Chapter 275: Killing with Someone Else’s Hand (Part 2)

The other man wore a small gauze hat, a green robe, a leather belt around his waist, and black leather boots—such attire was common in Chang’an, with countless people wearing it. Thus, Cui Guangyuan didn’t notice him when he entered the tent. The moment Cui Guangyuan entered, the man quickly left through the back tent, but he was still a step too slow, allowing Cui Guangyuan to see his side profile.
It was none other than the former crown prince, Li Heng. Of course, Li Heng had left the city incognito not to drink with Cui Guangyuan. Cui Guangyuan was merely a sixth-rank county magistrate—how could he deserve Li Heng’s company?
Li Heng had received news from Li Qiu that Prince Di was going to be stationed in Anxi that afternoon. This news shocked him greatly. Until now, all their plans had been aimed at Prince Di. Unexpectedly, Prince Di had been transferred suddenly, ruining all of Li Heng’s plans. Anxiously, he left the city incognito to find Li Qing’an, only to stumble upon this banquet by chance.
Li Heng had already left, while Cui Guangyuan stood there in a daze. He never expected to see the former crown prince in Li Qing’an’s camp. He didn’t even have time to bow. Seeing that Cui Guangyuan had seen Li Heng, Li Qing’an gently patted his shoulder and said apologetically, “County Magistrate Cui, I originally planned to go hunting with you tonight, but I have urgent matters to attend to. We’ll have to reschedule.”
Only then did Cui Guangyuan come to his senses. He quickly said, “No! No! General, with such important matters, how could you neglect them for me? To be honest, it’s me who has disturbed you today.”
Li Qing’an chuckled and said to the other two, “Let’s not talk anymore. Everyone, sit down! Come, County Magistrate Cui, sit next to me.”
……
In another small tent not far away, Li Heng paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. Earlier, when he went to see Li Qing’an, he had almost been caught by Cui Guangyuan. He realized he had acted somewhat rashly, but his anxiety made it hard for him to calm down. If his father didn’t appoint Prince Di to the Eastern Palace, then who would it be? Prince Ying or Prince Yong? Moreover, Li Qing’an had been back from Anxi for five days yet still hadn’t come to see him. Did he also think there was no hope for Li Heng to return to the Eastern Palace?
Li Heng had never desired to return to the Eastern Palace as much as he did today. Over the past two years of neglect, he had suffered greatly from losing power. He refused to disappear silently in the power struggles. Whatever it took, he would fight for it.
At that moment, the tent curtain was lifted, and Li Qing’an entered, saying with a smile, “I’m sorry for making you wait, Your Highness!”
“Won’t you go eat with the guests?” Li Heng asked.
“They’re keeping him company. I came instead to see you.”
“But he’s Yang Guozhong’s man. How can you…”

Seeing doubt in Li Heng’s eyes, Li Qing’an smiled and explained, “He betrayed Yang Guozhong in the assassination attempt, and since Yang Guozhong no longer tolerated him, he came to seek my support.”
“But he saw me. Could he use this to ask Yang Guozhong for a reward?”
Li Heng was worried. If his father found out about his private meeting with Li Qing’an, it might cause more trouble. Having been a suppressed crown prince for so many years, he had developed a habit of being cautious. He knew Cui Guangyuan was promoted by Yang Guozhong, but he didn’t know the extent of Cui Guangyuan’s betrayal. He feared Cui Guangyuan might go and inform Yang Guozhong.
Li Qing’an had thought of this as well. But since Cui Guangyuan had come to his camp to eat and even brought the evidence he needed, could Yang Guozhong still forgive him?
“Your Highness, rest assured. If he dares to inform Yang Guozhong, I won’t spare him either.”
Despite his worries, Li Heng had no choice but to sit down, pick up his teacup, and take a sip before asking, “Why have you been back for five days without coming to see me?”
Li Qing’an quickly explained, “Your Highness must know that as soon as I returned, Pei Xiao arbitrarily intercepted official documents, forcing me to cancel my entry into the city. I originally planned to support the crown prince during the ceremony, but plans changed when the Prince of Di was assassinated. The atmosphere in the court became extremely tense. Under such circumstances, I didn’t dare act rashly, lest it arouse Your Highness’s suspicion. Then I was drawn into the assassination case by Xing Xu. Your Highness surely knows I simply didn’t have time at all.”
“Is that so?” Li Heng sneered. “But you did have time to go to Li Linfu’s residence to drink. You can explain that to me.”
Now, few people were left to support Li Heng. Li Qing’an was the only powerful figure and the one he placed the greatest hope on. He feared most that Li Qing’an would also abandon him, leaving him completely alone. At that moment, he felt like a resentful woman in a secluded household—hoping that Li Qing’an would continue to support him as before, yet full of doubt toward him.
Hearing the dissatisfaction in his tone, Li Qing’an sighed and said, “Does Your Highness think I went to Li Linfu’s residence to drink and have fun?”
“Isn’t that the case?”
“No!” Li Qing’an straightened up. “Your Highness, Li Linfu is just a go-between. I went to his residence to meet Wang Gong. Do you understand?”

“Wang Gong?” Li Heng suddenly understood. It turned out that Li Qing’an had allied himself with Wang Gong. Of course, he knew Wang Gong was also a highly powerful figure in the court, holding over twenty positions, his power even surpassing that of Yang Shenjin and Chen Xilie. If Li Qing’an allied himself with such a person, could Wang Gong also turn to support him? It was possible.

Thinking of this, Li Heng’s expression gradually softened. He smiled and said gently, “General Li, I really didn’t expect Prince Di to be sent to Anxi. I heard about it from Li Qiu this afternoon, which left me extremely anxious. Please forgive my rudeness earlier.”

Li Qing’an smiled faintly. Li Heng had actually apologized to him. If two years had passed, as the crown prince, how could he possibly apologize to Li Qing’an? Back then, he would have thought Li Heng was flattery or seeking his favor, never lowering his noble head in submission.

Although Li Qing’an supported Li Heng, it didn’t mean he obeyed him blindly. It was merely a gesture. From the very beginning, he had no concept of the ruler being above the subject or of the subject having to die for the ruler’s sake. All he had was a desire for power and an ever-expanding ambition.

This was why he didn’t want Li Heng to go to Anxi but instead favored Prince Qing, Li Cong. He had long seen that Li Heng was not one to settle for mediocrity. If sent to Anxi, he would only bring misfortune to Anxi and become a hindrance to Li Qing’an.

But Li Heng was useful to him, especially now that he had learned that the one Li Longji truly wanted as crown prince was the imperial grandson. Li Heng thus held a valuable asset in his hands.

“Your Highness, although I haven’t come to visit you, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. On the contrary, I’ve been constantly thinking about how to get you back to the Eastern Palace. In fact, my initial aim in dealing with Yang Guozhong and Prince Di was also for this reason. But even if you hadn’t come tonight, I would have gone to see you. I have important news to report to you.”

“What important news?”

Li Heng immediately sat up straight. By instinct, he guessed that what Li Qing’an was about to say was likely related to the struggle for the crown prince position.

“Your Highness, I heard that the Emperor has already chosen the one to be the crown prince.”

Li Qing’an’s words were like a massive force, pushing Li Heng straight into a cold abyss. If Li Qing’an said so, it surely wasn’t him. Li Heng felt extreme bitterness, his face turning deathly pale. After a long while, he weakly whispered, “Who has been chosen?”

Li Qing’an smiled slightly. “It’s not that bad, Your Highness. Why don’t you guess?”
“Prince Yong?”

Prince Yong, Li Lin, was the sixteenth son of Li Longji and Li Heng’s full brother by the same mother. He had been raised by Li Heng since childhood. If he were chosen as the crown prince, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing—at least he would take care of his own descendants in the future.
Li Qing’an shook his head. Seeing that Li Heng was extremely depressed, he decided not to hide it any longer and said with a smile, “Your Highness, you wouldn’t expect this! It’s the imperial grandson.”
“Chu’er?”
Li Heng was stunned. He truly never imagined it would be his own son. How could his father choose a grandson to inherit the throne? Why?
His mind went blank, as if his thoughts had stopped. He didn’t know whether to be happy or sad, nor even where he was.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!”
Li Qing’an gently woke him up. Li Heng’s consciousness returned, and he grabbed Li Qing’an’s wrist, asking urgently, “Is this information reliable?”
“Gao Lishi told me, and Li Linfu thinks the same.”
Since both Gao Lishi and Li Linfu agreed, the news couldn’t be wrong. A sense of joy, like rain after a long drought, filled Li Heng’s heart. His previously pale face immediately brightened. It was his son—his son would become the heir apparent! Then he would become the retired emperor. Although Li Heng still felt somewhat disappointed, as a retired emperor had no powers like an emperor, it was still far better than his brother entering the Eastern Palace. He knew how difficult it would be for him to return to the Eastern Palace—without the support of any other high-ranking officials, and with Li Qing’an far away in Anxi. Now that his son could enter the Eastern Palace, he was satisfied.
Thinking of this, Li Heng could no longer contain his joy. With a smiling face, he asked, “General Li, how likely do you think it is that Chu’er will take control of the Eastern Palace?”
Li Qing’an, however, remained quite calm. He smiled and said, “If Your Highness can keep this a secret and not tell anyone, not even those closest to you, I think the chances are 70%. On the other hand, if too many people know, others will immediately try to sabotage and slander the grandson, reducing the chances to just 30%.”

Li Heng certainly understood Li Qing’an’s meaning. The struggle for the crown prince’s position had lasted for over two years, and as the final moments approached, the conflict would only become more fierce. It could be said that the real struggle had just begun. What could he do for his son? After thinking for a long time, apart from keeping it secret, he could provide his son with money and goods. Most of the 50,000 taels of gold that Li Qing’an had given him back then still remained unused. Other than that, he seemed powerless. Li Heng glanced at Li Qing’an and suddenly cursed himself inwardly—how could he have forgotten Li Qing’an? If Li Qing’an were to support his son, his son’s strength would greatly increase. Although Li Qing’an supported him, that didn’t mean he would support his own son.

Li Heng quickly stood up and bowed deeply to Li Qing’an. “I earnestly beg General Li to continue supporting my son. I am infinitely grateful.”

Li Qing’an returned the bow. “Please rest assured, Your Highness. Whether it’s you or the crown prince, Li Qing’an will serve you with all his heart and effort.”

……

After meeting Li Qing’an in secret, Li Heng left the camp and quietly returned to Chang’an City. Cui Guangyuan had already left earlier. It was now less than half an hour until the hour of Hai, and Chang’an City gradually grew quiet. Passersby hurried home, and soon the streets and alleys of Chang’an were empty.

At the entrance of Suo Luo Alley in Yongfu Fang, a light carriage still stood there. At that moment, the door of a small courtyard opened, and a middle-aged woman in bright clothes led Lady Sun and her maid out of the courtyard.

“Madam, just follow the method I taught you. Place one tablet every three days. Within ten days, his heart will forever belong to you. This is my promise to you.”

Lady Sun nodded and smiled. “If it works, I will reward Fifth Aunt doubly.”

She carefully placed a small paper packet away before getting into the carriage and ordering, “Back to the mansion!”

The carriage turned and headed toward the Di Wang family’s mansion. The middle-aged woman stretched her neck, watching until she disappeared. Then she took out two ingots of golden yellow metal from her bosom, her eyes shining brightly. She quickly walked back into the courtyard, and the courtyard door closed with a creak.

About fifteen minutes later, the entire area around Suo Luo Alley was completely quiet, with no passersby left. Suddenly, more than a dozen dark figures emerged from the alley across. They moved swiftly, as light as monkeys, and leaped over the courtyard wall in one easy jump.

A moment later, a faint scream came from inside the room, followed by complete silence.

At the first moment of the hour of Hai, the loud drumbeats sounded—it was time to close the neighborhood gates and city gates. Large groups of Jinyu Guards began patrolling the streets. Just as the drumbeats were about to stop, a carriage rushed in and stopped in front of the Prince Qing’s mansion. Li Qiu pushed open the carriage door and strode inside, ordering, “No gambling or drinking tonight. Those on duty must not slack off, and those not on duty should close the gates early and turn off the lights. Anyone who dares cause trouble will be beaten fifty times and sent to the manor.”

He hurried into the main hall and asked, “Has Father gone to bed yet?”

The butler quickly replied, “Your Highness is still in the study, with Mr. Yan.”

“Oh! He’s quite quick,” Li Qiu laughed and headed straight for the inner chambers.

The study was brightly lit, with incense curling up from the incense burner in the corner. The room was filled with a refreshing fragrance—this was Li Cong’s way of fighting off drowsiness. He was too fat, and as soon as it got dark, he would fall asleep. Over the years, he had developed this habit, but tonight he couldn’t sleep. His advisor Yan Kai and his son Li Qiu had both sent news of significant discoveries, so he forced himself to stay awake and wait for them.

Yan Kai had arrived first. He placed a yellowed piece of paper in front of Li Cong. This was undoubtedly the evidence that Cui Guangyuan had found among the mountain of documents in Chang’an County.

“Your Highness, this Han Baiyan is one of Prince Di’s advisors—a formidable figure. The heroes and strongmen among the common people call him ‘Mr. Fair Face.’ He once gathered hundreds of assassins and extraordinary people for Prince Di, including the Two Monsters of Jinzhou. In the seventh year of Tianbao, they were bought out of the prison in Wannian County by Han Baiyan. This receipt is the agreement he made with the prison warden at that time. Your Highness, see? It’s clearly written—thousand strings of coins were paid for the Two Monsters of Jinzhou, along with Han Baiyan’s signature. It was originally a private contract, but the prison warden, fearing trouble, kept it. I spent two thousand strings of coins to acquire it today. Now it’s evidence of Prince Di’s attempt to assassinate Li Qing’an.”

In fact, even without the incense, Li Cong wasn’t sleepy anymore. The evidence before him filled him with excitement. He read the contract over and over again. Suddenly, he frowned and said, “How can this prove that the Two Monsters of Jinzhou were involved in assassinating Li Qing’an?”

“Your Highness needn’t worry. At that time, the Two Monsters of Jinzhou were captured by Li Qing’an and brought back to the capital. They gave confessions at the Censorate, admitting to their identities and their involvement in assassinating Li Qing’an. They just didn’t know who the mastermind was. Shortly after being transferred to the Dali Temple, they were silenced.”

“That bastard!”

Li Cong gritted his teeth and said, “How dare they frame me back then, causing me to suffer like this to this day. A gentleman who fails to avenge an insult is not a true gentleman. This time, I must make him experience the pain of self-reflection as well.”
Yan Kai also sneered, “Your Highness, there’s no need to rush. I heard that the young prince has also discovered King Di’s weakness. How about we take action together to ensure he can never recover?”
“Hmm! Good point.”
Li Cong nodded. He glanced at the water clock and said unhappily, “Why hasn’t Li Qiu arrived yet? The market gates will close soon.”
“Father, I’m here!” Li Qiu’s voice came from outside.
He rushed in quickly, bowed, and said, “Your son pays his respects to Father.”
“No need for formalities! Have you discovered any weaknesses?”
Li Qiu smiled and said, “Reporting to Father, I indeed have discovered King Di’s weakness. This King Di has a favored concubine who actually went to a witch to seek her favor. I found this witch today and obtained definite information.”
At this, he whispered a few words in Li Cong’s ear. Li Cong was surprised and asked, “Could he really do such a thing?”
Li Qiu nodded affirmatively. “It must be the case. The evidence is definitely with him.”
“Good! I’ll go report this to the emperor tomorrow to make him pay for his actions.”
But Li Qiu said with a smile, “Father, what I mean is that Father shouldn’t get involved in this matter of seeking favor.”
Li Cong was stunned. “Why not?”
“Father, think about it. The attempt to assassinate Li Qingan was done by Father to clear his own name, so Father has been investigating the truth these past two years. But this matter of his concubine seeking favor seems deliberately planned. If Father intervenes, it might seem like he’s setting a trap. What I mean is that it’s best for someone from his entourage to expose him, so as not to arouse the emperor’s suspicion.”
Li Cong lowered his head and thought for a long time before saying, “But who among his entourage would expose him? They all rely on him for their livelihood.”
Li Qiu smiled. “Father, I heard that the eunuch in charge of serving him, Zhang Feng’en, has a very poor relationship with him. Generally, it’s the duty of the senior eunuchs to handle such matters. If he doesn’t report it, it’s considered his negligence. We might as well leak this information to him and bribe him heavily; he will surely step forward to expose King Di.”
“Brilliant!” Yan Kai beside him clapped his fists and laughed. “If Your Highness accuses King Di, the emperor will surely call Zhang Feng’en for a confrontation. At that time, if he reveals King Di’s secrets, I reckon King Di won’t be able to explain himself even if he had three mouths. He’s definitely doomed!”

Li Cong glanced at Yan Kai, then at Li Qiu; his thoughts were completely occupied by these two. He nodded excitedly and said, “Let’s do as you say. This is exactly what’s meant by ‘using others to kill’. Tomorrow morning, Qiu-er will go see Zhang Fengen. If it works, I’ll head to Xingqing Palace this afternoon.”