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After the harvest ended, Li Jian Cheng had collected over thirty Turkic heads, though they were all of nameless soldiers. Still, it was better than nothing, and he was quite satisfied.
They were elite cavalry, equipped with the best armor and bows, and on this plain, they were not afraid of ambushes. Able to advance or retreat as needed, they continued to pursue and claimed a few more trophies before returning.
On the way back to the main camp, they encountered Changsun Sheng's troops. Li Jian Cheng initially intended to bypass them to avoid any misunderstanding about wanting to share in the glory, but he was invited over by Changsun Sheng's deputy.
Li Jian Cheng held great admiration for Changsun Sheng. After riding over and dismounting to pay his respects, he congratulated him: "Congratulations, General Changsun, on this remarkable achievement in aiding His Highness the Crown Prince to deliver a crushing blow to the Turkic forces. Your anger has struck fear beyond our borders; how magnificent!"
Changsun Sheng jumped off his horse and grasped Li Jian Cheng's hand, saying, "This is the blessing of Heaven upon our Sui Dynasty. What I have done is nothing worth mentioning."
Looking at Li Jian Cheng's elite cavalry not far away, he praised, "The Li Family remains the Li Family. Did you gain anything, my lord?"
Li Jian Cheng replied humbly, "I am ashamed. With the general's good fortune, I merely picked up a few dozen Turkic heads."
Changsun Sheng smiled and said, "As it happens, I have a gift for you, my lord."
As he spoke, a deputy brought forth a severed head adorned with loose braids and gold and silver ornaments. It was clearly the head of a high-ranking Turkic nobleman—a significant trophy.
"This is An Lisi Jin Khan of the Turkic forces; he is the leader of this contingent."
Li Jian Cheng truly could not fathom why Changsun Sheng would want anything from him and politely declined: "This is the governor's achievement; how could Jian Cheng dare to accept rewards without merit?"
Changsun Sheng waved his hand for the deputy to present the head to Li Jian Cheng's Guardians: "Our families have been friends since the Wei dynasty; there is no need for such formalities."
It was true that their families had connections through marriage in distant branches, but their main lines had never shared any particularly close ties. To offer such a significant trophy right away left Li Jian Cheng puzzled.
If Changsun Sheng aimed to draw closer to the Crown Prince through this gesture, it would be better to give this head to Yang Xuangan instead. The Crown Prince could do without Li Jian Cheng but could never afford to lose Yang Su's support; thus, the weight of their influence became clear.
"General, Jian Cheng truly cannot accept this honor."
Changsun Sheng was very pleased with Li Jian Cheng's reaction. The rumors he had heard in recent days were indeed true; the Li Family had produced a remarkable figure.
Though nearing sixty years old and still feeling healthy, he needed to establish some connections for his family. His eldest son had initially served under Han Wang as a treasury official; this connection was hard to shake off.
Even though he helped the Crown Prince defeat the Turkic forces this time, once the Crown Prince ascended to the throne in the future, his eldest son might not be favored by him. That would be quite dangerous.
As for why he did not seek the Yang Family, Changsun Sheng agreed with Li Jian Cheng's remark about Duke of Qi, Gao Shan: "A high-ranking official only lacks one thing—death." What difference was there now between Yang Su and the former Gao Shan?
Changsun Sheng thrived even among the hostile Turkic factions, having his own methods of observing people. The Crown Prince appeared benevolent and humble, but in reality, he was likely more tyrannical than the current emperor. Such a ruler could never tolerate powerful ministers.
Changsun Sheng avoided any connection with the Yang Family, while he found Duke of Bao, Yuwen Shu, who was highly trusted by the Crown Prince, to be decent enough. However, his legitimate eldest son, Yuwen Huaji, was nothing but a useless fool and not a reliable ally.
Li Jian Cheng was different; his reputation alone served as proof of his worth. His family was prominent, and he had ties through marriage to the Consort Crown Prince. At such a young age, he seemed to be an excellent ally who could ensure decades of wealth and influence.
Changsun Sheng looked at him with admiration and said, "Jian Cheng, you may call me uncle from now on. I heard that the Crown Prince regretted not being able to have you as a son-in-law; I feel the same way. What a pity."
"However, I heard your family has welcomed another Young Master; it seems there is still hope."
The formal alliance between their families implied mutual support. Changsun Sheng's overture was clear, and Li Jian Cheng sensed this as well, so he dropped any pretense.
"Then I thank you, Uncle."
One must always strive to cultivate friendships; this is a universal truth. The Changsun Family was an important member of the Noble Families of Guanlong, and naturally, Li Jian Cheng hoped to foster good relations.
Leading his men into Changsun Sheng's camp, Li Jian Cheng found that the large tent had already prepared sheep and horses for slaughter to reward the soldiers—an arrangement made by Yang Su himself.
The head of the Turkic leader inexplicably appeared in Li Jian Cheng's possession, which clearly felt off. Yet Yang Guang did not inquire further and simply ordered that it be recorded and sent back to the capital as a report of victory.
Yang Su and his son wore grim expressions—not directed at Li Jian Cheng but rather at Changsun Sheng. The head of a mere Turkic leader held little significance for them; it might still have some value for soldiers below fourth rank but meant nothing substantial for them.
However, Changsun Sheng was already highly trusted by the emperor. With Li Jian Cheng's assistance in speaking on his behalf, the Crown Prince also seemed inclined to accept and draw closer to Changsun Sheng. The Turkic issue could not be resolved through just a few battles.
Regardless of whether there were ongoing conflicts or not, Changsun Sheng's influence far surpassed that of ordinary generals. He was not particularly close to the Yang Family and had seized an opportunity that would have allowed Yang Su to showcase his achievements—naturally causing displeasure.
There were many post-battle matters to attend to, but they had nothing to do with Li Jian Cheng. When he had free time, he sought out Changsun Sheng. The two interacted as if they were close relatives; Changsun Sheng was patient with him and answered all his questions.
Under Changsun Sheng's indulgence, Li Jian Cheng selected fifty exceptionally brave Turkic knights from among the captives to serve as slaves.
No matter how valiant a knight might be, once poisoned, they could no longer mount their horses and were left vulnerable to capture.
Changsun Sheng's personally concocted poison naturally had an antidote. Coupled with Changsun Sheng's prestige among the Turkic people, these fifty individuals were more than willing to follow Li Jian Cheng.
Leading over a hundred Guardians into battle, Li Jian Cheng returned without losing a single person; in fact, he had gained more. His first expedition was indeed a great success.
…………
Yang Guang slammed the confidential military report from Yang Liang onto the ground. Although they had won, it was clear that Han Wang's forces were engaged with the Turkic Khagan, which meant their contributions were greater.
Yang Su picked it up, read it, and then handed it to Changsun Sheng beside him. "This is all thanks to Shiwansui's efforts; Han Wang only hindered progress."
After reading it, Changsun Sheng nodded in agreement. "If General Shi had been in full command, the results would have been even more significant."
Yang Guang shook his head, trying to calm his emotions. "A victory is a victory; there’s no reason to punish the commander for minor achievements. Besides, Father Emperor dotes on Yang Liang and wouldn’t reprimand him in the slightest."
"Is Shiwansui one of Han Wang's people?"
In response to Yang Guang's question, Yang Su replied directly, "He is not Han Wang's man; he is associated with the deposed crown prince. He certainly isn’t one of ours. After the crown prince took his position in the Eastern Palace, officials and generals from various regions sent congratulatory messages, yet Shiwansui has not uttered a word."
Yang Guang's gaze turned icy. Han Wang's influence was considerable, and he could not tolerate having another fierce general like Shiwansui under his command.
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