string of "principles" and "laws" in Su Liangsi's heart was finally shaken by the horrific scene before him and the prince's pleas.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, although there was still struggle in his eyes, there was more of a heavy feeling of determination.

"Your Highness, please rise! You are too kind to me!"

He supported Li Xian, his voice hoarse, and turned to Li Xian and Liu Jianjun, his tone now different, "Your Highness Prince Pei, Chief Secretary Liu, you... sigh! Never mind!"

He sighed deeply: "What do you intend for me to do now that you've come here today?"

Liu Jianjun immediately interjected: "It is not necessary for the Chief Secretary to immediately and unequivocally confront Luoyang."

"I only ask that, in consideration of the late Emperor's kindness and the fate of the Li family's empire, you turn a blind eye to this matter within your authority, allowing His Highness the Prince of Luling to secretly reside in Chang'an, and... if necessary, provide him with some protection and convenience."

Li Xian knew it was time to offer another bargaining chip. He handed over Liu Rengui's handwritten letter: "Before his death, Lord Liu Rengui also instructed that if anything happened, one should seek out Chief Secretary Su."

"Liu Gongyan said that the Chief Secretary is a pillar of the country, and he cares about the country. He will not sit idly by and watch the bloodline of the late emperor be lost and the country be in turmoil."

"Mr. Liu..."

Upon hearing Liu Rengui's name, Su Liangsi's face revealed a complex mix of sorrow and respect.

He unfolded the letter, and remained silent for a long time. The only sounds in the study were Li Xian's suppressed sobs and the faint sound of the wind outside the window.

Finally, as if he had made up his mind, Su Liangsi slowly opened his mouth, each word heavy with emotion: "Lord Liu is too kind, I am unworthy of such praise... Your Highness Prince Pei, Your Highness Prince Luling, I have never met you before, and I was unaware that Your Highness Prince Luling had already left Fangzhou."

His words were tantamount to admitting that he had known about the matter but did not report it.

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun both felt a sense of relief.

But Su Liangsi's tone immediately changed, becoming extremely serious and even stern: "However, Chang'an is not an absolutely safe place. There are many eyes and ears everywhere. His Highness Prince Luling must stay in seclusion and must not reveal any of his whereabouts!"
"Otherwise, once something happens, no one can save you!"

"All Liangsi can do is to maneuver covertly as much as possible without crossing the bottom line or directly confronting the court. If there is any disturbance, he will try to inform the Prince of Pei's residence in advance. Furthermore..."

He looked sharply at Liu Jianjun: "Liu Changshi, what exactly do you intend to do? Is it merely to save your lives, or do you have other plans? If you harbor disloyal intentions, please forgive me, Liangsi, for absolutely not being able to comply!"

Liu Jianjun met his gaze calmly and said resolutely, "Rest assured, Chief Secretary, what we seek first and foremost is to survive!"

"Secondly, if possible, I naturally hope that one day we can set things right and restore the court to the right path, but this is by no means a risky or rash move. The most important thing right now is to establish a firm foothold, accumulate strength, and wait for the right opportunity. All of this is inseparable from the secret protection of a loyal and upright minister like you, Chief Secretary." Su Liangsi stared intently into Liu Jianjun's eyes, as if trying to determine the truthfulness of his words.

After a moment, he slowly nodded, as if finally accepting this extremely dangerous yet unavoidable situation: "In that case... we shall do as you say. But please remember, this is what we say today! If you disobey, don't blame Yoshitsugu for turning ruthless!"

"Thank you so much, Chief Secretary Su!" Li Xian and Li Xian said almost at the same time, with Li Xian being particularly grateful to the point of tears.

Liu Jianjun also solemnly cupped his hands in thanks: "Your Excellency is truly virtuous, Chief Secretary. I thank you!"

Su Liangsi waved his hand wearily, as if he had aged considerably in an instant: "No need for thanks, fortune and misfortune are unpredictable... You should leave quickly, this place is not suitable for you to stay for long. Unless it is extremely urgent, do not come to my residence again. I will try to contact you through a reliable person."

……

Having achieved their objective, Li Xian and his two companions dared not linger any longer. Li Xian put his hood back on and, under the protection of Li Xian and Liu Jianjun, quietly left the Su residence.

The carriage drove away from the Su residence and merged into the gradually bustling streets of Chang'an.

Inside the carriage, the three remained silent for a long time.

Li Xian looked out the window at the rising sun, the sunlight trying to dispel the winter chill, but it always seemed to be separated by a layer of icy mist.

He asked in a low voice, "Jianjun, Su Liangsi... are they trustworthy?"

Liu Jianjun's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "At least for now, he is our best and only choice. He is a smart man who knows how to assess the situation and values ​​the stability of the country. As long as we do not cross his bottom line and can show him hope and our strength, his ship will not capsize for the time being."

His fingers tapped unconsciously on his knees, and his eyes sharpened.

"Next, we should let Xianzi rest and recuperate, while we... need to start getting real work done. This game of chess in Chang'an has only just begun."

……

Before Li Xian could even recover, news arrived the next day that Liu Rengui had passed away.

The news of Liu Rengui's death, like a somber funeral bell, officially heralded the power transition in Chang'an.

Along with the news of Liu Rengui's death came a simple note with six words written on it: "An angel is coming, be careful."

Although Liu Rengui had told Li Xian many times that his health was failing, when the news actually came, the heavy sense of loss and urgency still made it hard for him to breathe.

That old minister, who always smiled and schemed about everything, even his own death, is truly gone.

Liu Jianjun remained surprisingly calm. Looking at the six words on the note, he laughed and said, "Old Liu was still worried about us even on his deathbed. Does he really think I, Liu Jianjun, am a fool?"

Li Xian was puzzled.

Liu Jianjun casually explained, "Our relationship with Lao Liu."

"Don't forget, in Luoyang, and in your mother's eyes, we should be mortal enemies with Old Liu. He's reminding us not to go through the usual 'visiting to pay respects' ceremony, but rather to make a big fuss with gongs, drums, firecrackers, and red flags..."

Li Xian didn't hear what was said after that, as Liu Jianjun had already walked towards his small courtyard.

Li Xian pursed his lips; he could sense the sorrow in Liu Jianjun's departing figure.

……

Liu Jianjun really went and there was a great commotion of gongs, drums, and firecrackers.

He called Li Xian, and they rode his whirlwind charge horse, swaying leisurely along Zhuque Street. He even hired a band to follow behind him, with the sounds of sheng, xiao, flute, and drum constantly playing. However, the music played was not mournful, but rather exciting and cheerful tunes like "Lanling King Entering the Battle," which echoed from the street to the alley.

Li Xian rode Jinghong beside him.

He knew that Liu Jianjun was using this extreme method to draw a line, putting on a show for the arriving angels—last night, news had come from Su Liangsi that the envoy from Luoyang had arrived in Chang'an.

The two strolled leisurely toward the Liu residence, but didn't actually get close. They just wandered around the edge, looking exactly like spoiled brats who had come to provoke a troublemaker.

as predicted.

Almost as soon as the two of them circled around to the vicinity of Liu's residence for the third time, a group of men blocked their way in the street. The official in charge had a cold face and a sinister look in his eyes. He was riding a horse and staring at Liu Jianjun.

"With Lord Liu's recent passing, the entire nation is in mourning! How dare you raise your voices and make a ruckus on the Imperial Street! What kind of behavior is this!"

This person was dressed in the official robes of a fifth-rank official, so he was probably just the deputy envoy of the angelic order, while the chief envoy was someone else. Li Xian could easily control such a person.

So, Li Xian silently gave Liu Jianjun a look that said, "I'll take care of everything."

Liu Jianjun instantly understood, reined in his horse, picked his ear, glanced lazily at the deputy envoy, and sneered, "Oh, who do we have here? Liu Rengui is dead, what does that have to do with me? Which rule in Chang'an city regulations says that people aren't allowed to play a tune when they're happy?"

The deputy envoy's eyes widened, as if he hadn't realized that anyone would dare to oppose him.

After all, Liu Jianjun was only wearing casual clothes, as was Li Xian.

As for the cheerleaders behind the two, they were just ordinary cheerleading troupes hired from the public.

"You...you unruly commoner, you disobey your superior! Do you know your crime!" The deputy envoy was so angry that his face turned red.

At this moment, Liu Jianjun turned his head and muttered, "See? Your mother's men are all mentally challenged. They dare to stand up to him in the street, but doesn't he even think about why?"

Li Xian couldn't help but chuckle, but then he saw the coldness and murderous intent in Liu Jianjun's eyes.

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine.

He suddenly realized something: although Liu Jianjun didn't show it on his face, he had been harboring a raging fire inside him because of Liu Rengui's death.

The deputy envoy has now run into us...

Sure enough, Liu Jianjun suddenly drew his long whip from his waist and lashed it across the face of the deputy envoy, angrily shouting, "Where did this dog slave come from! Not to mention that I am the Chief Secretary of the Prince of Pei's Palace, and my rank and grade are above yours, even with His Highness the Prince of Pei in front of you, how dare you call him a scoundrel?!"

A bloody gash instantly appeared on the deputy envoy's face.

……

(End of this chapter)