Chapter 2, Skill and Clumsiness

Perhaps it is reasonable, but when one is in a position, one is not in control of oneself. Moreover, this does not align with Princess Taiping's style of handling matters; a mere suggestion is not sufficient. Xue Chongxun is clear about this, and is Xue Erlang not aware of it?

The young man beside me has a pale complexion, which is in stark contrast to the darkened skin of Xue Chongxun, who has tanned from practicing martial arts. However, the two share some similarities in their facial features, both having broad foreheads, large eyes, prominent noses, and square faces

"Shut up! Hit them, what are you all waiting for? Use the whip and beat them to death!" Princess Taiping said angrily, gritting her teeth

The sun is about to set, and the last rays of light seem to coat the world in a layer of gilded brilliance, with orange and yellow hues flowing like a dream. The princess's residence, in comparison to the imperial palace, stands majestically, its outline appearing like a celestial palace amidst the ethereal clouds; the reflections on the lake create waves that shimmer like silk and satin, exuding unparalleled luxury

Xue Erlang is physically weak, and usually appears delicate and fragile. However, when faced with challenges, he is not cowardly. If it were someone else confronting the notoriously ruthless Princess Taiping in a fit of anger, they would have long been terrified to the point of losing control. Yet, disregarding his own safety, Xue Erlang persistently said: "Mother, please heed my advice! Your maternal grandmother (Wu Zetian) once held great power and, in her quest to eliminate rivals, ruthlessly slaughtered the gentry. The scholars are still chilled to this day; who would wish to see another woman in power? One cannot go against the will of the people. Mother, it would be wise to withdraw early to ensure the safety of our family. Honest words are often hard to hear!"

In the distance, the eunuch heard the loud command and immediately rushed forward, seizing Xue Erlang by both arms and pulling him outside

This statement is not meant as advice; rather, it seems to add insult to injury... However, Xue Chongxun can only say this, as his mother is angry. Should he instead say that Erlang is justified in his words?

Yuwen Ji's fiancé is Feng Yuanjun, who is the cousin of Gao Lishi, the favored eunuch by the Crown Prince (Gao Lishi's original name was Feng Yuanyi). They indeed met in non-official settings, raising suspicions of an illicit relationship. Such alliance tactics are not novel; initially, to consolidate imperial power, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang even allowed his wife, Empress Wei, to play chess in the same bed with Wu Sansi.

Princess Taiping nodded slightly, dragging her long skirt as she walked slowly. Xue Chongxun and his brother had no choice but to follow her side, accompanying her for a while.

Xue Chongxun, aware that his mother was angry and speaking without restraint, hurriedly said: "I would never dare to do so"

In the past, I listened to the monks speak of Zen, where the Buddha spoke of cause and effect, stating that both this life and the next are the results of karmic retribution; the Buddha also spoke of opportunities, indicating that when the right opportunity arises, one can achieve sudden enlightenment.

You treacherous wretch! Princess Taiping was furious, her finger trembling as she pointed at Xue Erlang. "Someone, take him down to the steps and beat him! Beat this wretch to death!"

Princess Taiping's attention was diverted by Xue Erlang, and she noticed the reticent Xue Chongxun. Turning to him, she said: "What, are you also going to betray me?"

Xue Chongxun raised his head and carefully observed for a moment; it truly was as beautiful as a celestial palace. He then praised it together with Xue Erlang. Xue Chongxun's admiration was heartfelt, while Xue Erlang's response was merely a perfunctory acknowledgment.

Two months ago, Xue Chongxun suddenly acquired memories from another life. Is this a coincidence? He cannot distinguish whether it is from a past life or a future one, as the memories originate from thirteen hundred years later: If it is a past life, why does it exist in the future; if it is a future life, it has not yet occurred, so where do these memories come from

At this moment, Xue Chongxun recovered from his earlier astonishment, feigning a look of being shocked as he stood silently to the side with his hands down. He was pondering why Erlang would stage such a scene: could it be that Erlang had also realized the impending danger to his life, and was deliberately doing this as a ploy to create a way out for the future?

Princess Taiping pointed at the palatial mountains and waters under the glow of the setting sun and said, "Look, is the scenery of my residence beautiful?"

"Children, please convey my regards to Mother." Upon entering the open hall, Xue Chongxun and his brothers bowed and greeted.

The cloud-like hair adorned with pearls and jade, along with the luxurious long gown, rendered her dignified and noble; yet those who knew her felt an inexplicable pressure upon seeing her, causing all the servants to bow their heads and lower their hands in utmost respect.

"Since you know it will make your mother angry, why not just not say it?" Xue Chongxun said casually

But that memory is not a dream, for it is too vivid; Xue Chongxun does not believe that a person can dream of such a clear alternate life.

Princess Taiping turned around, and the entire palace seemed to brighten. The plump princess, adorned in splendid attire, wore a deep red gown with a wide neckline, her half-draped skirt revealing a hint of her bosom. Her skin, subtly visible beneath the light silk and satin, was well-maintained despite her being over forty years old. Complemented by luxurious gold and jade jewelry, she remained strikingly beautiful even in her grand attire

Ascending the white stone steps, an immaculate wooden floor appeared before me. There stood Princess Taiping, dressed in a floor-length gown, with her back to the entrance, standing alone between the crimson pillars of the grand hall, gazing towards the west, while a group of eunuchs and maidservants stood at a distance against the wall.

He is Xue Chongxun's full-blooded younger brother, Prince Xue Chongjian of Lijie. Princess Taiping was married twice, each time giving birth to two sons and two daughters. The reason for the failure of her first marriage was that Wu Zetian killed her husband. If one were to consider it, it could be said that Xue Chongxun's grandmother killed his father. However, what do grievances and enmities mean in the royal family?

Perhaps before Pangu opened up the heavens and the earth, the universe was in chaos, time was in chaos, and there was originally no distinction between before and after in time

This made Xue Chongxun feel a warmth in his heart... In the past, he might not have been able to comprehend such feelings, but ever since he gained the memories of his past life, the deep familial affection within those memories left him in awe. This was something he had never experienced in this life, evoking a sense of nostalgia. It led him to realize that his own life was, in fact, solitary and cold

How could a mother know about such trivial matters? Xue Chongxun truly never expected this, and even less did he anticipate that she would find out so quickly

Is there really a Buddha in this world? Whether in this life or the next, Xue Chongxun does not have much faith in it

The two brothers obediently approached Princess Taiping, their demeanor very respectful. When Xue Chongxun quietly turned to look at Xue Erlang, he noticed that his expression remained gloomy, revealing a sense of resentment, though he kept his head down, making it impossible for the Princess Taiping in front to see.

Xue Chongxun further stated: "Please spare Erlang, as everyone has their own aspirations, and beating him is of no use."

Xue Chongxun lowered his head and said: "I came from home to greet my mother. Since I arrived too early, I took the opportunity to visit Qianfu Temple. Unfortunately, I ran into Yuwen Ji... Mother, you are perceptive; what benefits could I gain from being inclined towards the Crown Prince?"

Xue Erlang's physical strength is not as good as Xue Chongxun's. After walking for a while upon entering the residence, he began to feel a bit breathless, and his complexion grew increasingly pale. He said with some difficulty: "Today, I came to see my mother. I intend to offer a few words of advice, which may very well anger her. How can I still partake in the family banquet?"

Before long, the sound of crackling whips came from beneath the steps, accompanied by the pained cries of Xue Er and the scholar. He shouted again: "Eldest brother! Why are you still standing there? You cannot just watch me being beaten in silence. Eldest brother, quickly persuade mother... Oh dear!"

From Qianfu Temple to the residence of Princess Taiping of Zhenguo, it is merely two blocks away, and it won't take long to arrive.

"Come here, to your mother." The dignified princess, upon seeing her two sons, revealed a hint of tenderness between her brows

At that moment, Xue Erlang suddenly said: "Mother, I have heard that the Left Minister Dou Huaizhen, the Chamberlain Cen Xi, the Chief of the Secretariat Xiao Zhizhong, and Cui Shi often visit your residence. These individuals must be spreading slander against the Crown Prince to you, but how could this be?"

Xue Chongxun shook his head, appearing indifferent on the surface, yet thinking to himself: Erlang has always had a gloomy disposition since childhood, but he is quite clever and certainly not the type to speak recklessly for a moment's pleasure

The familial affection they hold is even more superficial than that of the common people, much like the relationship between the two brothers, Xue Chongxun and Xue Erlang, who are actually quite distantly related and seldom meet. In contrast, Xue Erlang is much closer to his cousin, Prince Li Longji. During the coup last year that overthrew Empress Wei, Princess Taiping and the current emperor, Li Dan, joined forces, and among those sent to liaise with Li Longji was Xue Erlang, further strengthening the bond between the two cousins.

Xue Chongxun thought to himself: I cannot compare to you; you can lean towards the Crown Prince, but I cannot. Learning from you would lead to a dead end on both sides

Such a temperament is not a disadvantage in the perilous world of wealth. ... Xue Chongxun believes this, likely sharing similarities with Xue Erlang, as both are ultimately born of the same parents. ... However, Xue Chongxun prefers the term "conceal skill and reveal clumsiness".

Although Princess Taiping was filled with anger, her mind remained clear. Xue Chongxun's last statement was indeed reasonable. She then glanced at Xue Chongxun and said, "I am not here to monitor you; an official happened to pass by and casually mentioned that he saw the two of you coming out together."

Xue Erlang lowered his head, his face pale. Under the pressure of his mother, he might have been very afraid, yet he still gritted his teeth and said: "I do not dare, but I am risking your anger to advise you, please do not listen to slanderous words."

Princess Taiping's expression suddenly turned cold as she turned to Xue Erlang and said, "Are you questioning me?"

... ...

It is unbearable to remain silent

Prince Li Longji's father, Li Dan, and the mother of the Xue brothers, Princess Taiping, are both children of Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong, making them biological siblings. Therefore, Li Longji's relationship with Xue Chongxun and Xue Chongjian is that of cousins.

Princess Taiping's face flushed with anger, and in her extreme rage, she laughed coldly... Now, she still advises against taking action against the Crown Prince. Should one really watch the ambitious Crown Prince without any precautions, waiting passively for disaster to strike?

Officials from various regions send local tributes to Chang'an every month, dedicated to the Empress Mother. Additionally, when foreign envoys come to the capital to present gifts, they certainly include a portion for the Empress Mother. Tonight's family banquet might feature delicacies from Jian'nan, perhaps. Xue Chongxun said this with a light-hearted smile to the young man beside him, who was dressed in a purple brocade robe adorned with large floral patterns.

This statement struck like thunder, leaving both Princess Taiping and Xue Chongxun startled, as the warmth of the mother-son companionship that had just been present vanished without a trace.

The two brothers chatted about trivial matters while each harbored their own thoughts, and thus they walked into the inner palace of the princess. The eunuch had already reported their arrival and led them through countless corridors and stone paths, arriving at an open hall.

Princess Taiping coldly remarked: "Today, you met Feng Yuanjun's fiancée, Yuwenji, at Qianfu Temple. Don't tell me it was a coincidence"