“Killing Li Jing would certainly be easy, but pulling back the hearts that would scatter as a result would be extremely difficult.” Seeing Li Yuan remain silent, he continued: “Your son knows Father is angry about Li Jing’s informing, thinking him a treacherous villain. From another perspective, isn’t he also a loyal and righteous man? Knowing the path ahead was perilous, he still pursued it. This courage and loyalty is worthy of admiration. Actually, we don’t have any great grievance with him – we simply stand on different sides.” Seeing Li Yuan’s complexion improve somewhat, he quickly added: “Moreover, he could admit his actions directly to Father’s face without any concealment, which shows he’s not a treacherous villain. On the contrary, he’s an upright and honorable true man.”

“Father had considerable friendship with Han Qinhu when he was alive. If you kill his nephew immediately upon taking Chang’an, it wouldn’t look good. If word spreads, it might dishearten knowledgeable scholars who don’t understand the full situation and make them afraid to come seek refuge with us.”

Hearing this, Li Yuan broke into a cold sweat. In his earlier anger, he had forgotten all these considerations. Just as Li Shimin said, killing Li Jing was easy, but the implications behind it were anything but easy. Fortunately, Li Jing was still alive now, otherwise he would have made a grave mistake.

Over there, Li Shimin’s words continued: “Additionally, your son heard that Yang Su once praised him, calling him a talent capable of assisting kings. Father has said that Yang Su was extremely arrogant – anyone who earned his praise must be extraordinary. To kill him would be too wasteful; it would be better to recruit him for our use.”

By now, Li Yuan had completely calmed down and nodded: “What you say is very reasonable. However, seeing his stubborn nature, I fear he won’t be willing to serve us.”

Li Shimin cupped his hands: “Leave this matter to your son to handle. Your son will definitely find a way to persuade him and make him assist Father!”

“Since you saved him, you can arrange things.” Now understanding Li Jing’s usefulness, Li Yuan naturally wouldn’t object. He patted Li Shimin’s shoulder and said with relief: “Father has always prided himself on being calm, but this time I was inferior to you.”

Li Shimin smiled: “Perhaps this is what they call ‘those involved are confused, while observers see clearly.'” Speaking of this, he said: “By the way, has Father decided on the era name for after the Prince of Dai ascends?”

“It’s decided – it will be called Yining.” Speaking of this, Li Yuan smiled: “Ever since setting the fifth day of the twelfth month as the day for the Prince of Dai’s enthronement, Father’s ears haven’t had a moment’s peace.”

Li Shimin said with a smile: “Let your son guess – are they all advising Father to depose Yang You and establish yourself as emperor?”

“Exactly. They say Yang Guang is already dead, so why still support a young child? But…” Li Yuan sighed deeply and said with his hands behind his back: “Although we’ve captured Chang’an, to the west we have Xue Ju; to the north Liu Wuzhou; to the east Dou Jiande, Li Mi, and Wang Shichong; to the south Xiao Xian, Du Fuwei, and others. I fear that as soon as news of Father proclaiming himself emperor spreads, they’ll unite to attack us. These people’s combined forces far exceed a million in number – not something we can oppose. The imperial throne… is not so easy to occupy.”

“Please give your son more time, Father. Your son will definitely clear away all obstacles before Father’s imperial throne.” Li Shimin’s words drew a smile from Li Yuan, who patted his shoulder: “Along this journey, you’ve already helped Father greatly. If it weren’t for you brothers working together to help Father conquer the realm, how could Father have come this far today?”

“This is what we sons should do.” Hearing this, Li Yuan smiled again: “Alright, Father understands your intentions. Go arrange things for Li Jing.”

As Li Shimin was about to leave, Li Yuan remembered something: “Oh yes, when you have time, take the Princess to visit Daxing Palace. The Prince of Dai has mentioned several times that he wants to see her.”

“Your son has noted this.” After saying this, Li Shimin cupped his hands and withdrew. Outside, Li Jing was still standing straight. Seeing him come out, he stiffened his neck: “If you’re going to kill me, just kill me. Eighteen years later, I’ll be a good man again.”

Li Shimin ignored his words and only said to the guards: “Release him.”

The guards were stunned and said in amazement: “Second Young Master, but he’s…”

“Father has already handed him over to me to deal with. You just need to follow my orders. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.” Seeing him say this, the guards had no choice but to release Li Jing. The latter rubbed his wrists and said suspiciously: “What are you father and son plotting?”

Li Shimin smiled: “We’re not plotting anything. Father simply admires Yaoshi’s character and has decided to pardon you.” Yaoshi was Li Jing’s courtesy name.

“Pardon me?” Li Jing was stunned. Just now Li Yuan had clearly been filled with hatred – how could he suddenly say he wanted to pardon him? What medicine was being sold in this gourd?

Li Shimin smiled: “That’s right. From now on, Yaoshi, you’re free. No one wants to kill you, and no one will throw you back in jail.”

“I can really leave?” The situation had changed too quickly for Li Jing to believe.

“Of course.” After confirming that Li Shimin wasn’t joking with him, Li Jing said: “Don’t think that just because of this, I’ll submit to you father and son. In this lifetime, I, Li Jing, will only be loyal to the Great Sui, loyal to His Majesty!”

“I know. Yaoshi, your loyalty is commendable, your heart pure. However, there’s one thing I must tell you – His Majesty has already been killed by Yuwen Huaji and his group. On the fifth day of next month, Father will support the Prince of Dai as emperor.”

News of Yang Guang’s assassination had long since spread throughout Chang’an, but because Li Jing had been imprisoned, his information was cut off. Only now did he learn of it, asking in surprise: “His Majesty… is dead?”

“Yes. Jiangdu has now become the world of the Yuwen clan. If Yaoshi still insists on going to Jiangdu, I won’t stop you either.” With that, he cupped his hands: “I still have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first.”

After walking several dozen zhang, Zhao Jin, who was following behind Li Shimin, looked back at Li Jing still standing in place and said quietly: “Second Young Master, didn’t you tell the general earlier about recruiting Li Jing? Why did you release him?”

Li Shimin smiled slightly: “I understand Yaoshi’s temperament. Forcible recruitment would only backfire. It’s better to first show him kindness, then proceed slowly.”

“But once he leaves, we probably won’t be able to find him.” Facing Zhao Jin’s words, Li Shimin smiled: “I said I released him, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t have him followed. You’ll personally handle this matter. Don’t lose track of him, but don’t let him discover it either.”

Hearing this, Zhao Jin understood Li Shimin’s intention and relaxed: “This subordinate understands.”

After returning to the Li residence in the eastern city, he found that everyone in the residence looked panicked. He called one over: “Has something happened in the residence?”

The person said tremblingly: “In reply to Second Young Master, Nanny Tong who was responsible for caring for… caring for Dalang committed suicide in her room last night. Because the nanny who shared a room with her had to care for Dalang, and Qiulin was imprisoned, it wasn’t discovered until just now. I heard her whole body had gone stiff.”

Li Shimin said questioningly: “Why did she commit suicide?”