Chapter Sixty-Three: The Unspoken Rift Between Li Chengqian and Li Ke

Li Zhen declared, “A real man studies for the rise of our nation!”
Qin Huaiyu proclaimed, “A true man’s ambition knows no bounds!”
Cheng Chumo slapped his own forehead. “Yi, if you have something to say, just say it! The reason we muddle through our days is because we have no direction. But I, old Cheng, have never lacked for passion or spirit. Just show us the way, Yi!”
The others rose together, cupping their fists in salute. “We ask Yi to show us the way!”
Li Yi quickly stood to stop them. “Brothers, there’s no need for this. What I said just now was only to spur you on, to keep you from working without heart. Rest assured, my principle has always been: we share wealth together, and face hardships together!”
“Haha! That’s just how I like it, Yi! You’re loyal and straightforward!”
“Cheng, don’t interrupt. Let Yi finish!”
“Heh, as for our path, I’ve already said it: we join together in business, that is, commerce!”
“Commerce?” Changsun Chong frowned. “Yi, is that really appropriate?”
Li Yi waved his hand. “Don’t be hasty. I know what you’re worried about. Isn’t it that merchants are looked down upon, and you can’t do business openly? And even if you make money, you can’t show it off. Isn’t that it?”
Everyone responded in unison, “Exactly!”
“Don’t worry. That’s no longer a problem. Not only will we do business, but we’ll do it openly, letting the whole world know. Moreover, I assure you, so long as you meet the requirements, not only will your families not blame you, you’ll even earn praise from your families and His Majesty himself!”

Cheng Chumo’s jaw dropped. “Yi, are you pulling our leg? How could there be such a good thing? I’m a straightforward man—don’t fool me!”
“And if I told you the royal family is involved?”
“What? Impossible!”
Li Yi turned his gaze to Li Chengqian and Li Ke, unsure which of them had been entrusted by Emperor Li. But it would surely be one of these two. The others followed his gaze, staring at the two princes, making them both uneasy.
Li Ke’s mouth twitched. “Well, Father did mention it to me, and even asked me to be the royal representative!”
The moment Li Ke spoke, everyone gasped. Heavens! The royal family is going into business openly? Am I dreaming? Li Chengqian was equally astonished—but what astonished him was that his father had not entrusted him with this!
“All right, close your mouths! Look at yourselves. Now, let me explain. His Majesty agreed because what we’re doing is becoming Confucian merchants. And what is a Confucian merchant…”
Li Yi expounded the concept in detail. “So, do not think this is a simple matter. If you want to take part, you must begin with yourselves: you must possess all the cultivation and virtues of Confucian tradition—diligence, enthusiasm, kindness, wisdom, self-respect, generosity, composure, magnanimity, elegance, propriety, a love for life, and the ability to apply Confucian thought to the planning, operation, and management of business. Through our commercial activities, we will spread the essence of Confucian merchant culture and contribute to the development of a harmonious Great Tang. You must be honest, keep your word, obey the law, respect etiquette, and cultivate the perfect demeanor of a Confucian merchant. This is no idle talk—since His Majesty is involved, you should know the seriousness of the matter. Think carefully whether you can truly do this! As for money, don’t worry—everyone here will receive shares in the business alliance. Whether you can make it public depends on you! There’s no rush; three days from now, come to my house and give me your answer.”
All the idle young nobles fell into deep thought. Before them lay two paths: one, to strive through hardship and earn wealth and honor; the other, to live carefree and idle. It was like entering a buffet—would you choose the barbecue you make yourself, or the easy and simple hotpot? The choice was theirs.
Li Yi pulled Li Chengqian and Li Ke aside.
“Where are those old rascals?”
Li Ke pointed toward the distant woods. “They went hunting in the hills earlier!”

“Oh? They didn’t think to invite me!” Li Yi glanced regretfully at the bow and arrows on Juechen’s back. Turning to look at the two brothers, locked in silent tension, Li Yi could only sigh. Born of the same root, yet fate divides them so cruelly.
With a gentle sigh, he turned away and leaned against a tree, murmuring, “Sometimes, you think you possess everything, but in the end, you might have nothing. Sometimes you feel you have nothing, yet everything has always been by your side. People say success is up to fate, yet also that it is up to man. Though these sayings seem contradictory, they express the same truth: if you find your path and follow it, then your efforts will succeed naturally. But if you walk into a dead end and refuse to turn back, not even Heaven can help you. With every gain comes loss, with every loss comes gain—the balance of gain and loss lies in your heart.”
Having said this, Li Yi left. There was nothing more to add.
His words left the brothers deep in thought as well. Glancing at the group of idle young nobles, now pondering their lives, Li Yi gave a wry smile. In this Great Tang, who but Li Wenyong could cause a generation of privileged second-generation officials to reflect and turn over a new leaf?
Looking around, he knew the other groups of idle nobles were not an option, nor did he wish to join them. As for the circles of senior officials, that was far too dangerous. After thinking it over, only one option remained… the ladies.
Tidying his attire, Li Yi stealthily made his way toward where the women were gathered. He first hoped to catch sight of Changle and Li Xueyan, but he was too optimistic—this was an open space, and no matter how he tried to hide, he stuck out like an ostrich with its head in the sand, plainly visible.
“Who are you? Why are you here?” As he crept forward, a woman’s voice challenged him.
Li Yi looked up. It was a palace maid dressed as a guard, with the bearing of someone trained in martial arts. “Sister, my name is Li Yi. I’ve come to see Li Xueyan, the daughter of the Prince of Rencheng.”
The maid gave him a sharp look. “You think you can approach this place as you please? Come with me! Her Majesty wishes to see you!”
Li Yi was startled—Her Majesty? It must be Empress Zhangsun! This was a remarkable woman! Li Yi had once read a post ranking the ten most virtuous empresses of antiquity; Empress Zhangsun ranked in the top five. It was said that she contributed three-tenths of Emperor Li’s achievements in unifying the realm. For that alone, Li Yi admired her. Not to mention, she was likely his future mother-in-law—no, certainly!