Chapter Fourteen: Transformation

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Changsun Wuji understood the cause behind the Crown Prince’s sudden change today. Yet, bound by the emperor’s instructions, he remained silent, though inwardly he could not help but admire. That wild rogue Zhao Mu, though reckless and audacious in speech, was undeniably talented! Just look—merely accompanying the Crown Prince to a tavern to listen to music, yet casually offering insights that effortlessly solved a longstanding dilemma troubling the court! Truly, as the emperor said, this youth is an extraordinary genius of the ages! However, his temperament… was difficult to describe in words. Still, to devise three strategic proposals in a single night—let him be a rogue if he must! Lost in these thoughts, Changsun Wuji did not notice the cold snort from Xiao Yu, then Left Deputy Minister of the Department of State Affairs, who retorted sharply to the Prime Minister: “Who knows where the Crown Prince learned such streetwise tricks, those cunning stratagems he’s so fond of… completely unaware that the foundation of the state lies in agriculture and the strength of the court in the military. To turn the nation’s vital assets into mere tools for personal gain and display is truly disheartening!”

Xiao Yu, a lover of literature and history, naturally favored Prince Wei Li Tai, who shared his interests. Seeing the Crown Prince display his prowess in court today displeased him greatly; his face was as sour as if he had ingested filth, and his words were even fouler.

At that moment, Wei Zheng, who had earlier argued fiercely against the Crown Prince in the hall, suddenly stood up, scowling as he rebuked Xiao Yu, the Left Deputy Minister. “If Lord Xiao opposes, why did you remain silent in the hall earlier? You cowered like a quail with your neck tucked in.”

Wei Zheng unleashed his full fury, spitting venomous words at Xiao Yu. “His Majesty has already sanctioned the matter in court, and even the Crown Prince has left. Yet Lord Xiao still barks here like a petty villain!”

“Exactly, Lord Wei speaks the truth!” Prince Wei, just stepping out of the hall, heard Wei Zheng’s words and agreed wholeheartedly. He thought that had Xiao Yu spoken out against the Crown Prince in the hall, perhaps the emperor would have rejected the Crown Prince’s proposal. What use was it now, coming after the fact? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and without hesitation, he followed Wei Zheng’s lead in reprimanding his longtime ally Xiao Yu.

“I, the prince, cannot understand why Lord Xiao did not speak up earlier.”

“Prince Wei… you!” Xiao Yu was taken aback; he had expected Wei Zheng, a fearless remonstrator, to insult him, but to be publicly rebuked by Prince Wei himself was unexpected.

Xiao Yu was so enraged that he felt dizzy and nearly collapsed. Fortunately, Changsun Wuji was nearby and stepped forward to steady him. Yet from the expression on Changsun’s face, it was clear he was watching the scene with great amusement.

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Wei Zheng then cast a peculiar glance at Prince Wei, who was mimicking him, and his tone suddenly softened. “Lord Xiao, have you truly thought carefully about whether the Crown Prince’s words today were mere cunning tricks?”

“Are they not?” Xiao Yu’s face betrayed his embarrassment, yet he stubbornly insisted on his point. Even if he were to be mercilessly scolded by Wei Zheng afterward, he was prepared to endure it!

Yet Wei Zheng did not respond with the earlier torrent of spittle. Instead, he calmly explained, “Lord Xiao, consider carefully. Today, the Crown Prince’s strategic discourse throughout the court session cited the ‘Treatise on Salt and Iron’ and refuted the ‘Guanzi.’ When discussing military settlements, he even referenced the ‘Treatise on Food and Goods’ and the ‘Pinghuai Records.’ This clearly shows that the Prince has extensively read and comprehended history and rites, enabling him to offer well-founded proposals with appropriate citations.”

“If this is cunning trickery, then Lord Xiao, what do you think the books we read daily truly are?”

As he spoke, Wei Zheng turned his gaze toward Prince Wei. “Does Lord Xiao believe that only talents like Prince Wei—who merely crafts flowery but hollow phrases—are truly gifted?”

Having just vented his frustration at Xiao Yu, Prince Wei was dumbfounded once more. “Why is everyone picking on me?” Li Tai narrowed his heavy eyelids, clearly displeased. He pondered carefully but dared not confront Wei Zheng, who notoriously insulted even the emperor. Li Tai could only turn his head in stubborn silence, pretending not to hear.

“You… you!”

Xiao Yu’s face flushed red from the sharp yet subtle sting of Wei Zheng’s words; his blood pressure rose visibly.

“Hmph!”

After a long moment of silence, he could say no more and stormed off, swinging his long robe and sleeves angrily.

He dared not provoke further, yet there was nowhere to hide!

How much resentment he nursed remained unknown.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince Li Chengqian, having left the palace, strode briskly toward the Heavenly Paradise in Pingkang Lane.

Last night, Li Chengqian and Zhao Mu had stayed until late in Room Number One of the Heavenly Paradise.

Seeing that the time for court was approaching, Li Chengqian hurriedly departed to return to the Eastern Palace and prepare for the morning audience.

Zhao Mu, exhausted from the long night, naturally continued to sleep soundly in the Heavenly Paradise.

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It was early morning, and the Heavenly Paradise had yet to open for business.

The gatekeeper naturally dared not stop the distinguished guest who had only just left in the dead of night.

Li Chengqian walked straight to the door of Room Number One, ordering his attendants to keep watch as usual, then entered alone.

“Brother Zhao, Brother Zhao!” Li Chengqian called out excitedly as he walked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Zhao Mu, deep in peaceful slumber, did not hear and gave no response.

Undeterred, Li Chengqian entered the inner chamber and shook the blanket-wrapped Zhao Mu, who was snoring.

“Brother Zhao, Brother Zhao, wake up! Just now in court, I displayed great prowess thanks to the strategies you offered!”

“The emperor has approved everything; soon, your proposals will be put into practice!” Li Chengqian chattered excitedly to the still-sleeping Zhao Mu.

The Crown Prince had completely let down his guard, acting so humbly in this den of pleasure.

The attendants standing guard outside were even frightened and quietly moved farther away.

In truth, Li Chengqian felt that a great talent like Zhao Mu, trapped in such a sordid place, must be filled with frustration at his inability to demonstrate his abilities.

He was certain Zhao Mu would share in his joy upon hearing the news, which was why he came in person to tell him.

Finally, Zhao Mu woke.

But his expression was not one of joy as Li Chengqian had imagined; instead, it was full of anger.

“Li Chengqian, you damn brat!”

“Why the hell are you yelling so early in the morning? I barely got a good sleep!”

“Can’t you stop bothering me?”

After the tirade, Zhao Mu turned away, wrapped himself in the blanket, and resumed sleeping.

“Uh… did I… just get scolded?”

Li Chengqian was taken aback, unsure how to respond to such foul-mouthed rebuke.

“Brother Zhao…” Li Chengqian half-laughed, half-crying as he gently nudged Zhao Mu.

“Did you not hear me clearly just now? What I meant was…”