113: The rebellious Li Changan! Zhan Doudou, you are so

Chapter 113: The Audacious Li Chang'an! Zhan Doudou, Your Vision is Too Narrow! (13)

Li Chang'an had privately mentioned rebellion to Haitang Duoduo, and he mentioned it frequently.

But Haitang couldn't have imagined that Li Chang'an would openly declare his intention to rebel against Emperor Qing in front of the Empress Dowager and the young Emperor!

It was simply outrageous!

To the prescient Li Chang'an, Empress Dowager Wei and the young Emperor putting on a show here was simply a pretense.

The young Emperor's mention of ennobling a king of a different surname—he didn't know if she truly harbored such thoughts, but alienating Li Chang'an from Emperor Qing was certainly the main objective.

Zhan Doudou paused, then smiled and said, "Prince Yong, this is not Qi Country. It would be better for you to restrain yourself."

Li Chang'an said nonchalantly, "Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, Saintess.

When this Prince was in Southern Qing, he still had to show some Face to that old imperial brother."

"The old man works hard governing the country, constantly scheming and calculating.

After calculating his ministers, he calculates his sons; after calculating his sons, he calculates enemy nations. Face still needs to be given."

"Once I have to give Face to my imperial brother, one lives a constrained and uncomfortable life.

This Prince was like a bird in a cage, a fish in a net. Now that I have arrived in Northern Qi, it is like a bird soaring into the clear sky, a fish entering the vast sea, no longer bound by anything!"

Empress Dowager Wei frowned and said, "Li Chang'an, your every word is incredibly audacious. Are you truly not afraid of Emperor Qing hearing this?"

Li Chang'an stood with his hands behind his back, facing south, as if he were the host and the three women were the guests.

"No matter how this Prince speaks or acts in Northern Qi, it will be exaggerated and reported back to Qing Kingdom by you.

Perhaps in the Qing Kingdom court right now, memorials impeaching me have already been written."

"This Prince is worried that your courage is insufficient, your literary talent lacking, and your taste not high enough.

The fabricated charges of words and deeds you assign to this Prince are probably unworthy of this Prince's status."

"Therefore, why not let this Prince personally help you concoct crimes? It can also be considered sharing the worries of Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager."

After her initial surprise, a glimmer of brilliance flashed in Zhan Doudou's eyes. Li Chang'an was not only exceptionally handsome but also possessed a daring and domineering Aura.

She had never seen such an Aura among any of her ministers.

"Thank you, Prince Yong. Your eloquent words and profound insights, I will certainly have our country's secret agents relay them back to Southern Qing."

Empress Dowager Wei let out a light laugh, "I've long heard that Prince Yong of Southern Qing was unruly and audacious in his youth.

Seeing him today, he is indeed even more so than the rumors."

Li Chang'an suddenly realized, "Empress Dowager overpraises me. Presumably, the Empress Dowager is referring to the poems I wrote for Li Li, but those are nothing."

"If the Empress Dowager is interested, this Prince is willing to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges with the Empress Dowager."

As soon as these words were spoken, the three women were stunned again, not daring to respond for a moment.

The Empress Dowager had read the poems, and of course knew they were Li Chang'an's blatant teasing, but she didn't know that the young Emperor and Haitang had also read them.

The young Emperor's Face flushed slightly. She had read them, but absolutely could not show it.

Haitang almost choked on a grape seed. Prince Yong's shameless and audacious extent far exceeded her imagination.

Empress Dowager Wei had not only read them but had savored them in detail, and still found them endlessly delightful, but how could she openly speak of such things?

So she could only feign ignorance, bringing up the 'Dou Baihua' that Li Chang'an had publicly written for Si Lili, and pretending not to know anything else.

"Prince Yong is joking. The Concept of that 'Dou Baihua' is ordinary. If you hadn't mentioned it, this Empress would have forgotten it."

Li Chang'an secretly sighed. Without men in the court, there was no confidence.

You two mother and daughter, this Prince is determined to bully you.

As for Zhan Pianpian, that wouldn't be bullying; such a lovely girl, she would surely be very proactive.

At this moment, Zhan Doudou said to Empress Dowager Wei, "Mother, I wish to discuss poetry and literature privately with Prince Yong. I hope Mother will grant permission."

Empress Dowager Wei said, "You are the Emperor. Whatever you wish to discuss, discuss it here in the main hall."

Zhan Doudou, however, said, "The main hall is too solemn, not conducive to intimate conversation. I wish to invite Prince Yong to take a walk with me."

Empress Dowager Wei glanced at Li Chang'an and said, "Li Chang'an's words are astonishing. This Empress also wishes to walk with you all."

"Mother works tirelessly for the country's affairs; how dare we trouble you?" Zhan Doudou unhesitatingly gave Empress Dowager Wei a gentle rebuff.

"Since that is the case, this Empress will return to her palace. If there is an opportunity in the future, I also wish to discuss poetry and literature with Chang'an."

Although the Empress Dowager left, she still seemed somewhat unwilling.

Haitang watched the two perform helplessly. They could pretend to be at odds in front of others, but in front of Li Chang'an, it was purely futile.

Now, the Holy Maiden of Northern Qi was only filled with curiosity: how would this future Great Grandmaster stir up Northern Qi, and what would it become?

Zhan Doudou addressed Li Chang'an by his title, while Empress Dowager Wei consistently called Li Chang'an by his name, making herself seem a generation older than Li Chang'an, deliberately elevating her status, appearing condescending.

"Farewell, Empress Dowager. There will certainly be such an opportunity."

After Li Chang'an finished speaking insincerely, the Empress Dowager pointed to Haitang beside her.

"The Saintess is just returning to the palace. You are all of similar age, why not go together?"

After the Empress Dowager left, Zhan Doudou led Li Chang'an and Haitang into the inner palace.

Inside a pavilion in the palace, eunuchs served sandalwood incense and tea, then dispersed.

Zhan Doudou leaned on the railing, gazing into the distance, and recited a poem she had composed.

"Pounding the railing, forest flowers blown by mountain wind, chilling the temples, a grand song startling the floating clouds to scatter."

After reciting, Zhan Doudou was still gazing into the distance, her hand on the railing unconsciously tightening.

Haitang kicked Li Chang'an's foot. "Speak! Say it's good! Praise her!"

She turned to look, but saw Li Chang'an also gazing intently into the distance, lost in thought.

Not getting Li Chang'an's evaluation, Zhan Doudou secretly turned her Face to see his reaction.

"This line is acceptable, but how can these forest flowers and mountain winds bear the magnificent Aura of a grand song and floating clouds!"

Hearing an 'acceptable' evaluation, Zhan Doudou immediately showed joy.

"Prince Yong, what do you think? How should it be revised?"

Li Chang'an said, "When this Prince traveled the world, he once gazed at the sea of clouds and mist on Da Dong Mountain. This Prince will help you complete this poem."

"Pounding the railing, mist flowers blown by sea wind, chilling the temples, a grand song startling the floating clouds to scatter.

Counting the green mountains, pointing to Penglai in a glance. Gauze scarf by the shore, accustomed to riding on a crane's back. Looking up, a long roar, directly ascending the Altar of Heaven."

After hearing the poem Li Chang'an copied, Zhan Doudou couldn't help but fall into contemplation.

Mist flowers, sea wind, Penglai, immortal cranes, Altar of Heaven—they indeed had a more profound Concept than her verses.

Haitang Duoduo sat down and bit into a large red date.

"Li Chang'an has made great progress these years. There is much less decadent music in his poetry. This Saintess likes it very much."

"Especially the last line, 'Looking up, a long roar, directly ascending the Altar of Heaven,' it has a very high Realm!"

Zhan Doudou smiled, "As expected of the Three Sages of Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting. I have learned a lot."

Li Chang'an said unceremoniously, "Your Majesty's talent is extraordinary, but your vision is still a bit narrow. After all, you grew up in the deep palace, and your horizons are a little limited."

Zhan Doudou was already used to Li Chang'an's words.

After all, even Emperor Qing was just a calculating old man in his mouth.

How could his evaluation of her, Zhan Doudou, a young Emperor who hadn't yet taken full power, be any better?

Haitang spat out the date pit, looking accustomed to it.

"Your Majesty, this person is accustomed to being arrogant and looks down on everyone. You'll get used to it."

Zhan Doudou seemed unconcerned, "I invited Prince Yong here, firstly to discuss poetry, and secondly to make a deal with you."

Li Chang'an said, "What does Your Majesty wish to exchange, and what will you use as exchange?"

Zhan Doudou smiled mysteriously, her eyes full of charm.

"My imperial sister is willing to marry you as a concubine, and Mother has agreed."

"However, I have not yet agreed."

Li Chang'an chuckled, "Your Majesty, those who threaten this Prince never come to a good end.

You must think carefully, lest you regret it later."

Zhan Doudou, having been told by Li Chang'an that her vision was not grand enough, inevitably felt a competitive urge.

After all, she had been Emperor for many years, surrounded by flatterers.

"Oh, really?

This is the capital of Northern Qi. I'd like to see how you will make me regret it."

Haitang Duoduo was anxious. She was truly afraid that Zhan Doudou would get herself into trouble.

This monster Li Chang'an was not only incredibly powerful but also knew everything.

Her anxiety was useless; she dared not remind Zhan Doudou at all.

Li Chang'an continued, "Your Majesty, what do you want this Prince to do in exchange for your agreement to Pianpian marrying this Prince as a concubine?"

Zhan Doudou said, "Shen Zhong's faction holds immense power in the court, their influence widespread, and they are fiercely loyal to Mother."

"He holds a high position and has extensive connections, so it's not easy to dismiss him from office. The experts around me are closely watched by Mother."

As Zhan Doudou spoke, she glanced at Li Chang'an triumphantly.

"Prince Yong, rest assured, Duoduo is on my side."

From Zhan Doudou's expression, she wanted Li Chang'an to be surprised.

See? The Saintess next to the Empress Dowager is actually on my side. Am I not impressive!

Li Chang'an knew that to deal with such a pure girl, one had to manipulate her repeatedly. Having just suppressed her, now he needed to encourage her, making her feel uncertain.

"Oh! Your Majesty truly has excellent methods. The Empress Dowager is still in the dark, isn't she!"

Seeing the joy in Zhan Doudou's eyes, Haitang Duoduo secretly thought, "This is not good; Your Majesty is still too young."

Zhan Doudou continued, "Prince Yong has brought half of the Shadow Guard this time. It shouldn't be a problem to help me kill Shen Zhong."

Li Chang'an said nonchalantly, "Shen Zhong is the head of the Brocade-Clad Guards. He has countless experts around him. Killing him without implicating oneself is indeed difficult."

"That's natural. My imperial sister is the most beautiful woman in the world, yet she is to become your concubine. How could such a thing be so easy!" Zhan Doudou said with a smile.

Li Chang'an didn't hesitate at all. "Deal, but this Prince has some doubts.

Shen Zhong is a great loyal minister of your Qi Country. Isn't this cutting off your own arm?"

Hearing Li Chang'an question her decision again, Zhan Doudou said proudly, "If he's not loyal to me, what kind of loyal minister is he?"

"Once I assume full power, I will surely be able to cultivate and promote a Brocade-Clad Guard Commander who is both loyal to me and capable."

Although her words were not wrong, a spy chief without long-term practical experience is not so easily nurtured.

Li Chang'an said lightly, "Since that's the case, this Prince agrees. There's still half a month until the poetry gathering, which should be enough time."

After Li Chang'an left, Zhan Doudou suddenly smiled, "This Li Chang'an is indeed quite interesting."

Haitang said with a hint of deeper meaning, "Your Majesty, this person is very dangerous. It's best not to get too close to him."

Zhan Doudou said, "How can one catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's den? He can't possibly eat me, can he?"

"Li Chang'an keeps saying that my vision is not grand enough. I'd like to see what methods he possesses."

In the Southern Qing palace.

All of Li Chang'an's words and actions in Northern Qi were collected by the Supervisory Council and reported to Emperor Qing.

Chen Pingping firmly stated, "Your Majesty, these statements should all be fabricated by Northern Qi."

"From the moment Prince Yong entered Northern Qi, Northern Qi has used various methods to spread rumors about His Highness. Such tactics are truly not clever."

"Over the past six months, most of the rumors about Prince Yong in the capital have also been the work of Northern Qi's secret agents."

Emperor Qing threw a piece of paper to Chen Pingping, then said, "I reckon those words were truly spoken by Prince Yong himself."

Chen Pingping finished reading the intelligence and said in surprise, "Prince Yong's secret memorial states that he intends to use the chaos in Northern Qi's court to eliminate Shang Shanhu and Shen Zhong?"

"One is a renowned general who has fought countless battles, and the other is the Supervisory Council's old adversary for many years. If this can be achieved, it would truly be a great fortune for Great Qing!"

Emperor Qing said calmly, "I'm not afraid that he won't succeed; I'm worried that he actually will succeed."

Chen Pingping smiled, "Succeeding is a fortunate event for the country. Your Majesty's concern is a family matter, and I presume Your Majesty already has a plan. This old servant should not speak too much."

Emperor Qing polished the arrowhead in his hand, his brows tightly furrowed, "Old fellow, you get craftier with age!"

Both knew well that if Li Chang'an succeeded in this matter again, his prestige would far surpass that of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.

Emperor Qing said he was worried, but in reality, he didn't think so.

Because, no matter how strong Li Chang'an was, Emperor Qing believed the situation was still under control.

In his view, due to the deterrence of the Great Grandmaster in the palace, the possibility of Li Chang'an rebelling was minuscule.

The current situation was that Li Chang'an had real ability, so Emperor Qing would have to use this blade well to help him counterbalance Li Yunrui's power, and even Chen Pingping's Supervisory Council.

If Li Chang'an could still achieve merits, then he would be sent to a fiefdom, or to the border army, changing locations every year. There were plenty of ways to keep him away from the political center.

In Emperor Qing's understanding, as long as one was far from the center of power, one could not influence the highest authority.

Emperor Qing's entire confidence stemmed from his identity as a Great Grandmaster.

Even if Li Chang'an truly led an army in rebellion, he wasn't afraid at all.

Shangjing City, at night.

Li Chang'an brazenly strolled through the Northern Qi Imperial Palace without being detected by anyone.

The strongest expert in Shangjing City, Lang Tao, though a confidant of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's Master, did not reside in the Imperial Palace.

The strongest expert in the Imperial Palace was, of course, Haitang Duoduo. The Imperial Guard Commander was only at the mid-ninth-grade Realm.

After Li Chang'an familiarized himself with the terrain, his figure flickered, and he arrived at Zhan Pianpian's room.

At this moment, Zhan Pianpian was pacing back and forth in her room, feeling anxious.

"He's clearly in Shangjing, so why hasn't he come to find me yet?"

"For his sake, I've had several big arguments with His Majesty, and now His Majesty still hasn't agreed. What should I do?"

"I heard that many young ladies from prominent families have gone to the streets to welcome him. Could it be, could it be... could it be!"

As Zhan Doudou thought, she couldn't help but pout her small lips, then shook her head.

"No, it can't be!"

Zhan Pianpian puffed out her chest, looking proudly into the mirror.

"Zhan Pianpian! You must have confidence!"

"You are the most beautiful person in Northern Qi!"