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

Chapter 172 Inside Information about Li Xian and the Return of the Angel to the Capital (My chapters are quite large, please bear with me)
Li Xian looked at Li Xian very seriously, and Li Xian met his gaze honestly.

After a long while, Li Xian finally saw a light in his younger brother's eyes.

He smiled and said, "Okay, I'll help my second brother."

Li Xian suddenly felt a sense of peace and smiled with relief.

What he cared about wasn't Li Xian helping him, but rather the ease and relief in Li Xian's smile. He felt relieved because Li Xian had let go of his inner turmoil.

……

After descending the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the atmosphere inside the carriage on the way back to the Prince's Mansion was noticeably different.

Although Li Xian remained silent for most of the time, the suffocating sense of despair and fear had faded considerably. He would occasionally look up at the street scene outside the car window, his gaze complex but no longer entirely one of escapism.

This is a good change, and Li Xian is very pleased.

Back in the secluded courtyard of the Prince of Pei's residence, after dismissing his attendants, Li Xian did not rest immediately, but instead gestured for Li Xian and Liu Jianjun to sit down.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind. Although his eyes were still tired, they revealed a long-lost clarity and solemnity belonging to his former imperial status.

"Second brother, Jianjun," Li Xian's voice was still not loud, but much more steady, "there are some things... I think you should know."

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun immediately became serious, knowing that what Li Xian was about to say might be of great importance.

“When I was in Fangzhou, although I was practically imprisoned, the people Wu Sansi sent to guard me were not a monolithic group.”

Li Xian spoke slowly, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on his knees, "There are one or two people who, either because their families have received favors from the Emperor or because they are dissatisfied with the Wu clan's arrogance, secretly show me occasional pity and will reveal a few words to me..."

He paused, as if recalling and organizing his thoughts: "Although I was deposed, I was once the emperor. I still have some vague memories of some personnel changes that I used my seal of office for, or even those that my mother hastily arranged on the eve of my deposition."

"My mother... had already begun systematically replacing people in key positions long before she deposed me, and perhaps even when you, my second brother, were deposed."

“Especially… the military government.” Li Xian’s voice deepened as he uttered those two words.

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun's eyes simultaneously sharpened. Military power is always the foundation of all power.

"Which military prefectures?" Li Xian hurriedly asked.

"The lower-ranking officers of the Northern Gate Imperial Guard and the Feathered Forest Guard were replaced particularly frequently."

Li Xian tried hard to recall, “Most of those people were not outstanding, but they all had one thing in common: they were either related to the Wu clan by marriage or hometown ties, or they came from humble backgrounds and were eager to curry favor with the Empress Dowager. They were extremely loyal to the Empress Dowager personally.”

"I remember a few names..."

He named several generals and their approximate positions.

Liu Jianjun immediately pulled out a small notebook and a charcoal pencil from his pocket, a habit of his—quickly jotting down information. These names and details, like pieces of a puzzle, would allow them to see more clearly Empress Wu's plans in Chang'an.

Li Xian felt he should also get a charcoal pencil like Liu Jianjun's, something that could at least be carried around.

"besides,"

Li Xian continued, his brows furrowed, "Before I was deposed and forced to leave the capital, I inadvertently saw a report about auspicious omens. They weren't the usual auspicious grains or white pheasants, but rather mentioned prophecies like 'Guangwu Stream,' 'purple aura,' and 'the divine emperor's descent into the world.' At the time, I didn't think much of it, but now that I think about it... I'm afraid my mother had already ordered people to plan so-called 'auspicious omens' in various places to vindicate her in the future."

This perfectly confirms Liu Jianjun's guess at the top of the tower.

"In addition," Li Xian looked at Li Xian, his tone reminding him, "Second brother, you need to pay special attention to one person while you are in Chang'an: Cui Cha."

"Cui Cha?" Li Xian had some recollection of the name, but not a deep one.

"Yes."

Li Xian nodded: "This man is meticulous and particularly skilled in criminal investigation. Moreover... one of his cousins ​​married a trusted subordinate of Wu Chengsi."

“I vaguely heard that the Empress Dowager instructed him to keep a close eye on the movements of the imperial family and former officials in Chang’an, and that he had the authority to submit secret reports. This man is probably no less harmful than Lai Junchen, but he is better at hiding his true intentions.”

Liu Jianjun suddenly clapped his hands: "That matches up!"

Li Xian was stunned.

Liu Jianjun explained: "Do you remember Wan'er once told us that two people contributed the most to Empress Dowager Pei Yan's conviction process? One of them was Cui Cha. He said that if Pei Yan had no ulterior motives, why would he force the Empress Dowager to return power?"

"By the way...where is this person now?"

Li Xian replied, "He concurrently serves as the Commandant of the Capital Prefecture, but he frequently travels between Chang'an and Luoyang, and his whereabouts are unpredictable. I don't know exactly where he is."

Liu Jianjun frowned and said, "I was wondering why your mother would entrust the defense of Chang'an to such a useless person as Wu Youji. Turns out she had a hidden agenda!"

Li Xian suddenly realized.

But Li Xian asked with a puzzled look, "You just said... Wan'er?"

Li Xian then realized that Li Xian didn't know anything about Shangguan Wan'er, and hurriedly explained, "Shangguan Wan'er, the daughter of Shangguan Tingzhi..."

Before Li Xian could finish explaining, Li Xian gritted his teeth and said, "Of course I know her! She is highly trusted by the Empress Dowager. Many of the Empress Dowager's edicts were revised and issued by her. She is one of the few henchmen under the Empress Dowager..."

Hearing this, Li Xian suppressed a laugh and looked at Liu Jianjun.

Liu Jianjun awkwardly rubbed his nose and said to Li Xian, "Um... Wan'er is one of our people... to be precise, she's one of mine..."

Li Xian was stunned and didn't react.

“I said, this person is my wife, and I arranged for her to go to Empress Wu’s side.” Liu Jianjun adopted a “what’s the use” attitude, holding his head high and puffing out his chest.

Li Xian finally understood. He stared at Liu Jianjun in astonishment for a long while before realizing what was happening. Then he smiled bitterly and said, "I was wondering why, when I was mourning my father, some palace ladies would intentionally or unintentionally mention my mother's arrangements to me. So that's why..."

"At the time, I thought they were just being neglected!"

Li Xian couldn't help but smile.

My younger brother was so adorably silly back then...

After finishing discussing Shangguan Wan'er's matter, Liu Jianjun solemnly said, "This information about Cui Cha is extremely important. A secret agent hidden in the shadows is often more threatening than a lackey like Lai Junchen who is in the open. We need to inform Xue Da about this."

Li Xian nodded.

Li Xian asked curiously, "Xue Da?"

“You don’t need to worry about this. I’ll introduce you to him when I have the chance. Go on.” Liu Jianjun then looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian nodded, and then recounted fragments of his memory in fits and starts: the names of certain officials who might have sided with Empress Wu, one or two warehouses that might have been controlled by Empress Wu's confidants, and even his views on certain habits and tendencies of his mother in handling government affairs...

This information may be trivial, and some of it may be outdated, but coming from a former emperor, its value is immeasurable.

They provided Li Xian and Liu Jianjun with a clearer picture of Empress Wu's power network, and also pointed out the areas that needed to be guarded against and the gaps that could be tried to be won over.

Li Xian was increasingly alarmed as he listened, but at the same time, he felt greatly encouraged. His younger brother was not entirely useless; his past experiences had become a valuable resource at this moment.

Liu Jianjun took notes quickly, occasionally interjecting with a question or two about a key detail, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness.

When Li Xian showed signs of exhaustion and could no longer recall anything, Liu Jianjun closed his notebook, let out a long sigh, and said to Li Xian, "Xianzi, Xianzi... you're truly a precious gem! This information is extremely important to us!"

Upon hearing this straightforward praise, Li Xian's pale face flushed slightly, and he lowered his head in embarrassment.

Li Xian looked at his younger brother with gratitude and relief: "Xian Di, thank you so much! This is so important!"

"That's all I can do," Li Xian said in a low voice. "I only hope it can be of some help to my second brother."

"This is such a great help!"

Li Xian assured him, "Take good care of yourself and don't overexert yourself. If you remember anything in the future, just tell your brother or Jianjun."

Li Xian nodded. He was indeed a little confused, but he looked at Liu Jianjun with some hesitation, as if he had something to say.

Liu Jianjun tilted his head: "Why are you looking at me like that? Just say what you want to say, don't treat me like an outsider!"

Li Xian then said somewhat embarrassedly, "It's just... it's just... I'm craving that hot pot a little. I had the chef in the palace make it once before, but it never tasted like yours. Later, when I was under the watchful eye of my mother in the palace, I didn't have time to think about these things."

"Going to Fangzhou was even more..."

"So, after I wake up... can we make hot pot together?"

Li Xian chuckled awkwardly, seemingly finding it somewhat difficult to make such a request as a former emperor.

But Li Xian felt a strange pang of sadness in his heart.

This is his own younger brother, the purest offspring of the imperial family, yet his desires and ambitions have become so humble.

But this at least shows that Li Xian has truly let go of his inner turmoil.

So, before Liu Jianjun could even speak, Li Xian said firmly, "Eat, whatever you want to eat, I'll have Liu Jianjun make it for you!"

This time, Li Xian finally felt at ease enough to sleep.

Watching Li Xian drift off to sleep with that tiny bit of hope, his breathing becoming even, Li Xian tucked him in, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He gestured for Liu Jianjun to quietly leave the room and close the door behind him.

Both of them wore expressions of excitement and solemnity at their achievement.

“We need to verify the information provided by Xianzi immediately,” Liu Jianjun said in a deep voice, “especially the information about the military commanders and that Cui Cha. We need to find out as soon as possible.”

“I’ll take care of these things. Looks like I’ll have to go find Wu Youji again soon.” Liu Jianjun weighed the notebook in his hand, a sharp glint in his eyes. “Your mother really has a long reach. But at least now we’re not completely in the dark.”

Then he said to Li Xian, "But you'll have to keep an eye on the cotton ecological park. I've already explained the blueprints and materials to the foremen of each department. You just need to go over and keep an eye on the progress."

Li Xian nodded; this wasn't too difficult.

He only needs to stand there, and the migrant workers will work with great enthusiasm.

……

The next day, early in the morning.

Li Xian woke up very early and knocked on Li Xian's door early in the morning, then showed his usual honest smile: "Second brother, I want to eat hot pot."

Li Xian noticed a faint trace of sadness in Li Xian's eyes, but his spirits were clearly different from yesterday.

So, although Li Xian made the request to eat hot pot early in the morning, he still happily said, "Okay, let's have hot pot. Let's invite Xiu Niang and Guang Shun and the others."

……

When the group arrived at the gate of Liu Jianjun's courtyard, Li Xian heard obscene sounds coming from inside.

Comments included: "Cui'er, your feet look so comfortable in black stockings!", "Yu'er, your feet are so soft and tender, it's the most comfortable!", "Speaking of which, Cui'er, is something wrong with you? You haven't grown at all these days. Let me massage them for you again..."

Then came the soft, panting reproachful cries of two maids.

Li Xian blushed and stammered, "Liu Jianjun is just like that... I'll go call him."

Although Li Xian heard absurd noises coming from Liu Jianjun's courtyard, he knew that with Aisha gone, Liu Jianjun and the two maids were definitely not doing anything "proper," because he always said that the two maids were not yet tamed.

Li Xian didn't understand what he was thinking.

If you don't want to do *that*, then all this trouble will only make you suffer in the end, won't it?

Li Xian walked to Liu Jianjun's door and coughed lightly twice.

"Liu Jianjun, Xiandi is here, and Guangshun and Xiuniang are also here. They said they want to eat the hot pot you make."

The absurd sounds in the courtyard came to an abrupt halt.

A moment later, Liu Jianjun responded somewhat hastily and awkwardly: "Ah? Oh! Wait...wait a minute! It'll be ready soon!"

Then came the rustling sound of clothes being put on and a woman's soft chuckle.

Li Xian shook his head helplessly, turned around and explained to Li Xian, who looked curious, as well as Li Guangshun and the embroiderer who looked a little embarrassed, "He... uh, is a little... lazy in the morning."

Li Xian seemed to understand something, and a faint, long-lost teasing expression appeared on his pale face. He said in a low voice, "It's alright, it's alright."

After a while, the courtyard gate creaked open from the inside.

Liu Jianjun was dressed neatly, but his hair was a little messy, and he had a forced calm on his face.

Behind him, the two maids named Cui'er and Yu'er blushed, their eyes darting around. They quickly bowed to Li Xian and the others, then lowered their heads and hurried away.

"Ahem," Liu Jianjun cleared his throat, trying to salvage his image, "Well... hot pot so early in the morning? Xianzi, you have quite the appetite!"

He looked at Li Xian, trying to change the subject.

Li Xian smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "Didn't we agree on this yesterday...?"

Li Xian quickly gave Liu Jianjun a meaningful look.

He didn't want to see Li Xian disappointed.

"Alright! Eat whatever you want!" Liu Jianjun immediately slapped his thigh. "Perfect, the more the merrier! Xianzi, take them to my shed for a bit. It's more comfortable to eat hot pot outside on a hot day, instead of my smoky place. I'll go to the kitchen and get things ready. I guarantee you'll eat until your tongues fall off!"

Then he turned to the embroiderer and Changxin and said, "Sister-in-law, please wait a moment. Oh, Changxin has grown taller. You mustn't be as absurd as your brother Jianjun!"

As he spoke, he practically fled towards the kitchen.

Li Xian stared dumbfounded at Liu Jianjun's nonsensical way of addressing them, then pointed at Xiu Niang and Chang Xin, seemingly realizing it was somewhat impolite, and quickly pulled his finger back before asking, "How... how is your relationship defined?"

Li Xian said irritably, "That's just how Liu Jianjun is. He disregards etiquette and law. I'll talk to you about it later."

The group sat down in the pavilion. Li Xian briefly told Li Xian about Liu Jianjun's deeds at the Prince of Pei's residence these past few days. From Li Xian and Li Xian's conversation, Xiu Niang also vaguely learned why Li Xian had appeared in Chang'an.

But the embroiderer said nothing, only occasionally glancing at Li Xian with a hint of worry in her eyes.

Li Xian placed his hand under the table and gently grasped the embroiderer's hand.

Liu Jianjun was right after all; a woman like Xiu Niang is the most suitable for marriage and a stable life.

She was gentle and kind, and even though she was more intelligent than him, she was willing to hide her intelligence and listen to him without question. Even when he had thoughts of suicide, she simply made arrangements for everything and prepared to go with him.

If a wife is found like this, what else can a husband ask for?

Feeling Li Xian's warmth, the embroiderer turned her head and smiled serenely at him.

Li Xian, however, looked somewhat unnatural upon seeing himself and the embroiderer playing music in harmony.

The embroiderer sensed the awkwardness, so she gently steered the conversation towards Li Xian, smiling as she asked, "Brother Xian, how is Princess Wei doing at the Prince's residence?"

When Li Xian heard the embroiderer ask about his wife, his expression darkened slightly.

But she quickly forced a smile, though it was tinged with bitterness and worry: "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law. Madam Wei... her health has always been alright, but she's gentle by nature. I don't know if she can hold on in Fangzhou's situation without me by her side..."

His voice gradually lowered, and his fingers unconsciously rubbed the rim of the teacup.

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Li Xian could understand his younger brother's worry and helplessness. Putting himself in his brother's shoes, he would probably feel the same torment if Xiu Niang were in danger and he was powerless to help her.

"Is your wife gentle-natured?"

Liu Jianjun suddenly walked over carrying his specially made boiler. "This is quite a strange thing. Tell me about it?"

Li Xian glared at him irritably.

Li Xian was already visibly downcast, so why was Liu Jianjun asking this question? Liu Jianjun glared back at Li Xian without any politeness, his eyes clearly saying: "Xianzi, wasn't it you and your sister-in-law who upset you?"
Seeing Li Xian and Liu Jianjun staring at each other, Xiu Niang smoothed things over and gently comforted them, "Brother Xian, there's no need to worry too much. Princess Wei is from a prestigious family and has her own resilience. Now that you are safe, that is her greatest comfort. Once the situation stabilizes, there will be a time for reunion."

Li Xian nodded and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your kind words, sister-in-law."

Judging from his expression, he didn't seem willing to continue on this topic.

Liu Jianjun stopped asking questions and turned to go into the kitchen, bringing out other dishes one after another.

Thinly sliced ​​lamb, tender fish fillets, crisp tripe, fresh vegetables, frozen tofu...

A dazzling array of items filled the table.

"Luckily, I remembered that Xianzi said he wanted to eat hot pot, so I had the servants in the manor prepare the ingredients yesterday. Otherwise, with you all coming over so early in the morning, we might not have been able to gather enough people for this meal."

After praising his own wares, Liu Jianjun called out, "Don't just stand there! Once the pot boils, we need to put the meat in! Xianzi, you're the guest of honor, so the first bite must be yours!"

Liu Jianjun reverted to his usual enthusiastic host demeanor, quickly cooking a few slices of mutton for Li Xian, dipping them in sauce, and placing them in his bowl.

Li Xian thanked him, put the mutton into his mouth, chewed carefully, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a genuine and satisfied expression instantly appeared on his face: "Mmm! This is the taste! Jianjun, your cooking skills are absolutely amazing!"

"Hahaha! Of course!" Liu Jianjun laughed triumphantly, then busied himself serving food to Li Guangshun and the embroiderer. "Eat up, eat up! Don't be shy! Changxin, you need to eat more meat to grow taller, and you'll be even more robust than your brother Jianjun in the future!"

Changxin said angrily, "I am a woman, why should I be tall and strong? I should be as gentle and graceful as my mother!"

Li Xian looked at her daughter with some surprise. She remembered that Changxin used to be very shy in front of Liu Jianjun. Anyone with experience could tell at a glance that Changxin had feelings for Liu Jianjun.

But now, Changxin is behaving with composure and grace.

It seems that the method Liu Jianjun mentioned worked, but I don't know how Liu Jianjun did it.

Upon hearing this, Liu Jianjun's eyes lit up, and he gave Changxin a thumbs up: "Well said! Sister Changxin is insightful! A woman should be as gentle and kind as you, sister-in-law; that's the best quality!"

Changxin felt a little embarrassed by his praise, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head to eat the food in her bowl in small bites, but a smile quietly curved her lips.

Li Xian understood the subtle change in his daughter.

Changxin's girlish feelings for Liu Jianjun probably haven't completely faded, but she seems... to have become more open-minded and clear-headed?
This is a good thing.

Regardless of whether it ultimately succeeds or not, Changxin is at least moving in a positive direction.

The atmosphere of the hot pot banquet has become lively again.

The copper pot bubbled and steam rose. Li Xian tried cooking a piece of tripe in the spicy broth, and the spicy flavor instantly stimulated his taste buds.

"Ugh, I still can't finish this!"

Li Xian's embarrassment instantly dispelled the gloom he had just felt. Li Xian laughed heartily, picked up a piece of dogwood with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. His face turned red from the spiciness, but he still looked at Li Xian defiantly.

Everyone sat around the table, their chopsticks flying as they ate, sweating profusely as they devoured the food with great relish.

Seeing Li Xian intently enjoying the food, Li Xian felt relieved.

Although Li Xian was still mostly silent, his eyes became much more lively. He would smile slightly at Liu Jianjun's witty remarks and would also thoughtfully hand Li Guangshun a water glass when he noticed that Li Guangshun was feeling the spiciness.

After a few cups of warm wine, they felt warmer and gradually started talking.

Li Xian no longer just listened passively; he would occasionally recount some of the delicious food and interesting stories he had enjoyed with Consort Wei when they were in Chang'an. Although his tone was still inevitably somber when he mentioned his wife, he was now able to face it with composure.

Li Xian noticed that every time Liu Jianjun heard the name Wei, he would subconsciously stop eating and listen intently.

Li Xian gave Liu Jianjun a disgruntled look.

Liu Jianjun then calmed down and continued eating his hotpot as if nothing had happened.

At this moment, Li Xian seemed to suddenly remember something, put down his chopsticks, and his expression became slightly serious as he looked at Li Xian and Liu Jianjun: "Second brother, Jianjun, speaking of the Wei family, I just remembered something."

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun immediately stopped what they were doing and looked at him.

“There was a palace maid named Wei Tuan’er who was also surnamed Wei by the Empress Dowager’s side. She was trusted by the Empress Dowager and often served her closely.”

Li Xian carefully considered his words, his brows furrowing slightly. "This woman seems clever and obedient, but I always feel... her gaze is somewhat unfocused, and she seems to have a deep mind."

"Moreover, I vaguely remember seeing her whispering a few words with a steward from Wu Chengsi's residence in a secluded spot in the palace garden once. I didn't pay attention at the time, but now that I think about it, perhaps... it wasn't a coincidence."

Wei Tuan'er?
Wu Chengsi?
Li Xian and Liu Jianjun exchanged a glance and memorized the name.

Wu Chengsi was the most active and ambitious of the Empress Dowager's nephews. His private contact with the Empress Dowager's favored palace maids was no small matter.

"Xianzi, your brain used to be so foggy, but it's finally starting to work!" Liu Jianjun said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, as he placed another piece of meat on Li Xian's plate. "Eat more, nourish yourself, and maybe you'll remember something useful!"

Li Xian felt a little embarrassed by what he said, but he was clearly not offended. On the contrary, he felt more valuable because of it.

“Wei Tuan’er…” Li Xian pondered for a moment, then looked at Liu Jianjun: “This matter might also be something Wan’er should keep in mind.”

With his mouth full of meat, Liu Jianjun nodded vaguely, "It's alright, it doesn't matter. This name just sounds like it means I'll die young."

Liu Jianjun didn't seem to take it too seriously.

Li Xian was relieved.

But just then, an aged voice suddenly came from outside Liu Jianjun's courtyard: "Your Highness, the two young princes did not come to my place to recite their lessons today... Your Majesty... Prince Luling?!"

Li Xian turned his head.

They stared in astonishment at the newcomer.

Liu Neyan.

Oh no, how could I have forgotten about that!

Although Liu Jianjun said that he could trust Liu Neyan and had entrusted his children to him for education, Liu Neyan was unaware of his secret plot with Liu Jianjun to take care of Da Bao, and even less aware that he had brought Li Xian from Fangzhou!
Liu Neyan stood at the gate of the courtyard, his white beard trembling slightly, his old eyes wide open, staring intently at Li Xian, who was sitting at the table with a piece of mutton in his mouth, staring at him with a bewildered look.

The ruler in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud," and he stood frozen in place as if struck by lightning.

"Your Highness...Prince Luling?!"

Liu Nayan's voice sounded like it was being squeezed out of her throat, filled with disbelief and horror, "You...how could you...be in Chang'an?! In the Prince of Pei's residence?!"

He abruptly turned to look at Li Xian, his eyes filled with shock, confusion, and even a hint of suppressed anger: "Your Highness! What... what is going on?! The Prince of Luling should be in Fangzhou! To release a deposed emperor is a crime tantamount to treason! How... how could you be so foolish!"

The hall fell silent instantly, and the bubbling sound of the hot pot seemed particularly jarring at that moment.

Li Guangshun and the embroiderer were so frightened that they stopped eating and watched the scene unfold before them with bated breath.

Changxin subconsciously moved closer to his mother.

Li Xian's heart jumped into his throat, his brain racing as he tried to think of an explanation.

He had planned everything meticulously, but he hadn't expected Liu Nayan to show up at this critical juncture!
Just as Li Xian opened his mouth to speak but didn't know where to begin, Liu Jianjun burst out laughing, as if he had heard something extremely funny.

He slowly put down his chopsticks, even taking a leisurely sip of wine, before looking at the panicked Liu Nayan. His tone was as lazy and mocking as ever: "Oh dear, my old master Liu, what are you up to? What Prince of Luling? Where did this Prince of Luling come from? Are you blind?"

Liu Nayan was so angry that his beard almost stood on end. He pointed at Li Xian and said, "Liu Changshi! You...you mustn't talk nonsense! Although I am old, I am not so old as to mistake even His Highness the Prince of Luling!"

"I admit I was wrong, I definitely admit I was wrong!"

Liu Jianjun stood up, walked to Li Xian's side, and put his arm around Li Xian's shoulder in a very natural way. "Master Liu, take a good look. This is clearly my distant cousin, whose surname is Xian, given name is Ren, and courtesy name is A Xian!"
"Because he looked somewhat wealthy, he was nicknamed 'Little King Li' when he was a child, not some Prince of Luling! Don't you think so, Cousin A-Xian?" He squeezed Li Xian's shoulder hard.

Li Xian was startled by this sudden turn of events, his face turning pale again. But feeling the strength in Liu Jianjun's hand and the hint in his eyes, he swallowed hard, forced a smile that looked worse than crying, and nodded to Liu Neyan, his voice dry: "...Yes, yes, sir...you've mistaken me for someone else."

Liu Neyan looked at Liu Jianjun, who had a "sincere" look on his face, then at Li Xian, whose expression was stiff and whose eyes were darting around, and then at Li Xian's family, who looked nervous. She was completely confused.

He was indeed getting old, and his eyesight was not as good as it used to be. Moreover, Li Xian had experienced many hardships, and his appearance had changed drastically. After Liu Jianjun stirred things up, he even began to doubt himself for a moment.

“But…but…” Liu Neyan was still struggling.

"Oh, there's no 'but' about it!"

Liu Jianjun interrupted him, stepped forward, and affectionately took Liu Neyan's arm, leading him to the table. "Better late than never! Mr. Liu, you haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Perfect timing, we're eating here. Come, come, try my cooking, authentic Bazhou... uh, authentic my old Liu family's secret hot pot! I guarantee that after you eat it, you'll feel refreshed, your hearing and vision will be sharp, and you'll never mistake someone for someone else again!"

As he spoke, he pressed the still dazed Liu Neyan down onto the couch without saying a word, and handed him a bowl and chopsticks.

Liu Neyan held chopsticks in her hand, looking at the bubbling red soup and the dishes on the table, then at the young man opposite her who looked just like the Prince of Luling but was called her "cousin". Her mind went completely blank.

Seeing this, Li Xian secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly served food to Liu Nayan. He then followed up on Liu Jianjun's words and said, "Lord Liu, Jianjun is right. You must have mistaken him for someone else. This is indeed a distant relative of Jianjun. He recently came to Chang'an to seek refuge and is currently resting at your residence due to illness."

He tried to make his tone sound natural.

The embroiderer also gently advised, "Mr. Liu, let's have a meal first."

Liu Neyan looked at this and then at that, finally sighed, shook his head, and muttered, "Could it be... that my old eyes are really failing me?"

He was, after all, a scholar. Although stubborn, he was not unreasonable. Seeing that both Prince Pei and Chief Secretary Liu had said so, he could not press the matter on the spot, even though he still had doubts. He could only pick up his chopsticks and eat without tasting the food, but his eyes still occasionally glanced suspiciously at Li Xian.

Li Xian felt extremely uncomfortable being stared at, so he could only bury his head in his food and eat, wishing he could bury his face in the bowl.

A sudden crisis was temporarily suppressed by Liu Jianjun's jokes and unreasonable arguments.

But Li Xian knew that Liu Neyan wasn't stupid, and this matter couldn't be so easily dismissed.

After the meal, Liu Nayan took her leave, looking preoccupied, saying she needed to go to her study to have some peace and quiet.

Li Xian knew that he had to be honest with him as soon as possible, otherwise the misunderstanding would only deepen and make things worse.

He told the embroiderer to take the children back first, then comforted Li Xian for a few moments, telling him to go back to his room to rest, and then gave Liu Jianjun a wink.

The two went together to the guest house where Liu Neyan was temporarily staying.

Pushing open the study door, one sees Liu Neyan sitting alone at his desk, staring blankly at a blank sheet of paper, his brows furrowed.

Upon seeing Li Xian and Liu Jianjun enter, he raised his head, his gaze complex: "Your Highness, Chief Secretary Liu, now that there is no one else, could you tell me what exactly happened? Was that person... really the Prince of Luling?"

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun exchanged a glance, knowing they could no longer hide it.

Li Xian took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Liu Neyan: "Lord Liu, in the heat of the moment, I deceived you in many ways. It was truly unavoidable. Please forgive me, Lord Liu."

He straightened up, his expression solemn: "The person in the courtyard is indeed the Prince of Luling, my esteemed younger brother."

Although Liu Nayan had already guessed, hearing it confirmed with his own ears still made him gasp and stand up abruptly: "Your Highness! How...how could you do this..."

"Lord Liu, please don't be impatient. Let me finish speaking."

Li Xian raised his hand to interrupt him, and in a somber tone, briefly recounted how Li Xian had been mistreated by Wu Sansi's men in Fangzhou, how Liu Jianjun had risked his life to rescue him, and his current precarious situation.

"...Lord Liu, my younger brother is also of the Emperor's blood. How could I stand by and watch him be tortured to death? Bringing him back was a last resort, and more importantly, it was out of brotherly affection that I couldn't sever. Now the Empress Dowager is pressing the Li Tang imperial family step by step. If we don't help each other, I'm afraid..."

Li Xian didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was already clear.

As Liu Neyan listened, the anger on her face was gradually replaced by shock, sympathy, and solemnity.

Throughout his life, he adhered to the rules of propriety and remained loyal to the Tang Dynasty. Upon hearing of the suffering endured by the late emperor's son, he was filled with indignation.

Liu Jianjun added from the side, "Master, this is the situation now. It's a huge risk for Xianzi to stay in Chang'an, but it's the only option we have."

“You are a learned and wise man. We are all in the same boat now. If you report us, we will all be finished. But if you can help us, we might be able to fight our way out.”

Liu Neyan remained silent for a long time, his gray eyebrows furrowed tightly together.

He looked at Li Xian, who had a sincere expression, then at Liu Jianjun, who seemed carefree but had clear eyes, and then at the haggard and shaken Prince Luling he had just seen. Finally, he let out a long sigh.

"That's all, that's all..."

He slumped back into his chair. "I have always been cautious and prudent, but I never imagined that I would be involved in such a momentous event in my old age... Your Highness, your actions... are truly... alas!"

He sighed heavily, then raised his head, his gaze becoming firm: "Indeed, Your Highness is right!"

"With such deep kinship, how can we stand by and watch someone die? Moreover, the Empress Dowager's actions are becoming increasingly cruel, which is not a blessing for the country."

"I...I am but a humble scholar, yet I know the meaning of loyalty and righteousness! I will pretend I never witnessed what happened today! Your Highness, if you require anything, as long as it does not violate the teachings of the Sage, I...will do my utmost!"

Hearing Liu Neyan's words, Li Xian finally felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

Although I know it's not fair to do this, Liu Jianjun was right. Liu Nayan is the kind of pedantic Confucian scholar who can always be subdued by invoking Confucian principles of loyalty and righteousness.

Li Xian could only bow solemnly, as a way of making amends to Liu Nayan in his heart: "Thank you, Lord Liu, for your great understanding!"

Liu Jianjun grinned and patted Liu Neyan on the shoulder: "Hey! I knew you were a wise man, old master! You're a real friend!"

Liu Neyan winced as he slapped her, and glared at him irritably, but the tense atmosphere finally eased.

Having dealt with Liu Neyan, a potential threat, Liu Jianjun immediately set off to meet his cronies, Wu Youji, for drinks and music. Li Xian, on the other hand, went to the cotton ecological park to supervise the construction, as arranged by Liu Jianjun.

Li Xian is currently very concerned about the cotton ecological park because Liu Jianjun said that once the cotton ecological park is built, he plans to arrange for Li Xian to help manage the accounts and storage, and to be publicly referred to as an accountant hired by the Prince's Mansion.

Although it wasn't as comfortable as the Prince's Mansion, at least it allowed Li Xian to avoid being cooped up in the mansion all day.

Liu Jianjun did not return home tonight.

……

The next morning, a servant brought news that Lai Junchen had returned to Luoyang.

At the same time, a secret letter arrived from Su Liangsi's side:
"The envoy has been secretly investigating the movements of the Prince's residence during the mourning period for Lord Liu, paying particular attention to the interactions between Your Highness and Lord Liu's former subordinates. It seems that Your Highness intends to fabricate rumors of discord between Your Highness and Lord Liu. The envoy has already returned to the capital and may have something to report to the Emperor. Please be cautious."

Liu Jianjun's prediction that day was absolutely correct.

Just as Li Xian was thinking of looking for Liu Jianjun, Liu Jianjun strolled back by himself, humming an off-key tune, and carrying a faint smell of alcohol and rouge, clearly having just returned from Pingkangfang.

"Hey, Xianzi, still not resting?" Liu Jianjun grinned and approached, his face full of lewd smiles.

Li Xian handed him the secret letter that Su Liangsi had brought, and said in an annoyed tone, "Lai Junchen has gone back. Just as you predicted, he is secretly gathering evidence of our discord with Lord Liu. I'm afraid he will slander us behind my mother's back."

Liu Jianjun took the secret letter, glanced at it briefly, and then casually tossed it onto the table as if it were some insignificant piece of waste paper.

"That's it? I thought he was up to something big. The more he attacks us and Lord Liu, the worse he'll get."

Li Xian nodded.

Liu Jianjun has already given the reasons.

Liu Jianjun then asked, "Was this letter delivered by Su Liangsi?"

"Ah."

Liu Jianjun stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then said, "This person is quite unexpected. When I went to see him last time, he spoke very eloquently, but in the end, he still went to great lengths to help us."

Li Xian asked doubtfully, "Isn't this a good thing?"

"It's a good thing, after all, we've caught another Cui Cha now, and it'll be easier for us with Su Liangsi's help. I'm just thinking... should we wait until Lai Junchen is crying and screaming before giving him a hand?"

"Help Lai Junchen?"

Liu Jianjun nodded: "Yes, let him annoy your mother again."

……

(End of this chapter)