Chapter 112: Moths

A moth fluttered incessantly by the candlelight, the flame flickering but never extinguishing. The moth, exhausted, finally fell, flailing a few times before falling silent.

Li Sansui approached the lampshade and trimmed the candlewick, which had grown too long. Casually, he tossed the moth’s lifeless body far into the flower bushes outside the window.

Li Linfu sensed something and furrowed his brow slightly.

“What do you make of the Nanzhao affair?” he asked.

“My disciple believes it is the Sage playing the art of balance—supporting Yang Zhao to rise and divide your uncle’s power. Yang Zhao then forces Nanzhao into rebellion, giving Xianyu Zhongtong a pretext to attack Nanzhao and earn unparalleled merits by destroying a kingdom, aiming to rival your uncle,” Lu Liao Liao responded.

He loathed the situation but felt powerless to intervene. After speaking, he looked at Li Linfu expectantly, hoping he could devise a solution to avert this needless war.

Li Linfu shook his head, not continuing the topic but instead turning to another question.

“Do you know what my Tang Dynasty’s current prosperity and undefeated record in war, along with thriving industries at home, rely on?”

“I do not, Master. Please enlighten me,” Lu Liao Liao bowed earnestly.

“Rules. It’s that simple. Once rules are set, even I, Li Linfu, dare not step wrong. Years ago, in the Guigu Sect, elder Wei Yang reformed Qin. The first act was to erect pillars at city gates, establishing trust. To uphold these rules, even the noble Duke Qian had his nose cut off. This laid the foundation for Qin’s flourishing and eventual unification of the six kingdoms.”

Li Linfu’s words made Lu Liao Liao nod repeatedly in understanding.

“But,” Li Linfu continued, “there is one supreme emperor in this world who wields unmatched power, able to ignore or trample all rules like a mighty dragon controlling clouds and storms in the sky, beyond control by anyone.

To keep this dragon from stirring trouble, I have lavished it with beauty and wealth, letting it indulge in the palace without worries. At the same time, I wield my utmost prestige over the military and ministers to intimidate it into submission.

Yet, in the end, no beauty or wealth can resist the lure of supreme power. This dragon has finally lifted its head.”

Li Linfu leaned back, looking weary.

“Master, are you saying the one behind forcing Nanzhao’s rebellion and subsequent attack is the Sage in the Great Ming Palace?”

At this, Lu Liao Liao was filled with profound admiration for his uncle. The ability to imprison a relatively wise and martial king for over a decade within the deep palace, turning him into a mere figurehead with little real power, required meticulous planning, painstaking effort, and immense courage and resolve.

“Do you think Zhuge Wuhou and I guard ourselves with armor and caution merely against petty assassins? We are guarding against the emperor who has lost his power.

Royal authority is divinely granted and deeply ingrained over a millennium. No matter how tightly he is confined, a slight move from him can cause us great difficulty. Now, his gaze turns to military power and prestige—he is preparing to strike.”

Li Linfu’s eyes darkened as he looked southwest, frowning.

“One of my disciple’s wives once served as a secret agent in Yang Zhao’s household. She inadvertently obtained critical information and fled. Among the intelligence was a note about you, Master—that your life span is only three years more. I don’t know if it’s true, but I hesitated to tell you.”

Thinking of the formidable adversary his uncle faced, Lu Liao Liao uneasily relayed the news brought by Amir.

“Hmph! Your master, Mr. Tai Bin, is over eighty yet still vigorous, writing and teaching. Although I entered the sect late, I have never ceased practicing the secret art ‘Seven Classics of Yin Talisman.’ I am not yet seventy; in my prime, there is no way I will die without cause.”

Li Linfu snorted dismissively, clearly regarding Lu Liao Liao’s words as nonsense.

“My disciple worries because your opponent is so strong, thus I spoke of this dubious rumor.”

Realizing his recklessness, Lu Liao Liao’s nerves made sweat bead on his forehead.

“I, Li Linfu, have been prime minister of the Tang for seventeen years; I am not so easily manipulated. Do not trouble yourself with these matters. By the way, I personally arranged your marriage—do you understand the significance?”

Li Linfu waved dismissively, moving on.

“Money connects with the divine. Although merchants hold low status, the story of Prime Minister Lü Buwei of Qin, a merchant who rose to prime minister, is not forgotten,” Lu Liao Liao said, bowing deeply.

“Hmm!” Li Linfu nodded approvingly. “I see you often act unexpectedly, grasping the strange arts of the Guigu Sect thoroughly. Yet, even with great merit, you often receive poor returns, lacking in righteousness and proper conduct. When the opportunity arises, I will have Sansui come fetch you to properly teach you how to manage state affairs.”

Beneath the shade of such a towering tree, Lu Liao Liao was not about to give up, dropping to his knees.

“Master, I wish to enter officialdom to serve with whatever humble ability I have. I beg your favor.”

Li Linfu shook his head.

“Now I have countless political enemies, even the Sage in the Great Ming Palace secretly opposes me. If our relationship is discovered, you would be wiped out at once. Therefore, I will not recommend you.”

Lu Liao Liao’s body weakened, disappointment washing over his face.

“Hmph!” Li Linfu snorted unhappily. “You pride yourself on cleverness yet refuse to petition the great deity of Yuzhen Temple and insist on coming to me. If I fail, do you want the Guigu Sect to be severed forever?”

“Yes, Master, I understand.” Lu Liao Liao lowered his head.

Li Linfu seemed fatigued and waved his hand. Sansui led Lu Liao Liao out.

At dawn, a group of craftsmen arrived at the old Lu family mansion to begin renovations. Playful Bai Liangqi, his face mottled like a tabby cat, ran smack into Lu Liao Liao and Wang Liuli, who were about to leave. He wiped his face with his sleeve, glanced nervously at Wang Liuli, then disappeared in a blur.

“I don’t understand why that fearless brat is so scared of you—as if a mouse seeing a cat,” Lu Liao Liao mused, puzzled.

“The leader sets the tone. Your master is usually lax, so how can he exert authority before his disciples? Bai Liangqi, young as he is, hasn’t learned skills but has fully absorbed your prideful disdain. If I don’t discipline him strictly, how will it do?” Wang Liuli shot Lu Liao Liao a sharp glance, fixing his clothes.

“That brat, I never taught him to fear the mistress,” Lu Liao Liao grumbled.

When presenting the newlywed bride to the elder at Yuzhen Temple, Lu Liao Liao dared not act recklessly. Wang Liuli carefully prepared the gifts, and Lu Liao Liao did not interfere.

In the main hall, after respectfully offering tea to Princess Yuzhen, Wang Liuli presented the gifts. Lu Liao Liao stood obediently by, barely daring to breathe, showing none of his usual demeanor.

“Did Crown Prince Li Yu’s agricultural strategy come from your hand?” Princess Yuzhen gently set down her teacup, casting a cool glance at Lu Liao Liao.

“Yes,” he answered honestly, not daring to lie.

“In the future, when such major matters arise, report to me first, understood?” Though her voice was soft, it tightened Lu Liao Liao and Wang Liuli’s hearts, making them uneasy.

“I understand. But Master, I have one more request for your help,” Lu Liao Liao gathered courage and looked up at Princess Yuzhen.

“What is it?” she asked casually.

“I wish to be recommended for officialdom. I beg your favor,” Lu Liao Liao risked everything and knelt before her.

“Hm?” Princess Yuzhen looked at him in puzzlement. “Didn’t you always want to enter officialdom through the imperial examinations? Why the sudden change?”

Lu Liao Liao’s face flushed crimson. After hesitating, he finally confessed, “My reputation in the scholarly circles has soured. The examination route seems difficult now.”

“Heh!” Princess Yuzhen laughed bitterly. “You, Lu Liao Liao, are talented enough to insult the Second Sage, Mencius. Now you realize the consequences.”

Lu Liao Liao lowered his head, too ashamed to respond. Seeing the princess genuinely angry, Wang Liuli quickly knelt alongside him.

“Get up! If you keep kneeling over every little thing, I’ll break your legs. I’ve noted your matter. Go home and wait patiently for news.”

Princess Yuzhen, exasperated, waved them away.

On the way home, Wang Liuli sneered twice. “Like master, like disciple. You’re really scared of that princess elder.”

“What do you know? Though she is strict, she truly cares for me like kin. Aunt Xilin also loves me, but she feels like a close aunt. Master Yuzhen feels like a mother, no longer the wild child born to a negligent mother.”

Lu Liao Liao’s passionate words silenced Wang Liuli. After a long pause, she muttered aggrievedly, “I care for your favorite disciple Bai Liangqi too, yet he only clings to his little Seventh Mistress and avoids me.”

“Many fear you; why don’t you think about that yourself?” Lu Liao Liao’s mood was dark. His words made Wang Liuli’s eyes redden, tears nearly falling.

Back home, Lu Liao Liao shut himself in the study. The restless sound of the guqin played for a long time until the string snapped with a ‘twang,’ finally falling silent.

As dusk fell, Lu Liao Liao lit a candle. A moth fluttered toward the bright flame, circling for a while before flying straight into it repeatedly. After several attempts, it fell dead to the ground.

“Sigh,” Lu Liao Liao sighed deeply, silent for a long time.

The imperial power and the Confucian scholars, at the height of their glory, were like this burning candle. His uncle Li Linfu, standing in opposition, was like this fearless moth. Could he truly resist? And he himself, using every means to enter officialdom—might he just become another moth, drawn to the flame?