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The four of them, not taking the loss to heart, laughed as they sat down by the creek to rest. Servants had already set up a fire and prepared soup, waiting for fresh game to be added to the pot. They raised their cups and drank together.
The three older men shared a similar temperament, speaking casually outside the capital. Changsun Sheng had been tasked with supporting Qimin Khan as the leader of the Eastern Turkic tribes, and this trip back to the capital was to accompany the Turkic emissary.
Qimin Khan's congratulatory message stated, "Under heaven and above earth, wherever the sun and moon shine, there is only Sage Khan. Today is a great day; may Sage Khan live for thousands of years, just like today!"
"The Sui Dynasty's Sage Khan cares for the people as if the sky does not fail to cover them and the earth does not fail to support them. The various clans are grateful for his grace and have wholeheartedly submitted, bringing their tribes to Sage Khan. Some have entered through the Great Wall in the south, while others reside along the White Road. The people’s sheep and horses fill the mountains and valleys, as if withered trees sprout new branches and dry bones are reborn with flesh. For countless generations, they will continue to serve the Sui Dynasty with their sheep and horses!"
The Turkic tribes had long been a formidable enemy of the Sui Dynasty, but their current submission was undoubtedly due to the emperor's efforts. The court officials congratulated Emperor Yang Jian, who felt a surge of pride and indulged even more in his desires.
He formally took in Princess Chen from before and a woman from Cai of Jiyang, while the Queen became increasingly despondent, no longer concerning herself with court matters; perhaps she felt powerless.
The Dugu family had long since fallen into decline. During the Queen's time in power, she did not elevate any of her relatives to prominent positions; it was unclear if she regretted that now.
Unknowingly, the conversation shifted to Yang Su. The emperor's current arrogance was largely fostered by Yang Su as his Left Minister. When Gao Shan assisted in governance, he would at least offer counsel to the emperor, whereas Yang Su would not.
Currently, aside from Li Jian Cheng, even Xiao Cong did not harbor thoughts of seeing the Sui Dynasty fall. After enduring chaos from Wei to Jin until now, everyone knew this was indeed the best of times.
There was widespread discontent regarding Yang Su's disruption of court order, and such sentiments were gathering strength within the court. Duke of Bao, Yuwen Shu, was a key figure in this movement; how Yang Su once envied Gao Shan was now mirrored in how others viewed him.
Changsun Sheng set down his wine bowl and said, "In just half a month back in the capital, I've noticed that the situation has greatly deteriorated. Fortunately, after Turkic suffered defeat at Bujia and their fate became uncertain again, we returned to a state of opposition between east and west; otherwise, it would truly be dire."
Xiao Cong continued drinking bowl after bowl until he finally paused long enough to speak: "The emperor has lost Duke of Qi and the Queen; it's like losing his eyes and ears—he has a strong body but struggles to move in the right direction."
"But perhaps His Majesty is quite satisfied with the current state," Li Jian Cheng stirred the soup pot. "The correct direction is an uphill path that requires bending down and focusing; right now it’s downhill where one can stand tall."
The two fell silent. The emperor no longer needed Gao Shan or the Queen to find his way; he knew very well which path was correct but had grown weary after a lifetime of struggle.
"All we can do is hope that in the future, the Crown Prince can continue the glorious era of our Sui Dynasty."
Li Jian Cheng welcomed his third younger brother, a somewhat underdeveloped infant, but after all, he was a boy. The Li Family held a grand banquet, inviting relatives and old friends, including high-ranking officials and even the Crown Prince's gifts. Compared to last year, it seemed to have regained some of its former glory.
It was also on this day that Li Jian Cheng met his future wife for the first time. The Xiao Lady was a year older than him, and they were about the same height now. Their brief encounter did not allow for any conversation before they parted ways.
Li Xiuning came over to tease him, saying, "Brother, look at your smile! Now everyone knows how much you like your sister-in-law."
Only then did Li Jian Cheng realize that his lips had curved up a bit too much. He quickly composed himself and said, "Say one more word, and you won't be going out to play."
Li Xiuning stuck out her tongue and made a face. "Then I'll go find sister-in-law and tell her. Let's see if you dare to bully me again."
With Li Xiuning leading the way, the other sisters happily chased after the Xiao Lady. Li Jian Cheng wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not.
The Yang Family and Yuwen Family also sent people to pay their respects. After all, they were all under the Crown Prince now, and appearances had to be maintained. It was also customary among noble families; it wouldn't do to completely sever ties.
However, it was surprising that Jian'an Duke Liu Shu showed up. The Li Family had little interaction with the He Dong Liu Clan, and Liu Shu had fallen out with Yang Guang after marrying Lanling Princess. It seemed odd for him to come today.
Lanling Princess was beautiful and graceful, gentle in nature, fond of reading. Among the gentlemen, she was the youngest and most favored by her parents. When Lanling Princess had just become a widow, the Emperor had initially planned to marry her off to Yang Guang's brother-in-law, Xiao Zang, at Prince Jin's request.
But in consideration of the Crown Prince, he ultimately bestowed the princess upon Liu Shu, who was then serving as the Crown Prince's left bodyguard. This showed that the Emperor truly intended to pass the throne to his eldest son.
As Li Jian Cheng welcomed guests at the gate of his residence, he naturally could not refuse anyone; that would create enmity between their families. Thus, he respectfully invited Liu Shu inside.
Li Jian Cheng had heard of Liu Shu's talents but knew him more for his arrogance stemming from imperial favor. His favor came from the Emperor's affection for his family; Liu Shu was only a few years younger than Li Yan but had already become Minister of War.
After the banquet dispersed, Li Jian Cheng entered the inner chambers and found his father, Li Yan, pacing back and forth in agitation. When he inquired about the matter, it turned out it was because of Liu Shu.
This man had come with plans to attack Yang Guang without needing any involvement from the Li Family; they could simply watch from the sidelines.
Li Jian Cheng was somewhat astonished; he hadn't expected Yang Su's situation to have deteriorated to this extent. Gao Shan had managed to hold onto his position as Left Minister for eighteen years; Yang Su had barely been in power for two years.
The agreement to take action against Yang Su was no small matter. Once contact was made, it would be impossible to keep it a secret, and they would inevitably face strong retaliation from Yang Su.
"Father, are you perhaps feeling a bit tempted?"
"Yang Su is ruthless and harbors ill intentions towards you. Right now, we are holding back only because of the Crown Prince. But once the Crown Prince no longer favors you, our family will be in danger."
Li Jian Cheng replied, "But the Crown Prince still cannot part ways with Yang Su, and the Li Family cannot replace the Yang Family. After Yang Su falls, the Crown Prince will surely rely even more on Yuwen Shu, who does not harbor good intentions towards me either."
"Moreover, the Crown Prince will undoubtedly want us to protect Yang Su. If we stand by and do nothing, how can we expect to remain in his favor?"
Personal grudges are minor; the struggle for power is significant. If Yang Guang falls or if the Li Family is rejected by Yang Guang, the Li Family will immediately revert to its former state, or even worse.
"I understand the reasoning, but..."
Li Jian Cheng's expression turned strange as he asked, "Father, are you not thinking of becoming His Majesty's loyal minister and capable general?"
Li Yan's face flushed slightly. "Jian Cheng, although His Majesty has suppressed my position, he has still granted our Li Family honor with the title of Duke of Tang..."
"The title of Duke of Tang was earned through our ancestors' struggles. The Yang Family established their nation relying on the support of nobles like us from Wuchuan. His Majesty may wish to grant no titles to anyone but the Yang Family and the Royal Family, but can that truly work?"
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