LFHYB -Chapter 140 Duke Zhai Can Ask Me for Advice

By the time Li Xuanba received news about Yang Guang, it was early winter.

In actual history, Yang Guang should have concluded the campaign against Goguryeo in mid-August during the Mid-Autumn period and returned to the capital, Da Xing.

Perhaps in this lifetime, the peasant uprisings were fiercer, or Yang Xuangan had not been completely eliminated, so Yang Guang’s recruitment of soldiers and laborers was slightly slower. The campaign ended in September instead.

But as in history, Yang Guang still ordered a withdrawal as soon as the king of Goguryeo requested surrender.

This time, not only did the troops sent to support Hu’er attempt to continue the attack, but Song Guogong He Ruobi also tried to defy Yang Guang’s orders.

Since Gao Jiong and Yuwen Bi had left the central power, He Ruobi wasn’t executed for speaking out as he had been in the third year of Daye in actual history.

During Yang Guang’s first campaign against Goguryeo, thanks to He Ruobi’s efforts, the Sui army didn’t collapse. But Yang Guang had been fooled by the Goguryeo king’s fake surrender, missing the opportunity to strike. After complaining to no avail, He Ruobi was thrown into prison by Yang Guang.

Because his crime wasn’t that serious and didn’t cross Yang Guang’s bottom line, and because He Ruobi had military achievements, Yang Guang ultimately only stripped He Ruobi of his official position—he didn’t execute him. During the second and third campaigns against Goguryeo, Yang Guang still brought He Ruobi along.

Perhaps being imprisoned by Yang Guang made He Ruobi finally recall his father’s pre-suicide warning, the “Admonition of the Pointed Tongue,” and he became more cautious in speech and action.

So, during the third campaign against Goguryeo, Yang Guang appointed He Ruobi as one of the division commanders.

Even in his old age, He Ruobi remained vigorous, coordinating smoothly with Lai Huer, and it looked like they were about to capture Pyongyang.

The King of Goguryeo surrendered—again—and Yang Guang agreed—again.

But He Ruobi’s temper was hot-headed; he still couldn’t hold back, pointing at Yang Guang and scolding him loudly.

That alone might have passed, but when He Ruobi privately spoke in support of and sympathy for Crown Prince Yang Xian after the prince submitted his military petition, someone reported this to Yang Guang.

As a result, He Ruobi was imprisoned again.

This time, he quickly fell ill and died in prison, reportedly from grief and frustration.

However, only He Ruobi was punished this time; his son was merely stripped of his position and title, unlike in actual history, where he would have been forced to commit suicide as well.

When Wei Zheng and Li Xuanba spoke of this, they couldn’t help but sneer.

Li Xuanba sighed deeply: “Perhaps making the King of Goguryeo surrender was Yang Guang’s obsession.”

Later generations could list countless reasons for attacking Goguryeo; Emperor Wen of Sui, Emperor Taizong, and Emperor Gaozong of Tang all opposed Goguryeo. But from history, it seems Yang Guang’s campaigns were purely for face. As long as the king surrendered, he was satisfied.

As for territory, population, or frontier stability—well, the Sui Emperor who withdrew troops as soon as the Goguryeo king surrendered didn’t seem to care much.

This wasn’t just the Yang Guang of this timeline; the historical Yang Guang was the same.

Even after being fooled multiple times by fake surrenders during the first campaign, he still believed Goguryeo’s fake surrender in the third campaign, ordering Lai Huer, who had nearly reached Pyongyang, to return to court. Lai Huer, a loyal general who usually obeyed Yang Guang, was so angry he nearly defied imperial orders.

Li Xuanba had been reincarnated for over a decade; the “future” had already changed significantly due to his butterfly-effect actions, so his “precognition” was no longer entirely accurate.

But clever time-travelers never rely on a “fixed future”; they study historical events and personalities from the original timeline, combine that knowledge with contemporary intelligence, and make “predictive” judgments.

For example, Yang Guang’s incorrigible personality makes his behavior easy to anticipate.

He is bound to repeat past mistakes; the butterfly wings merely adjust the timing slightly.

Wei Zheng asked: “Does the emperor’s current behavior match Third Young Master’s prediction?”

Li Xuanba replied: “More or less. This time, you can test him—harass the rear of the Sui army and seize their supplies and horses. By the way, Yang Gongqing, leader of the Zhumao Militia in Zhuojun, knows the local terrain well. Try cooperating with him.”

Historically, Yang Gongqing did exactly that—harassing the retreating Sui army and seizing more than forty fine horses.

Wei Zheng hesitated: “If we act too boldly, might we provoke the emperor to send troops against us?”

Li Xuanba smiled: “Yang Xuangan has already made his move. With Yang Guang’s personality, he despises peasant militias and often ignores their battles; he only fears Duke of Chu, Yang Xuangan. Besides, He Ruobi is dead, and Yuwen Shu isn’t skilled at commanding troops. The Sui army will be in disorder during its retreat. Now it will be even more chaotic than during the second Goguryeo campaign—back then you could escape; now you can escape even easier.”

Wei Zheng sighed: “Back then, the local militia leaders risked everything, unafraid of well-equipped enemies. Now most have their own foundations; it will be hard to convince them. But Lord Zhishi will surely agree. I’ll try persuading Marshal Zhai as well.”

Li Xuanba said: “That’s easy. I think Zhai Rang has roughly guessed that I’m not some Wei family girl. You can arrange for him to see me.”

Wei Zheng was surprised: “Third Young Master, aren’t you worried Zhai Rang will report you?”

Li Xuanba chuckled: “As I told Wang Bo back then, who would listen to his reports? Or maybe he wants to be recruited by the Great Sui?”

Wei Zheng laughed too: “He definitely doesn’t want to be recruited. Third Young Master, you’re so bold; I’ll obey. Just remember not to overexert yourself; your health comes first.”

Li Xuanba said: “Don’t worry. I just need something to do to distract myself while recovering. The decoctions Dr. Sun and Miss Zhu prepared are unbearable.”

Seeing Li Xuanba’s grimace, Wei Zheng laughed heartily.

The obedient “class-attending” Li Zhiyun remarked sarcastically: “Since Third Brother fears the medicine, hurry and get better; don’t dawdle.”

Li Xuanba swatted Li Zhiyun on the head from the bed and said irritably: “Do you think I don’t want to recover?”

“Hmph,” Li Zhiyun snorted.

Li Xuanba looked exasperated.

What to do? His younger brother is really in his rebellious phase.

Wei Zheng watched the interaction between Li Xuanba and Li Zhiyun and laughed again.

Seeing Third and Fifth Young Masters together, he could probably guess how his lord interacts with Third Young Master.

It must be very interesting.

Having spent months among the Waguan Bandits, Wei Zheng knew Zhai Rang’s character well, so he fully agreed when Li Xuanba wanted to meet Zhai Rang.

With Third Young Master’s abilities and his silver tongue, he might even win over a faction for his lord.

Zhai Rang did have his suspicions.

But he only guessed that Wei Zheng was sheltering a famous scholar who had fallen out of favor with Yang Guang, and tactfully did not expose him.

Zhai Rang wasn’t even from a notable family—just a minor clerk who could read and write a little.

Having observed officials at work, Zhai Rang admired aristocratic scholars.

Once he realized Wei Zheng was hiding a disgraced scholar, he became more attentive and respectful toward Li Xuanba and the others, hoping Wei Zheng would introduce him.

If Wei Zheng didn’t, Zhai Rang wouldn’t complain. To him, it was normal for a scholar to look down on him.

When Wei Zheng hinted, “Although men and women are different, a life-saving debt must be repaid. My cousin wants to thank Lord Zhai while wearing a mi li (veil).”

Zhai Rang kept saying it wasn’t necessary, but he was so excited that he couldn’t sleep all night.

The next day, he boiled water and scrubbed himself three times vigorously, then spent half an hour carefully putting on his clothes and headgear, and even quietly dabbed some powder on his sun-darkened face.

His old friend from the same hometown, Shan Xiongxin, who had been the first to seek him out, teased him: “Could it be that you’ve taken a fancy to Wei Gong’s cousin?”

Zhai Rang’s face changed drastically, and he hurriedly scolded: “Don’t speak nonsense!”

Shan Xiongxin touched his nose: “Alright, alright, no nonsense. A man and woman’s reputation is important. Sigh, I’m almost tired of listening to you. Maogong, don’t you agree?”

Xu Shiji replied dryly: “Brother Shan, you really haven’t guessed, or are you just joking?”

Shan Xiongxin looked puzzled: “Joking or not joking?”

Zhai Rang and Xu Shiji exchanged a glance, full of helplessness.

Shan Xiongxin complained: “Why are you two playing riddles? Hey, hey, hey, you’re not hiding something from me, are you?”

Looking into Shan Xiongxin’s clear but foolish eyes, Zhai Rang sighed deeply: “I’ll tell you after I visit Wei Gong’s ‘cousin.’”

Shan Xiongxin was completely baffled, and just as he was about to ask more, Xu Shiji stopped him.

Xu Shiji said: “Zhai Gong has his reasons. If you can’t guess, don’t make things worse.”

Shan Xiongxin frowned: “Only you two are smart, pushing me out. Fine, I won’t ask.”

After Zhai Rang left, Shan Xiongxin grabbed Xu Shiji by the shoulder and winked: “Zhai Gong’s gone. Quick, tell me secretly. You know I can keep a secret—I won’t tell anyone.”

Xu Shiji said irritably: “Since Zhai Gong said he would tell you himself, I won’t say a word.”

Shan Xiongxin pressed Xu Shiji down: “Really won’t say? Then I’ll teach you a lesson!”

Xu Shiji rolled his eyes: “Fine, let’s go to the training ground and see who teaches whom.”

Shan Xiongxin dragged Xu Shiji outside: “Alright, arrogant!”

Just as he stepped out, he saw Zhai Rang at the door, frowning at him. He immediately shrank his neck: “Zhai Gong, you’re not gone yet?”

Zhai Rang sighed again: “With your personality, how could I trust you with a secret? Don’t bully Maogong while I’m gone.”

Shan Xiongxin sheepishly said: “Yes.”

Xu Shiji grinned at Shan Xiongxin, mouthing, serves you right.

Zhai Rang said: “Maogong, don’t provoke anyone on your own either.”

Xu Shiji: “Okay.”

After a few more reminders, Zhai Rang finally left.

After a few steps, he could hear Shan Xiongxin behind him, thinking his whispers were secret:

“Tell me!”

“No!”

“Tell me quietly.”

“No.”

Zhai Rang quickened his pace.

He was mentally exhausted.

When he met Wei Zheng, Zhai Rang couldn’t help complaining about his two brothers and the other brothers of different temperaments.

People are hard to manage.

Wei Zheng smiled: “Zhai Gong, having talented subordinates everywhere is truly a happy problem.”

Zhai Rang gave a bitter smile: “I’m just worried I can’t lead them… Never mind, no more discouraging words.”

When they arrived at Li Xuanba’s door, Zhai Rang straightened his clothes and took deep breaths.

Wei Zheng, amused and exasperated: “No need to be nervous, Zhai Gong. I know you suspect there might be a contemporary celebrity inside, but that’s not the case—it’s just a young scholar whose identity shouldn’t be publicly known.”

Hearing this, Zhai Rang felt a wave of disappointment.

Still, he smiled: “Coming from humble origins like mine, I get nervous even seeing an ordinary scholar.”

Wei Zheng thought to himself, well, he’s not exactly an ordinary scholar.

Once he learned it wasn’t a famous figure, Zhai Rang stopped hesitating at the door, regained his confident smile, and pushed the door open.

Inside, Li Zhiyun was peeling oranges for his brother.

Of course, the oranges were brought by Zhai Rang to please the “scholar.”

Seeing Li Zhiyun still dressed in feminine attire, Zhai Rang’s steps faltered.

He turned to Wei Zheng: “No veil?”

Li Zhiyun put down the oranges, stood, and performed a bow: “I am not a woman either. Thank you, Zhai Gong, for your hospitality.”

Zhai Rang was startled, stammering: “You—you’re not a woman? Your voice earlier…”

Li Zhiyun switched to a feminine voice: “Fake, it was just ventriloquism.”

Zhai Rang’s expression was priceless: “Could it be that Zhuniang also…”

Li Zhiyun’s expression turned alert: “Zhuniang is my third sister-in-law!”

“Ah, Xiao Wu! Don’t cause trouble,” Li Xuanba sighed. “Zhai Gong, I’m unwell and can only lie on this couch to speak. Excuse my rudeness.”

Only then did Zhai Rang turn his attention to Li Xuanba lying on the sickbed.

The young man on the bed didn’t look very old. His cheeks were sunken and his face full of illness, hair disheveled like withered grass, but his eyes were bright and sharp, seemingly able to see right through Zhai Rang, making him a little uneasy.

Li Zhiyun bowed: “Zhai Gong, my apologies. But Zhuniang is my third sister-in-law!”

Li Xuanba couldn’t help but pinch Li Zhiyun’s cheek: “No need to keep emphasizing it!”

Li Zhiyun huffed: “Third Brother, you don’t know how many admirers I have in Wagang Village. Now that we’re revealing our identities, I must emphasize it.”

Zhai Rang felt awkward and hurriedly said: “It’s my fault for not managing my subordinates well… please, young master, forgive me.”

Li Xuanba released Li Zhiyun’s cheek: “It’s my fault for not disciplining my brother properly. Please don’t mind it, Zhai Gong. Sit properly, be quiet, and don’t cause trouble!”

Li Zhiyun obediently said: “Okay.”

After restraining his overly talkative younger brother, Li Xuanba, with an apologetic look, said: “Zhai Gong, please sit.”

Wei Zheng helped Zhai Rang sit on the stool by Li Xuanba’s bedside.

Zhai Rang looked at Wei Zheng, silently asking why he hadn’t introduced him.

Wei Zheng smiled: “Let the young master speak for himself.”

Li Xuanba, lying on the couch, cupped his hands: “I am Li Xuanba, the Tiger-tooth General of the Sui Dynasty, styled Dade. Zhai Gong may not have heard of me…”

Zhai Rang suddenly stood up, the stool tipping over.

Li Zhiyun pressed his hand anxiously on the short dagger at his waist.

Li Xuanba smiled and said, “It seems Lord Zhai has heard of me.”

Zhai Rang took a deep breath. He didn’t reply but instead looked at Wei Zheng: “Lord Wei, why did you have to lie to me?”

Wei Zheng looked puzzled. “Lie to you about what?”

Zhai Rang ground his teeth. “You said he wasn’t a man of renown!”

Wei Zheng was surprised. “So Third Young Master is already a famous figure of the age?”

Li Zhiyun exhaled in relief and laughed: “We don’t deserve that, We really don’t.”

Li Xuanba glanced at his younger brother. I haven’t even said I don’t deserve it, and you’re already being modest for me.

Wei Zheng helped Zhai Rang back onto the stool and guided him to sit down again. “Now you know why Third Young Master keeps himself hidden. He trusts you—don’t betray that trust.”

Zhai Rang’s face twitched continuously. “Th-this… General Li must be highly trusted by the emperor… so why has he fallen into this state?”

Li Xuanba said, “Our family has been unlucky. Lord Zhai, you’ve probably seen the recent notices.”

Zhai Rang hadn’t connected the dots before, but now that Li Xuanba mentioned it, he immediately realized. “Li Yuanji accused General Li of treason?”

Li Xuanba replied, “The accusation itself isn’t much. But when Deputy Prefect Ding put me under house arrest, someone—who I don’t know—tried to set fire and chase me, and I fell into the water. I was already weak from illness; this time I really suffered.”

Zhai Rang sighed. “Indeed, your family has had misfortune. General Li is a loyal minister of the Sui, yet he ended up at Wagang Fort… sigh. But rest assured, General Li, you are known for your benevolence, and since you and General Li have defended the border in the right bank of the river, although I have rebelled against the Sui, I would never harm you.”

Li Zhiyun interjected: “What? Second Brother actually became a general?”

Li Xuanba sighed. “Fifth, can you just shut up and let me finish talking with Lord Zhai first?”

Li Zhiyun drew an “X” on his lips.

Zhai Rang chuckled. “General Li’s military achievements are outstanding, his reputation far-reaching—of course he’s a general.”

Although Li Xuanba truly was a renowned figure of the age, because he was young, Zhai Rang felt relieved after the initial shock and didn’t feel overly tense or constrained.

Li Xuanba asked, “Lord Zhai, aren’t you curious how I came to know Wei Xuancheng and Zhi Shilang?”

Zhai Rang froze, then abruptly stood up again, knocking over the stool.

Li Zhiyun immediately placed a hand on his short sword.

Wei Zheng helped lift the stool again and scolded, “If you knock it over one more time, I won’t help you again!”

Zhai Rang’s face turned red, and he repeatedly bowed. “Sorry, sorry, I…”

Yes, the Li Erlang and Li Sanlang of the Tang Duke’s mansion were famous loyalists of the Sui. How could they associate with a rebel commander?

Li Xuanba said calmly, “Lord Zhai, please sit. Do you know the poetry collection that Zhi Shilang circulated?”

Zhai Rang’s eyes widened. “Could it be…”

Li Xuanba said evenly, “It’s the collection of poems by ordinary scholars that I gathered.”

Zhai Rang remained silent for a long while, then bowed deeply. “Third Young Master, your virtue is lofty.”

Li Xuanba joked, “That’s all I can reveal. I hope Lord Zhai won’t fault me for not telling everything.”

Zhai Rang hurriedly said, “Not at all. The fact that Third Young Master could compile such a collection already commands my utmost respect. Are you returning to Taiyuan? I’ll arrange an escort for you.”

Wei Zheng was speechless. “If you escort him, wouldn’t that confirm Third Young Master’s treason?”

Zhai Rang replied, “I’ll disguise it.”

Li Xuanba said, “Even if I return, it will be to Zhangye, not Taiyuan. Once my health improves and I can endure long journeys, I will leave without troubling Lord Zhai. But while I am recuperating, you may consult me for strategies.”

Wei Zheng said, “Third Young Master’s reputation for ‘leaving no strategy unexplored’ is renowned; Lord Zhai, you’re in luck.”

Zhai Rang, who had just sat down, almost stood again. “Third Young Master will give me advice?”

Li Xuanba smiled. “Why not?”

Zhai Rang: “…I don’t understand.”

Li Xuanba said, “Of course I have my own purpose. Lord Zhai, have you heard of Crown Prince Yang Xian’s reputation?”

Zhai Rang’s face showed respect. “He is a worthy crown prince. If the Sui emperor were him, why would I have to flee?”

Li Xuanba said, “Second cousin shouldn’t have died so silently. I want to give him a grand funeral.”

Zhai Rang sensed something.

His expression was strange. Could this loyal Sui minister Li Sanlang actually be a potential rebel?

Li Xuanba said, “Long ago, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang raised their banners under the name of Lord Fusu. Since Yang Guang claims my second cousin committed treason during the military admonition, why not raise banners in my second cousin’s name? He died unjustly and deserves to have his name vindicated.”

Zhai Rang wanted to ask: Third Young Master, are you using Crown Prince Yang Xian’s name to act against the Sui? Does your second cousin know or agree?

Li Xuanba saw Zhai Rang’s thoughts and laughed: “If my second cousin disagreed, he could have opposed me. Since he’s dead, he can’t control what I do.”

Zhai Rang was silent for a long moment, then clasped his hands: “Third Young Master, speak directly.”

Li Xuanba said, “I can calculate the route the Sui army will take to return home. Could you mobilize troops and cooperate with Zhi Shilang to intercept the Sui army, as we did during the Second Expedition to Goguryeo?”

Zhai Rang said, “Since Third Young Master dares to give me advice, I certainly won’t be cowardly.”

Li Xuanba said, “I predict that Yang Guang will take advantage of the Goguryeo victory to move north and summon barbarian tribes to pay tribute. Meanwhile, the Eastern Turkic Khagan has already rebelled against the Sui and will surely send troops to attack Yang Guang. Are you willing to strike Yang Guang while he is escaping, like a startled bird?”

Wei Zheng said, “Zhi Shilang has already agreed to be under Third Young Master’s command. Even if Lord Zhai doesn’t act, we still will.”

Zhai Rang took several deep breaths. “I am, after all, a rebel—fighting the dog emperor. But Third Young Master, why do you do this? Is it to seize the empire? But with your second brother’s abilities and the Tang Duke’s power, he wouldn’t even notice people like us.”

Li Xuanba was silent for a moment, then smiled wryly. “Do you think changing the emperor will make life easier for the common people?”

Zhai Rang stared straight at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba looked out the window. “Since the Wei and Jin nine-rank system, it has been hard for commoners to rise. The court has been dominated by aristocratic families who never cared for the people. I once told Zhi Shilang that the sage Xunzi said: ‘The people are water, the ruler is the boat. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.’ Yet hundreds of years later, people have forgotten this.”

“It’s time to make them remember,” Li Xuanba said calmly.

Zhai Rang didn’t understand. “Li Langjiang is also a noble. What does this have to do with him?”

Li Xuanba smiled. “Xunzi was the descendant of high officials, not exactly a commoner, yet he still said those words, didn’t he?”

Zhai Rang still couldn’t believe it.

How could anyone trust that a high-ranking noble would suddenly claim to pity the common people and help those who had no choice but to rise in rebellion? Even if he had raised an army, in his heart he still called himself the “bandit commander.” If he didn’t even recognize himself, why would a noble recognize him?

Li Xuanba said, “I know you don’t believe it. That’s why I’m helping you. You’ve probably noticed that ordinary people, even if they rebel, cannot seize the world—the world ultimately belongs to the noble families. But if you can enter the court and become officials, become the new generation of nobility, then those of you who came from humble origins might have a little more compassion for the common people. At least you, unlike us high-born nobles, understand what the people truly need. And in the future, the common people might be more willing to trust those who share their humble origins.”

He shook his head with a smile and changed the subject. “Enough ideals. They’re too vague. I gave Zhi Shi Lang some books; if you’re interested, you can read them. Now let’s talk about practical matters.”

Li Xuanba lightly tapped the edge of the bed. “Ideals are invisible and intangible, but interests are concrete. Yang Guang has already ordered that captured rebels be executed on the spot. I suppose you wouldn’t gamble on the mercy of a foolish emperor. As long as he lives, he will send soldiers to kill you. Only when he dies, and the world falls into chaos, will you be safe.”

Li Xuanba smiled at Zhai Rang. “You can hardly track Yang Guang, but I can. Do you want to hear my plan to give this lofty emperor a lesson he will never forget? Miss this chance, and you’ll never have another chance to threaten him.”

Zhai Rang’s eyes became wary.

Wei Zheng, somehow producing a feather fan, fanned himself with a smile. “Are you worried that Sanlang would set a trap for you, Zhai Gong? Frankly, does my lord even need to scheme against you? He just wants to do good, expecting nothing in return.”

Zhai Rang: “…Your lord? The Duke of Tang?”

Wei Zheng’s smile disappeared. He replied sharply, “How unlucky.”

Zhai Rang: “…”

Wei Zheng said to Li Xuanba, “Sanlang, I don’t think you should rely on Zhai Gong. His eyes are poor, he misjudges people, and he’s unlikely to accomplish anything great.”

Li Xuanba rubbed his forehead. “Xuancheng, your mouth… don’t be so arrogant. Do you want to offend your ally before even forming an alliance?”

Zhai Rang said seriously, “Sanlang, how can you be sure I would become your ally?”

Li Xuanba shook his head lightly. “Not my ally. Zhi Shi Lang’s ally. The reason is simple: if you don’t kill Yang Guang, Yang Guang will kill you.”

Zhai Rang scrutinized Li Xuanba again.

The young man’s expression was calm and gentle, his voice hoarse, his demeanor weak.

Yet why did he feel a chill run down his spine? Goosebumps rose on his arms. He asked, “Wei Xuancheng’s lord… who is he?”

Wei Zheng rolled his eyes in disdain.

Li Zhiyun said matter-of-factly, “Of course, my second brother.”

Zhai Rang was shocked. “General Li? He’s far too young!”

Li Xuanba chuckled. “Precisely because my second brother is so young, doesn’t that make it all the more a matter of destiny? That’s not important. Zhai Gong, I’m giving you a chance to go after Yang Guang. Do you dare accept it?”

Zhai Rang hesitated for a long time before saying, “It really does seem like destiny. I didn’t expect the famous Li Erlang and Li Sanlang to have such lofty ambitions at such a young age. Could the Duke of Tang also…”

Wei Zheng sighed and rubbed his forehead. “You really are blind.”

Zhai Rang stammered, “So… should I directly join Li Erlang?”

Wei Zheng sneered. “Compare the Duke of Tang and Li Erlang. If they weren’t father and son but the same age, who would you choose? Besides, Li Erlang is so young!”

Zhai Rang hesitated. “But the Duke of Tang is Li Erlang’s father… how can I get around that?”

Wei Zheng said, “Even if you can’t, just secure the position of Crown Prince, right? If the Duke of Tang is foolish enough not to appoint my lord as heir, then there’s no rush. My lord can ascend early.”

Zhai Rang sighed. “Then he’d bear the name of being unfilial.”

Wei Zheng sneered. “Those who achieve greatness don’t worry about small things. Look at the past emperors—who cared about a bit of reputation? Even the Sima clan farted by the Luo River!”

Zhai Rang frowned. “Wei Gong, that’s vulgar. And why compare it to the Sima clan?”

Wei Zheng said, “True. The founding emperor of Han even let Xiang Yu carve a piece of his parents’ flesh.”

Zhai Rang: “Ah…”

Li Zhiyun slowly opened his eyes, puzzled why Zhai Rang was arguing with Wei Zheng.

Li Xuanba twitched at the corner of his mouth.

I’m telling you about assassinating the emperor, and you’re hesitating over Wei Zheng’s lord?

Li Xuanba suddenly remembered that historically, Zhai Rang had handed over the Wagang army to Li Mi because Li Mi was more capable and of noble birth.

Looking at the conflicted Zhai Rang, his expression turned strange.

No way… he just asked Zhai Rang to cooperate with Zhi Shi Lang to assassinate a damn emperor, and Zhai Rang wants to hand over power again?

How much do you not want to be this rebel leader? Wagang is fine!

Don’t you have a bit of Dou Jiande’s ambition, to conquer the world and be emperor yourself??