“This point I naturally know, but the common people under heaven won’t know. They only know that Duke Li raised troops in rebellion while the Turkic people were attacking.” Liu Hongji said solemnly, “If today Duke Li follows your suggestion, eldest young master, and raises troops, it would truly destroy the foundation that the Li family has painstakingly built over several generations, and from then on become sinners of the realm, with no possibility of redemption.”

Li Jiancheng’s face alternated between pale and flushed from his words. From childhood to adulthood, no one had ever lectured him so mercilessly, not even his father. Liu Hongji… what audacity!

Li Shimin, fearing Li Jiancheng would lose face, quickly changed the subject: “So according to your opinion, sir, it’s not appropriate to raise troops now?”

Liu Hongji nodded, “Not only is it inappropriate to raise troops, Duke Li should immediately dispatch forces to serve the king and protect the emperor. This way, he can not only establish prestige but also win people’s hearts.”

After he explained it this way, Li Yuan also realized he had almost made a grave mistake, nodding repeatedly: “What you say is correct, sir. I’ll immediately assemble troops and have…” He pondered for a moment, “Yun Dingxing go to Yanmen Pass to serve the king and protect the emperor.”

Liu Hongji bowed deeply: “Duke Li is wise. I here wish Duke Li victory from the first battle.”

Although Li Jiancheng still harbored resentment, he wasn’t someone who couldn’t distinguish the situation. Liu Hongji’s words, though detestable, weren’t without reason. At this time, serving the king was more appropriate than rebellion.

After the Li Jiancheng brothers withdrew, Liu Hongji said, “I have one more thing to say. I wonder if Duke Li is willing to listen?”

Li Yuan had just received enlightenment from Liu Hongji, avoiding a great disaster, and treated his words like sacred edicts. He immediately said, “Master Liu, please speak freely about whatever you have to say.”

“The Second Young Master is exceptionally heroic, skilled in battle, and meticulous in thought. For this expedition, Duke Li might consider having the Second Young Master join the army to serve the king.”

“Shimin?” Li Yuan was surprised, then contemplated: “Shimin’s martial arts are naturally not weak, and he’s well-versed in military strategy, but he lacks sufficient killing intent, and his temperament is too gentle. On the battlefield, I’m afraid he’d have difficulty adapting.”

“No one is born with killing intent—it’s all forged on the battlefield. Duke Li should give the Second Young Master this opportunity.”

Seeing him say this, Li Yuan nodded: “Very well, I’ll have Shimin and Yuanji follow Yun Dingxing in the military expedition to serve the king. Jiancheng will remain here to assist me with official duties and guard against rebels like Chai Baochang.”

This matter was quickly passed down. When Li Jiancheng learned he was to remain in Hedong while Shimin and Yuanji would join the military expedition to serve the king, he immediately went to find Li Yuan, hoping he could join the military expedition and let Li Shimin stay in Hedong. Unfortunately, Li Yuan disagreed.

Li Jiancheng returned to his quarters with a tense face. A maid brought up a cup of tea, and he had just taken a sip when he forcefully smashed it to the ground, saying with a dark expression, “So hot—are you trying to kill me?”

The maid hurriedly knelt down: “Eldest Young Master, please forgive me. This servant will immediately brew another cup.”

Li Jiancheng said impatiently, “No need. All of you get out, get out!”

The maid and all the servants quickly withdrew upon hearing this. Just then, Jirong entered, supporting her now prominently swollen belly as she stepped around the mess on the floor to Li Jiancheng’s side, saying softly, “Husband, what’s wrong?”

Li Jiancheng said irritably, “Nothing. You go out too. I want to be alone.”

“Yes.” Jirong responded and walked toward the door. After just one step, she suddenly cried “Oh!” and clutched her belly tightly with both hands. Seeing this, Li Jiancheng quickly stood up to support her: “What is it? Has the fetal qi been disturbed?”

Jirong shook her head: “No, it’s this child being mischievous, kicking me.” She then said, “But it’s also thanks to this that my husband is willing to acknowledge me.”

Li Jiancheng was stunned, then shook his head: “I encountered some vexing matters today, so… sigh!”

Jirong asked curiously, “What matter troubles my husband so?”

Li Jiancheng was silent for a moment, then recounted the day’s events. He then said resentfully, “From Father’s tone, this matter was clearly Liu Hongji’s idea. What you said before was right—he’s not truly loyal to Father, but to Shimin.”

Jirong comforted him: “Since Father-in-law has already decided, husband should stay in Hedong to garrison and prevent Chai Baochang and others from causing trouble.”

“Do I have any other choice?” Li Jiancheng said sourly, then said grimly, “Earlier he lectured me like that in front of Father and Second Brother, and I already endured it. Yet he still wants to stir up trouble—truly detestable!”

Jirong said gently, “This concubine understands husband’s wholehearted desire to achieve merit and establish a career. Now that the realm is in chaos, even a woman like this concubine knows it can’t be pacified in a short time. Husband will have plenty of opportunities to establish merit in the future. Why be anxious about immediate gains?”

“I know, but…” Li Jiancheng clenched his fists and said coldly, “I just can’t swallow this insult.”

Jirong’s eyes flashed slightly: “But the matter has come to this. Could it be that husband…”

Li Jiancheng interrupted: “This time, I’ll follow Father’s instructions and stay in Hedong, but…” After a moment of silence, he said word by word, “This person cannot remain!”

Jirong’s expression relaxed: “This person is wholeheartedly devoted to the Second Young Master. Keeping him is indeed a disaster for husband, but… Father-in-law probably won’t agree.”

Li Jiancheng smiled coldly: “No one’s agreement is needed. In times of war, anyone can die unexpectedly. Liu Hongji is no exception.”

Jirong smiled meaningfully: “This concubine will certainly pray before Buddha that everything goes according to husband’s wishes!”

Li Jiancheng smiled and caressed her protruding belly: “What you should pray for most now is for Heaven to grant us a plump, healthy son. I’ve been looking forward to our child’s birth.”

Jirong smiled charmingly: “The physician says the due date should be in early November. This concubine also wholeheartedly hopes to bear husband a son, but if…” Her expression darkened as she lowered her head: “If it’s a daughter, what should we do?”

Li Jiancheng grasped her wrist and teased: “If it’s a daughter, we’ll have another. If one won’t do, then five or six more—we’ll surely have a son eventually.”

Jirong said coquettishly: “Does husband take this concubine for a sow? Five or six indeed!”

Li Jiancheng laughed heartily: “Alright, I won’t joke with you anymore. In any case, the only thing you need to do now is rest and recuperate well. As for other matters…” His eyes turned cold as he said slowly, “I’ll handle them myself.”

Thus, the matter was settled. Li Shimin and Li Yuanji were assigned under General Yun Dingxing as staff officers, to accompany him to Yanmen Pass to serve the king and protect the emperor.

At this time, the battle at Yanmen Pass had reached a fever pitch. Yang Guang had been waiting for reinforcements that never came, while the Turkic siege grew increasingly fierce, making him as anxious as an ant on a hot pot.