Chapter Eighteen: Oh Mother! This Could Affect My Official Career!

After the tall man left, Li Er had intended to continue discussing the matter with his ministers, but since they knew too little, he had to give up for the moment. Thus, the nation's highest officials began a heated debate over the various trivial yet significant events occurring within the Tang Empire.

An hour later, the tall man returned with news that astonished everyone.

“What? Nothing? Not a single record exists?” Li Er’s eyes widened in disbelief. The Tang Empire had stood for fourteen years, and yet there was a citizen who had never been registered in his archives. From the trust Li Junqian placed in Li Yi, it was clear that Li Yi’s origins ought to be traceable. Yet, as Emperor of Tang, Li Er could not find a single piece of information—a most baffling state of affairs.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I investigated every person named Li Yi in the empire. Of those under twenty, there are four: two in the army, one in Lingzhou—though his courtesy name is Ziyi, and he’s already twenty—and another who’s only three. So this Li Yi does not appear in the census. He must have appeared within the past month, explaining why there is no record of him.”

“Your Majesty, I believe this is actually a good thing!” As Li Er pondered, Fang Xuanling suddenly spoke up.

“Oh? Xuanling, how so?” Li Er’s spirits lifted at once.

“Your Majesty, in these peaceful times, only three kinds of people fail to be registered. First, they might be foreigners. But if Li Yi were an outsider, his appearance, speech, and habits would differ from ours, and Prefect Li would have mentioned it in his letter. Thus, this possibility can be ruled out. Second, the rebel factions might have deliberately hidden him for their own ends. However, if that were the case, Li Yi would never have solved such a major case in Luozhou. And even if he were a rebel and the Luozhou affair a ruse, it would still benefit our empire—for at least the serpent has emerged from the shadows, which is better than hiding unseen. Third, and most likely, Li Yi was taken in by a hermit during troubled times, and has only now emerged, with the sole aim of serving the empire. If this is so, then the Tang has gained another talent. After all, none of those hermits are ordinary men, as demonstrated by Li Yi’s remarkable ability to solve cases. And most importantly, Li Yi is only fifteen.”

“Haha, Xuanling, your reasoning is unparalleled in the world! Excellent! I look forward to welcoming another outstanding talent into our empire!”

“Your Majesty flatters me. I dare not claim to be the best at deduction. Besides, isn’t there Li Wenyong now?”

“Haha! You! Li Wenyong is still young—a rough jade in need of polishing. There’s no rush; the Tang still needs your guidance.”

“We will all serve Your Majesty with utmost devotion!” Seeing the emperor in high spirits, the ministers knew it was the right time to declare their loyalty.

No matter what schemes were unfolding in the Hall of State, Li Yi and his companions rode hard and fast, finally reaching Chang’an by dusk. Li Yi did not even have a moment to admire the ancient city; he went straight in, following Vermillion Bird Avenue all the way to the Vermillion Bird Gate.

Upon arrival, Li Yi handed his Gu Mo Sword, Cold-Edge Dagger, and baggage to Jiang Lichen, keeping only the Book of Rites with his token, a handkerchief, a letter, Li Junqian’s memorial, and a book. He gave his horse, Juechen, to Li Xueyan, instructing them to return to the Prince of Renzhou’s residence, while he and Duan Zan proceeded straight into the palace.

The imperial palace where Emperor Li Er resided was called the Taiji Palace. Its layout was meticulously designed, strictly adhering to ancient architectural principles. The main palace followed the “court in front, residence behind” structure, demarcated by gates such as the Vermillion Bright Gate, Solemn Harmony Gate, and Pious Transformation Gate, dividing the palace into the “Outer Court” and “Inner Court.” Beyond the Vermillion Bright and Pious Transformation Gates lay the Outer Court; within was the Inner Court.

Passing through various checks, Li Yi and Duan Zan entered through the Taiji Gate and the Two Principles Gate, heading directly to Li Er’s office—the Hall of Ten Thousand Springs.

Li Yi, following Duan Zan, arrived at the entrance of the Hall of Ten Thousand Springs. After the rapid journey, he was weary and travel-stained. Yet, with the nation’s highest leader before him, first impressions were crucial. Li Yi had no mind for sightseeing, only for straightening his attire and making himself appear as presentable as possible.

Duan Zan entered to announce him. Soon, a eunuch at the door shrilled, “Announcing Li Yi—Li Wenyong, to see His Majesty!”

Li Yi quickly made a final adjustment, straightened his back, tucked in his belly, raised his head—wait, best to bow slightly—and put on a smile, striding forward. But whether from nerves or the high threshold of the Hall of State, he stumbled as he entered, nearly falling. Fortunately, years of martial training allowed him to recover his balance and avoid a humiliating scene.

“Good heavens! This could ruin my official career!” Li Yi muttered under his breath, then walked straight ahead. Reaching the center of the hall, he immediately knelt and declared, “Your humble subject, Li Yi—Li Wenyong, greets Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!”

Li Yi kept his head lowered, not daring to glance around. He had no experience in such matters; ancient emperors were said to punish the slightest offense! He had no wish to be flogged for no reason.

Li Yi might have been nervous, but the assembled dignitaries were not. His “brilliant” entrance had already tickled their sense of humor, but as this was their first meeting and Li Er was present, they restrained themselves. Yet, when Li Yi delivered such an odd greeting, they could not hold back and burst into laughter. Li Yi was bewildered, but fortunately, the likes of Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong, notorious for their antics, were not present, or his embarrassment would have been far greater.

As Li Yi stood unsure, Li Er, having laughed his fill, began the formal questioning. “Ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years? What nonsense! Still, it’s auspicious enough. So, you are Li Yi? Stand up, raise your head, and answer!”

Li Yi breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, first raised his head slightly, then, after a moment’s thought, looked up properly and stammered, “I... this humble subject... I am Li Yi!”

Li Er was momentarily taken aback by Li Yi’s response, but recalling that Li Yi might just have emerged from the mountains, he found it amusing rather than offensive. “Hahaha! No need to be nervous. Relax!”

“Oh! Thank you, Your Majesty! Well, I am but a rustic and know little of etiquette. May I ask, what should I say next?”

“Insolence!” Unable to contain himself any longer, Wei Zheng rebuked him.

“Come now, Xuancheng, it’s fine. This is human nature—rare and precious. You’ve rendered great service in Luozhou. Today, I’ll grant you a reward. In future, unless it’s a formal court assembly, you may be at ease before me!” Li Er, seeing Li Yi’s rustic candor, was even more pleased—surely a disciple of a hermit! He offered a sweet promise: serve me well, and I will not treat you unfairly.

Li Yi was overjoyed at His Majesty’s promise. In truth, he knew the courtesies—Master Pan certainly would have taught him. But as someone from the future, he could hardly tolerate all these rituals. Today, he deliberately revealed his true nature, thinking that if Li Er was displeased, he could always change later; after all, he was just a child, and one who had performed meritoriously. But if Li Er accepted it, then he could live comfortably ever after. A very worthwhile gamble, and it would leave Li Er with the impression of an able but straightforward youth—a type emperors often favored, like Cheng Yaojin, whom Li Yi admired greatly.

“Really? Hehe! Thank you, Your Majesty!” Li Yi gave a pure, innocent smile.

“Very good! Hmm? Yaoshi, what is it?” Li Er was just about to continue, but then noticed Li Jing staring at Li Yi, dazed and lost in thought.

“Ah! Your Majesty, forgive my rudeness! I found this young man strangely familiar, and for a moment I lost myself. Please forgive me!” Li Jing, startled, realized his lapse and hurriedly apologized.

“No need for such formality between us, Yaoshi,” Li Er replied graciously.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Wenyong, since Yaoshi finds you familiar, why don’t you tell us about your background? I’m curious myself. You know, I couldn’t uncover a single piece of information about you!” Li Er, in a buoyant mood, even made a rare joke.

Li Yi thought to himself, I’ve been hiding on Mount Mao for fifteen years; it would be strange if you had any record of me! “Oh! Your Majesty, I have here a letter from my master, who said that giving this to you would prove my identity.”

Li Er’s interest was piqued—perhaps Li Yi’s master was an acquaintance. “Bring it here!”

“Yes!” Li Yi replied, retrieving the letter from his robes. As he always kept it close, it was tucked inside his inner garment. But as he drew out the letter, his jade pendant came with it—a keepsake left by his parents and always worn around his neck.

“Wait!” Just as Li Yi was about to hand over the letter, Li Jing suddenly shouted.

“What is it, Yaoshi?” Even Li Er was perplexed; Li Jing was known for his taciturn and steadfast demeanor, yet had twice now lost his composure—truly unusual.

Li Jing, by contrast, was visibly agitated. “Your Majesty, forgive me! But I beg you to let me ask this young man a few questions—punish me as you see fit afterward!”

He bowed deeply to Li Er as he spoke.

Li Er grew more suspicious—something was very odd about Li Jing today. After a moment’s thought, he said, “No need, Yaoshi. This isn’t a formal audience—there’s no need for such strict protocol. Ask away! Li Yi, answer carefully. We’ll look at the letter in a moment.”

Li Yi, though utterly confused, agreed at once, yet he felt a strange sense that good fortune was about to come his way.