LFHYB -Chapter 115 Blood Ties and Double Standards

After Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui arrived in Zhangye, Li Xuanba could finally devote himself to what he was good at.

To be honest, internal governance and bureaucracy were not Li Xuanba’s strengths. In his previous life, he had never even been a civil servant and knew nothing about the bureaucratic system. He could only try to apply his experience as an online merchant.

Although he had guidance from Gao Jiong and Yuwen Shu, Li Xuanba’s skills in this area were already beyond ordinary people. But compared to true geniuses like Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui, he still fell short.

Moreover, Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui had the combined technique of “Fang’s schemes, Du’s decisions.”

Because central China was in chaos, Yang Guang could not send anyone to take office as governor of Xihai Commandery. Li Shimin, as the Tiger Guard Langjiang who had conquered Xihai, would temporarily serve as governor according to wartime rules.

The governor of Zhangye seemed to sense something and subtly expressed his surrender, voluntarily becoming a “mascot.”

Although the title changed from “general” to “Langjiang,” in principle the position retained the power to establish one’s own office. Now, with the empire in chaos, not only Tiger Guard Langjiang but even Yingyang Langjiang were appointing subordinates on their own. Li Shimin naturally had the right to do so as well.

Thus, the internal governance of Zhangye and Xihai was entrusted to Li Shimin’s subordinates—Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui.

Zhangye and Xihai were located on the south and north sides of the Qilian Mountains; crossing the mountains was quick.

Without crossing the mountains, traveling from Zhangye to Xihai would require following the Hexi Corridor: first southeast through Wuwei and Xiping, then west to Xihai. The four commanderies formed a “>” shape.

All four commanderies were military strongholds and had Yingyang offices. Li Shimin, as Tiger Guard Langjiang, was the direct leader of the Yingyang Langjiang of these commanderies.

In the future, Li Gui, the Yingyang Langjiang of Wuwei, would kill the Tiger Guard Langjiang from the original timeline, seize Hexi, and declare himself King of Daliang.

Li Xuanba did not tell his second brother, Fang Qiao, or Du Ruhui about this future to avoid influencing their judgment.

He trusted that his second brother was already the nominal top military leader of Hexi, and with “Fang’s schemes, Du’s decisions,” they could easily bring Hexi under his brother’s control without his interference.

After receiving the information Li Xuanba had gathered on Hexi, Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui relaxed.

Confidently, they quickly turned Hexi into Li Shimin’s base.

Fang Qiao assured, “Not just Hexi, even Dunhuang and as far as Yiwu, everything belongs to our lord.”

Du Ruhui lazily added, “If Old Fang and I can’t even do that, then why bother being chancellor? Might as well leave it to Xue Shou and Wei Zheng.”

Li Shimin was amused: “Why call them by their names directly? Xue Shou, courtesy name Bopao, and Wei Zheng, courtesy name Xuancheng—don’t call them randomly.”

Du Ruhui shrugged: “My memory isn’t good.”

Li Shimin laughed so hard he could barely straighten his back, repeatedly patting Li Xuanba’s arm. “Hahaha, A-Xuan, you’re killing me with laughter!”

Li Xuanba recoiled in disgust from his second brother’s pats. What’s so funny? Annoying.

Fang Qiao cleared his throat to change the topic. “You handle internal governance, we handle official affairs. Dade, what will you do? Logistics?”

Li Xuanba said, “I’ll be in charge of military logistics in the future, but for now, these duties are temporarily handled by Second Brother himself. I’m going on a mission to Western Turkestan.”

Fang Qiao was shocked. “You’re going alone?”

Du Ruhui looked at Li Shimin and frowned. “I don’t agree. It’s too dangerous.”

Li Shimin sighed. “Do you think I want to agree? But A-Xuan says he’s the only one who can persuade the Western Turkic Khan to send troops against the Eastern Turks. I have no choice. I do want to go with him, but he says I need to stay in Zhangye for now.”

Li Shimin let out several deep sighs and continued, “He has made up his mind, and I trust him. I’ll have Zhou Da and Luo Shixin act as A-Xuan’s guards.”

Fang Qiao asked, “Dade, why do you suddenly want to ally with Western Turkestan? Are you worried the Eastern Turks are getting too close to the Sui?”

Li Xuanba shook his head. “Quite the opposite. The Eastern Turkic Khan Shibi has already turned against the Sui. He’ll grow stronger while Sui power wanes.”

Li Xuanba sneered. “At the end of the Sui and beginning of the Tang, everyone who claimed kingship or emperorship submitted to Khan Shibi—including the Tang.”

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui’s faces changed dramatically.

They looked at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin shrugged. “Although I really want to say that Emperor Gaozu of Tang is my father and submitting to the Eastern Turks has nothing to do with me, barely twenty years old. But given my father’s character, if the situation weren’t so dire, he wouldn’t have done it. This was a decision the entire Tang court made. My father truly suffered humiliation.”

Li Xuanba said, “It’s alright, Second Brother. When you ascend the throne, the Eastern Turks will be at Weishui that very month. You’ll feel humiliated too.”

Li Shimin grabbed Li Xuanba and locked him in a cross-arm hold, causing Li Xuanba to cry out in pain. “A-Xuan, shut up!”

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui shook their heads at the scene.

Fang Qiao said, “Let’s not talk about the future—it will change anyway.”

Du Ruhui said, “With Li Er’s personality, he’ll surely retaliate soon. What’s the point of worrying about this minor humiliation?”

Li Shimin released his troublesome brother. “Right, A-Xuan, tell me how I retaliate according to your foresight.”

Li Xuanba rubbed his arm. “In the fourth year of Zhenguan, we destroy the Eastern Turks and capture Khan Jieli, bringing him to Chang’an to dance in public.”

Li Shimin whistled. “Wow.”

Fang Qiao stroked his beard. “Not bad.”

Du Ruhui laughed heartily. “Good, good.”

Li Shimin, full of excitement, asked, “Am I leading the army personally?”

Li Xuanba rolled his eyes. “What are you thinking? Once you’re emperor, you won’t have the chance to lead personally. Stay obediently in Chang’an handling logistics.”

Li Shimin nodded. “Got it. You handle logistics in Chang’an, I lead the army personally. My glory in conquest depends on you, A-Xuan!”

Li Xuanba almost choked on his own spit.

Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui couldn’t help but chuckle.

Li Shimin waved his hand. “Alright, most of what you predicted won’t happen, but dancing can. I heard both the Eastern and Western Turks are good dancers. A-Xuan, that’s your task—try to make the Eastern and Western Turks exhaust each other. Once I’m emperor, I’ll lead personally and wipe them both out.”

Li Xuanba said, “After the Eastern and Western Turks are destroyed, the Tang won’t have the economic or technological capacity to control such distant territories. This will leave a power vacuum in the former Turkic lands, allowing Turkic forces to revive alongside the rise of the Uighurs and the Tibetan Kingdom. Once we defeat the Eastern and Western Turks, it’s better not to destroy them all at once. Divide them into dozens of small states—it will better serve Tang interests, like the Han dynasty’s policy of ‘Tui’en’.”

Li Shimin nodded. “I think the same. Let’s deal with the Western and Eastern Turks first. A-Xuan, should we wait for the arrival of Changsun Wuji Silang before going together?”

Li Xuanba said, “No need. After I leave, maintaining relations with the Tiele tribes, including the Uighurs, is up to Changsun Wuji Silang. Second Brother, you should focus on training the army. Take every opportunity to fight the remnants of the Eastern Turks and Tuyuhun. Without military strength, all strategies are empty talk.”

Li Shimin laughed. “I know, I know. I’m the most important, hahaha.”

Li Xuanba nodded. “Exactly, you are the most important.”

Li Shimin’s laughter faltered, and he awkwardly touched his nose. “A-Xuan, you’re still denying it, huh?”

Seeing Li Shimin embarrassed, Li Xuanba, Fang Qiao, and Du Ruhui burst out laughing.

The plan was set.

Li Shimin had a heavy burden: training troops while finding time to fight, handling internal governance with Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui, and maintaining relations with the Tiele tribes.

Once Fang Qiao and Du Ruhui sorted out the affairs of the Hexi region, Li Shimin could step back from daily governance and focus only on final approvals. When the long-awaited Changsun Wuji arrived, Li Shimin could further extricate himself from trivial matters and truly become the “chief leader.”

For now, Li Shimin still had to recruit officials and draft imperial edicts. These tasks were originally assigned to Wei Zheng or Xue Shou, but their return was long delayed, leaving Li Shimin to laboriously handle them himself.

Li Shimin sighed. “How long will Xue Shou stay in Wa (Japan)? What is he doing? Even Master Xue is worried about his safety in letters.”

Fang Qiao said, “When I visited Daxing to see Lord Xue, he said if Xue Bopao doesn’t return soon, he’ll recommend his younger kinsmen Xue Yuanjing or Xue Deyin to assist you, taking Xue Bopao’s place.”

Xue Yuanjing, Xue Deyin, and Xue Shou were the three most talented members of the Xue clan, known as the “Three Phoenixes of Hedong.” Xue Yuanjing and Xue Shou followed Li Shimin, while Xue Deyin, being blind, followed Wang Shichong and was killed.

Li Xuanba’s eyes flickered.

In this lifetime, Xue Daoheng—the most prestigious member of the Xue family—did not die and remained unwaveringly on Second Brother’s side. If Xue Deyin were still blind to reality, then he would truly have it coming.

After all, how could Xue Deyin be so blind as to support Wang Shichong? Even choosing Dou Jiande would have been better.

However, Xue Deyin was from the Hedong Xue clan, which belonged to the “Guanzhong aristocratic families,” so perhaps he looked down on Dou Jiande’s commoner background.

As for not choosing Second Brother, that was also understandable. Among the “Three Phoenixes of Hedong,” Xue Yuanjing and Xue Shou had both pledged allegiance to Second Brother, so Xue Deyin may have felt he wouldn’t be valued under him.

In fact, that was probably true. Second Brother’s gaze was sharp and discerning. He highly regarded the prematurely deceased Xue Shou, openly stating that he could become a chancellor, while Xue Yuanjing, though trusted, was only put in charge of administrative duties. Xue Deyin specialized in administrative work as well, but he was no match for Xue Yuanjing.

Hopefully this time, Xue Deyin won’t get dizzy-headed; even if he isn’t heavily used, it’s better than losing his head. Second Brother would definitely struggle when the time comes to behead Xue Shou’s cousin.

In his heart, Li Xuanba shed a few hypocritical “crocodile tears” for Xue Deyin and privately warned Second Brother that Xue Deyin might face a future where his head could be taken.

Li Shimin rolled his eyes sharply: “Pah!”

He certainly wouldn’t be the one to do it himself. If it had to be done, he would first distract Xue Shou and then pass the task to someone else.

Besides, Teacher Xue was still alive. Perhaps he and father could plead a few words, and Xue Deyin might not have to die.

Li Xuanba’s mention of Xue Deyin’s death reminded Li Shimin of Du Ruhui’s uncle.

Li Shimin said to Li Xuanba, “By the way, Keming already knows that you can foresee future events. Should we tell him about the troubles that might occur with his uncle and younger brother in the future?”

“Oh, right.” Li Xuanba slapped his forehead.

Second Brother really was meticulous. He had so many things on his mind that he nearly forgot.

Du Ruhui’s heart tightened. “Could it be… my uncle really intends to harm my eldest and youngest brothers…?”

Li Shimin said, “You guessed correctly. After your uncle Du Yan joined Wang Shichong, Wang Shichong had your elder brother killed and imprisoned your younger brother.”

Du Ruhui cursed, “My eldest brother had already been extremely patient with him at home! How could he harm his own nephews? He’s less than an animal!”

Li Xuanba said, “Du Yan was born to a secondary wife. Although your father passed away, your elder brother, as the legitimate heir, inherited all family property and connections. Naturally, he and his mother resented this and had long wanted to kill you. I will explain the rest to you privately.”

Li Shimin said, “Go ahead. Keming, don’t worry—Xuanba is tight-lipped. Even I won’t know what he tells you alone. The same goes for Xuanling; you needn’t worry that his prophetic abilities will lead him to reveal too much about your family.”

Fang Qiao said, “I trust him.”

Du Ruhui took Li Xuanba aside. “I trust Li San as well.”

After Du Ruhui and Li Xuanba left, Li Shimin said to Fang Qiao, “Xuanba said that after Du Yan joined Wang Shichong, he should be executed according to his crimes. In the future, your younger brother will plead with Keming to rescue Du Yan, citing that ‘it is too sad for members of the same family to kill each other,’ and Keping will have no choice but to agree. You will also later recruit Du Yan because of his talent.”

Fang Qiao said calmly, “Public matters are public, private matters are private. Du Yan should be executed according to the law. How could he be spared because of Du Keming’s private feelings? Wouldn’t that make a mockery of the law? Prophecies are one thing, reality is another.”

Li Shimin smiled. “I think the same. Even if Du Yan has talent, I cannot trust someone of such character.”

Li Shimin’s laughter carried a faint chill. “Not grieving for his murdered elder brother, yet sympathizing with the murderer Du Yan—Keming’s younger brother isn’t a good person either.”

Fang Qiao nodded in agreement.

He thought to himself: given Lord’s care for Dade and Li Wulang, and Du Keming’s younger brother’s indifference toward the brother who protected him, Lord must despise him utterly. This person will find it hard to enter officialdom in the future.

After pulling Li Xuanba aside, Du Ruhui asked, “Is there anything I shouldn’t let even Second Brother hear?”

Li Xuanba said, “After Wang Shichong’s defeat, Du Yan should be executed according to his crimes. Your younger brother Du Chuke, because your elder brother has already been killed, cannot execute your uncle, otherwise he would force you to plead for Du Yan on the grounds that ‘it is too sad for members of the same family to kill each other.’”

Du Ruhui cursed, “Du Yan should be executed according to the law! What does ‘family killing family’ have to do with me? Is he saying Du Yan is innocent and that I set him up?”

Du Ruhui angrily paced back and forth, then continued cursing: “My eldest brother was meticulous in caring for him! I think only because my brother was killed and he survived could he gain credit for my brother’s work. He doesn’t think of revenge, but wants to exploit this for fame? Is he truly my brother and me, or is he Du Yan’s son? Using every extreme for fame—he is exactly like Du Yan!”

Du Yan had done everything to exploit fame, deliberately hiding as a recluse until summoned by Emperor Wen of Sui. The emperor saw through him, despised him immensely, and exiled him to Jiangnan. It took great effort for him to return to Daxing.

Li Xuanba said, “You immediately saw through that he wanted to rise to fame at your and your brother’s expense—quite sharp of you.”

Du Ruhui smiled bitterly. “Even if I see through it, what can I do? I still have to follow his plan.”

Du Chuke was not only Du Ruhui’s younger brother but also one of the “victims.” If Du Ruhui didn’t act, it would confirm Du Chuke’s claim that “Du Ruhui framed Du Yan for revenge,” damaging Du Ruhui’s reputation.

Now, the “family” was extremely important, and the Du clan of Jingzhao was a high-ranking, prestigious family. Du Ruhui could not afford to let reputation weigh less than family honor.

Li Xuanba said coldly, “His reason for persuading you is ‘it is too sad for family to kill family,’ yet he encouraged Second Brother’s second son to seize the heirship.”

Du Ruhui’s breath caught, and his face stiffened.

Li Xuanba sneered, “Although Second Brother’s heir later turned out absurd, when he encouraged Second Brother’s second son to seize the heirship, the crown prince was still perfect. Seizing the heirship inevitably involves family conflict—so much for ‘family killing family is too sad’?”

Du Ruhui clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. “And what was his outcome?”

Li Xuanba continued coldly, “Du Chuke helped Prince Wei seize the heirship and was demoted, spending his life as a county magistrate. Your second son, though Second Brother’s son-in-law, plotted rebellion with the crown prince, was executed, and your eldest son was exiled to Lingnan. Your third son was not implicated; although his title was lost, your lineage continued successfully, remaining a family of officials.”

Du Ruhui said bitterly, “My lord only handled things this way out of consideration for me.”

Li Xuanba said, “Yes, even in the rebellion, your whole family wasn’t implicated.”

Du Ruhui choked back tears. “It’s my incompetence, my failure in raising my sons, that hurt my lord’s heart.”

Li Xuanba said, “It’s because you died too early and couldn’t raise your sons properly that your family suffered misfortune. Take care of your health. If you had lived, would Du He dare to rebel? By the way, has Du He been born yet?”

Du Ruhui took a deep breath, unclenching his tightly held fists. “Not yet.”

Li Xuanba said, “When your second son is born, shall we give him a new name?”

Du Ruhui feigned ease. “Good idea.”

Li Xuanba said no more, letting Du Ruhui calm his emotions.

After a while, Du Ruhui’s expression returned to normal. “No wonder you didn’t tell my lord.”

Li Xuanba said, “I didn’t tell my second brother not because I feared he would take it out on your son, but because I didn’t want him to be saddened too early.”

Although he had already prepped his second brother, telling him that his future heir would be a “peculiar young man,” matters like “rebellion” and “the two sons most loved by the lord turning against each other” were still better revealed later.

His second brother was only fourteen; knowing such cruel things now would be far too tragic.

Du Ruhui said, “You’re right. He’s still young. No need to burden him mentally. And with you around, it will never come to that in the future.”

Li Xuanba said, “Perhaps. Feeling better now? Shall we go back?”

Du Ruhui said, “Yes.”

The two returned inside, where Li Shimin was discussing recruiting talent with Fang Qiao.

Seeing them come back, Li Shimin looked up. “Finished talking? Kemin, you might as well bring your elder brother too, leave your uncle and younger brother to ‘schemically compete’.”

“What schemical competition? Li Er, can you speak properly?” Du Ruhui muttered in disbelief. “I’ll have my elder brother escort Du Chuke back to Daxing.”

Du Yan and his elder brother both held office at court, so they lived in Luoyang. Du Chuke, still young and under his elder brother’s care, also lived there.

As long as they avoided Du Yan, his brother wouldn’t be harmed.

Li Shimin asked, “And what about Du Chuke?”

Du Ruhui said, “My elder brother is like a father. With him present, Du Chuke wouldn’t dare act recklessly. Both my elder brother and I are high officials at court. A single family can’t have three high officials, so he’ll just stay idle at home.”

Li Shimin laughed. “You speak so highly of your elder brother. Introduce him to me someday. But since you’re a chancellor at court, your elder brother must serve elsewhere. Is he skilled in governing local regions?”

Du Ruhui’s tone carried faint pride. “Managing a prefecture or a province is a piece of cake.”

Li Shimin said, “Then it’s settled. Alright, that matter’s over—come help me with a headache now. Curse it! I already have the title ‘Invincible Under Heaven,’ yet the scholars still refuse to join me!”

Li Xuanba said slowly, “It’s ‘unbeaten in battle,’ not ‘invincible under heaven.’ Who told you to be only fourteen?”

Li Shimin said, “‘Unbeaten in battle’ or ‘invincible under heaven,’ what’s the difference? Curse it! Don’t underestimate a poor young man! Someday, they’ll all regret it!”

Li Xuanba had just said too much. While drinking water, he accidentally sprayed it onto his second brother.

Li Shimin wiped his face. “A-Xuan, what are you doing? Choked?”

Li Xuanba thought: [No, I just remembered a joke from the future: “Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west; never underestimate a poor youth, a poor middle-aged man, or a poor old man. The dead have the final say.”]

Li Shimin froze mid-hand with the handkerchief, then bundled it up and threw it at Li Xuanba.

Fang Qiao caught it. “Alright, alright, you two can bicker later. Finish the main business first.”

Li Shimin threatened, “I’ll deal with you later!”

Li Xuanba shrugged. [As if I’m scared of you.]

Du Ruhui, caught up in the brothers’ playful fighting, felt much of the gloom lift from his heart.

He thought: Li San (Li Xuanba) seems even more inclined to provoke Li Er (Li Shimin) than before—is this what he meant by the “chūnnián” phase?”

In October, the Shatuo Khagan of the Western Turks agreed to meet Li Xuanba in Yiwu Prefecture.

Yiwu Prefecture lay on the border between the Western Turks and the Sui Empire. Though November brought freezing cold, traveling from Zhangye to Yiwu crossed the desert. The climate was dry, and snow wouldn’t block the path. As long as they kept warm, it would be safe.

In the fourth year of Daye (608 CE), General Xue Shixiong of the Left Wing Guard had led troops across the desert in October and forced the surrender of Yiwu City.

Li Xuanba prepared ample coal and supplies to meet with the Shatuo Khagan in Yiwu City.

Though called a secret trip, Li Xuanba didn’t even bother pretending to be a merchant caravan. The Western regions were almost completely cut off from the Central Plains. Messages couldn’t reach the Central Plains unless delivered by Tiger Guards like Li himself. So he boldly led his troops openly.

Half a month after Li Xuanba set out, Changsun Wuji arrived in a hurry.

Hearing that Li Xuanba hadn’t waited for him, Changsun Wuji was furious and scolded him for not being a proper friend by leaving him behind.

Li Shimin gave him a stack of tasks to do, and Changsun Wuji finally quieted down.

His arrival brought the latest news from the Central Plains: “Your Majesty’s condition has improved, and yhas returned to Luoyang. During Your Majesty’s severe illness, the Crown Prince indulged in drinking and revelry. The emperor has stripped him of all posts and ordered him into seclusion for reflection.”

Li Shimin sighed. “Second cousin is in danger.”

He recalled the letter his second cousin had sent to him and Li Xuanba.

In it, Yang Xian said that his eldest brother’s last worries had come true. He felt grief and anger, yet could do nothing.

Yang Xian’s letter was nothing but complaints. He did not ask how to handle things, nor did he seek anything from Li Shimin or Li Xuanba.

He merely… complained.

Li Shimin saw that Yang Xian did not want to involve him and his brother, and felt a pang of sorrow.

He resolved that in the future he would do everything possible to protect his second cousin’s descendants from their father.

But he was powerless over his second cousin’s fate.

Changsun Wuji said, “The Crown Prince is very humble and obedient. If he survives this ordeal, he should be fine.”

Li Shimin shook his head. “Once the emperor begins to fear the Crown Prince, whether he is arrogant or obedient, it only deepens his resentment. Just like Zhang Heng back then.”

Changsun Wuji was momentarily stunned, then sighed: “Once the emperor recovers, he should regain his rationality.”

Li Shimin said helplessly, “Fourth Brother, oh Fourth Brother, why are you still hiding things from me? Be straightforward.”

Changsun Wuji was speechless. Straightforward about what? Speaking ill of the emperor?