These ramblings were nothing more than complaints about Li Yuan’s unfairness and Peiji stealing his thunder. Drunken nonsense should normally amount to nothing—after sobering up, Liu Wenjing couldn’t even remember what he had said. But the matter did not end with his sobriety; on the contrary, a disaster targeting Liu Wenjing was just beginning.
Liu Wenjing was completely unaware of this. Thinking he had been particularly unlucky lately, he found a sorcerer to come to his home and drive away evil spirits.
This matter seemed insignificant, but throughout all dynasties, sorcery and witchcraft had been prohibited. The Tang Dynasty established by Li Yuan was no exception. By doing this, Liu Wenjing was essentially challenging the current criminal law and Li Yuan’s authority.
However, Liu Wenjing was not without sense. He conducted this matter very secretly—the sorcerer came through the back door and left through the back door. Aside from household members, no one else knew. But many times, those who betray you are often those closest to you.
Two days later, a court official submitted a memorial, impeaching Liu Wenjing for harboring treasonous intentions based on two points: his statement about wanting to kill Peiji and conducting sorcery at home.
Liu Wenjing had always been close to Li Shimin, which already greatly displeased Li Yuan. Now with all these incidents, he was even more dissatisfied and immediately ordered three ministers—Li Gang, Peiji, and another—to investigate Liu Wenjing’s treasonous activities.
Whether Li Yuan intentionally targeted Liu Wenjing or not, knowing this matter involved Peiji, he still had Peiji investigate. No matter how good-natured Peiji might be, he ultimately harbored resentment toward Liu Wenjing and took a harsh attitude.
Facing Peiji interrogating him like a criminal, Liu Wenjing felt even more unbalanced, and his attitude became increasingly poor. In response to Peiji and the others’ questions, he answered every sentence as if he had swallowed gunpowder, as if throwing a tantrum, even admitting to drunken words he clearly couldn’t remember.
Although Liu Wenjing was talented, he was arrogant and impulsive by nature. Normally this wasn’t problematic, but once trouble arose, it became a fatal flaw.
After hearing Liu Wenjing’s responses, Peiji stared at him with a dark expression: “Liu Wenjing, are you planning rebellion?”
“No!” This time, Liu Wenjing didn’t rashly admit it. No matter how impulsive he was, he knew the word “rebellion” could not be casually acknowledged.
Peiji’s expression didn’t improve with his denial: “If you don’t plan rebellion, why practice such inauspicious arts and speak such wild words?”
Liu Wenjing sneered: “I felt everything had been going poorly for me lately, as if haunted by vengeful spirits, so I invited a master to exorcise demons for me. How does this constitute rebellion? As for those words…” He stared at Peiji for a moment, then shook his head: “I don’t consider them wild words.”
Among the three ministers investigating this matter, Li Gang had some dealings with Liu Wenjing. He was also present and said: “Liu Wenjing, think carefully—those words… did you actually say them or not?”
Li Gang meant well with his reminder, but unfortunately Liu Wenjing didn’t understand, or perhaps he did but disdained to retract his words. In his view, he was a founding hero of the Great Tang who had followed Li Yuan through life and death, helping him establish this Tang realm. Even if he made mistakes, as long as it wasn’t a great treasonous crime like rebellion, Li Yuan would at most scold and demote him, but wouldn’t truly do anything serious to him.
“I already said just now—I did say those words, but they weren’t wild words, nor was I arrogant. Peiji, you…”
Li Gang heard something wrong and quickly interrupted: “Let’s end the questioning here. We should enter the palace to report to His Majesty.”
Peiji said coldly: “It’s still early—no need to rush. While we have this opportunity, why don’t you say whatever else you have to say?”
“You and I are both heroes who assisted His Majesty in raising troops at Taiyuan. In terms of ability, I surpass you; in terms of merit, I also exceed you. So why, when rewards were distributed according to merit, did you rank above me? When we both suffered defeats, I was demoted to commoner status while you received only a scolding—this is unfair!” These past years, Liu Wenjing had been holding back a belly full of resentment. Taking this opportunity, he vented it all.
Peiji listened quietly. After Liu Wenjing finished, he slowly said: “Unfair, is it? Good. This official has noted it down. This official will relay your words just now to His Majesty without omitting a single character.”
Hearing this, Liu Wenjing felt a trace of regret. Though he had spoken satisfyingly just now, Li Yuan… after hearing it, would certainly be displeased. After all, his words, though seemingly targeting Peiji, were actually targeting Li Yuan. He didn’t know how he would be dealt with then. But the words had been spoken and couldn’t be taken back—he could only feel secretly anxious.
After Peiji and the others left, Liu Wenjing still felt uneasy, especially with his right eyelid twitching constantly, as if some misfortune was about to occur. Growing more anxious, he decided to visit the Prince of Qin’s mansion to discuss countermeasures with Li Shimin.
When he arrived there, Liu Hongji happened to be present as well. After hearing Liu Wenjing recount his conversation with Peiji and the others, Liu Hongji shook his head repeatedly: “Zhaoren, you were truly too rash. How could you speak to them like that?”
Liu Wenjing said sheepishly: “I was in the heat of anger then—how could I control myself? When I came to my senses, I knew I had gone too far, which is why I came to consult with Your Highness.”
Liu Hongji said irritably: “You didn’t just go too far—you’re practically seeking death!”
Liu Wenjing was startled by his stern tone and said uneasily: “Don’t be alarmist—it’s not that serious.”
Liu Hongji heard this and laughed coldly repeatedly: “When His Majesty passes judgment, you’ll know whether I’m being alarmist.”
Liu Wenjing was left at a loss by his words and could only turn pleading eyes toward Li Shimin, who said: “Sir, is the situation truly this dire?”
Liu Hongji sighed: “Actually, these two matters aren’t serious. His response about the inauspicious arts wasn’t problematic either. The trouble lies in the latter incident.”
Li Shimin frowned: “Zhaoren only spoke carelessly while drunk—Father Emperor should understand.”
“The original statement could be called drunken carelessness, but what about now? He was perfectly sober, hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol. What he said to Peiji could be said to target His Majesty with every sentence. Your Highness, if you were His Majesty, wouldn’t you be angry? Moreover, there’s Peiji on the side stirring up trouble.”
Li Shimin also knew he spoke the truth. After a moment of silence, he said: “Minister Pei has always been loyal and honest—he shouldn’t act thus.”
Liu Hongji responded to his words with a cold laugh: “Peiji’s reputation is indeed good, and his character is fine, but these past years, Zhaoren has targeted Peiji at every turn, repeatedly embarrassing him in court. Even clay figures have some fire in them, let alone a living person. I dare guarantee that this time, Peiji absolutely won’t show Zhaoren any mercy.”
These words made Li Shimin’s frown deepen: “Is there any way to remedy this?”
Liu Hongji sighed again: “If from the beginning Zhaoren had insisted on not admitting to this matter, or claimed he couldn’t remember his drunken ramblings, the big issue could have been made small, and the small issue made into nothing. But now… it’s difficult!”