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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 122: Spreading
The Emperor certainly did not allow him to change his name, but Li Min returned home in a daze, immediately issuing orders to strictly prohibit any mention of the Flood River within the household.
His wife, Yuwen Eying, saw her husband in such a state and couldn't help but scold, "Even if His Majesty reprimanded you a few times, with me here, you need not be so dejected."
Yang Lihua was their only daughter, raised with utmost affection. Yang Jian and Dugu Qialo also felt guilty towards their daughter and took special care of their granddaughter.
Although she had lost her status as a princess, in reality, even a proper Your Highness would still have to give her some respect.
Li Min regained his composure and said, "This is a great disaster; there are folk songs predicting that the Li Clan will bring ruin to the Emperor."
Yuwen Eying was momentarily stunned and replied, "There are many Li families; there are at least three or four prominent ones in court. Isn't Li Jian Cheng one of them? In terms of capability, it shouldn't fall on you. What is there to fear?"
"Duke Pushan Li Mi is not well-known, and Duke of Tang Li Yan and his son are mourning at home. The court seems to be left with just me and Duke of Cheng Li Huan. Besides, His Majesty dreamt that the Flood submerged Chang'an. You know my little name as well!"
Yuwen Eying finally sensed the danger and grabbed her husband's collar, asking, "Did His Majesty really say that?"
"The Emperor told me to change my name and forbade anyone from calling me by the Hong character."
"Then that's good."
"But I still feel..."
Seeing his pitiful demeanor, Yuwen Eying was nearly infuriated. She slammed the table and exclaimed, "At this time, why are you still whining?"
"I feel that His Majesty's gaze towards me is different; it doesn't seem like he can let me off easily. Eying, please go plead for me."
Yuwen Eying recalled her fear of Yang Guang; her mother had warned her before leaving on an imperial tour that she must never think that the current Emperor would have any gratitude towards them.
"I have little interaction with His Majesty. I'll send someone to gather information first and then seek an audience with the Empress tomorrow."
After Yuwen Eying left, Li Min grew increasingly fearful. He felt that he could not be the only one in such a predicament, so he sent word to the officials of Capital City Li, urging them to unite. Together, they could ensure that even the Emperor could not recklessly execute members of the Li family.
...
Li Jian Cheng handed him a note he had prepared earlier. There was no need to rush for results; it would be best to spread the message across various Prefectures after the Emperor set out to conquer Goguryeo, ensuring that everything was done discreetly.
The note contained nursery rhymes and cryptic verses written by Li Jian Cheng, such as "One piece of fire, two pieces of fire, the child in crimson sits in court," which referred to the Pei Clan ascending to the throne.
"Great centipede, small centipede, all are poisonous insects of the human world, climbing up with a hundred feet; if they could fly to eat dragons," this referred to the Wu Clan.
There were also lines like "Golden Chariot, Banlan Ear, open Changmen, and out comes the Emperor."
"Do not chase the swallow; as the swallow flies high in the sky, soaring above the Emperor's domain."
"The golden toad fights for its eyes; it turns over Caozhou and disrupts the world."
"When Yang Gong first appeared, fluttering like a flying crow; Yang Gong still in Yangzhou, leading a white horse with flowing silk."
...
These numerous ambiguous verses could be interpreted in various ways depending on how the Emperor chose to think about them. The goal was simply to divert his attention away from the Li Clan.
Moreover, these families would not sit idly by. Once everyone took action, chaos would ensue; surely the Emperor could not close his eyes and slaughter all the common people.
...
Yuwen Shu, who had long-standing grievances with Li Hun, was overjoyed upon hearing about the Peach and Plum Chapter. He summoned his sons for a consultation, which included both biological and adopted sons.
Years ago, after Shen Guo Gong Tai Shi Li Mu passed away, his title and family estate were inherited by his legitimate grandson Li Jun. Li Hun harbored resentment and devised a plan using another nephew's hand to eliminate Li Jun.
However, no matter how things were arranged, this family estate would never fall to Li Hun because he was the tenth son of Li Mu. Even if his elder brothers had died, their bloodline continued; he could not continue killing off dozens of nephews.
Thus, he turned to Yuwen Shu and promised that if he were granted a title, he would contribute half of his annual income from state resources.
Yuwen Shu was not particularly skilled in leading troops into battle, but when it came to accepting payment for services rendered, he was absolutely reliable.
Li Hun had successfully inherited his title and fief, but he was reluctant to express gratitude to Yuwen Shu. Instead, he directly took in over a hundred beautiful women, each adorned in luxurious silks and extravagant garments.
Having suffered a significant loss and unable to voice his grievances, Yuwen Shu realized that the title had already been established, making it impossible for the emperor to go back on his word. Thus, he constantly sought revenge against Li Hun.
He keenly sensed that this was the perfect opportunity and, after some consultation, sent people to incite Li Hun to meet with Li Min for discussions.
With a reminder from Yuwen Huaji, he also sent someone to stir up Li Yan or Li Jian Cheng. In any case, this father-son duo was determined to eliminate all of Li's enemies in one fell swoop.
...
"Quickly go inform your Young Master! We have urgent matters to discuss; we cannot delay!"
"This concerns your Lord! Hurry!"
Following Li Yan's orders, aside from the imperial edict, Duke Tang's Residence had closed its doors to visitors and would not see anyone.
However, these few individuals refused to leave and continued to shout at the entrance. Since they were indeed friends of their Young Master, the steward was at a loss on how to handle the situation.
Upon receiving the news, Li Jian Cheng personally arrived at the gate. The group appeared as if they had urgent matters to consult about and pushed past the guards to enter.
Li Jian Cheng maintained a stoic expression and said, "I am in filial mourning; if you have something to say, do so here."
The group was helpless. One taller individual leaned in and whispered, "Lord, you have not been out for some time; you may be unaware that disaster is looming."
Another person eagerly recited from the Peach and Plum Chapter: "Names and surnames should not be taken lightly throughout history; now several families of Li are secretly gathering at Out-of-City Villa to discuss strategies. Lord must not be left out; otherwise, you might be framed by those families without understanding why."
After hearing them out, Li Jian Cheng realized that someone was setting a trap; he just couldn't figure out who it was at that moment.
"The emperor is wise and powerful; he will make a fair judgment. As a subject, since I have nothing to feel guilty about, I should calmly await the emperor's thunder and rain. How can we gather secretly to discuss matters?"
"I will not go. You all should return."
"My Lord, this... this is no small matter; it could bring disaster to your entire household."
Li Jian Cheng noted their faces one by one, recalling their names in his mind. He had too many friends, and while he had his share of casual acquaintances, he certainly did not know each of them intimately.
But since they were merely drinking buddies, taking advantage of my hospitality was one thing; how dare they try to frame me? Li Jian Cheng sentenced these few in his heart and no longer concealed his intentions, casting a cold glance over them.
These individuals, who were only familiar with the charming and affable Li Jian Cheng, had never seen him like this before. They felt a chill run down their spines, and their words became tangled.
"I appreciate you all coming here to inform me. This kindness will be remembered, and I will repay you generously."
"N-no need for that. We were just concerned and acted on impulse. If there are any oversights, my Lord, please do not hold it against us."
Li Jian Cheng nodded, then turned to walk inside. The gates of Duke Tang's Residence closed once more, and the group dared not knock again. They hurriedly left in a fluster.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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