LFHYB -Chapter 68 Yang Zhao’s Heart-to-Heart

Yang Xian and Li Shimin pretended to fight.

Yang Zhao and Li Xuanba, too lazy to deal with the two childish fools, let them continue their antics and moved next door to discuss serious matters.

Yang Zhao sighed. “A-Hai has this personality… sigh, I really worry.”

“A-Hai” is the childhood nickname of Prince Qi, Yang Xian. Li Xuanba looked at Yang Zhao’s worried face and comforted him, “Prince Qi has matured a lot now.”

Following Li Xuanba’s reminder, Yang Xian not only severed ties with Lady Yuan but also rooted out several people conducting illegal activities in his name. Historical records list people such as Qiao Lingze, Kudi Zhongqi, Chen Zhiwei, among others.

Li Xuanba could see that Yang Xian’s rapid response was surely aided by the Crown Prince acting behind the scenes to remove unstable elements from the household.

Seeing this, he felt some admiration for the Sui Crown Prince.

In the chaotic Sui imperial family, having witnessed his own father kill brothers, Yang Zhao, though shrewd, genuinely cared for Yang Xian.

This confidence likely stemmed from Yang Zhao being sure he could never be replaced by Yang Xian.

But that very confidence indicated his talent and reputation—and even his understanding of the Emperor’s moods—far exceeded Yang Xian’s. This was proof of his excellence.

Yang Zhao said, “Father will soon lead a campaign west. Knowing his temperament, he will personally command the army, and I will accompany him. I will request that A-Hai stay to manage the capital. Sigh, I originally wanted you to help me watch over A-Hai, but you must go west as well. I truly don’t know whom I can rely on.”

Li Xuanba replied, “I am but a child. Even if I can discern right from wrong, it would be difficult to persuade Prince Qi. He should have experienced and steady advisors around him.”

Yang Zhao held his forehead. “A-Hai has a temperament like Father’s and does not heed the advice of the mature and steady… enough, I won’t say more. Dade, I once worried that your mind was too deep, that you liked scheming too much.”

Li Xuanba said nothing. He could clearly see that Yang Zhao’s concern for his second brother was sincere.

That was only natural, since he himself was not sincere.

Yang Zhao continued, “However, considering that you risked revealing Father’s grievances against me to save loyal ministers, and now, under Li Jiancheng’s pressing behavior, you voluntarily made concessions multiple times, I realize I misjudged you. Li Sanlang is kind-hearted and sincere; his methods are not always a reflection of his morality.”

Yang Zhao cupped his hands in salute. “Your cousin apologizes to you.”

Li Xuanba was surprised and helped Yang Zhao up. “Your Highness, there is no need for this.”

Yang Zhao smiled. “Even if I did not apologize, with your character, you would still treat me well. But I cannot reconcile it in my heart.”

After hearing from his younger brother about Li Xuanba and Li Shimin’s experiences in the Eastern Capital, he sighed deeply for a long time, feeling heavy-hearted.

Li Xuanba’s methods in the capital, if assessed as an adult, were not extraordinary.

Yang Zhao had interacted with Li Xuanba long enough to know that his mind was indeed deep. For example, his preparations for the shop were indeed intended to compete with Li Jiancheng for profits.

Although Yang Zhao understood Li Xuanba’s situation and actively helped him, it was unsettling that someone so young was so scheming.

Thus, when Yang Zhao mentioned Li Xuanba to Yang Xian and close allies, he warned that Li Xuanba was talented and worth befriending, but not for deep friendship.

When Yang Xian saw him in Luoyang, he teased him, saying he had misjudged Li Xuanba.

Publicly, Li Xuanba suggested turning the Emperor’s musical interests into literary compositions, replacing the broad recruitment of musicians with recruiting literati, earning praise even from Xue Daoheng.

Privately, after Li Jiancheng came to Luoyang, Li Xuanba twice yielded proactively: once moving to a small side courtyard, once leaving his family residence for a separate villa, successfully repairing relations with Li Jiancheng.

“Dade is not only intelligent, but he has a good heart,” Yang Xian said. “In court, he can tactfully advise the Emperor; in the family, he values harmony among brothers. We misjudged him. By the way, this time you and I are going to the villa, and you will meet a child named Li Zhiyun. He is the fifth son born of a concubine of the Li family.”

Yang Xian explained how Li Zhiyun, being academically superior to Li Yuanji, was humiliated along with his mother by Li Yuanji.

“They also brought Li Wulang to the villa to care for him, to prevent further conflict between him and Li Silang,” Yang Xian said. “Originally, I hadn’t planned all these details—it was Dade’s suggestion.”

After saying a long string of words, Yang Xian was smug—so smug that he even used the childish way he used to address his elder brother: “Ah, brother, you always say I can’t judge people well. This time, I can absolutely see people clearer than you!”

Yang Zhao was both surprised and gratified by Yang Xian’s words.

It was clear that his younger brother had really been observing and thinking carefully.

Yang Xian had been extremely clever as a child, but grew lazy with his mind as he got older, which had worried Yang Zhao a great deal.

Yang Zhao had never worried that Yang Xian would snatch the crown prince’s position from him. If Yang Xian ever made a move, he wouldn’t have to do anything—their father would absolutely never tolerate such intentions.

What he truly feared was that his brother would act without thinking and provoke their father’s wrath.

Now that his younger brother was finally using his head, Yang Zhao couldn’t help but feel tears welling in his eyes.

Yang Xian proudly led Yang Zhao to the separate villa where Li Shimin and Li Xuanba lived. When Yang Zhao saw Li Wulang (Li family’s fifth son) cuddling on the back of Li Xuanba, who was busy roasting meat, he completely believed Yang Xian’s words.

Children have very keen senses for likes and dislikes, and Li Xuanba had no need to curry favor with his illegitimate younger brother. So all the kindness Li Xuanba showed to Li Wulang was genuine.

Even toward an illegitimate younger brother, Li Xuanba was so friendly—it truly showed that he had a kind heart.

After some reflection, Yang Zhao decided to confess and apologize to Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba felt awkward.

Yang Zhao didn’t really need to apologize. By deeds rather than intention, Yang Zhao had always been helping him. If one didn’t count the life-saving favor only he could confirm, it was actually Li Xuanba who owed Yang Zhao many favors.

After all, although he knew that if Yang Zhao hadn’t returned to Daxing, he would have fallen ill and possibly died, the future had already changed, and the person at the time had no knowledge of what would happen. What he told Yang Zhao was only to help him avoid Yang Guang’s suspicions.

As for Yang Zhao saying behind his back that he was scheming and opportunistic… well, that was true. Li Xuanba hadn’t yet been petty enough to hold a grudge just because someone spoke the truth.

Now that Yang Zhao was apologizing for a character trait that didn’t even exist, Li Xuanba couldn’t help but feel a tight knot in his chest.

Li Xuanba relayed the situation to his elder brother on the other side of the wall in his mind, then shouted inwardly: [Help! Come over quickly!]

Li Shimin sent back a “Ha” through the wall, and after a while, another “Ha” followed.

Finally, to Li Xuanba’s anticipation, he sent a super loud and clear: [No.]

Li Xuanba’s face fell. This elder brother was hopeless.

He could only try to ease the awkwardness himself: “Cousin, why would you say such a thing? You have taken care of me so much, and I can’t thank you enough. As for your misunderstanding…”

Li Xuanba paused and smiled wryly: “Cousin, it’s not a misunderstanding. I really am scheming. Teacher Gao and Teacher Yuwen have both warned me not to rely too much on ‘techniques,’ as it can change one’s character. You judge people very accurately.”

Yang Zhao said, “Hearing you say that makes me feel even more ashamed. Duke Gao and Duke Yuwen warned you not to let your nature be corrupted, while I only… sigh.”

Yang Zhao scrunched up his chubby face like an oversized steamed bun: “Thinking like this, haven’t I also fallen into the ‘technique’ myself, almost letting my nature be altered?”

After all, the crown prince’s “techniques” were still “techniques.”

Li Xuanba quickly changed the subject: “Cousin, now that we’ve cleared the air, let’s not dwell on it. Shall we continue discussing the Western Regions? Didn’t Your Majesty want to campaign against Goguryeo? I heard preparations were already underway—why is there suddenly a campaign against the Tuyuhun instead?”

Seeing Li Xuanba’s ears redden, Yang Zhao chuckled inwardly and gained a deeper understanding of Li Xuanba’s true personality.

He obediently shifted the topic, complaining: “It was Minister of Personnel Pei Shiju’s suggestion.”

Yang Zhao had always treated Li Xuanba as a talented peer. Now that the misunderstanding was resolved, he didn’t treat him as a child, and carefully explained Pei Shiju’s actions to Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba listened as a student, but in reality, he was essentially acting as Pei Shiju’s direct subordinate and needed to understand him well.

While listening to Yang Zhao’s evaluation, Li Xuanba mentally retrieved historical records concerning Pei Shiju.

Pei Shiju, who changed his name to Pei Ju during the Zhenguan era, was historically a much lesser version of Changsun Sheng. However, because his role in The Twin Dragons of the Great Tang as Shi Zhixuan’s alias was substantial, he was better known than Changsun Sheng.

Pei Shiju was a prominent minister during both the Sui and Tang dynasties, but his conduct differed completely between the two.

During the Sui, he was one of the “Seven Chosen” close to Emperor Yang, flattering him to please his desires, urging and supporting Emperor Yang in exhausting the populace through campaigns against Tuyuhun and Goguryeo, never offering remonstration.

When Emperor Yang received foreign envoys and merchants, he demanded citizens wear their finest attire—or stay home. He gathered performers on Duanmen Street to display various arts, had shopkeepers set up banquets for foreigners to eat and drink for free, even wrapping trees in silk… all these proposals came from Pei Shiju.

In the Western Regions, he also carried out schemes akin to Changsun Sheng’s divisive tactics.

After Changsun Sheng implemented his strategies, the split Turks still liked him and held no grudge against him or Sui. Under Changsun Sheng’s management, the northern border during Emperor Wen’s reign was peaceful.

After Pei Shiju’s intrigues, everyone knew it was his doing, and they were furious at the Sui. The Eastern Turkic Shibi Khagan refused to pay tribute and even attacked Emperor Yang.

During Emperor Yang’s reign, the northern borders were embroiled in constant warfare under Pei Shiju’s strategies.

Calling him a minister who contributed to the Sui dynasty’s downfall was not an exaggeration.

Yet when Pei Shiju served Li Yuan in the Tang, he managed the Western Regions steadily, employing the “ally afar, attack nearby” strategy, leaving Tang sufficient space for recovery, ensuring Li Shimin faced no rear crises when unifying the empire.

After Tang Taizong ascended, Pei Shiju often gave candid advice, helping him navigate the early, chaotic days of his reign.

Tang Taizong appointed Pei Shiju as Minister of Civil Affairs. Even at the age of eighty, Pei Shiju helped Tang Taizong straighten out a chaotic household registry system. He passed away at the end of the first year of Zhenguan, and Tang Taizong, grateful for his service, posthumously titled him “Jing” (Respectful).

Pei Shiju’s conduct in the Tang dynasty rightfully earned him the reputation of a loyal and upright minister aiding the Tang.

Li Xuanba: [Pei Shiju was flattering to the Sui but loyal to the Tang—not because his nature changed; if a ruler dislikes hearing faults, loyalty turns into flattery, and if the ruler enjoys hearing frank advice, flattery turns into loyalty. This shows that the ruler is the surface, the minister is the reflection; when the surface moves, the reflection follows.]

From the other side of the wall: [Huh?]

Li Xuanba: [This is the later evaluation of Pei Shiju in the Zizhi Tongjian.]

From the wall: [Huh??]

Li Xuanba: [I’m praising you!]

From the wall: [Oh.]

Another clanging sound came from the wall.

Li Xuanba and Yang Zhao both held their foreheads.

“Are they still fighting?”

“Sigh!”

They could no longer continue their serious discussion.

Yang Zhao hastily summarized: “Pei Shiju was quite talented; following him, you would learn many skills. But this person is excessively scheming…”

At this, Yang Zhao recalled that he had just called Li Xuanba scheming as well and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Don’t learn from him and become more scheming,” Yang Zhao joked. “His scheming has already lost the heart of loyalty and integrity.”

Li Xuanba said, “I won’t. This time, cousin, you are going on the campaign with His Majesty—can your health handle it?”

Yang Zhao smiled: “Don’t underestimate me. I can draw a strong bow too. I’m accompanying Father West, and you know how Father likes things; this trip will be comfortable, not a burden.”

He sighed, and his smile faded: “You are wise beyond your years, not a child; I’ll speak plainly, no excuses. Back then, Father and Uncle both had military achievements, but only Elder Uncle stayed behind. The ministers all supported Father—really, they weren’t satisfied with him. Father goes on campaign, and I must go along, no matter what. I want to share in the military merit, understand?”

Li Xuanba nodded: “Understood.” Yang Zhao indeed thought clearly.

Every time Yang Guang personally campaigned, he would build a grand palace to live in, and his carriage was as splendid as a mobile palace. On campaign, the empress, concubines, princesses, maids, musicians, and singers would all accompany him—truly a comfortable journey.

Li Xuanba said, “Cousin, take care of yourself.”

Yang Zhao nodded, smiling: “You too. Especially since you are studying under Lord Gao and Lord Yuwen, don’t imitate their stubbornness. If something cannot be advised against, don’t advise; if your life is lost, the advice is useless. Keep yourself alive, so you can do more later. Understood? Your gentle advice earlier was excellent.”

Li Xuanba knew the crown prince was sincere and cupped his hands: “Yes. Thank you for your guidance, cousin.”

Another clanging sound came from the wall.

Yang Zhao slowly got up, holding his forehead: “Let’s go see; I’m worried they’ll destroy the room.”

Li Xuanba followed quickly.

In the next room, Li Shimin and Yang Xian were each holding a bamboo stick, with a fur pillow strapped to their bodies, happily sparring.

Li Xuanba looked at the mess on the floor, face pale.

You can fight, but don’t break things!

Yang Zhao gave a bitter smile: “Don’t be angry, don’t be angry, I’ll compensate—you’ll be compensated, cousin! Child! Stop! You’re twice Daxiong’s age, have you no shame!”

Yang Xian, embarrassed and angry, shouted: “Don’t call me ‘child’!”

Li Xuanba ran forward, grabbed Li Shimin’s little topknot and pulled hard, then turned to the window: “Xiao Wu! Didn’t I tell you to sleep?!”

Li Zhiyun poked his head out the window: “I heard a big commotion, got curious… Ah, Third Brother, don’t be mad! I’ll go to sleep right now!”

Li Shimin screamed: “Stop pulling, stop pulling! My topknot is coming off!”

Yang Zhao: “Child, can’t you give me some peace of mind?”

Yang Xian scolded: “I said don’t call me ‘child’!”

Li Zhiyun poked his little head out again, covering his mouth and giggling.

…

The next day, Li Zhiyun could no longer laugh.

With teary eyes, Li Zhiyun said: “Ah? Second Brother and Third Brother are going to Zhangye, what about me? Don’t leave me alone! I’ll be scared.”

Li Xuanba said: “You go home for now. Li Yuanji has been severely punished by Father; he won’t dare bully you anymore.”

Li Shimin ruffled Li Zhiyun’s hair: “When I and A Xuan return, we’ll check your schoolwork. Don’t be lazy.”

Li Zhiyun grabbed Second and Third Brothers’ arms: “No! I don’t want to go back! I want to go with you! If you can go, I can go! Waaa! I don’t want to!”

Li Zhiyun had been so happy these past days, but after only a few months, he had to return to the Duke Tang Mansion. Just thinking of studying with Li Yuanji there made his scalp tingle.

Li Yuanji might not dare bully him, but he still had to study alongside him. And to accommodate Li Yuanji, he would have to hold back.

He didn’t want to hold back! Didn’t want Li Yuanji to slow his progress! He wanted praise!

Here, Second and Third Brothers praised him daily for being smart, for finishing his homework, and he even got rewards.

I don’t want to go back, noooo!!!

Li Zhiyun, using the Li family’s specialty (everyone except Li Xuanba), instantly cried tears streaming down.

Seeing this, Li Shimin also couldn’t help but cry, hugging Li Zhiyun in grief.

Li Xuanba pulled his arm out of Li Zhiyun’s embrace and kicked Second Brother hard: “Why are you crying?!”

Li Shimin wailed: “I don’t know, I just can’t help it.”

Damn it… Li Xuanba struggled to swallow the curse.

Seeing Second Brother cry, Li Xuanba couldn’t reason with Li Zhiyun.

Li Zhiyun wasn’t ignorant of reason; he knew at his age he couldn’t travel far. He was simply scared of studying with Li Yuanji again.

After crying himself out, Li Zhiyun obediently admitted his fault and promised to wait for Second and Third Brothers to return.

Seeing how sensible Li Zhiyun was, Li Shimin cried once more.

Li Xuanba could no longer bear it and kicked Li Shimin to the ground: “Shut up! Stop crying!”

Li Zhiyun was stunned.

Heavens! Third Brother actually kicked Second Brother over! Is Second Brother still my weak Second Brother?!

He quickly covered his mouth, too scared to cry again.

Li Shimin, who hadn’t regained his footing, dusted off his clothes and complained: “A Xuan, is your blood cold? You’re not even crying when this is so touching.”

Li Xuanba rolled his eyes so hard that not a bit of eyeball was visible. “Thanks. When you were still in the womb, you stole all my tear glands. For the rest of my life, it seems you’ll be crying on my behalf, which is why you’ve turned into such a crybaby now.”

“Pfft.” Li Zhiyun tried hard to cover his mouth.

Li Shimin couldn’t cry anymore.

He tapped Li Zhiyun on the head and complained to Li Xuanba, “Stop talking nonsense. Be careful, or Xiao Wu will take it seriously.”

Li Zhiyun whispered, covering his mouth, “I won’t take it seriously. I’m not dumb.”

Li Shimin wiped his tears and, like the sun breaking through after a rain, showed a bright smile. “Good, Xiao Wu isn’t dumb. Stay home and wait for your second and third brothers to return. If Li Yuanji bullies you again, tell Mother. Learn from your tattletale third brother and be a cute little tattle-dog.”

Li Zhiyun nodded. “Okay, I’ll be a tattletale dog.”

Li Xuanba: “…If you can say that, and you still claim not to be dumb? My foolish little brother.”

When they sent Li Zhiyun back, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba also returned home temporarily.

They had already promised the emperor they would go to Zhangye. This matter was settled; even their parents’ opposition could not change it.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou both looked displeased, wanting to give Li Shimin and Li Xuanba a good scolding, yet unable to bring themselves to do it.

Li Yuan had someone craft soft armor for the two children using fine copper wire. When the wire armor was finished, he felt it was too heavy, so he dismantled his own armor and had leather protective armor made for the children instead.

Lady Dou went door to door asking noblewomen who had previously lived in Zhangye about what precautions to take, preparing medicines and clothing for Li Shimin and Li Xuanba.

Li Jiancheng also wanted to go. But after asking his younger brothers about just going to the Zhangye market to study, he dropped the idea.

The Tang Duke’s residence had good intelligence and already knew the emperor intended to take action against Tuyuhun.

Given the emperor’s current trust in Li Yuan, Li Yuan would surely accompany the army to earn merit. If Li Jiancheng wanted to go to the battlefield, he could go along with Li Yuan.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou also offered generous gifts to Pei Shiju, hoping he would take care of the two children.

Pei Shiju tried to refuse several times but could not, smiling bitterly.

Why did he need gifts from the Tang Duke to take care of Li Erlang and Li Sanlang? He wanted to reverse it—give gifts to Li Erlang and Li Sanlang so they would take care of him.

The emperor really knew how to use people. Taking two children along on a western campaign? Even Emperor Wu of Han didn’t train Huo Qubing like this.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou also requested that Changsun Sheng let Li Shimin and Li Xuanba stay at the Changsun residence for a while.

The Changsun family was already betrothed to the Lis, so Li Yuan and Lady Dou didn’t technically need to ask—Changsun Sheng would help Li Shimin and Li Xuanba regardless. But unfortunately, Changsun Sheng was ill. Asking him to teach Li Shimin and Li Xuanba while sick would indeed be difficult.

Fortunately, Changsun Sheng’s illness was mild, and he understood the parents’ concern.

When Li Shimin and Li Xuanba arrived at the Changsun residence, they noticed that Lady Gao looked very weary.

Li Shimin dragged Changsun Wuji into a corner to ask quietly, then told Li Xuanba, “Uncle is worried about Pei Shiju, and the emperor trusts him even more. Uncle will travel west despite his illness to gather intelligence on Tuyuhun for the Sui.”

Li Xuanba frowned. That part isn’t written in the historical records.

But although history doesn’t record it, western campaigns were Changsun Sheng’s specialty. Yang Guang trusted Changsun Sheng, so it wouldn’t be unusual for him to be involved in the Tuyuhun expedition.

Moreover, the Tuyuhun campaign was one of Yang Guang’s rare victories in foreign wars.

Though he later failed to assimilate them and Tuyuhun reemerged stronger at the end of the Sui, Yang Guang’s campaigns—splitting the Turks, attacking Tuyuhun and Goguryeo—were like giving the enemies experience, leveling them up for the Tang.

But this Tuyuhun campaign was so smooth. Did Changsun Sheng really play a key role?

Li Xuanba pinched his chin, thinking deeply.

Unlike Pei Shiju and others who gathered secondhand news from Western merchants to map and collect intelligence, Changsun Sheng was a doer. His western campaigns required personally traveling to the places he managed, even hunting with the Turkic khan for years.

If Changsun Sheng were to take action against Tuyuhun, he would surely go in himself to gather intelligence.

And since Changsun Sheng died of illness the following year, could it have been related to this westward campaign despite his sickness?

Li Shimin sighed. “Changsun Silang hopes we can persuade his father not to go west. How are we supposed to do that?”

Li Xuanba, with mischief in his eyes, said, “Leave it to me. Now it’s time to unleash my trump card.” Regardless of whether Changsun Sheng’s death next year is linked to this, we stop him first!

Li Shimin gasped. “Be gentle!”

Li Xuanba thought: [Your father-in-law might die next year. Maybe because of this… ah!]

Li Shimin grabbed Li Xuanba and ran, almost pulling him down. “Quick, stab him in the chest! Hurry! Wait, can I watch?”

Li Xuanba ran while saying, “I suggest you don’t watch.”

Li Shimin relaxed, delighted. “Even I can’t watch? Then this stab is ruthless—I’m sure we’re safe!”

Li Xuanba rolled his eyes inwardly: [Safe? Shouldn’t you be worried about your wife and brother-in-law?!]

Li Shimin whispered, “You said Guanyin and I are destined to marry, so what’s there to fear? Even if my father-in-law dies, they’ll be fine… just not well-off, right?”

Li Xuanba sighed and nodded.

Li Shimin smirked, pushed open Changsun Sheng’s study door, shoved his brother inside, and then closed it.

“Leave, leave, everyone leave! Xuan has an imperial decree to deliver to Uncle. Go quickly.”

Li Shimin drove all the servants away, then sat on the steps, propping his chin in his hands, waiting for sounds from inside the study.