Li Yuan’s eyes gradually brightened because of these words, and finally he excitedly slapped the table, saying, “Good! This is truly a good solution!” He really hadn’t expected that Li Shimin could find a way to balance everything in such a seemingly impossible situation. This was truly a great surprise.

Not only Li Yuan, but all the other generals looked at Li Shimin with approval. Peiji even smiled and said, “Second Young Master’s wisdom is extraordinary. With him assisting the general, great things can surely be accomplished!”

Li Yuanji’s face darkened as he said in a low voice, “He just happened to think of a solution by chance. What’s so great about that?” Before he finished speaking, Li Jiancheng already said, “His ability to think of a solution is his capability. Don’t say more!”

“But…” Before Li Yuanji could continue, Li Jiancheng said again, “Have you forgotten what I told you?”

Meeting Li Jiancheng’s gaze, Li Yuanji reluctantly said, “I remember.”

The matter was thus settled. Li Yuan agreed to Shibi’s demand, opposing Yang Guang’s continuation as emperor, but only opposing Yang Guang, not opposing the Sui Dynasty. He decided to change banners, no longer using the original flags. The new banner was also decided upon in this meeting. To both respect the Sui and accommodate the Turks, they finally chose a red and white banner, offending neither side.

While the generals went to prepare, Li Jiancheng walked over and said, “I’ve always known that you, Shimin, are resourceful, but today’s proposal still surprised me, your big brother. Good, truly admirable.”

Li Shimin smiled, “Big Brother, don’t tease me. I was also…” He was about to say he was prompted by Liu Hongji when Li Yuanji said, “Father praised Second Brother just now too. Don’t be modest.”

Seeing Li Yuanji’s unhappy expression, Li Shimin smiled, “What, are you unhappy that you can’t fight the Turks?”

Li Jiancheng spoke for him, “You know how he is—his greatest interest is fighting. He’s practically a war maniac. I don’t know who he takes after.”

Li Shimin smiled and said to Li Yuanji, “Although we’ve made peace with the Turks, the road ahead will surely be extremely difficult. I believe you’ll soon be able to fight to your heart’s content.”

“I hope so.” Li Yuanji replied casually, then said, “I have other matters to attend to. I’ll leave first.”

Watching his departing figure, Li Jiancheng shook his head, “Such a grown man, yet his temperament is still as impulsive and fiery as before. This could easily lead to trouble. Sigh, I wonder when he’ll become more steady.”

Li Shimin said gently, “With Big Brother and me watching over Yuanji together, there shouldn’t be any problems.” Just as they were talking, a soldier rushed in as if there was some urgent matter. Li Shimin called out to him, “What’s the matter?”

The soldier stopped and said, “Replying to Second Young Master, an urgent report has arrived from Chang’an!” He then presented a dispatch to Li Shimin. After reading it, all the color drained from Li Shimin’s face.

Seeing something was wrong, Li Jiancheng quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”

Li Shimin didn’t speak, only handed the dispatch to Li Jiancheng. After reading it, Li Jiancheng’s expression also changed dramatically. He stumbled back several steps, murmuring, “Actually… it’s actually like this. They won’t even leave us a shred of hope.”

Li Shimin took a deep breath and said hoarsely, “Big Brother, don’t be too upset. You didn’t want this either.” After a pause, he said, “Let me go tell Father about this.” He reached for the dispatch in Li Jiancheng’s hand, but the latter avoided him. He said in surprise, “Big Brother…”

Li Jiancheng wiped his face forcefully and said, “This trouble was caused by me, so I should be the one to tell Father.”

“But…” Before Li Shimin could speak, Li Jiancheng said, “Don’t worry, Big Brother isn’t so weak that he can’t handle this.”

Seeing him say this, Li Shimin could only agree. After seeing him off, he turned to head to his quarters, but was surprised to see Liu Hongji standing behind him. He said in surprise, “Master Liu? Didn’t you leave earlier? Why are you still here?”

“I remembered there were a few words I wanted to say to Second Young Master, so I came back.” He glanced in the direction Li Jiancheng had gone and said, “Was that dispatch related to Fifth Young Master?”

“Yes.” Li Shimin’s eyes reddened slightly, “Shortly after Zhiyun was taken to Chang’an, he was killed by Yin Shishi!” He clenched his fists, “When we attack Chang’an in the future, I must personally kill Yin Shishi to avenge Zhiyun!”

“Yin Shishi is just a chess piece.” Liu Hongji’s words stunned Li Shimin, who asked in confusion, “What do you mean by that, sir?”

Liu Hongji smiled, “I heard that Second Young Master obtained the ‘Ode to the Goddess of Luo’ painted by Gu Kaizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Could you let me take a look?”

Li Shimin didn’t expect him to suddenly change the topic to this. After a moment of confusion, he said, “Of course you can.”

“Please.” At Liu Hongji’s indication, Li Shimin led him to his study and took out the ‘Ode to the Goddess of Luo’ from his cabinet for him to appreciate.

After Liu Hongji unrolled it and examined it carefully, he praised, “Some say Gu Kaizhi was unparalleled in literature and painting, but the only work that truly catches my eye is this ‘Ode to the Goddess of Luo.'”

“If you like it, sir, just take it.” Li Shimin’s words stunned Liu Hongji for a moment, then he shook his head, “A gentleman doesn’t take what others love. Second Young Master should keep it well.”

After putting away the painting Liu Hongji handed back, Li Shimin said, “Why did you say earlier that Yin Shishi is a chess piece?” He had been speculating all the way but couldn’t figure out what this statement meant.

Liu Hongji took a seat and said, “A few days ago, I met Second Young Madam. Seeing worry on her face, I asked a few questions and learned that before Fifth Young Master disappeared, he had spoken with Fourth Young Master.”

Li Shimin frowned, “Do you also think that Zhiyun’s disappearance is related to Yuanji? They are blood brothers. Even if they had some disagreements, they couldn’t possibly do such a thing.”

Liu Hongji smiled, “If it were just Fourth Young Master alone, perhaps not, but Second Young Master, don’t forget there’s also the Eldest Young Master.”

“That’s even more ridiculous. Zhiyun saved Big Brother’s life, and Big Brother has always been clear about gratitude and grudges. How could he repay kindness with enmity?” Before Liu Hongji could speak, Li Shimin said coldly, “I don’t want to hear such words again, and please don’t say them anymore, sir.”

Liu Hongji nodded, “Regarding Fifth Young Master’s matter, let’s say I judged a gentleman’s heart with a petty mind. What about the assassination attempt on me?”

His words made Li Shimin’s eyebrows, which had just relaxed, furrow again, “What did you say?”

Liu Hongji sighed, “Everyone thought the people who tried to assassinate me that day were sent by Wang Wei and Gao Junya. Little did they know, the one who hates me most isn’t those two, but the Eldest Young Master.”

Li Shimin immediately said, “Nonsense! How could Big Brother hate you?”