Chapter 50: Choices (II)

Du Jingtian was momentarily stunned, not knowing how to respond. After a long while, she finally spoke in a trembling, sobbing voice, “What you said… is it true?”
Li Kuo smiled lightly and said, “I wouldn’t dare deceive anyone, let alone you. Otherwise, who would make me fried eggs to eat?”
“You little rascal, you know I can’t be harsh on you. You… you…”
Du Jingtian threw herself into Li Kuo’s arms and scolded him softly.
“Alright, alright. You’re already so grown up—crying all the time. How is this like our Ah Tian?”
Patting Du Jingtian’s back, Li Kuo teased her with a smile.
“Hmph, it’s all because of you!”
“Miss, please don’t be angry. I apologize.”
Li Kuo pretended to be a performer, singing softly, which made Du Jingtian laugh despite herself.
Seeing the two reconcile, Old Du was naturally overjoyed. He was completely satisfied with his future son-in-law.
“Qilang, since that’s the case, endure for a few more days. On the tenth day of the tenth month, send someone to take Jingtian away in a bridal sedan. I guarantee she won’t run away!”
“Grandpa!”
Du Jingtian blushed and turned away, cooing in embarrassment.
There was still a whole month left until the tenth day of the tenth month. If Ah Tian had to stay at the Kelong Teahouse, she wouldn’t be able to see him for a month, which was indeed troubling for the young man. But such was the custom—once the man proposed and paid the betrothal gifts, he wasn’t allowed to see his future wife until the wedding ceremony. Though this rule seemed unreasonable, it was done for the bride’s reputation, and the grooms had no choice but to endure it.
Seeing Old Du nod in agreement, the young man felt relieved. This was good—having a month more would give both sides more time to adjust, and he could focus all his efforts on dealing with Li Linfu.
“Uncle Du, Er Ya…”
As soon as the young man spoke, Old Du sharply silenced him.
“Sigh, it’s time to change your address!”
Old Du pursed his lips and reminded him sternly, as if saying “father-in-law” alone was sweet enough to delight one to the core.
“Ah, Father-in-law!”
Bowding deeply to Old Du, Li Kuo asked loudly, “Father-in-law, have Er Ya and the others returned to Hedong?”
Thinking the young man wanted to ask something else, Old Du laughed heartily and said, “Yes, they’ve returned. They left for Hedong over ten days ago. These rains have been a lifesaver. If the drought continued, who knows how long it would last.”

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he added, “By the way, I gave her the gift you left with me. That girl was overjoyed to receive it. Alas, they’re both children from poor families; seeing her pitiful look really bothers me.”
“That’s good. With this weather, staying in Chang’an isn’t advisable.”
Li Kuo glanced around and seeing no one in the shop, he asked doubtfully, “Father-in-law, it’s still early today—why isn’t there a single person drinking here?”
Old shopkeeper Du sighed deeply and said, “Don’t even mention it. It’s all because of that girl. My old bones are almost worn out by her antics.”
“That’s great! I was worried I wouldn’t find a place to discuss matters!”
The young man clapped in approval and cast a tender look at the girl.
In the Ke Long Teahouse, a group of bronze-armored soldiers sat around a table.
The shop closed early, and few people would notice when more than a dozen military officers suddenly filled the small teahouse.
Before Li Kuo could speak, Zhang Yanji raised his eyebrows and said, “Brother Kuo, wouldn’t it be better to discuss things at your residence? Why come to this teahouse? Could it be that you miss Sister A Tian, and discussing matters is just an excuse to see her?”
Li Kuo glared at him irritably. “Stop being frivolous. I called everyone here because of important matters to discuss. After what happened last time, Li Linfu will surely keep a closer eye on us. Although our residence in Qinren Fang is spacious, it’s still likely to attract Li Linfu’s spies. If you all show up in fine clothes and at full speed, isn’t that clearly giving that old scoundrel a warning?”
“Brother Kuo is truly far-sighted. I admire you, really.”
Zhang Yanji seemed in high spirits, constantly teasing. Brother Kuo and Sister A Tian truly live up to the old saying—arguments before meals, harmony after. If they didn’t argue, it wouldn’t show how affectionate they are.
But Li Kuo had no time for idle chatter with Zhang Yanji. He cleared his throat and said, “Yesterday, Yang Zhao brought me important news. Li Linfu will go to Ci’en Temple with his wife in three days to pray for blessings. That’s our perfect opportunity.” (Note 1)
Dou Qing frowned and said, “I never thought that old scoundrel, being so cunning, would actually believe in Buddhism.”
Li Sheng shook his head. “Not necessarily. Evil people don’t necessarily disbelieve in Buddhism. On the contrary, it’s precisely because they’ve done so many evil deeds that they try to seek Buddha’s protection.”
Zhang Yanji clenched his fist and shouted, “After committing so many atrocities, does that old scoundrel think reciting a few lines of Buddhist scriptures will atone for his sins? In my opinion, we should simply gather a hundred soldiers disguised as bandits and kill him!”

Zhang Xiaolangjun was the typical type who forgot the pain once the wound healed. Just a few days after being outwitted by Li Linfu, he once again called for violence in return—using force against force.
“Ordinary people, nothing but ordinary people. There are always those in the world who think they’re smarter than others, not realizing they’ve already been deceived and manipulated. If we just charge in like this, it will only please Li Linfu. How many guards are needed for a prime minister on a journey? To assassinate a prime minister in broad daylight—only you would think of such a thing…”
Zhou Wucui sighed and shook his head helplessly.
“We’ve prepared for so long; we must ensure everything is foolproof. So we can’t rush this. We need to take our time.”
Li Kuo nodded in agreement with Zhou Wucui’s view.
“Brother Li Sheng, could you please go to the Lady of Guo’s residence and deliver this silk pouch to Miss Shen? She’ll understand once she sees it.”
With that, Li Kuo handed the silk pouch to Li Sheng and gave him detailed instructions.
“I will not fail you.”
Li Sheng nodded and replied solemnly.
“It seems I need to visit Ci’en Temple in advance.”
Li Kuo clenched his fist tightly and said to himself, “Human emotions are the most unfathomable. I hope I can take this first step successfully.”
Note 1: Ci’en Temple: Originally built during the Sui Dynasty under the name Wulou Temple, it was renamed Ci’en Temple in the 21st year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (647) when Crown Prince Li Zhi expanded the temple to honor his mother, Empress Wende. It was the most prosperous temple in Chang’an at that time.