Li Yuan sighed and said, “This matter concerns the survival of our entire Li family. How can such a decision be made lightly? Shimin, you have always been meticulous in thought and thorough in consideration, so Father wishes to hear your opinion on how our Li family should choose on this path.”

Li Shimin remained silent for a long time before saying, “Does Father want to hear the truth?”

Li Yuan said, “Naturally. Here are only father and son. Whatever you have to say, speak freely.”

“In today’s world, the sovereign is foolish and the country is in chaos. Moreover, His Majesty harbors deep suspicions against Father, wishing nothing more than to eliminate you quickly. Under such circumstances, remaining loyal… truly has little meaning. Rather than sitting and waiting for death, it would be better to raise troops in rebellion—not only for our Li family, but also for the common people throughout the realm. Only by overthrowing the tyrant will their future have hope, and only then can Father truly achieve the four words ‘love and benefit the people.'”

Li Yuan’s expression shook. He lowered his head in contemplation for a long time, then sighed deeply, “Indeed, this is the only path we can take. But raising troops requires not only soldiers and weapons, but also provisions and supplies—all of which need time. Unfortunately, His Majesty already suspects me to the point of sending assassins for murder. I hope… we can have sufficient time.”

Li Shimin said solemnly, “Father, rest assured. Elder Brother and I will do everything in our power to assist Father in achieving this immortal great cause.”

Li Yuan nodded and said, “Go summon your Uncle Xiahou. Additionally, after capturing that female assassin, you and Jiancheng must personally interrogate her. Do not leave it to others, lest word spread and cause trouble.”

“Your son understands.” Li Shimin cupped his hands and withdrew to invite Xiahou Duan over. As for what the two discussed in private, that remains unknown.

In Jingde Pavilion, Duan Zhihong spread a set of blueprints on the table. “Second Young Master, these are the Governor’s mansion blueprints I just obtained from Steward Lin. They mark all the secret passages and hidden chambers, which should help us find the assassin.”

Li Yuan had only arrived in Honghua Prefecture to take office a few months ago, having lived in the Governor’s mansion for merely two or three months. He was still unfamiliar with many parts of this residence. After searching everywhere without finding any trace of the assassin, Li Shimin thought of these blueprints.

Duan Zhihong said, “On the way here, this subordinate already looked through them once. We can say we’ve searched every place here without missing anywhere. This subordinate truly cannot think of where that female assassin could still be hiding.”

Li Shimin said nothing, only staring intently at the blueprints. After a long while, he pointed to two locations and said, “There are still these two places!”

Duan Zhihong leaned over to look and immediately shook his head, saying, “Second Young Master, these two places—one is a wine cellar, the other an ice cellar. The former often has people going to fetch wine, while the latter is unbearably cold. Neither can hide people.”

“After their failed assassination, they’re like homeless dogs who will try every means to hide. The places we think cannot hide people are, to them, the best hiding places.” Saying this, Li Shimin knocked on the table and said, “Go, let’s immediately check those two places.”

As they were about to leave, he remembered something and said, “Send someone to the dungeon to pass word that Second Madam has agreed to release Meixue.”

After Duan Zhihong arranged everything, he immediately accompanied Li Shimin to the wine cellar. Finding no one hidden there, just as they were preparing to go to the ice cellar, someone approached from ahead. Upon seeing who it was, Li Shimin quickly went forward and asked in surprise, “Why are you here?”

“I came to capture the assassin with Second Brother!” The newcomer was none other than Li Xuanba, who had previously fought with Yunyi and been poisoned together with Li Yuan. He looked normal except for a somewhat pale complexion.

“Nonsense!” Li Shimin scolded, “You still have residual poison in your body. You should be resting properly in your room. Elder Brother and I will handle capturing the assassin. What are you worried about? Go back quickly!”

“Second Brother, I’m already fine. Look if you don’t believe me.” Li Xuanba spoke while reaching for a large stone nearby, but Li Shimin quickly stopped him, saying, “Stop this nonsense and go back immediately!”

Li Xuanba said urgently, “Second Brother, I’m truly all better, not the slightest bit unwell. If you really make me continue lying in bed, that would be killing me.” Without waiting for Li Shimin to speak, he continued, “The most important thing now is to capture that female assassin and tear her to pieces. Only then can the hatred in my heart be appeased.”

Li Shimin couldn’t persuade him otherwise, and indeed seeing that he seemed fine, relented, saying, “Since it’s like this, you can come along. But remember, if we truly encounter the assassin, don’t take action. Second Brother and Guard Duan will handle it.”

Li Xuanba quickly agreed and followed Li Shimin toward the ice cellar. When they arrived, just as Duan Zhihong pulled open the heavy iron door to enter, Li Xuanba caught sight of what seemed like a figure flashing by in the distance from the corner of his eye. He called out sternly, “Who’s there?”

Without waiting for orders, the guards immediately rushed toward the direction he indicated. They indeed discovered someone there and brought the person over.

Upon seeing the person’s appearance, Li Shimin said in surprise, “Meixue, what are you doing here?”

“I…” Meixue bit her pale, bloodless lower lip tightly, looking very nervous.

Li Xuanba said puzzledly, “I heard Zhang Jiu say that Wu Meixue had been confined to the dungeon by Er’niang. How could she be here?”

“I already investigated that this matter has nothing to do with Meixue, so I spoke with Er’niang about releasing her from the dungeon. I just didn’t expect them to act so quickly.” Saying this, he looked at Meixue and said, “Why aren’t you speaking?”

“No, nothing.” Meixue shook her head hurriedly, then said gratefully, “I was going to Jingde Pavilion to thank Second Young Master. If not for Second Young Master helping me plead with Second Madam, I would still be locked in the dungeon. I never expected to encounter Second Young Master here.”

“It was just a small effort, nothing more. I see your complexion is very poor—go back and rest well.” Li Shimin never dreamed that the person standing before him at this moment was not the real Meixue, but Shen Yunyi, whom he was determined to capture.

When Yunyi awoke, she found Shen Moping gone. She guessed he must have disobeyed her words and gone to the kitchen to steal food. Having been away so long without returning, he was likely in grave danger. After the Governor’s mansion people captured Shen Moping, they would certainly try every means to extract her hiding place from him. In that case, the ice cellar was no longer safe, so she decisively changed clothes and left the ice cellar. However, first her disguise was broken, and second, everyone in the Governor’s mansion was searching for her. If she appeared with her original face, she would be captured within a few steps. So she removed her disguise, and upon emerging, she unexpectedly encountered Li Shimin’s group. Seeing that he mistook her for Meixue, she simply went along with the mistake and impersonated Meixue.

“Second Young Master’s great kindness and virtue, Meixue will never forget as long as she lives.” Saying this, Yunyi probed, “Second Young Master, has the assassin… already been captured?”