LFHYB -Chapter 134 Heaven Seems Determined to Kill Him

“Could he have been burned alive? What do you mean ‘could have’!” Li Mì slammed the book shut while sitting on a stone, his subordinates trembling in fear on the ground.

Li Mi stood, flicked his sleeves, and paced a few times with his hands behind his back, frowning: “If someone dies, I must see the body—no accidents allowed!”

Han Shi’e, who had accompanied Li Mi to persuade Li Yuan, said: “He’s just a little sick boy. Does the strategist really need to care so much?”

Han Shi’e was the son of the famous Sui general Han Qinhu. After Han Qinhu died, he inherited the title of Duke of Shòuguāng County.

In Emperor Wen of Sui’s later years, suspicion ran high, and many of his generals did not end well. Han Qinhu was a rare exception—hardworking, meritorious, and allowed to die peacefully.

However, after Yang Guang ascended the throne, the Han family was neglected.

Han Qinhu’s brother, Han Sengshou, was also a formidable general but was never given command again after Yang Guang became emperor, whether against the Turks, Tuyuhun, or Goguryeo. He died in Daxing in the eighth year of Daye.

Han Shi’e, as a “second generation,” had even fewer opportunities for achievements. So when Yang Xuanggan rose in revolt, Han Shi’e, recalling Yang Guang’s indifference, joined him.

Yang Xuanggan’s call attracted many noble youths, most of whom were like Han Shi’e.

Han Shi’e inherited his family’s bravery, achieving many first-strike merits while serving under Yang Xuanggan, making him one of Yang Xuanggan’s most important generals.

Yang Xuanggan assigned Han Shi’e to protect Li Mi, demonstrating how much he valued him.

After experiencing defeat at Luoyang, fleeing to the mountains, and rising again, Yang Xuanggan’s initial recklessness and arrogance mellowed, gradually revealing the cunning strategy of his father Yáng Sù. He became increasingly harmonious with Li Mi.

Li Mi, who had originally scorned Yang Xuanggan’s short-sightedness, now became more satisfied with his lord, diligently carrying out his duties.

Li Mi was skillful in dealing with people, treating all the generals under his lord with kindness.

When Han Shi’e asked, Li Mi, though irritated, patiently explained: “General Han, at this age, Li Er and Li San have already achieved countless merits. Perhaps only your father can compare with them.”

Han Shi’e replied, “My father had no chance for achievements in his youth. Strategist, you need not overpraise me—I won’t be angry. Li Er is indeed formidable, but Li San is only a bookish sickly child. Whether he lives or dies shouldn’t matter. We just need the excuse that ‘Yang Guang sent someone to kill Li Yuan’s sons’ to drive a wedge between Li Yuan and Yang Guang, right?”

Li Mi shook his head. “Li Erlang may be capable, but a person’s energy is limited. If it were just fighting, that would be one thing, but I’ve heard that Zhangye has already completely fallen under their control. While Li Erlang is battling at the front, who manages the logistics? Who takes care of the people? Li Erlang is still young, and after all, he’s only the second son of the Duke of Tang. I doubt many talented men would follow him.”

Han Shie frowned. “Are you saying that Li Sanlang is Li Erlang’s strategist?”

Li Mi said, “I don’t know if he’s the strategist, but I am from a prominent local family and I understand these kinds of clans. The Xues of Hedong, the Lius, and the Peis may not be as influential as my Li family from Longxi, but their ambitions are high. Xue Yuanjing, Liu Heng, and Pei Xingyan are the top talents of their generation. Anyone considered a friend by these three young elites, like Li Sanlang, cannot be ordinary.”

Han Shie looked even more puzzled. “If Li Sanlang is so formidable, why are we dealing with Li Jiancheng? Wouldn’t it be better to discuss persuading his father to ally with us through Li Sanlang?”

Li Mi hadn’t expected Han Shie to ask such a naive question and couldn’t help but smile, his furrowed brows relaxing. “General Han, our master is Lord Yang.”

Han Shie said, “Of course. But what does that have to do with my question?”

Li Mi smiled. “It has a lot to do with it. Our purpose in encouraging Li Yuan to raise an army is only to make the world more chaotic, further weakening the Sui dynasty. It’s not about us serving Li Yuan.”

Han Shie sighed. “Strategist, can you just say it straight? Don’t beat around the bush and give me a headache. You mean that in the future, Li Yuan will inevitably become our master’s rival for the realm, so we must support his incompetent eldest son to suppress his capable second and third sons.”

Li Mi picked up a book and dusted it off. “It’s not about suppression. If the opportunity arises, they must be eliminated. The Sui dynasty is bound to collapse. Whether Li Yuan raises an army now or later is only a matter of whether its fall is a few years sooner or later. But Li Shimin and Li Xuanba are a huge threat—they are only sixteen, yet they already control the land west of the Yellow River. If we give them time to grow, they could outlast us all.”

Han Shie understood. “So in the strategist’s eyes, Li Yuan is not to be feared. Li Erlang and Li Sanlang are the ones you truly value. The current strife among the Li family gives us a chance to kill Li Sanlang, which benefits our master more than persuading Li Yuan to rebel?”

Li Mi smiled. “Exactly.”

Han Shie said, “No wonder you underestimate Li Yuan. In times of great chaos, the capable thrive. Looking back at the Northern and Southern Dynasties, every ambitious ruler worried about succession. Brothers succeeding or adopted sons taking over were common. If only I had sons like Li Erlang and Li Sanlang…”

He stopped midway, remembering he still had a master, and fell silent.

Li Mi laughed even harder. “General Han, don’t fear breaking your word. Our master is broad-minded and won’t blame us. I even joked with the master once: since I share the Li surname with Li Yuan, if I had sons like Li Erlang and Li Sanlang, I would surely try to establish myself first, then come help our master.”

Han Shie curiously asked, “How did the master respond?”

Li Mi shook his head, smiling. “The master said that if he had such capable sons, he would abdicate and let his sons conquer the world while he sat back and enjoyed the rewards.”

Han Shie couldn’t help but laugh. “Our master has no ambition at all.”

Li Mi tucked the book away. “I told him the same. Ah, finally, a chance…”

He shook his head and sighed.

Those vying for the world all have destiny on their side. It’s only a question of whose destiny is greater. Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, the twin sons, are clearly destined. One shines, one shadows; one leads, one assists—truly fearsome.

Li Mi had surveyed the world’s heroes; few had impressed him. Yet these two sixteen-year-old boys made him deeply wary.

But their greatest enemy now was Yang Guang, and Li Erlang and Li Sanlang were leveraging his power. Li Mi could not take military action against them.

This time was truly heaven-sent.

Han Shie said, “Since Li Sanlang is so important, I will personally lead men to pursue him.”

Li Mi said, “I’ll leave that to you, General. I will go to Taiyuan to gather information and continue persuading Li Yuan.”

And subtly sow discord.

Li Jiancheng should have already escaped back to Taiyuan. If I accuse Li Jiancheng of framing Li Sanlang, resulting in Li Sanlang perishing in a fire, and spread the word in Taiyuan—would Li Erlang turn against Li Jiancheng? And who would Li Yuan support?

Li Mi squinted.

…

“My clan nephew?” Wei Zheng was puzzled.

He took the invitation and, upon opening it, his expression turned sharp. “Where are they?!”

How could it bear Sanlang’s seal?!

Wang Bo looked confused. “Your clansmen came to pledge allegiance? I’ll go with you.”

He needed to make a good impression before the strategist’s clansmen.

Wei Zheng hesitated for a moment, then, trusting Wang Bo, whispered, “They are Sanlang’s people.”

Wang Bo immediately jumped up from the couch and said solemnly, “Didn’t your clansmen say someone was sick? Let’s hurry! Brother Zhai, I won’t attend the banquet today.”

Sanlang was not only his teacher but also his backup! If Sanlang’s people came with a request, he could not slack off.

Zhai Rang said, “Wei’s family came? I’ll go along too.”

Wei Zheng cupped his hands. “Apologies, there are many female attendants with them. Though I am fallen, our family is still official, and it’s improper for too many outside men to see the women.”

Zhai Rang scratched his head. “Right, I forgot you scholars are particular about rules. Go ahead, and tell me if you need anything; I will do my best to help.”

Wei Zheng bowed. “Thank you, Lord Zhai!”

Wei Zheng and Wang Bo hurried to the place where Wei Zheng’s so-called clansmen were temporarily staying. Luo Shixin was waiting at the door.

Seeing Wei Zheng was not alone, he gripped his spear tighter.

Wei Zheng hastened, “Nephew! You’ve worked hard!”

He had never met Luo Shixin, but judging by his age, he knew he was Li Erlang or Li Sanlang’s man. Ordinary generals would never entrust such young subordinates.

Wang Bo noticed Luo Shixin’s tension and reassured him, “Don’t worry, I brought a physician.”

Luo Shixin sized up Wei Zheng and Wang Bo, distinguishing from their appearance and demeanor who was Wei Zheng.

He bowed to Wei Zheng. “Uncle, your nephew greets you. The one who is ill is my third sister. It isn’t appropriate for a physician to examine her. My eldest sister knows medicine, but she lacks the proper herbs.”

The single word “third” from Luo Shixin’s mouth made Wei Zheng’s whole body tremble.

Gritting his teeth, he said, “Your third sister is my junior. When I visit, I won’t mind distinctions of gender. I also know medicine; let me take a look.”

Luo Shixin hesitated.

Then a female voice came from behind the door: “Third sister says, please, uncle, come in.”

Luo Shixin stepped aside.

Wei Zheng strode forward and pushed the door open.

Luo Shixin bowed to Wang Bo. “Forgive my lack of courtesy. Please know that Master Zhi is waiting outside.”

Wang Bo waved his hand. “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll wait here. Bring two sitting cushions and a brazier.”

After giving the instructions, Wang Bo sat down beside Luo Shixin. “Don’t worry. Mr. Wei’s medical skills are excellent; your third sister will be fine.”

Wang Bo’s heart was filled with anxiety.

The mention of “third sister” by Luo Shixin also made him think—could it be that Third Young Master Li was disguised as a woman and had come to him?

But Third Young Master Li was currently trusted and valued by the Dog Emperor. He should have just returned to Taiyuan County to get married. He and Wei Zheng had even sent gifts in secret through people disguised as merchants, regrettably unable to visit in person.

How many months had it been since the marriage? How… how…

Wang Bo wanted to ask, but he feared Luo Shixin would misunderstand, so he could only anxiously glance at the doorway, waiting for Wei Zheng to come out.

Once Wei Zheng entered the room, the woman who had called him in lowered her voice. “You are Wei Xuancheng, praised by Third Brother?”

Wei Zheng jumped in shock.

The “woman” beckoned to Wei Zheng. “Come quickly. Third Brother wants you.”

Wei Zheng, confused and hesitant, followed the “woman” into the inner room.

On the sickbed lay a delicate young girl coughing, while a slightly more mature woman wiped the sweat from her brow.

“Xuancheng, let me introduce: this is my wife, Yuwen Zhu. You may call her Madam Zhu. This is the Xiao Wu I mentioned to you, Li Zhiyun. Outside is Second Brother’s fierce general, Luo Shixin.” Li Xuanba suppressed a cough and forced a smile. “The details, Shixin will explain later. For now, take Madam Zhu to fetch the herbs. Cough, cough.”

“Third Young Master!” Wei Zheng took a few steps forward and rushed to the sickbed. “You… you…”

Yuwen Zhu calmly said, “Please, Uncle, take me to fetch the herbs first. We will discuss other matters later. Third Brother has already missed a day of medicine.”

Wei Zheng stumbled to his feet. “Alright, alright, follow me!”

Wei Zheng led Yuwen Zhu out to get herbs, forgetting to inform Li Xuanba that Wang Bo was outside.

However, Li Zhiyun saw Wang Bo through the door and informed Li Xuanba.

Coughing, Li Xuanba said, “Wei Xuancheng trusts Master Zhi. I trust Wei Xuancheng. Bring Master Zhi in.”

Li Zhiyun then invited Wang Bo into the room, but this time he did not alter his male voice, keeping one hand hidden.

Wang Bo entered the room uneasily, unable to recognize the young woman on the sickbed.

Li Xuanba joked self-deprecatingly, “I have been sickly since childhood, with a small frame. Does disguising myself as a woman seem very convincing?”

Wang Bo anxiously asked, “Third Young Master, what happened? Could it be the Dog Emperor harmed you?”

Li Xuanba replied, “It is misfortune in my household, and an unknown enemy intervened midway. That is why I am in this state. But with my arrangements, the situation should soon improve. I will stay hidden here with Master Zhi for a while. Once things are clear, I will leave. Don’t worry; I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Wang Bo gave a wry smile. “I am a rebel, not afraid of trouble. But Third Young Master, you must hide yourself carefully.”

Li Xuanba said, “That will require Master Zhi’s help.”

Wang Bo replied, “Third Young Master, rest assured. You trust me and come to me in times of danger. I will never betray your trust! Tomorrow, I will leave Wagang Village and return to Qi County.”

Li Xuanba shook his head. “Since Master Zhi has plans, it’s better to complete them first before leaving. I am disguised as a woman, hidden in the inner quarters, and will not draw attention.”

Wang Bo said, “I will follow your instructions, Third Young Master.”

Li Xuanba joked, “I won’t eat or drink your hospitality for nothing. Madam Zhu is a skilled physician. If any women in Wagang Village fall ill, she can help treat them. Once my health recovers, I can also serve as a temporary advisor for you.”

Wang Bo smiled and clasped his hands. “Then may Third Young Master recover quickly, so I can seek your counsel. I will not disturb your recuperation. If you need anything, please tell me immediately.”

Li Xuanba had Li Zhiyun escort Wang Bo out.

After Li Zhiyun returned, he sighed. “Third Brother hasn’t spent much time with Wei Xuancheng, and even less with Wang Bo. Yet their concern for him is sincere and genuine.”

As the only son of a concubine in the Tang Duke’s household, Li Zhiyun had been trained from a young age to read people. He immediately recognized that Wei Zheng and Wang Bo’s care for Li Xuanba was genuine.

Li Xuanba coughed. “Though time passes, true concern remains. Cough, cough, cough.”

Li Zhiyun poured him water. “Third Brother, you can now rest assured. From here on, we will handle everything.”

Li Xuanba smiled. “Hmm.”

While Wei Zheng and Yuwen Zhu went to fetch herbs, Wei Zheng cried whenever he met someone, lamenting the suffering of his nephew’s household, declaring that the Dog Emperor was inhumane.

Zhai Rang, moved by his words, ordered that if Wei Zheng needed any medicine, he should inform them. If it wasn’t available there, someone could be sent into the city to purchase it.

Zhai Rang said to Xu Shiju, “The Dog Emperor truly causes too many families to be ruined.”

Xu Shiju sighed. “It’s the first time I’ve seen Mr. Wei so sorrowful. My family has some extra wealth. Permit me to return home briefly.”

Zhai Rang said, “Go, but be careful.”

Xu Shiju cupped his hands. “Yes, sir.”

After asking Wei Zheng what medicines were needed, Xu Shiju secretly returned home, gathered the herbs, and also purchased some supplements with gold and silver in the city, delivering them all to Wei Zheng.

Wei Zheng thanked him profusely, tears streaming, which pained Xu Shiju greatly.

Luo Shixin clasped his hands to Xu Shiju. “Brother Xu, your kindness is unforgettable! If you are ever in trouble, I will surely come to your aid!”

Xu Shiji smiled and said, “It’s nothing worth mentioning. You’re still so young—first survive this chaotic world, and everything else can wait.”

In his heart, Luo Shixin muttered, Don’t underestimate me.

Wang Bo’s reputation was excellent—not only among the righteous army but even among the powerful local elites.

He personally went door to door asking for help, and soon gathered many rare medicinal herbs.

Zhai Rang, seeing how devoted Wang Bo was to Wei Zheng’s family, couldn’t help but reflect on how he himself could treat his subordinates better.

At the same time, his own family had gradually become arrogant and overbearing, so Zhai Rang used Wang Bo’s conduct to admonish them, while also growing more considerate toward his men.

Luo Shixin wandered through the righteous army for a while and found that the so-called “rebels” weren’t as inhumane as he had imagined. At least the subordinates of Zhai Rang and Wang Bo were much like those he had seen in General Zhang’s army, which touched his heart.

Under the strong medicines, Li Xuanba’s high fever finally stabilized and didn’t relapse.

With Li Xuanba’s consent, Luo Shixin temporarily joined Wang Bo’s forces, helping Wagang Fort fight the Sui army and sharpening his martial skills.

Li Zhiyun continued to disguise himself as a woman, serving as a guard for Li Xuanba and Yuwen Zhu.

Li Xuanba thought his brush with death was probably over.

But on the second day after his fever fully subsided, as he slowly walked around the room trying to regain his strength, Li Xuanba suddenly felt a tight pain in his chest.

Yuwen Zhu stood before him, extending both hands like she would to a toddler learning to walk, smiling encouragingly as she urged Li Xuanba to take a few more steps.

Then, clutching his chest, Li Xuanba slowly collapsed before her.

“Sanlang?!”

“Third Brother?!”

Li Xuanba took deep, gasping breaths, and his vision gradually blurred.

In that instant, he knew what was happening.

This was… myocarditis caused by pneumonia-induced high fever, wasn’t it? Considering the Li family’s history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it was really no surprise.

Li Xuanba closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

Heaven plots murder, earth plots murder, humans plot murder.

Wave after wave, relentless, overwhelming.

Heaven truly wanted him dead.

…

“Father! I don’t care what’s going on, A-Xuan asked me to fetch him, so I must go!” After receiving the series of urging letters sent by Hangu and Wudi, Li Shimin refused to listen to Li Yuan no matter how much his father said, “We’re busy; send someone else.”

The sixteen-year-old boy flopped to the ground cleanly, then actually started rolling around.

Li Yuan was at a loss between laughter and exasperation: “You’re sixteen, not six! Get up! Even the Guanyin is laughing at you!”

Changsun Kangning covered her mouth, her eyes curving: “I’m not laughing.”

Li Shimin rolled on the ground, yelling as he rolled: “I’m going to fetch A-Xuan! I’m going to fetch A-Xuan!”

Li Yuan lightly kicked him, scolding playfully: “Fine! Hurry up and get up!”

Li Shimin sprung up like a carp flipping: “Alright! I’m going now!”

Li Yuan grabbed him: “It’s not safe at night. Go tomorrow. Your mother left ahead—you’ll meet her and A-Xuan along the way, no need to rush.”

Li Shimin’s eyes darted as he said, “Okay, I’ll change and take a short nap.”

He hopped away. Li Yuan rubbed his forehead: “Has he really grown up? Even six- or seven-year-olds don’t walk like that!”

Changsun Kangning continued to cover her mouth, smiling: “To his father, the young master will always be a child.”

Li Yuan sighed, then started laughing: “It’s my fault for spoiling him too much. I’ll go lock up his horse. This kid will definitely try to sneak out tonight. Sigh, he can’t wait just one night?”

Li Yuan shook his head and left.

Changsun Kangning whispered over her shoulder: “Hide the horse I prepared, don’t let father find it.”

The maid quietly left.

Li Shimin took a bath, and relying on his good health, flopped onto the bed without drying his hair.

Seeing that his hair was still wet, Changsun Kangning helped dry it, but Li Shimin slept soundly, completely unawakened.

She pinched his cheek gently—he still didn’t wake.

She smiled: “Weren’t you going to sneak off? Don’t sleep too long or it’ll be tomorrow.”

Li Shimin rolled over, curling up on her lap like a cat.

Changsun Kangning blushed, pinched his cheek again.

…

“Huh? Where is this?” Li Shimin rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Why is it so dark? Where’s the light?”

As soon as he spoke, the space lit up.

Li Shimin was surprised: “Ah? Isn’t this my house in Daxing? Am I really dreaming?”

“Probably,” came a familiar voice.

Li Shimin turned and saw Li Xuanba, sitting cross-legged on a sofa surrounded by many cushions, arms folded, looking at him just as he had as a child.

Li Shimin rushed forward: “A-Xuan! I actually dreamed of you!”

Li Xuanba raised a hand, placing it against his brother’s rushing face, sighing: “This isn’t an ordinary dream. Ordinary dreams aren’t this clear in thought.”

Li Shimin pushed Li Xuanba’s hand aside, standing beside the sofa curiously: “Could your ability to hear thoughts have improved? We can meet in dreams? It must be because I missed you so much!”

Li Xuanba looked at his laughing brother, opening his mouth but hesitating, finally just sighing again.

Li Shimin’s smile faded.

No one knew a twin better than his own twin. Li Shimin sensed from Li Xuanba’s expression that something was wrong.

His voice trembled: “A-Xuan, hey, why are you sighing? What’s happening? Don’t scare me!”

Li Xuanba hugged his head: “Ahhhh, this is so frustrating! I don’t want to upset you either, but I have to explain things properly. So frustrating!”

Li Shimin held Li Xuanba’s shoulders: “What’s happening? Don’t panic! I’ll come for you right away. Brother is on his way! And mother has already departed; she should reach Hedong Commandery soon!”

Li Xuanba’s mouth drooped: “Then Li Jiancheng will soon reach Taiyuan Commandery too.”

Li Shimin tightened his hand on Li Xuanba’s shoulder. “What do you mean? What’s wrong with Li Jiancheng? Why is he returning to Taiyuan Commandery?”

Li Xuanba sighed and calmed himself.

He had just fallen ill and was dreaming. The dream itself had already delivered a message…

Li Xuanba’s mouth twitched slightly. “Second brother… I’m sorry. I guess you won’t see me again.”

Li Shimin tilted his head slightly, wearing a dazed, foolish expression. “A-Xuan… I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

Li Xuanba said quietly, “I’m sorry… I’m probably… dying.”

Truly… very sorry.