After Imperial Physician Zhu prescribed the medicine, Wang Wei spoke a few more words with Li Yuan before leaving Songtao Residence. Li Shimin let out a heavy sigh. Seeing this, Gao Junya said: “Why is Second Young Master sighing?”

Li Shimin forced a smile: “It’s nothing. Perhaps it was because the windows weren’t opened in the room just now, so I felt a bit stuffy for a moment.” Then he continued: “Now that you two lords have visited my father, why don’t you rest in the side chambers for a while? That way you’ll have energy to enjoy the music and dance tonight.”

“Very well, thank you for your trouble, Second Young Master.” The two followed Li Shimin to the east wing, where all the furnishings had been specially replaced with new ones to welcome their arrival.

After Li Shimin left, Gao Junya said: “Brother Wang, it seems Li Yuan wasn’t lying. He is indeed ill and unable to comply with the imperial summons to go to the capital.”

Wang Wei picked up the tea beside him and took a sip, saying unhurriedly: “This is only the first day – no need to rush to conclusions.”

Gao Junya said puzzledly: “What do you mean? You still think Li Yuan isn’t sick? But Imperial Physician Zhu…”

Wang Wei smiled: “Imperial Physician Zhu naturally wouldn’t deceive us, but who can guarantee that Li Yuan’s injuries and illness were definitely caused by assassins? Perhaps he inflicted them on himself to avoid having to obey the imperial summons to enter the capital.”

Gao Junya pondered: “You mean… he deliberately injured himself to avoid going to the capital?”

“Li Hun was executed by His Majesty, and Yang Xuangan and Li Mi rebelled. Could Li Yuan have no concerns at all?” Wang Wei brushed his robes and said coldly: “Don’t look at Li Yuan’s appearance of loyalty and patriotism – in reality, he has more schemes than anyone else. He might well be harboring the same thoughts as Li Mi. Since we’re already here, let’s investigate thoroughly. That way we can properly report back to His Majesty.”

While Gao Junya nodded, he also said: “If you ask me, since His Majesty suspects Li Yuan, he should have dismissed him from office and directly escorted him back to Luoyang for trial. Why go through all this trouble?”

“Li Yuan is after all the Governor of Honghua Commandery. His Majesty still depends on him to stabilize the situation in Guanzhong, so he can’t be killed for now – at least… not without concrete evidence of rebellion. Before we entered the city, we already sent secret agents to investigate covertly. News should come soon.” As he spoke, Wang Wei tapped his fingers on the armrest one by one, saying slowly: “When we left Songtao Residence just now, Li Shimin sighed. In my opinion, he must be hiding something from us.”

“I’ve heard that Li Yuan has five sons. Apart from the fourth and fifth who are still young, the other three sons are all exceptionally brave and capable, with the second son being particularly outstanding.”

“Li Shimin…” Wang Wei said coldly: “Though we’ve only just met, this person is flawless in both speech and action. Even I can’t find fault with him. He’s definitely a formidable character. Have our people keep a close eye on him.”

“I’ll give the orders.” While they were talking, Li Shimin had already returned to Songtao Residence. Li Xuanba had already left, and Li Yuan was speaking with Wan Shi while Jirong stood beside them with hands hanging down.

Seeing him enter, Li Yuan asked: “Are they settled?”

“Yes, I’ve arranged for them to stay in the east wing chambers. The servants responsible for taking care of their daily needs are all our trusted people who won’t say anything they shouldn’t. As for other matters, I’ve also arranged everything properly and we can act at any time.”

Li Yuan nodded: “That was truly dangerous just now. Fortunately, your Second Mother brought Jirong over ahead of time, otherwise Imperial Physician Zhu would have discovered that my injuries and illness had long since healed.”

Wan Shi smiled gracefully: “This is all thanks to Second Young Master. If Second Young Master hadn’t reminded us and used the music pavilion as an excuse, I wouldn’t have been able to bring Jirong over in time. We’re even more fortunate that our residence has someone skilled in medicine.”

Jirong curtsied: “Second Madam flatters me. This servant only has a superficial understanding. Fortunately, Imperial Physician Zhu didn’t examine too carefully, which allowed this servant to muddle through.”

Li Yuan took out a small glass ball from under his arm and sighed: “I truly never imagined that such a small thing could change one’s pulse, deceiving even an imperial physician.”

Jirong lowered her eyes: “Reporting to the Governor, the pulse runs from under the arm to the wrist. Once a foreign object is placed under the arm, the pulse naturally becomes irregular, creating the false appearance of weakness and fatigue.”

Li Shimin looked at her: “About today’s events – if others ask, how should you answer?”

Jirong’s thoughts raced as she lowered her head: “In reply to Second Young Master, this servant has been in Qingchun Garden all day and never left.”

“Good.” Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction. “If it’s confirmed that you have no connection to the assassins, you will naturally be rewarded. You may withdraw.”

After Jirong withdrew, Wan Shi saw that Li Yuan and his son weren’t speaking and tactfully said: “Governor, you and Second Young Master chat first. I’ll go check on the kitchen.”

After Wan Shi left, Li Shimin said gravely: “Father, it seems His Majesty’s suspicions of you run very deep. Otherwise he wouldn’t have sent even Imperial Physician Zhu, and without any advance notice, leaving us scrambling.”

“If his suspicions weren’t deep, he wouldn’t be emperor.” Li Yuan smiled bitterly: “I hope our performance going forward can deceive Wang Wei and his companion.”

“Though Gao Junya appears stern on the surface, he doesn’t have too many schemes. But Wang Wei has very deep thoughts.” At Li Shimin’s words, Li Yuan nodded: “When I was in the capital, I dealt with Wang Wei several times. This person is truly a smiling tiger – many people were stabbed by him without understanding why. He’s very formidable. You must be careful in dealing with him.”

“I understand.” After Li Shimin acknowledged this, Li Yuan asked puzzledly: “By the way, where is Jiancheng? Why don’t I see him?”

Li Shimin glossed over the details: “Elder brother found a miraculous medicine for treating bones and tendons – the ancestral medicine of Jirong that you just saw. Physician Xu says it can treat his foot ailment, so some days ago, elder brother had Physician Xu re-break the affected area and then reset it.”

Hearing this, Li Yuan was both shocked and delighted: “Jiancheng’s foot ailment… can it truly be cured?”

Li Shimin smiled: “How could I deceive you? If not ten parts certain, there’s still seven or eight parts certainty. We should know in about half a month.”

“Excellent! Excellent!” Li Yuan was extremely excited. Li Jiancheng’s foot ailment was also his heartache. If he hadn’t been careless back then, how would Li Jiancheng have suffered from this foot ailment? Over the years, he had sought out famous physicians everywhere, but always returned disappointed. Now that Li Jiancheng’s foot ailment could be treated, how could he not be excited?

After calming his emotions slightly, Li Yuan said: “No matter how much silver it costs, we must cure Jiancheng’s foot ailment.”

“I understand.” Having responded thus, Li Shimin cupped his hands: “Father, please rest well. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go ahead.” Then, with some worry, he added: “Wang Wei will very likely have people watching you. Be careful not to let him discover any flaws. Also, keep a close eye on Xuanba as well.”

“I understand.” Leaving Songtao Residence, Li Shimin didn’t return to Jinji Pavilion but went to Lanyue Tower, where tonight’s banquet would be held to entertain Wang Wei and his companion.