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

Chapter 187 Empress Wu's Three Refusals and Three Declinees: The First Year of the Heavenly Decree
The ceremony was still going on, but Li Xian knew that the most important part had been completed.

What remained was nothing more than the routine of rituals, music, sacrifices, and proclamations.

Just as the ceremony was drawing to a close and everyone thought it was about to end, a sudden change occurred.

A commotion, not too loud, but strikingly jarring in the otherwise silent square, came from the direction of the distant palace gates. It sounded like arguing, crying, and the stern reprimands of the imperial guards.

On the high platform, Empress Wu frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping to her side. Immediately, a eunuch trotted down to investigate.

A subtle commotion began to stir among the officials in the square, as they exchanged puzzled glances. Who dared to cause such a disturbance at such an important ceremony?

Li Xian's heart also tightened.

Soon, the eunuch returned, his face showing a mixture of tension and a strange excitement. He quickly climbed the platform and whispered his report to Empress Wu.

The distance was too great for Li Xian to hear clearly, but he saw that Empress Wu's eyebrows twitched slightly, her face remained expressionless, and she simply nodded gently.

Immediately, the Master of Ceremonies received instructions, and with a full breath, announced loudly: "Summon Imperial Censor Fu Youyi and representatives of the elders of Guanzhong to an audience!"

The sound echoed in the square, and Li Xian was stunned.

Fu Youyi?
Li Xian had never heard of this name before, so he must be an insignificant minor official.

Why would an official of relatively low rank bring the people of Guanzhong to request an audience at this time?
But soon, the group that had been given the map parted to form a passage.

At the end of the passage, an official dressed in a dark green robe, around forty years old, with a fair complexion and a short beard, walked forward with an excited expression, almost staggering.

He held in his hand a silk document that was clearly newly written.

Li Xian's gaze lingered on him for a moment, confirming in his heart that this person was indeed someone who could not attract any attention in the court before.

However, this unremarkable Imperial Censor was followed by several elderly men with white hair and beards, dressed in coarse linen clothes. Their faces were filled with fear and anticipation as they followed closely behind Fu Youyi, escorted by the Imperial Guards.

We arrived at the foot of the high platform.

Fu Youyi suddenly knelt down with a thud, raising the memorial high above his head with both hands. His face was flushed, and his voice trembled with excitement, clearly carrying throughout the quiet square:

"Your subject... Your subject, Imperial Censor Fu Youyi, risked his life to lead several hundred elders and common people from Guanzhong to submit this memorial to the emperor!"

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and roared out that earth-shattering statement:

"Auspicious omens descend from the heavens, and the Luoshu (Luo River Book) is born. This is a clear sign from Heaven that the Tang dynasty has declined and the Zhou dynasty should rise! Your Majesty the Divine Emperor is wise and benevolent, benefiting all people. Your achievements are unparalleled and surpass those of the past and present! Now, the people are of one mind with you, and Heaven's mandate is in your favor. We humbly beseech Your Majesty to follow the will of Heaven and the people, overthrow the Tang dynasty, establish the Great Zhou dynasty, and establish yourself as Emperor, so as to secure the country and comfort the people!"

"Revolutionize the Tang Dynasty," "Establish the Great Zhou Dynasty," and "Declare yourself Emperor!"
These words, like a thunderclap, rolled by and exploded in everyone's heart.

Although Wu Chengsi had made similar remarks before, that was only a small-scale discussion. This time, however, it was at the Luo Tu receiving ceremony, with all the civil and military officials, imperial relatives, and even Emperor Li Dan present.

In particular, Fu Youyi also brought hundreds of people from Guanzhong, which represents the will of the people!

Li Xian's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that his mother...?

Is he really going to seize the throne now?
Although Liu Jianjun and he himself had the goal of first driving her "crazy" and then making her "perish," Li Xian still felt a tightness in his heart when this scene was really close at hand.

Is the day of change about to arrive today?
He stared intently at the green figure kneeling on the ground. At this moment, in Li Xian's eyes, this man named Fu Youyi was no longer an insignificant minor official, but had transformed into the crest of a surging wave, crashing violently against the last embankment of the Tang Dynasty.

As soon as Fu Youyi finished speaking, the elderly men behind him seemed to receive a signal, and they all kowtowed, crying out, "We beg Your Majesty to obey the will of Heaven and the people, ascend the throne, and save us common people!"

The cries and pleas echoed across the empty square, adding to the tragic and moving atmosphere.

All eyes were once again focused on the high platform.

Empress Wu's face showed surprise and solemnity at the right moment. She raised her hand slightly, signaling the eunuch to bring up the memorial.

She unfolded the document and quickly scanned it.

After a moment, she put down the memorial, looked at Fu Youyi and the elders kneeling below the stage, and said in a calm but authoritative voice: “You are mistaken. I assisted the late emperor and ruled as regent for the sake of the country and the Li Tang royal family. Although the emperor is young, he is still a member of the main lineage. How could I do such a presumptuous thing?”
"Don't mention this matter again!"

The refusal was so righteous and forceful that it took Li Xian somewhat by surprise.

The square fell silent again, but the atmosphere was completely different from before.

Li Xian's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, slowly settled down.

He had genuinely thought his mother would go along with the situation, but he hadn't expected... He took a deep breath. Liu Jianjun was right; his mother's thoughts were indeed terrifyingly deep. She was like the most experienced hunter, never making a rash move just because her prey had entered her sight for the first time.

The master of ceremonies clearly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly announced the ceremony in a loud voice, guiding the ceremony to continue with its final procedures.

The music started again, and the procession moved on, but everyone's mind was clearly no longer on these formalities.

Finally, the lengthy ceremony for receiving the images came to an end amidst everyone's differing thoughts.

"The ceremony is complete; court is adjourned!"

As the Master of Ceremonies announced the final news, the officials began to slowly leave like a tide.

Many people gathered around Wu Chengsi, Wu Sansi, and others, whispering about the thrilling scene that had just unfolded and speculating about the Emperor's true intentions.

Li Xian moved slowly with the imperial clan procession, eventually arriving at Liu Jianjun's side.

At this moment, Liu Jianjun was talking to an elderly man in a light green official robe. The old official had obviously never seen such a "rude" superior before, so he could only shrink his neck and obsequiously agree with Liu Jianjun's words.

Li Xian, unaware of the old official's identity, coughed lightly and said sternly, "Let's go back to the Prince's residence."

Liu Jianjun then released the old man's shoulder, grinning, "Let's talk later!"

Then, he followed closely behind Li Xian.

……

Once they were alone, Li Xian lowered his voice and asked, "Who was that old man just now?"

"Oh, I don't know them. I just chatted with one of them casually. This picture-receiving ceremony isn't that interesting anyway." Liu Jianjun shrugged, then looked at Li Xian with a strange expression: "You don't think that just because I casually contact someone, that person is somehow useful, do you? I'm not a god!"

Li Xian's expression froze. Just as he was about to retort, a middle-aged eunuch dressed in the colors of the Inner Palace Attendants' Office strode through the crowd and came straight to them, bowing respectfully.

"Your Highness Prince Pei, Chief Secretary Liu. His Majesty the Emperor has decreed that you two must immediately proceed to the side hall of the Zhenguan Palace for an audience."

The imperial edict came suddenly, causing both Li Xian and Liu Jianjun to be slightly taken aback.

The ceremony had just ended, yet the Empress Dowager was so eager to see them, and specifically requested that Liu Jianjun accompany her.

Li Xian quickly suppressed his surprise and doubt, kept a straight face, and nodded, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Liu Jianjun also dropped his playful demeanor and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree."

The eunuch said no more and stepped aside to lead the way: "Gentlemen, please follow me."

Instead of leaving the palace through Yingtian Gate with the crowd, they turned onto the palace road leading to the inner court.

The further in you go, the fewer people there are, with only the clanging of armor from patrolling Imperial Guards and the occasional palace servant.

Li Xian's mind raced with thoughts.

It wasn't unexpected that the Empress Dowager summoned him alone, but the addition of Liu Jianjun made a big difference.

Is it because of the auspicious ant-shaped writing at Prince Pei's residence yesterday?
Li Xian had a general idea in mind. He glanced at Liu Jianjun beside him and saw that although the guy was behaving properly, his eyes were restlessly looking around, as if he was full of curiosity about this center of imperial power, and there was no fear on his face.

Li Xian felt somewhat relieved.

The eunuch leading the way stopped in front of an unpretentious palace. Above the palace gate hung a plaque with the two characters "Zhenguan" written in vigorous strokes.

This was not the Mingtang where grand court assemblies were held, but rather the place where Empress Wu reviewed memorials and summoned her trusted officials on a daily basis.

"Please wait a moment, gentlemen, while I announce your arrival," the eunuch said in a low voice before tiptoeing into the hall.

At this moment, Li Xian glanced at Liu Jianjun discreetly.

I have some worries.

Liu Jianjun had said that he did not want to perform the kneeling ceremony, but now he had to pay respects to his mother, and these necessary etiquettes could not be avoided.

Liu Jianjun seemed to notice Li Xian's gaze, turned his head, and grinned.

Li Xian felt instantly relieved.

A moment later, the eunuch reappeared, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty summons Prince Li Xian of Pei and Liu Jianjun, the chief secretary of the Prince of Pei's residence, to an audience."

Li Xian straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hall.

Liu Jianjun followed half a step behind him, and also straightened his back slightly.

The side hall of Zhenguan Hall was brightly lit, and the furnishings were simple yet solemn.

Empress Wu had changed out of the elaborate and gorgeous imperial robes she wore for the grand ceremony, and was now dressed in a dark blue casual robe. She was not wearing a crown, and her hair was simply tied up with a jade hairpin. She was sitting behind her desk, holding a book in her hands, seemingly reading.

She didn't look up, as if she were completely immersed in the book.

The palace eunuch quietly closed the palace door, cutting off all outside noise.

A breathtaking silence fell over the hall, broken only by the occasional soft turning of pages and the gentle crackling of burning candles.

Li Xian knelt and bowed, saying, "Your subject Li Xian greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"

Li Xian heard Liu Jianjun's voice echoing in his ears: "Your subject Liu Jianjun greets Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"

Li Xian glanced sideways and couldn't help but chuckle.

Liu Jianjun's bowing motion was different from his own. He first put his entire lower leg on the ground, then sat down on his heels before prostrating himself. It looked like he was making an extremely exaggerated stretching motion while sitting on the ground, but this motion, at least on the surface, was not much different from the etiquette of kneeling.

The Empress Dowager's gaze was fixed on the book at that moment, and she did not notice Liu Jianjun's little trick.

Li Xian focused his mind and stared at the ground in front of him.

Empress Wu did not respond immediately.

She slowly turned another page, her gaze still fixed on the book, as if the two people in the hall didn't exist at all.

Li Xian didn't think much of it; after all, according to Liu Jianjun, he was used to his mother putting on airs like this.

He took the opportunity to steal another glance at Liu Jianjun.

The wrinkles on Liu Jianjun's forehead were almost piled up into the Chinese character "亖".

He was trying to look up, as if he wanted to get a closer look at his mother, but he was afraid that she would notice his movement.

Li Xian couldn't help but chuckle again.

Time passed slowly, and just as Li Xian felt his knees were starting to go numb, a voice finally came from behind the imperial desk.

Empress Wu closed the book in her hand and casually placed it aside, making a soft "click" sound that was particularly clear in the quiet palace.

She slowly raised her eyes, her gaze calmly falling on the two of them. Then, her light voice rang out: "In such a short time, you've already glanced at your Chief Secretary three times. Are you that concerned about your Chief Secretary?"

Li Xian was startled.

It turned out that the Empress Dowager had also seen his little trick.

Li Xian was about to explain when Empress Wu spoke up again: "Xian'er, you saw the ceremony today."

This is not a question, but a statement.

Li Xian's heart tightened, and he cautiously replied, "Yes, Mother. Your son... saw it."

"Oh?" Empress Wu raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone remaining calm. "Then tell me, what did you see?"

Li Xian's mind raced; he knew that his mother was testing his attitude and stance.

He raised his head slightly, carefully choosing his words as he replied, "Your Majesty, I... saw that Imperial Censor Fu led the people in submitting a memorial, speaking of the Mandate of Heaven and the will of the people... However, I am foolish and have some questions."

"Since Your Majesty assumed the throne, the country has been peaceful and prosperous, and the government is efficient and the people are harmonious. This is an indisputable fact. Your son... Your son finds it difficult to understand at this moment."

Although he did not explicitly state that Empress Wu should ascend the throne, his words implied the meaning.

After listening, Empress Wu remained expressionless, only looking at him with deep eyes, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Then, her gaze returned to Liu Jianjun, her voice still steady: "You, are you Liu Jianjun?"

Liu Jianjun seemed to be taken aback for a moment before realizing that he was being called. He straightened his back while maintaining his sitting posture and replied, "Your Majesty, it is I."

"Raise your head and let me see."

Liu Jianjun raised his head as instructed, his gaze meeting Wu Zetian's with composure.

Li Xian's heart tightened instantly, and his body tensed up instinctively.

Empress Wu's gaze lingered on Liu Jianjun's face for a few moments, showing no unusual expression. She slowly spoke, her tone equally unreadable: "I heard that yesterday, ants wrote characters in the Pei Prince's mansion, revealing the auspicious phrase 'The Holy Mother descends upon the people, the imperial enterprise will be forever prosperous.' Was this your doing?"

coming!

Li Xian was shocked; sure enough, they had asked about this matter!

Liu Jianjun's face showed just the right amount of surprise, and his voice rose slightly: "Your Majesty, please be wise! This... how could this be the work of your subject? How could I possibly have the ability to make ants obediently write? It is the will of Heaven! Heaven is using the auspicious land of the Prince of Pei's residence to show good fortune and to commend Your Majesty's merits."

"Furthermore...it shows that His Highness Prince Pei and His Majesty are of one mind!"

He spoke quickly and urgently, his expression sincere, as if he had suffered a great injustice.

Empress Wu stared at him without speaking, and the hall fell into a suffocating silence once again.

Li Xian's heart was in his throat; he didn't know if his mother would believe his story.

After a long while, Empress Wu suddenly chuckled softly. The chuckle was very soft, but it carried an unfathomable meaning.

"Very well." She said lightly, seemingly not intending to delve any further into the matter of the ant book. "Whether it is fate or coincidence, the auspicious signs appearing at the Prince of Pei's residence are always a good omen."

She paused slightly, her tone becoming meaningful: "Xian'er, it is your blessing to have such a clever and insightful person in your household. You should cherish this person and not let him down."

Li Xian was completely bewildered, but he didn't have time to think too much. He quickly lowered his head and said, "Your subject will follow Your Majesty's teachings."

Empress Wu nodded slightly, as if it were just a casual remark, and then waved her hand: "You are all tired today, you may leave."

"I'm waiting to retire."

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun bowed again, then carefully got up and walked backward out of the side hall of Zhenguan Hall.

Only when the palace doors closed gently behind him and he stood again in the cool air outside did Li Xian feel as if the huge rock that had been pressing on his chest had been removed, and he breathed a long sigh of relief.

Liu Jianjun, meanwhile, raised his hand to touch the back of his neck and muttered under his breath, "Goodness, that aura is really something. Xianzi, now I understand why you're so afraid of your mother!"

Li Xian gave him a disapproving look and said in a low voice, "Be careful what you say, we haven't even left the palace yet!"

Led silently by the eunuch who had led the way, the two walked out along the palace path they had come from.

Night had fallen, and the palace lanterns cast swaying shadows between the pillars, mirroring Li Xian's anxious mood.

Only when he finally walked out of the palace gates and boarded the waiting carriage of the Prince of Pei's residence, the wheels rumbling and leaving the imposing palace walls behind, did Li Xian truly relax. He leaned against the carriage wall and let out a long breath.

"Have I passed the test today?" he asked, as if to Liu Jianjun, but also as if to himself.

Liu Jianjun had already returned to his lazy demeanor, leaning against the other side of the carriage. Hearing this, he chuckled and said, "Not bad."

Li Xian pondered for a moment, and the Empress Dowager's last words sounded rather strange, so he asked, "What is the meaning of the Empress Dowager's last words, 'Do not let her down'?"

“Uh…” Liu Jianjun’s face froze for a moment before he explained, “Your mother’s last words… sounded like a reminder, but they were actually a warning to you. I am now a staunch supporter of the military, and you need to spend more time with me. In other words, your mother wants me to subtly influence you!”

Liu Jianjun paused, seemingly feeling that his reasoning was not sufficient, and added, "Didn't I say before that you and her are of one mind? That was actually me implying to her that you and she are of the same mind, which is why she didn't pursue the matter of the Ant Book any further."

“After all, Wu Chengsi met your mother before us, and he must have reported to her about my purchase of honey. But your mother didn’t pursue the matter further, which means she has already accepted our ‘surrender’.”

Li Xian thought about it and felt that Liu Jianjun's words made sense.

"So... do we have gained the Empress Dowager's trust now?" Li Xian's voice carried a hint of uncertain hope. Liu Jianjun scoffed, "Trust? Who would your mother trust so easily?"
“Especially you, the eldest son of Emperor Gaozong, who once served as the crown prince! She didn’t investigate further today because our gesture of surrender was well done, and the ant-shaped auspicious omen was flattered at just the right time, making her feel that we are temporarily useful, and... we seem to be under control.”

“Controllable?” Li Xian pondered the word.

“Yes, it’s controllable.” Liu Jianjun nodded emphatically. “It’s like having a dog that can amuse you and occasionally brings back some unusual things. When the owner is happy, he’s naturally willing to give it a bone.”

"But if you ever show any signs of wanting to bite your owner, or if you run out of new toys, see if she'll punish you?"

The metaphor was crude yet blunt, making Li Xian's face turn slightly pale, but he couldn't refute it.

That was indeed the way the Empress Dowager acted.

“So,” Li Xian began slowly, his voice somewhat hoarse, “we’ve simply gone from being objects to be wary of to tools that can be used temporarily?”

"More or less. This level of trust is enough for us. After all, that's Empress Wu... Empress Wu. Apart from herself, she is unlikely to truly trust anyone."

"So... what should we do next?"

"Next, we should prepare for the third act. Isn't it said that one must decline three times before accepting? We'll prepare to watch your mother decline for the third time, and then watch her ascend the throne."

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine.

"So... will Mother ascend the throne next time?" Li Xian's voice trembled slightly.

That was a hidden pain belonging to the descendants of the Li Tang dynasty that even he himself had never realized.

Liu Jianjun clicked his tongue: "Logically, that's how it should be. He declined three times, which shows he's put on a good show and played the role of humility perfectly. Next time, he should be the one everyone wants and has no choice but to do it. Just wait and see, this third wave of commotion will definitely be bigger than the previous two combined!"

……

With mixed feelings, Li Xian returned to the Prince of Pei's residence in Luoyang.

As soon as he returned to the mansion, a servant ran over to report that Wang Deshun had been transferred away by the Empress Dowager because he had offended Liu Jianjun.

But Li Xian immediately understood that this meant his mother trusted him more and felt that the Prince of Pei's residence no longer needed Wang Deshun to keep an eye on him.

Li Xian felt a sense of relief, but also a deeper chill.

The Empress Dowager was like a precise calculating machine, calculating and controlling every aspect. If it weren't for Liu Jianjun helping him to stay out of the Empress Dowager's sight, even if he returned to Chang'an and cleared his name of the injustice of treason, he would probably still have died an unclear death.

In the days that followed, Luoyang was like a giant cauldron placed on a raging fire, the water temperature rising steadily until it boiled over.

First, there was Fu Youyi. Although Empress Wu rejected the people's petition, she also considered that she could not hurt the people's feelings, so she promoted Fu Youyi to the position of Gentleman of the Secretariat, a fifth-rank official, which was a promotion of ten ranks.

Under such temptation, a second large-scale petition immediately emerged.

First to appear was public opinion, which was even more "representative" than that of Fu Youyi.

This time, it was no longer just a few hundred elders from Guanzhong, but a vast and diverse group of more than 12,000 people, including ordinary local residents, farmers, and craftsmen from Luoyang, as well as foreigners with different clothes, high noses, and deep-set eyes. Even some outsiders were involved.

The monks, dressed in kasayas and holding prayer beads, stood side by side with the Taoist priests, who wore Taoist hats and had an otherworldly air. They represented the "divine will" of Buddhism and Taoism, as if the gods were on Wu Zetian's side.

These twelve thousand people, monks, laypeople, and people of all ethnicities, encompassed almost all visible power classes. They held aloft a joint petition and shouted in unison, requesting His Majesty the Divine Emperor to follow the will of Heaven and the people and ascend the throne as Emperor.

"Accept our request!"

"Look! A phoenix is ​​flying towards the palace!"

"Red birds! So many red birds have landed in the imperial court!"

For a moment, the crowd below cheered, and the birds above paid homage to the phoenix, perfectly demonstrating the harmonious unity of heaven and man.

However, at this time, the Luoyang Imperial Palace was still tightly closed and heavily guarded.

The memorial was sent to the palace, and everyone held their breath, waiting for a response.

Inside the Prince of Pei's residence, Li Xian stood in the courtyard, seemingly able to faintly hear the commotion coming from the direction of the palace gate in the distance.

He looked at Liu Jianjun, who was leisurely watering a half-withered orchid, and asked, "This time... Mother will surely agree, right?"

Liu Jianjun didn't even look up, and scoffed, "What's the rush? The final touch is needed. What your mother wants isn't to be persuaded to ascend the throne, but to be enthroned 'by the combined pleas of the people, the gods, and all forces, to the point that she can't refuse.'"

"Although this number of people has many tricks up their sleeves, they are not 'irresistible' enough."

Sure enough, the news arrived quickly. After reading the memorial, Empress Wu was once again "moved" but "firmly" refused.

She praised everyone's loyalty and sincerity, but reiterated her determination to assist the Li Tang dynasty and live up to the late emperor's trust. Her words were earnest and moving.

Upon receiving this reply, the crowd outside the palace gates did not immediately disperse, but instead erupted into even greater clamor, filled with disappointment and resentment.

However, an even more shocking scene unfolded the next day.

It was as if yesterday's rejection was a powerful medicine, completely unleashing all the potential energy within.

The next day, the number of people in the square outside the palace gates increased several times over!
The 12,000 commoners, foreign merchants, monks, and Taoists from yesterday did not leave; instead, they were joined by even more people—a large number of civil and military officials!

More than 60,000 people, from high-ranking officials in purple and scarlet robes to lower-ranking officials in light blue and dark green robes, gathered in front of the palace gate like a tide, joining the petitioners from yesterday!
They were no longer merely submitting petitions, but were now "persistently pleading," kneeling on the ground in a dense mass, displaying an attitude of not giving up until their goal was achieved. The crowd surged and stretched into the distant streets and alleys.

The clamor, pleas, and even faint sobs converged into a massive wave of sound, crashing against the walls of the Luoyang Palace and affecting the minds of every bystander.

"Your Majesty! Follow the will of Heaven and the will of the people!"

"The Mandate of Heaven is with Zhou; how can Your Majesty defy Heaven!"

"We beseech Your Majesty to ascend the throne and bring peace to the realm!"

"Today, Your Majesty is the sovereign, and the people regard Your Majesty as their mother... Your Majesty does not obey Heaven, nor does Your Majesty follow the will of the people, but instead upholds the way of humility and deference, without any constitution. What can we, your subjects, look up to as a model?"

On the upper floor of the Prince of Pei's mansion, Li Xian and Liu Jianjun leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance. Although they could not see the specific details, the faint sound waves that came from the rooftops, like muffled thunder, still made Li Xian feel a sense of unease.

"More than 60,000 people... plus yesterday's, it's probably close to 100,000..." Li Xian murmured, unable to imagine what a magnificent and terrifying scene it was. "Now they can't refuse, can they?"

But Liu Jianjun still shook his head and scoffed, "Not enough."

"not enough?"

"We're still missing one crucial person."

Li Xian seemed to be thinking: "You mean... Brother Dan?"

"Indeed, this earth-shaking play could not have been completed without his cooperation in the performance."

Liu Jianjun nodded meaningfully, "Your fourth brother was the last straw that broke the camel's back of the Li Tang dynasty, and also the key figure who allowed your mother to rightfully ascend the throne. Without his petition to beg your mother to replace him, your mother's charade is still missing the final touch."

Li Xian remained silent.

He understood what Liu Jianjun meant.

What the Empress Dowager needs is not only external public opinion and divine will, but also the "voluntary" abdication from within the Li Tang imperial family, especially from the current emperor.

Only in this way can potential resistance be eliminated to the greatest extent possible, making this change of dynasty appear peaceful and legitimate.

Before the chill in Li Xian's heart had dissipated, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came again from outside the mansion.

A travel-worn eunuch, not even waiting for the announcement, practically burst into the study, his face flushed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, his voice shrill: "Your Highness Prince Pei! His Majesty has issued an urgent decree, ordering you to enter the palace immediately and go to the Zhenguan Hall to see the Emperor!"

Another audience?
And why so urgent?

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun exchanged a glance.

This time, Liu Jianjun was not selected to go along, which made Li Xian a little uneasy.

But soon, Liu Jianjun lowered his voice and said, "Go with peace of mind. This time, it's probably your mother who needs a witness from the Li Tang imperial family."

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, instantly realizing the meaning behind Liu Jianjun's words.

The real show is about to begin.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Li Xian suppressed the turmoil in his heart and quickly changed his clothes.

Seemingly worried about Li Xian, Liu Jianjun whispered quickly before he left, "Act according to the situation, and say the right thing."

Sure enough.

……

It was still the same palace road leading to the inner court, but this time, the atmosphere was noticeably different.

A sense of impending doom hung in the air. The number of Imperial Guards on patrol seemed to have increased, their eyes sharper, and the clatter of their armor echoed through the palace walls, sounding particularly jarring.

The eunuch leading the way walked hurriedly without saying a word, and Li Xian could feel his heart racing.

Upon entering the side hall of Zhenguan Hall, Li Xian immediately sensed something was amiss.

The Empress Dowager was not alone in the hall. His gaze first fell on the familiar yet unfamiliar figure kneeling not far from the imperial desk—his fourth brother, the current emperor Li Dan.

Li Dan was dressed in plain clothes, without a crown, and his figure appeared somewhat thin. He lay prostrate on the ground, his forehead pressed against the cold floor tiles, his posture so humble that he was practically in the dust.

Behind the imperial desk, Wu Hou sat calmly, her expression serene, her gaze deep, looking at an unfolded piece of silk in her hand.

Inside the hall were several important officials, such as Wu Chengsi and Doulu Qinwang, who stood with their hands at their sides, eyes downcast and not daring to utter a sound.

Li Xian's appearance broke the tense atmosphere in the hall.

All eyes, whether open or hidden, instantly focused on him.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." Li Xian suppressed the turmoil in his heart and knelt down in accordance with etiquette.

He could feel Li Dan's body, which was lying on the ground, tremble slightly.

"Mingyun, you've arrived." Empress Wu's voice remained calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority. "Get up and stand aside."

Li Xian got up as instructed and silently stood in the place where the imperial clan and nobles should stand, his gaze involuntarily turning to Li Dan, who was kneeling on the ground, once again.

His fourth brother, who had always been gentle and even somewhat timid, had never been seen in such a humble posture.
Just then, as if making his final decision, Li Dan spoke in a trembling yet exceptionally clear voice, each word striking Li Xian's heart like a heavy hammer:
"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant... dare to speak this out, even at the risk of my life!"

He still used the self-reference of a subject, saying, "The Mandate of Heaven is not constant; it only returns to the virtuous. I humbly beseech Your Majesty, whose sagacious plans are unique and whose virtue surpasses that of all previous kings… Your subject is filled with anxiety day and night, fearing that I am unworthy of my duty, failing the ancestral temples above and ashamed before the common people below… Now, heaven and earth are in harmony, auspicious omens abound, and both gods and men praise you; all hearts are united…"

He recited, with difficulty yet with remarkable fluency, clearly prepared words, elevating Empress Wu's achievements to the highest level while condemning his own incompetence to the depths of despair.

Finally, he uttered the most crucial words:

"Your subject humbly obeys the Mandate of Heaven and reveres the hearts of the people. I am willing to abdicate and yield to the worthy. I beseech Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, to overthrow the Tang dynasty, establish the Great Zhou dynasty, ascend the throne, and rule the world! Your subject... Your subject Dan, humbly requests that you be granted the surname Wu and that you serve as a vassal for eternity!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Dan kowtowed deeply again and remained prostrate on the ground.

The hall was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Li Xian felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

He saw with his own eyes and heard with his own ears that his younger brother, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was handing over the Li family's empire, along with his own surname!
What a humiliation!
Empress Wu did not speak; she simply looked quietly at Li Dan, who was lying on the ground, her gaze deep and unfathomable.

Li Xian's heart tightened, and he instantly remembered Liu Jianjun's instructions. Without thinking too much, he suppressed the complex emotions surging in his heart, strode to the imperial desk, lifted his robe, and knelt down beside Li Dan.

He leaned down and, in a tone as steady as possible, yet with just the right amount of "excitement," clearly stated:

"Your Majesty, Mother Empress! Your Majesty's words are also the words from the bottom of my heart! This is the clear will of Heaven and the will of the people! Your Majesty's achievements are unparalleled and your virtue matches Heaven and Earth. If you were to refuse again, it would not only go against the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people, but also leave your children at a loss!"

He raised his head slightly and looked earnestly at Empress Wu on the throne: "Your subject is wise and humbly begs Your Majesty, for the sake of the people and the well-being of the Li clan, to follow the will of Heaven and the people, to overthrow the Tang dynasty and establish the Zhou dynasty, and to rightfully assume the throne! Your subject... is willing to lead the Li clan to forever serve the Zhou dynasty and wholeheartedly assist you!"

He placed himself and the Li Tang imperial family in the position of those who urged him to ascend the throne and his subjects, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Li Xian noticed that Li Dan's body trembled almost imperceptibly again.

At this moment, Wu Chengsi seemed to realize something, stepped forward, knelt down, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty the Emperor is wise and righteous, and follows the will of Heaven. His feelings are pitiful and his will is commendable! This is Heaven's blessing on our Great Zhou! We implore Your Majesty not to refuse any longer, but to ascend the throne as soon as possible to secure the country!"

Doulu Qinwang and other senior officials also knelt down and echoed, "Your Majesty, we humbly request that you ascend the throne!"

Silence followed for a long time.

Everyone gazed earnestly at Empress Wu on the throne.

It was as if everyone was waiting for this moment of destiny.

Finally, in the suffocating silence, Empress Wu slowly spoke, her voice carrying the heaviness of someone who had experienced many hardships and was finally making a difficult choice: "Emperor... Prince Pei... you all... why do you have to force me like this?"

Li Xian realized that this was no longer a refusal, but a final, formulaic excuse.

He immediately shouted, "This is not because we are forcing you, but because it is the will of Heaven and the will of the people! If Your Majesty does not agree, we will kneel here forever!"

As soon as Li Xian finished speaking, the people behind him hurriedly chimed in, "If Your Majesty still refuses, we will kneel here forever!"

Empress Wu remained silent for a moment, then finally sighed softly and stood up.

At that moment, Li Xian seemed to see a giant, ten thousand feet tall, stand up and crush the sky.

The giant spoke, saying, "Since you have used the lives of billions of people under heaven to force me to personally accept the mandate of heaven... Even if I wish to maintain a humble and modest demeanor, is that possible?"
"Indeed! This too is a gift from Heaven!"
"Following the advice of the majority, it is advisable to issue an imperial edict."

"A general amnesty may be granted, the Tang dynasty shall be renamed the Zhou dynasty, and the reign title shall be changed to Tianshou! I shall ascend the throne as Emperor!"

Almost the instant Empress Wu's voice fell, Li Xian heard the crowd behind him shout in unison, "Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!"

Inside the Zhenguan Hall, shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" resounded.

Outside the palace, one could faintly hear the deafening cheers that had been prepared long ago in Luoyang.

Li Xian knelt on the ground, shouting along with the crowd, but his heart was filled with cold numbness.

The cheers inside the hall assaulted Li Xian's eardrums like a tidal wave. He lay prostrate on the ground, his forehead pressed against the cold floor tiles, his heart filled with a blank, icy emptiness.

He witnessed the end of the Li Tang dynasty and personally participated in and promoted its arrival.

Those shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" seemed less like cheers and more like the death knell tolling for the Tang Dynasty.

He raised his head and looked at his mother, who was now different on the throne.

Her face radiated an unprecedented, undisguised majesty and brilliance—a sense of liberation and resolute determination, as if she had finally broken free from all constraints and taken control of the world; it was the radiance of a victor.

"All of you, rise." Empress Wu's clear and melodious voice rang out, carrying the majesty of a new dynasty's emperor.

After everyone expressed their gratitude, they stood up. Li Xian also stood up silently and stood to the side with his hands at his sides.

He saw Li Dan, supported by palace servants, stagger to his feet, his face as pale as paper, his eyes vacant, as if his soul had been ripped away.

"Emperor Li Dan," Empress Wu said, her gaze falling on Li Dan, her tone calm yet authoritative, "you are wise and righteous, and have voluntarily abdicated the throne. Your loyalty is commendable. I am very pleased. From this day forward, you shall move to the Eastern Palace, become the heir apparent, and be granted the surname Wu."

"Your subject... Your subject obeys the decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Li Dan's voice was so weak it was almost inaudible. He bowed again, and the words "Imperial Heir" were like a brand, completely announcing his transformation from emperor to subject.

Empress Wu's gaze swept over Li Xian, lingering for a moment, her eyes carrying an indescribable depth. "Prince Li Xian of Pei, you have made meritorious contributions and are worthy of emulation for your loyalty and brotherly love. You are hereby granted three thousand taels of gold and silk, and your fief will be increased by three hundred households."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"

Li Xian immediately bowed, his voice steady.

He knew that this reward was a recognition of his quick thinking, but also a rope that would bind him even further to the Great Zhou chariot.

"The matter for today is concluded. All of you may now withdraw and prepare for the ceremony of the newly established Heavenly Dynasty."

Empress Wu waved her hand, her tone tinged with weariness, but more so with a sense of relief that her great cause had been accomplished.

"Your Majesty, please leave!"

……

(End of this chapter)