LFHYB -Chapter 129 An Unexpected Talent

Luo Shixin reunited with Qin Qiong and Pei Xingyan, and the three immediately fell into playful banter without any awkwardness.

Though Pei Xingyan’s status was far below Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin, their interactions were like those of ordinary friends.

Qin Qiong was slightly older than Pei Xingyan, usually earnest and well-mannered, appearing honest and simple.

But when, after getting consent from Li Xuanba and Li Zhiyun, he pinned down Luo Shixin to give him a beating, his fierce expression startled Li Xuanba as if he were seeing a door god come alive.

It was unexpected that the later depictions of Door God Qin Qiong had really captured his essence. What a fascinating coincidence.

Li Xuanba watched with a smile as Luo Shixin got disciplined by the two older brothers. Li Zhiyun clapped and laughed: “Serves you right.”

Luo Shixin made an insulting gesture at Li Zhiyun and cursed: “Jihong, just you wait!”

Li Zhiyun grinned: “I’m waiting, I’m waiting. I’ll watch you get beaten so badly you can’t get up, and then stand by your bed and laugh at you.”

Li Xuanba shook his head helplessly. If Xiao Wu did get beaten by Luo Shixin later, it would be entirely his own fault.

Who did Xiao Wu learn that cheeky attitude from?

After Pei Xingyan “disciplined” Luo Shixin, he felt refreshed and dragged Liu Heng and Xue Yuanjing to drink together.

Li Zhiyun leaned over and asked Liu Heng if his niece was good-looking.

Liu Heng’s gaze toward Li Zhiyun was particularly complex.

When arranging a marriage, whose child would ask about the woman’s appearance? Marriage alliances focused on family background and virtue, not looks.

Yet seeing Li Zhiyun’s sparkling eyes, Liu Heng inexplicably felt no displeasure.

Pei Xingyan pointed at Liu Heng’s face, laughing: “Look at him, does he still need to ask about his niece’s appearance?”

Li Zhiyun understood immediately, politely poured wine for Liu Heng, treating him like a future father-in-law.

Liu Heng drank the wine poured by Li Zhiyun.

The niece he wanted to introduce to Li Zhiyun would, if he did not return to Hedong, be the youngest sister of Liu Shi, coming in his place.

Liu Shi’s father had passed away, and now the family was under the care of his elders. When sending his niece off in the future, he would assume the responsibilities of her father’s generation, so he could be considered Li Zhiyun’s future father-in-law. That made this wine all the more meaningful.

Luo Shixin only had some bruises; Qin Qiong and Pei Xingyan were careful—disciplining him without causing real harm.

After resting a bit, Luo Shixin, teeth bared, brought Qin Qiong to pay respects to Li Xuanba and pulled him aside to speak for a while.

Qin Qiong respectfully said: “We came abruptly to seek your aid; please forgive us, Third Brother.”

Li Xuanba smiled: “Can anyone be more abrupt than Shixin? He ran into my Second Brother at Zhangye city gates, and the two went together to gamble at the military camp.”

Qin Qiong glanced at Luo Shixin.

Luo Shixin rubbed his nose sheepishly.

Qin Qiong said, “Brother Luo’s courage and insight are why he could serve a wise ruler.”

Li Xuanba gestured for Qin Qiong to sit, and had a servant bring over some honeyed water.

He could tell that Qin Qiong was probably a bit hungry, but it seemed he didn’t want to eat before finishing their conversation. Or perhaps, seeing that all the others present were sons of high-ranking families, he felt awkward sharing the table. Either way, Li Xuanba decided to give him the honeyed water first to stave off his hunger.

“Wet your throat first, and speak slowly,” Li Xuanba said.

Qin Qiong thanked him and drank more than half of the honeyed water, his eyes flashing.

Luo Shixin leaned toward Qin Qiong and whispered, “The Third Lord worries you’ll go hungry.”

Li Xuanba said helplessly, “You talk too much.”

Luo Shixin made a gesture to shush him.

Qin Qiong understood immediately. It seemed Luo Shixin truly liked the place he was staying now, and sincerely hoped that Qin Qiong would stay too.

Seeing Qin Qiong hesitate, Li Xuanba guessed he might be reluctant to talk about his former superior, so he asked proactively: “I remember Shixin said your courtesy name is Shubao. May I be so bold as to address you by it?”

Qin Qiong hurriedly said, “Third Lord, please feel free.”

Li Xuanba said, “I heard that you once served under General Zhang. General Zhang must have trusted and valued you. Could you tell me why you abandoned the experience you gained under him to come to the Tang Duke’s residence in Hedong?”

Qin Qiong replied, “I received a letter from Shixin. He told me that under Second Lord Li, promotions are based solely on merit, not on background.”

After saying this, Qin Qiong fell silent, saying no more.

Even without further explanation, Li Xuanba understood why Qin Qiong had left Zhang Xutuo.

Seeing that Pei Xingyan didn’t know that Luo Shixin served under Second Lord Li, Li Xuanba assumed Qin Qiong didn’t know either. But it turned out that Luo Shixin had quietly written to Qin Qiong, and Qin Qiong was aware.

There were simple reasons why Luo Shixin kept this from Pei Xingyan. First, his secret departure had slightly embarrassed General Zhang, who had otherwise treated him well, so it was best not to make a fuss. Second, Pei Xingyan came from a prestigious family, his father a high-ranking official with a bright future ahead—there was no need to “hint” anything to him.

Although brave, Qin Qiong, like Luo Shixin, came from a humble background, so promotions were not easy.

Qin Qiong had once served under Lai Huer. When Qin Qiong’s mother passed away, Lai Huer even sent someone to offer condolences.

The Old Book of Tang records Lai Huer’s response when a subordinate questioned him: “This man is brave and resolute; he will surely attain wealth and honor on his own. How could he be treated poorly?”

This response showed that Lai Huer valued Qin Qiong, but it also illustrated that Qin Qiong’s position in Lai Huer’s army was no different from ordinary soldiers—being “treated poorly” was the norm.

So, although Lai Huer appeared to value Qin Qiong, after fulfilling filial duties to his mother, Qin Qiong joined Zhang Xutuo’s army under the then magistrate of Qi Commandery.

Li Xuanba reviewed historical records about Qin Qiong.

It seems that only in December of that year did Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin demonstrate their courage and martial skill in Zhang Xutuo’s army, gradually earning recognition.

But Qin Qiong’s humble background meant that, even after years of accumulated achievements—including leading the charge in battles—he had only risen to the sixth-rank Jianjie Wei.

This was still an accomplishment possible only under a leader like Zhang Xutuo, who promoted talent regardless of status.

Before July, Qin Qiong likely hadn’t yet had the chance to achieve significant distinction in Zhang Xutuo’s army and felt frustrated. Perhaps upon receiving Luo Shixin’s letter, and seeing the prestigious young man Pei Xingyan also heading to the Tang Duke’s residence, he decided to follow.

Li Xuanba asked, “Did General Zhang send you with a message?”

Qin Qiong was startled: “Third Lord, how do you know?”

Li Xuanba smiled: “General Zhang is a famous general of his time; he surely recognizes the talents of you and Shixin, but due to certain reasons, could not promote you. He didn’t know Shixin had come here, but when you left, you must have bid him farewell.”

Qin Qiong hesitated a moment, then spoke truthfully: “General Zhang didn’t find Shixin in his hometown, and guessed he might have gone west to seek Second Lord Li.”

Luo Shixin nearly spit out his honeyed water: “No way?!”

Qin Qiong looked at him as if he were a little fool: “You always ask about Second Lord Li’s exploits in the army, speaking of him with respect. Leaving the army, without going home, where else could you go?”

Luo Shixin laughed foolishly: “Is it that obvious?”

Qin Qiong sighed, took a letter from his bosom, and respectfully handed it to Li Xuanba: “I originally intended to deliver this to Second Lord Li…”

“But giving it to Third Lord Li is the same as giving it to Second Lord Li; anyway, Second Lord will read it with Third Lord. Better for Third Lord to read it first and decide if it’s appropriate to hand it to Second Lord,” Luo Shixin interjected.

On the surface, Li Xuanba appeared serious; Third Lord Li appeared approachable. But Luo Shixin’s intuition was sharp—he always felt that Third Lord Li was easier to talk to, while Second Lord Li was more imposing.

Even knowing that his lord would not be upset, Luo Shixin would not speak recklessly in his presence.

Perhaps that is the aura a true ruler should have.

Li Xuanba opened the letter, puzzled: “What could be inappropriate here… hmm?!”

“Scoundrel! You’ve stolen away my two mighty generals! If we meet, I’ll beat you badly! Even the emperor won’t save you!”

Li Xuanba took a deep breath.

The letter was long, but what was that opening line about? General Zhang, you may be a general, but having come from a civil background, is such a fiery temper really appropriate?

Li Xuanba looked at Qin Qiong.

Qin Qiong smiled wryly.

Luo Shixin teased: “Brother Qin is honest and intends to hand this letter straight to Second Lord Li. What if he gets angry? Although he certainly won’t, he might take the opportunity to go challenge General Zhang.”

“Second Brother isn’t like that…” Li Xuanba paused, massaging his forehead. “No, he is exactly like that.”

With Second Brother’s mischievous nature, he might indeed take this chance to visit Zhang Xutuo and spar with him.

Li Xuanba sighed and continued reading the letter.

After starting with a joking remark about “relying on seniority,” General Zhang went on to describe Qin Qiong’s performance in the army in detail and personally vouched for him, recommending him to Li Shimin.

He even complained about Luo Shixin a little in the letter, saying that the boy was impatient and hoping that Second Young Master Li wouldn’t get angry. If he really didn’t like him, he could just return Luo Shixin to him, so he could properly discipline him.

Li Xuanba turned the letter over several times, but all he saw was “Second Young Master Li” and never “Duke of Tang.”

“Do you mean to serve my second brother, not the Duke of Tang’s household?” Li Xuanba asked.

Qin Qiong replied, “Under the Duke of Tang, it would probably be no different from serving under General Zhang.”

Li Xuanba said, “In a few days, you’ll go with Brother Pei to Taiyuan to see my second brother. After that meeting, set off immediately. Zhangye really needs capable generals. The journey will be hard, so I appreciate your effort.”

Qin Qiong quickly clasped his fists, excited: “It’s no trouble at all!”

Leaving General Zhang made him feel uneasy.

His background limited his chances for advancement, so finding a commander who truly appreciated him was rare. Perhaps it would have been better to stay with General Zhang.

Although General Lai Hurer also admired his bravery, General Zhang had promised him opportunities for merit and assured him that as long as he proved himself, he would not withhold promotions or rewards. Qin Qiong was moved that General Lai had sent someone to mourn his mother, but it was General Zhang who had truly recognized his talent.

Moreover, Qin Qiong’s hometown was in Qi Commandery. In these turbulent times, he hesitated to leave home.

But now, General Zhang personally came for him, telling him to go with Pei Xingyan to meet Second Young Master Li.

“Suppressing bandits isn’t a real feat. You should follow Second Young Master Li to fight the barbarians. Don’t worry about your hometown; with me around, nothing will happen.”

General Zhang was notoriously ruthless toward rebels, rarely sparing any captives. Qin Qiong had never seen him look tired before.

It turned out that even General Zhang had his limits and did feel weary from suppressing peasant uprisings.

“Second Young Master Li is just the Duke of Tang’s second son. Even though he has great achievements at a young age, recruiting talent is not easy. Moreover, frontier regions rarely care about background. Serving under him should be a good opportunity. I don’t know about Shixin, but the fact that he hasn’t returned shows he’s doing well there.”

If General Zhang wanted Qin Qiong to stay, he would have stayed.

General Zhang had recognized his talent; even if he hadn’t achieved much yet, Qin Qiong was grateful for his trust.

But now that General Zhang personally wrote a recommendation for him, Qin Qiong could only leave—otherwise, he would betray that trust.

Besides, he was also growing weary of suppressing peasant uprisings.

When serving under General Lai, he had witnessed the harshness of forced labor and saw many of his fellow villagers lose their homes and families.

While rebels bringing harm to the villagers were utterly detestable and Qin Qiong would show no mercy, fighting barbarians was, after all, less grueling.

He was determined to achieve great merit under Second Young Master Li and not let General Zhang’s faith in him go to waste.

Li Xuanba sighed and remained silent for a long while.

General Zhang was a talented general with keen insight, but unfortunately, he had gone against the times and perished suppressing the peasant uprisings at the end of the Sui dynasty.

This letter made Li Xuanba briefly wish he could change Zhang’s future.

But he quickly sobered up—it was impossible.

Zhang was loyal to the Sui, loyal to Yang Guang, who had recognized his talent. He would do everything he could to suppress the peasant uprisings.

At his age, dying in battle was almost inevitable.

Before that, however, Li Xuanba and his second brother might be able to write him a letter to exchange a few military strategies.

Although Zhang was considered a great general of his time, because his brilliance lasted only briefly and his talents were used to suppress peasant rebels, later generations did not truly understand him.

Corresponding with the second brother, riding on the reputation of “Emperor Taizong of Tang,” might allow more people to notice the few lines about him in the historical records and realize that a truly capable general had been misallocated in his era.

But then again, repaying the country and repaying the one who recognized him—his trusting ruler—who could say that Zhang had been truly misused?

Li Xuanba refrained from saying the discouraging words: “Next time you meet General Zhang, you two may even be enemies.”

They might never meet him. Even if they did, he could suggest to his second brother that Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin be sent elsewhere, sparing them moral dilemmas.

No need to make them suffer unnecessarily if it could be avoided.

“Go have some drinks. None of those three care about status,” Li Xuanba said. “Even if they did, once they are under my second brother, they won’t.”

Luo Shixin beamed.

He drank the honeyed water in one gulp and said to Qin Qiong, “You’ll love it here. Come, let’s drink and eat! Uncle Qin, can you help me take down Ji Hong?”

Qin Qiong’s face darkened: “No!”

Even though Luo Shixin had been arrogant under General Zhang, he had never been so reckless and brainless.

You want me, a newcomer, to join you in hitting Fifth Young Master Li? Are you out of your mind?

Li Xuanba scolded with a laugh, “You’re already stronger than Xiao Wu, and you want to bring someone to beat him? I think you’re asking to be tied upside down in a tree by my second brother. Fooling around is one thing, but if you really bully Xiao Wu, won’t my second brother be angry?”

Luo Shixin touched his nose: “I was just speaking casually. Of course, I wouldn’t actually do it.”

Li Xuanba said, “Go ahead.”

Luo Shixin asked, “Is Third Young Master not coming?”

Li Xuanba sighed: “I don’t drink; they might feel awkward. I’ll join them later.”

He decided to wait a bit until they had drunk some more.

Once Luo Shixin and Qin Qiong went over, the others truly didn’t care about their backgrounds and drank together.

They also didn’t mind Li Xuanba quietly eating meat on the side.

Since Third Young Master didn’t drink, he could just continue eating.

Li Xuanba was speechless. Drinking was really bad—a bad habit of this era!

Oh well, he continued eating meat.

Li Xuanba’s stomach was full.

…

The next day, Li Xuanba wrote to his second brother with good news, and, by coincidence, Li Shimin also sent a letter with news to celebrate.

However, rather than being a joyful announcement, the letter was more a string of complaints.

This time, as soon as Li Shimin announced the recruitment of talent, the threshold was nearly trampled down by people rushing in.

Although the talents arrived quickly, Li Shimin was far from happy.

In the lands of Hezhou (on the right bank of the Yellow River), he was effectively the top military and administrative authority. Recruiting talent was a huge hassle, and even the local gentry didn’t show him respect. But once he arrived in Taiyuan, simply under the title of “Second Young Master of the Duke of Tang’s Mansion,” the once empty house had turned into a bustling hub.

Li Shimin knew that these people came to him partly because they valued his abilities. Yet he still felt stifled.

“Though it’s impolite to say this about Father, the merits I’ve earned are greater than his, and the territories I oversee are larger than his. How could I be any less than him? Is age and title really that important?”

Li Xuanba pinched the bridge of his nose, not wanting to comfort his second brother, but feeling the urge to complain himself.

Hadn’t they already heard this complaint countless times back in Zhangye? His second brother already knew the answer, yet he continued nagging endlessly—stop fussing!

“Sure enough, it’s incredibly easy for my second brother to recruit talent in Taiyuan,” Li Xuanba was unsurprised by his brother’s success this time.

Even when, in original history, his second brother held nothing but the title of “Second Young Master of the Duke of Tang’s Mansion,” many people were willing to join him. Now, with his talents recognized across the land, the so-called reluctance of these people was just temporary pride, waiting for an excuse.

Formally joining the Duke of Tang’s mansion was the “excuse” they were looking for.

In reality, these people came for the second brother himself—their loyalty belonged solely to him.

The title… sigh.

Even in Hezhou, Li Xuanba had to rely on the golden brand of “Duke of Tang’s Mansion” to initiate subsequent negotiations.

Li Xuanba rubbed his forehead and muttered gloomily, “I can’t help being influenced by my second brother’s endless nagging.”

He stepped out of the courtyard to clear his mind.

While drying herbs, Yuwen Zhu pointed to the sky: “Sanlang, aren’t those two hawks up there like Hangu and Wudi? Many people in Hedong also raise falcons.”

Li Xuanba looked up and, with a wry expression, said, “What do you mean ‘like’? That’s them. But what are they playing at now?”

Li Xuanba held out his hand. “Down!”

The two circling golden eagles dived—but didn’t land on Li Xuanba’s arm. Instead, they touched down firmly on the ground.

Wudi even landed in a squat with its tail down.

Li Xuanba grabbed Wudi’s wing and set it upright: “I told you to land on my arm, so why land on the ground?”

Hangu and Wudi glanced at the thin silk sleeve on Li Xuanba’s arm.

Li Xuanba said, “Be careful, you won’t hurt me.”

The eagles seemed to answer with their eyes: better on the ground, no need to mind force.

“Why didn’t you come down?” Li Xuanba ruffled their heads. “Wait, why are you both here?”

The two eagles gestured with their wings.

Li Xuanba sighed: “Stop gesturing—I know it’s my second brother’s request.”

Yuwen Zhu smiled: “They probably want to see when you notice them.”

Li Xuanba: “…Boring.”

Hangu and Wudi: “Chirp chirp chirp!”

Li Xuanba crouched: “Lift your feet—I want to see what secret message my second brother sent.”

Yuwen Zhu didn’t avoid him, peering curiously.

Hangu had a letter tied to its foot, while Wudi carried only a small package.

Li Xuanba opened the package first—it contained exquisite Turkic gold ornaments.

Li Xuanba frowned: “Did my second brother raid a merchant caravan? Zhuniang, this is for you, from him.”

Yuwen Zhu laughed and took it.

Li Xuanba then opened the letter and widened his eyes in surprise.

Yuwen Zhu, seeing the name “Liu Wenjing” on the paper, covered her mouth: “Brother… he really is…”

“Truly formidable,” Li Xuanba laughed. “No matter how many people are currently in his mansion, none compare to this one name.”

Taiyuan’s county seat was Jinyang, and Liu Wenjing was the county magistrate of Jinyang.

In original history, Liu Wenjing was essentially Li Yuan’s right-hand in plotting the uprising. Functionally speaking, he could be considered the second-in-command outside the Duke of Tang’s mansion.

Although Li Xuanba knew Liu Wenjing would eventually join his second brother, he never expected it to happen this early.

With Liu Wenjing on their side, even if he and his second brother later went to Zhangye, they need not worry about Father’s troops.

After the initial elation, Li Xuanba calmed himself.

“Too early,” Li Xuanba sighed.

Yuwen Zhu was puzzled: “Isn’t it better to be early?”

Li Xuanba said: “Good for my second brother, bad for Liu Wenjing. Liu Wenjing is Father’s subordinate; how could he serve my second brother immediately after just meeting him?”

Yuwen Zhu asked: “Are you worried Liu Wenjing’s loyalty might be fake?”

Li Xuanba shook his head: “Hard to tell. If it’s real, Liu Wenjing is too impetuous; he might bring trouble on himself. If it’s fake, it means Father already fears my second brother. Neither is good.”

Judging from historical records, Li Xuanba leaned toward the first possibility.

In original history, when Li Yuan killed Liu Wenjing, some claimed it was simply “cook the hound after the rabbit dies,” while others said it was a warning to Li Shimin.

Many historians and enthusiasts analyzing this episode generally conclude that Liu Wenjing’s death was indeed connected to his service to Li Shimin, but Li Yuan’s warning wasn’t directed at Li Shimin.

It seems contradictory, but it’s not. At that time, Li Yuan was not overly wary of Li Shimin. From the perspective of a rational emperor, he killed Liu Wenjing because Liu Wenjing bypassed him to serve his son, trying to involve himself in the succession struggle.

It didn’t matter who Liu Wenjing supported—what mattered was that he “participated in the struggle for succession.” Li Yuan used the death of Liu Wenjing, Taiyuan’s left and right hand in the uprising, to warn other ambitious officials and suppress early signs of succession disputes at court.

To put it simply, Liu Wenjing had originally been Li Yuan’s right-hand man, yet he turned to Li Yuan’s son. For Li Yuan, this was an immense betrayal.

In fact, countless of Li Yuan’s trusted ministers were leaning toward Prince Qin, Li Shimin, but Li Yuan hadn’t dealt with them because he simply hadn’t noticed. Liu Wenjing, perhaps overconfident in his achievements, particularly reckless, flashy, and unable to conceal anything, was caught by Li Yuan—a warning to others.

However, what Li Yuan thought was a “warning to others” actually had the opposite effect: it disheartened the ministers who followed him, pushing them further toward Prince Qin, Li Shimin.

Liu Wenjing’s death would not negatively affect his second brother’s path to the throne, but it was a pity that such a talented man died so unjustly.

Li Xuanba shook his head and muttered with a sigh, “What can I do? I can’t change Liu Wenjing’s nature, can I?”

Yuwen Zhu looked puzzled. “What are you talking about, Sanlang? Change his nature?”

Li Xuanba said, “I guess Liu Wenjing either wasn’t cautious because of our father’s probing, or he was just too reckless. Sigh… if Father discovered him, he would be in danger.”

Yuwen Zhu thought for a moment and said, “Since Sanlang is worried, why not let Brother-in-law speak to Liu Wenjing directly, advising him to be cautious? Isn’t that enough?”

Li Xuanba froze.

Yuwen Zhu, embarrassed, added, “Am I being too naive by saying this?”

Li Xuanba quickly waved his hands. “No, no, no! Miss Zhu, your words just woke me up from a dream! Indeed… it’s really that simple.”

He tapped his head. “It seems I’ve overcomplicated things with all my schemes and plots, twisting every matter into convoluted paths. This could be handled directly: let Second Brother explain to Liu Wenjing the dangers of being so reckless. After all, Liu Wenjing is capable enough to be the magistrate of Jinyang. If, after being warned, he still acts recklessly, then he’s courting his own death—we’ve done all we can.”

Yuwen Zhu breathed a sigh of relief, smiling. “I’m just glad I could help Sanlang.”

Li Xuanba said, “I’ll write to Second Brother right away!” And he wanted to praise Miss Zhu’s cleverness in the letter.

He took a few steps toward the study, then looked back at the two golden eagles on the ground, his expression suddenly enlightened. “Now I understand why Second Brother had both of you brought here. One eagle delivers messages for me, and the other stays here to protect me?”

Hangu and Wudi nodded.

Li Xuanba complained, “I already said you won’t be needed in Hedong Commandery—he only needs you out on the battlefield… fine, go have a good meal and rest for a day before sending the message. Who will deliver it?”

Hangu lifted his left wing, Wudi his right.

Then the two eagles stared at each other.

“Chirp chirp chirp!”

“Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp!”

The two eagles tumbled together.

Yuwen Zhu was flustered. “Hey? Don’t fight, don’t fight! You can discuss things calmly. Sanlang, Sanlang! Help me separate them!”

Li Xuanba covered his eyes.

Had Second Brother not instructed them in advance? Or was this on purpose?

…

Li Shimin sneezed.

He rubbed his nose and muttered to himself, “The letter should have been delivered.”

Since he hadn’t arranged beforehand who would deliver it, Hangu and Wudi probably fought, right? Hahaha… A-Xuan must be having a headache.

Li Yuan handed Li Shimin a piece of roasted lamb. “What’s this? Missing A-Xuan? You often parted from him while at war in Zhangye, didn’t you? Why act so childish this time?”

Li Shimin took the lamb and smiled. “I’ve always been childish in front of Father.”

Li Yuan helplessly laughed. “Yes, yes. When you first wiped out the Turkic scouts, you charged so fast I couldn’t stop you, and you still claimed to be childish?”

Li Shimin chuckled twice and didn’t argue with his father. At the time, he had seen that a larger force was behind the scouts and had to intercept them immediately, so he acted without asking for orders.

Although his father was good, having to seek approval in every step was bothersome and could easily cause missed opportunities.

He shifted the topic. “The Eastern Turks’ harassment is becoming more frequent. They might make a major move.”

Li Yuan said, “That’s a matter for Your Majesty to handle. We’ll defend Taiyuan and report to you if the Eastern Turks act.”

“Mm.” Li Shimin chewed the lamb in silence.

He understood his father’s unspoken meaning.

If the Sui Dynasty fell further into chaos, they would inevitably rise to contest the empire—both father and son understood this clearly.

His father meant that if the Eastern Turks moved south, the Sui would be thrown into greater chaos, which might benefit their own uprising. They could even leverage the Turks’ momentum. So this didn’t need to be reported to the emperor in advance.

Li Shimin disagreed.

In the Middle Kingdom, how could they let barbarians run rampant?

Convincing his father would be difficult, so he didn’t argue. He would handle Eastern Turks’ defense himself upon returning to Zhangye.