Chapter 123: The Struggle

In the grand hall, the envoy from the Western Kingdom stood dazed, his expression somewhat vacant. He shifted uncomfortably as he glanced around at the magnificent carved beams and resplendent walls. The dazzling golden brilliance and vibrant hues of the hall seemed to breathe new life into him, momentarily making him forget his physical discomfort and even bringing a smile to his lips.

The Empress Dowager found his reaction amusing and asked with a smile, “Envoy, do you find this place to your liking?”

“Your Majesty,” the envoy replied respectfully, “I truly admire this place. The colors and materials used here are unlike anything in my homeland. It is evident that the Northern Hua Empire is a prosperous and peaceful nation, which naturally inspires great admiration.”

The Empress Dowager’s gaze shifted, her smile tinged with irony. “Envoy, you flatter us too much. No matter how splendid this place is, it remains foreign soil. I hope that after you return home, you will not speak too highly of it, lest it stir unrest among your people and destabilize your government.”

Upon hearing this, the envoy’s face changed drastically, but he was momentarily speechless. The Empress Dowager’s words were weighty and difficult to navigate, leaving him at a loss for response. Only Liu Li could come to his aid.

“Envoy, please do not take it to heart. This is simply a custom of Northern Hua. We do not welcome overt praise but prefer quiet admiration. After all, people from the Central Plains have a tradition of refinement, modesty, and courtesy. Our straightforwardness may differ from your way of speaking; I hope you will understand.”

The envoy nodded thoughtfully and smiled, “I have long heard of the humility and courtesy of the Central Plains people. The Emperor’s name even contains the character for ‘courtesy.’ It must be a great cultural tradition and national spirit. I will strive to learn well.”

“Your frankness and sincerity set an example for us all. Ultimately, differences are merely differences; they do not signify superiority or inferiority. Whether one learns or not depends on the heart. As long as we conduct ourselves with respect and honesty, our nations will maintain lasting friendship and peace.”

“Excellent!” The envoy applauded enthusiastically, laughing heartily and dispelling the previously solemn atmosphere.

The Empress Dowager gave a cold smile and turned her gaze to Liu Li. “The Emperor grows more courteous and generous by the day, embodying our nation’s dignity and rituals. No wonder he was the late Emperor’s favorite son. Now that the envoy and you share mutual understanding and political views, I shall take my leave.”

Liu Li smiled and nodded, aware of the Empress Dowager’s intent but choosing to ignore it. “The weather is unpleasant and tiring. Mother, please rest. I will remain here to attend to the envoy and ensure he is well cared for.”

Without a backward glance, the Empress Dowager left, leaving the officials who had come with the envoy looking gloomy and uncertain.

Once she was gone, Liu Li picked up a book and thought to himself: Mother may not act for the country’s good, so it falls to me to do what is right. The Western envoy’s visit is rare—how could I let him depart empty-handed?

“Envoy, let us return to the matter at hand: the friendship between our two nations. May I ask the purpose of your visit this time?”

“Your Majesty,” the envoy replied, “I am here to discuss the tribute arrangements once more. Northern Hua’s economy flourishes, and its people live in peace and prosperity, which I observe with admiration and longing. Yet, my own country has endured natural disasters and unrest in recent years. Our people are displaced and impoverished, making it impossible to fulfill the tribute obligations.”

Liu Li nodded with a smile. “I see, so you are here to seek a reduction in the tribute.”

Before he could finish, several officials voiced opposition.

“I believe this matter is not open for discussion. Tribute was established by the late Emperor to maintain regional peace, and the Empress Dowager meticulously planned the tribute quantities. These amounts are already modest given the vast distances involved. How could one nation complain so bitterly?”

“I concur. Changing the tribute is a grave matter involving many considerations. Fundamentally, it may suggest a reluctance to maintain peace. Could it be that the envoy is here to spy on Northern Hua’s military and economy for future plans?”

Hearing this, the envoy shook his head repeatedly, glancing nervously at Liu Li. “Your Majesty, please judge wisely. That is not my intention. My country’s economy is weak and the people suffer. We lack even enough relief grain, let alone tribute goods. Northern Hua is a grand empire; it surely needs none of these offerings. I beg your mercy and compassion.”

Liu Li cast a cold glance at the officials, silencing them. Then he handed the book to a court eunuch to pass to the envoy and said, “Tribute can be a heavy or light burden. Fundamentally, it is a means to peace. As long as your intentions are sincere, the matter is manageable. This book details the tribute over the years. I have had it carefully calculated, and indeed it is a large sum. The tribute system cannot be altered, and the quantities must remain the same. However, in light of your calamities, we can postpone payment. When your troubles are settled and the time is right, you may repay. How does that sound?”

The envoy’s face brightened with joy. “Your Majesty’s proposal is excellent—it soothes the hearts of both peoples and encourages my country’s development. Is there a limit to the postponement? Since disasters and unrest have no fixed end, I worry—”

“Do not worry. I believe you will soon achieve stability. Just wait patiently. Northern Hua does not currently require those goods. You may delay payment, but a decree must be issued to inform all.”

Overjoyed, the envoy prostrated himself. “Naturally. Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Furthermore, to aid your recovery and enable timely tribute, I have arranged supplies for you. When you depart the palace, they will be handed over, accompanied by elite soldiers to escort you safely to your border.”

The envoy was taken aback but bowed deeply again in gratitude. “Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty. Northern Hua is fortunate to have such a courteous, humble, kind, and righteous Emperor. May our two nations enjoy enduring friendship!”

Liu Li paid no heed to the officials’ complaints nor feared the Empress Dowager’s reaction. He had his own plans.

At this moment, Liu Li understood that his gratitude toward the Empress Dowager was only for raising him—nothing more. His true duty was to oppose her, to stand against any threat to Northern Hua’s prosperity and peace, and to shoulder the responsibility of Emperor.

He had been scrutinizing the ongoing investigation and knew he needed to employ some stratagems to hasten the revelation of truth. If a secret could be concealed for decades, it would not be uncovered overnight. It required effort to stir the dust and find the key to unlock the hidden box.

“My heart is not invested in lands or political power, only in protecting the great rivers and mountains left by my father and safeguarding the countless people of Northern Hua. Once I resolve all crises and uncover the truth behind the perplexing cases, I will hand the throne to one truly worthy.”

Looking at the radiant sunset, Liu Li felt the palace finally gained some color. Though he now stood alone in the royal family, with no one to rely on, he was unafraid of fighting a solitary battle.

These lonely, desolate days were far better than living in ignorance and confusion.

Knowing the truth might be painful, but remaining in the dark was far crueler.

Bitter melon, though its taste is harsh and scent peculiar, cools the fire, detoxifies, and relieves summer heat and dampness. Compared to such a genuine flavor—honest in its good and bad—some people are like the seeds inside candied hawthorn; some matters are like honey on bitter gall. When unaware of the truth, the sweetness masks the bitterness, but once the sugary coating is gone, the true taste is revealed.

Liu Li did not know the Empress Dowager’s true purpose in raising him, but he no longer wished to be her puppet or dutiful son.

He fervently prayed that the late Emperor’s mysterious case had no connection to her, though a strong, uneasy premonition lingered.

“Is that Mother with Second Prince?” Liu Li looked toward the garden and asked.

Gao Hai approached and whispered, “The Empress Dowager and the Second Prince now openly appear together. It seems the outbreak of their major plans is imminent.”

“What do you think it will be?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps forcing you to abdicate.”

Liu Li smiled and turned away. “The court is filled with her supporters; military and political power rests in her hands. No wonder they are so confident. It seems I am about to face a fierce battle.”

Gao Hai sighed with concern. “We have recently offended the Empress Dowager repeatedly—rescuing Feng Xing and Feng Nuan, and granting such great benefits to the Western Kingdom. I fear the Empress Dowager’s heart is unsettled.”

“No matter. Such situations are inevitable.”

“Your Majesty, can we still remain calm?” Gao Hai asked anxiously, fearing the Empress Dowager’s next move. “We have too little power now. Perhaps we should be more discreet for a while. The Empress Dowager’s alliance with the Second Prince may be because our investigation is too conspicuous. She fears we might uncover something, so she acts hastily. Should we restrain ourselves for now, and act decisively only once we have secured power and influence?”

“The more you yield, the closer they will come. At times like these, we must hold our heads high and march forward boldly. Mother has waited for so many years; what harm is there in waiting a little longer?”