At dawn the next morning, as expected, a censor submitted a memorial, denouncing Li Ce and Li Jing. The memorial stated plainly that the two princes had visited eighteen temples in a single day, indiscriminately worshipping both Buddhist and Daoist deities, entering every shrine they came across.
—"Neglecting their duties, idling in frivolous wanderings, dabbling in superstitions, and consorting with monks and priests—they neither shoulder the burdens of state nor serve as paragons for the royal family. This humble servant beseeches that their princely titles be stripped and that they be handed over to the Imperial Clan Court for reprimand."
The Imperial Clan Court was the bureau specifically tasked with overseeing affairs related to the emperor's kin and noble relatives.
Summoned into the palace, Li Ce and Li Jing knelt within the Xuanzheng Hall, disheveled and downcast, exchanging glances.Li Ce's expression conveyed a clear message: "This is all your fault."Li Jing, however, gave a smug smile, as if to say: "Just watch me."
"Your son has a petition to present," Li Jing declared with a respectful kowtow.
The emperor, seated upon the throne, could hardly believe that even on the eve of the New Year, the censors could still unearth faults in his sons, forcing him into anger and disgrace. Yet judging by Li Jing's composed demeanor, he seemed to believe his argument would be justified.
"Speak," the emperor grunted, gripping the memorial in his hand as though ready to hurl it at any moment.
The ministers pricked up their ears, curious to hear what far-fetched excuse Li Jing might conjure.
"Father Emperor," Li Jing began, "since my marriage, I have remained without issue. To be childless is a grave form of unfilial conduct. Though I have taken countless decoctions, none have proved effective. Recently, I heard that divine aid might offer hope, so I went to pray. The censor accuses me of indulging in superstitions, but I simply believe that divinity watches from above, and if the gods might grant my wish, offering incense is no transgression. As for not aiding in state affairs, it is because Father remains vigorous in spirit and body, surrounded by capable ministers. This son, dull in wit, merely sought brief respite."
He spoke with calm assurance, and when he finished, he surreptitiously glanced at Li Ce.
"Brilliant," Li Ce whispered in admiration.
"Spent the whole night memorizing it," Li Jing replied with a sly grin.
But no sooner had he finished speaking than a censor barked out:"Your Highness twists words to justify yourself! As a royal scion, you are duty-bound to share the burden of governance. Do you think citing the competence of your peers grants you leave to shirk your responsibilities?"
Li Jing looked helplessly at the censor. So now even flattery won't please you?
Seeing the censor relentlessly pressing on, the emperor diverted his ire toward Li Ce."Prince of Chu!" he interrupted with a raised voice. "If the Prince of Zhao prayed for an heir, what was your reason? Don't tell me you're anticipating infertility too?"
Unlike Li Jing, Li Ce had made no preparations."Replying to Father Emperor," he answered truthfully, "I merely accompanied the Prince of Zhao."
"He asked you to go, and so you went?" the emperor said coldly.
"Replying to Father Emperor," Li Ce responded, "I have resided in the Prince of Zhao's manor this past year, receiving much care and hospitality. My fifth brother has no heir, and I too shared in his worry—thus, I went with him."
This admission revealed a bond of brotherhood that might have pleased the emperor under other circumstances. But today, a reprimand was necessary to maintain the appearance of impartiality.
"You two are simply too idle!" the emperor thundered. "You should look to your elder brother—since his return to the capital, he first assisted the Ministry of Personnel in evaluating officials, then helped the Ministry of Revenue organize its ledgers. So busy is he that he scarcely returns to his own estate and often lodges in the offices!"
Clearly, this was in praise of Prince Jin, Li Zhang.
Li Zhang immediately stepped forward and bowed."Your son is mediocre and failed to guide his younger brothers properly. I should share in their punishment."
The emperor was satisfied with this response. After all, when blame is shared, it becomes easier to dissipate. Ideally, the other princes would also volunteer guilt, forestalling further criticism from the censors. What—send all the princes to the Imperial Clan Court? Would there be no New Year celebration then?
Sure enough, Prince Wei, Li Chen, also stepped forward."This son has been distant from his fifth and ninth brothers, failing to fulfill my duty as elder sibling. I too bear fault. As for easing the burdens of the court, I am equally ashamed."
Before the censors could interject, Li Zhang added,"It is indeed the responsibility of royal sons to serve the empire. With the New Year approaching, perhaps there are tasks at hand that they might undertake as a form of discipline and experience."
Thus, the matter transitioned from punishment to delegated work.
The emperor turned to his ministers and spoke mildly,"The Ministries of Personnel and Revenue are past their busiest periods. With the New Year near, the Ministry of Rites must be overwhelmed, no?"
He was offering his sons a graceful exit. Even if the Ministry of Rites had no tasks left, they wouldn't dare say so.
The Minister of Rites deliberated, then raised his tablet."Most matters have been arranged, save for repairs at the Circular Mound Altar for the New Year's ancestor rites. Some of the stone slabs are cracked, and several tall pavilions must be erected, though construction keeps falling behind schedule. If Their Highnesses do not mind the labor, they may supervise the work."
The Circular Mound stood about ten meters high, encircled by twelve staircases representing the divisions of the heavens. The southernmost steps, slightly wider, formed the emperor's ceremonial ascent. Each New Year's Day, after the Grand Court Assembly, the emperor would lead his officials to worship Heaven and the ancestors there.
That such an important ritual site remained unfinished was alarming.
"In that case," the emperor declared, "since the Prince of Zhao is too dim-witted, let the Princes of Chu and Wei oversee the repairs. If anything is unclear, do not act on your own—consult with the Ministry's officials."
"Your sons receive Your Majesty's command," Li Ce and Li Chen responded, bowing deeply.
As they exited the Xuanzheng Hall, Li Ce looked puzzled."How is it that you caused all this trouble, yet I and Fourth Brother are sent to supervise construction?"
Li Jing beamed, triumphant."Such is the importance of having heirs. I knew I'd be fine."
"Don't think you're getting away!" Li Ce grabbed his arm indignantly. "This whole mess started with you. You've already paid your respects to every deity before year's end—come supervise with me!"
"I refuse!" Li Jing laughed, then turned to greet Li Chen."Fourth Brother! Excited to have work at last?"
Whatever Li Chen thought, his face remained composed and warm. He nodded to Li Jing and said,"To ease Father's burdens is the duty of any son. But Fifth Brother, you must act more prudently in the future, so as not to bring shame upon him."
The censors, always quick to report, had made Ye Jiao and Li Ce regular subjects of court discussion this past year. Now, they had drawn in Li Jing as well. The three were growing ever closer, their temperaments and methods increasingly alike.
"Supervising the Circular Mound repairs…" Upon returning to the Prince of Zhao's residence after court, Ye Jiao remarked upon hearing the news. "That place is vast and open—it'll be freezing."
She feared Li Ce might catch cold.
Li Ce smiled as he ladled sweet porridge into her bowl."Then Jiao Jiao must visit me often. You're always so warm—if I can stick close to you, I won't feel the cold at all."
He could find a hundred reasons to coax her into visiting.
Ye Jiao accepted the bowl and gently stirred the porridge, seemingly lost in thought, not responding to his teasing.She was thinking of something else.
"Sisi," she murmured, frowning, "I don't believe you've ever worked with the Prince of Wei before."
"First time," Li Ce replied, skipping his own meal to gaze at her intently, his eyes glued to her face. To him, every movement she made was a thing of beauty.
"Prince Wei…" Ye Jiao hesitated, then warned, "He appears impeccable, but I suspect he is far more complex than he lets on."
Ye Jiao had an uncanny ability to read people's moods. But when facing Li Chen, she sensed nothing.He was courteous, cultured, and even wore a perpetually mild, wooden expression—yet it was this very stillness that made him so difficult to grasp.
"Thank you, Jiao Jiao, for the warning," Li Ce whispered, leaning in to tuck a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. The light in his eyes darkened slightly with caution."But beyond that… what I find strange is—why was it me and Li Chen?"