“Was Sabao’s merchant caravan in Songzhou raided? Is it related to the Tuyuhun campaign?” Li Yuangu stared at Kangsu Mi and asked urgently.

Kangsu Mi smiled: “Old Kang hasn’t figured out exactly what happened yet. With all the chaos of fighting at the frontline, we’d told them not to take that route, but they wouldn’t listen. Playing at being experienced, those foolish ones!”

“Sabao Kang must have new information about the military campaign in Songzhou?” Li Yuangu pressed. He knew that merchant Hus had their communication channels between countries, sometimes even rivaling the speed of the imperial postal service.

Kangsu Mi pondered briefly, then nodded frankly:

“Since the Great King asks, old Kang dares not conceal it. People in Songzhou say that Tang Commander Li suffered a great defeat at Wild Fox Gorge, with tens of thousands of soldiers killed by the Tuoba clan’s Qiang people. The Yellow River waters turned crimson red!”

Li Yuangu was shocked: “Is this true?”

“Old Kang wouldn’t dare tell outright lies, but I can’t guarantee it’s true either. War is a serious matter – the Great King should rely on official court reports.”

If this news was true, it would be an event that would shake both court and country. The northwestern highlands were desolate, making supplies difficult. The court’s six-route army totaled less than 100,000 men – if they truly lost tens of thousands in one battle, there would be no point in continuing the campaign.

Li Yuangu had intended to ask Kangsu Mi about the internal situation of the Tuyuhun royal family and the whereabouts of Former Sui Empress Xiao’s grandchildren, but the Songzhou news was too shocking – he needed to report to the palace immediately. Kangsu Mi was even more anxious, apologizing profusely to the Great King, explaining that his merchant caravan in Songzhou had been raided and he needed to deal with officials immediately. The matter was too important for others to handle. He then brought up again the matter of Li Yuangu taking the two Hu maidens back to serve him, insisting so firmly it couldn’t be refused.

Li Yuangu thought for a moment, then pointed at Fendui: “Since Sabao insists, it would be discourteous for Yuangu to refuse and shameful to accept both. I’ll just take this one. I really couldn’t accept Lady Mi.”

Both Kangsu Mi and Miwei showed surprise, seemingly not expecting Li Yuangu to choose Fendui, whose beauty was inferior. The black-haired girl’s eyes brightened as she raised her head joyfully.

Li Yuangu reasoned that Miwei was too sophisticated and experienced, and her golden hair and green eyes were too eye-catching – bringing her back to Da’an Palace could cause trouble, while Fendui would be much easier to settle in. Conversely, beautiful women like Miwei could still be useful, and Kangsu Mi probably wouldn’t mistreat her too badly, while Fendui was too young and timid – she would suffer greatly if she remained in the Sabao’s household.

Kangsu Mi tried to persuade him a couple more times, but seeing Li Yuangu’s determination, he dropped the matter. After breakfast, they bid farewell. Fendui came out carrying her belongings and pipa, while camels and horses were being readied in the courtyard, apparently preparing to depart.

Kangsu Mi turned and gave some instructions to his household in the Hu language, then said to Li Yuangu: “If all goes well, I should be back in a few days. Old Kang would like to invite the Great King back for a Nine-Bowl feast to make amends, but I don’t know how my servants could deliver the invitation?”

Li Yuangu thought for a moment – indeed, Kang’s servants couldn’t enter the forbidden gardens or reach his Seventeenth Prince’s Residence. Then an idea struck him, and he gestured vaguely southward:

“Isn’t Sabao Kang on good terms with Duke Qiao’s Chai household? Send your steward to Lord Chai’s residence, and have his people notify Yuangu at the Fourteenth Court in Da’an Palace.”

The Chai household must have passes to the forbidden gates due to their frequent interactions with the Zixu Temple managed by Chai Yingluo. Kangsu Mi understood and remembered clearly, bidding an earnest farewell.

Li Yuangu and Yang Xinzhi’s pair of horses waited outside the gate, and Fendui had a smaller mare prepared for her by the Kang household. The three mounted their horses in turn, and Li Yuangu urged his horse northward. Yang Xinzhi followed behind him and asked:

“Young Lord Fourteen, where are we heading now?”

“The Department of State Affairs, Lizheng Hall. Let’s enter the palace first,” Li Yuangu frowned as he spurred his horse. “I need to seek an audience with His Majesty to report this Wild Fox Gorge news. You take Fendui back to Da’an Palace…”

Before he could finish speaking, they were suddenly interrupted by loud shouting. All three turned to look at the courtyard wall beside them.

They hadn’t gone far from Kangsu Mi’s main gate and were still outside the compound’s rammed earth walls. The shouting came from inside, followed by loud laughter and men greeting each other in the Hu language, sounding like three or five Hu people reuniting after a long separation. Such sounds were normal from a Hu merchant’s compound, so the three didn’t think anything of it and turned back to continue their journey.

The three rode north along Fanglin Gate Main Street. Li Yuangu entered Anfu Gate alone, heading east along Shuntian Street to Shuntian Gate to verify his credentials and report his name. The gate guards, seeing his imperial hand decree, didn’t dare delay and quickly announced and permitted his entry. Inside the palace compound, the morning court had already dispersed. He hurried to catch up with the imperial procession halfway between Liangyidian Hall and Wanchun Hall, prostrating himself in greeting.

The Emperor was rushing to Wanchun Hall to discuss matters with his ministers and prime ministers. He beckoned Li Yuangu to come to lead his imperial mount, talking as they walked. Li Yuangu knew time was short, so he quickly reported the Songzhou battle situation he’d learned from Kangsu Mi. Gathering his courage, he half-turned his face to look at his imperial brother riding on horseback, only to see him wearing an absent expression, seemingly not paying much attention to his younger brother’s news.

“This is information from merchant Hus?” the Emperor asked. “They’re quite attentive… I told you to investigate the matter of the Tuyuhun prince – how is that investigation going?”

The abrupt change of topic left Li Yuangu no choice but to reluctantly relate how he’d been refused an audience with Former Sui Empress Xiao, naturally omitting his and Yang Xinzhi’s nighttime intrusion into the household. Feeling somewhat guilty toward the end, he couldn’t help glancing back at the Emperor again, only to see his brother glaring at him with furrowed brows:

“Madam Xiao is a Princess of Western Liang and Former Sui Empress – she could be considered our maternal aunt. The court sends provisions throughout the four seasons, and when the old lady occasionally visits the palace, the Empress treats her with great respect and courtesy. You little brat dare to go cause trouble at her residence – quite the nerve you have.”

“Your subject…” I was there on official court business, not some hooligan harassing a fallen noble household… Li Yuangu grumbled internally but didn’t dare talk back openly. The Emperor was clearly in a foul mood and taking it out on others – why should he deliberately put himself in harm’s way?

By now he had led the imperial horse through Wanchun Gate. Inside was Wanchun Hall where the Emperor convened with Department of State Affairs ministers, and further ahead, past Lizheng Gate, was Lizheng Hall where the Emperor and Empress resided. The Emperor dismounted at the steps of Wanchun Hall, where Fang Xuanling and several ministers who had already arrived came to the door to prostrate themselves. At that moment, a group of people also came from the direction of Lizheng Gate, and they saw each other too late to avoid meeting as they turned the corner at the hall. Two young men from that group, one tall and one fat, hurried forward to pay respects to the imperial presence.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian and Fourth Prince King of Yue Li Tai, brothers were both born to Empress Zhangsun, with only a year’s difference in age, yet their appearances were vastly different. Li Chengqian resembled his father, with sword-like eyebrows and phoenix eyes, strong features, carrying a murderous air when still and moving like the wind. Li Tai was short and fat with fair skin and a round face, with narrow elongated eyes – a perfect copy of his maternal uncle Zhangsun Wuji.

Li Yuangu, standing beside the imperial horse, noticed that when the Emperor looked at Li Tai, his gaze was relatively gentle, but when his eyes turned to Li Chengqian, his brows immediately furrowed as he asked coldly: “Went to pay respects to your mother?”

Li Chengqian’s attitude toward his father wasn’t much better – he answered “Yes” with a stiff face and fell silent. Li Tai appeared much more relaxed, rising with a smile and saying: “Son recently obtained a rare complete three-volume ‘Records of Jingzhou’ written by Minister Song Hongzhi of Linchuan, and these past few days I’ve finished copying and binding it to present to Mother. Mother was very pleased and had me accompany her to take it to Da’an Palace, saying that when Father was young in Anzhou, he enjoyed hearing stories of the South. If his spirits are better, she asked me to read it to Father.”

The Emperor Emeritus had spent his youth studying in the Jingxiang region with his father – Li Yuangu knew of his father’s experience. The Emperor nodded, smiling at his fourth son: “Your mother is thoughtful, and it’s kind of you, Qingque. Alas, after centuries of chaos, barely one or two in ten ancient books and records remain. The court has too many urgent matters and can’t spare many people to compile literature. It’s admirable that you, Qingque, are willing to study earnestly. You should gather more scholars and learned men, collect those books and classics that are worthy and beneficial, and organize the texts and meanings to compile books – that’s a worthy endeavor — far better than those who spend every day racing horses and playing around!”

The last sentence was directed at Crown Prince Li Chengqian with a glare – everyone present saw it.

The seventeen-year-old Crown Prince merely turned his face slightly, expression numb, as if he hadn’t heard anything. His full brother smiled and said: “Qingque respectfully accepts Father’s imperial decree. Son was born with soft bones and muscles, lacking willpower and perseverance, unable to achieve martial prowess like Third Brother and Fourteenth Uncle. No matter how much I admire Father’s military genius, I can’t even follow in your footsteps, so I can only fall back on staying indoors to read and write.”

Hearing this imperial favorite suddenly mention him, Li Yuangu started, straightening his back even more, instinctively feeling that being drawn into this triangle of father and sons was no good thing.

The Emperor wasn’t bothered by his beloved son’s flattery, laughing heartily: “You’re wrong about that – maintaining power is harder than seizing it, and though the empire was won on horseback, it can’t be governed from horseback. Though the court is still constantly at war now, battles will only decrease, and studying is what’s important. Currently, there are countless state affairs, often giving me headaches. Your mother and maternal uncle are well-read, so they have more ideas than your father — even your cousin Lady Chai has been compiling medical texts these past two years. Qingque, you’re a prince with your establishment – surely you won’t be outdone by a female Daoist priest? Just do it freely, and speak up if you need anything.”

Li Tai responded with a “Yes,” unable to hide his pleased expression:

“Cousin Chai is very capable, and I greatly admire her. Zixu Temple has many medical texts, I’ve borrowed quite a few, but unfortunately, good editions are rare. The High Priestess even asked me to recommend scholars to help her organize and copy them. I only associate with those few officials in princely households – how many deeply learned scholars do I have under me? I want to compile a geography book myself, but I’m short-handed…”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier!” The Emperor raised his eyebrows. “Why don’t you learn from your father and establish a literary academy in your residence to recruit scholars? Have your administrator report to the relevant offices about how many resources you need. Starting this year, you can go to the Ministry of Rites to select among the examination candidates, pick some talented scholars with good writing skills to enter your academy, and compile books – wouldn’t that solve it?”

Li Yuangu suddenly looked up and indeed saw Li Chengqian’s expression change slightly, while Fang Xuanling and the other ministers standing behind the Emperor exchanged glances, looking at each other in concern.

“Son thanks Father for his imperial grace!” Li Tai was overcome with joy as he prostrated himself in thanks. “Your subject will certainly dedicate himself to learning and compile works of essence to add glory to this prosperous era’s cultural achievements.”

The Emperor nodded, his gaze also turning to his eldest son’s face as he sighed: “Our Li clan of Longxi rose through military prowess, controlling the realm from one corner. Those noble scholar families must be quite dissatisfied, secretly criticizing our family as crude and unlettered, unworthy to rule. The older generation is beyond hope, but you younger ones, whether studying or practicing martial arts, should show some progress, some promise, shouldn’t you? Qingque is going to compile books, what about the others? How many years of peace have we had? We still need sons to serve on the frontier! Among my brothers and sons, everyone boasts of their outstanding horsemanship and archery, but only your Fourteenth Uncle has volunteered for battle, while others act as if nothing’s happening! Among my sons, not a single one is willing to serve the country!”

With that, he threw down his horsewhip and turned away angrily, striding up the stone steps of Wanchun Hall. Everyone below bowed to respectfully see him off. From the corner of his eye, Li Yuangu noticed the purple sleeves of Li Chengqian’s robe trembling incessantly.

The Emperor had vented all his anger on his eldest son, though who knows what the reason was behind it… Li Yuangu quietly stepped backward, silently chanting “You can’t see me,” hoping everyone would disperse, but unfortunately, things didn’t go as wished when Li Chengqian spoke up:

“Is Fourteenth Uncle returning to Da’an Palace?”

“Yes,” Li Yuangu responded, suddenly realizing his mistake. Sure enough, the Crown Prince commanded coolly: “What a coincidence, my brother and I are also going to Da’an Palace to pay respects to the Emperor Emeritus. Let’s go together.”

Unable to think of any excuse, Li Yuangu reluctantly agreed, and the Eastern Palace procession brought him a mount. The three relatives of similar age didn’t wish to converse in this sensitive area near Liangyi Hall and rode wordlessly out of Zhuming Gate.

The other day, after learning that the Crown Prince had taken over management of the forbidden garden and Da’an Palace, Chai Yingluo had kindly warned Li Yuangu to be wary of Li Chengqian’s revenge, as the blood jade ring he had found and given to Empress Zhangsun might have been evidence of the Crown Prince’s affair with his cousin. Today the Emperor had inexplicably used Li Yuangu’s volunteering for battle to berate his son, so presumably Li Chengqian would view his young Fourteenth Uncle even more unfavorably.

As soon as they passed through Zhuming Gate, the Crown Prince asked directly:

“Fourteenth Uncle, the Emperor Emeritus misses his young daughter and asked me to send Seventeenth Sister back to his side. What do you say?”

“The Emperor Emeritus?” Li Yuangu was shocked. “Can the Emperor Emeritus still… still…”

Still speak? Still, express his intentions so clearly? And even… remember anyone in this world besides “A-Yin”?

Li Chengqian gestured for Li Tai beside him to explain. It turned out that yesterday, the brothers had been ordered to visit Da’an Palace to pay respects to their grandfather on behalf of their parents — naturally with Consort Yin by his bedside. Consort Yin had complained bitterly that after Chai Yingluo and Li Yuangu suddenly took away the Seventeenth Princess, the Emperor Emeritus had awakened once or twice, couldn’t see his young daughter, and sighed heavily, causing his condition to worsen…

“From beginning to end, it was all Yin… Consort Yin speaking herself, right?” Li Yuangu asked coldly.

“Yes, it was Lady Yin speaking, but when the Emperor Emeritus was awake, Lady Yin bent down to ask him ‘Is that so,’ and Grandfather did respond,” Li Tai replied methodically.

“Responded?” Li Yuangu questioned. “You mean when Consort Yin asked something, the Emperor Emeritus just grunted ‘mm’ and ‘ah’?”

Li Tai smiled helplessly and turned to look at his elder brother. Li Chengqian glared sideways at Li Yuangu:

“You understand the current situation in Da’an Hall better than I do, Fourteenth Uncle. Regardless of Lady Yin’s character, Emperor Emeritus simply can’t be without her! You and Cousin Chai acted so recklessly – if anything happens to the Emperor Emeritus because of this, if the imperial tomb collapses, who can bear that responsibility?”

“If disaster strikes, Yuangu will bear it alone!” Li Yuangu responded loudly, feeling full of passionate heroism. “Whether execution or dismemberment, Yuangu won’t implicate others – Your Highness can rest assured!”

The Crown Prince’s response was a burst of laughter. Li Tai also shook his head beside them, his fat face wearing the smile of someone watching a show.

“You’ll bear responsibility?” Li Chengqian questioned with raised eyebrows. “I don’t mean to belittle you, Fourteenth Uncle, but I’m afraid the life and safety of the founding Emperor of Great Tang, His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus, is too much for a mere prince to bear! To be frank, with the Empress needing rest for her illness and His Majesty busy with the Tuyuhun campaign, I have been ordered to attend to the Emperor Emeritus’s medicines at Da’an Palace and supervise the inner officials. If any chaos occurs in the Western Palace forbidden garden, His Majesty will question and reprimand me!”

Li Yuangu was stunned, suddenly understanding.

With the Emperor busy with the Empress’s illness, he had passed the responsibility of caring for their grandfather to Li Chengqian. In previous years, as Crown Prince, he had received praise from the court and country, probably thinking this task wouldn’t be difficult, but then he encountered Consort Yin’s accusations. Upon hearing that the Emperor Emeritus’s condition had worsened, the seventeen-year-old youth immediately panicked, afraid that his grandfather might “ascend to heaven” during his period of responsibility, leaving him unable to answer to his parents.

“You and Cousin Chai created this mess, you clean it up!” Li Chengqian stopped and stared intently at his young uncle. “Go return the Seventeenth Princess to Da’an Hall and apologize to Lady Yin, and we can put this matter behind us. Don’t force me to take action personally – that way, it would be even more embarrassing for everyone!”