“I thought you would stay in the palace a while longer.” After sitting down and arranging her sleeves, Yunyi said, “What matter is so urgent that you seek me out?”

Li Shimin was silent for a moment, then said, “I mentioned to you before that I’ve always had people keeping watch on the movements in Jiangdu. Today, news came from there that Yuwen Huaji, together with Yuwen Zhiji, Sima Dekan, and their forces, is heading west toward Guanzhong. Calculating the time, they should reach Luoyang in a few more days.”

“Luoyang?” Yunyi held the tea that a maid had brought up and said, “I remember that before Yang Guang went to Jiangdu, he sent Prince Yue Yang Tong to guard Luoyang, with Duan Da and Yuan Wendu assisting. Moreover, because Li Mi and Zhai Rang had repeatedly attacked Luoyang, Yang Guang transferred elite troops from all over the country to reinforce Luoyang. By my estimation, Luoyang’s military strength exceeds that of Chang’an, probably more than a hundred thousand troops. It would be impossible for Yuwen Huaji to take Luoyang.”

Li Shimin nodded, “That’s correct, but if Yuwen Huaji wants to return to Guanzhong, he must pass through Luoyang. So this battle, whether he wants to fight or not, he must fight.”

“Indeed so, but…” She looked up at Li Shimin, “Why are you telling me this?”

“After receiving this news, I discussed it with Father. Father has decided to attack Luoyang when Prince Yue, Yuwen Huaji, and Li Mi are fighting among themselves and all three sides are severely damaged. And I am the one who will lead the troops.”

Yunyi hadn’t expected that Li Yuan would send troops to Luoyang just after supporting Yang You’s enthronement. After thinking for a moment, she frowned, “Isn’t this a bit too hasty?”

“Perhaps, but this is the best opportunity to capture Luoyang.” Li Shimin took a sip of tea and said, “Although we have established a firm foothold in Chang’an and His Majesty has been enthroned, apart from Chang’an itself, the remaining cities do not recognize His Majesty. Moreover, after Wang Shichong and the others learned of Yang Guang’s death, they have already enthroned Prince Yue as emperor. This is also Father’s reason for sending troops.”

Yunyi nodded, “When do you plan to depart?”

“Ten days from now.” After hearing these four words, Yunyi bit her lip and said, “Mother is imprisoned by Yuwen Huaji. If you win this battle, could you… rescue Mother for me?”

Li Shimin smiled and said, “This is exactly why I urgently called you here. I know you’ve always been thinking of Empress Xiao, so on this campaign to Luoyang, I will definitely find a way to rescue Empress Xiao from Yuwen Huaji’s hands and bring her to reunite with you.”

Yunyi was overjoyed and said repeatedly, “Thank you, Second Young Master.”

“In the coming days, I’ll be busy with expedition matters and probably won’t have much time in the mansion. If you have anything, you can find Wugou, and I’ll inform her.”

“You needn’t worry about me. Rather, you should be careful yourself when campaigning abroad. When I was in Jiangdu, I once heard that among the troops reinforcing Luoyang, there was a man named Wang Shichong. This person was originally a Westerner from the Western Regions who rose step by step through military achievements. He’s also skilled at flattering and pleasing Yang Guang, earning his deep trust. When Yang Guang was besieged at Yanmen Pass, he also led troops to rescue the emperor. He’s extremely well-versed in military strategy and is no ordinary person. If you encounter this man, you must be careful.”

“Good, I’ll remember that.” Speaking of this, Li Shimin’s lips curved slightly, “What, do you want to ask me if I will marry you when I return victorious?”

Yunyi hadn’t expected him to suddenly bring this up. Her fair face immediately flushed with two red clouds as she spat lightly, “Nonsense, who wanted to ask you about that?”

Her shy appearance drew a light laugh from Li Shimin. Yunyi’s face burned like fire from his laughter, and she stood up, “If you continue being so improper, I… I’ll leave.”

“Don’t.” Li Shimin quickly grabbed her hand and tried to stop laughing, “Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore. But I wasn’t joking about what I said just now. I’ve thought it over carefully. When I return this time, I will definitely give you an answer. So you must wait for me properly in the mansion, understand?”

Yunyi looked up at him. Was he finally going to make a decision? She didn’t know whether he would marry her or… send her away to Taiyuan. But… no matter which it was, she wouldn’t complain or hate, because being able to meet Li Shimin again and spend these few months with him was already her life’s fortune.

“Husband!” Zhangsun Shi’s voice startled the two of them, and Yunyi quickly withdrew her hand from Li Shimin’s grasp and stepped back.

Although Yunyi’s movement was quick, it was still seen by Zhangsun Shi, whose expression dimmed slightly before she smiled, “Have I disturbed Husband’s conversation with the Princess?”

Li Shimin cleared his throat, “It’s fine. Wugou, what brings you here?”

“Nothing much, just that Second Mother mentioned to me earlier that she wants to go to the temple tomorrow to burn incense. I wanted to ask Husband if you have time to go together tomorrow.”

Li Shimin shook his head, “Starting tomorrow, I need to discuss the attack on Luoyang with Father and the others. I probably won’t have time.”

Zhangsun Shi’s surprise was just like Yunyi’s earlier, “Attack Luoyang?”

After Li Shimin briefly explained the current situation between Chang’an and Luoyang, he said, “About ten days from now, we’ll march on Luoyang.”

Zhangsun Shi said disappointedly, “So this means that this year’s New Year’s Eve, I won’t be able to spend it with Husband again.” In the eleventh year of Daye, she married Li Shimin. In the following two years, Li Shimin had been busy helping Li Yuan suppress rebellions, campaigning east and west. He couldn’t spend New Year’s Eve at home in years eleven and twelve, and now it was the same this year.

Li Shimin said with some guilt, “I’m sorry. I promise I’ll accompany you next year.”

“It’s alright.” Zhangsun Shi smiled, “I was just mentioning it casually. Husband needn’t take it to heart. Since Husband has no time tomorrow, I’ll accompany Second Mother. I’ll pray to Buddha to bless Husband’s conquest of Luoyang and victorious return.” Speaking thus, she bowed to Li Shimin and Yunyi and withdrew from Muhua Pavilion.

Watching Zhangsun Shi’s slender retreating figure, Li Shimin felt a trace of guilt rise in his heart. Since marrying Zhangsun Shi, the two had always been separated more than together, yet Zhangsun Shi had never blamed him once. Instead, she was always understanding. To marry such a virtuous and kind wife was truly Li Shimin’s blessing. But unfortunately… he harbored another person in his heart. Every time he thought of this, he felt he was wronging Zhangsun Shi. Yet… to forget the person beside him was something he absolutely could not do.

“There’s something I’d like to ask your help with.” Yunyi’s voice interrupted Li Shimin’s thoughts. He steadied himself and said, “What is it?”

Yunyi recounted how Princess Xin’an was imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice prison, then said, “If Fourth Sister stays in Chang’an city, with her temperament she will surely stir up trouble and disturb the peace. But to let her die of old age in prison would be too cruel. So I’d like to ask you to send her out of the city to Taiyuan, to let her live there. It would also give her a place to settle.”