LFHYB -Chapter 119 Li Er and Li San Return to the Central Plains

Changsun Wuji graciously accepted the challenge. The spring in Zhangye was almost as cold as the winter in the Central Plains. He rolled up his thick sleeves, revealing the sinewy muscles on his arms.

Li Xuanba’s expression turned into that of an old subway rider staring at a phone—utterly exasperated.

He had deliberately emphasized Changsun Wuji’s identity, not only to use the famous name of Teacher Changsun to pressure the Western Turks into being obedient in Zhangye and not disturbing the locals, but also for his own mischievous pleasure.

It was well known that although in the Tang Dynasty civil and military affairs were not strictly separated and it was common for officials to serve in both civil and military roles, most people still had distinct “civil” or “military” strengths. For example, Changsun Wuji had never set foot on a battlefield; he was purely a civil minister.

Changsun Wuji could surely learn horseback archery, but his skill would not be refined. Otherwise, given his relationship with Li Shimin, he would have long followed Li Shimin to fight alongside him.

But Li Xuanba was only looking for entertainment and did not intend to embarrass Changsun Wuji.

When Changsun Wuji tried to decline, Li Xuanba could have simply said a few words like, “This person is as naturally weak as I am,” and that would have been enough to get by.

Who would have thought that Changsun Wuji, brimming with confidence and refusing to reject anyone, gave Li Xuanba the illusion that he was seeing his second brother in front of him.

What happened next shocked Li Xuanba even more.

Changsun Wuji won.

He faced a warrior each day and won every archery contest.

Li Xuanba inhaled sharply, as if trying to suck all the cold out of Zhangye and bring an early spring.

Seeing Li Xuanba’s astonishment, Changsun Wuji asked, puzzled: “Why are you so surprised?”

Li Xuanba said: “I thought you leaned more toward being a literary-minded civil official?”

Changsun Wuji was surprised: “Huh? Why would you have such a strange misunderstanding? You, Li Er, and I grew up together. Didn’t you see me diligently practicing martial arts every day?”

Li Xuanba pondered. Ah, that seemed true.

The Changsun family, like his own, was a family of military merit that produced great generals each generation; horseback archery was a family tradition.

Moreover, Teacher Changsun’s archery was exceptional—how could Changsun Wuji, taught hand by hand, be lacking?

Originally, in history… oh, historically, Changsun Wuji was raised by his uncle Gao Shilian, who was purely a civil scholar.

Li Xuanba looked at Changsun Wuji, radiant and spirited, and suddenly realized that Changsun Wuji was quite different from his “impression” of him.

“He’s become a young military talent,” Li Xuanba said with an air of worldly experience.

Changsun Wuji was silent for a moment, then asked in confusion: “Li San, how can you make such ordinary words sound like you’re daring someone to hit you?”

Li Xuanba said: “Isn’t that just your own narrow-mindedness?”

Changsun Wuji clenched his fists: “Now that Li Er isn’t here, no one can save you.”

Li Xuanba called out loudly: “Xiao Wu, Shixin!”

Li Zhiyun hurried over, dragging Luo Shixin: “We’re coming! Without the second brother, I’ll be here!”

Luo Shixin hesitated: “Are we really fighting? What if someone gets hurt?”

Changsun Wuji was speechless: “You actually brought people? Don’t you have any shame?”

Li Xuanba coughed: “You want to compete with a weakling like me—don’t you have any shame?”

Changsun Wuji gritted his teeth in anger.

After grinding his teeth, he actually laughed first: “You haven’t changed at all.”

Li Xuanba said: “Isn’t that only natural?”

Changsun Wuji crossed his arms: “I heard you can read omens and physiognomy. Now that Father has finally allowed me to ask you, show me, won’t you?”

Li Xuanba gave him a thumbs-up: “You could become the Imperial Maternal Uncle!”

Changsun Wuji: “……” Ancestor of mine, not even a shred of surprise.

Changsun Wuji asked: “How is Li Er with my younger sister? Does he favor concubines or kill wives?”

Li Zhiyun perked up his ears. Luo Shixin covered his ears.

Li Xuanba said: “They get along very well. Actually, too well. Your sister-in-law had so many children she ruined her health.”

Changsun Wuji sighed: “No wonder Father repeatedly told my sister to marry late, and even after marriage, wait until reaching adulthood before consummating. Did you tell Father already?”

Li Xuanba said: “If I hadn’t told Teacher Changsun about your future with your sister-in-law, how could he have ‘suddenly sat up in shock while on his deathbed’?”

Changsun Wuji twitched at the corner of his mouth: “Do you dare to tell my father your ‘sat up in shock while on his deathbed’ line?”

Li Xuanba said: “I once joked with Teacher Changsun like this. He has a broad mind and didn’t mind.”

Changsun Wuji rolled his eyes furiously.

He had already realized that his father probably spoiled Li Xuanba even more than him.

It was certainly because Li Xuanba was physically weak.

Changsun Wuji knew Li Xuanba was withholding the truth about his future.

This withholding was not a lie, but it meant that before he became the Imperial Maternal Uncle, his life with his sister-in-law probably wouldn’t be smooth—otherwise his father wouldn’t have ‘sat up in shock while on his deathbed.’

When he was young, Changsun Wuji had once overheard his drunken elder brother cursing that after Father died, he would throw out their mother, him, and his younger sister.

Changsun Wuji connected this with Li Xuanba’s surprise at his martial arts skill today.

If he had lived with his maternal uncle, he probably would not have had the chance to study martial arts under a renowned teacher.

After a little thought, Changsun Wuji guessed some things about his future.

But he did not continue asking Li Xuanba.

Those hardships would not happen now, and his relationship with his elder brother had already softened. His elder brother seemed to be content to live off the title and wait for inheritance, leaving Changsun Wuji to strive and uphold the prestige of the Changsun family.

He had no reason to quarrel with his elder brother over things that hadn’t even happened.

His elder brother now had a good relationship with their little sister. This matter couldn’t be revealed to her—she would certainly be upset.

After teasing each other a bit and sharing the secret of “prophecies and physiognomy,” Changsun Wuji and Li Xuanba returned to the familiar camaraderie they had as children.

Once Li Shimin left Zhangye, the task of reviewing official documents fell squarely on Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba handed the Western Turk envoy group over to Changsun Wuji to train, and got Li Zhiyun to help him with the paperwork.

Li Zhiyun immediately “provoked” Luo Shixin into joining as a junior clerk. Watching Luo Shixin scratch his head in frustration, Li Xuanba’s own fatigue from work eased considerably.

After clearing about half of the backlog, Li Xuanba finally saw the letters Li Shimin had left for him.

He held the letters for a long moment, speechless.

Not only had his second brother left letters without telling Changsun Wuji, but he had also just slipped them casually into the pile of documents. Was there something wrong with him?

Li Xuanba opened a letter. The first line read: “Finished half the work already?”

He took a deep breath.

Li Zhiyun jumped up from the couch and held Li Xuanba’s hand: “Third brother, if you tear up the letter in anger now, won’t you make me help you piece it back together later? Don’t add to your younger brother’s workload!”

Li Xuanba rubbed Li Zhiyun’s head hard before calming down and continuing to read the letter.

Li Zhiyun sat down beside Luo Shixin, making faces at him.

Luo Shixin asked, “Do your eyes hurt?”

Li Zhiyun replied, “I mean, if I leave this household, it’ll all fall apart!”

“Oh,” said Luo Shixin.

Li Xuanba shot a glance at his smug little brother and continued reading, suppressing his anger.

Li Shimin teased a bit before getting down to business.

After Li Xuanba left, Fang Qiao, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji all arrived in Zhangye. Li Shimin had thought he could freely expand his influence.

But to his surprise, no matter what notices he posted or promises of rewards he offered, it was difficult to recruit suitable talent.

Li Shimin personally visited well-known local scholars. They politely declined, saying they had no intention of entering official service.

Li Xuanba sighed.

Although his second brother already had top-tier aides in Fang Qiao, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji, even the best aides still needed a large number of mid-level subordinates to support them.

Especially for paperwork, the talent required didn’t need to be extraordinary, but the sheer number of hands needed was overwhelming.

In later records of the officials in Prince Qin Li Shimin’s household, dozens could be named with biographical notes, not to mention the mid-level clerks who didn’t make the list.

The lands of He’you were sparsely populated with scholars. Those with even a little ability hoped to hone their skills before trying their luck in the Central Plains.

Even going to Daxing, the western capital the emperor seldom visited, to join prominent families and aristocrats was considered a good opportunity.

If not for Li Shimin’s status as the second son of the Duke of Tang, they wouldn’t even open the door for him, probably giving an excuse of “visiting friends” and politely turning him away.

A “military general” held little appeal to them—they would leave after the war.

Everyone knew Li Shimin had a Duke of Tang and a Duke’s heir above him; following him had low prospects. Unless Li Shimin had a noble title now, only then might collateral family members send their children to join him; otherwise, it would tarnish their family’s reputation.

The Sui dynasty inherited Wei and Jin traditions, placing importance on family status. Though the emphasis on “family-appointed officials” or “former officials” was less than in previous dynasties, it could not be ignored.

Many of the local elite families in He’you held hereditary posts or had family members serving as high officials. The second son of the Duke of Tang, Li Shimin, simply had too low a family status.

After struggling in vain for a while, Li Shimin gave up.

He wanted to shift his “track” and recruit scholars from humble families.

But in this era, scholars from humble families were extremely rare, and those who were usable were even rarer. Many who possessed even one or two annotated classics in their homes could already boast of a “family scholarly tradition.”

Li Shimin was utterly helpless.

“No wonder, A-Xuan, you’re developing printing. Though it’s too late to cultivate talent with printing in Zhangye now, you could use annotated classics by Teacher Gao, Teacher Yuwen, and Teacher Xue to lure younger branches of the aristocratic families. Printing costs money—if King Tianzhu invites me as a guest, I’ll get some funds from him.”

Li Xuanba paused for a moment, then realized that in his effort to raise funds for his second brother’s cavalry and to revitalize Zhangye’s frontier markets, he had neglected this “side project” of spreading printed books.

Although he had promoted printing in Daxing and Luoyang for several years, without strong imperial support, printing shops existed only near the two capitals and prosperous county seats in the Central Plains. In remote Zhangye, even paper was a scarce commodity.

Everything had priorities. Only he and his second brother were busy in Zhangye, with no energy to handle everything; they could only focus on the most important matters.

Now, with three additional helpers, he and his second brother could finally consider other matters.

“Scholars of He’you look down on the second son of the Duke of Tang? What a joke. Do they really think they can marry into higher family status?” Li Xuanba, though aware of the arrogance of the elites, had thought that the local powerful families’ collateral branches, who had little opportunity anyway, would be willing to follow his second brother.

Li Zhiyun bit his pen: “Perhaps the collateral branch members are willing, but no one dares to take the first step. They fear being laughed at by others. The worse their own family situation, the more concerned scholars are about saving face.”

Luo Shixin looked at Li Zhiyun incredulously.

Li Zhiyun frowned: “What’s that expression for?”

Li Xuanba chuckled: “His expression means ‘I didn’t expect Li Wulang, you’re so clever.’ It’s a compliment.”

Li Zhiyun muttered, “Don’t treat me like a child.”

Li Xuanba praised him: “You immediately hit the point. How could I still treat you as a child? I’m planning to hold a literary gathering to make your name known—would you be able to take on such responsibility?”

Li Zhiyun said, “No problem! But Third Brother, why not hold the gathering in your name?”

Changsun Wuji entered carrying documents: “Because they don’t deserve it. Don’t forget, your third brother is also a scholar.”

Li Zhiyun only then remembered that his third brother held such an impressive title.

In the seventh year of Emperor Wen of Sui’s Kaihuang era, an edict was issued stating, “Each province shall annually recommend three people,” called the Chang Gong (常贡, “Regular Recommendations”). Among those recommended, those who passed the examination as xiucai were considered the most outstanding in literary talent and policy response.

However, although Emperor Wen established the Chang Gong, he looked down on the talents being recommended and only recognized those who attained official positions through family connections. Because of the emperor’s disregard, the selection of xiucai was effectively controlled by powerful ministers.

Later evaluations stated: “The emperor had no real desire to seek talent, those responding to the edict were rare, and occasionally one or two emerged, but were met with jealousy.”

The Wenxian Tongkao records that in the Du family, three generations—Du Zhengxuan, Du Zhengcang, and Du Zhenglun—produced three xiucai. Du Zhengxuan and Du Zhengcang faced suppression from Yang Su and Su Wei, purely out of jealousy.

Even powerful ministers like Yang Su and Su Wei envied the fame of the xiucai. Though the Sui xiucai title was mostly nominal, with few ever attaining high office, its honor was undeniable.

Li Xuanba, this xiucai, had been personally “handpicked” by Yang Guang, who wanted a prodigy to signal auspicious fortune; otherwise, he would never have been selected.

Yet Li Xuanba’s current achievements were enough to convince the world that he was a true xiucai. Therefore, he could not casually hold a literary gathering in his own name.

After explaining to Li Xuanba, Changsun Wuji added: “That said, it’s not impossible for you to hold a literary gathering. It’s just that the scholars of Hedong look down on you, so naturally, you’ll have to act as though you disdain their learning. In fact, when Li Er (your second brother) wanted to recruit talents, I suggested waiting for you to return and using your name to attract them, but he refused.”

Li Xuanba asked in confusion, “Why?”

Changsun Wuji shrugged: “He said my brother is so accomplished that it should be them kneeling and begging for your guidance, not you inviting them to a literary gathering.”

Li Xuanba chuckled: “These past few years, I’ve been idling in the military camps with my second brother. They’ve probably forgotten that I even hold a ‘xiucai’ title. Otherwise, they would have already come to seek my teachings.”

Changsun Wuji said: “Du Keming thinks the same. But Du Keming agrees they should kneel and beg you.”

Li Xuanba was speechless. What happened to the ‘Du Duan’ I knew? The Du Duan he knew was just a professional instigator?

Changsun Wuji continued: “Li Er would rather go to King Tianzhu to set up a printing shop, exchanging books for talents, than lower himself to ask others. So yes, the literary gathering can be held. Just don’t lose face, or when Li Er returns, he’ll hit me.”

Li Xuanba said: “You can hit me back.”

Changsun Wuji twitched at the corner of his mouth: “Shut up. What is your fifth brother good at? Even though the brothers you and Li Er have taught are certainly not bad, it’s wise to play to strengths and avoid weaknesses.”

Li Xuanba said: “The fifth is good at calligraphy. Teacher Yu highly praises him.”

Changsun Wuji smiled: “Then it’s no problem. Compared to Teacher Yu’s calligraphy, even the most skilled scribes here look like they’re crawling like dogs. I knew you’d find a respectable excuse to hold a literary gathering upon your return. The list has already been drafted. Those circled are from less wealthy families and might enter the household’s service. They may not be the best talents, but they are enough to be trained as clerks.”

Seeing that Changsun Wuji had prepared everything, Li Xuanba felt a strange sense of being underwhelmed by how easy the work seemed.

No wonder Changsun Wuji was the top merit figure of Lingyan Pavilion. His strategies are not prominent in history, but he likely did the job of a trusted chief of staff, much like now.

With Changsun Wuji handling preparations, Li Xuanba would only appear in person. He continued focusing on internal affairs without being distracted by minor matters.

Li Zhiyun practiced calligraphy with Luo Shixin every day, humorously called by Li Xuanba “cramming at the last minute.”

On the day of the literary gathering, Li Zhiyun indeed astonished everyone with his running script, just as Li Xuanba and Changsun Wuji had predicted.

A group of scholars, ostensibly to learn calligraphy, quickly gathered around Li Zhiyun. Changsun Wuji accompanied Li Xuanba daily, examining their learning as if inspecting large radishes.

Changsun Wuji: “Still, not many are useful.”

Li Xuanba: “Sigh.”

It really was difficult to recruit talent from the common people during the late Sui.

…

“A-Xuan should have returned to Zhangye by now,” Li Shimin said, taking a sip of strong wine to warm himself, letting out a long sigh.

The perceptive Zong Luohu asked: “General, are you worried about your younger brother?”

Zong Luohu was a rising “new noble” in the army, recommended to Li Shimin by Fang Qiao.

Though Li Shimin was not highly regarded by the local gentry of He You, many rural warriors were willing to serve him.

Fang Qiao, using the excuse that Xihai Commandery required a large garrison, sent Du Ruhuai to work there, while he himself claimed to be recruiting local warriors under imperial orders, traveling from He You’s commanderies to Longxi’s commanderies, attracting many warriors under the banner of “the youngest marching general, invincible Li Shimin.”

Zong Luohu was from Jincheng Commandery. Upon arriving, Fang Qiao investigated the locals and discovered Zong Luohu’s reputation for exceptional martial skills from childhood, immediately visiting him.

The visit delighted Fang Qiao. Zong Luohu not only had excellent martial ability but also courage and strategy. Leaving him with his lord for a time, he could become a great general.

Although Zong Luohu had heard of Li Shimin’s reputation, he felt ashamed to serve due to Li Shimin’s age.

But Fang Qiao was skilled in human relations; in a haze of events, the two became friends, and Zong Luohu reluctantly agreed to meet.

This trial, with hardly any luggage and appearing quite indifferent, led to Zong Luohu deciding not to leave.

Li Shimin sighed: “A-Xuan is my twin brother, so he’s not exactly my youngest, but I do worry about him. He’s physically weak and just went to Yiwu City to serve as envoy to the Western Turks. I don’t know if he caught a cold or gotten sick.”

Zong Luohu realized who “A-Xuan” referred to. The young general’s reputation as a strategist born with complete foresight had already spread to Longxi Commanderies.

Zong Luohu said: “If the general trusts me, you may temporarily assign the troops to me. I will ensure victory for you.”

Li Shimin had been invited by King Tianzhu to “make a fortune,” which meant going to attack other tribes.

Whether Tuyuhun or any Qiang-Tubo clans, King Tianzhu had already declared himself khan. Anyone refusing submission would be attacked.

King Tianzhu not only paid Li Shimin “mercenary” wages, but Li Shimin also got first pick of the spoils. All King Tianzhu wanted were his herds and pastures.

With such generous terms, Li Shimin made the decision on the spot. “Done!”

…just that he would do it behind A-Xuan’s back.

Although his younger brother had told him to train troops, he had also emphasized that when heavy snow sealed the mountains and the weather was harsh, he must not go—safety came first.

But when has war ever been absolutely safe? With the Heavenly Pillar King leading the way and providing logistics, Li Shimin believed the gains far outweighed the risks. This was something he had to do.

Once he returned to Zhangye with spoils of war, even if his brother got angry, it would be too late.

“I trust you, but you’re not yet familiar with my way of fighting,” Li Shimin said to Zong Luohu and the other commanders.

“I’ll take you through a few battles first, then give you chances to command troops on your own. Leading an army into battle is very different from leading village militias to defend their homes. I’ll teach you some orthodox military doctrine—you’ll need it in the future.”

Zong Luohu and the others immediately replied excitedly, “Yes!”

Methods of training troops annotated by famous generals were like Confucian classics annotated by great scholars—family heirlooms that usually only aristocratic and military clans could access.
Most of them were merely local strongmen. Even if they had some literacy, they would never have had the chance to see such “treasures.”

Though young, Li Shimin was already a renowned general of his age—indeed, even by historical standards. For such a commander to personally teach them training and marching methods left any ambitious man flushed with excitement and deeply grateful.

Zong Luohu felt even more fortunate that he had trusted his friend’s recommendation.
To pledge loyalty to such a lord early on was a huge bargain.

Li Shimin paid no attention to his subordinates’ excitement.

He knew he would become emperor in the future. Those who followed him from the beginning would all have the chance to be enfeoffed and command armies of their own. Since there weren’t many wars right now, it was best to train people who could operate independently—then he himself would have it easier later.

“Rest’s over. Move out!”

Li Shimin hung his empty wineskin on the back of his horse and waved to the brave young men behind him, laughing loudly.

“Zong Luohu, you lure the enemy out. I’ll take the troops and flank them. Your acting better be good—don’t drag me down!”

Zong Luohu said, “General, why don’t you lure them and I go around the back? My fighting strength is definitely enough!”

Li Shimin laughed and flicked a whip across Zong Luohu’s horse’s rump. “Not a chance! You take the frustrating jobs, I take the satisfying ones. I’m the general!”

Zong Luohu sighed. “As you command.”

After pretending to sigh, he couldn’t help laughing along with the young general.

Swinging his riding whip, Zong Luohu rode beside the young commander, hooves pounding through the muddy ground left by melting snow, galloping toward the midday sun.

…

In Daxing City, Yuwen Bi and Changsun Sheng were cursing loudly, while Gao Jiong and Xue Daoheng stood around trying to calm them down.

Yuwen Bi raged, “Li Yuan is inhuman! Just when Erlang and Sanlang’s careers are taking off, he drags them back to get married! He even persuaded the emperor to issue an edict!”

Changsun Sheng shouted, “My Guanyin is only thirteen! How can she leave her parents so early?!”

Gao Jiong and Xue Daoheng kept sighing.

Just as they were wracking their brains for how to comfort them, Gao Jiong’s son Gao Biaoren, who had stayed home to care for his father, rushed in.

“Father! Father! Something terrible has happened!”

Gao Jiong said calmly, “How terrible could it be? It’s not like Yang Guang has started suspecting me again.”

Gao Biaoren stopped short. “Oh, no. The emperor has ordered another campaign against Goguryeo.”

Gao Jiong: “……”

After a long sigh, he said to Yuwen Bi and Changsun Sheng, “Then maybe you should just agree to it. The whole realm is about to fall into chaos. If you don’t hold the weddings now, who knows how many years it’ll be before you get another chance.”

Yuwen Bi hesitated.

Changsun Sheng said stiffly, “My daughter is still young. It’s just right to marry her off a few years later!”

Gao Jiong said, “When Li Yuan rises in rebellion, aren’t you afraid he’ll stuff a few defeated generals’ daughters into Li Erlang’s household and produce a bastard eldest son before your daughter even enters the door? An emperor’s bastard eldest son is far more troublesome than an ordinary family’s.”

Changsun Sheng frowned. “Li Erlang isn’t that kind of person.”

Gao Jiong said, “Don’t place your hopes on others. First marry your daughter into the Li family. Only then can you negotiate and make sure no one enters the inner household before Li Erlang consummates the marriage with your daughter.”

Changsun Sheng still frowned.

Gao Jiong continued, “I trust Li Daxiong’s character even more than you do. I believe he would never break a promise. But when it’s something you can control yourself, no matter how much you trust the other side, don’t give away the initiative. You understand this too.”

Changsun Sheng sighed. “Lord Gao is right.”

Yuwen Bi said, “I’m still worried about Erlang and Sanlang’s careers.”

Gao Jiong said, “Third Son, go to Zhangye and help Erlang and Sanlang hold the Hexi Corridor. You don’t need to do much—just listen to Fang Qiao, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji. All you have to do is use your title as Duke of Bohai to keep the other officials in line.”

Gao Jiong’s second son, Gao Hongde, had been enfeoffed as Duke of Ying but had already died young. His third son, Gao Biaoren, though not holding office, had been granted the title Duke of Bohai during Emperor Wen’s reign due to Gao Jiong’s merits.

That was why Gao Jiong increasingly disliked Li Yuan.

If Li Yuan’s sons were going to fight over the position of crown prince in the future, at least there would be some justification.

But Li Yuan didn’t even know he would become emperor one day. Yet Erlang and Sanlang, simply because they were too outstanding, were forced to yield and were even suppressed by Old Madam Dugu? How ridiculous.

Not to mention that Li Yuan’s second and third sons were certainly capable of earning titles on their own—Gao Jiong’s third son had been Duke of Bohai while still in the cradle.

If Li Yuan were competent, he would have earned noble titles for his sons early. Why would Li Jiancheng need to cling so desperately to the heir’s position?

Merit-based titles required time and age, but hereditary enfeoffment depended only on the father’s achievements. If Erlang and Sanlang had been ennobled early, they would not be so constrained when they fought for the realm.

Li Yuan was already forty-eight this year. Yang Guang was constantly waging wars—there were countless chances to rack up military merit. Yet Li Yuan still hadn’t managed to secure titles for his younger sons. Wasn’t that just incompetence?

The closer the realm came to chaos, and the closer Li Yuan drew to the throne, the more Gao Jiong disliked him.

Gao Biaoren said unhappily, “Father, I just don’t want to take office. That doesn’t mean I have no ability—I’m not so useless that I’d be inferior to three people younger than me.”

Gao Jiong said, “I know your abilities better than you do. You can become a capable minister, but those three can all become famous chancellors.”

Gao Biaoren pouted. “Yes. But Father, if I went to Zhangye on my own, won’t the emperor become wary of me?”

Gao Jiong replied calmly, “With him campaigning against Goguryeo this time, he has no spare energy to deal with the Western Regions. The Crown Prince won’t just sit still either.”

Changsun Sheng, Yuwen Bi, and Xue Daoheng all sighed at his words.

Xue Daoheng beat his chest in frustration. “Yang Guang’s two crown princes are both good, yet the fate of the Sui has to end in Yang Guang’s hands!”

Changsun Sheng said, “That’s a good thing. No matter how good those two crown princes are, can they compare to Second Young Master Li?”

Xue Daoheng pointed at Changsun Sheng’s nose and scolded him, “You’re just waiting to become the imperial father-in-law, aren’t you?!”

Changsun Sheng replied unhurriedly, “Yes.”

Xue Daoheng: “……”

The old man was so angry he flicked his sleeve and turned away, sulking with his back to Changsun Sheng.

Yuwen Bi tried to smooth things over. “Since things have come to this, the Sui is destined to fall in Yang Guang’s hands. Xuanqing, why do you still grieve for Sui? When Yang Guang tried to kill you, he didn’t feel any grief.”

Xue Daoheng said miserably, “I know, but it still hurts. I just feel sorry toward the late emperor.”

Yuwen Bi, Xue Daoheng, and Changsun Sheng all showed somber expressions.

Only Gao Jiong thought to himself that if Emperor Wen of Sui were truly watching from heaven, he would be extremely happy.

Back in Emperor Wen’s time, Gao Jiong himself had nearly been “cooked once the hounds were no longer needed.”

When his colleagues mourned Emperor Wen, Gao Jiong instead pulled his son aside and warned him to rein in that lofty, fastidious scholar’s temperament, eat more mutton and speak less in Zhangye Commandery.

Gao Biaoren sighed.

Having two genius junior brothers was really annoying. He had gone from being his father’s most beloved youngest son to a weed by the roadside, despised and ignored.

Still… was Zhangye’s mutton really better than Daxing’s? Slurp. Third Young Master’s cooking was excellent—he should make me a whole roast lamb before coming back for my wedding!

…

Li Shimin happily drove the herd of cattle and sheep tied with gold and silk back toward Zhangye.

Li Xuanba looked at the seemingly endless stream of livestock and could only let out a long sigh.

He knew it—no amount of nagging was useful. If his second brother could behave himself, then what would Wei Zheng even be needed for?

“Aiya, seeing the birthday gift your big brother brought you, at least smile a little,” Li Shimin teased his younger brother. “Come on, smile. Happy belated birthday.”

Li Xuanba took a scroll out of his sleeve. “A belated birthday gift.”

Li Shimin opened it and saw the names of civil officials with their posts already arranged. His smile faded. “You’re still making use of your xiucai reputation—”

Li Xuanba interrupted, “I had Xiao Wu host a literary gathering under the pretext of making friends.”

Li Shimin froze. “Huh? Xiao Wu? He’s still so young! What kind of literary gathering can he host?”

Li Zhiyun stepped out from behind Li Xuanba, full of grievance. “I knew Second Brother wouldn’t say anything good about me, so I hid behind Third Brother on purpose.”

Not only was Li Shimin not embarrassed, he even reached out and gave Li Zhiyun a knock on the head.

Li Xuanba said, “Xiao Wu is good at calligraphy. Even the self-proclaimed masters of the Hexi region are ashamed in comparison to him.”

Li Shimin said disdainfully, “What calligraphy masters could there be on that frontier? Exiles? They’re not even as good as me.”

Li Xuanba was helpless. “Both of us studied under Teacher Yu. There aren’t many people under heaven who write better than we do. Why are you competing with Hexi scholars? Aren’t you ashamed? Oh right, Senior Brother Gao has arrived. He said he also has a birthday gift for us and insisted on waiting for you to come before telling us.”

Li Shimin immediately grabbed one brother in each hand and dragged them toward the carriage. “Senior Brother Gao is here? Why didn’t you say so earlier! Changsun Silang, leave the rest to you. Ah, Zhou Da, Luo Shixin, take Zong Luohe and give him a good tour of Zhangye City. Hurry up!”

Li Xuanba: “It hurts, it hurts!”

Li Zhiyun: “Ahhh, Second Brother, be gentler!”

Changsun Wuji watched Li Shimin—who treated him with such a lack of courtesy that even basic politeness was ignored—drive the carriage off with the two brothers, muttering nonstop about “making bad friends.”

He looked again at the endless herds of cattle and sheep, feeling both delighted and troubled.

“Dade, Dade… you really worked hard before.”

…

Li Shimin drove the carriage like a war chariot. Taking advantage of the fact that Zhangye was still not very warm and there weren’t many people in the city, he sped all the way home.

Gao Biaoren was sitting with one leg crossed, dried beef in one hand and a book in the other, completely absorbed.

Li Shimin shouted in a booming voice, “Gao Sanlang, since you’re here, why didn’t you come to the gate to welcome me?”

Gao Biaoren didn’t even look up. “I, the Duke of Bohai, am supposed to go to the city gate to welcome you?”

Li Shimin laughed and rushed over. “Of course! Come quickly and pay your respects to the Marching General.”

Gao Biaoren sighed.

He put down the jerky and the book and patted his hands. “I pay my respects to the Marching General.”

Li Shimin cupped his hands. “I pay my respects to the Duke of Bohai.”

After finishing their act, the two laughed and threw their arms around each other’s shoulders.

Although Gao Biaoren was more than ten years older than Li Shimin, when the two were together, there was no sense of age difference at all—like close brothers.

Li Shimin laughed. “Senior Brother, what birthday gift did you bring that’s so mysterious you had to wait for me to come back before giving it?”

Gao Biaoren pulled an imperial edict out of his robes. “Li Erlang, Li Sanlang, receive the edict.”

Li Shimin couldn’t be bothered to formally receive it and snatched it from Gao Biaoren’s hands. “What? His Majesty finally wants to grant me and A-Xuan noble titles—huh? What? A marriage decree? What nonsense is this? Do Guanyin and I still need him to grant our marriage? Oh? So many rewards? Thank you, Your Majesty, for the marriage decree.”

“Mercenary,” Gao Biaoren said in disgust. “This was requested by your father. He wants you to go to Taiyuan to get married first, then return to Zhangye.”

Because it was so sudden, Li Xuanba’s joy was scared right out of him.

Li Xuanba asked in confusion, “Why so urgent?”

Gao Biaoren said, “Father believes, first, that you two are already sixteen, the proper age for marriage; and second, that chaos will soon sweep the realm. The Duke of Tang is likely making preparations, so he wants to secure his in-laws first.”

Li Xuanba finally relaxed. “That’s good, then. I was afraid he already feared us and was trying to block Second Brother’s and my ambitions.”

Gao Biaoren said, “There’s no need to worry yet. You’re still young—everything you’re doing now is also his enterprise. Sigh… why don’t I have sons as good as you two?”

Li Shimin cursed, “Get lost! Be careful—if I become emperor in the future, I’ll make you change how you address me and call me ‘Father’!”

Gao Biaoren replied cheerfully, “Sure, then I’ll write to Father right away.”

“Get out!” Li Shimin kicked him.

Li Xuanba continued to frown anxiously. “This is a critical moment. I just hope nothing happens during the six months while we go to Taiyuan to get married.”

Gao Biaoren said, “Something will definitely happen. His Majesty is going on another expedition against Goguryeo. That’s why Father had me come to help you hold Zhangye. My title of Duke of Bohai is still pretty intimidating.”

Li Shimin stopped smiling and frowned. “His Majesty sent you here to help us guard Zhangye?”

Gao Biaoren shook his head. “No. I went to ask His Majesty to let me deliver the imperial edict.”

Li Xuanba and Li Shimin spoke in unison: “Absurd! Dangerous!”

Gao Biaoren said, “Father believes that after His Majesty’s third failed campaign against Goguryeo, he won’t have the strength to control the Western Regions anymore. No matter what I do there, it won’t be dangerous—news won’t reach His Majesty.”

Li Xuanba and Li Shimin exchanged a glance.

Li Shimin frowned silently.

Li Xuanba sighed. “Second Cousin… he wouldn’t be planning to force a palace coup, would he?”

“That’s Father’s deduction,” Gao Biaoren said.

Li Shimin took off his hat and slammed it heavily to the ground. “Yang Guang has driven Cousin to this!”

In his grief and anger, a trace of confusion rose in his heart.

In the future… will I also be forced into such a situation?

Li Xuanba patted his second brother’s shoulder. “Brother, don’t overthink it. Just do it.”

Li Shimin twitched his mouth. “Stop copying the way I talk.”

The confusion in his heart vanished.