Because of this matter, Liu Wenjing had always looked upon Peiji with displeasure, feeling that he only knew how to eat and drink, possessed no real talent or learning, and was completely unqualified to rank above himself. Over time, the friendship between the two gradually faded, leaving only discord.

Peiji was naturally holding back his frustration over this, so his volunteering this time was also to establish merit and make Liu Wenjing have nothing more to say.

However, Peiji, who had never personally been on a battlefield, did not know the true terror of war, and his ability to command armies in battle did not match his official position.

The first place he led his army to was Jiexiu. Before he could even attempt to break the siege of Jiexiu, he was already being targeted. Liu Wuzhou’s subordinate general Song Jingang cut off the water source at their encampment, leaving them without water to drink.

With no choice, Peiji had to relocate the camp, but he did not know this was exactly what Song Jingang wanted. Song Jingang attacked from behind, and the Tang army collapsed at first contact, unable to reform.

Peiji abandoned numerous Tang soldiers and fled in panic like a homeless dog to Jinyang, which had not yet fallen, where Li Yuanji also happened to be.

After Li Yuan learned of this news, he helplessly recalled both him and Li Yuanji. Although Peiji had fought a thoroughly humiliating defeat, Li Yuan was very tolerant of him, merely scolding him before letting it pass, without any actual punishment—not even minor penalties like salary reduction.

Such tolerance made Liu Wenjing even more dissatisfied. Previously, when he accompanied Li Jiancheng on campaign and was defeated at Qianshui Plain, Li Yuan had stripped him of his official position and demoted him to commoner status. Only after nearly half a year had passed was his original position restored.

His defeat was mainly due to Li Yuanji—he was merely following orders. But Peiji’s defeat was mainly Peiji’s own fault, yet Li Yuan… it was truly unfair!

The more Liu Wenjing thought about it, the worse he felt, and the more unbalanced he became!

Li Yuan was unaware of Liu Wenjing’s thoughts, and even if he had known, at this time he had no leisure to deal with it. Li Yuanji had been defeated, and Peiji had been defeated too—should he send Li Jiancheng into battle? But what if he was defeated again?

He knew this eldest son of his had some talent for leading armies, but was still insufficient to compare with Li Shimin. Otherwise, when battling Xue Ju that year, he would not have returned in defeat. Even though the main reason lay with Li Yuanji, ultimately it was because Li Jiancheng’s resolve was unsteady and he had been influenced by instigation!

With Shanxi deteriorating to this degree, there could be no more defeats.

Besides Li Jiancheng, there were quite a few military leaders in the court, but to find someone with both talent and prestige who could certainly defeat Liu Wuzhou—for the moment, none could truly be found.

Should he lead the expedition personally? Or perhaps… employ Li Shimin again?

Li Yuan sat in Taiji Palace with his head in his hands, unable to think of a better solution.

At this time, in the Prince of Qin’s mansion, Du Ruhui, Liu Wenjing, and others were persuading Li Shimin: “Your Highness, with the Fourth Prince and Minister Pei suffering consecutive major defeats, this is an excellent opportunity for your return. As long as you request from His Majesty to campaign in Shanxi, he will certainly agree.”

The speaker was Du Ruhui, who most hoped for Li Shimin’s return, because only with Li Shimin’s return and sufficient strength could Yunyi be brought out from Mingyue Convent.

After learning that Yunyi had been forced to go to Mingyue Convent for cultivation, he had managed to visit her once. Fearing discovery, he had only said a few words before leaving.

Yunyi had asked him to fully assist Li Shimin, regardless of the cost, to help him rise again. Only then could she return to the Prince of Qin’s mansion and personally hold her own child. Only then could Li Shimin, including everyone in the Prince of Qin’s mansion, survive!

Liu Wenjing said: “Exactly. His Majesty has been slow to dispatch anyone to lead another expedition precisely because he knows that after two consecutive major defeats, there absolutely cannot be a third defeat. The person for this task—besides Your Highness, there is no second choice. His Majesty is very clear about this.”

Li Shimin listened silently. After they had all finished speaking, he turned his gaze to the only person who had not spoken: “What do you think, sir?”

Liu Hongji smiled slightly: “What the several gentlemen said is correct. Indeed, to pacify Shanxi, unless His Majesty leads the expedition personally, there is only Your Highness. This point—we know it, and His Majesty knows it too.”

“Then quickly…” Before Liu Wenjing could finish, Liu Hongji said: “If Your Highness requests battle now, His Majesty will absolutely not agree.”

Liu Wenjing was bewildered by his words: “Why? Didn’t you just say only Your Highness could do it?”

“Precisely because Your Highness can do it, His Majesty will not allow it.” This statement made people even more confused. Liu Wenjing said: “Sir, stop talking in circles—speak plainly.”

“When His Majesty initially relieved Your Highness of all duties, besides the matter of the Yang family, there was another reason—Your Highness has achieved brilliant military accomplishments these past years, which not only frightened the Crown Prince but also made His Majesty somewhat wary. Therefore, as long as there is the slightest possibility, he will absolutely not employ Your Highness.”

Du Ruhui shook his head: “But currently, besides Your Highness, there are no suitable candidates.”

Liu Hongji looked at him with a half-smile: “Who says there aren’t? The Crown Prince and Li Jing are both good choices.”

Du Ruhui frowned slightly: “I’m not clear about Li Jing, but the Crown Prince… he probably lacks the ability to pacify the Shanxi rebellion.”

“Without trying again, His Majesty will not give up hope. Therefore, Your Highness should remain still rather than act. Once you actively request battle, His Majesty’s wariness of you will deepen. Even if you pacify the Shanxi rebellion, you may not necessarily remain safe.”

Li Shimin slowly nodded: “Correct, that’s what I think too. It’s just… this way, I fear many innocent generals and soldiers will have to sacrifice their lives.”

Liu Hongji leaned forward slightly in his chair: “Those who achieve great things should not be constrained by minor considerations. Moreover, this matter is not for Your Highness to decide.”

“I understand.” Before Li Shimin finished speaking, Liu Wenjing said: “If… Li Jing wins this battle, wouldn’t Your Highness miss a good opportunity?”

“If that happens, it would prove Your Highness still needs to keep a low profile—the time to show your capabilities has not yet come.”

Liu Wenjing said worriedly: “I just fear keeping too low a profile, to the point where there’s no opportunity to show one’s capabilities.”

Regarding his words, Liu Hongji’s smile remained unchanged, showing no concern: “There will definitely be an opportunity. Your Highness is no ordinary person!”

Although Liu Hongji spoke with certainty, Liu Wenjing and the others were still somewhat worried. Subsequent events unfolded exactly as they had predicted—after much deliberation, Li Yuan finally decided to have Li Jing lead the troops on another expedition.

Upon receiving this news, Liu Wenjing felt a wave of disappointment. Combined with Peiji suppressing him at every turn in court these past few days, he was even more frustrated. He pulled his younger brother Liu Wenqi along to drink and drown their sorrows.

While drinking, he thought about Li Yuan’s coldness toward Li Shimin, about Li Yuan’s differential treatment of himself and Peiji, and became even more vexed. Unconsciously, he drank more and more, and as the alcohol took effect, he began speaking nonsense.