Dark Night at Tang Palace - Chapter 8
After arriving at Chang’an, Song Xuance was arranged to stay at Li Bi’s residence. Li Bi took good care of him, but Song Xuance remained wary. He knew that everyone in the court had their own agenda, and he was just a pawn in this game of chess.
That night, Li Bi hosted a banquet for Song Xuance. During the banquet, Li Bi rarely spoke, but simply watched Song Xuance with a smile, as if observing his reactions. After a few rounds of drinks, Li Bi finally spoke, “Xuance, do you know why I saved you?”
Taken aback, Song Xuance hesitated before responding respectfully, “Your Excellency, your kindness overwhelms me, and I am unworthy of it.”
Li Bi shook his head and smiled lightly, “You are intelligent and skilled at judging the situation. You are the kind of talent I admire very much. But as you know, the court is full of treacherous plots, and a slight misstep can lead to ruin. You are now ordered by Yang Xuantong to investigate, and you have been pushed to the spotlight. How do you plan to deal with it?”
Song Xuance frowned slightly, “Your subordinate is foolish, please enlighten me, Your Excellency.”
Li Bi shook his head gently, “Do you know why I dare to ally with the Crown Prince? Because I know that among all the civil servants, only he can lead the Tang Dynasty out of its predicament. And I am willing to bet my life and reputation to help him ascend to the throne.”
Song Xuance was shocked. He had thought that Li Bi was just a deep and hidden powerful minister, but he didn’t expect him to be so bold as to openly discuss the matter of a change in the imperial throne.
“Your Excellency…” Song Xuance hesitated, not knowing how to respond.
Li Bi looked at his expression and smiled, “I know you have doubts, but I want to tell you that the future of the Crown Prince is related to the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty, and you are the key to this game.”
Leaning forward, his eyes fixed on Song Xuance, “Xuance, I am willing to help you rise to prominence, but you must also help me find out the true mastermind behind the ‘Shadow Unit’. Yang Xuantong has ostensibly entrusted you with a heavy responsibility, but in fact, he wants to use you to kill people and eliminate those who refuse to bow to his will.”
Song Xuance was secretly alarmed. He knew that he had been cornered. If he didn’t agree, he might not be able to leave this mansion today. He took a deep breath and nodded solemnly, “Your Excellency, rest assured, I will do my best to find out the truth!”
Li Bi smiled with satisfaction, “Good, from today onwards, you are my man.”
Leaving Li Bi’s residence, Song Xuance’s heart was filled with contradictions and worries. Yang Xuantong, Li Bi, every force in the court was vying for their own interests, and he was just a pawn, who could be discarded at any moment.
However, he knew that no matter what, he had to survive, find the truth, and be able to take the initiative in this game.
At that moment, he suddenly felt a pair of eyes staring at him intently. He turned his head sharply and saw a slender figure standing not far away, dressed in a luxurious brocade robe. As the breeze blew, her clothes fluttered slightly, and it was none other than – Li Wan Ning!
“Master Song, how wonderful to see you,” Li Wan Ning approached with a radiant smile, her voice soft yet laced with mischief.
Song Xuance bowed respectfully: “Lady Li, what brings you here at such a late hour?”
Li Wanying giggled, “I was just passing by and heard that you were at Prime Minister Li’s residence, so I came to see you.” Her gaze fell on Song Xuance’s face, as if trying to see through him, “Master Song, I truly admire you for having unraveled such a shocking case in Chengping County.”
Although Song Xuance was taken in by Li Bi, he knew that he was still in danger. In the past few days, he had secretly investigated the movements of the “Shadow Unit” but found that they had become more secretive, carefully avoiding everyone’s eyes. At the same time, Yang Xuantong’s attitude had become ambiguous, as if he had begun to suspect him.