The event that occurred in the ninth month of year 775 of the White Cang calendar, with its inherent complexity and the attitudes of various powers toward it, was destined to become the greatest unsolved case in later days. Historians argued endlessly, even establishing different schools of thought, spending their entire lives combing through historical records, trying to brush away the dust and fog of history to see the final truth.

However, such thinking was inevitably unrealistic, because even at that time, few could truly understand everything. Even those in power at the center of the vortex were merely observing and probing with the flow. But no one could deny that everything that happened on that day opened the prelude to the Crown Prince of Bian Tang’s grand wedding. Subsequently, a bloody storm swept through the ancient Tang capital, like a farce, dragging the long-peaceful citizens of Jiangnan into this grand play of the Ximeng land in such a blundering manner.

Long after, the Ximeng Chronicles recorded such blood-stained and tear-marked words:

“On the third day of the ninth month, the Eighth Princess of Great Xia, Zhao Chun’er, was raped in her outer palace residence. Before her death, the victim shouted the slogan of the Great Northern Alliance of Yan Bei. Both Xia and Tang countries were in an uproar. Suddenly, calls to destroy Yan spread across the north and south of the great river, sweeping across the entire land.”

In the spacious Imperial Academy Hall, it was filled with Bian Tang’s civil and military officials. Emperor Li Yizhou sat high in the shadows of the splendid golden hall. The monarch, over fifty years old, displayed an age beyond his years—white hair and beard, deep wrinkles, with long narrow eyes that had long lost the sharpness and fierce spirit of youth, like a deep ancient well, dimly reflecting all inquiring gazes from outside.

A seventy-year-old Confucian official knelt on the ground in grief and loudly proclaimed, “The northern barbarians are outrageously audacious, disregarding our Great Tang’s heavenly authority. With merely a tiny territory, they deliberately provoke the orthodox power of the Eastern Continent. If we do not teach them a lesson with thunderous force, where is our national prestige? Where is our military might? How can the Great Tang stand in Ximeng? How can we stand among the three kingdoms?”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone rushed to agree. But then a young official stepped forward and earnestly said, “Great Xia is currently at war with Yan Bei. This humble official believes that our country should not rashly join in.”

The seventy-year-old Confucian official immediately became furious and shouted, “Xue Changling! You keep saying we shouldn’t send troops, what exactly are your intentions? Our Bian Tang has been established for a thousand years. When have we ever suffered such a strange and great humiliation? Once this matter spreads across the continent, how will our country stand and conduct itself? You keep defending Yan Bei, have you been secretly colluding with them? Do you have unspeakable connections?”

“Your Majesty!” A cry suddenly came from another white-bearded elder, who sorrowfully exclaimed, “Such a strange and great humiliation is unprecedented! Our ancestors founded the country over a thousand years ago, establishing it with virtuous governance, ruling the court with filial piety and honesty, pacifying the world with Confucian principles, and subduing all directions with education. We can be called first among the three kingdoms. When have we ever been provoked like this? If this trend starts, our Great Tang will lose face, be unable to face friendly nations, and our national honor will be ashamed!”

Xue Changling stepped forward and passionately said, “Your Majesty, there are many suspicious points about the humiliation of the Great Xia Princess. We cannot risk our national strength to get involved in another country’s internal strife based solely on the word of Great Xia officials!”

“You bold, treacherous little man, how dare you speak such nonsense in the Imperial Academy Hall! How important is a nation’s princess’s chastity? The palace matrons have verified it. The Eighth Princess of Great Xia had just been betrothed to our Great Tang. Now, on our territory, even within the capital, she has been humiliated. We cannot shirk responsibility! If we do not give Great Xia an explanation, how can this matter be resolved? Is it merely based on the suspicious points mentioned by your untrustworthy tongue, Xue Changling?”

“Lord Luo! This official is not saying we shouldn’t punish this matter. I’m just afraid we might act too hastily and fall into the trap set by those with ulterior motives!”

“Trap?” General Qi sneered. “What trap? The trap is that Yan Bei fears our alliance with Great Xia through marriage and attempts to sabotage it!”

“I don’t rule out that possibility, but I cannot exclude other possibilities either. If it truly was Yan Bei’s doing, why would they shout to reveal their identity before dying? Such self-incrimination would anger Bian Tang. What benefit would that bring to Yan Bei?”

Lord Luo coldly snorted and said, “The Great Alliance death soldiers have always been unpredictable in their actions. How can we judge them by common sense?”

A young general beside General Qi said, “Perhaps they did it specifically to confuse us, making us suspect it was a frame-up. See, Minister Xue is already suspicious.”

Xue Changling angrily retorted, “In matters of national importance, we naturally need to consider all angles thoroughly. How can we conclude with just one sentence about not judging by common sense? I serve as an official in the court, receiving the court’s salary, so I naturally need to consider all situations thoroughly!”

“Is that so? This official feels that Minister Xue has considered things thoroughly enough. If we consider it any further, Great Xia’s border army might attack us!”

“Lieutenant Xu, you…!”

“Your Majesty! The central army’s thirty thousand troops are ready for battle, willing to fight for the country!”

“Your Majesty! Blood debts must be paid with blood. Issue the order! It’s been many years since we’ve fought, and this old general’s sword has rusted!”

“Your Majesty! We officials earnestly request to fight!”

The entire hall was densely filled with kneeling ministers of Bian Tang, with only Xue Changling standing alone. The young official’s face turned purple-red with anger, his lips trembling, but unable to speak.

Just then, a carefree laugh suddenly came from outside the hall. Everyone turned to look. Li Ce appeared in bright green royal attire, wearing a golden crown, a jade belt around his waist, and narrow eyes like a fox’s. Laughing, he walked up to the hall, carelessly saying, “Everyone is so gathered today, even Elder Liu is here. What’s the fresh news? Did the Western Regions send precious horses? Or did Southern Qiu offer beautiful women again?”

The crowd parted like water as Li Ce, with Sun Di, walked proudly through the crowd, bowed at the lower seat, and said, “Your son woke up late and pays respects to Imperial Father.”

“Hmm,” the slightly aged voice slowly sounded from above. The Tang Emperor said faintly, “Do you know about the matter here?”

“Here? Oh!” Li Ce suddenly realized and his face immediately became angry. He stood up and said angrily, “This is outrageous! I came specifically for this matter!”

The court officials, afraid this unconventional crown prince might have some new trick, immediately rejoiced upon hearing his words and quickly agreed, “Yes! Outrageous! The Crown Prince’s words are right!”

Li Ce nodded angrily and said, “Great Xia sent two princesses, the first lacking wifely virtue, the second not upholding wifely conduct, giving me a large green hat. This is truly absurd! Father Emperor, your son feels that Great Xia shows no sincerity in this marriage alliance. We should send their princesses back. I think the Imperial Princess of Huai Song is not bad. I heard she also has a younger sister who is a beauty…”

The entire court was stunned. The seventy-year-old Elder Liu immediately cried out in grief, stepping forward to kneel and say, “Your Highness the Crown Prince, this absolutely cannot happen!”

Li Ce turned and frowned, “Oh? Why not?”

“Great Xia has sent princesses twice for marriage alliances, showing their sincerity. Now, with the Great Xia Princess suffering such a great humiliation within our borders, if we do not pursue Yan Bei’s responsibility, we will surely be condemned by thousands, cursed by tens of thousands, and despised by all directions. The current situation blames the Yan Bei traitors, not the Xia Princess. I hope Your Highness understands clearly.”

Li Ce slightly raised his eyebrows and said, “Oh? You make a good point.”

Elder Liu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and sighed in relief. “Your Highness the Crown Prince is wise.”

Li Ce said indignantly, “If that’s the case, Father Emperor, my future consort has been humiliated by Yan Bei. Although I am unworthy, I cannot sit by and watch my woman be bullied. I request Father Emperor to send troops to Yan Bei. I am willing to lead the army personally and swear to destroy Yan Bei under our blades!”

With these words, the entire hall rejoiced. Everyone looked at each other excitedly, their eyes all revealing great happiness.

After so many years of the Crown Prince’s frivolity, who would have thought that at this critical moment, he would still have the demeanor of a ruler of a nation? The great nation of Bian Tang should display such spirit!

“Additionally, Father Emperor, I have a small request.”

The Tang Emperor frowned slightly but did not say much, just gesturing for him to continue.

Li Ce spoke eloquently, standing in his magnificent embroidered robes in the great hall, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, handsome and elegant, saying loudly, “Since the Eighth Princess has already been betrothed to me, she is already a citizen of our Bian Tang. I hope to reject Great Xia’s request for joint military action. Yan Bei is but a tiny territory. Just give me one hundred thousand elite troops, and capturing Yan Xun and eliminating the remaining Yan Bei rebels is no challenge for me.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, but before they could speak, Li Ce’s bombshells continued to fall one after another.

“Additionally, to send troops from our country to Yan Bei, we must pass through Great Xia’s territory for thousands of miles. I remember that our army once reached Zhenhuang, which required three hundred thousand troops and two million civilian laborers. Although our current military strength is not half of what it was then, the journey is extremely far. Therefore, I request the Ministry of Households to mobilize three million civilian laborers, two hundred thousand war horses, two hundred thousand sets of weapons and armor, winter cotton clothes, accompanying medical officials, medicines, and fodder for horses. The Grain Department should gather three hundred thousand dan of provisions for the northern expedition.”

The Minister of Households, Qiu Shihai, immediately felt his head swell like a gourd as if burned by fire. He jumped up hurriedly and said, “Your Highness, this humble official believes that Yan Bei is Great Xia’s rebellious subject, and the cause of the conflict involves Great Xia’s princess. Great Xia should reasonably provide military assistance as the main force. Although we should send troops, we can only serve as auxiliaries, and Great Xia should also provide provisions and military supplies for us.”

Li Ce turned around with a smile, blinking his narrow eyes, and said, “Oh? Wasn’t Minister Qiu just shouting about national integrity and Tang’s prestige quite loudly? How is it that our magnificent Great Tang Crown Prince has been given a green hat, yet we need others to fight for our justice? Elder Liu just said it well; our Bian Tang has been established for a thousand years and has never suffered such a strange humiliation. Being beaten by Great Xia to the point of retreating to Jiangnan, ceding territory, paying reparations, and offering tribute are all minor matters, and the eighteen states of Hongchuan need not be taken to heart. Those bandits in the north are too arrogant now. If we don’t teach them a lesson, they won’t know who’s in charge on the continent. I believe that all the generals share my thoughts and would never loudly proclaim wanting to punish Yan Bei while secretly hoping to follow behind Great Xia, waving flags and cheering with such cowardly ideas. Moreover, Great Xia has just experienced a great war and can barely feed themselves, yet they need to buy provisions from our country. What do you all think they will do to support our food supplies?”

Li Ce stood in the great hall with a smile, and those generals and commanders who had been righteous moments ago now looked uncomfortable, glancing at each other, grunting in agreement, but none could speak a word.

“I’ve heard that Yan Bei has numerous soldiers and generals, and Yan Xun even has world-changing talents. Previously, with just one person’s strength, he managed to turn the Southwestern Garrison Commander and capture Zhenhuang City which our three hundred thousand troops couldn’t take in a hundred years, forcing Great Xia to relocate their capital northward for the first time in three hundred years, nearly causing the nation’s downfall. Later, he fought his way back to Yan Bei, and none of the northwestern border armies and various feudal lords and county governors could stop his blade. He’s been called the new Yan Bei Lion King of this generation. Our Bian Tang has had no warfare for many years, and except for a few border armies in the south that cannot be withdrawn, most soldiers who have seen blood are over fifty or sixty years old. Moreover, our military organization is incomplete, and most weapons in the armory are rusted. But I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will be able to cross the entire territory of Great Xia, travel thousands of miles, and behead the madmen who dare to offend our Bian Tang.”

As Li Ce spoke, he walked around the great hall, becoming more and more excited, gesturing expressively as he said:

“After all, everyone has seen that in our annual military reviews, our soldiers march very neatly and shout. Even if they haven’t killed people, most have killed chickens, and they are very experienced in fighting over jealousy in brothels, with skilled practical combat experience. The young generals from our Military Academy are all young talents, and most of your sons and grandsons are there too. These are all treasures of our empire. Although these young men have never been on the battlefield and probably haven’t even killed chickens, I think they all have very high combat awareness, and their daily slogans are very loud. I believe I can bring them with me, and with some battlefield experience, they will surely become an invincible elite force! Moreover, we have many treasures that Yan Bei doesn’t have. Although I’ve recently heard that generals like Bai Cang, Xi Rui, Wu Daoya, and others have some abilities, leading three to five thousand Great Alliance warriors to bloodily wash away armies of tens of thousands, and still retreating unharmed. But our Bian Tang will not be afraid. They are only a few years old, too young. Among our commanders, we have many experienced generals like Old General Dou and Old General Bai who have rich life experiences and combat skills that those people cannot compare with. As long as they oversee the battlefield, I guarantee they will be invincible, with enemies fleeing at the sight of them. By the way, Old General Dou, I saw your dentures at the door when I came in. I heard you had a stroke recently and your speech isn’t fluent anymore. No worries, I’ll send someone to make you a new pair of agate dentures right away.”

The court officials’ faces turned ashen, almost unable to speak, while Li Ce’s enthusiasm grew even more. As he strolled around, he spoke eloquently, with a heroic and vigorous demeanor, gesturing boldly, righteously saying, “Moreover, Yan Bei is a barbaric place, uncivilized, with no understanding of filial piety and honesty. Its people are all ignorant. Our Great Tang has tens of thousands of learned scholars. If Yan Bei’s people dare to help the rebels resist, we’ll send out hundreds of our learned censors from the Censorate to explain the great principles to them. I believe they will surely submit to the words of the sages and feel ashamed of their actions, turning to embrace us instead. Although I’ve heard that the Xia Emperor once spent eight years trying to assimilate the Yan Bei people, making them loyal to the empire, they still attacked the empire’s armies and newly appointed officials like locusts, without interruption for eight years. But everyone need not be afraid. How can Great Xia compare to us? When we were accepting the teachings of the sages, Great Xia’s ancestors were still not wearing pants on the grasslands, haha!”

“And, and, most importantly,” Li Ce turned around with a smile, suddenly kneeling on the ground, saying to the Tang Emperor, “Father, this point is crucial, related to the prosperity of our Great Tang, and must not be overlooked.”

The Tang Emperor, with a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, looked at his son and said, “Speak.”

Li Ce raised his head, very seriously saying, “Your son boldly requests to relocate the capital.”

“What?”

With these words, the court officials finally could no longer hold back and cried out in shock.

“Alas,” Li Ce sighed deeply, helplessly saying, “There’s no choice. To maintain our Great Tang’s dignity, this war must be fought. But after the war, although we know we will certainly be victorious, the losses will likely be significant. Military strength, financial resources, food, weapons, personnel, civilian laborers, and countless losses. Importantly, this war will be prolonged and extremely drain national strength. With our army deep in Great Xia territory, it’s hard to guarantee the Xia Emperor won’t harbor small-minded intentions. Even if the Xia Emperor is truly as righteous as everyone thinks, after the war, with our significant losses, won’t Huai Song take advantage of the situation? Everyone hasn’t forgotten, that we are currently at war with Huai Song. Everyone should prepare mentally that soon our Bian Tang will face the historical new situation of fighting on two fronts, with uncertain outcomes and unpredictable futures. Therefore, I propose we immediately relocate the capital, moving to the barren lands of the southern frontier, and burning the imperial capital to the ground. Even if in the future we are pursued by Great Xia or breached by Huai Song, they will gain nothing. We’ll hide in the southern frontier jungles where no one can find us, frustrating them to death, haha!”

By now, the officials’ faces could not look any worse, but Li Ce suddenly became excited again and said, “Moreover, I just thought of an excellent strategy. If we, fortunately, survive this war and maintain Great Tang’s supreme glory and dignity, after this matter, we can send a royal princess to Great Xia for a marriage alliance, and then dispatch many eloquent officials to accompany her. After arriving in Great Xia, we’ll use the same trick, saying the princess was humiliated by Huai Song’s spies. Taking advantage of the public outrage, we’ll send our officials with large amounts of wealth to bribe Great Xia’s officials. Haha, this way, Great Xia will have no choice but to go to war with Huai Song. Then we can sit on the mountain to watch the tigers fight, reaping the benefits as the fisherman. What do you all think of my idea?”

Everyone remained silent, and a deathly stillness fell over the entire Imperial Academy Hall. Suddenly, a pfft sound was heard as someone laughed out loud.

Everyone immediately turned around, glaring at that person.

Xue Changling shook his robe, stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and said loudly, “Your Highness the Crown Prince is brilliant. This official sincerely admires you. I was blind just now, but now I deeply believe this war is necessary. If Your Highness doesn’t reject me, this official is willing to follow Your Highness, serving like a dog or horse.”

“Well said, I remember you.”

Li Ce said with a smile, then suddenly turned around, knelt with a loud thud, and said, “Father Emperor, please issue the order. Your son’s mind is made up, not to be a man if I don’t destroy Yan Bei. Even if this expedition means certain death, I swear to perish together with Yan Bei to maintain our Great Tang’s prestige. The officials’ words just now have made your son’s blood boil. Your son requests to bring along those who spoke the loudest just now, allowing these officials to achieve merit and have their names recorded in history. Please grant your son’s wish!”

With that, he kowtowed deeply.

The Tang Emperor pondered slightly, about to speak, when suddenly someone shouted “Your Majesty” and knelt with a thud.

Elder Liu suddenly said with a serious expression, “Your Majesty, this old official suddenly feels that what Minister Xue said earlier has some merit. It’s too hasty to send troops against Yan Bei based solely on the words of the Great Xia Princess. We should conduct more investigations before deciding on this matter.”

“Oh?” The Tang Emperor’s voice rose, saying, “Didn’t Elder Liu just say Minister Xue was a treacherous little man whose words weren’t credible?”

Elder Liu’s forehead was covered in cold sweat, but he forced himself to say, “Well, it was this old official’s oversight. Thinking about it now, Minister Xue’s words… well, they do have some merit.”

The Tang Emperor turned to look at the old general, General Qi: “Qi, what do you think?”

“This old official also believes Elder Liu’s words are right. Dispatching troops is a matter of national importance and, should be done with caution.”

The Minister of Households rushed to say, “This humble official also feels that currently sending troops would mean the Ministry of Households doesn’t have enough provisions to support such a large-scale military mobilization. It should be discussed in detail.”

“Yes, yes, yes, moving the cavalry from the Ministry of War to the northern frontier isn’t a matter of a day or two, and since our country has had no warfare for many years, even if we want to fight, we need to make more preparations.”

Li Ce frowned angrily and said, “What do you officials mean? Are we not allowed to retaliate even when we’ve been bullied like this? If it’s as you all say, where is the face of our Bian Tang? Even if we die, we should take Yan Bei down with us.”

“Crown Prince,” Lord Luo said anxiously, “What is Yan Bei? How are they worth dying for? This matter, let’s delay it.”

“That won’t do,” Li Ce resolutely said, “My consort has been humiliated, which is a major matter. As the crown prince of a nation, I cannot tolerate others bullying my country. As a man, I cannot tolerate others bullying my woman. If I remain silent, won’t I be ridiculed by the entire country and become the laughingstock of the world?”

Elder Liu quickly said, “Crown Prince, please calm your anger. If the Crown Prince can endure this momentary righteousness, it will be a sacrifice for the Great Tang citizens, preserving the lives of countless soldiers who would die on the battlefield. No one will blame the Crown Prince; they will only be grateful to you.”

“Indeed, and the Great Xia Princess hasn’t officially married into Bian Tang yet. Although this matter involves us, their guards also cannot escape blame. Moreover, Yan Bei is Great Xia’s mortal enemy; what does it have to do with our Bian Tang? At worst, we can replace the princess with another one. After all, the Xia Emperor has so many daughters.”

“Right! They created such a scandal within our imperial capital, and we haven’t pursued it yet. If they dare to make a fuss, we will demand an explanation from the Xia Emperor.”

Li Ce frowned in difficulty, slowly saying, “But, can you officials endure such humiliation? You are all important ministers of the country. Aren’t you afraid history books will record you heavily in the future?”

“No problem!”

Everyone collectively shook their heads, “For Bian Tang, what is this small grievance?”

“Alas,” Li Ce shook his head and sighed, “Seeing how deeply principled you officials are, I feel ashamed. Since everyone can remain so calm, what more can I say? Scribe, draft a letter to comfort the Great Xia Princess, and then, send her back.”

Soon, the morning court session ended, and the officials withdrew. The Tang Emperor instructed Li Ce briefly before returning to the inner palace.

Sun Di followed behind Li Ce, quietly giving him a thumbs up, saying, “Your Highness’s Tai Chi skills have become increasingly refined.”

Li Ce snorted dismissively, laughing, “Just a bunch of decrepit useless old men.”

“But sometimes these decrepit useless old men can play very important roles.”

Li Ce sneered, then said, “That Xue Changling is not bad. Keep an eye on him. We can’t use him for now, but let’s see.”

“Yes.” Sun Di nodded and said, “Your Highness, what next?”

Li Ce extended his slender fingers, massaging his temples, saying, “I haven’t decided yet. Zhao Chun’er caught me off guard. I didn’t expect her to be so ruthless, using her reputation to create a conflict between Bian Tang and Yan Bei. Did you see the palace matron who examined her? Was her chastity violated? Also, who saw the person claiming to be a Great Alliance death soldier?”

“There were three palace matrons in total, all old matrons from the palace. Their testimonies were consistent, so it seems to be true. As for the Great Alliance warrior, it’s said that when the imperial guards rushed into the princess’s residence, he had just gotten off the princess’s body, then shouted ‘Yan Bei Great Alliance’ and committed suicide.”

Li Ce shook his head and sighed, “Xia Emperor, to gamble with such a matter, truly willing to pay a heavy price!”

“Your Highness, are we sending Zhao Chun’er back to Great Xia?”

“What else can we do? Keep her here?” Li Ce snorted coldly, saying, “By sending Zhao Chun’er back, the Xia Emperor should know his plot has been exposed. He still needs to rely on Bian Tang and dare not break face with me. As long as we suppress the ministers, Great Xia cannot cause much trouble.”

Sun Di nodded and said, “Indeed, let the wind blow fiercely and the waves rise high, we remain unmoved.”

At this moment, a guard suddenly ran up from a distance, with chaotic steps, gasping for breath, his forehead covered in sweat, his collar already half soaked, shouting along the way, “Your Highness! Terrible news!”

Li Ce frowned immediately, quickly stepping forward, asking in a deep voice, “What happened?”

The man knelt with a thud, his face terrified, saying, “The Great Xia Princess has committed suicide by smashing her head at the Rose Square in the center of the imperial city!”

“What?”

Sun Di immediately exclaimed, but the guard quickly said, “But fortunately, she only broke her head and is not in danger. However, the local people crowded around, causing a small commotion.”

Li Ce snorted coldly, disdainfully saying, “A show of misery? Playing the sympathy card? Trying to stir up the Tang capital citizens to make a scene for her?”

Sun Di frowned and said, “Such a small matter and you’re so panicked. Whose subordinate are you?”

“Your Highness, the main issue isn’t this,” the guard said urgently, his face red, gasping while saying, “The key is, just now, the central army was training in the Central Garrison next to Rose Square. Those soldiers witnessed the entire incident. The lower officers couldn’t control those young noble soldiers. Now, the central army’s thirty thousand troops have gathered at Central Street, clamoring to attack Yan Bei. They are now heading towards the palace gate!”

“What did you say?”

At this moment, not just Sun Di, but even Li Ce’s expression changed. However, just then, another guard rode over from a distance, completely disregarding palace etiquette, running and shouting, “Urgent report! Urgent report!”

“What is it?”

Li Ce’s face was cold, with no trace of playfulness.

“Your Highness,” the man fell from his horse with a thud, his clothes stained with blood.

Sun Di angrily said, “Has the central army gone mad? Attacking their comrades for a foreign princess?”

The man knelt on the ground, loudly saying, “Your Highness, the central army did not attack the imperial guards, but they surrounded Lord Tie You’s carriage. The thirty thousand central army soldiers went crazy. According to Great Xia officials, there is a planner of this incident in the carriage, a rebel from Yan Bei. Over twenty of our vanguard brothers have died, mostly at the hands of Great Xia attendants, but the central army has seen blood and is more difficult to control.”

Li Ce’s face turned pale, his eyes narrowing like a fox’s, showing a blood-thirsty cold light. After a long time, he coldly snorted, “Well played, Great Xia, well played, Zhao Chun’er!”