Ruyi scoffed, “Given His Majesty’s actions, it would be strange if Duke of Tang didn’t rebel. Not to mention other places, just take Jiangdu—there’s clearly so much grain stored in the granaries, yet he just refuses to open them, allowing Jiangdu to become a living hell. In his eyes, I’m afraid even a single life isn’t worth as much as a grain of rice. Just thinking about it makes one’s heart turn cold.”
Jixiang sighed and suddenly said, “Tell me, what if those rebel armies rising everywhere actually reach Jiangdu, or even break into the imperial palace? What will happen to us? Will they kill us?”
Ruyi’s eyelids twitched, and she said hesitantly, “This… it shouldn’t come to that. Besides, although the court’s power is not what it used to be, there’s still some foundation left. In the short term, those rebel armies couldn’t possibly attack this place.”
Just as the two were feeling uneasy about this speculation, Yunyi said, “The Great Sui has long been in turbulent times; now it’s merely struggling to survive. The day Jixiang speaks of will come sooner or later.” She continued, “If you’re afraid, while Jiangdu hasn’t fallen into complete chaos yet, hurry and leave. Find some remote mountain forest to hide in, and come out again after the world stabilizes.”
Before she finished speaking, Ruyi was already shaking her head, “No, except by the Princess’s side, this servant won’t go anywhere.”
Jixiang took up the conversation, “This servant as well. Princess, don’t even think of driving us away. What I said earlier was just casual talk—I never actually thought of leaving the Princess.”
Yunyi sighed, “I know you’re loyal, but continuing to stay here will eventually bring danger. It would be better to leave early, then perhaps you could stay safe.”
No matter what she said, both of them shook their heads like rattle drums, refusing to leave no matter what. Yunyi said helplessly, “Do you want to die together with me?”
Ruyi replied without hesitation, “Death is death—no matter what, this servant will never leave the Princess.”
Jixiang nodded vigorously, “Right, the Princess treats us like sisters. How could we only care for ourselves when the Princess is in trouble? If we really did that, this servant would live in guilt and unease for the rest of her life, unable to forgive herself. Besides, if something really happens, having us servants here will make things easier to handle.”
Seeing how loyal these two were to her, Yunyi was deeply moved and choked up, “Even refusing such a good opportunity—you’re really two silly girls!”
No one knew that a conspiracy was quietly brewing…
In the sixth month of the thirteenth year of the Daye era, Liu Wenjing carried a letter written personally by Li Yuan to the northern frontier. After much difficulty, he finally met with Shibi Khan in the great tent.
When Liu Wenjing served as Jinyang County Magistrate, he had dealt with Shibi several times and was familiar with him. So Shibi immediately called out Liu Wenjing’s courtesy name, “Earlier I heard that Zhaoren died suddenly in prison, and this Khan was quite saddened for a while. I never expected that now Zhaoren stands here perfectly fine. Could it be that you’ve come back from the dead?”
Liu Wenjing smiled, “How could there be such a thing as resurrection in this world? It’s just that Duke Li couldn’t bear to see me die unjustly, so he helped me fake my death to avoid persecution by Wang Wei and the others.”
“I see.” He said meaningfully, “It seems Li Yuan values Zhaoren greatly, actually setting up such an elaborate scheme for you. Fortunately, Wang Wei and the others are already dead, otherwise Zhaoren, you probably still couldn’t show yourself.”
“Duke Li’s kindness—even ten thousand deaths couldn’t repay it.” While dealing with Shibi, Liu Wenjing was greatly on guard in his heart. Although this Shibi was in the northern frontier, he knew everything about Taiyuan affairs like the back of his hand, clearly having planted many spies.
Shibi ordered his attendants to pour Liu Wenjing a cup of mare’s milk wine, then said, “By the way, I still don’t know what brings Zhaoren here?”
Seeing him get to the main topic, Liu Wenjing quickly took out the letter he kept in his chest and handed it to Shibi, “I’m here on Duke Li’s orders, specially delivering this letter to present to the Khan. Please review it.”
Shibi ordered someone to receive it, but didn’t open it. Instead, he stared at Liu Wenjing with a half-smile, “Does Li Yuan know he can’t match this Khan’s cavalry, so he plans to surrender to this Khan?”
Liu Wenjing replied with a half-smile, “If I remember correctly, you and Duke Li fought three battles—at Yanmen, Mayi, and Taiyuan—and in all three battles, it was you, Khan, who took the initiative to withdraw your troops. How can you speak of him being no match?”
Shibi’s expression changed. Before he could speak, a Turkic general beside him had already drawn his sword and placed it at Liu Wenjing’s throat, shouting harshly, “You have such audacity! Do you want to die?”
Facing the steel blade that could take his life at any moment, Liu Wenjing showed no fear. He didn’t even let the hand holding the mare’s milk wine shake, leisurely brought it to his lips for a sip, and said, “Ever since I tasted mare’s milk wine at the Khan’s place last time, the so-called mare’s milk wine from other places can hardly be palatable.”
“Ada, put away your sword. Don’t frighten our guest.” After the general named Ada withdrew, Shibi said, “If Zhaoren likes this mare’s milk wine, I’ll have someone pack a barrel for you to take back later.”
“Then I thank the Khan.” Liu Wenjing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Though he appeared calm just now, his palms were actually sweating. Steadying himself, he said again, “Actually, Duke Li also understands in his heart that your initiative to withdraw troops, Khan, was because you couldn’t bear to harm innocent people. Otherwise, with your hundreds of thousands of cavalry, trampling Yanmen and Shanxi flat would be utterly effortless. It’s precisely because Duke Li saw that the Khan has this benevolent heart that he sent me to deliver this letter, to conspire with you on great matters.”
This flattery greatly pleased Shibi, and he finally opened the letter in his hand. Li Yuan’s language in the letter was extremely humble, saying that his reason for raising troops was only to save the people of the world, that he had no ambition to become emperor, and that after bringing Yang Guang back from Jiangdu, he would cease military activities and continue friendly relations with the Turks. Moreover, he would give all treasures, silk, and other things obtained in battle to the Turks, hoping to gain Shibi’s support.
After reading the letter, Shibi nodded, “Duke Li truly has a benevolent heart for the world. Although this Khan has fought several battles with Duke Li, I also greatly admire this breadth of spirit.”
“Duke Li once told me that among all the people he’s fought against, he only admires the Khan. If he could drink and chat happily with the Khan, it would truly be one of life’s great joys. What a pity.” After this emotional expression, Liu Wenjing probed, “So the Khan agrees?”
“Duke Li is so sincere—how could this Khan not agree? With Duke Li’s ability, I believe he can surely make the world cease warfare and the people live in peace.” His words greatly delighted Liu Wenjing, who quickly said, “If Duke Li knew the Khan agreed, he would certainly be very happy.”
The general Ada sitting nearby said, “Khan, Central Plains people are naturally cunning, especially that Li Yuan, who’s most skilled at using conspiracies and tricks. He’s made us suffer quite a bit. Be careful of deception.”
Shibi said displeasedly, “Don’t speak nonsense. Since we’re on the battlefield, naturally we must use every means to win. Anyone would do the same. But this Khan believes that Duke Li is definitely not a treacherous villain.”