Chapter 3: A Confrontation Without Suspense

When the sharp voice of his mother rang in his ears, he was not surprised at all, and he didn't even feel when someone carried him out. His mother's rampage had already begun, so even if it was just to maintain the dignity of being a king, along with the unpredictable thoughts, how far could his father's actions be?

I entered the palace at the age of fourteen and have been here for eighteen years. For the sake of Emperor Taizong, I studied calligraphy and read countless books, yet I have always been merely a talented person; if it were not for your father... I have endured countless hardships to finally secure a place for myself. Why is it that that woman can firmly occupy the higher position solely based on her background, just because she hails from the Wang family of Taiyuan, just because her lineage is more noble than mine

If Your Majesty wishes to appoint another empress, please select from among the noble families of the realm. Why must you choose Consort Wu? It is well known that Consort Wu once served the late emperor. If Your Majesty acts unilaterally, how can you obscure the eyes and ears of the world? How will this matter be judged by future generations? If Your Majesty neglects the principles of filial piety, you will surely bear the blame, and signs of chaos and disorder will inevitably begin with this matter

Come here, drag Chu Suiliang out!

At this point, some people still fail to see the situation clearly, acting like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. That day, his father personally made a guarantee in front of his mother, and a gentleman's word is as good as a promise. Moreover, his father already believes that Changsun Wuji and the others are resorting to threats; how could this end well? He suddenly regretted coming here, as the situation was likely about to spiral out of control.

In the following days, due to Li Zhi's exceptional consent, the Wu family kept Li Xian by their side, making them inseparable. Naturally, the term she loved to hear the most was "Mother Empress." As for this preference of his mother, when there were no outsiders present, Li Xian naturally made every effort to satisfy her, simply by calling her "Mother Empress." It did not cost him anything, so why not indulge her?

At this moment, he could no longer use his clumsy acting skills to say anything appropriate. Therefore, after some consideration, he grabbed his mother's collar with one hand, closed his eyes to feign sleep, and then emitted a steady breathing sound

At other times, he was not idle either. Around Wu, there was a large group of palace maids, and he selected the most beautiful among them, secretly memorizing their names. He also deliberately acted cute, and for a time, these young maidens in their prime all took a liking to him. Without Wu's instruction, they were all willing to come and play with him.

When is a woman at her most gentle? This is self-evident. Indeed, gradually, he felt those stiff hands soften, and then they gently began to pat his back, the gestures tender and slow. To this rhythm, he too fell into a muddled sleep with the * book *.

Xian'er, you are truly my lucky star

Why does Your Majesty not eliminate this scoundrel

Within two days, he was carried around the entire palace by someone. While the flowers, plants, pavilions, and towers were certainly captivating, what attracted him the most were the beautiful women. He could only lament that he could not grow up sooner.

A chilling and cold expression, two utterly incompatible emotions, emerged from Wu's eyes, while Li Xian truly shuddered. That case had been discussed countless times by later generations, and now he was finally certain that the little princess had indeed been strangled to death by his own mother. The existence of this psychological shadow would inevitably drive Wu into madness; having committed such a cruel act, what else could she not do?

Sitting behind the beaded curtain of the Two Instruments Hall throne with his mother, he could only come up with a few meager adjectives— the Two Instruments Hall is very large, very spacious, very beautiful— because he truly could not see clearly. The high imperial throne blocked most of his view, and the only thing that could not be obscured were those intense words. He could not distinguish which voice belonged to which minister; he only knew that the ministers' words were not just a little unpleasant, and his mother's expression was growing increasingly grim, indicating that she was on the verge of fury.

Changsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang ...! ... These individuals are doomed with the bibliophiles

Li Xian secretly cursed this person for being pedantic, when suddenly he heard a series of thumping sounds ahead, followed by exclamations all around. My goodness, could this be the rumored death protest? It surely isn't that cunning old fox Changsun Wuji, so could it be Chu Suiliang?

I am aware that I have offended Your Majesty, but as long as I can live up to the expectations of the late Emperor, I would willingly face a thousand deaths

The only thing related to him is that his status will change from a born son to a legitimate son, and his mother will also become the rightful queen. As for whether those people outside live or die, it is no longer a matter he can concern himself with. For a long time, he will be able to peacefully enjoy the wonderful life of a legitimate prince while considering his future. As for the crown prince, that will still be his older brother Li Hong's responsibility; he has no interest in it.

The loud reprimand from Li Zhi echoed clearly ahead, causing Li Xian to let out a silent sigh. Such words, once spoken, would not only infuriate his mother to the point of near death, but even his father would be unable to contain himself. It is no wonder that those who dared to speak frankly often met with failure, demotion, or even death; even Wei Zheng, who left a good reputation in the world, had his stele overturned by Emperor Taizong after his death, and his children's marriages were terminated. Not to mention those whose loyal bones lay white as snow. For any monarch, who can truly listen to such words that challenge their authority? It seems that he must learn from this experience in the future.

After leaving the Hall of Two Instruments, Lady Wu did not hand Li Xian over to the wet nurse, but instead cradled him and strolled leisurely through the palace. A large group of palace maids and eunuchs dared not defy her wishes and could only follow behind at a distance, mirroring her steps.

Psychology suggests that prolonged tension and insecurity can lead to psychological distortion. From certain behaviors exhibited in the later period of the Wu family, it can be said that psychological distortion is insufficient; it has already reached the level of psychological abnormality.

I do not wish for this... However, if that opportunity is lost, your father will definitely not make the decision to depose the empress... That is my first daughter, your sister, and Hong'er’s younger sister... But if that woman remains the empress, Li Zhong will still be the crown prince. No matter how many sons I bear, they will always be beneath others. It is one thing for me to endure humiliation and cold looks, but why should my children continue to live under the gaze of others!

Seeing his mother reveal a grim expression of gritted teeth, Li Xian felt a jolt in his heart, realizing that Wu Shi usually had no opportunity to express such words to others. Because he was still an infant, she could speak her mind without restraint. While he was troubled by that sense of resentment and injustice, he also had to find a way to alleviate his mother's emotions

Li Xianshu comfortably lay in those soft hands, and upon hearing this sentence, he couldn't help but smile. The son of a noble mother, although he knew that Wu's various methods to bring down Empress Wang were hardly honorable, and could even be described as cold and cruel, so what? At present, he was her son; if she could not become empress, where would he, Li Xian, find a good life? He might end up hiding in some corner in the future.

On that day, A Qian wanted to take him out for a stroll, but Wu Shi called out to her: "In a moment, there will be a meeting at the Two Instruments Hall. I need to take Xian Er to have a look, so you must not take him around recklessly."

As soon as these words were spoken, he felt that Wu's steps had come to a halt. The face that had just revealed an infinite ferocity was now filled with sorrow and grief. Soon, a series of words that sounded like murmurs penetrated his ears

Who is this reckless youth, daring to speak such unrestrained words, showing no regard for his parents' dignity? Even when offering advice, one must adhere to a certain art; how can one be so blunt without any circumlocution?

He caressed Wu's face, delighting in the pleasant sensation, while murmuring indistinctly: "Mother... good... Mother... good..."

Mother is still a noble consort, not a queen, yet she dares to eavesdrop on the court meeting? Li Xian was astonished by his mother's boldness. Seeing her calmly grooming herself, he couldn't help but admire her nerve. Meanwhile, he couldn't suppress his imagination. What new things would those long-anticipated anti-military ministers say?