Chapter 231: Li Ce Assumes Authority
Ye Jiao observed keenly, lowering her gaze toward Li Ce. From her vantage point, she could see only his profile—clear eyes, a prominent nose, and a sharply defined jawline like a taut leather strap, binding his resolute spirit and revealing a look of unwavering determination. He forbade himself from pleading to avoid incurring the emperor's wrath; yet why would he still provoke His Majesty's anger? If you intended to grant a fief, could it not have waited a few days? The emperor cast Li Ce a sidelong glance, his throat moving slightly as he raised his hand to take tea. This time, Gao Fu was caught off guard and delayed handing it over. The emperor's displeasure was evident: "What's this? Even you don't wish to remain by my side?" Terrified, Gao Fu knelt, begging pardon: "Your humble servant dares not, I was negligent and distracted—beg Your Majesty's forgiveness." The emperor sipped slowly, silent. The hall was heavy with tension until the empress gently interceded. "Your Majesty, children are naturally playful and prone to mischief. Why be angered when they merely seek affection before you?" The emperor's expression softened, a cold snort underscoring his commanding presence as he turned his gaze to Li Ce. "Speak frankly—was I unjust to you? Did your brothers mistreat you? Is it the unforgiving soil of Chang'an, or have my officials provoked you so that on the second day of your marriage, you already seek to leave the capital and take your fief?"
No prince had yet departed for his fief. The third son, past thirty, remained in the capital only because he had been assigned to guard the mausoleum the previous year. Why such haste? Judging by his hurried attempt to flee, one might think someone was after his bride. Under the emperor's imposing presence, Li Ce replied: "Father, since my return to the capital, I have been blessed by Your Majesty's and Her Majesty's care, cherished by my brothers, my old ailments have eased, and I have taken a virtuous wife. I am deeply grateful and fortunate. Yet, I confess my own cowardice, indecision, and folly—I failed to detect Prince Wei's malice in time, placing Your Majesty and the Crown Prince in grave peril, nearly allowing him to seize the throne. Every time I recall this, my heart trembles with regret and sorrow, clouded by turmoil. Hence, my wish to withdraw from the world and leave the capital."
The emperor's narrow eyes narrowed, his chin lifting slightly as a tempest of emotions swept through his mind, though his face remained composed. His son was timid, vacillating, and dull-witted? If Li Ce were foolish, then the others were but blunt-headed imbeciles. Had he known Li Ce's worth, he would never have left him languishing at the imperial tomb for so many years. This was plainly a son who had eradicated Prince Wei's faction, resented the treacherous and perilous brothers, and yet begrudged being used by the emperor. There lingered some softness in his heart—an unwillingness to see the downfall of Prince Wei and the ruin of the Lu and Yan families. Recalling Li Ce's isolation in Jinzhou and Ye Jiao's daring palace visit, the emperor felt a flicker of guilt. In this calamity, the Crown Prince's house arrest was truly a form of protection. Li Ce, who had faced life and death battles, had been cast out—used as a blade to cleanse corruption. Once the blade served its purpose, it was sheathed with no favor or authority granted. Seeing his child so frightened he wished to flee was the father's failing. But imperial offspring, sustained by the realm's people, bore inescapable duties and a sacred mission to uphold imperial power. That power was built on the blood of sacrifice.
"If you desire to leave the capital and withdraw from the world, I consent," the emperor said, "but you have just married. Departing now will expose the Crown Prince and me to endless gossip. The people will claim I favor others and neglect you, that the Crown Prince envies and oppresses you. Is this filial conduct?" His tone had softened considerably. Li Ce bowed and admitted fault: "Your servant did not consider thoroughly."
The empress, sensing the easing atmosphere, spoke: "How could the Prince of Chu harbor such heavy thoughts?" She urged Li Ce: "Your father neither wishes you to leave nor your wife."
Ye Jiao smiled brightly: "I too cannot bear to part from Father and Mother. Perhaps the Prince of Chu is merely restless, seeking a change of scenery."
"Too idle—then I shall find him work!" The emperor's decision was swift. "The memorial concerning Prince Wei's treason only reached me half an hour ago. Many judgments remain undecided. The trial and sentencing of Prince Wei's case will be entrusted to you."
A flicker of surprise crossed the empress's face, her fingers tracing the peony on her fan to mask it. Ye Jiao was also taken aback. "Father, judging and sentencing—doesn't that mean offending people?" Indeed, a troublesome task had befallen him again.
"Upholding governance and purging rebels—how can that be called offending? What is there to fear?" The emperor feigned sternness. "Many sought this duty; I refused them all."
Those competing fell into two categories: some sought to form factions and suppress rivals, not just targeting Prince Wei, the Lu and Yan families, but possibly implicating other court officials. Such treason cases historically have led to tens of thousands executed or implicated. Inevitably, some were innocent or undeserving of death. Though the emperor was ruthless in uprooting Prince Wei's faction, he did not wish to grant others the chance to harm the realm or the sovereign. The other category sought to embezzle. Confiscating the criminals' wealth would yield vast riches, and with forged accounts, funds meant for the treasury might be diverted into corrupt hands. Entrusting this matter to Li Ce meant no fear of him escalating violence against loyal ministers, nor of greed corrupting justice. This was a sign of trust—granting him authority in state affairs. Customarily, this would be the Crown Prince's duty, but Li Ce's petition to leave his fief had persuaded the emperor to grant it to him—both as compensation and as a chance to pardon the innocent. Should he seek some silver for himself, a blind eye would be turned, as it was to support his family and new bride.
Li Ce gasped in surprise, about to decline, but the emperor raised his hand to halt him. "No refusal permitted!" His voice was stern before turning to Ye Jiao: "I entrust this restless son to you; you must manage him well." The tone now lacked imperial authority, replaced by paternal affection.
Ye Jiao responded obediently: "I shall ensure he does not anger Your Majesty; beyond that, I dare not interfere." She gestured toward a small table, "I am hungry—may I have some cakes?"
The emperor glanced behind and noticed Gao Fu kneeling by the table, bowed long and weary. He signaled a servant to help him up. "An old bone like you—why kneel so long? Go rest in the rear hall; let your apprentice attend to you."
Gao Fu complied, casting a grateful glance at Ye Jiao as he departed. She took the cakes and ate heartily, eliciting a smile from the emperor. "The empress and I will not dine with you," he said wearily, rising as if to retire. "Go to the Palace of the Worthy Consort; she has prepared a meal."
Grateful beyond measure, Ye Jiao arrived to find the Worthy Consort long awaiting, with delicacies all her favorites. She felt no restraint here, eating until her clothes felt tight, yet unwilling to stop. Perhaps hearing of Ye Jiao's loss of gold, the Worthy Consort gifted her nine ingots of golden sycee. The brilliant gold made Ye Jiao's eyes sparkle.
"All from Mother?" She instinctively raised an ingot to her lips, then shyly lowered it.
"Mother has only one son; what is hers is yours." Though still frail, the Worthy Consort's trembling smile conveyed joy as she clasped Ye Jiao's hand, reluctant to part. They chatted idly, while Li Ce sat nearby, flipping through a book, occasionally glancing at them with a smile hidden in his eyes.
Once beyond the palace, Ye Jiao broached Li Ce's new duties. "Sisi can now oversee sentencing," she sighed with relief. "That means Yan Congzheng and Zheng Feng'an may be pardoned, along with others uninvolved in treason?"
Li Ce's expression remained grave. Walking steadily, he replied, "Jiao Jiao, not all can be saved."
"Of course, the innocent will be spared?" Ye Jiao asked.
He gently took her hand—warm and springlike in his grasp, though the Great Ming Palace knew no spring.
"First," he said coldly, "all of Prince Wei's children shall be executed by hanging, according to Tang law."
Ye Jiao paused, her fingers stiffening. Li Ce's grip tightened comfortingly. The carriage waited just ahead, but neither moved. She stood dazed as he remained calm, seemingly awaiting something.
At last, a young palace attendant burst forth, breathless, bowing to Li Ce. "Your Highness the Prince of Chu, Your Highness the Princess of Chu, thank goodness you have not gone far."
"What is it?" Li Ce asked.
"The Emperor commands Your Highness's audience."
"Did we not just see him?" Ye Jiao asked.
The attendant stepped closer, replying, "Minister Liu Yan arrived with Marquis Bai Wu for a lengthy audience with His Majesty, who grew very angry and declared that Your Highness must pay a visit."
Anger... perhaps over Gesang Meiduo's matter. Li Ce and Ye Jiao exchanged a glance. Ye Jiao had given Bai Xianyu an hour to investigate; indeed, he spent an hour discovering Gesang Meiduo was not in the capital and reported back with Liu Yan.
"Will His Majesty blame us for withholding information?" Ye Jiao whispered.
"Do not worry." Li Ce adjusted her clothing gently. "This matter cannot be evaded."