Chapter 102: Entering the Palace to Investigate the Case!

Year 637, Chang’an, Daxing Palace, Lizheng Hall.

“Brat, coming to see me this late—hope you have a good reason,” Emperor Li Er said, perhaps without realizing how increasingly casual he had become in both speech and manner before Li Yi. For an emperor, especially a wise ruler like Li Er, this was truly remarkable. Yet it was understandable, for Li Yi possessed an innate aura—one that put others completely at ease and inspired instinctive trust. That aura was sincerity.

“Ah, Uncle Li, saying that really hurts your nephew’s feelings!” Li Yi bowed respectfully, then casually took a seat and grabbed a pastry, chewing as he spoke. “The reason I came so late is because I was handling business at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. I’ve been at it all day, not even daring to drink water, afraid of being ambushed.”

“Is that so? Yet I heard you were thriving at Xiaoxiang Pavilion! What about those astonishing sketches, breaking through three trials, and that satirical poem that had the pavilion’s steward thoroughly scolded? So, did you win the beauty in the end?”

“Uncle Li, if you say that, I won’t stand for it! You’re being too unreasonable! I’m covered in wounds, delving deep into the tiger’s den to investigate on your behalf, yet you slander me like this! I’m quitting!”

“Oh? You’re trying to fool me? Very well, tell me what you’ve discovered.”

“Heh, Uncle Li, I suppose you already know most of what I found out!”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“Well, Uncle Li, I heard that Xiaoxiang Pavilion was able to establish itself in Chang’an because of your orders.”

“Oh? You’ve got sharp ears! That’s right—it was my arrangement. This goes back to the Wude era. Back then, I noticed something off with Xiaoxiang Pavilion, but since they conducted all their affairs openly, I couldn’t find any solid evidence. The matter was left unresolved until a woman named Chou Gu appeared. Her arrival split Xiaoxiang Pavilion in two and somehow brought in the Four Heavenly Maidens, causing the pavilion to suddenly flourish. So I commissioned an investigation again, but Chou Gu operated just as openly as before. I found nothing on her but noticed something strange about Mei Ling, one of the Four Heavenly Maidens. However, Mei Ling was too mysterious to uncover anything valuable. Then came the incident where Chou Gu was provoked by someone. Fearing I might alert the enemy, I sent a message secretly. Unexpectedly...” Li Er paused, a trace of emotion crossing his face.

Li Yi continued, “Unexpectedly, they used your words to rapidly develop Xiaoxiang Pavilion. When you tried to investigate again, the rules had changed—anyone seeking Mei Ling had to pass three trials, effectively shutting down your investigation.”

Li Er nodded approvingly. “You’re right. If I wanted, I could have uncovered them, but they’re too meticulous. Besides, Xiaoxiang Pavilion’s unique nature involves many connections. I lacked an excuse, and with the Tang dynasty beset by internal and external troubles, I had to set them aside. Later, when I was free, I found signs of the Azure Dragon Gang, which again diverted my attention.”

“Ah, hearing that, I’m now certain my investigation is on the right track!”

Li Er was startled. “You really found something!”

Li Yi dropped the playful tone and replied solemnly, “Yes, Uncle Li, I’ve basically uncovered the truth about the Azure Dragon Gang, though I still need to verify it.”

“Tell me.”

“This story is long and time is short. Please trust me, Uncle Li. I won’t explain now. I need your help because I believe tomorrow is when the truth will be revealed.”

“Oh?” Li Er pondered and nodded. “Good. Since I entrusted you with this, it means I trust you. Tell me, how do you want me to proceed?”

“Uncle Li, you must be aware of who stands behind the Azure Dragon Gang now.”

Li Er’s eyes narrowed. “Indeed. Didn’t you guess? You’re brave to ask outright.”

Li Yi smiled wryly. “I’d rather stay far away from this, but that only works if you agree.”

“Ahem! Enough joking, brat. Get to the point!”

“Alright! Uncle Li, I want information on the hidden Crown Prince’s descendants and all the princes—their biographies and portraits.”

Li Er frowned. “That’s classified. Why do you need it?”

“I’m not asking for everything. Just basic data—age, birth details, major deeds, and so on. That shouldn’t be secret, right?”

“Hm, that’s reasonable. Fine, I’ll arrange it for you. When do you need it?”

“Good. Have someone prepare lodging for me here. I’ll review the materials and leave when I’m done. Please issue me a certificate, but ensure this remains confidential and controlled.”

Now both Li Er and Li Yi were certain: the Azure Dragon Gang was a remnant faction of the hidden Crown Prince Li Jiancheng. It made sense—only someone with his power could have laid groundwork during the Wude era and kept influence to the present. Since Li Jiancheng was involved, this matter must never be publicly exposed.

“Rest assured, Uncle Li. I understand the boundaries.” Li Yi had to admit that Li Er was remarkably magnanimous. No wonder he was remembered as a great emperor. His temperament was compatible with Li Yi’s principle: “I’ll get things done for you, but you must trust me fully. That is the foundation.” Li Er was excellent in this regard. Once he assigned a task, he trusted utterly and never questioned the process—only the outcome mattered.

After leaving Lizheng Hall, Li Yi followed a eunuch to a palace chamber. Soon, a stack of documents was brought in. Li Yi scrutinized each carefully, comparing them against his theories, eliminating and analyzing.

It was past midnight when he finished reviewing all the materials, confirming his suspicions. Everything awaited tomorrow, for he had already made his move today. He believed the snake would surely strike.

Stretching, he looked up at the moon and hoped that after tomorrow, the skies would clear.

Li Yi then left the palace and returned to the Jiang residence.