Li Jiancheng looked at Li Shimin in surprise, then said: “That’s right. Additionally, I’ve already sent people to guard Songtao Residence strictly. We absolutely won’t let anyone sneak in again.”

Lin Shi glanced at Li Jiancheng and said sweetly: “Yes, Governor, with Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master working together to capture her, unless that assassin turns into a bird, she absolutely cannot escape.”

“But…” Wan Shi was about to speak again when Li Yuan said: “Enough. What’s done is done. Further talk is useless. Leave the matter of capturing the assassin to Jiancheng and the others.”

Wan Shi felt displeased, but having been able to maintain Li Yuan’s favor for many years, she was naturally someone who understood how to read expressions and situations. She nodded: “This concubine understands.”

Li Yuan took a breath and asked again: “Do we know the assassin’s background?”

Li Shimin lowered his head: “Reporting to father, we now only know she’s called Shen Yunyi, and she calls another person named Shen Moping her younger brother. They came to work in our mansion together, claiming to be from Little Yang Village. Your son has already sent people to investigate and should have news soon. However… there’s one thing your son cannot understand.”

“What is it?”

Facing Li Yuan’s question, Li Shimin said: “All these years, father has always been kind and helpful, never making things difficult for anyone. Whether serving as Inspector of Qiaozhou, Longzhou, or Qizhou, or as Governor of Xingyang or Loufan, you’ve always treated the people under your jurisdiction well and never made enemies. Why would someone suddenly attempt to assassinate father?”

Li Yuan’s eyes flickered slightly as he said slowly: “Do you think that being kind to others means they will be grateful in their hearts? No matter what, as long as one has a clear conscience, that’s enough. I’m tired. You may all withdraw.”

Hearing this, Wan Shi hurriedly said: “Governor, let this concubine stay here to attend to you.”

“There’s no need. I want to rest alone. You didn’t sleep all night – go back and rest well.” Seeing Li Yuan say this, Wan Shi could only withdraw with the others.

After they all left, Li Yuan did not rest as he had said, but instead called a servant: “Go ask Lord Xiahou to come.”

The servant withdrew as instructed. After a while, Xia Houduan appeared in Li Yuan’s sight. The latter struggled to raise both hands in salute: “This time I truly must thank Brother Xiahou. Otherwise, I would already be a soul beneath the springs.”

Xia Houduan hurriedly said: “Brother Li, please don’t speak so formally. We’ve been friends for many years – how could I not save you? However, this time was truly dangerous. This type of poison is extremely rare in the Central Plains. Even I wasn’t completely confident. Being able to save your life was really just luck.”

Li Yuan smiled: “No matter what, I must thank Brother Xiahou for saving my life.” He then asked: “How is Xuanba doing?”

“Don’t worry. He’s younger and stronger than you. Even if he doesn’t take the medicine I prescribed, he won’t be in any danger.” Xia Houduan spoke jokingly, then became serious: “Speaking of which, Brother Li must be careful when going out in the future. No matter where you go, you must have guards with you.”

Li Yuan’s face paled slightly: “Are you saying this kind of thing will happen again?”

Xia Houduan sighed: “Brother Li, do you know why I came this time?”

“I was planning to ask you last night, but then the assassin incident occurred.” Seeing Xia Houduan’s grave expression, he said: “What’s wrong? Has something serious happened?”

“His Majesty killed Jincai!” Hearing these six words, Li Yuan’s expression changed drastically. He hurriedly tried to sit up but forgot that the remaining poison in his body wasn’t completely cleared. For a moment he felt dizzy and disoriented. After Xia Houduan helped him lie back down, he gradually recovered. As soon as he felt better, he urgently asked: “When did this happen?”

“It was recently. I only learned of it through a confidential letter from a close friend in the capital. It should still be some time before the news reaches here.”

Li Yuan frowned tightly: “Jincai is a great noble of the court who has rendered service to the dynasty. Why would His Majesty kill him?”

The Jincai they spoke of was a descendant of Han Cavalry Captain Li Ling, the tenth son of Grand Preceptor Li Mu, named Li Hun. Jincai was his courtesy name. He held the official position of Left Military Guard General and led the Crown Prince’s Guard.

Years ago, Li Mu had supported Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, in suppressing Yuchi Jiong’s rebellion and was granted the title of Grand Preceptor, receiving the special honors and privileges of not having to announce his name when being received and immunity from execution for non-rebellious crimes. Although he died of illness in the sixth year of Kaihuang, the Li family’s glory didn’t end there. The ancestral influence remained, and of his ten sons, aside from two who died young, the remaining eight all received official appointments and noble titles, with Li Hun being the most outstanding. So Li Yuan was shocked to hear he had been executed by Emperor Yang of Sui.

“I heard it was because Jincai plotted rebellion, so His Majesty killed him along with dozens of his clan members, including Director of Imperial Workshops Li Min.” As soon as Xia Houduan finished speaking, Li Yuan said excitedly: “Impossible! Although Jincai had some dissatisfaction with His Majesty, he would absolutely never rebel. This is false accusation!”

“I had the same thoughts as Brother Li, so I had people investigate everywhere. As a result, I learned something shocking.” Under Li Yuan’s gaze, he slowly said: “Peach and plum children, don’t…, yellow cranes circle the mountain flying, winding through flower gardens.”

Li Yuan said puzzledly: “What does this folk song mean?”

“Peach and plum children – Li refers to the surname, peach also written as Tao, referring to Taotang, an ancient sage ruler, which can represent the emperor. The meaning this folk song conveys is that people surnamed Li will replace people surnamed Yang to rule the world!”

Before Xia Houduan finished speaking, Li Yuan already rebuked: “This is simply absurd! How could such a thing happen!”

“You think it’s absurd, but His Majesty doesn’t think so. Ever since this folk song appeared, His Majesty has favored a sorcerer named Anqietuo, keeping him by his side daily. I heard that Jincai’s matter was related to this person. And just at this time, you were suddenly attacked by an assassin. Very likely… the assassin was actually sent by His Majesty!”

“No!” Li Yuan immediately denied: “My Li family has been utterly loyal to His Majesty, never harboring rebellious intentions. How could His Majesty treat me this way?”

“You have no rebellious intentions – did Jincai have any?” Xia Houduan shook his head: “Li can refer to Jincai, can refer to you Li Yuan, and can refer to any person surnamed Li. You and I know His Majesty’s temperament – he likes grandeur and enjoys luxury, completely ignoring the people’s suffering and not appreciating his subjects’ loyalty. To him, anyone who might threaten him can be killed!”

Li Yuan remained silent for a long time before saying quietly: “If His Majesty wanted to kill me, he could simply issue an edict. Why would he need to send an assassin? This matter… Brother Xiahou is overthinking it.”

“Do you think he doesn’t want to issue an edict to kill you? But first, he has no evidence in hand; second, the Hedong situation still requires you to stabilize it. Once your Li family is executed, Hedong will immediately fall into chaos, so he cannot issue that edict. However… sending an assassin to kill you can avoid many troubles and allow him to find someone else to take over everything you currently handle without anyone objecting.”