Ruyi pursed her lips and smiled: “That’s because His Majesty loves the Princess deeply. As long as it’s made by the Princess’s own hands, even if it’s difficult to eat, it’s still delicious to him.”

Yunyi’s face flushed slightly pink at her words, and she lightly scolded: “You little minx, when did you become so talkative and gossipy? Hurry along now.”

Meanwhile, at Xiande Palace, Zhangsun Wuji discussed the matter of the Turkic army outside the city with Li Shimin late into the night before departing. After closing the palace doors, Wu Yu suppressed his drowsiness and said: “It’s late at night. Let this servant attend to Your Majesty’s rest.”

Li Shimin picked up the memorials set aside: “I still have some memorials to review. If you’re tired, you may go rest first.”

Though Wu Yu was extremely tired, he dared not actually go rest, and said with a forced smile: “This servant is not tired. This servant will stay here to accompany Your Majesty.”

It wasn’t until the third watch that Li Shimin finally finished reviewing the last memorial. After attending to his rest, Wu Yu quietly withdrew from Xiande Palace and returned to his own quarters—a modest room. Unlike the common bunks where many people crowded together, as a chief eunuch in the palace, he was entitled to a private room.

After he pushed the door open, a “coo coo” sound came from behind him, and immediately a pigeon flew in after him, landing on the table.

Seeing this pigeon, Wu Yu’s expression changed. He looked back outside to ensure no one had seen, then quickly closed the door and approached the table. He grabbed the pigeon and extracted a tightly rolled piece of paper from the small bamboo tube tied to its leg. The paper was covered with lines of tiny script written with fine brushstrokes.

After putting away the paper, Wu Yu took out writing materials and wrote several lines in the same fine script, stuffing it into the bamboo tube on the pigeon’s leg just as before. He released it through the window, then changed clothes and washed as if nothing had happened.

The next day, after morning court, Li Shimin took Wu Yu to Taiji Palace. Although Li Yuan had abdicated to become the Great Emperor, Li Shimin still allowed him to reside in Taiji Palace. When they arrived, Li Yuan was by Taiye Pond watching palace servants fish out withered lotus from the water.

“Greetings, Father Emperor.” Facing Li Shimin’s bow, Li Yuan didn’t even look up and said coldly: “What are you here for?”

Li Shimin was already accustomed to his coldness and said calmly: “Your son has come because there’s a matter I wish to request of Father Emperor.”

This statement surprised Li Yuan. After glancing at Li Shimin several times, he said: “How extraordinary—a sovereign of an entire nation actually has something to request of me.”

“Your son originally didn’t wish to disturb Father Emperor’s peaceful retirement, but after much consideration, there truly is no better solution. I hope Father Emperor will assist your son.” Facing Li Shimin’s words, Li Yuan said noncommittally: “Let’s hear it.”

“The matter of the Turkic army surrounding Chang’an—Father Emperor has surely heard of it. But just yesterday, your son received an urgent memorial sent eight hundred li from Liangzhou. Li Jiancheng and the other have escaped from Liangzhou.”

Hearing this, Li Yuan’s expression changed dramatically. The next moment, he was already shaking his head: “This is impossible. The place of exile has soldiers guarding it, and Liangzhou is defended by Yu Antai. With just the two of them, escape would be absolutely impossible.”

Li Shimin said slowly: “With just the two of them alone, it would indeed be impossible. But if someone assisted them, that would be another matter entirely.”

Li Yuan frowned: “Who?”

Li Shimin didn’t keep him in suspense and answered truthfully: “Turkic people, and no fewer than a thousand of them.”

“This is impossible.” Li Yuan rejected his words without thinking: “Whether Jiancheng or Yuanji, neither has any dealings with the Turks.”

“Yu Antai was personally appointed by Father Emperor as the Liangzhou defender. His character is something Father Emperor knows better than anyone. Without absolute certainty, he would never send such an urgent eight-hundred-li memorial to the capital.”

Li Yuan was silent for a moment, then said: “The reason?”

“The Turks have always coveted our Great Tang. This time, if Zhao Jin hadn’t risked his life to return and report, allowing us to prepare, the Turkic army would likely have already attacked Chang’an. The Turkic army knows very well that reinforcements are on the way—time is running short for them. Yet from surrounding Chang’an until now, they haven’t attacked the city. Why? Because they’re waiting for someone.”

Li Yuan stared at him: “You mean Jiancheng?”

“Exactly. Li Jiancheng was Crown Prince for seven years. If he comes forward to speak, it would inevitably cause unrest among the people in Chang’an. So your son was thinking—if that day truly comes, could Father Emperor come forward to stabilize the people’s hearts?”

“Me?” Li Yuan sneered: “I’m already old and have abdicated to become the Great Emperor. Where would I have such ability? You’d better seek someone more capable.”

Li Shimin sighed: “Your son knows Father Emperor has always harbored resentment toward your son, but this matter concerns the safety of Chang’an and even all of Great Tang. Please, Father Emperor, lend your son a helping hand!”

Li Yuan stared at him for a moment, then said sternly: “If I refuse, what do you plan to do—hold a blade to my throat?”

“How would your son dare treat Father Emperor thus? It’s just that…” Before he could finish, Li Yuan said: “As an emperor, one should overcome any difficult circumstances. If you cannot overcome them, it only shows your abilities are insufficient.” With that, he waved his hand: “Alright, I’ve said all I need to say. You may go.”

Li Shimin’s eyes darkened: “Even at this point, Father Emperor still wishes to protect Li Jiancheng?”

Li Yuan said expressionlessly: “I protect no one. If you have the ability, solve it yourself. Don’t come bothering me again.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Watching his departing figure, Wu Yu nervously said: “Your Majesty, what should we do? Should we try to persuade the Great Emperor again?”

Li Shimin shook his head: “It’s useless. Looking at Father Emperor’s attitude, no matter what I say, he won’t listen.”

Wu Yu thought for a while with his head down, then said softly: “This servant’s master has served by the Great Emperor’s side for many years. Perhaps this servant could speak with my master and have him find an opportunity to persuade the Great Emperor. It might be useful.”

Li Shimin thought for a moment, then said: “Very well, you may go.”

Wu Yu acknowledged and walked in the direction Li Yuan had left. Upon entering Ganlu Hall, Li Yuan saw Wu Yu following all the way. His face, which had just begun to soften, immediately darkened again: “I’ve made myself very clear—tell your master not to waste his efforts in vain.”

Gao Yang, fearing he would be blamed, said quietly: “The Great Emperor will not help His Majesty. You should return.”

Wu Yu ignored his words and respectfully said: “This servant has come for another matter to report to the Great Emperor. Please grant this servant just a little time.”

Li Yuan frowned his graying eyebrows in confusion: “What other matter?”

Facing his question, Wu Yu actually lowered his head and remained silent. Such an attitude naturally displeased Li Yuan, who was about to scold him when his heart stirred. He said to Gao Yang: “This is none of your business. Withdraw.”

After Gao Yang left, Li Yuan said coldly: “Now you may speak.”

“Yes.” Wu Yu acknowledged and took a thin scroll from his sleeve, presenting it to Li Yuan: “Please examine this, Great Emperor.”