Chapter 107: The Extraordinary Man

“Ruyi?”

“Yes, only one Ruyi scepter. The Supreme Emperor specifically ordered Duke Gao to retrieve it and have the young prince deliver it to Yuzhen Temple.”

Back at the residence, Li Shu did not even change his clothes or hat; he went straight to his father’s quarters. Unexpectedly, his father had not yet returned, so he waited in the study and summoned an attendant from the Eastern Palace on duty to consult with him.

“Sir, do you think there is some deeper meaning behind all this?”

“The Son of Heaven is wise and would never act without intention. I believe there is more beneath the surface here, and it may not be as Your Highness supposes.”

Although the other was a young man, Li Shu still addressed him respectfully as “sir,” and the other accepted this without reserve.

This man was none other than Li Mi, famed as a prodigy since the age of seven for his quick wit and known as the “Child Genius.”

In the Tang Dynasty, with a population of fifty-five million, a seven-year-old prodigy was not especially rare—at most, a child who could read, recite, and exhibit proper manners. But if he could converse on equal footing with the current prime minister and receive genuine praise, then he truly deserved the title of “extraordinary.”

Li Mi was such a person.

In the eleventh year of the Tianbao era, he was not yet as renowned as in later times; he was merely a scholar attendant, explaining the “Laozi” to the Crown Prince and princes, serving as an official in the Eastern Palace. Originally just a literary man, he harbored ambitions far beyond the role of a mere lecturer.

The Crown Prince was one thing, but as the eldest son of the Crown Prince, Li Shu treasured him like a precious confidant, and Li Mi spared no effort in return, just like today.

“Please, sir, speak frankly.” Li Shu’s gaze was intense, concealing no trace of his inner worries.

“Let me guess: does Your Highness believe this carries the meaning of ‘wish fulfilled’?”

“Is it not so?”

“Suppose it is. Then how do you explain Your Highness’s empty-handed return from the treasure mountain?”

This was precisely the doubt troubling Li Shu. The Emperor could not possibly be unaware that his own sister had left the capital, yet he had sent him on this errand. Was it a warning? A rebuke? Or both?

Seeing him ponder deeply, Li Mi shook his head and unveiled the truth: “It’s not that complicated. Had His Majesty truly had a plan, he wouldn’t have sent you on such a mission.”

“Your Highness’s conduct today was exemplary. By observing the proper etiquette and meeting the Emperor, you dispelled any political intrigue. Moreover, you avoided the public in offering condolences. While this sincerity might seem calculated to the Emperor, to a grandfather it is supreme filial piety. Thus, even if there were some probing words, he would not take them to heart, for your father would never order you to act otherwise.”

“You are the eldest grandson of the Emperor. The Crown Prince must be cautious to guard against court enemies, but you need not be. Even if you are somewhat rash, it is all for the sake of filial piety. With that, the worst that can happen is a fruitless journey like today.”

Li Mi’s words were like a sudden enlightenment, clearing Li Shu’s mind. The matter was indeed not complicated; he simply could not see clearly from within the situation. Some of his actions were instinctive, and the full cause and effect were clearer to others.

Seeing the relief on Li Shu’s face, Li Mi knew he had understood. Though the prince was not exceptionally talented, he was willing to listen to advice, a humility that made him far superior to most.

Li Mi continued, “The Emperor today is exceptionally wise and decisive, one in a million. Prime Minister Li believes he has succeeded in deceiving the court, but in truth, the Emperor sees the realm at peace and wishes to avoid unnecessary trouble. Now that the prime minister is old and frail, he still desires to preserve his family’s legacy. To rely on acts that could destroy the country is no easy matter.”

Li Shu detected the subtle criticism of the Emperor hidden in these words—an almost universal consensus, especially within the Crown Prince’s household.

“Returning to the Emperor’s true intent today, Your Highness’s intuition is correct: there is indeed a wish fulfilled here.”

Li Shu was startled, his breath quickening involuntarily. “Sir, you mean...”

Li Mi nodded. “Prime Minister Li’s illness is likely genuine this time, not just rumor or a stratagem.”

Seeing Li Shu’s lingering doubt, he explained, “To judge this is easy: simply observe how frequently the chief imperial physicians visit the Li residence. That alone reveals much.”

Li Shu understood. Whether Li Linfu’s illness was real or feigned, it could not be concealed from the Emperor. If genuine, he would receive the best treatment, with the palace’s finest doctors dispatched accordingly. If it were a mere show, such eminent medical experts would not remain long at the Li residence, since their primary duty was to care for the palace’s own.

What if the Emperor himself were ill?

Before he could relax, Li Mi’s voice resumed. “Even so, the Crown Prince’s situation will not change. This is the second layer of meaning.”

“You mean that Yang...”

“Yang remains in the capital, reluctant to leave, precisely aware of this upheaval.”

Li Mi’s words silenced him. If Li Linfu died, Yang Guozhong would likely succeed him—a secret openly acknowledged in court and beyond. Even Yang himself did not deny it. There was a joke circulating: with a favored niece in the palace and the realm at peace, even a dog could hold the chancellor’s position well.

But this unlearned imperial uncle was also at odds with the Crown Prince. For his own power, he would be even more ruthless than Li Linfu—like a fierce tiger joined by a hungry wolf. How could Li Shu expect any ease?

“Cultivate oneself, nurture one’s nature, and let things unfold naturally.” Li Mi’s voice seemed to come from afar, always bringing a glimmer of clarity amid confusion.

“This is the Emperor’s third layer of meaning.”

So that was it. Li Shu understood now: there was an intent to preserve, provided no rash moves were made.

Before he could rise to express thanks, a sudden message plunged the atmosphere into tension: the Crown Prince’s carriage had been attacked by a delegation claiming to be Tibetans while returning from the sacrificial rites.

Li Shu grew anxious. He knew his father well and was certain there would be no rash decisions. This meant a stalemate was underway, and if the Emperor heard of it, the consequences were unpredictable.

“Do not be hasty. The priority is to ascertain whether His Majesty has already heard.”

Li Mi inquired carefully among those present. When he learned that a military envoy had been dispatched to report the incident, he wore a contemplative expression.

“Sir, what should I do? Should I go to the palace to see His Majesty?”

“If Your Highness follows your heart, what would you most want to do at this moment?” Li Mi countered, his tone testing.

“To gather my guards and ride out of the city to rescue my father.” Li Shu answered without hesitation, no pretense before him.

“Exactly.” Li Mi clapped his hands and laughed heartily, admiration in his eyes. “A son must strive forward when his father is in trouble, not hesitate. That is true filial piety.”

“The Crown Prince is benevolent and filial; Your Highness is foolishly filial, and thus wins the Emperor’s heart.”

“If the Emperor does not hear, then your actions—though displaying filial piety—would be for show, for all to see. Even if you were punished, it would be worthwhile. But since the Emperor already knows, you need not go. Wait quietly at the residence. When the Crown Prince returns, then go to welcome him.”

These words completely won over Li Shu. To be honest, he had only entertained such notions in thought; to move troops in Chang’an would be tantamount to rebellion. Even as an imperial grandson, it would give political enemies a perfect excuse.

Li Mi’s meaning was clear: he was giving them a pretext to reassure the Emperor completely. Such strategy—turning a dire situation into a new beginning—was the mark of a true genius.