Chapter 156: Resolution

Liu Li produced a contract and smiled, saying, “I’ve heard that the Pavilion Master has a fondness for rare curiosities, but since you already possess many treasures here, I’ve brought you something ordinary instead.”

Wu Xiao was momentarily taken aback. He exchanged a glance with Ling’er, then asked with interest, “What is this? It seems to carry great significance.”

Feigning a casual glance, Ling’er said to Wu Xiao, “Master, it appears to be a contract!”

Liu Li nodded with a smile, fully unfurling the document and stepping forward. “This contract bears the seal of Beihua. Regardless of who they are in Beihua, all must abide by it. I offer this as a form of protection. Should the Orchid Heart Pavilion ever face trouble from the people of Beihua, this contract can be presented as a safeguard.”

A flicker of surprise appeared in Wu Xiao’s eyes, followed by a leisurely smile. He gestured for Ling’er to take the contract and examine it. The contract clearly stated the oath—sincere and straightforward, without pretense. Wu Xiao felt a sense of satisfaction.

“Indeed, this contract is crafted with genuine intent. Although the Beihua court does not interfere in martial affairs, the Empress Dowager of Beihua is known for her arrogance and domineering ways. Possessing such a document surely ensures the security of the Orchid Heart Pavilion. I shall accept this gift with gratitude.”

“Thank you for your appreciation, Pavilion Master!”

Wu Xiao nodded and then said to Ling’er, “Go and find the butterfly manuscripts from the Beihua royal family twenty years ago!”

“Yes!” Ling’er responded happily, ascending the stairs with a light step as she recalled the recent events:

Not long ago, Wu Xiao himself had been troubled by the sudden appearance of the Red Star. He sent Ling’er to investigate in Youzhou. Though the results were inconclusive, she had found Liu Yi.

Liu Yi sought assistance from Ling’er, and she took the opportunity to ask both Liu Yi and Liu Li to write a letter.

“It is customary for those who seek aid or inquire of secrets at the Orchid Heart Pavilion to offer something in return. This time, I want nothing from you except a letter addressed to the Emperor.”

“Why ask me to write a letter? What should it contain?”

“This matter concerns not only Beihua but the Orchid Heart Pavilion as well. Your Empress Dowager is currently gathering talents across the land, even involving the Western Sea Prefecture. I do not know what means she uses, but I understand her intentions. The Pavilion holds great influence and respect within the martial world, and the Empress Dowager is likely to press against it next. Therefore, I wish for the Emperor to provide a guarantee for the Pavilion’s safety.”

“You speak plainly and persuasively, leaving me no room to refuse. Since this is a just cause, I will help. My third brother is eager to investigate, but palace clues often run cold, so he might visit the Pavilion. I will discuss this with him and persuade him accordingly. He is humble, generous, wise, and compassionate—he will surely act as you wish.”

“Very well. I will tell you something: the dangers you fear likely do not exist. Although the world is far from peaceful, with fiends roaming about, they are no match for the righteous sects. The only being capable of wreaking havoc upon heaven, earth, and the three realms is the thousand-year-old fire demon sealed within Qingxuan Valley. Yet, my master often observes Qingxuan Valley and has never detected anything unusual. You may rest assured.”

All of this had been arranged between Liu Li and Ling’er in advance, for the matter benefited both sides.

Wu Xiao and Liu Li awaited Ling’er’s return with the books. They exchanged a glance, and Wu Xiao sighed softly.

“You truly resemble the late Emperor, and yet you stand in stark opposition to the Empress Dowager.”

Liu Li smiled faintly, a hint of bitterness touching his heart.

“My father passed early, and my mother favored power above all else. Such a state of affairs is not what I wished to see, but it seems to be an unavoidable calamity.”

“A calamity?” Wu Xiao chuckled, “What do you mean by that?”

“Everyone’s life is marked by ups and downs. Facing hardship is a calamity; encountering good fortune is a blessing. Could it be that your understanding of calamity differs?”

“The calamity you speak of is the common trials of mortal life, opposing misfortune, but merely the span of a lifetime or a moment of hardship. Beyond that, there is the great calamity, spanning lifetimes and epochs, so profound that the sufferer is unaware, enduring anguish beyond aid, tearing the heart and soul apart…”

Liu Li paused, puzzled. “Such great calamities are decreed by Heaven, and only those enlightened beings with tens of thousands of years of life can endure them. Could mere mortals like us? Please forgive me, Master. I am only familiar with the small trials of a single lifetime, not these great calamities.”

Wu Xiao smiled gently, his eyes deep with meaning as he looked at Liu Li. Fanning himself with a blue fan, he spoke little.

“It matters not whether one speaks of it or not. Knowing is futile; better to experience and understand it oneself.”

Liu Li pondered, somewhat confused: Why would the Pavilion Master discuss calamities with me? Is my life destined to be full of turmoil, with endless trials? Or is he merely speaking in passing?

Soon, Ling’er hurried down the stairs, placing two books on Wu Xiao’s desk.

“Master, these are the only two I found.”

“Very well, take your time to peruse them,” Wu Xiao said. Then he turned to Liu Li. “What exactly do you wish to inquire about? Please speak plainly.”

“I have many doubts: the death of the virtuous consort, the cause of my father’s demise, the case involving the virtuous dowager and eunuch Liu, the Tianshan upheaval twenty years ago…”

Wu Xiao shook his head with a smile, replying gently, “You ask too many questions. The gift you offered only allows for one answer.”

“Very well. Since these are all old cases from twenty years ago, I’ll first seek to understand my father’s death. This will provide a focal point to unravel the rest more swiftly.”

Wu Xiao nodded approvingly, smiling, “You truly are the Son of Heaven, unlike those who come with mere questions. Knowing the former Emperor is like holding the key; everything else becomes simpler.”

“Master, I’ve found it!” Ling’er whispered.

Wu Xiao glanced over and handed the book to Ling’er. “You are familiar with the text; please explain it to him.”

Ling’er nodded and looked at the expectant Liu Li. “Sir, this is a butterfly manuscript. Only we can understand it, so I will read it aloud and explain the details.”

“Thank you, miss.”

“The timeline begins in the Beihua era 1025, the year of your birth. In May, the virtuous consort and the late Emperor toured together and accidentally entered Qingxuan Valley. The consort died saving the Emperor, who fell gravely ill. The following year, the Emperor sought the snow lotus from Tianshan. The flower reached the palace gates, but the Emperor passed away before he could take it. That is the gist; this year marks exactly twenty years since.”

Liu Li’s thoughts swirled in confusion. “What was the cause? Why did Father fall ill and not recover? The snow lotus arrived but was not administered—did it not have miraculous healing properties?”

“Do not be agitated. This matter is indeed strange, and we have investigated for some time. The Emperor’s illness stemmed from deep grief over the consort’s untimely death—a sickness of the heart. It remains unclear why he suddenly died. It is suspected that someone conspired against him. The snow lotus is said to rejuvenate and even revive the dead, but its effectiveness depends on the type.”

“Have you discovered the cause?”

“Only partial understanding and much speculation. I will share it with you, hoping it aids your inquiry.”

Ling’er paused, carefully choosing her words. “It was odd for the Emperor and consort to enter Qingxuan Valley. The consort was envied by many in the harem, making her vulnerable to assassination. The Emperor was displeased and sought the snow lotus to revive her but failed to obtain it. Both perished, causing great upheaval in the harem and government. The Empress Dowager then rose to power. If all is as the Dowager wished, it explains why the snow lotus was withheld—allowing her sole dominance.”

“That makes sense. At that time, the Dowager was already Empress. With the Emperor’s death, she seized power and purged the harem, keeping the snow lotus only for beautification. She claimed it was a third-grade lotus without revival abilities and blamed Tianshan for failing to act swiftly.”

“Indeed. Had it not been for eunuch Liu reading the late Emperor’s will, the throne might not have been preserved for you. The details should be clear to you. Now, both the virtuous dowager and eunuch Liu, witnesses to those events, have passed. The matter can no longer be investigated.”

Wu Xiao watched quietly, an air of satisfaction and pride in his demeanor, as if sensing an advantage.

Ling’er was eager, seemingly unable to resist stirring the waters.

“Sir, actually…” Ling’er whispered, “Lady Xue may hold the key to the entire truth you seek.”

Liu Li nodded, sighing deeply. “The Empress Dowager’s guilt seems most likely.”

“In such a situation, whether you know or not, your position is perilous. What do you intend to do?”

Liu Li thought for a moment, then sighed. “I must become stronger, rise up, and resist.”

Wu Xiao smiled calmly. “Then returning to the palace is a new beginning.”

“Yes.” Liu Li’s expression darkened, and his thoughts turned to the stratagem Liu Yi had mentioned…