He had long coveted the territory of Hedong, but the situation was too chaotic with various factions holding different areas, so he had delayed taking action. However, Li Yuan’s appearance forced him to act.

As soon as Mu Duan’er’s soldiers left Longmen territory, Li Yuan received the news. Li Jiancheng volunteered to lead three thousand troops to ambush them on the road between Longmen and Hedong. Though only three thousand men, each was carefully selected by him and could at least fight two enemies, plus with his precise deployment, he achieved victory with fewer numbers, completely annihilating Mu Duan’er’s five thousand troops. Li Jiancheng himself even captured the enemy commander alive.

This initial victory boosted morale and solidified Li Jiancheng’s position, making all soldiers aware of this First Young Master.

Before departing, Li Jiancheng had sworn that this battle must be won and could not be lost – not only because of his pride, but also because of Liu Hongji. Though he had told Jirong not to speculate wildly, he was still bothered by it in his heart. He wanted Liu Hongji and everyone else to know that he, Li Jiancheng, was the best one!

Shortly after this victory, Li Yuan personally led fifty thousand troops to attack Longmen and suppress Mu Duan’er’s rebellion. Before departing, he had Li Shimin command twenty thousand troops responsible for defending Hedong against any who might attack while they were away.

Mu Duan’er hadn’t expected Li Yuan to come so quickly. Caught off guard in battle, he naturally suffered greatly, retreating repeatedly. He wanted to regroup, but unfortunately Li Yuan gave him no chance, pressing forward step by step. In the battle of Huoyi, Mu Duan’er was completely defeated – over ten thousand of his soldiers were killed, over sixty thousand captured, Mu Duan’er died in battle, and the remaining four thousand soldiers scattered and fled.

Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji also accompanied the expedition. Both distinguished themselves in that battle, with Li Jiancheng shooting seventy arrows without missing a single target. With Mu Duan’er’s death, Longmen and the various prefectures and counties he had occupied naturally returned to the court, and the unrest in this area was thus pacified.

When returning to the residence, they happened to encounter Liu Hongji speaking with Li Shimin. The latter saw him enter and said happily: “Congratulations on Big Brother’s victorious return. With Mu Duan’er’s death, we’ve eliminated a major threat.” Then he asked puzzledly: “Where are Father and Fourth Brother?”

Li Jiancheng glanced at Liu Hongji and said: “They went to the military camp. I came back first. How have things been? Has this place remained peaceful during this time?”

“There were small rebel groups causing trouble, but they were quickly pacified. No major disturbances occurred.” As he spoke, a soldier happened to seek him on business, so he left first.

After he left, Li Jiancheng looked at Liu Hongji, who hadn’t yet departed, and said with a half-smile: “I’ve returned victorious. Isn’t Mr. Liu happy for me?”

Liu Hongji closed the fan in his hand and lowered his eyes: “Of course I’m happy. Congratulations to First Young Master on another achievement.”

Li Jiancheng smiled slightly: “I thought you might not be very happy. After all, back then… you wouldn’t even deign to meet me once. I thought Mr. Liu had no fate with our Li family, but unexpectedly, after going in a big circle, you still came here in the end.”

“Perhaps this is heaven’s will.” As soon as Liu Hongji finished speaking, Li Jiancheng said: “Can you tell me why you refused my recruitment then but now actively came with Shimin to surrender?”

Liu Hongji said calmly: “Actually, it’s the same regardless of who I came with. As long as I serve Duke Li wholeheartedly and without divided loyalty, that’s enough. Don’t you agree, First Young Master?”

Li Jiancheng stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled: “If you say so, then so be it. I still have matters to attend to, so I won’t talk more with you now. I believe in the future… we’ll have many opportunities to speak.”

As he passed by Liu Hongji, Li Jiancheng suddenly stopped and whispered in his ear: “Mr. Liu, you’re wrong.”

Regarding this seemingly random remark, Liu Hongji appeared very calm, as if he had expected it: “Perhaps… the one who’s wrong isn’t me, but First Young Master?”

Li Jiancheng’s eyes darkened slightly as he said coolly: “Then let’s wait and see.”

As the situation in Hedong gradually stabilized, a grand banquet was being prepared in the Purple Palace, personally organized by Xiao Shi, who usually didn’t concern herself much with affairs.

All young masters from prestigious families aged seventeen to twenty-two who had not yet married, as well as those who had placed in the top ten of the imperial examinations within the past three years, were included in this invitation. It was nominally for appreciating lotus flowers, but in reality it was to select a suitable husband for Yunyi.

Although Yunyi had promised Xiao Shi she would no longer think of Li Shimin, Xiao Shi was experienced and knew that feelings weren’t something one could simply forget. So the best method was to select a virtuous husband while Yunyi wasn’t yet too deeply attached. As long as they had a harmonious marriage, Yunyi would naturally forget about Li Shimin.

On this day, Ruyi returned under the scorching sun. Without bothering to wipe the crystal sweat from her forehead, she bowed to Yunyi, who sat before a chess board: “Princess, the date has been set for the day after tomorrow. I heard there will be thirty-seven young masters coming in total, including Lord Yuwen’s son.”

“I understand.” Yunyi stared at the black and white pieces scattered on the board and responded coolly without even lifting her head, her attitude unusually cold. She simply didn’t want to marry anyone, but was compelled to do so because of her promise to Xiao Shi. What she needed to do the day after tomorrow was simply pick a barely acceptable person from among those so-called young masters to tell Mother Empress, then wait for the imperial decree and wedding.

Ruyi chattered on: “This servant just went to urge the Bureau of Imperial Clothing. They should deliver the new clothes first thing tomorrow morning. One day is enough time for us servants to wash and dry them. The newly crafted jewelry should arrive this afternoon.”

Yunyi placed the black piece in her hand and said: “No need for such trouble. Just pick any dress and jewelry – they’re all still quite new anyway.”

Ruyi quickly said: “How can that be? Tomorrow is Princess’s important day. You must be beautifully adorned. Oh, and we need new cosmetics, slate black, eyebrow pencil, and rouge – I’ll go check right now. If we don’t have them, we must have them sent immediately.”

“Ruyi!” Yunyi called to Ruyi, who had already walked to the door: “You know I don’t care about the day after tomorrow’s affair, so there’s no need for all this fuss. Just keep it simple.”

“But…” Ruyi had only said two words when Yunyi continued: “Come, play chess with me. Jixiang’s chess skills aren’t good – she always loses.”

Though Ruyi and Jixiang were only palace maids, they had been by Yunyi’s side since entering the palace. Yunyi treated them well, and when tutors came to Changsheng Palace to teach, she let them learn alongside her. So they knew a little about music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Ruyi was best at chess and could occasionally win a few games against Yunyi when giving her all.

“Yes.” Ruyi helplessly agreed, taking Jixiang’s place to play against Yunyi. After placing several pieces, she couldn’t help asking: “Princess, are you still thinking about… Young Master Li?”