Hou Mansion
The news of Li Xiang's arrival had already been passed on in advance, but there was only a steward standing at the door, and not even a young master came out. According to Li Xiang's current status, even if Hou Junji came out in person, it would be reasonable.
If it were an ordinary time, Li Xiang would definitely be looking for trouble at the door, but today life and death are at stake, and we don’t have the time to be pretentious. We have to solve this matter first. What’s more, Hou Junji is an old fox and not someone who is easy to mess with. If we can’t control him, it will be a fatal matter for the entire Eastern Palace.
"I am suffering from an old illness and cannot go out to greet you. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
When Hou Junji saw Li Xiang coming in from outside, there was a smug look on his face. I didn’t go out to greet you, so you just came in honestly, right?
If it were in the past, Li Xiang would definitely talk to him about this matter, but now Li Xiang no longer has the intention to do so. There is no need for us to beat around the bush. Since you have sent people to kill Zatlk, you must know some things.
"Save time and have everyone leave."
Li Xiang found a place to sit down.
"Is Your Highness also in such a hurry?"
Hou Junji, on the other hand, was not in a hurry. In his opinion, no one in the mansion could survive. This matter was a crime of deceiving the emperor. However, for Hou Junji, it was worth it to be able to drag someone like Li Xiang into the water.
"Of course I'm anxious. We're both sensible people, so let's be frank. If you're not afraid of these things getting out, then I'll just speak directly. But there are some things you have to be cautious about."
After Li Xiang finished speaking, he placed the note in front of Hou Junji. When Hou Junji saw the words on it, his face changed drastically.
"This rebellious son."
Of course Li Xiang knew that Hou Junji was scolding the Crown Princess, because Hou Junji had recognized the handwriting as that of his own daughter.
"Everyone, get out of here! I have orders that anyone who dares come within ten feet will be beaten to death!"
When Hou Junji saw the words "Suzaku Street", he already understood what was going on. If he continued to try to control it, the whole thing might get out of control.
"You don't have to tell her. You're so nervous about your son, and she has to be nervous about her son too. Let's make a deal, shall we?"
Li Xiang moved closer to Hou Junji, fearing that there might be eavesdroppers on the other side of the wall.
"You killed Zat'elk and put an end to everything. Why would you still need to make a deal with me?"
Hou Junji said cunningly, it was just as he said, if Zatlk was really killed, this matter might not have come out in the first place, but the news had already spread, if Li Xiang killed Zatlk, it would mean that he was related to this matter, which would only make it more obvious!
"How about I bring it to your front door, and you go out and kill him yourself?"
Li Xiang was unwilling to say such useless nonsense, but Hou Junji had always been like this, which made Li Xiang very angry.
"What do you want?"
Seeing Li Xiang's angry face, Hou Junji would not be able to gain any advantage if the two sides really fought to the death. The reason why he sat here was because he had an illegitimate child outside, so he didn't have to worry about his entire Hou family being wiped out. But now he was betrayed by his own daughter, Hou Junji could only suppress his anger and talk to Li Xiang.
"You take responsibility for this matter yourself. Eliminate all those who knew about this matter. I don't want this matter to have anything to do with the Eastern Palace."
Li Xiang put forward his own idea, but was met with a burst of laughter from Hou Junji.
"You think too simply. Even if I did what you said, do you really think the emperor is a fool? Can he believe that the Eastern Palace has nothing to do with me?"
Hou Junji said disdainfully that the news must have spread from last night until now. If his guess was correct, the emperor must have known the news at the first time, but the emperor has not issued any decree now, which is a bit intriguing.
"Will you do it? If you do, I guarantee that your son will continue to grow up. But if you don't, your family line will be gone."
No matter what era, men attach great importance to their offspring. The reason why Hou Junji raised this illegitimate child in the outer house was to prepare for this day. In fact, it was not just him. Many dignitaries put their eggs in multiple baskets for fear of being caught in one net.
"What if I want to fight to the bitter end?"
Hou Junji sneered and said that if someone else came, maybe Hou Junji would agree. After all, his whole family was now dead, and being able to preserve a branch was a blessing in disguise.
But Li Xiang and Hou Junji have always been at odds with each other, and Hou Junji wanted to tear Li Xiang to pieces, let alone cooperate with him.
"Then I can only destroy you first. Even if the emperor blames me one day, given your and my current status, do you think the emperor will redress your grievances?"
There was already a chill in Li Xiang's eyes. This was also the last step. Li Xiang himself didn't dare to think about what the result would be.
"You're courageous. It's ridiculous that you weren't born from my daughter's belly. If my grandson had half of you, perhaps the outcome wouldn't be like this. Never give up until the last moment. You have the ability to accomplish great things."
When Hou Junji said this, Li Xiang felt a little uncomfortable. After all, this was a man who had made great contributions to the Tang Dynasty, and now his life as a hero has come to an end.
"If this matter is handled well, when the Crown Princess leaves the palace and becomes a commoner, she should take good care of her half-brother. After all, he is the only child of your Marquis family. I swear to heaven that I will take care of him in every way I can and will never let anything happen to him, provided they don't cause trouble for me."
Li Xiang knew that Hou Junji was not a reliable person, so he had to explain some things to him clearly. As long as he felt concerned, then the matter would be considered accomplished.
"Having food, drink, a house, and clothes is enough for an ordinary person. You have pursued fame and fortune for half your life, but in the end your entire family was executed. I will write a letter to my daughter, please take it back. You must protect Li Jue's throne. When you ascend the throne and become emperor, you must spare his life unless he rebels."
Hou Junji was not stupid either. If his grandson's throne was preserved, even if his daughter became an ordinary citizen in the future, there would be someone to take care of her and her younger son.
"It takes three to make a hero. I also need someone to support me. I still say that as long as they don't cause trouble for me, I will do my best to protect the throne."
After repeated beatings and coaxing, Hou Junji finally surrendered. Although it could not satisfy the emperor, at least there would be no overt evidence. Next, Li Xiang had to gamble and go to Li Shimin to gamble...