Chapter 98: Surging Dark Tides

Except for the Zheng and Wang families pondering how to suppress this matter, the Cui clans of Bo Ling and Qinghe had joined forces and invited the Lu clan of Fanyang to discuss the rumors spreading from the Wang family.

This seemingly insignificant incident had completely stirred the prestigious families of the entire Central Plains. Well, aside from the Li clans of Zhao Jun and Long You, after all, those two families—one imperial and one of the clans—were Li Shimin’s most loyal supporters. At least before Li Shimin fully severed ties, they would not take any actions that offended the Li Tang Dynasty.

Meanwhile, under urgent pursuit and then hurried delay, Li Ji finally arrived at Chang’an at noon two days later, and immediately proceeded to the Tai Chi Palace to deliver the tiger tally.

The Hall of Sweet Dew.

Li Shimin was idly playing with the tiger tally presented by Li Ji, a faint smile playing on his lips as he said, “Mo Gong, some matters I must handle myself. Moreover, some people seem to have forgotten how the territory of the Great Tang was obtained.”

Li Ji kept his head bowed tightly, his breathing gradually calming. Upon hearing Li Shimin’s words, he replied in a low voice, “This minister understands. However, Your Majesty, the timing is not yet right. If we act rashly, might it be too hasty?”

“Mo Gong believes that who can shoulder the crime of openly defying a royal decree?”

At these words, Li Ji’s body trembled violently. With a thud, he knelt down, saying, “This minister has failed in his duties, offending Your Majesty. Truly, I deserve death!”

“Enough. I still know your character, Mo Gong. I won’t pursue this matter with you this time. But perhaps there are some things you should do?”

Li Shimin’s tone was neither heavy nor light, yet these casual words sent Li Ji’s soul into turmoil. In his mind, he recalled the promise made to Li Kong in the first year of Zhenguan.

“This minister… will take immediate action!”

“Go, be decisive. My title as Duke of Britain is that of a great talent who has traversed the battlefield without equal. How can I be so hesitant over such trifling matters?”

“This minister understands. This minister takes his leave!” Li Ji answered, then stood and departed.

Watching Li Ji’s retreating back, Li Shimin shook his head in helplessness. This sturdy and capable man is indeed admirable, but he is too attached to sentiment and righteousness. I didn’t expect that the more so, the more it would lead to ruin. If Li Ji had directly settled Li Yuee’s status back then, even with the greatest胆子, Wang Shi wouldn’t have dared to act so.

A moment later, in the Duke of Britain’s Mansion, gazing at the enormous plaque on the gatehouse, Li Ji’s heart felt a bitter ache. Li Shimin had left this plaque for him, the implication was clear: if Li Ji could meet his expectations this time, the demoted title would be instantly restored. Otherwise, this plaque would not be safe, and he might even face further demotion.

Actually, to put it bluntly, Li Shimin was using this opportunity to lay bare his cards to Li Ji and those founding meritorious officials, allowing them to choose for themselves whether to stand with him, Li Shimin, or with the aristocratic clans.

Deeply inhaling a breath, Li Ji lifted his legs and entered the residence. Several gatekeepers saw him and hurriedly knelt to greet him, but Li Ji paid them no mind, striding straight toward the separate residence.

Inside the separate residence.

Li Kong had just finished his spear practice and casually tossed the long spear aside, which struck precisely into the pillar of the gate of the separate residence. Hearing the whistling wind and the spear nearby, Li Ji’s expression darkened: “You want to kill me?”

“How could that be? But your return this time was quite swift. I hope you can make a wise choice this time!” Li Kong wiped his hands as he spoke, yet his gaze never once looked at Li Ji, as if even glancing at him would insult his eyes.

Li Ji snorted coldly and walked around Li Kong into Li Yuee’s room, declaring loudly, “Pack your things today. Tomorrow, move into the back courtyard. I will ask His Majesty to issue an imperial decree to confer upon you the title of the new Duchess of Britain. From now on, as the mistress of this household, you should uphold the dignity befitting a mistress. Discard those previous matters!”

The abrupt words left Li Yuee, who had been engaged in needlework, utterly stunned. She looked up at Li Ji standing before her, her mouth opening wide but no words coming out despite her efforts.

The maid Cui Zhu beside her was momentarily dazed, then broke into a smile, with a faint, light laugh on her face. She gently pushed Li Yuee, saying, “Madam, the master is speaking to you.”

Li Yuee came back to her senses, saying, “Master, would this be inappropriate? I can endure some grievance, but I absolutely cannot harm Master’s great cause!”

Hearing these words, Li Ji’s heart stirred slightly. He shook his head and said, “Forget it. As long as you can manage this household well, it is the best assistance to me. Prepare yourself.”

With that, Li Ji turned and left, giving Li Yuee no opportunity to object.

Li Yuee stared blankly at Li Ji’s back. Honestly, if she hadn’t harbored ambitions for the Duchess of Britain’s position, it would be impossible, but she possessed self-awareness and a certain naivety, so she had never considered competing before. In her heart, as long as Li Ji and Li Kong were both doing well, she as a woman could bear some grievances without it being a significant matter.

But now that all this was laid before her, she was bewildered: there was unease, excitement, and a trace of yearning, but more than anything, there was worry.

The one who had survived in the wilderness since childhood knew far too well the power of those aristocratic families. Trampling on lives could be laughed off, let alone anything else?

Don’t look at how domineering Li Ji appears now, but once those gentry clans begin to resist, with Li Ji’s status, he will be stripped of his position in an instant.

Outside, Li Kong had already departed. Li Ji, who had not seen him, felt a tinge of disappointment. The reason he had spoken so loudly earlier was precisely to let Li Kong hear his intentions, but now that the other party had ignored him outright, he felt a deep sense of frustration.

However, this was not the time to dwell on such matters. He looked toward the direction of the back courtyard, and after a long moment, his gaze hardened. He strode out of the separate residence.

In a room, Li Kong lifted the window, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint smile: “You still have some conscience, but the real test begins now. I hope you can withstand it!”

In the back courtyard, since being stripped of the Duchess of Britain’s decree two days ago by Li Shimin, Wang Shi had driven everyone out. Apart from the daily delivery of meals, no one else was allowed near her quarters, except the inner courtyard steward.

At this moment, upon learning that Li Ji had returned to the separate residence, Wang Shi’s expression grew ugly. Her originally graceful features appeared somewhat distorted, but soon she recovered, even shedding a few tears, with an air of utter wretchedness.

“Madam, the master has come. We should go out to welcome him!” The steward knocked on the door and said in a low voice.

Wang Shi snorted coldly, fiercely pinched the bridge of her nose, then rose and opened the door, re-entering the cold sunlight outside.

Just then, Li Ji approached quickly. Upon seeing Wang Shi, his body paused. After pondering for a moment, he said, “You pack your things and move to the adjacent side chamber.”

Wang Shi still harbored some expectations for Li Ji, but Li Ji’s words at this moment directly cast her into the abyss, all her acting skills vanished, leaving only a surge of anger and resentment: “Why?”