novelraw Chapter 428 - 16: The Curtain Rises, Turmoil Begins
Chapter 428 - 16: The Curtain Rises, Turmoil Begins
Now even Li Yuan has gradually sensed something amiss, let alone Li Jiancheng.
Some things are clearly unavoidable.
However, Gu Yi is now completely at ease with all of this and has gradually set his sights on the entire Kyushu.
He is more eager to know—
Given the emergence of the Gu Clan, how glorious will the coming prosperous era truly become.
Gu Yu is still alive today.
Although he has always stayed in Julu, he has never been idle.
Gu Yi has witnessed him lay the foundation for comprehensive reform in the Great Tang, which is bound to bring unprecedented change!
For now, he is merely waiting for a suitable opportunity!
—The clouds are stirring from all directions.
Li Shimin paid no attention to the feudal lords, then set his sights on Lingnan.
He intended to campaign against Emperor Liang, Xiao Xian.
This was the last obstacle for the Great Tang.
But just as he was about to mobilize his troops, an imperial edict from Li Yuan suddenly arrived, citing "missing his son" as a reason, summoning Li Shimin back to the capital, and handing the mission of campaigning against Lingnan to Li Jing.
Although everything seemed so reasonable, this sudden imperial edict still alerted many to something amiss.
Inside Diao Yin City.
Li Shimin’s confidants gathered.
"Your Highness, I have something to say, though I’m unsure if it’s appropriate."
Zhangsun Wuji looked earnestly at Li Shimin and said with cupped hands.
Li Shimin immediately turned to him, speaking frankly, "If you have something to say, speak freely as always; nothing should be unsaid."
Everyone’s attention turned to Zhangsun Wuji.
Zhangsun Wuji was not only the full brother of Princess Zhangsun but had also followed Li Shimin since Li Yuan first rose in rebellion. Now, he is undoubtedly one of Li Shimin’s most trusted confidants.
Because of this, only he could say certain things.
"The influence of Your Highness is without par. Whether for the Great Tang’s stability or the welfare of the world, you are the best choice for the Lingnan campaign."
Zhangsun Wuji paused, taking a deep breath, "Yet His Majesty suddenly orders Your Highness back to the capital."
"In my view..."
He surveyed the room, letting his gaze drift over everyone present, ensuring all were Li Shimin’s loyal followers before lowering his voice, "There might be a change in the court already!"
Though he did not state it plainly, everyone understood the implication.
The atmosphere instantly thickened, the air turning dense, with only the cracking sound of the candle wick breaking the silence.
Gu Quan, Gu Yan, and other Gu Clan members sat upright like pines but couldn’t help gripping the swords at their waists tightly.
"Fu Ji." Li Shimin stood up suddenly, "Do not make speculative assumptions. The road to Lingnan is perilous, and Father worries for my safety, hence his command for my return to the capital."
His gaze swept over everyone like a hawk, then he suddenly smiled, though a sharp glint hid in his eyes: "Perhaps this return will have Father appoint me as the Ten Directions Expedition Envoy, commander of the empire’s forces!"
Everyone remained silent.
Though Li Shimin still smiled, he didn’t present that same composure as before.
How could Li Shimin not feel it too?
History has left too many examples, too many to ignore.
But Li Yuan’s past promises left him with a glimmer of hope.
Everyone remained silent.
No one dared to fully disclose everything.
The sensitivity of such matters is more than anyone could bear.
Perhaps Gu Quan could.
With Li Shimin’s regard for Gu Quan, coupled with the stature of the Gu Clan, he might convince Li Shimin, and revealing everything might indeed have no serious repercussions.
But alas, how could Gu Quan agree to such a thing?
As the eldest son of the Gu Clan, his personality ensured he would never engage in matters concerning the state’s foundation.
The generals’ response was one of helplessness.
The atmosphere within the whole army grew increasingly complex.
Within days, Li Shimin led his generals and hundreds of Profound Armor swiftly back to Chang’an.
...
Chang’an.
Li Yuan still organized a grand celebration for Li Shimin’s return, giving the impression that nothing had changed.
This indeed calmed many soldiers who only saw the surface of the matter.
After all, who isn’t afraid of being discarded once their usefulness has ended?
Gu Yi could see that Li Shimin still held high expectations for the position of Ten Directions Expedition Envoy.
It isn’t wrong.
After all, Li Yuan did give him a promise back then.
But in the current situation, promises are destined to be in vain.
At the celebration feast.
Under Li Shimin’s hopeful gaze, Li Yuan finally gave him only three money-minting furnaces.
Such a reward would be considered a great honor for anyone else, given the unimaginable wealth it could bring.
But for Li Shimin, it is different!
All his ambitions shattered in this moment.
At this stage, if he still cannot become the Great Tang’s Ten Directions Expedition Envoy, will there be any other opportunities after the unification of the world?
This is a question that requires no answer.
Of course, Li Yuan naturally knows how to appease Li Shimin.
That night, he summoned Li Shimin again to explain the situation.
It was because Li Shimin privately formed an alliance with the Turkic, which led the ministers to accuse him of having no regard for emperor or father. Thus, Li Yuan had no choice but to delay the appointment of the Ten Directions Expedition Envoy.
When saying this, Li Yuan’s expression was as earnest as when he promised Li Shimin that he would appoint him as the "Great Tang Ten Directions Expedition Envoy."
Back then, Li Shimin believed it, but this time, it was hard for him to believe.