Dragon Head-raising Day, 12th year of Xiantong Era, Tang Empire
Prince An's Manor
There were seven courtyards with numerous buildings in the manor, covering an era of a little more than one hectare. The houses in the manor were interconnected, the attics lined with flying beams. Together, they made a beautiful picture. The rock garden set off the lake nicely, with every flower and tree lying in harmony.
Li Ye, the Heir Apparent, as well as the only son of Prince An, was having his coming-of-age ceremony today.
For men, the coming-of-age ceremony was an indicator of one growing to adulthood, and was one of the most important ceremonies in one’s life. Subordinate officials, servants, and maids of Prince An's Manor was gathered in the central courtyard at the moment. They watched the prince on the high platform closely, amid the sound of rites and music.
They weren't the only ones in attendance. Due to his status as a child of the Imperial Clan, quite a few other nobles of Chang'an City had also come to watch the ceremony.
All attention was focused on Li Ye, who wore a black robe, high crown, broad belt, and sword. He was born tall and straight with a grand forehead. Right now, he looked heroic and extraordinary.
However, there were traces of bitterness in Li Ye's eyes during the celebration. The official of the Court of the Imperial Clan in front of him, who presided over the ceremony and helped him put on his royal crown, looked indifferent.
The others in the courtyard, from the bureaucrats of the Court of the Imperial Clan to subordinate officials and servants of Prince An's Manor, didn't look excited, either. Some of the nobles were even whispering and gossiping.
It had been a long time since Prince An died, but the Court of the Imperial Clan hadn't allowed the Heir Apparent to inherit the Prince's title. Would they do it today?
In the past, it could be explained away as the Heir Apparent being too young. But if he was denied on the day of his coming-of-age ceremony, he would have no hope left.
Would it be suspended? The Heir Apparent's circumstances were, after all, unique. Based on the regulations, he had no hope of inheriting the title.
Everyone was waiting to see what the Court of the Imperial Clan would do next.
As Li Ye watched the Court official in front of him, he listened to the gossip from the crowd. The day of his coming-of-age ceremony was the deadline to inherit his father's title, but the officials hadn’t brought up the matter at all since they’d arrived. It looked like he had no hope of inheriting the title... but that was to be expected. A cripple who couldn't cultivate had no right to inherit the title.
Ever since Li Ye transmigrated here a few days ago, he had become clear of the rules of this world.
This was a cultivating world. The foundation of the imperial court of the Tang Empire was a team of cultivators in the Qi-refining Stage. Any officer with rank was a cultivator.
This body, however, was spiritually crippled, and a person who couldn't cultivate in this world was no different than an ant.
"The ceremony is complete." The Court official crowned Li Ye and took two steps back before cupping his hands in obeisance. In a decidedly neutral voice, he said, "Congratulations, Heir Apparent."
"Thank you for your trouble," Li Ye responded, returning the courtesy.
The official paused but, under everyone's watchful eyes, said no more. He slowly turned around and walked down the platform. With a flick of his long sleeve, he left with the ceremonial weaponry and bureaucrats without a second word.
The nobles stood up and didn’t even greet him, let alone offer congratulations. One after another left with an impatient look, all while discussing the ceremony amongst themselves.
Some of the chatter floated up to Li Ye’s platform, and he could hear them discussing his lack of cultivation ability and complaining that they’d made the trip to the ceremony for nothing, as well as noting how lowly he was in comparison to the greatness of his father.
Li Ye stood on the platform, watching the officials leave. His expression didn't change much as he listened to the nobles’ gossip. His father had performed numerous meritorious deeds and enjoyed great prestige; all revered him. Now Father was gone and Li Ye hadn't inherited his title...
When the officials and servants of Prince An's Manor saw Li Ye walking down the platform, they saluted him and said perfunctorily, "Congratulations to the Heir Apparent for coming of age." Their voices were small, scattered, and faint, as if they could barely muster the energy to address him.
Since Li Ye couldn't inherit Prince An's title, he might not be able to secure his status as his father's Heir Apparent.
Li Ye sighed but nevertheless waved his hand. "Bestow them with their gifts."
Regardless of other circumstances, Li Ye had come of age, and convention dictated that the master reward his staff and servants on such an auspicious occasion.
There was a noticeable improvement in the attitude of manor’s officials and servants. Smiles appeared on their faces, and some even cried, "Thank you for the gift, Heir Apparent!"
Li Ye passed through the crowd, staring straight ahead. It was no secret that the Court of the Imperial Clan would take possession of his manor, since he had failed to claim his father’s title, and the servants had no reason to respect him. Everyone liked gifts, though, and that should change their tunes a little, at least until he left.
Walking through the verandah to the backyard, the nostalgic Li Ye felt a little melancholic. He couldn’t inherit the Prince's title, and would have the status of a commoner. Without cultivation, he was unlikely to become any kind of official. Where and how would he live?
Li Ye smiled wryly and put the matter aside.
Of course, he didn't have to think much. He had already lived multiple lives, so he had a lot of experience to draw on.
Two days ago, he’d transmigrated from Earth and came across the twenty-year-old soul of his current body. Once again, he was reborn.
If he changed nothing, the bastard, Huang Chao would be wreaking chaos in a few years. After Huang Chao failed his civil service examination many times, he would end up entering the Immortal's sect and studying Tao Arts. He would eventually incite a revolt and storm Chang'an, causing warlords to vie for the throne. When the Emperor of the Tang Empire died of illness and the children of the Imperial Clan were all killed or injured, "Li Ye" would be discovered living among the common people and turned into a puppet emperor with no real power. Finally, he would be forced into giving up his throne and set himself on fire in the Black Tortoise Building.
Li Ye couldn't help a deep sigh. the original Li Ye had killed himself, only for his soul to meet the new Li Ye’s soul during transmigration. Now they had merged, and the original Li Ye’s memories were his own.
While he was mulling over this, a man and a woman approached him, both finely dressed.
When he saw them, Li Ye's eyes swiftly lost all warmth.
The man looked about the same age as Li Ye, and he had an air of craftiness about him. It was Li Ye's paternal cousin brother , Li Yao. He had taken care of Li Ye from an early age and both of them shared a very deep affection.
The woman was the Duchess of Li, Wu You. She was in her twenties and wore a red shirt and a thin silk skirt. Her flawless face was delicate and doll-like. She was petite, but had curves in all the right places.
In Chang'an City, those who coveted Wu You's beauty were as common as carp crossing the river.
Both of them were cultivators in the Qi-refining Stage. Their cultivation was among the best in the younger generation of the Imperial Clan.
Wu You shook her delicate fist. Her obsidian pupils were crystal clear and full of inspiration. "Elder Brother Ye, don't lose heart. Even if you didn't inherit the Prince's title today, it doesn't mean you won't have a chance in the future. I'll go home and get my parents to help. They'll definitely help you inherit the title!"
Wu You was a family friend, as well as a close friend of Li Ye. When they were children, she used to follow him around. Even with her unrivaled talent, she never looked down on him.
Li Ye smiled and said to Wu You, "You always have a plan."
"Don't feel discouraged, Brother Ye. Sister You is right. It's not as if you won't have a chance in the future if you don't inherit the Prince's title today." Li Yao used his folding fan to pat Li Ye's chest, saying, "I'll also persuade my father to help you get the title when I go back."
After being reborn, Li Ye was able to see things much more clearly. While Wu You was sincere, Li Yao was another story. He might appear doting of Li Ye like a virtuous older brother, but it was just a facade. He had been seeking Li Ye's title of Prince An for a long time on the basis of his tremendous gift in cultivation.
As a result of his careful planning, the Court of the Imperial Clan would eventually give both the title and manor of Prince An to Li Yao.
If Li Ye could cultivate, none of that would happen. He’d have already been declared Emperor, and the title could never have fallen to a cousin like Li Yao. This was all the result of a scheme by Li Yao and his father, Duke of Xing, colluding with the Court of the Imperial Clan.
A memory tugged lightly at the back of Li Ye’s mind. Something was about to happen…
Sure enough, Li Yao continued, "However, the reason you can't inherit the title is that you can't cultivate, Young Brother Ye. A person without cultivation can't be an official. It's truly difficult for you to inherit the title..." He pretended to look awkward.
"Li Yao, what do you mean by that? Are you saying Elder Brother Ye stands no chance of inheriting the Prince's title? Do you think I won't hit you?!" Wu You's delicate brows knotted as she glared at Li Yao. She looked like an angry kitten. "It's one thing if you don't help, but how dare you be so sarcastic!"
Li Yao looked truly embarrassed after Wu You scolded him and didn't dare to reply. Every eminent young man in Chang'an knew the Duchess of Li was most protective of Li Ye. She wouldn't tolerate anyone showing him disrespect.
Li Ye secretly sneered. He knew what Li Yao wanted to say next, but it wasn't appropriate for him to point it out. He tugged at the furious Wu You and said to Li Yao, "You say it will be difficult, but it sounds like you have something in mind."
Li Yao pretentiously heaved a sigh. "Tai Xuan Summit of the Cloud-submerged Mountain. Have you heard of it, Brother Ye?"
"Tai Xuan Summit? Rumor has it that the Heavenly Master of the current dynasty, Yuan Tiangang, once saw the view from the top of the Tai Xuan Summit. Enlightened, he proceeded to write a Taoist scripture. The scripture contained the Chance, Qi, and Fate of Taoism," Li Ye answered.
Li Yao nodded solemnly. "Heavenly Master Yuan is in the Perfected Immortal Realm. Naturally, the scripture that he leaves behind is a force to be reckoned with. If you can comprehend this scripture and obtain the blessing of the fate inside, perhaps you'll be able to grow spiritual roots and become a cultivator!"
As if worried that Li Ye wouldn't be tempted, Li Yao added, "If you can become a cultivator, build your cultivation, break through the Qi-refining Stage, and become an expert, and then the Court will definitely give you the title of Prince An!"