Chapter 76 Zhang Xun Fed on Flesh to Defend Suiyang
Word Number:345 Author:闲穿径竹 Translator: Release Time:2025-06-27
  Emperor Suzong spoke solemnly, “Tan once crept by night into the residence of the Prince of Guangping. His intent, it is said, was to bring harm upon Heng.”  At this, Li Bi struck his chest and stamped his foot in anguish. “All slander, Your Majesty—all the venom of sycophants and whisperers! The Prince of Jianning and the Prince of Guangping have ever conducted themselves as true brothers—affectionate, respectful, bound by duty. Would Jianning ever stoop to such monstrous treachery? I cannot believe it. Let me remind Your Majesty—when once you resolved to name Jianning as Commander-in-Chief, it was I who urged you to favour the Prince of Guangping instead. Had Jianning borne the ambition ascribed to him, surely he would have nursed resentment against me. Yet it was the very opposite—he held me in esteem, drew closer to me still. Is this not proof enough of the sincerity in his heart?”  Suzong, recalling that he had ordered his son’s death, began to weep. “You are right, Master. But what is done is done. I do not wish to speak of it.”  Li Bi replied, “I speak not to dwell on the past, but to urge caution for the future. In Empress Wu’s time, she had four sons. Her eldest, the Crown Prince Li Hong, was clever and capable. Fearing his talent as she sought the throne, she had him poisoned. She then named her second son, Prince Li Xian, as heir. He lived in fear and wrote the Ballad of the Melons to move her heart. But she ignored it, and he too died in sorrow. His words were these:   ‘Melons grow beneath the yellow terrace.  Once picked, they are fine.  Twice picked, they are few.  Thrice picked, still possible—  But pick them all, and only vines remain.’  Your Majesty has already picked one. Do not pick another.”  Suzong was taken aback. “Can such things truly have happened?” he exclaimed. “Good Master, I pray you copy down the ballad for me. I shall keep it upon my sash and
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