LFHYB -Chapter 114 Friends Gather in Zhangye Commandery

Outside the city of Zhuojun, Wang Bo, Zhai Rang, and Gao Shida sat at the head of the tent, but all the generals inside were looking at the three of them, subtly treating them as the core.

These three were the strategists’ masters: Wang Bo’s advisor was Wei Zheng, Zhai Rang’s advisor was Xu Shiji, and Gao Shida’s advisor was Dou Jiande.

Nineteen-year-old Xu Shiji, young and impetuous, asked straightforwardly, “Duke Wei, do we have a chance of victory?”

Wei Zheng shook his feather fan and replied decisively, “No.”

The eldest and most experienced among them, Dou Jiande, sighed.

Wei Zheng put down his fan. “I invited you all here not to win battles but to seize Sui supplies and scare that dog emperor—to show him how badly he has oppressed the people. How can you be thinking of victory?”

Wang Bo, already familiar with Wei Zheng’s words, slightly raised the corner of his mouth, restraining a laugh.

Gao Shida said to Wang Bo, “Though Duke Wei is far-sighted and exceedingly talented, only Zhishi Lang (Wei Zheng) is lucky enough to enjoy it.”

Zhai Rang laughed, “I think I could handle it too. Will Zhishi Lang share?”

Wang Bo waved his hand, “Where Duke Wei wishes to go is his own decision. How could I decide?”

Gao Shida and Zhai Rang’s eyes reflected their respect for Wang Bo. Wei Zheng was Wang Bo’s trusted strategist, yet Wang Bo did not restrain his freedom. Even if Wang Bo was only being polite, it showed his magnanimity.

Xu Shiji, though brave and clever, was still young, and his feelings showed easily.

He sighed, “We not only surrounded Zhuojun, but even defeated the city’s garrison. I really thought we could settle everything in one stroke.”

Wei Zheng glanced at Xu Shiji. “With your mediocre abilities, you really thought you could settle everything in one stroke?”

Xu Shiji laughed, “I’m joking. Sigh, I just wanted to scare the emperor a bit. If only we could frighten him to death.”

Dou Jiande agreed, “If only we could scare him for a few more days.”

All the generals in the tent smiled.

Wang Bo said, “Enough. We’ve scared him for a few days and captured plenty of Sui supplies. That’s already enough profit. Let’s escape according to plan. If we don’t, Yuwen Shu and Lai Huer, those two old rogues, will block us.”

Zhai Rang bowed with a smile, “We part ways now. Who knows when we will meet again? Take care, everyone.”

Gao Shida also bowed, “Let’s all do our best and survive until the next time we meet.”

Wang Bo returned the bow, “I wish you all good fortune.”

The generals in the tent responded variously: some with a fist salute, some with bows, some clapping shoulders.

“Don’t die, kid.”

“Wonder if we’ll fight side by side again.”

“Maybe next time we meet, we’ll fight over territory?”

“Hahaha, possible.”

“If we meet in battle, that must mean the dog emperor is dead, right?”

“Sounds exciting. I’ll take your head, haha!”

“I’ll cut yours off first.”

“Hahaha…”

Even as the siege was about to fail and they were about to flee, their faces showed no shadow of worry.

After the last battle meeting, Wang Bo escaped via Goguryeo, Zhai Rang via Eastern Turkic territory, and Gao Shida split his forces and returned to the Central Plains. Each of their strategists had prepared escape routes for them.

Though it was exhausting and dangerous, they were elated at the thought of replacing sticks with iron swords, hemp clothing with armor, acquiring a large supply of provisions and horses, and, most importantly, having finally scared the dog emperor. That arrogant emperor could now see these desperate commoners rising in rebellion.

It was worth it!

Before leaving, the three killed livestock they couldn’t carry and celebrated outside the city until midnight.

Xu Shiji and Dou Jiande toasted Wei Zheng, “Though we cannot get drunk, please honor us with a cup?”

Wei Zheng smiled and drank, “You’re too polite.”

Dou Jiande looked at Wei Zheng with burning admiration, “This success is entirely thanks to your strategy. Surely your fame spreads far and wide now.”

Wei Zheng wiped wine from his beard, “This little trick of mine is far from world-renowned. But you three masters can become famous.”

Xu Shiji said, “When our masters compete for the Central Plains, the three of us will all be famous too.”

Dou Jiande felt a twinge of melancholy but smiled in agreement, “Certainly. By then, we’ll be opponents.”

Wei Zheng smiled without speaking.

Xu Shiji felt the smile was strange, “Duke Wei, don’t you think so?”

Wei Zheng sighed with a smile, “Do you really think if the Sui falls, our respective masters can dominate the Central Plains?”

Xu Shiji frowned, “Why not?”

Wei Zheng’s smile faded. He sighed, “Look at the strategists under your masters. Is there a single one from the elite gentry? Not to mention the great families, even ordinary official families—do any follow them? In this righteous army, the best-born are you and me, and that’s it.”

Although Xu Shiji was born to the Xushis of Gaoping’s northern branch, this “small gentry” was as modest as a commoner, with no one holding office in the family.

Xu Shiji and Dou Jiande frowned simultaneously.

Dou Jiande said, “That’s because we aren’t strong enough yet. Once we grow stronger, they’ll definitely come over to our side.”

Wei Zheng said, “Let’s hope so.”

Xu Shiji smiled. “It’s too early to think about that now. Let’s survive this disaster first.”

Dou Jiande nodded. “True.”

Xu Shiji said, “Speaking of noble-born youths, have you heard of Li Erlang of the Duke of Tang’s household?”

Dou Jiande sighed. “‘Invincible in battle’ Li Erlang… who hasn’t heard of him?”

Wei Zheng tapped his finger on the wine cup. “Wasn’t he ‘Righteous to the Heavens’ Li Erlang?”

Xu Shiji said, “That was a long time ago. Now he’s ‘Invincible in Battle’!”

Wei Zheng asked, “Oh? What has Li Erlang done now? Isn’t he stationed in Zhangye? That’s quite far from here—how would you even know about him?”

Dou Jiande said, “The messenger bringing the news arrived in Luoyang. We’ve planted people near Luoyang, so naturally, we heard. Even the Sui Crown Prince has been spreading Li Erlang’s military exploits everywhere to calm the officials unsettled by Duke of Chu Yang Xuangan.”

Xu Shiji said, “Li Erlang took West Sea County with just eight hundred men! Killed tens of thousands, captured over a hundred thousand livestock… tsk, tsk, sounds exaggerated. Not sure if it’s true.”

Wei Zheng said calmly, “It must be false. Even just tens of thousands of sheep would be hard to capture with eight hundred men, let alone tens of thousands of people. Probably the Sui exaggerated Li Erlang’s achievements to reassure the populace.”

Xu Shiji said, “Retaking West Sea County must be true. Although I despise the Sui, no matter how chaotic it is, it’s still our Central Plains’ business. The Tuyuhun tried to take advantage and get robbed—good for Li Erlang killing them.”

Dou Jiande strongly agreed. “Whether it’s the Turks, Tuyuhun, or Goguryeo, I hope they behave themselves.”

This time, when looting the supplies, they had clashed with the Goguryeo. The Goguryeo fought fiercely within their city, but outside, they couldn’t compete.

Though Goguryeo wasn’t a match, the Central Plains people had already been fighting with the Sui for days and were exhausted. Still, Central Plains people looked down on “barbarians,” and both Xu Shiji and Dou Jiande prided themselves on their talent. Ordinary people didn’t impress them, let alone Goguryeo barbarians.

Dou Jiande sighed. “Though the Sui have a dog emperor, many ministers and generals are still devoted to the country. The Central Plains in chaos, and Li Erlang fighting alone to guard the frontier, upholding our China’s might—it’s admirable.”

Xu Shiji said, “He’s impressive, but if he weren’t the Duke of Tang’s son, how could he get the chance to guard the frontier? If I had such an opportunity, I wouldn’t be any worse, hmph!”

Dou Jiande smiled. “Màogōng is also a young prodigy; he must be stronger.”

Wei Zheng said leisurely, “Li Erlang is only fourteen now.”

Xu Shiji said, “I could do it at fourteen too!”

Wei Zheng said, “Li Erlang was only eleven when he captured the Tuyuhun Khan in his first battle. Back then, he wasn’t even a general, just leading his own household guards.”

Xu Shiji said, “I could do it too! And didn’t he also get the Uyghurs to help?”

Dou Jiande laughed so hard he couldn’t straighten up. “I believe it, I believe it—you definitely could.”

Xu Shiji awkwardly said, “Fine, I can’t. Eleven years old… what did he eat to grow up like that? This is absurd!”

Wei Zheng said, “It is absurd.”

Dou Jiande wiped tears from laughing. “In recent years, Li Erlang’s reputation has grown ever louder. But I’ve noticed another figure hidden behind him.”

Xu Shiji said, “Li Sanlang? Li Sanlang is a good man, helping many commoners.”

Dou Jiande shook his head. “Eight-year-old prodigy Li Xuanba… there’s no way he’s just a good man.”

Wei Zheng said, “I heard Li Sanlang was born weak. Maybe he spent these years recovering, so his reputation didn’t stand out.”

Dou Jiande shook his head again. “If he spent all that time recovering, how did he get the rank of Tiger Fang Wolf General? A frail scholar becoming a general…”

Xu Shiji rubbed his chin. “Li Sanlang… could he be Li Erlang’s strategist?”

Wei Zheng sighed slightly in his heart, and looked more favorably on these temporary comrades before him, noting down their names.

“So what if he is? He’s still serving that dog emperor.” Wei Zheng said calmly. “Whether it’s Li Erlang or Li Sanlang, they may have talent, but they assist evil. They’re no true heroes!”

Dou Jiande said, “You can’t put it that way… sigh, everyone has their own stance. But the Duke of Tang’s pair of ‘qilin children’ are impressive—‘Invincible in Battle’ and ‘Flawless Strategist’—truly worthy as twins.”

Xu Shiji said, “Right, and they are twins. That’s so complementary! Li Erlang was born with a strategist? What kind of heavenly prodigy is this?!”

Wei Zheng said, “Nothing special.”

Dou Jiande smiled wryly. “Sir Wei… sigh, you really do have a bias against noble-born youths. You were praising them just now.”

Wei Zheng snorted coldly. “No need to mention party poopers, drink!”

Xu Shiji and Dou Jiande: “Yes, yes.”

Wei Zheng filled his cup, muttering to himself: The young master is just too capable; the pressure on me is immense.

He had been somewhat pleased with the success of his latest strategy, but upon hearing of his lord’s “Eight hundred cavalry take West Sea County” feat, he felt a bit disheartened about his own achievements.

Wei Zheng downed his cup. More effort was needed!

…

When Yuwen Shu and Lai Huer hurriedly came to escort, the militia surrounding the city had already retreated completely.

The militia not only stripped the surrounding supplies bare, but even the civilians outside the city had fled with them. The area around Zhuojun was deserted.

After sending Yuwen Shu and Lai Huer, Yang Guang left roughly two hundred thousand soldiers, including conscripted civilians, to protect himself.

All these people were trapped in Zhuojun, and the militia sneaked in during the chaos of the retreat, setting fires in the camps and city. The city had already run out of food.

The Sui army searched house by house for supplies, causing riots and fires inside the city, leading to significant chaos.

Worse, the fire spread to Línshuò Palace.

Yang Guang fled with a soot-streaked face. Though he was not in danger, he had never endured such hardship in his life. Even the Sui soldiers who froze or died in battle had nothing to do with him, sitting there in thick furs by a small fire.

Yang Guang was both hungry and terrified, clutching his youngest son Yang Gao and eldest grandson Yang Tan, wailing loudly, inhaling dust, and falling seriously ill.

By the time Yuwen Shu and Lai Huer arrived at Zhuo Commandery, Yang Guang was still too sick to get out of bed.

Senior ministers such as Su Wei hoped Yang Guang would summon the crown prince Yang Xian to Zhuo Commandery.

On his sickbed, Yang Guang shouted angrily, “I am not dead yet! And yet you want to abandon me and turn to the crown prince?!”

The ministers in the court were left completely bewildered by Yang Guang’s outburst.

Su Wei tried to reason, “Your Majesty is ill, and the crown prince should be attending to your care. Moreover, the army is still stationed at Zhuo Commandery, and the rebel Yang Xuangan has yet to be captured. The court needs someone to take charge. We are merely your servants; it would be improper for us to overstep. Only the crown prince can act as regent while Your Majesty is ill.”

In his heart, Su Wei thought: Furthermore, if the crown prince is not at your side while you are gravely ill and cannot succeed you in time, aren’t you afraid that the empire might fall into chaos in the future?

But he dared not say this aloud.

He realized that the emperor was deeply afraid of death and could only be persuaded with the pretext that the crown prince should naturally attend him and govern in his stead.

Yet even such a careful and gentle excuse was hard for Yang Guang to accept.

He smashed everything within reach. At this moment, the senior ministers around him no longer wished to pander to his whims. Even if Yuwen Shu and others did not mention the crown prince, they did not argue with the other ministers.

First, Yang Guang was gravely ill, and it was uncertain whether he would survive. If the crown prince ascended the throne, anyone opposing him coming to Zhuo Commandery would surely face retribution.

Second, someone urgently needed to act as regent. Anyone else daring to intervene would risk their life—except the crown prince.

Thus, they all hoped the crown prince would come quickly.

Privately, Yuwen Shu and the others complained among themselves.

“When the emperor falls ill, it is the crown prince who should govern. Normally, when the emperor is gravely sick, he would wish for the crown prince to rush over immediately, fearing that powerful ministers might seize the opportunity to stir trouble. Has our emperor lost his wits?”

Yet no matter how much the ministers urged, Yang Guang refused to issue a decree.

As a result, court affairs ground to a halt. No one pursued the fleeing righteous troops, and no one continued the siege against Yang Xuangan.

After catching his breath, Yang Xuangan captured Bohai Commandery and secured a foothold there.

Nearby scattered rebel forces quickly rallied under Yang Xuangan, instantly expanding his army to 100,000.

Having just caught his breath, he then led troops to attack nearby counties, plundering supplies.

Realizing that he could not achieve victory in a single decisive battle, Yang Xuangan changed his strategy, proceeding cautiously.

Repeated defeats tempered Yang Xuangan’s arrogance, increasing his trust in Li Mi and Li Zixiong.

With Li Mi and Li Zixiong’s assistance, and the Sui court still slow to respond, Yang Xuangan’s power grew once more.

As Duke of Chu, Yang Xuangan was a top-ranking noble of the Sui Dynasty. Naturally, talented strategists and capable administrators followed him.

Once he established a base, these scholars immediately exerted their influence. They consolidated nearby rebel forces, reissued laws, and promoted policies of “light taxation and minimal labor,” attracting the common people to their side.

Yang Xuangan also announced the repeal of all regulations imposed by Yang Guang, restoring the court system to the era of Emperor Wen of Sui, enticing aristocratic families to defect to him.

Some scholars who had been suppressed during the reigns of Emperor Wen and Yang Guang were successfully lured, such as the brothers Shi Wanbao and Shi Wanshou, who had been wrongfully punished by Yang Guang. They came to join Yang Xuangan.

In truth, Shi Wansui had been framed by Yang Xuangan’s father, Yang Su. But for their own wealth and status, Shi Wanbao and Shi Wanshou pinned Shi Wansui’s death on Emperor Wen, selectively ignoring Yang Su’s involvement.

In Luoyang, upon receiving news of his father’s grave illness, Yang Xian wanted to rush immediately to Zhuo Commandery, but Li Yuan advised against it.

Li Yuan said, “If His Majesty wishes for you to go to Zhuo Commandery, he will naturally issue a decree. Without one, leaving Luoyang would be departing without the emperor’s order. Your Highness should send someone to Zhuo Commandery to request the emperor’s instructions and act according to them.”

Yang Xian hurriedly dispatched envoys to Zhuo Commandery, asking his father for a clear decree—whether to attend to him or remain in Luoyang.

Upon reading Yang Xian’s letter, Yang Guang became furious. “He is inquiring about my life and death, hoping to ascend the throne!”

Perhaps it was anger that gave Yang Guang strength; he regained a bit of vitality and decreed that his youngest son, Yang Gao, be titled Prince of Zhao, and his eldest grandson, Yang Tan, be titled Prince of Yan, while reprimanding the crown prince Yang Xian for failing to guard Luoyang, which allowed Yang Xuangan to escape.

The ministers were shocked and confused.

Those who understood Yang Guang best, like Yuwen Shu and Yu Shiji, sighed, realizing they must now align against the crown prince.

It was not that the crown prince was incompetent, nor that he was too capable; rather, the emperor, in his critical illness, had grown fearful and resentful of the vigorous crown prince.

The crown prince in Luoyang, Yang Xian, received his father’s decree, feeling bewildered and lost.

He recalled what Li Xuanba had once told him, a chill running through him.

“Father… is he… afraid of me?

Just because he fell seriously ill, he’s wary of me?”

Yang Xian felt a mix of sorrow and amusement.

Suddenly, he had the impulse to visit his elder brother.

“My brother, my brother… before he passed, deliberately angering our father so that his children would escape the whirlpool of imperial succession, yet he still miscalculated.

Yang Tan has been titled Prince of Yan; he will be forced to compete for the throne with his uncles. Your other sons, including the eldest Yang You, have not been granted titles; they must be dissatisfied.

Does Father wish to personally create chaos in the succession of the Sui throne? Does he think the empire is not chaotic enough?”

When Li Yuan learned of this, he sighed to Lady Dou: “I have never seen a gravely ill emperor wary of the crown prince. The crown prince is heir apparent; when the emperor is critically ill, he should be preparing for succession.”

Lady Dou replied calmly, “When Emperor Wen fell seriously ill, did he not also suddenly grow wary of the current emperor?”

Li Yuan sighed. “This… sigh. My lady, I think we cannot stay in Luoyang any longer. I see that His Majesty does not wish to grant the credit of defending Luoyang to the crown prince; it will likely all fall on me. I will have to bribe the ministers to secure a post elsewhere. Our Erlang and Sanlang are truly lucky, free on the frontier.”

Lady Dou said, “Do what you wish, my lord. I support you.”

Li Yuan smiled: “I know. Lady, you have worked hard defending the city this time.”

During Li Yuan’s defense, Lady Dou donned a simple headband and cloth dress, leading the women of the city in cooking and sewing for the soldiers, greatly boosting morale.

Crown Prince Yang Xian repeatedly thanked Lady Dou and encouraged the other noblewomen in the city to follow her example.

Li Yuan also looked at Lady Dou with new respect. It turned out that his wife had such abilities—not just skilled in managing the inner palace—and so he was willing to talk with her about some matters of the previous dynasty.

When the situation in the Central Plains dramatically changed, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba welcomed Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui.

“Xuanling! Keming!” As soon as Li Shimin saw the two of them, he ignored the dust and weariness on their clothes, spread his arms, and pulled them both into a hug.

Fang Qiao: “?”

Du Ruhui: “Hahaha, Li Er, let go.”

Li Xuanba, like a slow-moving turtle, yawned and shuffled over sluggishly.

Li Xuanba thought: [Second brother, the way you’re acting now reminds me of a line from the later generations: ‘You are all my wings.’]

Li Shimin laughed heartily and let go, turning to his brother: “They truly are all my wings, and so are you.”

Li Xuanba made a gagging gesture.

Du Ruhui chuckled in complaint: “You two are whispering to each other again, taking advantage of the twin’s telepathy.”

Li Shimin put his hands on his hips: “What can I do? Twins are like that.”

Du Ruhui cupped his hands: “Alright, alright, you’re right.”

Fang Qiao sighed: “After being apart for several years, you two have both gained immense reputations. How come you haven’t changed at all?”

Li Shimin curiously asked: “What kind of reputation? Still the usual ‘loyal and righteous’ and ‘virtuous and benevolent’?”

Fang Qiao shook his head: “No, it’s ‘invincible in battle’ and ‘calculates without flaw.’”

Du Ruhui sighed: “I’ve heard that too. Apparently, it spread among the righteous armies—they hold you in great esteem.”

Righteous armies? Li Shimin and Li Xuanba exchanged a glance. Could it be that Wei Zheng is spreading their fame?

Li Xuanba said: “Are they talking about the conquest of Xihai Commandery? That had nothing to do with me; the flawless planning was all Second Brother. I was just startled.”

Du Ruhui said: “No rush, tell it slowly. Let me take a bath and change into fresh clothes, then rest for a day. Ah, I’m exhausted.”

Fang Qiao nodded: “Very well, first organize the books I brought.”

Du Ruhui replied: “I only brought some agricultural records. I wanted to bring more, but His Majesty is in Zhuojun—I couldn’t make any big moves.”

Li Shimin said: “It’s enough that you came safely. What gifts? Of course, gifts are better, hahaha. Keming, this time you’ve lost to Xuanling.”

Du Ruhui rolled his eyes: “Yes, yes, you’re right.”

Li Xuanba said: “What do you mean ‘I’ll organize first’? Of course, we’ll do it together. Now that you two are here, don’t think you can leave all the work to me.”

Even after several years apart, the four of them still got along as if no time had passed.

After washing away the dust of travel, Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui stayed at Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s house, and met Luo Shixin in passing.

Upon hearing that Luo Shixin’s martial prowess rivaled Li Shimin’s, both of them clicked their tongues in admiration.

Du Ruhui, curious, quietly asked Li Xuanba: “Did you also find him in advance for Li Er?”

Li Xuanba shook his head: “He heard Second Brother’s reputation and came across thousands of miles to join of his own accord.”

Du Ruhui said in awe: “Li Er already shows the signs of a wise ruler.”

Li Xuanba said: “Besides, I’ve never gone looking for talent for Second Brother in advance. Didn’t you all come looking for us to make friends? I never actively sought you out.”

Du Ruhui said: “True. Sigh, couldn’t you just say you came looking for us? Then Fang Xuanling and I would have more face.”

Li Xuanba shrugged: “But you came to us yourselves.”

Du Ruhui laughed angrily: “Came to you ourselves? Your words are getting more outrageous.”

Li Shimin quickly looped his arm around his mischievous brother’s neck, pulling him away from Du Ruhui, who had started rolling up his sleeves: “Alright, alright, Keming, you know what Xuanba is like—he just can’t help talking. Don’t mind it.”

Du Ruhui laughed and scolded: “You know he talks too much—so why don’t you make him stop? Aren’t you afraid he’ll get hit?”

Li Shimin raised an eyebrow: “With me here, who dares?”

Fang Qiao slowly asked: “Your parents?”

Li Shimin: “……”

Sheepishly, he said: “Then I guess I’ll have to get beaten with Xuanba.”

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui couldn’t help laughing.

Li Xuanba rolled his eyes. He certainly wouldn’t talk back to his parents.

The group gathered around the bonfire, sharing their experiences.

Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin obediently sat aside, listening.

Naturally, the first to speak was Li Shimin.

Finally, Li Shimin had the chance to boast—he spoke at length with remarkable eloquence, practically capable of writing a rhapsody in his own praise.

Li Xuanba kept yawning as he listened.

Even though Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin had heard many of these stories before, they still looked on with admiration.

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui’s eyes sparkled with fascination.

Although they had already heard a rough account of Li Shimin’s conquest of Xihai Commandery, only when he detailed his lightning-fast strategy did they fully realize his brilliance.

However, it wasn’t as Li Xuanba claimed—he hadn’t done nothing. The early intelligence gathering and sending spies to the two tribes were all Li Xuanba’s work.

More impressively, in such a short time, Li Xuanba assembled 500 elite cavalrymen for Li Shimin—a truly astonishing feat of wealth accumulation.

After Li Shimin finished boasting, he drank wine as if it were water.

The grapes in Zhangye were particularly good, and the wine made from them was even better than that from Daxing or Luoyang.

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui sipped the wine, ate roasted lamb, and shared their own experiences.

Fang Qiao had collected as many census records and documents from Jiangnan’s counties as possible, leaving only after the unrest there escalated; Du Ruhui had recorded the campaign against Goguryeo, carefully analyzing the successes and failures of the Sui army.

They didn’t dwell on these minor matters, instead recounting the “extraordinary people” they had met.

The “extraordinary person” Fang Qiao mentioned was naturally the brothers’ mother, Lady Dou.

Fang Qiao sighed: “Lady Dou truly is a heroine. No wonder she raised such outstanding children.”

Li Shimin asked, “Is Mother doing well in Luoyang? Although Yang Xuangan surely can’t breach Luoyang, she should be safe.”

Fang Qiao said, “Before coming to Zhangye, I passed through Luoyang, and I even brought letters from the Duke of Tang and Lady Dou. They are both well—read the letters for the details yourselves.”

Fang Qiao paused, then added, “After the Crown Prince learned I was coming to join you, he secretly asked me to deliver a letter to you. I haven’t opened it.”

Li Shimin, unconcerned, said, “It’s fine if you opened it. Nothing between me and A-Xuan is hidden from you. Oh, but don’t open the letters from my Guanyin or A-Xuan’s Zhu!”

Fang Qiao was speechless: “Who would open those?!”

Du Ruhui winked: “I’m not curious about the Crown Prince’s letter, but I am curious about your fiancées’ letters.”

Li Xuanba said, “You’d better not be.” Turning to Keming, he asked, “Who did you encounter? Some leader of the peasant rebel army?”

“A peasant rebel army, huh… that sounds like something you’d say,” Du Ruhui chuckled and sighed. “Leader? Not exactly. Li Er, Li San, do you know someone named Wei Zheng?”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba exchanged glances. Li Shimin patted his chest: “He’s with me and A-Xuan.”

Du Ruhui said, “He also claimed to be with you and Li San, and came to ask me for the city defenses of Zhuojun.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba were dumbfounded: “What?!”

Du Ruhui smiled wryly: “This guy is way too bold! Doesn’t he fear I’ll betray him?”

Li Xuanba said, “Why does he need the city defenses of Zhuojun? Planning to have Wang Bo attack it? Zhuojun is fortified, with plenty of Sui troops. If Wang Bo attacked, it would be like striking a stone with an egg. With his intelligence, he wouldn’t do that.”

Du Ruhui continued: “That’s what I told him. He said he originally only wanted to, while Yang Xuangan distracted the emperor, lead his militia to seize the Sui supplies left in Goguryeo, so as not to benefit the Goguryeo. If the emperor made a wrong decision and Zhuojun’s defenses were lax, he would surround Zhuojun with his militia and seize the nearby stockpiled food, weapons, and armor—and scare the emperor a bit in the process.”

Li Xuanba twitched at the corner of his mouth, unsure how to respond. Wei Zheng’s audacity was incredible!

Du Ruhui went on: “He said he didn’t know me personally, but since you mentioned me, he trusted me. Sigh, this man is not simple. You must hold onto him firmly; if he sides with others, he will surely become a troublesome enemy.”

Li Shimin waved his hand: “No need to worry. He’s already in my grasp. How could he escape?”

Li Xuanba said, “Wei Zheng’s goal is to make a name in history. The only person he trusts to help him achieve that is Second Brother. In fact, I already told him the future before he went to Wang Bo.”

Fang Qiao was puzzled: “Why? Shouldn’t he stay with you and Erlang?”

Li Xuanba said, “After hearing ‘Fang’s Strategy, Du’s Judgement,’ he was dissatisfied with merely leaving behind a reputation as a model advisor. He studies statecraft and believes his talents are not inferior to yours; he wants to compete with you.”

Li Shimin cast a subtle glance at his brother.

Ah, here it comes—my brother’s mischief. This is stirring up trouble!

Fang Qiao raised an eyebrow: “Oh?”

Du Ruhui rubbed his chin: “I see…”

Li Zhiyun, curious, asked, “What future? What ‘Fang’s Strategy, Du’s Judgement’?”

Only then did everyone notice that Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin were still there.

Li Xuanba: [Should I tell them?]

Li Shimin nodded: “Xiao Wu has grown enough to handle it. Shixin is also discreet; I trust him.”

Li Xuanba said, “I have the ability of prophetic interpretation; I can read fates for everyone.”

Li Zhiyun, completely trusting, said, “Wow, Third Brother is amazing! Third Brother, what is my future?”

Li Xuanba said, “You will be ennobled as a king.”

Li Zhiyun proudly said, “I knew it! I’m awesome! Second Brother, just like you! We’ll both become kings!”

Li Shimin half-smiled: “Not quite the same.”

Li Zhiyun was puzzled: “Being ennobled as a king isn’t the greatest?”

Everyone facepalmed and sighed, leaving Li Zhiyun utterly confused.

Luo Shixin’s eye twitched: “Jihong, only imperial family members can be kings. Ordinary ministers at most can be made dukes. Are you out of your mind? Even I know this!”

Li Zhiyun was alarmed: “Oh, right!”

After the shock, he quickly calmed down: “I just felt the Sui dynasty was on the verge of collapse. So Second Brother is to be emperor next.”

Li Shimin, curious, asked: “Why me, not Father?”

Li Zhiyun said, “What’s the difference between Father being emperor and Second Brother? Could the eldest brother be emperor? If the hated eldest brother were made Crown Prince, I would help you seize the throne!”

Li Shimin handed Li Zhiyun a leg of lamb: “Eat your lamb, don’t talk nonsense. Behave and stay out of dangerous matters.”

Li Xuanba said, “Just protect yourself.”

Li Zhiyun angrily bit into the lamb: “Just now you said I’ve grown up, now you still treat me like a child. Hmph! Just wait!”

Fang Qiao, Du Ruhui, and Luo Shixin exchanged glances.

Li Zhiyun is way too composed! No wonder he was raised by Li Erlang and Li Sanlang—he really is like them, casually talking about rebellion and succession without a shred of surprise.

Luo Shixin hesitated, unsure.

Li Shimin smiled: “Do you also want to know your future?”

Luo Shixin nodded, then shook his head: “No, I don’t.”

Li Shimin teased: “Afraid?”

Luo Shixin said, “As long as I follow Second Brother, my future will certainly be good.”

Li Xuanba said quietly: “Indeed, the Duke of Shan at twenty-something, posthumously named ‘Brave.’”

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui were not surprised. This young man is not only strong in martial skills but also extremely persistent—traveling thousands of miles to Zhangye to join Li Erlang, his future achievements are guaranteed. His place in history is natural.

Fang Qiao asked: “Dade, your expression doesn’t look like praise.”

Du Ruhui joked, “What’s the matter? Is he going to rebel in the future?”

Luo Shixin was so startled that the piece of lamb in his hand slipped: “Impossible! My lord has been so benevolent to me; I could never be such a person!”

Du Ruhui straightened up and said seriously, “I know you wouldn’t, which is why I made the joke. If you were that kind of person, I wouldn’t even dare to say it.”

Luo Shixin’s expression turned plaintive.

Du Ruhui smiled at Fang Qiao: “It’s fun teasing children.”

Fang Qiao tried to suppress a laugh: “Enough. From now on, we’re all colleagues.”

Du Ruhui adopted a serious tone: “Li Er is still my lord. Even so, I have to take advantage of the fact that he’s still young and bully him a bit more.”

Fang Qiao’s mouth twitched: “When you’re locked up in the future, don’t regret the things you said today.”

Li Xuanba chimed in mischievously: “Good idea. Second brother, when you become emperor, lock Du Kemin in jail and make him work for you.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba echoed each other: “Locked in jail but still made to work? That’s cruel! I’ll increase his salary a bit and lay extra straw in the cell.”

Li Zhiyun asked foolishly, “I heard jails are really dark. Should we give him an extra candle?”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba said in unison: “Candles in plenty.”

Afterward, the two brothers high-fived in mutual agreement.

Du Ruhui scolded jokingly: “Get lost! Lock me up and still make me work? Not a chance!”

Luo Shixin stammered, “I really haven’t rebelled, have I? I haven’t, right?”

Li Shimin smiled and cut him a piece of meat: “No. You’ll just follow me on campaigns and die young in battle. But trust me, I absolutely won’t let that future happen. This time, you will live out your full life.”

Luo Shixin breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, “I am a general; dying on the battlefield is natural. Every time I go into battle, I prepare for death. My lord need not worry.”

He cheerfully gnawed on his lamb, completely unbothered by the idea of an early death on the battlefield.

Li Xuanba spoke earnestly: “I’m telling you this in advance so you won’t overexert yourself in battle. Also, if you get captured, just surrender. Preserve your life; then you can escape later.”

Li Shimin nodded: “Hear that, Shixin? If you happen to lose a battle, surrender quickly. Even if you can’t escape immediately, I can get you back soon. Don’t worry, both I and A-Xuan will always trust you.”

Luo Shixin lowered his head: “I won’t be defeated.”

Li Shimin said, “You only need to answer: yes.”

Luo Shixin gritted his teeth: “Yes!”

Li Shimin laughed: “That’s the spirit. Come, keep drinking.”

Li Zhiyun protested: “Aren’t you going to remind me too?”

Li Xuanba sighed: “Xiao Wu, if Second Brother and I still had to remind you, all these years of teaching you would have been wasted.”

“Hee hee,” Li Zhiyun said smugly, gnawing on a leg of lamb.

Fang Qiao laughed: “Drink, drink. I probably won’t go to the battlefield, so I’ll never be captured.”

Du Ruhui laughed: “But Li Er, Li San, don’t worry. If luck really runs out and I get captured, I will surrender immediately and won’t give you the chance to mourn me. Drink!”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba raised their cups, and then Li Shimin quickly snatched Li Xuanba’s cup.

They laughed and feasted, ignoring Luo Shixin completely.

Luo Shixin sniffled and lowered his head to eat, tears and snot smeared across his face.