Li Tai cracked a slight smile, "Since the gentleman is so aware of current affairs, this prince is very pleased."
"May I have my clothes back?" Sang Chen looked up and said.
"Of course, you may, but this prince is quite curious, what evidence does the gentleman have for claiming that this prince will never attain that position?" Li Tai had every reason to worry; Sang Chen’s emphatic oath was surely not a rash declaration made without confidence.
Sang Chen turned his face away. "I do not wish to speak of it now."
Sang Chen’s stubborn nature was well known in Chang’an. Li Tai knew that he had pushed him to the brink today, and he could not continue to use forceful methods, lest he lose more than he gained. Thus, he smiled and said, "If the gentleman does not wish to speak, then do not. This prince also has to attend the court tomorrow. Why doesn’t the gentleman stay here for the night and leave with me tomorrow morning? What do you think?"
Sang Chen, seemingly reluctant to speak further, was actually preoccupied with other thoughts.
State Sima Su Xu advised Li Tai to learn from the ancient benevolent kings and invite guests to compile books, so Li Tai submitted a memorial to that effect.
The Emperor was very pleased to hear this and gave his full support. This "Comprehensive Gazetteer" was to be compiled according to the current arrangements of the Governor’s jurisdictions and the establishment of states and counties. Drawing broadly on historical records and geographical treatises, and seeking information on previous such works and ancient accounts, it would include detailed records of the evolution of political divisions, mountains, rivers, produce, historical sites, customs, notable people, and other such matters. It could be regarded as a major work combining geography and literature. Once completed, it would undoubtedly be another significant achievement.
Luring guests to compile the "Comprehensive Gazetteer" was actually just a pretext. In reality, it facilitated Li Tai’s establishment of his own power base. Different from Li Ke, who excelled in both literary and martial pursuits, having participated in military campaigns in his youth and performed exceptionally well—thus commanding great respect within the military—Li Tai knew that if Li Ke genuinely decided to raise an army in rebellion, many would answer his call.
Facing such a situation, Li Tai had to establish his own prestige and power base. Mere scholarly reputation would not suffice. The "Comprehensive Gazetteer" had significant implications for the entire layout and planning of the Great Tang, enough to showcase his talent for governance. It would also attract a group allied to his cause, indeed killing two birds with one stone.
"No, my family’s rabbits won’t be fed if I’m not there. I must go home to feed the rabbits," Sang Chen stated resolutely.
Li Tai could have offered to send someone to feed the rabbits for him, but seeing Sang Chen’s expression, he realized further pressure would be fruitless and could only say, "Alright."
With that, he extended his hand to untie Sang Chen, "However, your clothes cannot be returned to you just yet. While this prince believes in the gentleman’s character, one must be cautious when major matters are at stake. I hope the gentleman can understand."
Sang Chen hesitated for a moment, then got up and brushed off the dust from his clothes, "Suit yourself!"
Li Tai had not even had the chance to exchange polite words when he saw Sang Chen bolt out like a rabbit, even the two guards at the door could not react in time to stop him.
The guards, startled by Sang Chen’s hasty exit, were about to pursue him when they heard Li Tai say, "Do not stop him. Have someone follow him discreetly."
"Yes!" the guards saluted and replied.
Li Tai was bulky with a large waist, and he couldn’t stand the heat of summer. After some exertion, his pale skin was already dripping with sweat. He waved his fan for a while, but his mind grew more irritable.
In the Xiao’s residence.
Ran Yan had just received a letter from Xiao Song in Suzhou, reading it while leaning against the window railing.
Ge Lan and Wan Lu had brought in a basin of ice, placing it beside her, and prepared some fresh fruit on top for cooling.
Reading Xiao Song’s letter, Ran Yan’s brows gradually furrowed. Xiao Song had been investigating the consecutive killings of officials within Jiangnan Road and Huainan Road. Having only recently arrived at Huainan Road and yet to start gathering evidence, he had nonetheless been digging along the way and had uncovered some matters about the main family back there, concerning Lady Dongyang.
This had to be traced back to their return to Chang’an.
After the family had used family law on Chun Lai, expelling her from the Xiao clan, Lady Dongyang’s illness worsened. Despite consulting many renowned doctors, they all stated it was due to an overdose of thunderbolt vine. However, after examining everyone around Lady Dongyang, there were no clues to be found.
The leads Xiao Song had found, however, were related to her illness.
Lady Dongyang had been secretly collaborating with Li Tai, with the understanding that if Li Tai helped Xiao Shilang ascend to the position of Clan Leader, the Xiao clan would then support Li Tai with all its might.
Lady Dongyang was not just a lady confined to the inner chambers; she knew her position was weak. Even if she supported her son to become the Clan Leader, he would merely be a puppet controlled by others, with circumstances potentially more difficult than her current situation.
Therefore, Lady Dongyang had been biding her time. After discovering that officials in the regions of Jiangnan Road and Huainan Road were dying one after another, she took a clandestine interest when she noticed that one or two of the deceased had connections with Li Tai and began to surmise the overall situation.