Chapter 63: Searching for a Solution (5)

What happened in Chang’an had always been like fire in a paper cage—it couldn’t be contained! Even the slightest trivial matters in ordinary households would spread widely through the markets, let alone a major incident like a ghost appearing in the Prime Minister’s residence. As the saying goes, a person’s fate is predetermined by heaven. On the very night the Prime Minister held a birthday banquet, a ghost appeared, turning the banquet into a near-fatal disaster.

Amazingly, after being spread by the common people, the story of ghosts in the Prime Minister’s residence became even more detailed. Whether the ghost was male or female, an adult or a youth, how many heads or arms it had—everyone described it clearly, as if they themselves were the ones behind the ghostly apparitions.

Thus, the emperor’s speed in reviewing the submitted reports wasn’t much faster than that of the commoners in the markets.

In fact, when this mysterious report was placed before him, the emperor flew into a rage. In his view, Li Xiu, the Minister of Rites, was faking problems and embarrassing himself. Ghosts? The emperor had believed in Buddhism and Taoism throughout his life but had never believed in ghosts. Li Xiu’s report was utterly absurd! At first, Li Longji thought it was Li Linfu trying to manipulate him into stepping down and reducing his official positions. He was quite satisfied—seemingly, this old man was truly skilled at reading his thoughts.

But after listening to Li Xiu’s earnest pleas, Li Longji retracted his assumptions. Li Xiu’s emotions seemed genuine, far from being fake. Moreover, even if he had invented the rumor of ghosts in the Prime Minister’s residence, there was no need to spread it right after the banquet ended. Wouldn’t that just add to his troubles?

Could it be that there really were ghosts in the Prime Minister’s residence?

A cold laugh flashed through Li Longji’s mind. He immediately ordered Wang Chuan, the governor of Jingzhao, to conduct a thorough investigation. For the sake of the Prime Minister’s reputation and the court’s dignity, the investigation had to be carried out secretly. But that didn’t mean Wang Chuan could delay solving the case—the emperor had issued a strict order to resolve it by October 15th. In other words, Wang Chuan had less than a month to work with.

Solving such a complex and mysterious case in just a month was practically impossible. Yet Wang Chuan dared not show any dissatisfaction. To receive a salary from the emperor meant to share his burdens—this principle never changed.

On the other hand, the emperor ordered a complete cover-up of the news throughout Chang’an. Until the matter was resolved, no one was allowed to spread it under any pretext; those who violated this order would be punished as witches.

As a result, the servants in Li’s household were the most affected. That night, all the servants who had served the master, regardless of gender or age, were summoned to the governor’s residence for thorough questioning in an attempt to uncover any clues. Even those servants who had no contact with the master were ordered to stay indoors and were not allowed to leave without permission.

The court claimed that Prime Minister Li had caught a minor cold and needed to rest for some time before he could attend court meetings. During his absence, Left Prime Minister Chen Xilié was appointed to serve as Right Prime Minister, while Censor-in-Chief Yang Zhao was promoted to take over as Left Prime Minister. The Tang court was full of talented people; with one Li Linfu falling, countless others would rise to fill his place.

However, as the saying goes, “It’s harder to silence the people than to control rivers.” If rumors could be easily suppressed, rulers throughout history wouldn’t have suffered so much trouble.

All the servants in the prime minister’s household who knew the truth dismissed the court’s explanation. A minor cold? Could it be serious enough to prevent one from attending court for days? Could it be severe enough to keep someone bedridden and unable to see visitors?

In truth, ever since the prime minister encountered that ghost, he had become mentally disturbed and acted wildly. Even more strangely, Shen Er, the girl who had been brought back to the household by their master and treated with great favor, disappeared overnight without a trace. The servants in the prime minister’s household said that Shen Er was a vengeful ghost; otherwise, why would their master suddenly become insane overnight?

To show his kindness and concern for his subjects, the emperor sent imperial physicians to the prime minister’s household to diagnose his illness. But fate was against them that day; even with the emperor’s grace, the prime minister’s condition did not improve. After examining him, the physicians could only sigh and prescribe a medicine to calm his nerves, advising Li Xiu not to let his father be frightened again.

As for whether the illness could be cured and when it would be cured, the physicians refused to say anything.

Li Linhe, Li Xiu’s uncle whom he had always regarded as a thorn in his side, stepped forward to take control of the situation. As the most senior and highest-ranking member of the family, he first gathered the servants in the prime minister’s household and gave them a speech to stabilize the situation. He also used Li Linfu’s connections to gain support from many high-ranking officials.

Their strong support gave the Li family, who were under intense pressure, a brief respite.

Li Linhe’s strong determination and extensive experience undoubtedly won the support of many members of the Li family. In the eyes of these lesser-born family members, the second son was superior to the prime minister’s eldest son in every regard and more likely to lead the Li family out of its troubles. Of course, the eldest son, Li Xiu, also had his supporters. As a result, although outwardly harmony was maintained, serious divisions arose within the Li family, and their influence at court inevitably declined.

This situation brought joy to some and sorrow to others. Those who were dependent on the prime minister were naturally worried. To them, Li Linfu was the pillar they relied on. Although the court repeatedly denied rumors, claiming the prime minister had only caught a slight cold, his illness lasted for over ten days—could there really be such a severe cold? These officials from humble backgrounds had to prepare for both possibilities: waiting to see how things developed while secretly seeking new backers. Since they were not members of the Li family, there was no reason for them to risk everything on one person.

Those who were happy were Li Linfu’s political rivals and the aristocratic families he had long suppressed. The Wei family of Jingzhao was a representative example. After years of oppression by Li Linfu, the once-prosperous Wei family was on the verge of extinction. Whether Li Linfu’s illness was serious or minor, real or fake, it gave them a chance to breathe easier.

Of course, those who were most pleased were Li Kuo and his younger companions. Such a daring night adventure was something only these energetic young men could pull off. But then again, if Li Linfu truly had nothing to hide, why would he fear a ghost knocking at his door?

With a crisp sound, Li Kuo delivered a perfect slap. In that moment, amid the rising mist, the young man finally found a crossing point in the vast river.