Chapter 26: Following the Trend (Part 2)

  Li Xian is currently lacking in many areas, lacking a strong foundation, lacking a powerful backer, lacking wealth, lacking military power, and almost everything else. However, he is not lacking in patience. The oppressive silence that others find unbearable has no effect on Li Xian, even when it comes from someone as intimidating as Wu Zetian. As a result, although his waist is bent in discomfort, his legs are standing extremely steadily, without even a slight tremble.

  Silence, still silence, Li Xian had lowered his head for a full incense stick's time, but what came was still suffocating silence. However, Li Xian remained unmoved, because he was very clear that this was not only a test of endurance, but also a probe before the confrontation between them. If Li Xian showed even a hint of panic at this moment, waiting for him would be Wu Zetian's stormy attack and scolding, and when that happened, even if Li Xian shouted himself hoarse, it would be in vain. No one dared to speak up for him in front of the enraged Wu Zetian, let alone Li Xian, not even Gaozong would have had the guts. In other words, Li Xian was now on the edge of a cliff, with no way out except to grit his teeth and hold on.

  "Let's call it quits."

  Wu Zetian stared at Li Xian for a long time with her eyes fixed on him, but she didn't see any sign of wavering from him. A hint of surprise flashed across her face, but it was quickly covered up. Since she couldn't use pressure to force Li Xian to reveal his weakness, Wu Zetian furrowed her brow and spoke in a cold tone with great reluctance.

  "After the mother's words, the child respectfully listened to the mother's teachings."

  Li Xian was not lacking in endurance, but after bowing for a long time, he also felt very uncomfortable. When Wu Zetian finally called out to him, he secretly let out a sigh of relief, straightened up his body, and looked at Wu Zetian with pure and innocent eyes, respectfully responding with a sentence.

  "Oh? Is that so? Alright, I'll ask you, has Guo Zongmiao's straight lecture ever offended you?" Wu Meiniang was surprised by Li Xian's calmness, but still didn't take it to heart. She slightly furrowed her brow and glanced at Li Xian with an icy tone.

  "After the empress, the child is not clear. The child and Mr. Yuan have never had any dealings before, so there is no grudge to speak of. This sin can't be discussed." Li Xian blinked his big eyes and replied with an innocent expression.

  "What's the point of even talking about it, if that's the case, then why are you coming at me with a knife? Are you dissatisfied with my arrangement for Yuan Wan to teach you?" Wu Zetian asked coldly, not moved by Li Xian's innocent expression.

  "The empress mother is wise and just, how could I dare to do such a thing? This matter was truly unexpected. I was deeply engrossed in my martial arts training and did not notice the arrival of Lord Yuan. In the heat of the moment, I couldn't stop myself in time and startled Lord Yuan. It was all my fault. I have already apologized to Lord Yuan and explained the true circumstances, without daring to deceive or lie to the empress mother." Li Xian had long known that Wu Zetian would ask this question, so he had prepared his response early on. Seeing Wu Zetian wanting to help Yuan Wanqing save face, he immediately called out for support, speaking eloquently and fluently, as if he were truly the one who had been wronged.

  "Practicing martial arts? You're quite skilled at it, aren't you?"

  If it can be said that Li Xian's calmness had slightly surprised Wu Zetian earlier, then Li Xian's clear and logical words this time around shocked Wu Zetian even more. After all, in Wu Zetian's eyes, Li Xian was just a child who would never grow up, weak and incompetent. But now, with his fluent and composed responses, there wasn't a hint of childishness left. This made Wu Zetian, who was trying to find fault, have to be extra cautious.

  Wu Zetian's reaction was, of course, noticed by Li Xian, who would not have been unaware that his behavior had already aroused Wu Zetian's suspicion. Naturally, Li Xian had thoroughly considered this before taking action and had come to the conclusion that it was unavoidable. The reason is simple: given Wu Zetian's astuteness, even if Li Xian pretended to be foolish, he could not keep up the act for long. As long as Li Xian wanted to expand his own power, he would eventually reveal his true intentions. Rather than being forced into a passive position later on, it was better to show some of his true nature now and lay the groundwork for his future actions. Moreover, after the incident with the imperial prison, Wu Zetian's overall plan had been disrupted, and before she could win over the hearts of the various officials, she would not be able to resume her former role of governing the court as quickly as she had in the past. This rare period of stability was precisely the space Li Xian needed to develop his own power, so he did not fear showing off his abilities a little.

  "After returning to Mother's words, child, child..."

  Faced with Wu Zetian's step-by-step pressure, Li Xian deliberately put on a difficult look and hesitated to speak the truth.

  "Huh?"

  As expected by Li Xian, Wu Mei Niang saw that Li Xian seemed to have an unspoken secret, and immediately let out a cold hum, not giving Li Xian any chance to dodge.

  "Your Majesty, I am aware that I have been foolish and untalented in literary pursuits, no matter how hard I study, it is difficult to achieve great things. I often reflect on this and feel extremely ashamed. When I read the 'Book of Later Han', I was inspired by the heroic deeds of General He Guangwu who defeated the Huns, and also thought about Ban Chao's bold move in giving up his writing brush to take up arms. My heart truly yearns for such things. However, when I think about my brothers, the Crown Prince and Sixth Brother, who are all well-versed in literature, I am far inferior to them. I am unable to assist Father Emperor with literary matters, so I should focus on military pursuits instead. This is why I have started training in martial arts. About ten days ago, I was still confused about this and asked Li Tai Shi for guidance. Fortunately, he did not dismiss me and explained things to me, saying that if I were to train in martial arts, there would be a roughly 30% chance of success. Although the chances are slim, I think it is still possible for me to assist Father Emperor and Your Majesty one day. That's why I have been practicing with swords and spears in the palace, but unfortunately, I do not have a renowned teacher to guide me, so I am unable to grasp the essentials. I am truly worried."

  It's not bad to say that Li Xian's words are quite moving, and several prime ministers showed appreciation on their faces. Even Emperor Gaozong's gaze at Li Xian had a few more tender feelings, but everyone was restrained by Wu Zetian's presence and didn't dare speak up for Li Xian.

  "Your Majesty, Empress, I think that the Seventh Brother's intention to abandon his pen and take up arms is not unreasonable. Now, our Great Tang Dynasty is surrounded by unrest, with many wars to fight, and the Seventh Brother's heart must not be underestimated. Moreover, my elder brother, the Crown Prince, is skilled in literary affairs, and I also have some knowledge of them, but what we lack is the spirit of military conquest. Now, the Seventh Brother's desire to abandon his pen and take up arms is indeed a good thing. We should choose a good teacher to instruct him, and perhaps one day he can become another wise king who will protect our Great Tang Dynasty." The others did not dare to speak, but Li Xian was fearless, not only because he had promised to help Li Xian, but also because the death of Zhang Deke had deeply stimulated his heart. In a burst of anger, he rushed forward and publicly supported Li Xian before Wu Zetian could express her opinion.

  "The words of the wise son are reasonable." Gaozong himself had always yearned for a military career, and in his early years he wanted to personally conquer Goguryeo. Unfortunately, his body was not good, and the ministers strongly opposed him taking personal command, so he could only give up. At this time, seeing that both sons were reasonable, he couldn't help but nod in agreement, but then saw Wu Zetian's unhappy face, and immediately retracted his words: "Just, ah, just..."

  Gaozong was not a quick-witted person to begin with, and this kind of sudden change of words couldn't be done smoothly. He hesitated for half a day, unable to come up with a convincing explanation, his awkward expression making everyone want to laugh, but no one dared to laugh out loud. Helplessly, the crowd could only feel uncomfortable all over.

  "Your Majesty, Xian'er has a heart that leans towards martial arts, it's not necessarily a good thing. All the generals have their own official duties, how can they be distracted by teaching Xian'er such trivial matters? It's better to discuss this later." Wu Zetian's words were originally meant to reprimand Li Xian for being rude and interrupting his teacher, but now it has turned into a discussion about choosing a name for Li Xian to learn martial arts from. She was furious in her heart, how could she let Li Xian get away with this so easily? So she interrupted him.

  "Ah, yes, this matter can be discussed later, it's better to discuss it later." Gaozong had always been afraid of his wife, and as soon as Wu Zetian spoke up, he immediately followed her lead and opened his mouth.

  What's the point of discussing this again? What a joke! Father, can you be any more cowardly?! Witnessing Emperor Gaozong surrender to Empress Wu's tyranny once more, Li Xian was thoroughly disappointed in his father and inwardly despised him. However, he did not intend to let matters drop just yet.

  "Your Majesty, I think the Empress Dowager's teachings are correct. All the great generals have their own important tasks, how can they be distracted by this small matter of mine? If it were to affect the state's major affairs, I would not forgive myself even in death. However, I do have a plan, and humbly request Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager's permission." Just as Gaozong finished speaking, Li Xian stepped forward and loudly offered his advice.

  "Oh? Does Xian still have something to say, I'll listen." Gaozong saw that Li Xian was not willing to give up, his eyebrows involuntarily furrowed, and after a moment of contemplation, he still withstood the pressure from Wu Zetian's side and did not directly reject Li Xian's request.

  "I humbly report to the Emperor and Empress, I think that mastering martial arts depends on oneself. As the saying goes, 'the teacher leads you into the door, but it's up to yourself to cultivate'. Throughout history, many famous generals were not born from noble families, but instead emerged from among the common people. I don't dare hope to receive guidance from veteran generals like Su Dingfang and Xue Rengui, but only wish to have a military strategist as my instructor." As soon as Gaozong opened his mouth, Li Xian immediately spoke up, speaking boldly and passionately.

  "Oh? Is that so? I wonder who my son is interested in, tell me and let me hear." Gaozong listened to Li Xian's intention to only make a school lieutenant as his teacher, his curiosity was immediately aroused, and he asked with a smile.

  "In response to the Emperor's words, I don't know who to bow to as my master. Li Taishi only said that if I go to the Left Valiant Guard, I will definitely gain something. I truly dare not deceive the Emperor." With a glance, he saw that the situation had been cleverly controlled by himself, and the big stone in Li Xian's heart finally fell to the ground. However, he still didn't plan to reveal his target too early, but instead waved the banner of Li Feng again."

  "Hmm, I see." Gaozong had always trusted Li Chunfeng's abilities, and upon hearing his explanation, he didn't raise any suspicions. However, he also didn't dare to immediately agree, instead responding ambiguously and then turning his gaze towards Wu Zetian, probing her with the question: "Zetian, what do you think about this matter?"

  As soon as Gaozong spoke, everyone in the hall focused their attention on Wu Zetian, all wanting to hear what she had to say about this matter...