Wu Laosan, unaware of her thoughts, continued with his work while saying: “What could happen? It’s all about the court’s conscription.” Speaking to this point, he sighed and shook his head: “These past two days, Father has calculated—after the conscription, only half the people will remain in our village, and they’re all old, weak, women, and children. Those fields will probably have no one to tend them. I don’t know how we’ll manage in the future. I hope after this battle ends, there’ll be no more wars. Otherwise, I truly worry that in the future we won’t see a single able-bodied man.”

Yunyi felt heartbroken listening to this. How many others besides Wu Laosan shared this sentiment? She hoped that when she returned to the capital, she could persuade Father Emperor to cease warfare and not add to the people’s burdens and suffering.

The next day, Yunyi accompanied Wu Laosan to the county office for registration. When pressing his handprint, Wu Laosan’s hand kept trembling. If… Li Shimin couldn’t find that household register, in ten days he would have to leave for Luoyang with the other registered men, his life and death uncertain from then on. He had lived this long and wasn’t afraid of death, but he feared… never seeing his only daughter again, unable to protect her.

On the third day after registration, Wu Laosan came alone to the Governor’s mansion. After pacing at the entrance for a long time, he finally mustered the courage to speak to one of the guards stationed there: “Elder brother, I… I want to see Second Young Master. Could you please announce me?”

“Second Young Master?” The guard looked Wu Laosan up and down: “What’s your name, and what business do you have with Second Young Master?”

“My name is Wu Laosan. I have something to discuss with Second Young Master. Please help me, elder brother.” As he spoke, he hurriedly pulled out a small string of copper coins and handed them over, smiling obsequiously: “A small token—please buy some wine for yourselves.”

The guard quietly weighed them and was quite satisfied with Wu Laosan’s good sense: “Very well, I’ll announce you, but whether Second Young Master will see you, I can’t guarantee.”

Wu Laosan nodded repeatedly: “I understand. Thank you, elder brothers.”

The guard turned and went inside. After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, he came out and said to Wu Laosan: “Second Young Master has agreed. Follow me.”

Wu Laosan quickly expressed his thanks and followed him into the Governor’s mansion. This was his first time entering such a wealthy, magnificent residence. Not daring to look around much, he honestly followed behind the guard. After walking for a while, the guard stopped: “This is Jingji Pavilion where Second Young Master resides. Go in with Steward Qi.”

Wu Laosan responded and followed the indicated Steward Qi inside. After being brought to the East Flower Hall, Steward Qi was quite polite: “Second Young Master is currently receiving guests. Wait here, and I’ll have someone bring you tea.”

Not long after he left, a servant brought tea in delicate porcelain cups that Wu Laosan had never seen before. He held it carefully in his hands, afraid of dropping it.

After a short wait, Li Shimin entered. Wu Laosan quickly set down the untouched tea cup and bowed: “Greetings to Second Young Master.”

Li Shimin quickly helped him up: “Uncle Wu, no need for such ceremony. Please sit.” After they were both seated, he said: “Uncle Wu, have you come to see Meixue?” After accompanying Wu Laosan to the government office to complete the registration, Yunyi had returned to the Governor’s mansion. Even with Li Shimin’s help, she couldn’t always stay at home.

Wu Laosan quickly waved his hands: “No, no, I came specifically to find you, Second Young Master.” After a pause, he said: “Meixue has been without father or mother since childhood. I picked her up from a tiger’s den, and for over ten years, we father and daughter have depended on each other. Though life was hard, we were very happy. That girl Meixue often says she was lucky to be found by me, but I say I’m the lucky one—to have such a good, understanding daughter, allowing this lonely old man to enjoy family happiness. From the first time I held her, I considered her my own flesh and blood. As long as she’s well, I’d willingly dig out my heart.” Saying this, he suddenly knelt before Li Shimin, startling the latter, who quickly tried to help him up: “Uncle Wu, what are you doing? Get up quickly.”

Wu Laosan refused to rise no matter what, choking up as he said: “Second Young Master, you are a truly good person. If I really can’t escape this conscription, please help me take care of Meixue. I know this is presumptuous, but… besides you, I truly don’t know who else I can entrust her to. Please, I beg you.”

“I’ve already had Zhihong investigate Lu Sheng’s collusion with the Feng family. I believe we’ll soon find the household register they’ve hidden. You’ll be fine.” No matter what Li Shimin said, Wu Laosan refused to get up. Helplessly, he finally said: “Fine, I promise you. Now get up.”

Seeing his agreement, Wu Laosan felt relieved and said gratefully: “Thank you, Second Young Master. For this debt of gratitude, even if I become an ox or horse in my next life, I, Wu Laosan, will surely repay you!”

“Uncle Wu speaks too seriously.” Just as they were talking, a servant entered: “Second Young Master, the Governor has sent word asking you to come to the study.”

“Good, I’ll go immediately.” After indicating for the servant to withdraw, Li Shimin said: “Uncle Wu, please return home for now. As soon as there’s news, I’ll have someone notify you.”

After seeing Wu Laosan off, Li Shimin went to the study. Li Yuan was sitting behind his desk writing something. Li Shimin didn’t dare disturb him and stood quietly to the side. Only after he set down his brush did Li Shimin bow: “Father.”

“You’re here.” Li Yuan glanced at him: “How is the conscription of soldiers and laborers proceeding?”

“In response to Father, we’ve gathered over thirty thousand people, but…” Li Shimin said with difficulty: “Your son has calculated that according to Father’s plan of one person per household, we can at most conscript another ten thousand, still ten thousand short of the court’s requirement of fifty thousand. Unless we increase the conscription numbers, otherwise… your son truly can’t think of any way to make up this shortage of ten thousand.”

Li Yuan nodded slightly and beckoned: “Come, see how Father has written this memorial.”

“Yes.” Li Shimin responded and walked to Li Yuan’s side. After reading the unfinished memorial content, he showed a trace of joy: “Wang Wei and the others indeed, as Father predicted, secretly withheld the hunting eagles and those two eagle-training women.”

Li Yuan stroked his long beard and smiled: “Those two, to retaliate against you not presenting that dancing girl, slandered Father before His Majesty, saying that though Father’s injury was real, he harbored disloyal intentions. But they didn’t know Father had already submitted a memorial to the capital. When His Majesty didn’t see them present the hunting eagles and eagle-training women for so long, he knew they had secretly embezzled them, deceiving superiors and concealing from subordinates. Greatly angered, he severely reprimanded them both. Naturally, he didn’t believe their words. Not long ago, he issued an edict telling Father to recover well from his injuries. Consort Shunyi’s letter also said the same, so it seems we’ve passed this test.”

Li Shimin breathed a long sigh of relief and smiled: “They truly reaped what they sowed.”