Chapter 122: Phantasmagoria

Who is Li Xiaogong, the Prince of Hejian? He is a cousin of the Retired Emperor Li Yuan and a cousin of the current Sage Emperor. With royal blood flowing through his veins, he is a true member of the imperial clan. More importantly, Li Xiaogong rendered distinguished military service during the process of the Li father and son establishing the Great Tang. Furthermore, he is known for being humble, hospitable, and well-connected, while also enjoying the deep trust of Li Shimin. This Prince is a figure of significant weight within the Great Tang imperial court.

Although Zhangsun Wuji also holds high office and noble titles, he is, after all, not of the imperial lineage. In this society governed by bloodlines and clan status, his standing naturally falls short of Li Xiaogong’s.

At this moment, for the Prince of Hejian to step forward and declare Lu Xin his foster son is truly astonishing. At this instant, not only Zhangsun Wuji but even the scions of prominent clans and the young masters of various aristocratic houses knit their brows, their expressions turning grim.

They had just been mocking their opponent as a base commoner, ridiculing him for having no background and being ignorant of the heights of the world. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the person they mocked has become the foster son of the Prince of Hejian. Such a shift is a slap in the face to everyone present.

Faced with Li Xiaogong’s questioning, Zhangsun Wuji’s expression shifted slightly, but he quickly returned to normal. He then laughed heartily and stepped forward, first bowing to Li Xiaogong.

In terms of rank, a Duke and a Prince are both of the junior first grade, and by official title, the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Rites are of equal standing. Between Zhangsun Wuji and Li Xiaogong, there appears to be no distinction of superior or inferior. However, Li Xiaogong possesses the blood of the Great Tang imperial house, which no official of a different surname can match.

"Prince, what are you saying? Under the rule of our Great Tang, who does not know the prestige of Li Xiaogong? Your words truly make me feel apprehensive. According to the rites, today's imperial examination opening ceremony must be presided over by the Minister of Rites. Even if you hadn't come, I would have sent someone to invite you."

"Heh heh heh, Minister Zhangsun, you are the foremost meritorious official of our Great Tang's founding, deeply trusted by His Majesty; there is no need for such polite pleasantries. This Prince has long since grown weary of court politics and wishes to meddle in nothing. But this man is my foster son; I will not allow anyone to bully him. If Minister Zhangsun wishes to deal with him, you might as well deal with me first!"

Seeing Zhangsun Wuji bowing to him, Li Xiaogong did not return the gesture. Instead, he grinned with a cold sneer, showing no regard for the other's status. His attitude was extremely uncompromising; without asking for the reason or caring about what Lu Xin had done, he made it clear he was determined to protect his own. This move caused the onlookers to change their expressions once again.

Lu Tingfang’s brows were locked tight, his face exceptionally gloomy. At this moment, he finally understood what Lu Xin meant by "You cannot kill me." He hadn't believed it before, but sometimes, the development of events is so coincidental that one cannot help but believe.

On the other side, Zheng Huiming and the others, watching Li Xiaogong’s incredibly forceful demeanor, lowered their voices in discussion, their faces filled with displeasure.

"I never imagined this brat actually knew the Prince of Hejian. Hmph, it really is too easy for him. Brother Houze, such an arrogant and rude person—why would Li Xiaogong protect him?"

"Who knows? But for a Prince, acknowledging a few foster sons is nothing. It’s just that this Li Xiaogong is said to have hidden away in his mansion since His Majesty ascended the throne, amusing himself with songs, dances, and beauties, never asking about politics or traveling far. How could such a person come to know such a young wandering occultist? Perhaps there is someone else behind this boy."

"Hmph, regardless of who is behind him. If we let these two walk away unscathed today, not only will Sun Dianyu and Zhangsun Wuji lose face, but the reputation of my Taiyuan Wang clan will also be completely disgraced. The current Li Xiaogong is merely a Prince with no troops and no power; there is no need to fear him. However, Sun Dianyu and Zhangsun Wuji are the chief examiners for this imperial examination. The Minister of Personnel also holds sway over the careers of all scholars in the world; I don't need to tell you two which is more important, do I?"

"Brother Qiding, you mean... Very well, I hope he, Li Xiaogong, does not go too far!"

Just as the scions of the prominent clans were discussing countermeasures, the limping Sun Dianyu suddenly rushed toward Li Xiaogong and roared in anger.

"Li Xiaogong, what is the meaning of this? I have been bullied by these two, and you arrive, not asking for the reason, not distinguishing right from wrong, and want to take them away. In your eyes, is there still imperial law? Is there still His Majesty?"

Sun Dianyu is already in his sixties. As the Libationer of the Imperial Academy, he has always been an object of reverence for scholars throughout the world. Even Li Shimin has treated him with great respect; how could he have ever suffered such humiliation as today? Thus, seeing that Li Xiaogong intended to take the people away, he was consumed by rage and erupted.

"Hahahaha, Minister Sun, you are a great Confucian of your generation. To disregard decorum and shout like this in front of all the scholars in the world—aren't you afraid that if word gets out, it will ruin your reputation as Libationer of the Imperial Academy? However, this Prince does not wish to waste breath on you now. Minister Zhangsun, the exam is imminent; it is best not to cause too great a disturbance. Otherwise, if it reaches the ears of His Majesty and displeases him, no one will be able to bear the blame. If you agree, this Prince will take these people and leave immediately. If you do not agree, it just so happens that officials from the Ministry of Justice are present. Serious cases in the capital should be investigated by the Ministry of Justice, that should be in accordance with the rules, right?"

Li Xiaogong glanced at the gnashing and exasperated Sun Dianyu, offered a faint smile, and immediately turned his gaze back to Zhangsun Wuji. Sun Dianyu was naturally even more furious and wanted to continue scolding, but was stopped by Zhangsun Wuji.

Zhangsun Wuji cast a glance at Wei Qing standing in the crowd, shook his head, and lowered his voice.

"It is not that I am being heartless, but your actions, Prince, are likely to chill the hearts of the people of the world. The scholars present have traveled from all over the provinces. Ten years of bitter study—for what? Is it not to attain merit, become a local official, and bring welfare to the people? But if even the Prince engages in favoritism and malpractice, then what standing does the imperial court have to demand honesty from its officials?"

"Favoritism and malpractice? Is Minister Zhangsun saying that this Prince is a muddled or corrupt official?"

Li Xiaogong narrowed his eyes sharply, a cold sneer forming at the corners of his mouth, his expression terrifying. The sudden shift in his aura made even Zhangsun Wuji pause in surprise, frozen in place and unable to respond. Only now did he remember that the man before him was once a great general who had fought on the battlefield for years and slain countless enemies.

"The Prince misunderstands; I have no such intention."

Suddenly, Zheng Huiming, who was standing not far behind Zhangsun Wuji, stepped forward. With him were Wang Qiding and Lu Houze. The three young men bowed to Li Xiaogong, but after bowing, they held their heads high and stood straight.

"Interesting. Who are you all? This Prince is speaking with the Minister of Personnel; do you dare to interrupt?"

"In reply to the Prince, student Zheng Huiming, of the Xingyang Zheng clan. The two beside me are from the Taiyuan Wang and Fanyang Lu clans. The reason we bother Your Highness is because we were present for the whole of today's events and witnessed everything. I fear the Prince has a misunderstanding about Minister Zhangsun; we have things we must say."

"Oh? So you are descendants of the great clans. Truly worthy of coming from grand aristocratic families; everyone is so sensible."

Li Xiaogong smiled faintly, not even looking directly at Zheng Huiming and the others. As he spoke, he signaled to Wei Qing to help Luo Binwang up. Seeing this, Zhangsun Wuji’s eyelids twitched; he could no longer suppress the anger in his heart.

"Prince, if His Majesty learns of this, you..."

"Hmph, even if His Majesty doesn't ask, this Prince will go to the palace and report the truth. Wei Qing, let's go!"

Li Xiaogong let out a cold snort and flicked his sleeves, preparing to leave. Zhangsun Wuji immediately shouted in anger, ordering the Imperial Guard to move forward and block them. Seeing a large number of guards swarming in from all directions, Li Xiaogong took a step, instantly shattering the stone tiles beneath his feet. Seeing this, Lu Xin’s expression changed sharply; he could clearly feel the power of Li Xiaogong’s internal energy.

"Whoever dares to block me, do not blame this Prince for being heartless!"

"Prince, we are only following orders. Please leave the people behind."

"Leave your grandfather! Whoever dares to touch him, this Prince... no, this young master will skin them alive immediately!"

Almost the moment Li Xiaogong was blocked, three figures rushed from outside the crowd. The leader was a delicate-looking youth in moon-white monk’s robes, exceptionally handsome. However, his shout caused the surrounding scholars to frown in disgust. Yue Buhei cared nothing for this; using magic to push aside the crowd, he led the Yang sisters to stand before Lu Xin.

With the sudden addition of three experts, Lu Tingfang’s face darkened once more. As for Zhangsun Wuji, his gaze was icy and his anger was plain to see.

"Where did these insolent commoners come from? Are you trying to rebel?"

"Hehehehe, rebel? This young master is here today to kill you corrupt officials. Not only can the court not punish me, they should reward me!"

Yue Buhei was always the epitome of arrogance and a sharp tongue; his arrival made the situation even more tense. The captain of the Imperial Guard widened his eyes in rage, glanced at Zhangsun Wuji’s expression, and suddenly drew the long blade at his waist. The other guards also drew their blades, and it seemed a fight was about to break out. At this moment, a middle-aged scholar in the crowd suddenly sighed.

"Right and wrong have always been difficult to distinguish. But the Sage said, 'If a gentleman lacks benevolence, he cannot stand; if he lacks righteousness, he cannot live.' These two, though young, are both men of benevolence and righteousness. How can the court blame them?"

Along with the sigh came a sky full of white light. Wherever the middle-aged scholar walked, the crowd parted, making way for him. Zhangsun Wuji was the first to follow the sound, his gaze instantly locking on. Lu Tingfang also raised his brows, showing an expression of disbelief.

"Kong Wen!"

This suddenly appearing middle-aged scholar was none other than a direct descendant of the Kong clan of Qufu, Shandong—a true descendant of the First Sage, Kong Qiu. As soon as he spoke, everyone fell silent.

From the Han dynasty to the present Great Tang, whatever grand aristocratic families or the "Five Surnames and Seven Clans" there were, they seemed noble and had produced countless prime ministers and high officials. But compared to the Kong clan, these families were nothing. It was just that the descendants of the Kong family had always been unwilling to interfere in court politics or serve as officials.