LFHYB -Chapter 38 Double Joy for the Scholar

Li Yuan had never expected things to turn out this way.

The Old Madam said someone had corrupted Li Jiancheng; witnesses were there. Making Concubine Zheng kneel briefly at the ancestral hall wasn’t a serious punishment, so he agreed.

But how did Concubine Zheng end up pregnant, and how did they not even know?

Li Jiancheng had been silent, but upon seeing that his first child might be in danger, he angrily confronted the Old Madam, insisting Concubine Zheng was wronged.

If it had ended there, it would have been fine. A simple misunderstanding could have been resolved by comforting Concubine Zheng.

Li Yuan thought that given his mother’s regard for Eldest Son, she would also tolerate the situation since Concubine Zheng was pregnant.

But who could have expected that Mother would faint?

Li Yuan tried to call the imperial physician, but the awakened Old Madam stopped him.

“Do not call the physician! Family shame must not be exposed! If outsiders ask, just say I fainted from hearing Concubine Zheng was pregnant with a great-grandchild, from happiness.” At that time, the Old Madam was still quite lucid.

Li Yuan had thought everything was fine.

But unexpectedly, the elderly Lady Dugu fainted again. The attending physician’s acupuncture couldn’t wake her, so he asked Li Yuan to summon the imperial physician or Sun, a recluse doctor from Mount Taibai.

Li Yuan, following his mother’s advice, dared not seek the imperial physician himself, and went personally to find Sun.

When Physician Sun arrived, he sighed. The old lady’s “heart qi” had dissipated; even if she could wake, her body could not recover. He hinted to Li Yuan to prepare for the worst.

While Physician Sun prepared medicine for her, Li Yuan still went to find the imperial physician.

The imperial physician arrived and said essentially the same thing as Physician Sun, offering no prescription—only performing acupuncture.

Finally, the old lady woke again and took the medicine. Her speech became clear at last.

It seemed she also knew her life was nearing its end. She dismissed everyone else, leaving only Li Yuan and Lady Dou to arrange her affairs.

Old Lady Dugu first decided to give half of her dowry to the second and third sons.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou were both puzzled.

Though the dowry wasn’t part of the Duke of Tang’s estate, and she could give it to whomever she wished, conventionally, the eldest legitimate son would receive seventy percent, with the remaining sons sharing the rest. Legitimate sons generally got an additional ten to twenty percent of what was left compared to their younger siblings.

Although Lady Dugu also cared for Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, she had previously said that seventy percent of her property would go to Li Jiancheng.

“I have treated these two children unfairly; it is only right to give them all of my dowry,” Lady Dugu said coldly. “Daughter-in-law, you should also split your dowry in half for these two children.”

Lady Dou’s voice trembled: “Mother, what are you trying to do?!”

Lady Dugu closed her eyes: “My son, a few days ago I dreamt that your elder brother Cheng came to me, crying. He died young without children and suffers greatly in the underworld. He hopes you will adopt children to continue his line. He liked Daxiong and Dade very much. I see that these two children will also accomplish great things, and can expand Cheng’s lineage. Adopting them in Cheng’s name will make them legitimate heirs, and they will still be raised in the Duke of Tang’s house. Nothing will be wrong for the two children.”

Lady Dou felt her vision go dark and sank to the floor.

Li Yuan was shocked as well: “Mother, what are you saying? Why suddenly adopt Daxiong and Dade?”

Lady Dugu took a few deep breaths, opened her eyes, and said sharply: “Haven’t you realized? Daxiong and Dade’s influence is too strong! This entire calamity has happened because they have been too conspicuous!”

Lady Dou gritted her teeth: “They were favored by His Majesty, it is His Majesty who raised their names. If we blame them, aren’t we blaming His Majesty? Moreover, the Duke of Tang’s house isn’t limited to just one duke. If they have talent, they can earn their own titles—it doesn’t conflict with the eldest son!”

Li Yuan tried to reason: “Mother, if my elder brother hadn’t passed, wouldn’t I still have been able to succeed? My cousin is also a dual Marquis, supporting each other…”

“That’s different!” Lady Dugu said. “A Duke is not the same as a Marquis. Look at what they are doing—they are striving to become Dukes!”

Li Yuan frowned: “Mother, calm down. The second and third sons are still so young. How could they possibly do such things?”

Lady Dou cried: “Mother, what have they done? Being brought close to His Majesty—that’s His Majesty; the shop was given by me; the wager was initiated by the Crown Prince; His Majesty intervening in our affairs was because the eldest son got drunk…”

“Slap!” Lady Dugu pushed herself up and struck Lady Dou across the face. “Shut your mouth! It’s all your fault! Your favoritism toward the second and third sons hurt the eldest son’s heart! That’s why he ended up like this! And the matter with Concubine Zheng—did you feed words to her, causing her to oppose me?”

“Yes, it’s all Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s fault. Before they were born, the eldest son was perfect, so filial, nobody said a bad word about him.”

“The eldest never liked Li Xuanba. Why didn’t I notice before? Surely he saw from the start that Li Xuanba had ill intentions.”

“My eldest son was so good… so obedient…”

Lady Dugu murmured to herself, her eyes alternating between confusion and clarity.

Lady Dou wiped her tears, ignoring her reddened face, and knelt: “The second and third sons have done nothing wrong. The eldest never envied them. Before the soap shop incident, he even praised them. When they were ill, he visited them daily. Mother, have you forgotten? The three children were once very close!”

Li Yuan told Lady Dou: “Stop. Let Mother calm down.”

Old Lady Dugu’s eyes cleared again, and she said sternly: “Li Yuan! Do you want your elder brother to have no heirs? Are you even listening to me? Adoption is common. Wasn’t Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s teacher, Yu Shinan, also adopted by his uncle?”

Lady Dou wept: “Mother, the second and third sons are your grandchildren too, the ones you watched grow up. You even call them by name. Do you see them as enemies? They have taken nothing from the eldest son and have given him much. Until today, the eldest and the second and third sons were good brothers. Your actions will sadden him, even though he is a good child.”

Old Lady Dugu stared at Lady Dou: “Blame me if you must. I, in my old age, feared my eldest son would be lonely, and forced you both to make this decision.”

Li Yuan sighed: “Mother, calm down. I still do not understand why you insist on adopting the second and third sons. None of your reasons hold up.”

Old Lady Dugu looked at her son for a long time, her gaze shifting back and forth between clarity and haze.

After a while, she sighed deeply: “The Jiancheng I raised cannot compare to the care you have given Daxiong and Dade. By adopting them to your elder brother, their status as legitimate heirs will remain. Daxiong can even become the eldest legitimate son and establish his own household. Given His Majesty’s favor for them, their future will not be affected.

“But if they stay…” Old Lady Dugu fell silent for a moment, then said with difficulty, “Even after I am gone, Jiancheng will surely clash with Daxiong and Dade again. Daxiong and Dade have done nothing wrong, but they also have their faults—their fault is being too exceptional. Adopting them is best for Jiancheng, best for Daxiong and Dade. It is best for all of them.”

Li Yuan’s originally firm expression showed a flicker of hesitation.

Lady Dou noticed the doubt on Li Yuan’s face, and her heart tightened. She tore the hairpin from her hair, letting her bun fall loose.

With her hair down, she said, “Everyone, you are doing all of this for Jiancheng. Even if Jiancheng has never once thought of being jealous of Daxiong and Dade, you still believe that in the future, Jiancheng will harbor resentment toward them out of jealousy?”

Old Lady Dugu remained silent.

Li Yuan let out a deep sigh.

Lady Dou continued, “In the end, no one has truly considered Daxiong and Dade. Daxiong clings to both my husband and me. He was seriously ill in Xingyang. Such a young child—if he learns that he is being abandoned by his parents for being too talented, and is then adopted by an uncle he has never met, becoming a dependent in his own home—might he fall ill again?”

Old Lady Dugu looked at Lady Dou coldly.

Li Yuan thought of Li Shimin’s closeness to him, and his favor shifted slightly toward Lady Dou.

Lady Dou went on, “And that’s not even considering Dade. Dade has been frail and sickly since childhood. To abandon him now would be to watch him die. Don’t talk about keeping him at home—if we fall ill from anger or grief, a child, even more fragile, will suffer. Or is it because Dade is predicted to have little chance of reaching adulthood, so you simply choose to give up on him?”

She threw the hairpin to the ground and sneered, “Daxiong and Dade are pieces of my own flesh. I cannot give them up. Moreover, if you assume Daxiong and Dade are so outstanding that Jiancheng would be jealous, then after they are adopted, are they not still members of the Li family? Before the eldest uncle passed, he was the legitimate eldest son of the Duke of Tang. After adoption, they become the eldest legitimate grandsons!”

Old Lady Dugu shouted angrily, “What did you say!”

Lady Dou, abandoning the meekness she had shown before the Old Lady, remained composed and said, “You also know that His Majesty dotes on the Second and Third Sons. If you separate them, His Majesty will surely feel pity. Even if you take all responsibility upon yourself, will His Majesty act exactly according to your wishes? After we all pass on, will His Majesty not claim, because Daxiong and Dade were adopted by the Duke of Tang’s original eldest son Li Cheng, that Daxiong is the true heir of the Duke of Tang’s line and should inherit the title?”

Li Yuan: “……” He looked at his wife, now seeming entirely unfamiliar, in disbelief.

Old Lady Dugu seemed confused: “N-no, that can’t be… His Majesty is my junior, he will consider my wishes… Maybe, maybe we should adopt Daxiong and Dade to—”

Lady Dou cut her off coldly: “Adopt them to your second uncle who already has children? Let everyone in the world see that we have mistreated the Second and Third Sons? That may not endanger Jiancheng, but it will bring ridicule upon my husband! Jiancheng is your grandson, so is my husband not your son? His official career has just begun—do you want him to face setbacks?”

Having said this, Lady Dou gave Old Lady Dugu no chance to respond. She bowed her head slightly and said, “I have said all I wish to. Please give this matter careful thought. The Second and Third Sons should be back soon. I will go see them, so they are not frightened by idle gossip.”

Then, Lady Dou turned and left directly.

Old Lady Dugu trembled with fury: “She is unfilial! Unfilial! She commits the unforgivable crimes of disobedience and impiety!”

Li Yuan sighed, “Mother, you want to drive Daxiong and Dade away—and also Jiancheng’s mother? Is this really for Jiancheng’s benefit?”

Old Lady Dugu’s scolding caught in her throat.

…

“I truly don’t understand why Mother suddenly lost her mind. What on earth is going on!” Li Yuan sat on the floor and cried aloud.

Li Xuanba, originally very angry, saw Li Yuan crying in a voice nearly identical to Li Shimin’s and felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth. The anger in his heart lessened.

He patted his older brother on the back: [Let go. I have something to say to Father.]

Li Shimin cried loudly, “A-Xuan, don’t go! If you leave, I’ll go with you! You are so weak, what will you do alone?”

Li Xuanba: [Let go. I’m not leaving. Trust me.]

Li Shimin released his grip and covered his face, continuing to cry.

Li Xuanba said, “Father, people’s perspectives come from their understanding. Grandmother’s caution toward me and my brother comes from her own understanding. She comes from the chaotic era of the Northern and Southern dynasties, where rites and morals were weak. In that era, after ancestors passed, sons could defame their mothers, brothers could demote each other, and to publicize the deeds of ancestors—revealing their strengths and flaws to justify oneself—was common.”

Li Xuanba’s words were drawn from Yan Zhitui’s Family Instructions of the Yan Clan.

“The Dugu family experienced similar matters. Grandmother’s eldest legitimate brother, Dugu Luo, was not of the same mother as her and her other brothers. His younger brothers, using the excuse that Dugu Luo’s mother had died early and therefore had no status as a Lady, claimed Dugu Luo was not the legitimate eldest son and unworthy of inheriting the title. They also mocked Dugu Luo for the hardships he suffered growing up in Northern Qi, treating him with light disdain and not as a brother.”

“Although Grandmother’s actions were wrong, this was something Empress Wenxian once reprimanded. Grandmother also lightly humiliated Dugu Luo.” Li Xuanba looked at Li Yuan. “It is precisely because Grandmother did such things that she judges by her own experience, believing our family’s traditions are like those of the Dugu family, which is why she is so anxious.”

“But Father, now is no longer a chaotic age with collapsed rites and music. Back then, Emperor Wen and Empress Wenxian despised the Dugu family’s struggles for succession. Today, when His Majesty ascends the throne and hears idle gossip, he will surely place even more importance on propriety.”

“This is the Sui Dynasty, not a chaotic era; we are the Duke of Tang’s household, not the Dugu family.”

“Even if my older brother and I are outstanding, we dare not scheme for the Duke of Tang’s title, nor is there any need to. Even as the eldest, my brother cannot lightly humiliate us, because in the court, position and actual office matter more than titles.”

Li Xuanba clasped his hands toward the window: “Please, Grandmother, personally come see me and my brother. Do you believe what I say is correct? Father’s talent is unmatched; even after inheriting the title for years, it would be difficult to gain a real court position. If my brother gains a stain of mistreating his maternal siblings, will his future career be smooth? Grandmother, do not deceive yourself by saying all of this is solely your doing. The key is not what you say, but how His Majesty and the world perceive it.”

Sitting on the floor, Li Yuan turned his head in shock. The normally bedridden Old Lady Dugu had actually come here with the help of her attendants.

Old Lady Dugu stared fixedly at Li Xuanba, as if he were not the grandson she had once cherished, but her enemy.

“To be honest, Elder Brother has truly been wronged. He has always treated us well and never intended to meddle in the merchants’ affairs. Matters of commerce have always been handled by the concubines’ side of the family.”

“After being reprimanded, Elder Brother reflected on himself. He has been good to both me and my second brother, and just today, as we were leaving, we were even discussing what gifts to give him.”

“The Tang Duke’s household was originally harmonious, with brotherly affection and family unity. We had no conflicts at all.”

Li Xuanba looked up at the clouded eyes of Old Lady Dugu. “Grandmother, please stop trying to sow discord between us brothers. To ease your mind, I will immediately request His Majesty to grant me a recommendation through the division-based exams. Those who enter the bureaucracy through family privilege are considered legitimate; those who enter through the imperial exams are often looked down upon and face difficulties in promotion.”

“Grandmother, I have already stepped back. After all, I don’t have long to live. If you push me too far, I will go to His Majesty to complain. Do you believe I would stand in the street and tell everyone that you said Elder Brother was jealous of me, and that’s why you wanted to adopt me out?”

“I am not afraid of embarrassment, nor am I afraid of death, because my life is short anyway.”

Li Xuanba took a few steps forward. In front of everyone’s stunned eyes, he approached Old Lady Dugu. “Or should I ask, Grandmother, do you want to strangle me right now? Strangle your own grandson with your own hands?”

Surprisingly, Old Lady Dugu took a step back as Li Xuanba approached.

Li Xuanba glanced at her, then turned to Li Yuan with a bow. “Grandmother may not be kind, but I cannot be unfilial. If Grandmother insists on killing me, then I will die here. Father, your son will no longer be able to serve you.”

Lady Dou lifted the dazed Li Shimin into her arms and sneered, “Wonderful. It would be just perfect if Grandmother personally strangles her sickly grandson in front of her son. Who knows, if this reaches His Majesty’s ears, can the plaque of our Tang Duke’s residence even remain? Don’t even think about hiding it; what in the capital can be kept from His Majesty?”

“I’ve asked many times. If you care for Jiancheng, do you not care for my husband at all?” Lady Dou confronted them. “Have you considered my husband’s feelings, his future?”

Li Yuan got up from the floor, sorrowful. “Yes, but have you considered me? I am your only son!”

“I…I…” Old Lady Dugu stammered. “Look, look! Third Son even dared to threaten me. In the future, he will certainly—”

“Mother is tired. Please help her back to her bed and summon the imperial physician. Mother, anything you say in front of the imperial physician will reach His Majesty’s ears. Please be careful with your words,” Li Yuan interrupted.

Old Lady Dugu immediately shut her mouth. She looked at her son with sorrow.

Li Yuan looked away.

Old Lady Dugu left, but Granny Zhang remained and knelt before Li Yuan.

Li Yuan sighed. “Granny Zhang, what is it?”

Granny Zhang kowtowed repeatedly, drawing blood on her forehead, and cried, “Your Grace, it is not that the Old Lady is confused or unkind. It’s just…”

She gritted her teeth, kowtowed a few more times, and continued, “When the Elder Young Master visited her, he argued with Old Lady again, saying she always does things harmful to him. If she truly wants to do right by him, why not adopt out the second and third sons, so there would be no worries? If she cannot do that, then don’t claim it’s for his own good.”

Li Yuan could hardly believe it. “What?!”

Granny Zhang cried, “Elder Young Master was certainly just speaking out of anger. But Old Lady is already confused—she is only confused, confused! She does not remember things and doesn’t even know what she says. She is not clear-headed; Your Grace, please do not be angry with her.”

Li Xuanba looked at the blood on Granny Zhang’s forehead and sighed. “Father, the physician once said there is an illness called senile hysteria. It is when the elderly gradually become confused, paranoid, fixated on a single idea, cannot take advice, and constantly imagine people are out to harm them. Perhaps Grandmother really is just ill.”

After speaking, Li Xuanba’s body went weak, and he collapsed.

Li Yuan immediately caught him. “Dade! …You’re burning up! Why do you have such a high fever? Imperial physician! Physician!”

He carried Li Xuanba and rushed out.

Lady Dou carried Li Shimin and followed.

Li Shimin lay dazed in his mother’s arms, completely absent-minded.

…

In the early winter, having stood so long without a coat, Li Xuanba immediately developed a high fever.

Li Shimin fared slightly better, but that night he also developed a low fever.

The Tang Duke’s residence fell into chaos.

Li Yuan took leave from his duties and personally wiped Li Xuanba’s body to reduce the fever.

Old Lady Dugu did not faint again, but seemed even more confused.

Now, she muttered incessantly, “Go, take the imperial exams, take the imperial exams,” as if it were her only thought.

Li Jiancheng was attending to Concubine Zheng, who had suffered a threatened miscarriage. When he came to check on Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, Li Yuan dragged him into the courtyard and gave him a severe beating.

“What nonsense did you tell your grandmother?!” Li Yuan’s eyes were red with anger. “Did you really consider adopting out your brothers?!”

Li Jiancheng froze, then burst into tears. “I was only speaking in anger, telling Grandmother not to stir up trouble between us brothers. How could I do such a thing!”

Afterward, he slapped his own face repeatedly. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have spoken in anger. I will apologize to Grandmother immediately.”

“No need,” Li Yuan said, his emotions complicated.

Li Yuan thought of what his third son had said.

The Dugu family’s traditions were poor, so his mother believed that brotherly affection should follow the Dugu way.

When his mother taught him, his elder brothers had already passed away, so she never taught him about brothers, and he did not understand her thoughts.

When his mother instructed Jiancheng, what did she instill in him? Was it the Dugu family’s way?

“Go care for Concubine Zheng and try to protect her child. I will look after your grandmother, your mother will care for your brothers, and you take care of yourself,” Li Yuan said wearily.

Li Jiancheng cried out, “Yes! Father!”

Watching Li Jiancheng leave, Li Yuan muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear: “Having children makes one mature—it must be true. Back then, I only grew up after having Jiancheng.”

Li Jiancheng was not only Li Yuan’s first child but also the “only son” he had doted on for nine years.

At that time, Li Yuan was still serving in the imperial guards, living in the capital. Li Jiancheng grew up under the care of Lady Dugu as well as before Li Yuan.

By the time Li Shimin and Li Xuanba were born, Li Yuan had been transferred elsewhere. So although he also greatly loved Li Shimin and Li Xuanba—the twin sons he received after a nine-year gap—at least for now, Li Yuan’s feelings for Li Jiancheng were certainly deeper than for Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, whom he saw less frequently.

“A child not taught is the father’s fault,” he thought. He could not deceive himself—if Li Jiancheng went astray, it wouldn’t just be his mother’s fault.

He himself had taught Li Jiancheng, hand in hand, teaching him to recognize characters, read books, and practice martial arts, far more diligently than with Li Shimin and Li Xuanba.

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba had not yet turned eight. Their achievements at this age were almost purely the result of natural talent.

“So that’s why the eldest dislikes the second and third sons?” Li Yuan rubbed his forehead, laughing through tears. “That only makes you seem even more useless, makes my teaching seem even more of a failure.”

…

Li Xuanba woke up a day later.

Li Shimin had already recovered from his fever but clung tightly to Li Xuanba’s arm, refusing to let go. When others worried that he might still be weak and tried to take him away, he would not allow it.

So Li Yuan let Li Shimin stay by Li Xuanba’s side.

Before Li Xuanba woke, Li Shimin had not spoken at all, as if he were mute. Even when Lady Dou called him, he only nodded or shook his head in response, without making a sound.

The imperial physician said Li Shimin had been frightened; after a few days, once his mind calmed, he would recover.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou were worried but could only trust the physician.

It seemed that Physician Sun realized that something complicated had happened in the Tang Duke Mansion’s inner residence. Using the excuse of gathering herbs, he went into the mountains and disappeared, leaving only a prescription for Li Yuan.

Li Yuan wanted badly to give Physician Sun, who seemed as slippery as if his feet were greased, a good beating.

When Li Xuanba finally woke up, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Originally, Old Lady Dugu had spoken privately with Li Yuan and Lady Dou about formally adopting Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, with no one else hearing.

When Lady Dou came to Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s courtyard, worried that Old Lady Dugu might lose control, she first sent the other servants away.

But Old Lady Dugu came with her own attendants.

When Li Shimin and Li Xuanba fell ill, although Lady Dou was extremely anxious, she quickly managed the present servants.

Only Li Yuan, remembering what Granny Zhang had said, worried that others around Old Lady Dugu might know about the matter, so he confined all of Old Lady Dugu’s attendants, leaving only Granny Zhang to care for her.

Later, these attendants were taken away by the household soldiers sent by Li Yuan, and even Lady Dou did not know their whereabouts.

Granny Zhang requested of Li Yuan that if the old lady passed away, she would accompany her in burial.

Lady Dou intervened and had Granny Zhang stay with her instead.

Li Yuan, remembering that Granny Zhang had once served him, and was the mother’s most trusted and loyal servant, softened and agreed.

Li Xuanba quietly drank his soup, porridge, and medicine, until he could no longer bear it. He finally had someone tear the chicken meat into pieces and put it in a bowl, along with an egg.

Li Xuanba: “How many times have I said this! Just drinking soup and porridge won’t cure me! I want to eat meat!”

Li Shimin blinked and finally made a sound: “Pfft.”

Li Xuanba glanced at his second brother: “You’re not allowed to drink porridge either; hurry up and eat meat.”

Li Shimin laughed just like before: “Okay.”

He got out of bed and reached toward his mother: “Mother, I want a big chicken leg.”

Lady Dou smiled: “Alright, mother will get it for you.”

Lady Dou walked out, then covered her mouth as tears fell like rain.

She had to tell her husband this good news: the third son had woken up, and the second son was speaking again—and even smiling.

The second son wanted a big chicken leg! She would have to get several for him.

Hearing this news, Li Yuan let out a sigh of relief.

He pressed his tired eyes and asked Old Lady Dugu, “Mother, what do you want to eat?”

Lady Dugu murmured: “Eldest… eldest…”

Li Yuan clasped her hands and pressed them to his forehead: “Mother, after becoming confused, you only remember your eldest grandson. Do you really not remember your only living son?”

But Old Lady Dugu paid him no attention.

As Granny Zhang said, as the third son said, as the imperial physician said—his mother had gone completely senile.

In just a few days, she had lost her rationality, utterly and completely.

Li Yuan did not know whether he should feel sorrow or resentment.

Perhaps when his mother first “stirred up” the relationship between the eldest and the second and third sons, she had already begun to go senile. He had been at fault for not noticing in time, allowing matters to reach this point.

Yes, it must be so.

Mother had simply gone senile. If she were still clear-headed, she would definitely still be the Tang Duke’s loving matriarch, who cared for him and all her grandchildren.

“You stay with mother; I will go see the second and third sons,” Li Yuan said, placing Old Lady Dugu’s hands under the blanket and speaking to Granny Zhang.

Granny Zhang nodded and sat beside Old Lady Dugu, carefully wiping the drool from her mouth.

The third grandson had woken up?

But in her heart, Granny Zhang did not feel the happiness she had expected.

She remembered how the third grandson had pressured the old lady, realizing for the first time that he was actually a ruthless person, not the innocent and kind child she had imagined.

Yet she also realized that she still cared for the third grandson.

Had he not been forced to say those things? Had he perhaps repeatedly heard others mocking that he would die young?

“Such misfortune,” Granny Zhang murmured, covering her mouth.

…

When Li Yuan went to see Li Xuanba, neither father nor son mentioned what had happened that day, as if it had never occurred.

The Tang Duke’s Mansion didn’t pass on this matter either—essentially, the matter didn’t exist at all.

Li Yuan said, “The Crown Prince came to visit you and brought His Majesty’s concern. If you can manage, write a letter to the Crown Prince and the Emperor. It doesn’t matter if your handwriting is ugly; just a line or two will do. Let them rest assured.”

Yang Zhao, who hadn’t rushed over when the Old Lady Dugu fell ill, immediately came along with the Emperor’s edict as soon as he heard that both Li Xuanba and Li Shimin had fallen ill.

Li Yuan was relieved that he hadn’t listened to his mother’s confused advice.

Perhaps it was mere coincidence, or perhaps it was simply that three family members falling ill drew the Emperor’s attention—but clearly, both the Emperor and the Crown Prince truly cared for the second and third sons.

After his mother grew senile, she had placed too much importance on the Emperor’s status. But His Majesty is decisive and pragmatic—how could he really care about a mother’s rank?

Because of Yang Guang’s disregard for the Old Lady Dugu, Li Yuan had already realized that his status as imperial kin wasn’t something to rely on.

“All right, once I’m full, I’ll write it,” Li Xuanba nodded. “Father, please ask my three teachers for leave on my behalf. Especially Master Yu—once I recover, I’ll make up all the essays I owe him.”

Li Yuan sighed, “You don’t really need to take the imperial exams.”

Li Xuanba said, “I already told you, Father, I want to compete with the world.”

Li Yuan paused, remembering that indeed, he had said this before.

He smiled wryly, “Yes… you want the exams, and the second son wants to go to the frontier. You’ve both thought about your futures.”

In none of these futures had they ever planned to compete for the Tang Duke title. His mother had truly lost her senses.

Li Yuan said, “There’s no rush. His Majesty will hold the exams again.”

Li Xuanba shook his head: “No, I must go this time. I… I don’t know if I’ll have another chance.”

Li Shimin immediately covered his brother’s mouth: “A-Xuan, don’t say unlucky things. There will be a next time, and a time after that—you can take as many exams as you want.”

Li Xuanba thought: [Let go, I’m suffocating.]

Li Shimin released him, but grabbed his hand tightly.

Li Xuanba: [Ouch.]

Li Shimin switched hands.

Li Xuanba thought: […Forget it. Probably just scared my second brother.]

Seeing the interaction between the second and third sons, Li Yuan’s expression softened considerably.

The second and third sons truly got along well; they also had a good relationship with the fifth son—but the fourth…

Li Yuan remembered Li Yuangji, carefree and oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the mansion, and felt a pang of worry.

That fourth son was truly the headache.

But he was still young; once he grew up, he would likely stop being so mischievous and clueless.

“Take care of your health. Whatever you want to do, you must first get better,” Li Yuan said.

Li Xuanba respectfully replied, “Yes, Father.”

Li Yuan looked at Li Shimin, who was avoiding eye contact.

Li Yuan felt uneasy.

He reached out and patted Li Shimin’s head: “Daxiong, trust Father. I never considered adopting out you or Dade.”

Li Shimin nodded: “Yes, Father… Father.”

Li Yuan exhaled in relief when Li Shimin called him Father again. He reminded the two brothers a few more times, then returned to care for their mother.

Li Xuanba thought to his second brother: [You… forget it. As Father said, don’t take it to heart. He still loves us—he surely wouldn’t adopt us out.]

Li Shimin grinned, “I know.”

…

Li Xuanba’s fever rose quickly, and he recovered quickly as well.

As expected, after the New Year holiday in the first month, Yang Guang launched a new category exam and recommendation system, increasing the candidates eligible—officials ranked fifth grade or above could recommend participants.

As the third son of the Tang Duke’s Mansion, Li Xuanba could enter the exams simply with a recommendation from the Mansion.

Yang Guang summoned Li Xuanba, concerned: “Can your body handle it?”

Li Xuanba cupped his hands, “Your Majesty, rest assured. I must take part this time. Grandmother knows I want to take the imperial exams and takes it very seriously. Now that she’s senile, she even reminds me to take the exams.”

Yang Guang sighed: “Indeed. The imperial physician said the Old Madam only thinks of you and your brother, always mindful of your desire to take the exams. Luckily, I had already planned to hold exams in the first month—this is perfect timing. Are you confident?”

Li Xuanba: “Confident… probably.”

Yang Guang chuckled: “Do you want me to give you the questions in advance?”

Li Xuanba made a pained face: “Your Majesty! Uncle!”

Yang Guang laughed heartily.

Soon it was time for the exam.

Because Emperor Wen of Sui had “deceived” the imperial examinees—none who entered office through the exams were actually employed—even with Yang Guang’s promotion, few candidates participated this time.

In the most difficult “xiucai” category, Li Xuanba was the youngest candidate.

The exam was held at the Ministry of Rites, in front of several examiners. They gave questions on the spot and expected answers immediately—it was more like an interview than a written test.

Li Xuanba thought, no wonder later historians considered Sui’s category-based selection a variant of the “chaju” (recommendation) system.

The exam included classics (jinglun), policy essays (celun), and poetry. The focus was on five policy essays.

To Li Xuanba’s surprise, for all three sections—classics, policy, poetry—Master Yu had predicted the topics. If he hadn’t known that Yu Shinan and Yu Shiji had no way of knowing the questions in advance, he would have thought the topics were leaked to him.

The poetry topic was “Confucius.”

Li Xuanba mischievously used Li Longji’s poetry to praise Emperor Wen of Sui.

When Li Xuanba submitted his paper, the examiners raised their eyebrows at the lines: “Now seeing the two pillars, as in a dream.”

“Well written.”

“First-class quality.”

“Truly a prodigy of the Tang Duke’s Mansion.”

“Though young, the third son of the Li family is worthy of xiucai.”

Other candidates listened in stunned silence.

Everyone knew Li Xuanba’s participation was merely ceremonial. The quota had already been decided.

So why would the third son of the Tang Duke’s Mansion take the exam? He could easily gain office through family influence! Wouldn’t that have been better for his future?

Li Xuanba walks out of the palace, caught in everyone’s gaze, and sees his mother and second brother waiting for him.

Li Jiancheng had already returned to his official duties, while Li Yuan continued to take leave to care for their mother.

“A-Xuan!” Li Shimin bounced and waved energetically.

Lady Dou, dressed in a mǐlí outfit, seemed to revert to her youthful days as she waved at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba’s lips curved upward as he ran toward his mother and second brother.

“Oh, didn’t you see me?”

“Third Sister is here too!”

“A-Xuan, A-Xuan, how did the exams go?”

“Very smoothly.”

“Before going home, buy a few things. Even if your birthday and Second Brother’s birthday couldn’t be properly celebrated, you still deserve birthday gifts.”

“Oh, Second Brother and Third Brother have grown another year older.”

Li Xuanba smiled, his eyes crinkling: “Yes, Second Brother and I are both eight years old now.”

A few days later, the exam results were announced, and Li Xuanba successfully passed.

The capital buzzed once more about Li Xuanba’s prodigy status. Officials and commoners alike couldn’t help but talk about the famous child geniuses of the past when gathered together.

At the Tang Duke’s residence, Third Brother had passed the scholar’s exam at eight, rivaling historical child prodigies.

Three days after the results were published, Yang Guang followed Li Xuanba’s suggestion and added an additional interview—the palace exam.

In the hall, Yang Guang sat with a stern expression, questioning Li Xuanba.

The other students behind Li Xuanba looked blank-faced.

The exam papers had been made public. They had to admit that this prodigy, Li Xuanba, indeed possessed some real talent. Passing as a scholar was not unreasonable.

It was just… Your Majesty, how much longer are you going to question him? We still have a dozen others waiting for your questions!

…

The wind rose, clouds hung low, and snowflakes drifted outside the window.

Old Lady Dugu suddenly woke up.

She opened her eyes and looked at the exhausted man beside her: “Fourth Son?”

Li Yuan couldn’t believe it: “Mother… are you calling me?”

Old Lady Dugu said, “Who else could be my Fourth Son besides you?”

Li Yuan grabbed her outstretched hand and cried: “Mother, you finally recognized me.”

Old Lady Dugu recalled for a moment; her memories were hazy but all still in her mind.

She sighed: “Fourth Son, you’ve worked hard. What about Daxiong and Dade? Are they… are they alright?”

Li Yuan forced a smile: “Today Dade is at the palace exam; His Majesty personally interviewed him. He’ll soon become a scholar. Daxiong and the Crown Prince are quietly watching Dade behind the screen.”

Old Lady Dugu sighed: “Dade… really went to take the scholar’s exam.”

Li Yuan said, “Yes.”

Old Lady Dugu was silent for a long while, then said: “What about Dalang? Jiancheng?”

Li Yuan replied: “Jiancheng has returned to his duties. Concubine Zheng’s pregnancy is stable.”

Old Lady Dugu remained silent for a long time before saying: “Good.”

She looked out the window.

…

In the palace, Yang Guang had completed all the “interviews” and had the Ministry of Rites officials publicly read the imperial edict and names.

Li Xuanba, a child with connections, passed the most difficult scholar exam as he wished, ranking among the “top tiers.”

The scholar exam had four tiers: “Upper-Upper, Upper-Middle, Upper-Lower, Middle-Upper, Ordinary.” He should have been in the fourth tier, but Yang Guang specially promoted him one tier.

Yang Guang called Li Xuanba over and smiled: “From now on, you’ll be called Scholar Li.”

…

“Third Son will surely pass the palace exam. When he returns, Mother can call him Scholar Li as well,” Li Yuan teased their newly awakened mother to make her happy.

Old Lady Dugu sighed: “Scholar Li… Scholar Li, how wonderful. My children, quickly call Jiancheng, Daxiong, and Dade back; I want to see them.”

Li Yuan pinched his palm and smiled: “Alright, I’ll go at once.”

“Yay! Scholar A-Xuan and I are back!” Before he finished speaking, Li Shimin’s voice rang from outside the door.

Li Xuanba sighed: “What’s with ‘Scholar A-Xuan’? Don’t give me nicknames at random.”

Li Yuan happily said: “Just in time, your grandmother has finally awakened and is looking for you. I’ll go fetch your eldest brother.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba exchanged a glance.

Lady Dou patted the two children on their heads: “Go on.”

Li Xuanba and Li Shimin walked into the room.

Old Lady Dugu scrutinized the two children, her expression a little awkward.

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba respectfully bowed to Old Lady Dugu, showing no displeasure in their expressions.

Old Lady Dugu breathed a sigh of relief, said nothing of the past, and carefully asked about the palace exam while attending to the two children.

Lady Dou sighed inwardly. What a harmonious scene this was.

Soon, Li Jiancheng also returned.

Upon learning the palace exam had finished, he immediately took leave and came back.

Since Li Xuanba had passed the scholar exam, he had to show a happy face for his younger brother, both emotionally and morally.

At the Tang Duke’s residence gate, Li Jiancheng happened to meet Li Yuan, who was about to go out searching for him, and father and son walked together.

Hearing Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng talking, Lady Dou got up to open the door.

Granny Zhang went next door to fetch hot water for everyone.

“Second Brother, bring a hand warmer for Grandmother,” Li Xuanba said, helping Old Lady Dugu to sit up.

Li Shimin ran to the next room to ask Granny Zhang for a hand warmer.

Li Xuanba held Old Lady Dugu and leaned close to her ear.

“Grandmother, my weak body is because I can see the future.”

Old Lady Dugu turned to look at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba lowered his eyes, speaking barely above a whisper: “Li Jiancheng will die unnaturally. Grandmother, your precautions were correct. Li Jiancheng is my doing.”

He let go and stepped back; Old Lady Dugu fell back onto the bed.

“I also killed all his descendants.”

When Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng pushed open the door to come in, Old Lady Dugu was gasping, struggling to sit upright.

Li Xuanba turned and ran to Li Jiancheng: “Brother, Grandmother has been waiting for you all along.”

Like a mischievous child, he pushed Li Jiancheng to Old Lady Dugu’s bedside.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou smiled as they followed the two brothers.

Li Xuanba poked his head out from behind Li Jiancheng and gave Old Lady Dugu a dazzling smile.

It was the kind of smile that seemed to be showing off, as if he were expecting a reward.

“Grandmother, see? I told you, it’s all true. Big brother is here.”

“I’m amazing, right?”

Old Lady Dugu’s expression twisted as she lunged at Li Xuanba: “Ah!”

Li Jiancheng was shocked and instinctively raised his foot.

Li Xuanba: “…” Wow.

Li Yuan was furious: “Li Jiancheng!”

Li Jiancheng panicked: “N-no, it wasn’t me, I…”

Old Lady Dugu clutched her chest: “Da… Dalang…”

Lady Dou hurriedly shielded the stunned Li Xuanba.

The warm stove in Li Shimin’s hands fell with a clatter, almost hitting his foot.

Li Xuanba dove into his mother’s arms, hiding the upward curl of his mouth.

Grandmother’s last moments of clarity weren’t enough; now, she seemed fully alert.