Li Yuan took it with deep confusion. This Wu Yu had been acting mysteriously from the start—he didn’t know what was going on. When his gaze fell upon the paper, his expression immediately changed. After reading the last character, he said: “How do you have Jiancheng’s handwriting?”
Wu Yu lowered his head: “In reply to the Great Emperor, it was the Crown Prince who sent the letter to this servant by carrier pigeon.”
“Sent to you…” Li Yuan walked around him in a circle, saying coldly: “Who exactly are you?”
Wu Yu smiled slightly: “What this servant is doesn’t matter. What matters is whether the Great Emperor wishes to let that person in Xiande Palace continue to occupy the magpie’s nest, or assist the Crown Prince in reclaiming everything that rightfully belongs to him.”
Li Yuan snorted coldly: “Though you don’t say, I can guess—you must be a Turkic spy.” Speaking thus, he continued: “You certainly have methods. Li Shimin and Gao Yang probably couldn’t dream that you would be a Turk.”
Wu Yu didn’t mind that his identity had been exposed and said with undiminished smile: “Now the Turks and the Crown Prince stand on the same front.”
Li Yuan stared at him for a moment: “Why would you help Jiancheng for no reason?”
“The Khan has always regarded the Crown Prince as a close friend. Learning that the Crown Prince was harmed, he was very saddened. This military campaign is to help the Crown Prince.”
“So it seems I should thank you all?” Li Yuan, having fought his way to establish this realm, knew well the cunning nature of the Turks and would not easily believe his words.
“This servant understands that for many years, Great Tang and the Turks have been adversaries. The Great Emperor finds it difficult to fully trust this servant’s words. But please consider—if not to help the Crown Prince, why would the Khan bear the pressure to besiege Chang’an when Great Tang’s reinforcements could arrive at any time?”
Li Yuan dismissed this: “You’ve been coveting Great Tang’s territory for more than just a day or two.”
“Perhaps so, but the Great Emperor has forgotten—for us Turks, opportunities are plentiful. But the Crown Prince is different. If he misses this chance, he will never have another opportunity to rise again!”
Li Yuan remained silent. He knew in his heart that Wu Yu wasn’t lying. If this opportunity was missed, Li Jiancheng would forever be a fugitive who couldn’t see the light of day. If he were caught by Li Shimin, death would await him!
Wu Yu took in the changing expressions on his face and said with downcast eyes: “This servant has said all that should be said. Whether you’re willing to lend the Crown Prince a helping hand depends on the Great Emperor.”
Li Yuan pressed his lips tightly together, pacing back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back. After walking more than ten rounds, he finally stopped and stared at Wu Yu, who waited quietly beside him: “You want Liangzhou and other places?”
Wu Yu lowered his head: “Trading a mere five prefectures for the Great Tang realm—this deal is extremely profitable for both the Great Emperor and the Crown Prince.”
Li Yuan was silent for a moment: “When do they plan to act?”
“Naturally, the sooner the better. It depends on the Great Emperor’s intentions.” Hearing Wu Yu’s words, Li Yuan was indecisive. He knew that cooperating with the Turks was like seeking skin from a tiger—a mere five prefectures could never satisfy their appetite. But if he refused, Li Jiancheng would not only lose his only chance to rise again but would also lose his life. When there was no profit to be gained, the Turks would absolutely not protect him anymore.
After a long while, Li Yuan finally made his decision and said through gritted teeth: “Fine, I agree!” Though both sons had thoughts of forcing the palace, comparatively, he still favored Li Jiancheng more and hoped this legitimate eldest son would continue the realm he had established.
Wu Yu smiled: “The Great Emperor is wise. With you here, the Crown Prince can certainly restore order and reclaim the Great Tang realm.” Seeing Li Yuan frown in silence, he said: “Is the Great Emperor worried about His Majesty’s side?”
Li Yuan nodded: “Correct. He asked me to come forward before, and I refused. Now if I suddenly change my attitude, with his sharp mind, he will certainly become suspicious, which would instead ruin things.”
Wu Yu smiled: “The Great Emperor need not worry about this. When this servant came just now, I told His Majesty that I would borrow Gao Yang’s voice to properly persuade the Great Emperor. For the Great Emperor to change his mind under the persuasion of those close to him is quite normal.”
Li Yuan thought this made sense and said: “I understand. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have Gao Yang visit Xiande Palace. However, on Gao Yang’s side, you must also speak to him to avoid revealing any flaws.”
“This servant knows.” Speaking thus, Wu Yu bowed: “However, please lend this servant a helping hand.” As he spoke, he gestured toward the outside.
Li Yuan understood his meaning and shouted loudly: “Get out! Never set foot in Ganlu Hall again, or even if you’re his man, I absolutely won’t spare you.”
“This servant takes his leave. Please calm your anger, Great Emperor.” Wu Yu spoke while withdrawing from Ganlu Hall. Gao Yang was waiting outside. Wu Yu had been with him since entering the palace, and the two were close as father and son with deep affection. Seeing him come out looking dejected, Gao Yang quickly pulled him aside: “What did you say to the Great Emperor to make him so angry?”
Wu Yu looked aggrieved: “What else could it be but that matter of the deposed Crown Prince?”
Gao Yang said in surprise: “But you clearly said just now that you came for other matters.”
“If I hadn’t said that, would the Great Emperor have listened to me for so long?” Speaking thus, Wu Yu pulled his arm: “Master, you must help me this time.”
Gao Yang said helplessly: “You tried yourself, and if I go speak, wouldn’t it be the same?”
“It won’t be.” Wu Yu said urgently: “Master, you’ve served by the Great Emperor’s side for so long. In this palace, you’re the person he trusts most. The Great Emperor will certainly listen to your words.”
Gao Yang shook his head: “I’m just a servant. It’s always been servants listening to their masters—when do masters listen to servants? Don’t give me difficult problems.”
“It’s not that I want to give Master difficult problems, but His Majesty…” Wu Yu sighed: “His Majesty said that if I can’t persuade the Great Emperor to change his mind, he’ll have me bring my head to see him. Master, if you don’t help me, I’m dead for sure.”
“But…” Before Gao Yang could decline, Wu Yu had already knelt down and pleaded: “Master, your disciple begs you.”
“What are you doing? Get up quickly.” No matter what Gao Yang said, Wu Yu wouldn’t rise. Gao Yang shook his head: “Fine, fine, I agree.”
Hearing these five words, Wu Yu’s heart settled, and he said repeatedly: “Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!”
After pulling him to his feet, Gao Yang said: “I can only say I’ll do my best to help you persuade the Great Emperor, but whether I can succeed depends on Heaven’s will.”
“I understand. Thank you, Master.” After thanking him once more, Wu Yu left Taiji Palace to report back. As for whether he was reporting to Li Shimin or to Jieli Khan, only he himself knew.
That night, a carrier pigeon flew into the Turkic camp and was immediately sent to Jieli Khan’s tent. After reading the note brought by the pigeon, the Khan’s previous irritation disappeared completely. He said to the soldier waiting nearby: “Go immediately and invite the Crown Prince here.”