As the people’s hearts turned toward him, many came to seek refuge with Li Yuan. The first person’s name was Liu Wenjing.

This man was originally a county magistrate under Jinyang – that is, Taiyuan. He was good friends with Peiji and believed that Li Yuan not only possessed exceptional military talent but also extraordinary bearing, and would surely accomplish great things in the future. Thus he requested Peiji, who was then serving as Palace Supervisor of Jinyang and had old ties with Li Yuan, to make introductions.

Liu Wenjing was an extremely talented person, and Li Yuan had always cherished talent. Upon meeting, they conversed very pleasantly, and the three of them even poured wine and drank together. After three rounds of wine, Liu Wenjing sighed: “Now the land of Taiyuan is relatively peaceful because Duke Li guards it, but other regions are plagued by continuous warfare, and the people suffer deeply from the chaos of war!”

Li Yuan sighed: “I also know this. Although Liu has the will, I lack the strength to suppress numerous rebellions with my own power alone.”

Liu Wenjing drained his cup in one gulp and shook his head: “Wrong. What Duke Li lacks is not strength, but resolve.”

Li Yuan’s eyes flashed as he asked puzzledly: “What does Zhaoren mean by this?” Zhaoren was Liu Wenjing’s courtesy name.

Liu Wenjing lowered his voice: “If Duke Li acts as Regional Governor of Taiyuan, naturally you cannot pacify the realm. But if you were like Liu Bang or Liu Xiu, that would be another matter entirely.”

Li Yuan suddenly stood up, staring intently at Liu Wenjing: “Do you know what you’re saying?”

Peiji, who was accompanying them in drinking, also lost color upon hearing this and hurriedly said: “Brother Liu, you’re drunk. Come, I’ll escort you back.”

Liu Wenjing pushed away Peiji who came to support him: “Just a little wine – how could that make me drunk?” With that, he stood up and faced Li Yuan’s piercing gaze calmly: “Duke Li has the talent of a great ruler and a heart to save the world. Unfortunately, the current emperor is tyrannical by nature, and the court is controlled and corrupted by a group of petty men. Under these circumstances, Duke Li is powerless to turn the tide. Only by assuming another identity can you rescue the people from fire and water.” After pausing, he added: “This principle is clear to me, and even clearer to Duke Li. Has Duke Li truly never thought of this?”

It must be said that Liu Wenjing was indeed a talented person with foresight. These words struck directly at the deepest secret in Li Yuan’s heart. But before thoroughly understanding Liu Wenjing’s true nature, he would never reveal his intentions, since what he was currently doing could cost him his head at any moment. Moreover, there were Wang Wei and Gao Jinya constantly watching him.

Most importantly, Taiyuan was a military stronghold of the Sui Dynasty. Although Yang Guang seemed overwhelmed by the rebels and appeared vulnerable, a lean camel is bigger than a horse – moreover, the Sui Dynasty was not dead yet and had heavy troops stationed around Taiyuan. Once he raised troops in rebellion, he could be crushed at any time!

These thoughts flashed through Li Yuan’s mind, and he sternly rebuked: “Nonsense! I, Li Yuan, have received great favor from His Majesty – how could I commit acts of treason? This time I’ll consider your words as drunken rambling, but if there’s a next time, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

Facing his words, Liu Wenjing showed no fear: “Is this truly what Duke Li thinks in his heart?”

“Of course!” Li Yuan replied without hesitation: “The Li family has received imperial favor for generations and would never do anything to wrong His Majesty.”

His words made Liu Wenjing show disappointment. Just as he was about to speak again, urgent footsteps came from outside, followed by someone pushing open the door. Walking in front were Wang Wei and Gao Jinya.

The steward then entered, saying helplessly: “My lord, I told these two gentlemen to wait, but they insisted on entering. I really couldn’t stop them.”

“I understand. Go get two wine cups.” After signaling the steward to leave, Li Yuan smiled: “You two brothers come at just the right time. This jar of Yicheng Nine Brew is a treasure I’ve kept for many years – you must taste it.” As he spoke, the steward brought in two wine cups, and Li Yuan personally filled them and handed them to Wang Wei and the other who had approached.

Wang Wei took the wine and looked at Liu Wenjing with a half-smile: “I heard a county magistrate came to the Regional Governor’s residence. This must be him.”

Although Liu Wenjing had never met Wang Wei and the other, he guessed their identities and bowed: “Liu Wenjing pays respects to the two Deputy Regional Governors.”

“No need for formality.” Wang Wei smiled: “It seems Duke Li treats you very well, even bringing out this treasured wine. We two haven’t had such good fortune.”

Li Yuan laughed: “Brother, are you taking this opportunity to call me stingy? Very well, since we’re all here today, let’s drink heartily and not return until drunk. Steward, go…”

“No need.” Gao Jinya interrupted him, saying coldly: “We two didn’t come here to drink.”

Li Yuan asked puzzledly: “Oh, what other matter is there?”

Gao Jinya looked at him: “Does Duke Li still remember Li Mi?”

“Naturally I remember. Years ago he followed Yang Xuangan in rebellion. After the latter was defeated, Li Mi should have been escorted to Gaoyang County, but after leaving Tongguan Pass, he took advantage of lax security and escaped by tunneling through a wall with others. Since then his whereabouts have been unknown.” Actually Li Yuan knew far more than this, but in front of Wang and Gao, he tried to say as little as possible.

Gao Jinya smiled coldly: “Li Mi first fled to Huaiyang Prefecture, then to Dong Prefecture, where he joined the rebel Zhai Rang’s Wagang Army. Now he’s the second-in-command of the Wagang Army, and it’s even heard that Zhai Rang intends to yield the leadership position to Li Mi.”

Li Yuan feigned surprise: “Such a thing happened?”

“This is absolutely true. Li Mi and the Wagang Army have become a threat to the court.” Facing Gao Jinya’s words, Li Yuan nodded: “Brother Gao suddenly mentions Li Mi – could it be… His Majesty has issued a decree?”

Wang Wei smiled: “His Majesty knows that Duke Li must guard Taiyuan and counterattack the Turks – military affairs are heavy. How could he bear to add more pressure to Duke Li?”

Li Yuan asked puzzledly: “Then why does Brother Wang suddenly mention Li Mi?”

Wang Wei stared at Liu Wenjing: “Does Duke Li not know that this man’s sister is Li Mi’s concubine?”

Liu Wenjing was stunned, then said: “Lord Wang misunderstands. That person is not my sister but a distant cousin. We lost contact many years ago.”

Wang Wei stared at the wine cup filled in his hand and said coldly: “But according to what I know, before Li Mi’s rebellion, you two were in frequent contact.” With that, he said to Li Yuan: “This person has a marriage relationship with Li Mi and is also a rebel party member. He should be executed immediately!”

Peiji never expected this matter to be brought up. He smiled apologetically: “Lord Wang misunderstands. Brother Liu and I have been close friends for many years, and I can testify that he indeed…”

Before he could finish, Wang Wei glared at him: “Is Palace Supervisor Pei saying that I’m lying?”

Peiji’s words caught, and he said helplessly: “I dare not.”