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

Chapter 184 After the matter was concluded, Lai Junchen, who suddenly arrived, shouted "Long live the Emperor of Shangyang Palace!"
Liu Jianjun slapped his forehead in frustration and turned back to his room dejectedly.

Seeing his discomfiture, Li Xian felt a little relieved and couldn't help but laugh at him: "Serves you right! Serves you right for being so rude, using all that 'Tico' and 'shrimp head' stuff... what kind of foul language is that?"

"I just got carried away with my words, didn't I? The core idea wasn't wrong." Liu Jianjun sat down, looking annoyed.

"To help Taiping recover quickly from heartbreak and feelings of powerlessness, we need to take drastic measures and shift her focus to grander goals... such as power or self-actualization. However, the specific wording... cough cough, may be a little too extreme."

“What you’re saying isn’t just extreme, it’s outrageous.” Li Xian shook his head helplessly. “Forget it, Miss Wan’er knows what she’s doing. She has a deep friendship with Taiping and knows how to persuade her. I just hope… Taiping can truly understand our good intentions, instead of going to the other extreme.”

“Only extremes can break the deadlock, my son.” Liu Jianjun’s expression also became more serious. “In this Luoyang city, especially under the shadow of your mother, following the rules will only lead to death. No matter which extreme Taiping goes to, it will be better for her than the current situation, right? It’s better than her weeping all day long.”

"It's just that the other extreme eventually led to your mother controlling you, and then turning into a sharp blade to stab us."

"It's not good for us."

After a moment of silence, Li Xian had to admit that Liu Jianjun made a good point.

He sighed and brought his thoughts back to the present: "The meeting at Shangyang Palace tomorrow is the most urgent matter. According to Wan'er, the Empress Dowager wants to use the auspicious omen as a pretext to manipulate public opinion, and we, the Li Tang imperial family, especially myself and my brother Dan, are just pawns she wants to use to decorate the facade."

“That’s right.” Liu Jianjun nodded. “So tomorrow, you have to play this role well. You can’t be too proactive, so your mother will think you have ulterior motives; nor can you be too passive, so she will think you are useless or even resentful. You have to find the right balance.”

“Auspicious omen… explain auspicious omen…” Li Xian muttered to himself, his brows furrowing slightly. “Liu Jianjun, you’re always quick-witted, what’s your opinion on this?”

Liu Jianjun stroked his chin, a sly glint in his eyes: "Auspicious omens, to put it bluntly, are just a pretext; the key is how you interpret them. Take the same white sparrow perched in the courtyard, for example. You could say it's the sage's virtue spreading to all, or you could say it's an omen of the empress's ascension to the throne. Tomorrow's three auspicious omens cases, whatever their specifics, will inevitably point to the legitimacy of your mother's ascension to the throne. As for us…"

He lowered his voice: "Why not go with the flow?"

"Go with the flow?" Li Xian asked, puzzled.

“Yes!” Liu Jianjun leaned closer and whispered, “The current situation is that your mother has gained some trust in you. We might as well take this opportunity to gain more trust. Didn’t I say that after we came to Luoyang, you should keep a low profile and I should be high-profile?”
"But now that your mother trusts us, this plan can be slightly modified."

How to change it?

"Tomorrow you not only need to go with the flow, but you also need to exceed expectations! Ideally, you should make your mother feel that you are easy to manage, and even more considerate, perhaps even more useful than the people under her command. The specifics are a bit complicated..."

"Isn't your mother trying to use auspicious omens to build momentum and pave the way for her ascension to the throne? Then you should not only agree with her, but also, based on what she proposes, explain the meaning of auspicious omens in a deeper, broader, and more appealing way!"

Li Xian frowned slightly: "This...isn't this flattery? How is it different from those court jesters? Besides, with the Empress Dowager being so shrewd, wouldn't she be suspicious if we were to be so overly obsequious?"

"No!" Liu Jianjun shook his finger. "I ask you, now that your mother is about to ascend the throne, is there any way we can stop her?"

Li Xian thought for a moment and honestly shook his head.

Now that the Empress Dowager has all the advantages, her refusal to ascend the throne is merely to strengthen her legitimacy and sanctity.

Even if she were to abandon these things, at most it would only cause some minor disturbances similar to the Yangzhou rebellion, which would have some impact on her, but not a significant one.

"So, this isn't flattery, it's just going with the flow. The most important thing is..." Liu Jianjun paused, looking at Li Xian: "Xianzi, our goal is to help your mother ascend the throne. Only when her wish is fulfilled will she start making mistakes."

"We can only take action if she makes a mistake."

"So why not just give her a push?"

Li Xian's pupils contracted slightly; Liu Jianjun's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in his mind.

Previously, his thoughts were more about how to protect himself under the pressure of his mother and secretly accumulate strength to wait for the right time. But Liu Jianjun's idea was to actively push his mother to the peak!

"Push her...to the throne?" Li Xian even doubted that he had heard correctly.

“Yes, the situation is in our favor now, we can’t wait any longer!” Liu Jianjun’s eyes gleamed with wisdom: “Think about the people under our command. Although we have young people like Lao Wang, what about Di Renjie? What about Su Liangsi?”

"We can wait, but what about them?"
"Xianzi...you don't want to see another Liu Rengui, do you?"

The mention of Liu Rengui finally dispelled Li Xian's last hesitation, and he nodded: "Then what should we do?"

"so……"

……

After discussing the arrangements for the next day, the two returned to the post station.

Although we came up with the excuse of going shopping, it wouldn't be good to go home too late.

As soon as the two returned to Longmen Post Station, the post station's servant cautiously approached them and reported, "Your Highness Prince Pei, Chief Secretary Liu, there is someone... who has been waiting for you two for a long time."

The courier's expression was somewhat strange, hard to describe, as if the person who arrived was of some special status.

Li Xian was surprised. Why was it so lively today?

There was no time to ask who the visitor was. He exchanged a glance with Liu Jianjun and headed towards their room at the inn.

As soon as Li Xian entered the courtyard of the post station, he understood why the postman's expression was so strange. The man stood upright in the courtyard, but just by standing there, he gave people a sinister and cunning feeling.

Come to Junchen.

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

How did he find his way here? And why at this particular time?
Liu Jianjun raised an eyebrow, gave Li Xian a wink, signaling him to calm down, and then raised his voice: "Oh, isn't this... By the way, what official is he again?"

Liu Jianjun turned to look at Li Xian, his eyes narrowed.

But at this moment, Lai Junchen had already heard Liu Jianjun's voice. He turned around, his gaze fixed on Liu Jianjun, and bypassed Li Xian, bowing deeply to Liu Jianjun: "Chief Secretary Liu... no, Mr. Liu! Help me, Lord Liu!"

Taking the opportunity, Li Xian whispered, "Imperial Censor."

Liu Jianjun feigned surprise and offered a helping hand: "Imperial Censor... what is the reason for this? I cannot accept such a grand gesture, for you are not..."

Lai Junchen raised his head, his face full of regret and fear: "Lord Liu, please don't make fun of me! I was blind before, which offended the Emperor and led to my demotion. I can hardly move an inch in the court now... Only you, my lord, can guide me and save me!"

Liu Jianjun pretended not to understand and asked, "What's wrong, Imperial Censor?"

Seeing Liu Jianjun's expression, Lai Junchen knew that Liu Jianjun was determined to expose his pretense, so he stopped hiding it and honestly told him about his experience.

It turns out that Lai Junchen had been eager to prove himself and had fabricated charges against Li Xian. However, Empress Wu saw through his intentions and believed that he was trying to disrupt the court. Instead of rewarding him, she found a pretext to sideline and neglect him.

Now he is in an awkward position among the ruthless officials, and his past "achievements" have been tarnished by this failure. He is about to be completely trampled underfoot by Zhou Xing and others. How can he not be anxious?
Liu Jianjun sneered inwardly, but put on a show of sympathy and invited Lai Junchen to sit down: "Your Excellency Lai, you flatter me. I am but a lowly official in the Prince's Palace, what merit or ability do I possess..."

“You are too modest, my lord!” Lai Junchen interrupted hastily. “I have long admired your abilities, my lord! You warned me back then, but alas I… Alas! Now I only beg you to consider our past relationship and show me the way again! If I can return to my high position, I will never forget your great kindness!”

Li Xian thought to himself, "This Lai Junchen is quite a talent. He clearly had a falling out with Liu Jianjun back in Chang'an, but now he can pretend that nothing happened and even manage to build a friendship with him."

But he didn't say anything.

Liu Jianjun is clearly more experienced in dealing with this type of person.

Liu Jianjun pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the silent Li Xian beside him, then turning to Lai Junchen, and slowly said, "Imperial Censor Lai, it's not that you can't return to His Majesty's side, or even gain his trust..."

Lai Junchen's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward: "Please enlighten me, my lord!"

“However…” Liu Jianjun changed the subject, “This method is somewhat risky, and it requires the Imperial Censor to have sufficient courage and decisiveness.”

"Please speak freely, my lord! Even in this perilous situation, it is better than sitting and waiting to die!"

Liu Jianjun nodded, lowered his voice, and said, word by word, "If you want to regain the Emperor's favor, you need to perform a great service that will impress everyone. In the court today, what is the greatest 'merit'? Naturally, it is to eliminate 'hidden dangers' for His Majesty."

Lai Junchen nodded repeatedly: "Absolutely! But now the case of the imperial clan's rebellion is nearing its end, and Zhou Xing is in control..." "Therefore, your target cannot be just those imperial clan members who have lost power." A cold glint flashed in Liu Jianjun's eyes. "You need to find a target that is significant enough, and... His Majesty may have doubts, but no one dares to touch it for the time being, or if they do, the effect will be poor."

"Who?" Lai Junchen asked, his breathing quickening.

Liu Jianjun stared into his eyes and slowly uttered two words: "Zhou Xing".

Lai Junchen was startled, almost thinking he had misheard: "Zhou... Zhou Xing? He's His Majesty's most trusted advisor right now..."

"It is precisely because he is useful that if you can find his problems, it will make you appear more capable and more loyal to His Majesty!"

Liu Jianjun's tone was seductive, "Come, Imperial Censor, think about it carefully. Zhou Xing has handled so many major cases, involving such a wide range of people. Is he really completely impartial and selfless? Didn't he take the opportunity to eliminate dissidents and line his own pockets? Didn't he... know things he shouldn't know?"

"Or rather... do you really think that His Majesty's suppression of the rebellion of the Li Tang imperial family will not provoke dissatisfaction among other officials? Don't forget, this empire ultimately belongs to the Li Tang dynasty!"

Lai Junchen's eyes gradually shifted from shock to contemplation, and finally revealed a ruthless glint.

"What does Your Excellency mean?"

"Zhou Xing has just finished handling the case involving the imperial clan. Once the birds are gone, the good bow is put away... As for Zhou Xing, His Majesty was merely using him as a tool to kill someone. Now that the person is dead, His Majesty may already be thinking of removing this weapon to quell public anger..."

Liu Jianjun stopped there.

Lai Junchen's thoughtful expression grew deeper.

He was an extremely selfish person, and he would do anything to climb the social ladder.

Previously, he and Zhou Xing were both cruel officials. Although they competed, they were more like "colleagues". Now that he is in danger of losing his own life, how can he care about such things?

"Does Your Excellency mean... to fabricate... no, to investigate whether Zhou Xing harbors disloyal intentions?"

"As for the specifics of how to do it, the Imperial Censor is more knowledgeable than I am."

Liu Jianjun smiled meaningfully, "For example, you could try to make His Majesty think that when Zhou Xing was handling the case of the princes' rebellion, perhaps... he learned some palace secrets about His Majesty's past that should not be known to outsiders? Or perhaps, he privately had some complaints about some of the policies implemented by His Majesty? Or perhaps... he has contraband related to the 'Li Tang' in his home?"

"In short, we need to make His Majesty feel that Zhou Xing is no longer trustworthy, and may even... pose a threat to His Majesty."

Lai Junchen understood immediately, and his eyes shone brightly.

Liu Jianjun gave him an excellent idea and excuse to frame his colleagues, especially those who were in power, which was his forte!
"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

Lai Junchen was so excited he almost slammed his fist on the table. He bowed deeply to Liu Jianjun again, "You are truly a divine being! Your words have awakened me from my dream! I know what to do now! Thank you for your guidance!"

At this moment, he was preoccupied with how to fabricate charges to put Zhou Xing to death. He seemed to have already seen himself regaining Empress Wu's favor and becoming even more powerful than before. He could no longer sit still and hurriedly took his leave.

Watching Lai Junchen's figure disappear through the door, Li Xian then looked at Liu Jianjun, his expression complicated: "You want him to falsely accuse Zhou Xing? This..."

Liu Jianjun said slowly, "What? Do you think my methods are despicable?"

“Zhou Xing was also a cruel official, and his death is not a pity. However… Lai Junchen is ruthless. If he really uses this to turn his life around, I’m afraid… Could it be that you plan to recruit him?”

"No way?" Liu Jianjun retorted.

"If you say it's possible, then of course it's possible... It's just that I feel a bit disgusted by this person. If you want to recruit him, try to keep him out of my sight..."

Before Li Xian could finish speaking, Liu Jianjun interrupted him: "Alright, alright, didn't I tell you? This guy is an ungrateful dog. Try to recruit him? I must be out of my mind!"

Liu Jianjun chuckled and said, "I was just testing you."

Li Xian was furious.

But Liu Jianjun regained his serious expression and said, "My dear son, remember this: sometimes you need to use even more wicked people to deal with wicked people. Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen are neither good people. Let them fight like dogs, get their asses mixed up, wouldn't that save us a lot of trouble? Besides..."

He paused, a mysterious glint in his eyes: "I've rehearsed this as a way to lure the enemy into a trap. Lai Junchen is using the method I taught him to deal with Zhou Xing. Hehe, the cause and effect is truly wonderful."

"Invite the enemy into the urn?" Li Xian was unfamiliar with this phrase.

"You'll find out later." Liu Jianjun didn't explain, but just patted Li Xian on the shoulder. "Alright, all the irrelevant people have been sent away. Let's get some rest and discuss whether there's anything to add about helping your mother blow auspicious omens into flowers tomorrow."

……

The following day, at Shangyang Palace, in the Guanlan Hall.

As dawn breaks, the palace stands majestically.

The magnificent palace was built along the Luo River, shimmering in the rising sun. The wide imperial road paved with white marble extended all the way to the square in front of the palace, with imperial guards in bright armor standing solemnly on both sides, holding halberds, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Li Xian, dressed in the everyday clothes of a prince, walked along the imperial road under the guidance of the master of ceremonies.

Upon entering the hall, I was immediately captivated by the scene before me.

This spectacle was almost more grand than when the Emperor was on the throne.

The Guanlan Hall was extremely spacious. Civil and military officials, imperial relatives, governors and prefects of various prefectures, and representatives of the imperial relatives from all directions were all arranged according to their rank, dressed in fine clothes and colorful ribbons. The number of people almost filled the huge hall.

His gaze quickly swept across the entire room.

Sure enough, in the position closest to the dragon throne below the imperial steps, he saw that familiar yet unfamiliar figure—his younger brother, the current nominal emperor, Li Dan.

Li Dan, dressed in imperial robes, did not sit on the central dragon throne, but rather on a throne slightly to the side. His expression was calm to the point of indifference, his eyes lowered, as if the grand and noisy scene before him had nothing to do with him.

The imperial robes that symbolized supreme power looked empty and heavy on him.

Li Xian felt a sharp pain in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it.

He noticed that the area for the royal family seats was much sparser, and many familiar faces were no longer there, presumably either dead or imprisoned in the Li Zhen and his son's rebellion.

The surviving members of the royal family all had solemn expressions, their eyes filled with undisguised fear and caution, and they tried their best to minimize their presence.

The banquet for relatives of the emperor was filled with members of the Wu family, such as Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi, who were full of pride and looked quite pleased with themselves.

The governors and prefects of each prefecture, dressed in their colorful official robes, stood solemnly among them. They represented the empire's territory and power network, and at this moment, they held their breath, waiting for the arrival of the true ruler.

"His Majesty the Divine Emperor has arrived!" The eunuch's shrill announcement shattered the silence in the hall.

In an instant, bells and chimes rang out, and elegant music began to play.

Everyone present, including Emperor Li Dan, quickly rose and bowed their heads.

Surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs, Empress Wu slowly emerged from behind the palace. Today, she was not wearing the empress's attire, nor the empress dowager's usual clothes, but a specially made bright yellow ceremonial robe, somewhere between the emperor's and empress's attire, embroidered with golden phoenixes soaring in the sky and the sun and moon shining together, solemn, beautiful, and naturally majestic.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The deafening roar of worship echoed through the hall, shaking the roof tiles.

At this moment, Li Dan, along with everyone else, bowed to his mother.

Li Xian felt lost.

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!
The master of rites never taught this!

……

(End of this chapter)