“Then what about Hedong? Those rebels have been eyeing it covetously all along. Once they discover that Hedong is unguarded, they will definitely seize the opportunity to rise up and cause chaos. By then, the foundation we’ve worked so hard to establish will be destroyed in an instant, and you and I will become sinners of the Li family.”

Li Yuanji thought this made sense, then said: “Then… should I go speak with Father again?”

Li Jiancheng shook his head: “It’s useless. I know Father’s temperament very well. Once he’s decided on something, he won’t easily change it.”

Seeing that his successive suggestions had all been rejected, Li Yuanji said in frustration: “This won’t work, that won’t work either – must we really just watch helplessly as Second Brother goes to Taiyuan with Father to fight the Turks?”

Actually, while he was speaking, Li Jiancheng had also been constantly pondering solutions, but helplessly, this matter was like entering a dead end. He stroked his forehead and said helplessly: “From the looks of it now, that’s indeed the case.”

While these two brothers were feeling unwilling about this matter, Wang Wei and Gao Jinya were also secretly discussing in their room: “Brother Wang, do you think this Li Yuan… will obediently listen?”

Wang Wei peeled an orange and handed it to him: “His Majesty’s imperial decree is there – would he dare not listen? However, I rather hope he doesn’t listen. That way we’d have a chance to charge him with crimes. Li Yuan… I’ve never forgotten how he harmed us back then.”

Gao Jinya added: “And that Li Shimin too – he’s no good either.”

“I know.” Wang Wei clapped his hands and said coldly: “Just watch – I won’t let any of the Li family father and sons off!”

Ten days passed in a flash. After Li Yuan handed over the affairs of Hedong as well as the troops to Li Jiancheng and his brothers along with Yun Dingxing, he took Li Shimin and Wang Wei and others to Hedong to assume his post. Due to the urgency of time, he only brought Wan Shi and a few other family members, leaving Li Zhiyun and Zhangsun Wugou in Hedong.

Wang Rengong was the Governor of Mayi Prefecture. This prefecture was located at the border, and if you asked who had the most dealings with the Turks, it would be none other than Wang Rengong. Because he was most clearly aware of the Turks’ valor and their characteristic of having all citizens as soldiers, when he learned that Li Yuan had only brought ten thousand troops on this expedition, his heart immediately began to feel apprehensive.

You must know that he only had a few thousand troops at his disposal. Combined together, they didn’t even reach twenty thousand, while the Turks could gather a hundred thousand troops at any time. How was this battle to be fought?

After exchanging pleasantries with Li Yuan, he immediately expressed this concern tactfully. Li Yuan understood his meaning and smiled: “Although the Turks have many people and great power, they may not necessarily be able to defeat us. Governor Wang need not worry too much.”

“But…” Before Wang Rengong could say more, Li Yuan said: “I want to go see the border. Could Governor Wang take me there?”

“Naturally. I’ll go prepare the horses right away.” Wang Rengong also hoped Li Yuan would see clearly the disparity between both sides, thereby transferring troops from Hedong.

Everyone rode horses all the way to the border. Standing at the boundary between Great Sui and the Turks, they could constantly see Turks carrying bows and arrows riding past – sometimes two or three, sometimes in groups, and they even saw women riding horses and drawing bows.

“The Regional Governor has seen that the Turks have fierce customs – regardless of gender, all can serve as soldiers. Fighting one-on-one is already quite difficult, let alone one against five or even ten.” While Wang Rengong was speaking, a group of Turks galloped past not far away. The leader reined in his horse and looked in their direction. It was just a glance, but it made the accompanying soldiers feel as if facing a great enemy, and they all raised their bows and arrows. Fortunately, those Turks quickly left without crossing the border.

“If Your Excellency truly wants to counterattack the Turks, troops must be transferred from Hedong. Otherwise, there’s no chance of victory at all.”

Li Yuan was very displeased with Wang Rengong’s behavior of showing cowardice before the battle had even begun. It didn’t matter that he alone was timid, but the key was that these words were heard by the soldiers. When word spread from one to ten, and ten to a hundred, everyone would think they couldn’t defeat the Turks. How could they fight then? They might as well surrender directly.

Li Yuan suppressed his displeasure and focused on the border situation. The wind and sand here were quite severe, and combined with the cold weather, it felt like being cut by knives when hitting the face. Wang Wei, who was standing at the back, quickly couldn’t withstand it and said: “If the Regional Governor has seen enough, let’s go back. It’s getting dark.”

Li Yuan nodded: “Let’s stop here for today. Let’s go.”

After returning to the residence in Taiyuan, Li Yuan dismissed everyone else, leaving only Liu Hongji and Li Shimin. He said: “What does Master Liu think of the situation we’re about to face?”

Liu Hongji lightly tapped the tea cup lid. After a long while, he said: “Forgive me for speaking frankly, but the situation is extremely unfavorable for Duke Li. Not to mention that the Turks are strong with powerful horses, not to mention the disparity in military strength – just looking at Governor Wang’s attitude and that of his subordinate soldiers, this battle is already doomed to certain defeat.”

“Even if Wang Rengong’s soldiers can’t be counted on, we still have the ten thousand troops brought from Hedong.” Facing Li Shimin’s words, Liu Hongji smiled: “Although Wang Rengong is timid, he wasn’t wrong about one thing – ten thousand troops could never possibly match the Turks’ hundred thousand army. Moreover, morale is contagious. I’m afraid that in just a few days, the troops we brought will become just like them.”

Li Shimin frowned: “According to your words, sir, must this battle not be fought at all?”

Liu Hongji turned his gaze to Li Yuan, who pondered briefly and said: “Sir just said we cannot match them in strength – in other words, we can use strategy?”

Liu Hongji bowed respectfully: “Duke Li is wise. This is precisely what I meant.” After a pause, he said: “Does Duke Li still remember the strategy Second Young Master used at Yanmen Pass?”

Li Yuan nodded: “I naturally remember. At that time, thanks to Shimin’s quick thinking, we were able to force back the Turk army without losing a single soldier.”

“This strategy might be used again.” With these words, he explained in detail the strategy he had conceived to Li Yuan and his son. After listening, Li Yuan pondered for a moment and said: “Does sir truly believe this strategy can work?”

“If this strategy succeeds, although we cannot annihilate the Turks’ hundred thousand army, we can create tremendous deterrence against the Turks while also boosting our army’s morale. Although morale is something intangible, it greatly influences the outcome of war. I believe Duke Li knows this point as well.”

After a long silence, Li Yuan gritted his teeth and said: “Very well, we’ll act according to your plan. I’ll personally lead these two thousand soldiers.”

Hearing this, Li Shimin urgently said: “Father, you must not! You are responsible for the stability of all of Taiyuan and Hedong. You absolutely cannot put yourself in danger. Let your son go in your place. I guarantee I won’t disappoint you!”

Li Yuan looked at him for a moment, then nodded: “Very well, you shall lead these two thousand soldiers in your father’s place. I grant you the authority to decide the timing of the attack yourself!” He was someone who had led troops in battle and knew that opportunities for victory often passed in a flash. If Li Shimin had to request his permission before attacking, he would likely miss the best opportunity, so he granted him this authority.

Li Shimin knelt down and said solemnly: “Your son accepts the command!”