LFHYB -Chapter 182 Who Is Willing to Die for the Great Sui?

Lü Zizang did not say whether he believed Li Shimin or not. He simply, in silence, handed over the more than three thousand elite soldiers under his command to Li Shimin. He also recruited over a thousand strong men from the city who brought their own weapons, helping Li Shimin gather a force of five thousand trained troops.

He asked Li Shimin to raise the banner of the “Prince of Longxi,” and went out of the city himself in the prince’s name to recruit scattered soldiers and volunteers.

When Zhu Can attacked, landlords and local magnates living in towns and villages fled in all directions.

Upon hearing that the Prince of Longxi was in Nanyang Commandery, even though they could hardly believe that he had come all the way from Longxi to Henan, they still clung to the hope that it might be true. With their families in tow, they poured into Nanyang.

Using Li Shimin’s name, Lü Zizang recruited village militias. Wherever he went, dozens or even hundreds of men would come to join him, bringing their own weapons and provisions.

In less than half a month, he recruited over two thousand more men and brought them back to Nanyang.

Li Shimin said happily, “We’re close to twenty thousand now. I can claim we have fifty thousand troops!”

Lü Zizang replied bitterly, “They’re just untrained volunteers. Once they reach the battlefield, they may not become real fighting strength.”

Li Shimin was very optimistic.

“When I was suppressing bandits in Qinghe Commandery, I also relied on temporary recruits like these. Our army wasn’t well trained either. But Zhu Can is nothing more than a bandit who only knows how to plunder.

“Bandits bully the weak and fear the strong. They have no backbone. Once we repel them once, they won’t dare launch another attack. When they collapse and flee, ten thousand elite troops can chase down a hundred thousand routed soldiers.”

“Besides,” Li Shimin said with a bright smile, “my A-Xuan should be arriving soon. When he gets here, he’ll probably beat me up badly.”

Lü Zizang asked in confusion, “The Prince of Taiyuan is coming too? Why would he beat the Prince of Longxi?”

Li Shimin sighed with a smile.

“I actually came with a large army. But while scouting with my guards, I learned that Zhu Can was going to attack Xiangyang. So I left the main force behind and stayed in Xiangyang alone to defend it.

“After Xiangyang was secured, I heard Zhu Can was heading for Nanyang. So I recruited some men there and rushed over here.”

Lü Zizang: “???”

Li Shimin continued sighing.

“When I was in Xiangyang, I heard that Xiao Xian was leading hundreds of thousands of troops toward A-Xuan. He should be fighting Xiao Xian right now.”

Lü Zizang: “???”

After sorting it out for a long time, he finally asked in disbelief, “Prince of Longxi… do you mean that while your army was fighting Xiao Xian, you—the commander-in-chief—went off alone to defend Xiangyang?”

Li Shimin nodded. “Yes.”

Lü Zizang’s voice trembled. “Weren’t you worried?”

Li Shimin said, “What’s there to worry about? Worried A-Xuan can’t beat Xiao Xian? Don’t joke. You know how capable he is.

“On the contrary, he must be worried about me. So I definitely can’t escape that beating.”

The young prince, not yet twenty, shrugged and spread his hands helplessly.

Lü Zizang: “…”

Why are you acting helpless? That beating is totally deserved!

He thought about it. If he were Li Shimin’s deputy, and on the eve of battle the commander ran off and told him, “Fight on your own”…

That would already be bad enough. But the commander didn’t even take any soldiers with him—he went alone to help someone else defend a city!

One city wasn’t enough—he went to defend a second one!

And that second city didn’t even submit to him. He was just doing it out of chivalry!

Now Lü Zizang finally understood why, before being known as “Ever-Victorious,” Li Shimin had been nicknamed “Righteousness That Reaches the Clouds.”

As an outsider, Lü Zizang deeply admired Li Shimin’s sense of justice.

But as a subordinate, having such a lord would be incredibly stressful.

Seeing Lü Zizang’s expression change from shock to sympathy, Li Shimin knew he must be feeling sorry for A-Xuan.

Embarrassed, Li Shimin rubbed his nose with his finger.

“Well… actually, it wasn’t that dangerous. I brought along all the strongest generals. Come, let me introduce you. This is Qin Qiong, courtesy name Shubao. This is Zong Luohu…

“Luohou, have you decided on your courtesy name yet?”

Zong Luohu was both a local strongman and of mixed barbarian ancestry (though he denied it), so he didn’t have a courtesy name.

He replied, “I’ve thought about it. When my lord becomes emperor, let him bestow one on me then.”

Li Shimin nodded. “Alright. I’ll discuss it with A-Xuan.”

Qin Qiong felt a little envious. Unfortunately, he already had a courtesy name.

Lü Zizang said, “I’ve heard of Qin Qiong and Zong Luohu’s reputations.”

He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, then said in disbelief, “So not only did you leave on your own, you also took your fiercest generals with you, leaving your younger brother to hold the line alone?”

Li Shimin defended himself. “What do you mean ‘alone’? I still have many capable generals.

“Besides, my newly recruited subordinate Li Jing—Li Yaoshi—is also a talented commander who can lead troops independently and help A-Xuan.

“I only put myself in danger. I would never put A-Xuan in danger.”

Qin Qiong couldn’t help speaking up. “My lord, putting yourself in danger isn’t very good either…”

Zong Luohu said honestly, “My lord, when you put yourself in danger, the strategist just gets angrier.”

Li Shimin replied, “I know. That’s why I said when A-Xuan comes, I’ll let him beat me and won’t fight back.”

Qin Qiong and Zong Luohu: “…” As if the strategist could really hurt you.

Hearing about Li Shimin’s “absurd” actions and seeing how close he was with his fierce generals, Lü Zizang felt much less anxious about whether Nanyang could be defended and its people protected.

Li Shimin always wore a smile.

Every day, he personally patrolled the city and mediated disputes between local residents and newly arrived refugees.

“Let’s squeeze in a bit for now. Once I kill Zhu Can, things will be better. Please endure a few more days.”

“You’re all people of the same commandery—fellow townsmen. How can you not help each other in times of trouble?”

“In these chaotic times, even farming is difficult. City residents don’t have much grain stored either. It’s not that they refuse to sell you good grain.

“Think about it—if you were a local and suddenly a group of outsiders fled here and demanded that you sell them grain, would you dare to?”

“It’s all Zhu Can’s fault. Once we kill Zhu Can, you can leave the city and start farming. I’ll divide the land for you—lots of land. Spring hasn’t arrived yet, so there’s still time for the spring planting.”

“Eh? What are you playing? Cricket fighting? Hahaha, it’s normal to do something to pass the time when it’s tense. I mean, I want to play too!”

Qin Qiong and Zong Luohu dragged Li Shimin away.

The people laughed heartily, saying that when the young prince returns after the war, they would catch the strongest crickets to give him.

Lü Zizang had been smiling and stroking his beard, but seeing this scene, he almost tore it out.

He said to those close to him, “I wonder when the Prince of Taiyuan will defeat Xiao Xian? Although I haven’t met the Prince of Taiyuan and don’t know him well, I imagine the Prince of Longxi must need him greatly.”

Those around him understood the implication in the prefect’s words and couldn’t help chuckling.

Where was Li Xuanba?

By the time Zhu Can finally gathered 200,000 troops to attack Nanyang Commandery, Li Xuanba had just entered Xiangyang City.

“Ah? My brother went to Nanyang Commandery again?” Li Xuanba rubbed his temples and said weakly, “Tell me carefully—why did he go again?”

The Xiangyang prefect lamented to Li Xuanba about Zhu Can’s cruelty and praised the Prince of Longxi’s righteousness.

Li Xuanba twitched at the corner of his mouth. “I’m not against my brother being righteous, but at least he could have told me in advance—I could’ve sent more troops to support him.”

The prefect replied, “The Prince of Longxi worried that the Prince of Taiyuan might not have enough men to fight the rebel Xiao Xian, so he didn’t dare allow him to split his forces lightly.”

Li Xuanba sighed and turned to Chen Tieniu. “Li Shentong and Li Yaoshi still don’t believe me. I’ll just say my brother is acting crazy—he’s definitely helping Xiangyang defend the city, which is why he hasn’t returned.”

Chen Tieniu said, “Young master, you naturally understand Second Brother best.”

Li Xuanba sighed again. Yes, yes—I know my second brother too well, I know him so well I feel like kicking him twice.

“First, tell me the situation in Xiangyang City and the current state of the rebel Zhu Can.” Li Xuanba didn’t immediately rush to aid his brother.

With his brother’s abilities, plus Qin Qiong and Zong Luohu assisting, Nanyang Commandery’s prefect was now Lü Zizang. According to historical records, Lü Zizang was a capable man. Defending Nanyang Commandery wouldn’t be difficult for Second Brother.

Lü Zizang only submitted to the Tang after Yang Guang’s death and had previously joined forces with the Tang envoy Ma Yuanqui to defeat Zhu Can.

Since Ma Yuanqui had once been defeated by Lü Zizang, when he tried to persuade him to surrender with insults, Lü Zizang killed the envoy. Once Lü Zizang became his subordinate, he constantly resisted Ma Yuanqui.

When Lü Zizang ordered Ma Yuanqui to pursue Zhu Can’s fleeing army, Ma Yuanqui refused. Lü Zizang stepped back and said, “If you won’t go, I’ll lead the men myself.” Ma Yuanqui still quibbled, insisting Lü Zizang stay put.

Zhu Can regrouped the fleeing army and assembled over a hundred thousand starving civilians, claiming they were marching to Nanyang Commandery to forage. This boosted his army’s morale, then he turned to attack Ma Yuanqui. Ma Yuanqui, fearing defeat, retreated and fortified himself in Nanyang City, besieged by Zhu Can, with no way to call for help.

A heavy rain fell, the city walls of Nanyang collapsed, Ma Yuanqui was killed, and Lü Zizang declared, “How can a regional lord surrender to a rebel?” refusing to surrender and dying in battle.

He had been loyal to the Sui when serving it, and loyal to the Tang after Yang Guang’s death. His abilities and character were excellent, though persuading him to surrender required some effort.

But since Lü Zizang now fought alongside Second Brother, Li Xuanba no longer needed to worry about persuading him.

No one would refuse to submit after fighting under Second Brother.

Absolutely not.

The Xiangyang prefect had just fought alongside Li Shimin, so he too was completely loyal to him. Li Xuanba asked about the situation, and the prefect reported everything in detail.

Although Li Xuanba usually handled matters outside the battlefield, even in his absence, Li Shimin could manage perfectly.

Li Shimin had restored order to the Xiangyang bureaucracy, disrupted by fleeing officials, and recruited local literate people to fill the vacancies, making the city function as smoothly as it had before the Sui’s collapse.

Li Shimin had long anticipated the information Li Xuanba would want and had prepared everything before leaving.

The Xiangyang prefect admired him greatly. Everything Li Xuanba asked about had been instructed by the Prince of Longxi.

Seeing Li Xuanba calmly review the handover documents Li Shimin had meticulously prepared, as if he had expected this all along, he was astonished.

Is this the tacit understanding of twins? Truly remarkable.

“He even wrote it in such detail,” Li Xuanba frowned at Li Shimin’s detailed description of how Zhu Can used human flesh as provisions.

He suspected Second Brother had been provoked into vomiting, so he maliciously thought he would get provoked too.

Without the actual items, just reading the account caused Li Xuanba discomfort, though not physical sickness.

What Zhu Can did wasn’t due to an unusually twisted mind—it was normal at that time.

It was the norm in chaotic times.

People often say that the seventy years of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms after the Tang fell were the darkest period, with generals being extremely cruel. In reality, the atrocities of soldiers in other chaotic periods were no different.

The Wei used human flesh as rations, in the late Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms they ate children, during the Sui’s fall they cooked the weak… even in the Yuan and Ming dynasties, civilians suffered similarly to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

Scholars especially criticized the darkness of those seventy years, not because the people suffered most, but because the rulers had no prestige and ritual music collapsed.

In ordinary chaotic times, even if a lord lost a battle, subordinates rarely killed him. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, if the lord couldn’t win, soldiers would cut him down and replace him.

Compared to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties were even darker and more chaotic.

Except for Zhu Wen’s Later Liang, the other states of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms had few bizarre events. Even Later Liang was hardly more eccentric than the rulers of Wei and Jin.

It’s only because the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms lasted only seventy years, with too few heroes, that people view it as a “dark period,” which is why modern accounts exaggerate its darkness.

Li Xuanba carefully read through various records from the Wei, Jin, and Southern–Northern Dynasties—materials that he could no longer find in modern times in his previous life. Therefore, he had long been mentally prepared for such darkness and was not shocked by it.

If he had not intervened in advance and influenced Wang Bo to unify the Qi Commandery rebel forces, many bandit leaders in Qi Commandery would, according to historical records, have done things similar to what Zhu Can did.

Although later generations acknowledged the legitimacy of peasant uprisings and called them “righteous armies,” in reality, most of these people had no “righteousness” in their hearts, and their actions had nothing to do with justice.

“That’s why I must influence Wang Bo,” Li Xuanba murmured to himself. “That’s why the current Wang Bo is crucial—more important than any early Tang minister recorded in history.”

Dou Jiande was not a peasant. After Yang Guang’s death, his army quickly transformed into an ordinary separatist force dominated by former Sui officials and local elites. It was already fundamentally different from a true “peasant uprising.”

If, at this moment, there were a peasant leader who truly deserved the word “righteous,” then more “righteous armies” would appear in later generations.

Wang Bo, who was of humble origin and rose up first, was the one who could become the symbolic figure of “peasant uprising leaders” in this era.

“Tieniu, go to Wagang Stronghold personally. Tell Senior Brother and Zhai Rang to lead their troops south. Luoyang doesn’t matter. Kill Zhu Can first. Do not give him any chance to escape.”

Li Xuanba placed his hand over the inked characters, his expression indifferent.

This time, Chen Tieniu did not insist on staying behind as Li Xuanba’s guard.

“Yes, sir.”

When the Deputy Prefect of Xiangyang heard this, he was first surprised, then sighed.

So the Wagang rebel army that had given the Luoyang court such a headache actually belonged to the two commandery princes? And the Prince of Taiyuan was revealing his trump card over such a small matter?

Revealing it now would bring no benefit at all to their grand ambitions. Not only would they miss their chance to enter Luoyang, but it would also affect their reputation as “loyal ministers of the Sui.”

After hesitating for a while, the deputy prefect still advised Li Xuanba out of loyalty.

Li Xuanba nodded. “I know.”

“Zhu Can claims to have hundreds of thousands of troops, but in reality he has about one hundred thousand. With Second Brother leading the army, twenty or thirty thousand elite soldiers would be enough to defeat him.”

“But to wipe them out completely and leave him nowhere to escape, I must prepare nearly one hundred thousand men to block him.”

“Luoyang can be retaken later.”

“Other forces will become more wary of Second Brother and me, but we were destined to be their enemies anyway. It doesn’t matter.”

“Losing the reputation of ‘loyal ministers of the Sui’ will only place some restraints on us in the future. History books may criticize us slightly.”

His voice was calm, his eyes deep as an abyss, his expression cold.

“Whether it’s the trouble we face now or the criticism in future history, as long as we cut off every possible escape route for Zhu Can and his men, it’s a trivial price.”

“I cannot tolerate them fleeing into the mountains in the chaos, changing their names after the world is unified, and returning as ordinary citizens in a peaceful era as if nothing happened.”

“Zhu Can and those cannibalistic subordinates of his—every single one of them must die.”

…

Chen Tieniu took only three days to reach the Wagang camp outside Luoyang, more than six hundred li away.

He still felt he was too slow.

With the Sui’s ‘six-hundred-li express dispatch,’ riders could change horses at relay stations and cover the distance in one day.

He had only one horse, so even if he didn’t want to rest at night, he still had to let the horse sleep.

He conveyed Li Xuanba’s order:

“His Lordship commands: Zhu Can’s men have lost all humanity. It is not enough to punish only the ringleaders. They must all be exterminated. Please ask Duke Gao and Lord Zhai to lead troops in support.”

He emphasized, “His Lordship commands that all other matters be put aside. Give this your full support.”

Gao Biaoren and Zhai Rang looked at each other.

Put aside everything else?

Luoyang was about to fall. Soon they would enter the city with Yang Xuangan. When Li Shimin and Li Xuanba arrived, they could support them from within.

And even this should be set aside?

Chen Tieniu said, “All of it. When His Lordship was leading troops against Xiao Xian, Second Young Master personally went to Xiangyang and Nanyang with fewer than a hundred guards, working with local soldiers and villagers to protect the people. The two lords fight across the land just to deter these cannibalistic beasts.”

He emphasized again, “His Lordship is furious. He says Zhu Can and his core followers must die. No matter if there are tens of thousands, they must die. Everything else is unimportant.”

Gao Biaoren sighed. “I understand.”

Zhai Rang gave a bitter smile. “No wonder ‘righteous as the clouds’ and ‘virtuous and benevolent’ suit them better than ‘invincible in battle’ and ‘peerless strategist.’ Those titles fit Second Young Master and Third Young Master more.”

Zhai Rang straightened his clothes, his expression solemn.

He first bowed to Chen Tieniu, then deeply bowed toward the south.

“Your subordinate Zhai Rang, obeys the order!”

Gao Biaoren sighed heavily once more, then bowed southward with pride.

“Your subordinate Gao Biaoren, obeys the order.”

In December of the first year of Huangtai (617 AD), as Luoyang was about to fall, Zhai Rang led his army away instead of competing for the spoils of victory.

Yang Xuangan and Li Mi had been wary of Zhai Rang, fearing that if he entered Luoyang with them, he would overshadow them.

Li Mi had secretly discussed many schemes with Yang Xuangan to sow discord among the Wagang generals. Once Luoyang fell, they planned to act immediately.

Who would have thought Zhai Rang would simply give up Luoyang to them? All those battles for nothing?

Even Zhai Rang’s subordinates were puzzled.

“Our lord Li Shimin and strategist Li Xuanba have ordered that wiping out the cannibal Zhu Can is more important than taking Luoyang,” Zhai Rang said proudly. “So Wagang will return to our lord’s command ahead of schedule.”

Xu Shiji said, “Then we’ll have to march quickly.”

Shan Xiongxin said, “Huh? Aren’t we under Duke Gao Biaoren of Bohai?”

Gao Biaoren said speechlessly, “Didn’t I tell you long ago that I came to Wagang under our lord’s orders?”

Shan Xiongxin scratched his head. “I thought you were joking—just making up an excuse to defect to the ‘traitor Li Min.’”

Gao Biaoren raised his riding whip. “Shan Xiongxin, are you looking for a beating?”

Shan Xiongxin laughed loudly. “That’s really what I thought. So our lord is actually the famous Second Young Master Li? Then I have no complaints. Luoyang is nothing—whatever Second Young Master Li says must be right!”

Xu Shiji said, “Giving up the plan to take Luoyang in order to eliminate bandits who harm the people—Second Young Master Li and Third Young Master Li truly live up to their reputation. I admire them greatly.”

Shan Xiongxin said, “I don’t care about all that. I only know that Second Young Master Li is amazing. Following him means a bright future. Honestly, every time I heard that he’d won another battle, I’d worry about what we’d do if he ever led troops to attack us.”

Zhai Rang said, “…You actually worried?”

Shan Xiongxin said with a sorrowful face, “I’d already prepared myself to die in battle.”

Zhai Rang: “…”

Should I sigh or laugh?

Gao Biaoren and the other Wagang commanders burst into laughter.

“That really is something to worry about.”

“What’s there to worry about? I guessed long ago that the Champion Marquis was our lord.”

“What? Was I the only one who didn’t know?”

“How could you not know?!”

The Wagang soldiers began chattering noisily.

They had fought for Luoyang for so long. Although Duke Gao and Duke Zhai had ordered them to fight halfheartedly, so casualties were low, they had still spent a great deal of time. Now that Luoyang was about to fall, they were ordered to withdraw. Though they obeyed, they felt a little unhappy.

But once they learned that their true lord was actually Li Shimin, Prince of Longxi, all their displeasure vanished.

Our lord has already taken half the realm—what is a mere Eastern Capital worth?
Returning to his side and fighting with him is what truly matters.

No merit compares to fighting alongside one’s lord. Even if they weren’t well educated, they knew that staying close to him meant greater wealth and honor in the future.

After all, wasn’t conquering cities and territory for the sake of future prosperity?

“And our lord truly lives up to ‘righteousness reaching the clouds’! Listen—he values suppressing the bandit Zhu Can more than Luoyang. Following such a lord makes me proud!”

“The Prince of Taiyuan has always been known for his benevolence. Even when that wicked Sui emperor was still alive, he set up charity estates to aid the people. Of course he couldn’t tolerate Zhu Can’s crimes.”

“I heard that Liang Shidu once ate human flesh, and the Prince of Taiyuan had the people of Shuofang execute him by slow slicing.”

“He deserved it! Absolutely deserved it!”

Xu Shiji’s eyes gleamed like they reflected the warm winter sunlight. “‘Righteous as the clouds’… ‘Great in virtue and generous in grace’…”

Shan Xiongxin carefully wiped his spear, his lips curving upward exaggeratedly.

At first, Zhai Rang felt a little sour. These subordinates were far too excited after learning their lord was Li Shimin.

But he himself couldn’t help feeling elated.

“Speed up! We must leave a good impression on our lord!”

“Alright!”

“Charge!”

The heroes of Wagang shouted thunderously and quickened their march.

“What? Li Xuanba wants us to abandon Luoyang and join him in attacking Zhu Can?” Yang Xuangan held Li Xuanba’s handwritten letter, looking speechless.

Li Mi was also puzzled. He regarded Li Xuanba as the only rival of his strategist career. How could Li Xuanba do something so foolish?

Yang Xuangan said, “Li Xuanba wrote to every force attacking Luoyang. Does he really think anyone would give up Luoyang to help him deal with a mere Zhu Can? Zhu Can is nothing but a bandit. If he asked us to attack Yuwen Huaji, I’d understand—using revenge for the former emperor as an excuse to gain fame. But Zhu Can isn’t worth a joint attack.”

Li Mi shook his head. “I can’t figure it out either.”

Yang Xuangan asked, “How are the other forces reacting?”

Li Mi replied, “They’re all laughing at Li Xuanba.”

Yang Xuangan laughed helplessly. “Of course they would. How could he do something so ridiculous?”

Li Mi said, “But Zhai Rang actually withdrew from Luoyang because of this. That’s strange. I suspect he’d long wanted to leave, and Li Xuanba’s letter was just an excuse.”

Yang Xuangan thought for a moment. “Could it be that he knows we’ve united with other forces and plan to lure and kill him once Luoyang falls?”

Li Mi nodded. “That’s what I think too. Though he’s straightforward, his adviser, Gao Biaoren of Bohai, is no simple man. They must have guessed our strategy. Knowing they couldn’t oppose us, they chose to retreat.”

Li Mi sighed. “They really have courage—to resist even the temptation of ruling Luoyang.”

Yang Xuangan said, “Gao Biaoren is Gao Jiong’s son. Gao Jiong is still in Daxing. Can we use Gao Biaoren to stir suspicion in the Western Capital?”

Li Mi laughed. “The Sui’s little emperor is about to die—who would fear Gao Jiong? He already has great prestige. Now his son commands Wagang troops, so the heroes of the realm will respect him even more. Gao Biaoren’s appearance in Wagang must be Gao Jiong’s plan for self-preservation.”

Yang Xuangan sighed. “Worthy indeed of the Duke of Qi—my father’s greatest foe.”

Li Mi said, “Gao Jiong is merely protecting himself. He’s not a threat. Li Shimin is our real danger. Since Li Xuanba is desperately sending pleas for help everywhere, it means they don’t have many troops. I’m willing to lead men in disguise to assist Zhu Can. Even if we fail, there’s no real loss.”

Yang Xuangan hesitated, then shook his head. “Zhu Can’s conduct is too vile. Even if we won’t help Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, we should never aid him. Don’t bring this up again.”

Li Mi frowned. “My lord, great undertakings ignore minor scruples. If you dislike Zhu Can, we can kill him later. Right now, causing trouble for Li Shimin is what matters most.”

Yang Xuangan said firmly, “My forces are limited. Securing Luoyang completely is what matters most. If we divide our troops too much, unrest may arise; if we divide too little, we can’t threaten Li Shimin. So why damage our reputation? Li Fazhu, though you excel at strategy, you still lack some sense of the bigger picture.”

Li Mi did not try to persuade him any further, but dissatisfaction toward Yang Xuangan grew in his heart.

When Yang Xuangan first rose in rebellion, he had refused to listen to Li Mi’s best and second-best strategies, insisting instead on using the worst one—attacking Luoyang directly—and was defeated as expected. Now that Yang Xuangan was about to take control of Luoyang, he had begun to doubt Li Mi again.

Li Mi had long known that Yang Xuangan was incompetent yet arrogant. It was only because of their past friendship that Li Mi had acknowledged him as his leader.

Originally, if Yang Xuangan had trusted him, Li Mi would have been willing to serve him loyally as ruler and minister. But whenever Yang Xuangan felt triumphant, he pushed Li Mi aside, and only relied on him when he was at his lowest. Under such circumstances, Li Mi had no choice but to think of his own future.

When the heroes of Wagang Village marched south, and when Yang Xuangan and the other forces besieging Luoyang received handwritten letters from Li Xuanba delivered by Chen Tieniu, news of Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s movements also reached Luoyang.

However, the people there believed that Li Shimin and Li Xuanba were coming to rescue Luoyang, only to be blocked by Zhu Can’s army of several hundred thousand.

Yang Tong sighed to his confidant, “It is fate and destiny. The Sui Dynasty has reached its end.”

The confidant replied, “But if Your Majesty does not wish to die for the Sui and is willing to flee Luoyang, I still have a way to send Your Majesty away.”

Yang Tong remained silent for a long time, then smiled bitterly. “You belong to my cousin’s faction.”

The confidant did not answer.

Yang Tong continued, “In truth, my cousin was not too late to save Luoyang. He never intended to save it.”

The confidant still did not respond.

Yang Tong sighed. “Xijing says my third brother has gone missing. Is he in my cousin’s hands?”

Only then did the confidant speak. “It was the Empress Dowager’s request. The posthumous son of the deposed Crown Prince Yang Xian is also in Longxi.”

Although Yang Tong’s biological mother was Consort Xiao Liu, she was not honored as Empress Dowager. Instead, his legal mother, Crown Princess Wei, held that title.

Yang Tong said, “My cousin is truly greedy. He wants both the empire and his nephew’s life.”

The confidant sighed. He had long known that this puppet emperor was extremely intelligent, merely pretending to be immature and foolish before the court.

He cupped his hands. “Though I speak these words to Your Majesty, I know you are noble and righteous. You would never follow me and flee, choosing instead to die for the Sui. I only fear that Your Majesty—”

Yang Tong interrupted, “What nonsense are you talking about? Hurry and tell me how to escape! Who wants to die for the Sui?!”

He complained bitterly, “When Father was alive, he only cared about Third Brother. When Grandfather lived, he only cared about Eldest Brother. I never enjoyed the glory of being a royal grandson. The ministers never pitied me either. Yet when only Luoyang was left, they forced me to become this puppet emperor. Everyone knows puppet emperors die! Am I not wronged?!”

The more he spoke, the angrier he became. He paced back and forth in the small study, his eyes red, his voice trembling with tears.

“I’ve already prepared poison wine and incense. I wanted to die before the Buddha, praying that in my next life I would never be born into an imperial family. But who wants to die? Who wants to die?!”

Clenching his teeth, he finally broke down and wept.

“I’m willing to change my name and live as a commoner, never using ‘Yang Tong’ again. Cousin, please save me! Please save me!”

Pei Renji, the only court minister who truly cared about Yang Tong, and his most trusted aide—Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Inspector of Henan—let out a long sigh and helped up the thirteen-year-old puppet emperor.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will protect you,” Pei Renji said. “I know of a secret passage leading outside the city. My son, Pei Xingyan, has already entered the city through it and can serve as your guard.”

Yang Tong was delighted, then looked strange. “Pei Xingyan… isn’t he my cousin’s subordinate? That tunnel wasn’t dug by my cousin, was it? When did he dig it? Back when he was still in Luoyang?”

Pei Renji coughed lightly.

Yang Tong wiped his tears. “Forget it. I won’t ask. I’m just a commoner now. The less I know, the better.”

Pei Renji nodded in satisfaction. “Your Majesty is wise.”

“I’m not Your Majesty,” Yang Tong said. “I’m the commoner Yang Tong. How many more days can Luoyang hold? Will we leave when the city falls? I can take my mother with me, right? I must take my mother.”

Hearing his childish tone, Pei Renji laughed helplessly. “Yes, we can take her. We’ll leave on the day the city falls. Before that, I must make preparations.”

Yang Tong bowed deeply. “Everything is entrusted to you, Lord Pei!”

Joy surged through him.

I’m done being this useless Sui emperor! From now on, I’m just Yang Tong the commoner!

“Mm. To thank my cousin, I should help him a little before leaving.”

“What does Your Majesty intend to do?”

“To make my cousin hurry up and defeat Zhu Can and rescue me, I’ll grant him the title of king and bestow the Nine Bestowals! I’ll also announce that only my cousin is benevolent enough to protect the people. If Luoyang falls and the Sui collapses, the realm should choose him!”

“Ah, Your Majesty… why not just abdicate directly?”

“The officials would never allow it. I couldn’t issue such an edict anyway.”

“That’s true.”

After a moment of silence, Yang Tong smiled bitterly. “Even if you’re lying to me, I’ll still issue the edict. You wouldn’t lie about my third brother and cousin being in Longxi. If I can be of some use to my cousin, he’ll surely treat them kindly. After I die, I can face my father and uncle with peace.”

Pei Renji said solemnly, “Please trust me, Your Majesty.”

Yang Tong smiled. “I do.”

What else can I do but trust you? I can do nothing else.

From now on, may I never again be born into an imperial family.

…

Meanwhile, Zhu Can’s army had already reached the city.

Although the banner of the “Prince of Longxi” was raised in Nanyang Commandery, Zhu Can did not flee this time.

Because he had no more food.

The surrounding lands were already barren. He could no longer even rely on cannibalism for supplies. He had no choice but to attack Nanyang—otherwise, his starving troops would mutiny.

Even if he lost, it did not matter.

Zhu Can had no intention of charging personally. He would remain in the rear and supervise the battle.

If he won, he would be able to eat and drink to his heart’s content in Nanyang Commandery.
If he lost, he could consume some of his soldiers, reduce the pressure on his grain supplies, and even take the corpses with him as food.

Zhu Can knew his own ability in commanding troops. He estimated that it would be impossible for him to defeat Li Shimin, the Prince of Longxi, whose fame resounded across the land. Therefore, he had already prepared to flee.

As long as the army showed even the slightest sign of defeat, when Li Shimin left the city gates, he would disguise himself and escape together with his core followers.

This area was full of mountains and ridges. Because of the sparse population, the farmland had long been abandoned, and vegetation in the mountains grew luxuriantly. If he hid himself casually in the mountains, Li Shimin would have no idea which direction he had fled.

After Li Shimin left, he could come out again, recruit troops anew, and become a regional warlord once more.

Back when Zhang Xutuo was still alive, he had dealt with him in exactly this way.

Although he had prepared to flee, Zhu Can still pretended to share life and death with his soldiers, stirring them up to attack the city with all their might.

“Once we enter Nanyang City, there’ll be grain and women—and plenty of human flesh too.”

“I heard that the Prince of Longxi, Li Shimin, is very young. His meat might taste pretty good, hahaha.”

“The Prince of Taiyuan is a sickly fellow. His meat must taste awful.”

“He’s just skinny. The meat should still be tender. People who take a lot of medicine have a faint medicinal flavor when stewed—it’s quite special. That’s my favorite.”

“So that’s what you call medicinal cuisine?”

“Exactly! Medicinal cuisine! Hahaha!”

Zhu Can and his subordinates laughed wildly, boasting that they would throw both Li Shimin, the Prince of Longxi, and Li Xuanba, the Prince of Taiyuan, into the pot.

Li Shimin’s meat would probably be chewy—perfect for grilling.

Li Xuanba took medicine every day, like those beasts in the imperial gardens that fed on spiritual herbs, so he would be best steamed or stewed.

When Li Xuanba learned of this, he had no time for careful planning and immediately set out from Xiangyang.

The Prefect of Xiangyang was puzzled. “Weren’t we supposed to wait for the Wagang forces to join us? Why are we leaving early?”

Li Xuanba said anxiously, “Zhu Can is courting death! He said he’ll cook me—that touched my second brother’s bottom line. My brother definitely won’t act cautiously now. He’ll surely lead the troops out himself to attack. Sigh! Even if he wins, what if he gets hurt? Hurry, let’s go!”

“Ah?” The prefect was stunned. “T-Then… take care, Your Highness. May you triumph at first strike.”

Li Xuanba hurriedly led his troops away.

If Zhu Can escaped before the encirclement was complete, it would mean that Zhu Can’s provocation had worked too well, forcing his second brother to defeat him too early.

“Wudi, hurry and send a message. Tell Second Brother not to act impulsively. Senior Brother Gao and Zhai Rang are already leading troops here!” Li Xuanba instructed. “If he insists on going out, peck him! Stop him together with Han Gou!”

Wudi nodded solemnly and flapped its wings away.

In Xiangyang, Li Shimin was indeed wiping his bow and arrows, preparing to leave the city.

Qin Qiong and Zong Luohu were also polishing their sabers, spears, and lances. This battle would likely ruin more than one weapon—they had to prepare in advance.

Lü Zizang tried to dissuade him. “The Prince of Taiyuan sent word that reinforcements are on the way. Why take such a risk now?”

Li Shimin replied expressionlessly, “To defend a city, you must fight in the field. This isn’t taking a risk—it’s boosting morale. Don’t worry, I won’t defeat Zhu Can outright.”

“If he runs now, I won’t be able to wipe out his forces completely.”

He took a deep breath and sneered.

“If I don’t go out, he’ll guess I have reinforcements and flee early. I want him to think I’m short of strength and have no choice but to lead a desperate charge myself.”

Lü Zizang: “…Really?”

“My goal is total annihilation,” Li Shimin said. “The more he insults my brother, the calmer I become.”

Lü Zizang sighed and agreed.

But he overlooked one thing.

Everything Li Shimin said was true—but he could have sent Qin Qiong or Zong Luohu instead. There was no need for him to go personally.

“Once Second Brother calms down, he probably won’t defeat Zhu Can too early,” Li Xuanba said to his officers.
“But he definitely won’t be able to resist going out to kill people! Leaving the city is dangerous! Can’t he just stay safely in the rear and wait for me?”

An officer replied honestly, “Impossible. Every time we fight, the lord charges ahead faster than anyone. We can only follow. Only when dueling enemy generals does he let Qin Shubao or Zong Luohu go first.”

“In short, we always charge with him. Follow him. He charges first.”

Li Xuanba: “…Don’t develop such bad habits.”

The officer blinked innocently.

Elsewhere, scouts from Wagang brought back news of Zhu Can’s boasts.

Gao Biaoren’s face changed drastically. “This is bad! If Li Erlang hears this, something terrible will happen!”

Zhai Rang asked nervously, “Will the lord fall for the provocation and be defeated?”

Gao Biaoren said strangely, “No. He’ll fall for it, charge in personally, lead his men one against a hundred, slaughter Zhu Can and his forces, and leave us without any merit.”

Zhai Rang: “……” You’re joking, right??