LFHYB -Chapter 177 Teacher Gao is Really Annoying

The fact that the Prince of Longxi had taken control of the Western Capital and warned all heroes to behave spread throughout the land within two months.

In such turbulent times, the speed of communication was remarkably fast.

It was clear that the heroes of the world had eyes in the Western Capital and were watching every move of this legendary young general, Li Shimin.

Yang Xuan, who had not yet captured Luoyang, sighed deeply when he learned of this.

He said to Li Mi, “Li Shimin will definitely be a major threat to us.”

Li Mi also felt regretful. How could they have failed to kill Li Xuanba back then and cut off one of Li Shimin’s arms?

At Wagang Village, Zhai Rang said to Gao Biaoren, “Good thing I drove out the Turkic envoy.”

Gao Biaoren smiled and said, “Lord Zhai is a straightforward man. He would never show the Turks any courtesy.”

Pleased by Gao Biaoren’s praise, Zhai Rang felt a little happy.

He cleared his throat and awkwardly changed the subject: “Dou Jiande accepted the title of ‘Little Khagan’ from the Turks. He must be anxious.”

Gao Biaoren’s smile faded, and his tone turned dismissive: “Why anxious? If he didn’t surrender, he would sooner or later face Erlang and Sanlang. He should be mentally prepared; otherwise, he wouldn’t have paid tribute to the Turks for their warhorses.”

After Gao Jiong helped the Sui unify the realm, the rest of his military career was spent fighting the Turks. Being immersed in this for so long, he naturally grew to loathe them.

Although he knew that the rebellious kings in the Central Plains who accepted the Turks’ “Little Khagan” title weren’t truly loyal—they were simply using the Turks to consolidate power in the Central Plains before dealing with them later—this didn’t stop him from despising anyone who paid tribute to the Turks.

“I wonder when the Prince of Longxi will arrive in the Central Plains.” Zhai Rang was already eager to replace Wagang Village’s banner with the Prince of Longxi’s flag.

Gao Biaoren returned to smiling: “He will probably head south first. The Taiyuan commandery blocks the way out of the Caoshan Mountains; he’ll have no choice but to take a detour.”

Zhai Rang thought of Taiyuan Commandery still having Li Yuan claiming the imperial title and felt a headache coming on. “Why hasn’t the Duke of Tang established the Prince of Longxi as heir? Does he really think he can appoint Li Jiancheng?”

Gao Biaoren said, “How dare he make Erlang the crown prince? If Li Jiancheng were made crown prince, he could use ‘righteousness’ to contest with Erlang; but if Erlang were made crown prince, he would have to face Erlang himself.”

Gao Biaoren smiled mischievously: “If it were me, I’d make Sanlang the crown prince. While it wouldn’t drive a wedge between Erlang and Sanlang, it would certainly annoy both of them.”

Zhai Rang: “…” He knew Gao Biaoren had a good relationship with the Princes of Longxi and Taiyuan, yet he still dared to joke like this.

Gao Biaoren was only joking. In Taiyuan Commandery, someone had actually suggested this to Li Yuan, but Li Jiancheng rejected it.

When Li Shimin was enfeoffed as Prince of Longxi, they still regarded him as Li Yuan’s “subordinate.” But after Li Shimin defeated Shuofang Commandery and directly took residence in Xijing Daxing without even a glance at his trapped father in Taiyuan, the people of Taiyuan caught on.

Prince Li Shimin of Longxi… probably intends to become emperor himself?

They were first surprised, then not so surprised.

Indeed, why couldn’t Li Shimin want to become emperor?

He had troops and territory, and the mantle of righteousness on his side. If Li Yuan weren’t his father, or hadn’t declared himself emperor first, Li Shimin would be the closest person to the imperial throne.

If Li Yuan weren’t his father, or hadn’t claimed the throne, Li Shimin would probably not be confined to Xijing at all—he’d openly raise the banner of rebellion and campaign for the empire.

Most people in Taiyuan, having understood Li Shimin’s ambitions, weren’t overly worried.

As long as Li Yuan didn’t act recklessly, they wouldn’t antagonize Li Shimin, and after he became emperor, they would remain “old ministers,” enjoying wealth and glory.

Only a few, loyal to Li Jiancheng or truly devoted to Li Yuan, would worry.

Li Yuan himself was anxious.

He was both shocked and angry. Erlang actually wanted to bypass him and take the throne himself? How could his son be so unfilial!

Li Yuan couldn’t help complaining to Dou Huiming.

This time, Dou Huiming didn’t comfort him. Calmly, she said, “Looking at history, founding emperors, even if they didn’t fight to conquer the realm themselves, seized it through scheming. I’ve never seen a founding emperor rely solely on ‘filial piety’ to have his son fight for him while denying him the crown prince title.”

Without waiting for Li Yuan to retort, she continued: “If your son fights for the empire, whether he is made crown prince or not, he is effectively the emperor. Both of us, being close to the throne, should know that ‘emperor’ isn’t determined by title alone.”

Li Yuan frowned: “If Erlang could come to Taiyuan to help, how could I fail to seize the empire!”

Dou Huiming sighed: “Then Erlang is still the one fighting. My lord, I know you feel upset. Who doesn’t want to be emperor? You want to be emperor; your sons want to be emperor. Erlang wants to bypass you; Dalang wants Erlang to fight for him and then kill him to take the throne. Across this land, dozens of rebellious princes all want the imperial seat.”

Li Yuan said, “For the sake of the throne, brothers killing each other… how can Erlang be so unfilial?”

Dou Huiming gave a bitter smile: “Since the Wei and Jin, has anyone cared about filial piety in the struggle for the throne? How many bloody events surrounded my uncle’s ascension? How many died in the Sui succession? In chaotic times, the throne goes to those who can seize it. Even if Erlang refrains from competing, which emperor would tolerate him? My lord, even you couldn’t tolerate him.”

Li Yuan was silent for a long time, showing a puzzled expression: “I can’t believe you would say such things to me.”

Dou Huiming said, “I just want to advise you once more. If you make Erlang crown prince now, he will immediately bring troops to Taiyuan. Of course, you might think he’s forcing you, but the initiative is in Erlang’s hands. You can still rebuke him and sever ties. Even if it’s hard for you to leave Taiyuan, this will create obstacles on Erlang’s path to the throne.”

After speaking, Dou Huiming rose and left, not waiting for Li Yuan’s response.

As she left, she saw Li Jiancheng at the doorway.

Li Jiancheng said sorrowfully, “Mother, are you going to give up on me?”

Dou Huiming replied, “Why did you give up on Sanlang and Wulang back then?”

Li Jiancheng said, “I didn’t…”

She interrupted: “I never gave up on you. If you willingly yield the crown prince title, Erlang will have no choice but to treat you well.”

Li Jiancheng said, “But that is the imperial throne! Why shouldn’t I fight for it!”

“What do you have to compete with?”

Dou Huiming lowered her eyes as she spoke.

After saying that, she walked past Li Jiancheng and left.

Dou Huiming was truly exhausted.

She did not believe that Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng failed to understand this principle. They simply insisted on forcing her to say it out loud.

Li Yuan believed he could use filial piety to coerce Erlang into fighting for him without having to grant him the position of Crown Prince.

Li Jiancheng believed that, as the legitimate eldest son, he could join forces with Li Yuan to pressure Erlang into fighting for him—then kill Erlang, Sanlang, and Wulang afterward.

Dou Huiming recalled what Lady Wan had once said.

“How disgusting.”

Yes. Truly disgusting.

Even if she exposed Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng’s hidden intentions, it would make no difference.

The temptation of the imperial throne was too great. It had always driven fathers and sons, brothers and brothers, to turn against each other. How could they possibly give it up?

After all, Li Yuan was Li Shimin’s father. There were many things he could do.

For example, he now bestowed upon Li Shimin the titles of Supreme Pillar of State, Minister of Personnel, Grand Commandant, and Military Governor of Longxi, appointing him as Right Wing Guard General-in-Chief.

This was to show the world that Li Shimin was his subordinate and that they were on the same side.

Li Xuanba was also granted numerous official posts by Li Yuan—too many to list in detail.

Li Jiancheng and Li Zhiyun were likewise promoted. Li Yuan handed over half of his military authority to Li Jiancheng and frequently let him lead campaigns in his stead to build his reputation.

Under Li Shimin’s “pressure,” Li Yuan officially stood on Li Jiancheng’s side.

When the people of Taiyuan Commandery saw this, they could not help but sigh.

Perhaps the Prince of Longxi was simply too formidable. Before the Duke of Tang had even unified the realm, internal strife had already begun.

Some generals who were privately close to Li Shimin whispered among themselves. Luckily, the Prince of Longxi was not under the Duke of Tang’s control and had his own troops and territory. Otherwise, who knew whether the throne would even end up bearing the surname Li?

Who starts fighting internally before unifying the realm?

…

“Father has always been like this,” Li Xuanba said irritably after reading their mother’s letter. “Otherwise, how did Shanxi and Hedong get lost? Even Taiyuan, the birthplace of the dynasty, and Luoyang—which you captured after defeating two kings in one battle—were lost. Only a small part of Guanzhong was left. Back then, the Tang dynasty controlled less land than we do now.”

Li Shimin rubbed his forehead. “A-Xuan, you should keep that kind of talk in your heart. Don’t say it out loud—you’ll scare people.”

Li Xuanba replied: [Oh.]

Li Shimin said, “You don’t even need to think that word.”

Li Xuanba rolled his eyes: [So many demands.]

Li Shimin: “…” Angry.

Forget it. No need to get angry. He was used to it.

Li Shimin sighed with a headache. “With Father being so unreasonable, we absolutely can’t go near Taiyuan. Sigh… Yang Xuangan is so useless. Why hasn’t he taken Luoyang yet?”

Li Xuanba said, “They’re probably surrounding it without attacking, waiting for the city to surrender from lack of food.”

Li Shimin sighed. “I pity the common people inside Luoyang.”

Li Xuanba changed the subject. “Second Brother, who are you attacking next?”

Li Shimin replied, “Fujii says Bashu has been taken. I plan to go through the Han River and head toward Nanyang and other commanderies.”

“Hunan?” Li Xuanba thought for a moment. “First deal with Zhu Can?”

Li Shimin smiled. “Aren’t you the one who hates those beasts who eat human flesh for pleasure the most? I’ve heard Zhu Can is even worse than Liang Shidu. Let’s eliminate him first.”

Li Xuanba nodded. “I’m going too.”

Li Shimin said, “Of course you are. I’m not at ease leaving you alone in the Western Capital. Your luck is terrible. Who knows—right after I leave, someone might rebel, or set another fire.”

Although campaigning was exhausting and not good for his brother’s health, Li Shimin still had to take him along.

Li Xuanba frowned. “Am I really that unlucky? Don’t talk nonsense.”

Li Shimin said seriously, “You really are. Li Mi isn’t dead yet—who knows what he’ll do. Li Jiancheng also wants to harm you. He probably has agents in the Western Capital.”

Li Xuanba: “…Stop. I’ll go with you.”

If Second Brother kept talking like this, Li Mi and Li Jiancheng would sound like near-demonic masterminds. How disgusting.

Li Shimin held his brother’s shoulders and cheerfully pointed at the map, planning their strategy.

Using modern geography to explain, Li Shimin intended to first take the Two Lakes region, then slowly advance east from the south, eventually moving north through Jiangsu and surrounding Henan and Shanxi from Qi Commandery.

Luoyang and Taiyuan were to be left for last.

If Luoyang were taken early, Li Shimin would enter the city. Once he controlled the two capitals, even bringing Li Yuan out of Taiyuan would not threaten his authority. His prestige would suppress any appeal to “filial piety.”

At worst, it would only be “forcing his father to abdicate.”

Everything Li Shimin was doing now was simply in the hope that Li Yuan would see reason and step down voluntarily.

However, Li Xuanba had different plans, and he had no intention of telling his brother.

“A yellow robe upon the body” would only be fun if it came as a surprise.

As the brothers were imagining the future, heavy, firm footsteps sounded at the door.

Both of them felt their hearts tighten and looked up together.

Sure enough, it was Gao Jiong, hands clasped behind his back, face stern.

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba spoke in unison: “We finished today’s lessons! We didn’t slack off!”

Gao Jiong glanced at them, then his gaze fell on the map on the table.

“You’re planning to send troops?” he asked. “Who will guard Daxing?”

Li Shimin forced a smile. “Of course, Teacher Gao.”

Gao Jiong said, “Call Li Zhiyun back. Li Zhao is enough for Longxi.”

Li Shimin finally relaxed. He jumped off the couch and said with a grin, “I thought you’d stop my brother and me from going south.”

Gao Jiong snorted. “You’re racing against time now. Before Li Yuan leaves Taiyuan, you must occupy as many cities as possible. It’s not enough for your generals to win—you need personal achievements. You must lead the campaigns yourself.”

He paused, then couldn’t help reaching out and knocking Li Shimin on the head.

Annoyed, he said, “If you go on campaign, Sanlang must go with you. Otherwise, who knows how recklessly you’ll risk your life without regard for your health?”

Li Shimin said awkwardly, “It’s not really that risky.”

Li Xuanba retorted sharply, “Second Brother, if you don’t want to start getting headaches by thirty and end up paralyzed in bed in your forties, you’d better take it easy.”

Li Shimin covered his ears. “Stop, stop! I know! Don’t say such scary things! You’re killing my fighting spirit!”

Hearing that by his forties he would be wracked with pain, paralyzed in bed, forced to “drink poison to quench thirst” by taking dangerously toxic pills to relieve the pain, and eventually die from overdosing on painkillers—adding yet another cautionary tale for future ministers to advise their rulers—Li Shimin couldn’t help but tear up.

He didn’t want to hear this!

Gao Jiong, hearing Li Xuanba’s words, sighed and couldn’t get angry either.

He straightened Li Shimin’s clothes and smoothed his hair. “Erlang, you’ve worked hard.”

Li Shimin’s earlobes turned slightly red. “It’s fine, not hard at all.”

Gao Jiong said, “With me and the old fellows you call teachers here, plus Sanlang, Wulang, and your Third Sister to support you, you won’t have to work yourself so hard in this life. I’ve heard Li Jing played a leading role in persuading Bashu to surrender. He’s a talented man; you should make good use of him.”

Gao Jiong glanced at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba, realizing Gao Jiong was about to spoil things, said, “Li Jing is certainly formidable. Later generations even call him the ‘God of War.’”

Li Shimin immediately turned his head. “Am I strong, or is he?”

Li Xuanba replied, “To be honest, his military achievements surpass yours. Before you became emperor, you fought in the Central Plains while he campaigned in the south. After you ascended the throne, you couldn’t lead battles personally; it was he who fought the Turks.”

Li Shimin frowned. “Then that’s not a fair victory! There’s no way I’ll lose to him this time!”

Li Xuanba said, “You’ve already burned the Turks’ command tents. Your future fame will certainly surpass his.”

Li Shimin said, “I want to be the God of War!”

Li Xuanba replied, “Fine, I’ll write the history books for you and give you the title of ‘God of War’… Ow.”

Li Shimin exclaimed, “Ow! You even hit me?!”

Gao Jiong twitched the corner of his mouth and gave each of his two unruly disciples a punch.

They were already destined to be emperor and princes—why compete with generals for titles? An emperor’s prestige lies in governance, not personally leading battles!

Think of the most martial emperors, like Qin Shi Huang or Han Wu Di—who actually fought on the battlefield themselves?

Gao Jiong began to lecture them.

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba bowed their heads and listened obediently, muttering to themselves while being lectured.

Li Xuanba rambled on and on, and Li Shimin responded with “Mm-hmm” and “Ah-huh.”

Qin Qiong, guarding the door outside, sighed.

When Zong Luohu came to relieve him, he saw Qin Qiong frowning deeply while sighing.

He quietly asked, “Why are you sighing?”

Qin Qiong lowered his voice. “Only when the master and his strategist were being lectured by Lord Gao did I realize how young they actually are.”

Zong Luohu glanced at the wide-open study door. Gao Jiong was still lecturing nonstop, and Li Shimin and Li Xuanba sat obediently like two wooden statues.

He couldn’t help but chuckle silently.

Other officers and newly joined subordinates also realized that the two princes were still very young.

Even though they had achieved fame on the battlefield, in front of their teachers, they were obedient students.

The nobles in Daxing city envied Gao Jiong and Xue Daoheng greatly.

Yuwen Bi and Changsun Sheng had become relatives of the two princes, so they couldn’t feel envious. But Gao Jiong and Xue Daoheng, though despised by Yang Guang, were still given these two good students. In the future, Gao Jiong and Xue Daoheng could call themselves imperial tutors!

However, these elder teachers had privately agreed: even though they were Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s teachers, no one was allowed to call them “imperial tutors.”

If Li Shimin ever needed an “imperial tutor” to uphold appearances, Gao Jiong alone would suffice. More teachers wouldn’t benefit the disciples.

Now, by letting word spread that he was lecturing Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, Gao Jiong was also showing his support for them, letting the other nobles know he stood by their side.

“Ah, Lord Gao is so annoying!” Li Shimin slammed his brush on the table with a clatter.

“Mm.” Even the book-loving Li Xuanba looked listless.

The teachers had said that when they marched south, they wouldn’t have time to study, so they needed to prepare a year’s worth of lessons in advance.

A whole year!

Of course, they weren’t expected to finish it all in a single month—just submit it after a year.

Reading while marching would be far too grueling—even Li Xuanba couldn’t bear it. So they were rushing through the work now to lighten their load later.

Li Shimin said, “Actually, being emperor doesn’t require reading so much, right? Even if it does, I can study after I become emperor!”

Li Xuanba said, “Second Brother is right. So now you should go find the teachers—”

Li Shimin cut him off, “Find them? Stop talking! Go read!”

Li Xuanba clicked his tongue in disdain.

Li Jing and Chai Shao rode hastily from Chengdu back to Daxing. As they came to pay respects to Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, they happened to overhear the two brothers muttering in the study.

Li Jing looked at Chai Shao. Can we go in now?

Chai Shao was both amused and exasperated. He recalled how Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, as children, often muttered to themselves while doing lessons.

Two little boys grew up to become the world-renowned Princes of Longxi and Taiyuan, with both family and achievements settled—but their personalities were still the same as in childhood?

Chai Shao felt some of his tension ease.

He cleared his throat outside the door. “Prince of Longxi, Prince of Taiyuan, may we come in now?”

Li Shimin looked up, annoyed. “Third Sister’s husband, what are you doing standing at the door? Didn’t I already tell someone to call you over?”

Li Xuanba put down his brush. [The God of War is here!]

Li Shimin pouted and whispered, “It’s just Li Jing. Why are you so excited?”

Li Xuanba: [That’s the God of War!]

Li Shimin pouted even more. “I am the God of War.”

Li Xuanba: [Ah, yes, yes, of course.]

Li Xuanba stood up and pulled his reluctant Second Brother to his feet, bowing first to Chai Shao and Li Jing. “Third Sister’s husband, Prince Li, thank you for your efforts.”

Li Shimin, though slightly displeased that his younger brother valued Li Jing so highly, still greeted both of them warmly with a bow: “We’re about to lead troops south. I can’t let you have a proper rest, so you’ll have to continue working hard. Third brother-in-law, will you follow me, or go help my third sister?”

Chai Shao and Li Jing quickly returned the bow.

Chai Shao said, “I’ll follow you.”

He already knew that Li Zhao had become a general. Now that most of Li Zhao’s close subordinates were from the Chai household, if he went to his wife’s side, it might shift the loyalty of those subordinates away from Li Zhao.

Chai Shao still remembered the song his wife loved most at her wedding. She finally had the chance to realize her ambitions; even though he missed her, he was willing to be temporarily apart.

Li Xuanba saw Chai Shao’s thoughts: [Second Brother, brother-in-law is worried that if he goes to Longyou, Sister’s subordinates will look to him instead, and she won’t be able to serve properly as the great general.]

Li Shimin’s expression softened: [Mm.]

Li Shimin said, “Brother-in-law, follow me for now. Once we reach Chengdu, you can stay there to help me watch over Bashu. How does that sound?”

Chai Shao smiled and bowed: “Since my lord trusts me, I will not disappoint you.”

Li Shimin said, “Li Jing, you will serve as my deputy general. If you truly have the talent, once we leave Bashu, I will let you lead an army independently.”

Li Jing was utterly surprised: “Lead an army independently?!”

Chai Shao quickly said, “Hurry and thank him!”

Though excited, Li Jing was also wary. He dared not thank him lightly and bowed deeply: “Why does the Prince of the Commandery trust me so much?”

Li Shimin was surprised: “I trust and employ you heavily, yet you still worry?”

Li Jing gave a bitter smile: “I am already nearly fifty, having achieved little. Though I have the merit of persuading Shu Commandery to surrender, I dare not be conceited. To be valued by the ‘peerless champion’ Marquis and Prince of Longxi is… overwhelming. Furthermore…”

He paused and lowered his head further: “Prince, you probably suspect I came to Daxing to report the Duke of Tang’s treason.”

Li Shimin said, “Oh, I know. This…”

He stroked his chin and laughed: “My A-Xuan has the talent of prophecy and physiognomy. He said you will either become my trusted minister or be remembered as the ‘God of War of the Great Tang.’ I trust A-Xuan, so I trust you.”

Li Jing looked up, astonished.

Li Xuanba looked at his second brother’s mischievous grin and muttered, “It’s fine that you revealed I can prophesy, but didn’t you say you were going to snatch the title of ‘God of War of the Great Tang’?”

Li Shimin laughed loudly: “I think it’s cooler for him to be the lord of the ‘God of War of the Great Tang’!”

Li Xuanba looked at Li Jing and carefully studied the haggard middle-aged man before him.

This “God of War of the Great Tang” was already forty-six years old.

Though Li Jing was once talented and famous, by forty-six he had achieved little; his youthful fame had instead become a nightmare.

Li Xuanba said calmly: “Exactly. You will be the God of War of the Great Tang, and even when you are in your seventies, Second Brother will still try to drag your ailing self to fight Goguryeo with him.”

Li Jing: “……”

Li Shimin rubbed his forehead: “Not that extreme, don’t listen to him. I definitely won’t overwork you!”

Li Jing did not believe in prophecy, but watching the interaction between Li Xuanba and Li Shimin, he knew it wasn’t the time to laugh—but he couldn’t help smiling.

Li Jing bowed deeply again: “If my lord does not disdain me, even in my declining years, I wish to continue serving you faithfully.”

Li Shimin put down his hands, stepped forward, and helped Li Jing up: “My ranks are full of mighty generals, but right now, the only one I can truly entrust with an army is A-Xuan. But A-Xuan is weak; I cannot let him be overworked. Having your assistance, Li Sir, is my fortune.”

Li Jing choked back tears: “I will not disappoint my lord’s trust!”

Chai Shao pointed at himself: “Does Third Brother also know prophecy? Quickly, help me read my fortune.”

Li Xuanba said, “Brother-in-law? Duke?”

Li Shimin tilted his head toward Chai Shao: “Brother-in-law of a future wise ruler?”

Chai Shao: “…Obvious.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba laughed heartily.

Chai Shao, resigned, sighed and couldn’t help laughing.

Li Jing straightened and looked at the lively lord and his twin brother; a smile appeared on his face.

He had a premonition that life under the Prince of Longxi would be pleasant.

Li Shimin laughed: “It’s worth celebrating that Brother-in-law and Mr. Li have joined us! A-Xuan, let’s hold a banquet!”

Li Xuanba: “Okay. But you can’t drink too much, eat too much meat, and especially avoid the sugar-laden cheeses…”

Li Shimin covered Xuanba’s mouth: “Come on, let’s hold the banquet!”

He dragged his brother while running, complaining: “Shut up! Don’t ruin the fun!”

Li Jing widened his eyes, staring in confusion as the lord ran off with his brother in tow, disappearing from sight.

Chai Shao cupped his hands and sighed: “They’re all grown up, yet their personalities haven’t changed at all since childhood.”

Li Jing asked curiously: “What were my lord and the Prince of Taiyuan like as children?”

Chai Shao said, “How else could they be? Just like this. Erlang was always fiery and reckless, acting on impulse. Aside from studying and calligraphy, I never saw him calm. Sanlang liked quiet, but unless he was ill, Erlang would drag him everywhere—he could never remain still.”

He sighed and chuckled: “Just like now.”

Li Jing reflected: “Just like now… The brothers really have a deep bond.”

Chai Shao said: “Their bond will always be like this. You haven’t met Li Zhiyun, the fifth son of the Li family. With the fifth son trailing behind, that was their normal childhood scene.”

Li Jing said, “I’ve heard the brothers of the Duke of Tang were not particularly close.”

Chai Shao said, “That bastard Li Yuanji wasn’t really their brother. As for Li Jiancheng…”

He frowned, then sighed deeply: “I was once his friend and don’t want to say he wasn’t. As the eldest son, he couldn’t accept his mediocrity while Second, Third, and Fifth were all extraordinary. It was inevitable that he ended up this way.”

Chai Shao advised himself: “You, my lord’s friend, and Li Jiancheng, it’s best to steer clear and not get entangled.”

Li Jing nodded. “I understand.”

He hesitated for a moment, then added, “I didn’t expect the Prince of Longxi and the Prince of Taiyuan to have such personalities.”

Chai Shao said, “I didn’t expect Sanlang to be into prophetic texts either.”

Smiling, he took Li Jing’s hand: “Go change your clothes and rest. Later we’ll attend the banquet—knowing Erlang, there’s going to be quite a commotion.”

Li Jing smiled faintly. “Alright.”

As Chai Shao had anticipated, Li Shimin, who especially loved excitement and banquets, found an excuse to hold a feast. He went around personally inviting everyone he knew.

Li Xuanba was dragged along, fuming: “You could have sent someone to invite them. Why must you go yourself?!”

Li Shimin replied, “Because I don’t want to sit at a desk buried in piles of homework!”

Li Shimin’s reasoning was impeccable, so Li Xuanba could only follow him and invite the guests one by one.

Gao Jiong frowned as he watched two of his disciples come to invite him personally.

In the end, he sighed deeply and told Li Shimin to slow down, so as not to tire out Li Xuanba.

When the Prince of Longxi personally extends an invitation, it’s polite to give him face, whether one is free or not.

The nobles were curious: just who was this Li Jing, held in such high regard by the Prince of Longxi?

Stories of Li Jing’s youthful reputation were brought up again.

This time, Li Jing no longer felt embarrassed hearing about his past deeds; he accepted the praise calmly.

Now that he had achieved merits worthy of his youthful fame, there was no reason to feel shame.

During Sui Dynasty banquets, eating and drinking were followed by group singing and dancing.

Li Xuanba, expressionless, crossed his arms over the pipa and plucked it loudly to accompany his elder brother, while Li Shimin pulled Chai Shao and Li Jing to dance in the center of the hall.

After Chai Shao and Li Jing grew tired, Li Shimin pulled Gao Jiong, Yuwen Bi, Xue Daoheng, and Changsun Sheng to join him, dancing with their teachers.

Li Xuanba continued expressionless, plucking the pipa for background music.

When Li Shimin paused for a moment, the guests were inspired to dance, showing off their moves.

Some played the pipa or qin, some sang songs that Li Xuanba had transcribed, others banged wine jars for rhythm… And some guests didn’t sing, play, or dance—they pulled out ink and brushes and started a wild cursive piece.

Li Shimin joined in: “I want to write too!”

Rolling up his sleeves, he displayed his now-famous “Flying White Script.”

The nobles scrambled to see it, but Gao Jiong glared and they stepped back.

Gao Jiong rolled up the scroll and handed it to Li Xuanba, who was too tired to play the pipa anymore: “Take care of your elder brother. Masterpieces shouldn’t be given away lightly.”

Li Xuanba obediently said, “Yes.”

Gao Jiong then looked at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin stepped back, wary: “Teacher, this is a banquet! Please give me some face!”

Gao Jiong sighed, “Carry on then.”

Li Shimin cheered: “Yes!”

He grabbed Li Xuanba and jumped.

Li Xuanba’s expression was bitter. He had voluntarily played the pipa, yet still couldn’t escape.

Why are Sui-Tang banquets so… strange? Couldn’t they be like the Song, quietly sitting at the table while singers and dancers performed?

Li Xuanba danced half-heartedly, grumbling inside: [Why can’t you be like Yang Guang? He watched performances without joining in.]

Li Shimin lowered his voice: “Why imitate him? Didn’t you say he’s out of touch? Besides, even Yang Guang danced privately sometimes.”

This is how emperors are, this is how nobles are—classic Sui-Tang banquet culture.

Everyone gets hyped, aiyo aiyo aiyo!

Meanwhile, Duke of Tang Li Zhiyun finally arrived in Western Capital, taking over from the Prince of Longxi and the Prince of Taiyuan.

When the western nobles saw the two young princes leave, they recalled the lively banquet from before.

Any lord who could enjoy a banquet with them surely wasn’t cold or cruel.

“Why hasn’t the Duke of Tang made the Prince of Longxi crown prince? Is he planning to fall out with him?”

“The Duke of Tang is confused!”

“Don’t just blame the Duke of Tang—he’s Li Wulang Li Zhiyun, isn’t he?”

“Oh right, even Li Yuan wouldn’t have been Duke of Tang.”

Li Zhiyun perked up, listening secretly and chuckled inwardly.

Exactly, now the Duke of Tang is me, Li Zhiyun!

Gao Jiong frowned at Li Zhiyun.

Li Zhiyun became alert, bowing respectfully: “What guidance do you have, Lord Gao?”

Gao Jiong said: “You are the younger brother of Erlang and Sanlang, so you can consider yourself my disciple. Erlang and Sanlang said they’ve been too busy to properly teach you. While stationed in the Western Capital, you must catch up on your studies.”

Li Zhiyun: “…”

Shocked, he exclaimed, “Ah?!”

Yuwen Bi, Xue Daoheng, and Changsun Sheng stepped forward.

Li Zhiyun took a step back.

Second Brother! Third Brother! Why are you plotting against me?!

…

“Ah-choo,” Li Shimin rubbed his nose. “It must be Xiao Wu nagging at us.”

“Ah-choo,” Li Xuanba rubbed his nose. “He loved reading and practicing calligraphy as a child. This time we met, he said he hadn’t read for months. How could he be so lazy?!”

Li Shimin nodded. “Exactly. Both of us are always reading, even when marching to war.”

Thinking of the pile of lessons awaiting in the carriage, his heart ached.

If we must study hard, how could Xiao Wu not study?

After sneezing, Li Xuanba pulled a letter from his chest. Although he had read it several times, he wanted to read it again during this idle moment.

Seeing his brother do the same, Li Shimin took out a letter from Changsun Kangning and continued savoring it, occasionally exchanging thoughts with his brother.

“The Guanyin originally wanted to come to Western Capital, but Sister-in-law needed her, so she abandoned me, wah…”

“Wah, nonsense. Guarding the Longxi headquarters is most important. With teachers stationed in Western Capital, she would have nothing to do there anyway. Better to stay in Longxi. You see, I don’t rush Zhuniang to come…”

“I know, but I still really miss Guanyin. Don’t you miss your Zhuniang at home?”

Li Xuanba closed the letter: “…I do.”

Li Shimin sighed. “We need to quickly pacify the realm so we can reunite with our family. I miss Guanyin, and I miss Mother too.”

Li Xuanba nodded. He, too, worried about their mother.

By now, Li Yuan should have come to his senses and realized that Second Brother wouldn’t obediently follow his schemes. Mother’s letters always reported the good news but never the bad—he didn’t know whether she had been affected by the troubles caused by him and Second Brother.

Probably not. Li Jiancheng was also Mother’s son.

“Second Brother, you have to try your best.”

“Mm… huh? We’re trying together! Don’t push everything onto me! Don’t think you can slack off!”

“Tch.”

The two brothers bickered as usual while leading the army south.

Li Jing watched the young princes’ backs, a gentle smile forming on his lips.

He came back to himself, and his smile drooped slightly, then he glanced at his fellow officers—only to find that they all wore the same mysterious, gentle smiles.

Li Jing touched the corner of his mouth and couldn’t help laughing again.