“Actually, as early as when I followed Second Young Master to serve Duke Li, the Eldest Young Master was already dissatisfied with me. Later, seeing me help Second Young Master several times, he viewed me even more as a thorn in his side, wishing he could eliminate me quickly.”

Liu Hongji’s words struck like thunder, leaving Li Shimin stunned. After coming to his senses, he shook his head, “Impossible. Big Brother isn’t that kind of person.”

“The Eldest Young Master appears magnanimous and accomplished in both civil and military affairs, but in reality he’s narrow-minded and lacks tolerance for others. To him, anyone whose ability exceeds his and who cannot be controlled by him is a thorn in his side, and he won’t…”

“No!” Li Shimin interrupted him, took a breath and said, “Big Brother and I grew up together. No one knows him better than I do. Perhaps Big Brother is somewhat proud and not so approachable, but he would never harm his own brothers. Please stop slandering Big Brother, Master Liu.”

His words made Liu Hongji shake his head repeatedly, “I understand Second Young Master’s feelings, but sometimes trusting someone too blindly will only put oneself in danger without knowing it.”

Li Shimin said solemnly, “In any case, I trust Big Brother. He would never be as you describe.”

“Second Young Master…” Liu Hongji was about to say more when Li Shimin had already returned behind his desk, not looking up as he said, “Enough, this matter ends here. I have other business to attend to. I won’t see you out.”

Seeing him like this, Liu Hongji could only shake his head and leave. After he left, Li Shimin stopped what he was doing and looked up with complex emotions in his eyes. Big Brother…

Learning of Li Zhiyun’s death, Li Yuan and the others were naturally grief-stricken, especially Wan Shi, who cried until she fainted several times, unable to suppress her heartbreak.

As for Liu Wenjing’s side, he once again presented Li Yuan’s letter to Shibi. Shibi, who had originally been smiling, became extremely strange in expression after reading the letter. What a Li Yuan, actually playing word games with him—opposing Yang Guang and enthroning the Prince of Dai, wasn’t this still trying to preserve himself and avoid becoming everyone’s target? How cunning.

Liu Wenjing said from the side, “Duke Li said that as long as the Khan is willing to help, after success is achieved, he will definitely keep his promise and give all treasures to the Khan.”

Although Shibi was somewhat dissatisfied with Li Yuan’s behavior, firstly he wasn’t confident he could eliminate Li Yuan—if he angered him and made him raise troops to attack, that would be no good for himself. Secondly, although Li Yuan had played tricks, he still gave himself some face, which showed he wasn’t without sincerity.

Liu Wenjing waited a long time without hearing him speak, so he probed, “What does the Khan think?”

His words finally made Shibi make up his mind. He heavily slapped the table, “Fine, I’ll trust Duke Li this once. I hope Duke Li won’t disappoint this Khan.”

Hearing these words, Liu Wenjing’s heart finally settled, and he quickly said, “Khan, rest assured, he definitely won’t.”

Shibi nodded and said, “Summon Kang Qiaoli.”

“Yes.” Soon after the attendant agreed, a man with a short beard walked in, bowing and saying, “What orders does the Khan have for this subordinate?”

“This Khan has decided to cooperate with Duke of Tang. You will immediately take two thousand cavalry and accompany Liu Wenjing to Taiyuan to assist Duke of Tang. Remember, Duke of Tang’s orders are this Khan’s orders—you must not disobey.”

Facing Shibi’s words, although Kang Qiaoli was surprised, he didn’t say much and responded, “This subordinate understands. I will certainly follow the Khan’s orders carefully.”

Shibi nodded with satisfaction, then said, “Since the Battle of Yanmen Pass, our trade with the Central Plains has been closed. While you’re there this time, also discuss trade matters with Duke Li. Our horses have long hair and fat hooves, most suitable for military campaigns. If Duke Li is interested, supply them to him at the most favorable prices.”

After Kang Qiaoli arrived in Taiyuan with two thousand cavalry, Li Yuan was overjoyed and finally relieved of a great burden. Having pacified the Turks, he could finally march on Chang’an without any worries, for the people of the world and also to avenge Zhiyun!

It was also at this time that Chai Shao arrived in Taiyuan. He was the husband of Li Yuan’s third daughter, Li Xiuning. Upon receiving Li Yuan’s secret letter, he had rushed to Taiyuan without stopping, but Li Xiuning didn’t come—she decided to stay behind to recruit volunteer soldiers and provide support for Li Yuan’s army.

Li Yuan never expected his daughter would make such an astonishing decision. Although worried, at this time he was helpless and could only pray for heaven’s protection of Li Xiuning.

On the fifth day of the seventh month in the thirteenth year of Daye, Li Yuan stood before Jinyang Palace, looking at the more than thirty thousand armored soldiers below. In a moment, these men would follow him into battle, embarking on a path of uncertain fortune. If they won, they would be covered in glory from then on. If they lost, they would die on the battlefield without even anyone to collect their bodies.

The assassination in the ninth year of Daye had led to him standing here today. But if there had been no assassination, would he not have rebelled? Li Yuan couldn’t be certain. He only knew that having come this far, there was no going back. Even if the road ahead was dark and difficult, he had to walk it step by step.

“Father.” At Li Jiancheng’s reminder, Li Yuan came to his senses, stepped forward, and said loudly, “Soldiers! I, Li Yuan, received favor from the Late Emperor and thus have today. Since becoming an official, I, Li Yuan, have been cautious and careful, always following the Late Emperor’s wishes to protect the Great Sui. But Yang Guang is immoral, arrogant and extravagant, touring excessively, causing devastation throughout the realm and unbearable suffering for the people. Although I, Li Yuan, have no great talent, I cannot bear to see the people harmed by him. To save the people, today I raise the righteous banner and head to Chang’an to honor the Prince of Dai as emperor, to rescue the common people of the world. Are you willing to follow me?”

“We are willing to follow Duke Li to the death—we vow not to return until the world is saved!” The soldiers’ passionate response greatly comforted Li Yuan, who nodded vigorously, “Good! Today we swear here: we vow not to return until the world is saved!”

While Li Yuan led troops to campaign against Chang’an, Jiangdu was also in the midst of treacherous undercurrents, and the conspiracy that had been brewing was gradually surfacing.

These days Yang Guang was truly living in fear. Li Mi had rebelled, Li Yuan had also rebelled—who knew when they would reach Jiangdu? When that time came, they certainly wouldn’t spare him.

Under such terror, Yang Guang made a decision no one expected—moving the capital. He planned to move the capital to Danyang, not far from Jiangning. But this decision met opposition from most people, including General Li Cai and Recorder Li Tongke.

Their reasons for opposition varied, but one of them spoke to most people’s hearts: among the soldiers who came to Jiangning with Yang Guang, many were from Guanzhong. If they stayed long-term in the Jianghuai region without returning to Guanzhong, those soldiers might become homesick and desert in large numbers, which would be very bad.

Indeed, desertion soon appeared among the Imperial Guards, though they were quickly captured and hadn’t gotten far. This incident didn’t change Yang Guang’s initial intention—he only ordered troops to be stationed on the escape routes. In his view, this would prevent anyone else from escaping, allowing him to rest easy and continue preparing for the capital move.

But he didn’t know that even those around him were beginning to secretly rebel against him. Danyang… he was destined never to reach it.