LFHYB -Chapter 165 The Integrity of the Nobles of Western Capital

In Daxing, Gao Jiong, dressed in plain mourning clothes, observed the mourning rites for the tyrant who had been brutally executed by the mob.

When news reached Daxing, the citizens were naturally ordered to mourn for Yang Guang, and the court officials, including Gao Jiong, were no exception.

“Another emperor has appeared,” Gao Jiong said, looking at his documents with a sigh. “Raising a band of fewer than a thousand brigands in the countryside, and yet daring to claim the imperial title.”

Xue Daoheng said with a straight face: “The way His Majesty died shattered the sanctity of the emperor in the hearts of the people. Now anyone dares to claim the throne.”

Yuwen Bi sighed but said nothing.

Though the emperor’s sacredness had long ceased to exist among the literati, the common people remained ignorant and still feared the emperor.

Now that the rebel leaders had tried and executed the emperor, the authority of the throne was completely shattered.

Was this good or bad? Though they understood Wang Bo’s anger, they still feared the unknown future.

Changsun Sheng had been frowning deeply all along.

Xue Daoheng remarked: “Ji Sheng, you’ve been frowning over His Majesty for so long. Seems your feelings for him run deep.”

He wasn’t mocking—just reflecting. Changsun Sheng had once been Yang Guang’s confidant. It was natural for him to feel some attachment.

Changsun Sheng looked up, a bit dazed: “Huh? What?”

Xue Daoheng asked, puzzled: “Aren’t you angry and saddened by His Majesty’s death?”

Changsun Sheng was even more puzzled: “His Majesty was rushing headlong to an untimely death. Whether he died at the hands of the rebel leaders or the insurgents, it was inevitable. We had long foreseen this outcome. Why feel anger?”

Xue Daoheng: “……” He really disliked Changsun Sheng. Didn’t His Majesty treat him well at least?

Changsun Sheng saw nothing wrong with his words. He believed his own abilities earned him Yang Guang’s attention. He had wholeheartedly supported Yang Guang’s succession, yet Yang Guang had been stingy with rewards. His rank and office were almost the same as under the previous emperor.

Yang Guang was famously miserly. Rewards were given based solely on his favor, not merit. As long as one flattered him, he could be promoted regardless of rank. Otherwise, even if one achieved great deeds, Yang Guang would squeeze the title and office from one’s fingers as if taking one’s life.

It wasn’t until the realm descended into chaos, and Yang Guang, after three campaigns against Goguryeo had almost exhausted the Sui army, needed influential families to suppress civil unrest, that he became slightly more generous with official positions, but remained stingy with titles.

Take Li Shimin, for example. Without imperial support, he had burned the Turkic headquarters, inscribed on the Yanran stone, and captured two khans in a surprise attack on Eastern Turks. Even previous emperors would surely have granted him the highest rank a general could attain.

Never mind that Li Shimin’s father was a Duke. In the Han, the highest rank was Marquis, and whenever an emperor was pleased, it was common for multiple father-and-son pairs to become marquises. Even the tyrant Qin Shi Huang had granted marquis titles to both sons of Wang Jian.

Not to mention Li Xuanba, who had performed such meritorious service in rescuing the emperor. Even his promotions were stingy, with almost no rewards.

Changsun Sheng could only write a letter to comfort Li Xuanba. Yuwen Shu had died while defending the emperor, the family had lost the title of Duke of the State, and at least Li Xuanba’s treatment under Yang Guang was slightly better than under Yang Guang himself. Changsun Sheng advised him not to get upset and to take good care of his health.

An emperor like that—dead is dead; who would mourn him with righteous anger?

Changsun Sheng found Xue Daoheng rather pretentious. “Yang Guang nearly killed you, and yet you still lament him? Don’t you have any self-respect?” Clearly, Changsun Sheng and Xue Daoheng were not compatible.

Gao Jiong noticed that Xue Daoheng seemed ready to argue with Changsun Sheng again, so he tried to change the subject. “Ji Sheng, I see you’ve noticed it as well.”

Changsun Sheng furrowed his brows even deeper. “Yes.”

Yuwen Bi let out a heavy sigh.

Xue Daoheng was a bit annoyed. “All three of you noticed? Not me? What is it you noticed that you kept from me?”

Changsun Sheng said, “Kept from you? We noticed, you didn’t. Isn’t that because you weren’t paying attention?”

Xue Daoheng: “…” He began rolling up his sleeves.

Gao Jiong quickly tried to steer the conversation. “You’re not sensitive to schemes and intrigues, so it’s normal that you didn’t notice. Xuanqing, do you still remember that Wang Bo was Sanlang’s undercover agent?”

Xue Daoheng racked his memory. “It seems Sanlang sent an advisor to Wang Bo’s side… Wait, do you mean Wang Bo’s actions were directed by Sanlang?!”

Gao Jiong shook his head. “Judging by Wang Bo’s actions, it was his own initiative. Sanlang did not instruct him. But he is connected to Sanlang… sigh…”

Xue Daoheng anxiously said, “How can Sanlang have connections with Wang Bo? What are we to do about this!”

Yuwen Bi reassured him, “It’s not a big problem. Aside from us, probably only Daxiong and Daxiong’s trusted aides know anything. As long as Wang Bo doesn’t voluntarily say this matter is related to Dade, nothing will happen.”

Changsun Sheng said, “I think although Sanlang didn’t directly order it, he must have done something to push things along. Next time we meet, we must reprimand him properly.”

Gao Jiong and Yuwen Shu nodded repeatedly.

Xue Daoheng continued muttering, “How can Sanlang be so rebellious? Even more rebellious than me? Sigh, this child…”

As Xue Daoheng muttered, Gao Jiong’s servant came to report that the Weixiu of Daxing, Wei Xuan, had sent someone to request that Gao Jiong come speak with him.

Xue Daoheng stopped muttering, his expression one of disgust. “He really doesn’t give up, does he?”

Gao Jiong said, “I told him I’m ill and refusing visitors. Doesn’t he understand?”

The servant said, “The messenger said that if Lord Gao refuses, Wei Liushou will come in person.”

Gao Jiong replied calmly, “Then let him come himself.”

The servant went to deliver the refusal after receiving the order.

Gao Jiong drained his cup of wolfberry tea and revealed a frustrated expression. “Luoyang has already enthroned the second son of Crown Prince Yuande as emperor. Daxing insists on enthroning another? Do they want to wipe out the entire bloodline of Crown Prince Yuande?!”

Though Gao Jiong spoke such seditious words, the other three elders were not alarmed; they all sighed.

Yang Guang not only promoted officials based on personal preference, but treated his sons the same way.

He gave his youngest son Yang Gao the title King of Zhao, his favorite eldest illegitimate grandson Yang Tan the title King of Yan, but because of the admonitions of Crown Prince Yuande before his death, he ignored the other two sons of Crown Prince Yuande.

Yang Guang kept his beloved sons and eldest grandson close, while the other two grandsons were sent to Daxing and Luoyang to supposedly “guard their respective capitals.” But the imperial grandchildren were not only young, they also had no titles—how could they truly govern? In reality, they were just left to their own devices.

Though Wang Bo had only killed Yang Guang, both the King of Zhao and the King of Yan were killed by rebel forces. Yang Tong and Yang You, whom Yang Guang did not favor, survived by luck.

But now the world was in chaos, the Emperor of Sui had been killed by the rebel leaders, and everyone knew that the legitimacy of the Sui dynasty had been broken; the dynasty existed in name only.

Yang Tong and Yang You were fortunate but also pitiable. If they were pushed onto the throne as puppet emperors, their fate would surely be grim.

Yang You, as the legitimate son of Crown Prince Yuande, was indeed the most suitable candidate for a puppet emperor. So Luoyang enthroned one emperor, and Daxing was restless as well.

However, that previously foolish and arrogant Crown Princess Wei seemed to have grown clever over these years of being neglected, holding tightly onto Yang You and pleading with the ministers for the safety of her child.

The ministers guarding Western Capital might have had ambitions for the throne, but outwardly they still appeared loyal to Sui. Besides, among them were genuine loyalists who truly wanted Yang You enthroned—they could not be too aggressive.

Gao Jiong, with his reputation and experience teaching Crown Prince Yuande, was repeatedly consulted to persuade Crown Princess Wei.

“Hopefully they wake up soon,” Changsun Sheng said. “The bloodline of the deposed Crown Prince Yang Xian has already ended. If Crown Prince Yuande’s bloodline also disappears, the emperor’s lineage will be completely cut off. After all, the emperor and his ministers were once loyal. He died tragically; at least some bloodline should remain.”

Xue Daoheng rolled his eyes violently.

Yuwen Bi said, “I’ll talk to Wei Xuan. He should be a true loyalist concerned for Sui, just anxious. Since Luoyang has enthroned Yang Tong as emperor, let’s not stir things further. Does he really want the emperor’s only remaining grandsons to kill each other?”

Gao Jiong said, “I hope he listens.”

Xue Daoheng said, “I fear the Jingzhao Wei clan will pressure Crown Princess Wei. For them, having Yang You as a puppet emperor would be greatly advantageous.”

Changsun Sheng sneered. “So they can hand over the puppet emperor and scheme for benefits under the new dynasty?”

Xue Daoheng snorted coldly. “The Jingzhao Wei clan has lost their drive to fight for themselves. Being an external power is easier. Wait and see—once the Duke of Tang enters Western Capital, daughters of the Wei family will fill the Tang Duke’s mansion.”

Seeing Yuwen Bi and Changsun Sheng frown, Gao Jiong quickly said, “Why talk of this dishearteningly? Who will arrive in Western Capital first: Erlang or Li Yuan?”

Xue Daoheng snorted again. “No question. Erlang is not that useless.”

But what they never expected was that the first Tang Duke’s army to gather on the outskirts of Daxing was actually Li Zhao’s troops.

When Li Xuanba left Longyou, he wrote to his sisters who remained in Daxing, informing them of the chaotic state of the world and that his family might raise an army.

“No matter which rebel force, they will all fight for Xijing. Please, sister and brother-in-law, prepare early and leave Daxing to avoid the chaos.”

Li Zhao trusted Li Xuanba deeply, so she and Chai Shao moved to a villa on the outskirts of the capital, ready to flee at any moment.

Even the other brothers-in-law of Li Xuanba, though they hadn’t left Daxing yet, had made preparations for refuge and did not report him.

The reason they didn’t report him was simple.

Li Yuan had a good eye for choosing sons-in-law and could see the dead-end of the Sui dynasty. Their official positions in Sui were not high, but if the Tang Duke’s mansion’s uprising succeeded, their future status would be far higher than in the Sui dynasty. Naturally, they would support their own family.

However, Li Yuan’s uprising was rushed, and he failed to notify his relatives in time. Even if Li Xuanba had prepared his brothers-in-law in advance, Li Yuan still caught them off guard, and they suffered greatly.

Wei Xuan was hunting Li Yuan’s friends and family in Daxing. Those who were imprisoned went to prison, those who tried to flee fled, all in a chaotic mess. Chai Shao handed over the household servants and property to Li Zhao’s control and went alone to Longyou to join Li Shimin and Li Xuanba.

During dynastic struggles, it was customary not to harm married daughters. Moreover, Sui women, when outside, wore full-body veils, so hiding nearby was safer than crossing mountains and rivers to reach someone else.

Chai Shao knew his wife was a woman of exceptional ability. In an imperial court that ignored women, she had both money and influence—self-preservation was not difficult.

But he never expected that Li Zhao, right under the court’s nose, would recruit several hundred people, then persuade and attack the rebel forces near Xijing. In just one month, she had gathered 100,000 men, of whom 10,000 were armed and armored—true elite.

In history, Li Zhao had also gathered sixty to seventy thousand people. Now, having already been in business with Li Xuanba, she had more money and manpower. Moreover, Li Xuanba had repeatedly and quietly instructed her to prepare for mobilization. Li Zhao had secretly stockpiled weapons long ago, even Chai Shao did not know.

Li Zhao raised the banner of “Tang” and repeatedly engaged the Sui forces outside the city. Using the terrain to her advantage, she defeated the Sui army in successive field battles.

Wei Xuan, overwhelmed, could only stay behind closed doors and sent messages to Luoyang for reinforcements.

Since they sought help from Luoyang, the officials in Xijing naturally could not proclaim a new emperor in the short term.

Crown Princess Wei, holding the eleven-year-old Yang You, cried and laughed at the same time: “Son, you’re saved, you’re saved!”

Yang You hugged his mother lightly, saying nothing.

He had never been very fond of his mother before. His father often complained that she only listened to her natal family, wasn’t smart, and caused him trouble.

But in these years of neglect by his grandfather, he had felt that his mother loved him more than her own family.

His mother really wasn’t clever. Though young, he had secretly helped her solve many troubles. Yet when the Wei family demanded him to become a puppet emperor, she held him tightly in her arms, unwilling to break with her family, and refused to become empress dowager.

If I can survive, I will definitely… definitely…

I want to survive, and survive together with my mother.

Yang You had seen the coldness of the world when neglected, maturing early. He recalled the letter his father had left him.

His father told him that if trouble arose, he could seek help from Li Shimin and Li Xuanba. Both men were loyal and soft-hearted; if the request didn’t cause them great loss, they would surely help.

But now, Li Yuan, Duke of Tang, had already rebelled—could he still trust them?

While Yang You was thinking, Crown Princess Wei wiped her tears, gritted her teeth, and whispered, “Now that they have relaxed their watch over us, we must escape immediately!”

Yang You was confused: “Escape? Go where?”

Crown Princess Wei said, “To Longyou! Your father said Li Shimin and Li Xuanba could help us. Trust your father—he has never been wrong!”

Yang You said, “But Duke Li has already rebelled.”

Crown Princess Wei said, “Who in this world hasn’t rebelled? Your grandfather is dead, the Sui dynasty is gone, and everyone is a rebel! All these people in Xijing are rebels! Whoever we fall into, we fall into the hands of rebels. Li Shimin and Li Xuanba are close to your father—they might spare your life.”

As she spoke, Crown Princess Wei wiped her tears again: “Even if you become a commoner, I won’t let you die, absolutely not! Listen to your mother!”

Yang You’s throat moved, fists clenched.

After a long moment, he shook his head: “I don’t have the confidence to escape with Mother. It’s better to stay here. Whoever takes Xijing, I’ll surrender to them. They probably won’t kill a former prince who surrenders willingly.”

Crown Princess Wei said, “No, child, you must escape. Even though they are letting you go now, once they recover, they will surely proclaim you emperor. And if you become emperor, you’ll be dead! Listen to your mother, be good.”

Yang You sighed: “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”

He, of course, knew that the ministers and nobles in Xijing were only temporarily ignoring him. No matter the future situation, they would surely proclaim him emperor.

Although his grandfather neglected him, he had also ordered the great men like Gao Gong to stay in Xijing and guide him—he was not foolish.

The ministers and nobles in Xijing dared not mobilize troops themselves to vie for the throne, so they must place him on the throne. Simply giving up a city was not enough—they needed the emperor himself to lead them in surrender to elevate their status and preserve the title of “loyal minister.”

The Wei family of Jingzhao was no exception.

However, a mere “Guanzhong surname” was not enough; there were many people of talent among the Guanzhong surnames. Only if they could persuade the empress dowager’s natal family could their influence be sufficient.

Yet Yang You still did not believe he could escape.

The people his mother could use were all from her Wei family. Jingzhao Wei would not want him to leave.

Still, Yang You obeyed his mother.

What if…? One must always have hope. If this attempt failed, he could accept his fate.

Disguised as a maid by Crown Princess Wei, under the pretext of offering prayers, Yang You secretly went to a temple in the city.

Crown Princess Wei hoped that Yang You could leave with a trusted monk. But, as Yang You expected, as soon as he arrived at the temple, someone reported him…

Wei Shi sent people to the temple to look for him, but his mother blocked them at the gate.

Yet the rear courtyard was so small—how could he possibly escape?

Yang You sighed. Just as he was about to give up, a young novice monk beckoned to him.
“Come with me. This way.”

Under normal circumstances, Yang You would never have trusted a stranger.

But now—was there really any worse ending left for him? So he followed.

The young monk opened a cabinet. Inside it was actually a secret tunnel.

In a daze, Yang You followed the monk into the tunnel. They walked for a long time, and then he climbed out from it.

He looked around. “Where is this place? Who are you?”

“The Crown Princess Wei didn’t tell you?” Gao Jiong said in surprise. “You followed along without knowing anything at all?”

Yang You spun around sharply. When he saw Gao Jiong standing before him, disbelief filled his eyes.

Gao Jiong sighed. “Enough. Get into the carriage and change clothes. I’ll take you out of the city.”

Still dizzy, Yang You removed his hairpins and ornaments, changed into a soldier’s uniform, and mixed in among the troops following behind Gao Jiong.

Holding an official token, Gao Jiong took over the city defenses and personally led troops out of the city on patrol.

At last, Wei Xuan had persuaded this great strategist and military commander of the Sui dynasty to don armor once more and garrison Daxing City.

A man’s reputation is like a tree’s shadow. Once Gao Jiong unfurled his banner, the rebel forces around Daxing City vanished without a trace.

But when Gao Jiong returned to Daxing City, he learned that Yang You—the legitimate son of Crown Prince Yuande—was missing. Crown Princess Wei refused to reveal Yang You’s whereabouts and had even knocked herself unconscious by smashing her head into a tree.

Wei Xuan said anxiously, “Lord Gao, what are we to do?”

Gao Jiong replied coldly, “I told you long ago not to force the imperial grandson. He is Crown Prince Yuande’s child—he’s not a fool! How could he not know what kind of future awaited him after becoming emperor? Even the compassionate heart of a mother couldn’t move you. If you want to die for the Sui dynasty to fulfill your so‑called loyalty, must you drag the imperial grandson to his death as well?!”

Wei Xuan shouted angrily, “He is the imperial grandson!”

Gao Jiong said, “If he had not become emperor, he might have been the only living bloodline of His Majesty, who died so tragically.”

Wei Xuan fell silent.

He closed his eyes in pain.

After a long while, he asked, “Lord Gao… did you intervene?”

Gao Jiong said arrogantly, “So what if I did? So what if I didn’t? Do you dare kill this old man?”

Wei Xuan took several deep breaths. His voice was hoarse. “I dare not.”

Gao Jiong said, “His Majesty ordered you to pacify Guanzhong. Yet the people of Guanzhong lie starving everywhere—you couldn’t save them. Bandits rose like beacon fires—you couldn’t suppress them. You and I are the same. Since neither of us dared to remonstrate with His Majesty unto death and steer him back onto the right path, now that His Majesty has died because of his cruelty to the people, and the Sui has perished in popular rebellion, let us stop pretending to be loyal ministers. You and I are not worthy of that title.”

Wei Xuan, already over seventy, looked even more aged.

Gao Jiong continued, “But at the very least, we must leave behind a thread of bloodline for His Majesty and for Crown Prince Yuande.”

Wei Xuan’s voice choked. “Lord Gao, but is there truly any place in this world where the imperial grandson can find refuge? I look at all the heroes of the realm—none have a broad enough heart. No… perhaps the Champion Marquis might remember his old ties with His Majesty and Crown Prince Yuande. But above him stands Li Yuan! And Li Yuan—do you not know what kind of man he is?!”

Gao Jiong said, “I know him very well. That is why I am not afraid.”

Wei Xuan sighed. “It seems Lord Gao has indeed sent the imperial grandson to the Champion Marquis.”

Gao Jiong said nothing.

Wei Xuan said dejectedly, “Enough, enough. Whether you did or not, the imperial grandson has already disappeared. What use is there in arguing over this now? Lord Gao—do you intend to surrender the city?”

Gao Jiong shook his head. “If we don’t defend the city, how are the Daxing nobles to secure a good position under the next emperor? Even if the city is to be surrendered, it cannot be done hastily.”

Wei Xuan remained silent for a long time, then clasped his hands and took his leave.

He did not reclaim the military authority he had entrusted to Gao Jiong. Claiming illness, he gradually handed over all power in the capital to Gao Jiong.

Although Gao Jiong had long withdrawn from worldly affairs, his prestige was immense. Now that the imperial grandson was missing, the Daxing nobles argued back and forth, but in the end they submitted only to Gao Jiong.

They made just one demand of him: under no circumstances could the city be surrendered easily.

Gao Jiong snorted in laughter and agreed.

The soldiers defending the city and the middle‑ and lower‑ranking officers had no idea what schemes the lofty nobles and court officials were plotting. They would continue to prepare actively for battle, fight to the death, and suffer countless casualties—all to forge a fine “loyal minister” reputation for the lords of the Western Capital, and to add bricks and mortar to the monument of their so‑called integrity.

If they did not do this, how would the future emperor respect the lords of the Western Capital and bestow high offices upon them?

…

“Li—Li Shimin?! You’re already this close to the Western Capital!” Yang You trembled from head to toe in shock.

Li Shimin said irritably, “What are you shaking for? I don’t eat children. And call me maternal uncle. Such disrespect, you little grand‑nephew.”

Li Xuanba added, “We’re rebels now—don’t scare him.”

Li Shimin patted Yang You on the shoulder. “Alright, alright. Follow your aunt to Zhangye and hide there. When I become emperor, you can come out again. Elder Sister, Longyou is in your hands.”

Li Zhao said worriedly, “Y‑you really want me to go and guard Longyou?”

Li Shimin said, “Third Sister, do you know how many men Father has under his command right now? Less than fifty thousand! You, a woman, managed to recruit a hundred thousand soldiers and even beat Wei Xuan into shutting himself inside the city. With such ability, how can you still lack confidence?”

Li Xuanba said, “Third Sister, excessive humility is arrogance. Longyou is yours. Whoever sticks their head out, hit them. If no one does, go raid the grasslands. Life in Longyou is harsh—we can’t feed that many troops without robbing the Turks of their cattle and sheep.”

Li Zhao pressed her forehead. “You two… sigh. I could also go with you to attack the Western Capital.”

Li Shimin turned his head aside. “A‑Xuan, you say it.”

Li Xuanba glanced at his second brother. He knew that even if his brother had already accepted everything in his heart, he still didn’t want to say it out loud.

“Third Sister, if you merge forces with Father, you’ll have no troops left,” Li Xuanba said. “Being a general is quite free and easy, isn’t it? You don’t want to have just tasted that freedom only to have Father strip you of your military command, do you?”

Li Zhao froze.

Li Xuanba continued, “We don’t want Father to take away our troops and territories either—so how about we form an alliance?”

Li Zhao frowned, but only for a moment. She soon relaxed her brows and said, “Alright, I’ll serve as the general guarding the frontier. But… will the troops obey me?”

Li Xuanba sighed. “Third sister, elder sister, my sister, the reputation of your women warriors is already well-known. I believe in you…”

Li Shimin reached out, resting his hand on Li Xuanba’s shoulder, and winked. “Third sister, if you can hold Longyou firmly, when I become emperor, I’ll grant you a kingdom.”

Li Zhao laughed. “Nonsense. Alright, alright, I’ll help you. By the way, where’s your brother-in-law? Why didn’t he come with you? Is he in Zhangye?”

Li Shimin looked puzzled. “Brother-in-law Chai? How would I know where he is?”

Li Xuanba shrugged off his second brother’s heavy arm and frowned. “Brother-in-law Chai didn’t go to Taiyuan; he went to Longyou? I didn’t see him there.”

Li Zhao muttered, “…Could he have gotten lost?”

The three siblings exchanged glances.