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Yang Su's words brought a slight sense of reassurance to Yang Guang, who promptly instructed Yang Su to assemble the troops, preparing to march out of Lingwu Pass the next day to confront the Turkic forces.
After Yang Su left, Yang Guang remained somewhat anxious. This was his first battle since ascending to the position of Crown Prince, and whether he could use this opportunity to solidify his status depended entirely on the outcome.
He was particularly concerned about the results from Han Wang Yang Liang's side. Although he had won the struggle for succession, Han Wang had not suffered any losses and remained a powerful ruler with a strong army and abundant resources.
Yang Guang turned his gaze toward He Ruobi. "Does the Duke of Song have any good strategies to offer me?"
He Ruobi was still contemplating Changsun Sheng's plan when he replied, "Your Highness, the Turks were defeated last year and are already demoralized. If Changsun Zongguan's plan goes smoothly, then there is nothing to worry about in this battle."
"And if it does not go smoothly?" Yang Guang had never been one to place his hopes solely on one person, especially since Changsun Sheng was not his confidant and thus not someone he could rely on too heavily.
After being released from prison, He Ruobi had actively pledged allegiance to Yang Guang. Given that he was already suspected by the Emperor, he had little choice left.
He Ruobi confidently stated, "Even if things do not go as planned, as long as Your Highness trusts The General and hands over military authority to me, I am absolutely confident that I can deliver a great victory for you."
Yang Guang was momentarily speechless. With Yang Su present, how could he possibly bypass such a significant contributor to his claim to succession and hand over military power to someone who had just defected? That would only alienate Yang Su from him.
Li Jian Cheng silently listened and felt that He Ruobi's imprisonment by the Emperor was not without reason. This man might indeed be capable in battle, but he certainly lacked integrity.
Seeing that Yang Guang did not respond, He Ruobi continued, "Forgive my bluntness, but Yang Su is a Fierce General, not a strategist; he merely intimidates troops with force. Han Qintiger is a warrior, not a commander—he is merely brave but lacks strategy. Shiwansui is a cavalry commander, not a general; he can only charge into battle. Only I can help establish your Great Undertaking!"
Yang Guang and Li Jian Cheng exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. They could only flatter him with a few words before letting him leave. As He Ruobi departed, he seemed somewhat disgruntled, clearly unhappy that the Crown Prince did not immediately grant him military authority.
Once He Ruobi was gone, Yang Guang said to Li Jian Cheng, "Back when we pacified Chen, he competed for credit with Han Qintiger and even caused a scene before Father Emperor. Later on, he was dismissed for his complaints. Even now, after several ups and downs, he still has not changed his temperament."
Li Jian Cheng replied, "It would be best to let Duke of Yue command the troops; otherwise, changing generals at such a critical moment could lead to discord among the ranks and jeopardize your important matters."
"Yes, you are right."
Yang Guang appreciated this quality in Li Jian Cheng; regardless of their private relationship, he always considered public affairs carefully and never let personal feelings interfere with official matters—a rare trait indeed.
After a brief conversation, Li Jian Cheng stepped out of the tent. Just as he was walking away, he was called back by He Ruobi, who said reluctantly, "I hear that His Highness trusts you quite a bit. You need to persuade him for me."
Li Jian Cheng cupped his hands and replied, "Jian Cheng is young and of low status; how could I have such ability? Duke, it would be better for you to consult with His Highness directly."
"I can see it too; Yang Su does not like you. He has no merit in commanding the army, so it’s as if he came here for nothing."
"But if I were in command, I would certainly record your contributions. After a great victory, I could let you lead a squad of elite cavalry to personally chase down and slay a few Turkic leaders, which would be quite impressive when we return to the capital."
In truth, Li Jian Cheng did not care who commanded the army. As long as he could protect the main commander, he would have a share in the achievements regardless of victory or defeat. Even if they lost, he could ensure Yang Guang's safe retreat.
According to He Ruobi's promise, it would indeed be more beneficial for him. However, he truly had no way to drive a wedge between Yang Guang and Yang Su. He had no idea where He Ruobi had heard such news that made him think Yang Guang would heed his words.
"Duke, you truly overestimate me."
He Ruobi replied with dissatisfaction, "Just go when I tell you to. If it doesn't work out, then come back and talk."
Li Jian Cheng frowned and turned to leave, but He Ruobi pressed a hand on his shoulder. "How bold of you! You dare to underestimate me!"
Li Jian Cheng swiftly shook off his hand and coldly said, "Old thief, I’ve heard that your father was ordered by Yuwen Hu to take his own life due to his complaints. Before he died, he even pierced his own tongue with a needle to teach you about the dangers of loose words. It seems that all his efforts were in vain."
He Ruobi's hair stood on end as he stepped closer to Li Jian Cheng. "How dare you mention my father, you little brat!"
Li Jian Cheng showed no fear and laughed. "Don't just mention your father; even your grandfather was merely a subordinate under my ancestor after surrendering. What’s there to be afraid of?"
He Ruobi's grandfather, He Ruotong, had been appointed as Right Guard General after surrendering and had served under Li Hu for some time.
He Ruobi was here seeking redemption for past mistakes; without an official position or any subordinates at his command, while Li Jian Cheng had brought over a hundred Guardians with him. At this moment, seven or eight of them had already noticed something was off and quietly surrounded them.
Yang Guang's personal guards also approached. He Ruobi could only suppress his anger and leave in frustration; it wouldn’t be appropriate to fight publicly with someone younger than him. Moreover, being nearly sixty years old himself, losing a fight would be an immense humiliation.
“Lord.”
“It’s nothing, you all can go back.”
Li Jian Cheng instructed the Guardians who had come to listen to his orders to return to their posts. He then sought out Yang Xuangan and informed him of He Ruobi's intentions to regain military power.
Yang Xuangan had already received the news, but he still expressed his gratitude and hinted that he would keep the situation under control, ensuring that He Ruobi would not have the opportunity to gain merit.
The higher one goes in the court, the more it becomes a matter of one carrot for one hole. He Ruobi had stumbled himself, and now he had to consider whether those behind him would agree with his plans. Yang Xuangan was also heading out to battle, and his motives were clear.
In the following days, He Ruobi was indeed suppressed by Yang Su, who left him no chance whatsoever. Any suggestions or attempts to divide the troops were publicly ridiculed and dismissed by Yang Su.
As a result, He Ruobi grew increasingly anxious, causing Yang Guang to regret having supported him at all. Li Jian Cheng had also played a part in this; he could not shake the alliance between Yang Guang and Yang Su, nor could he stop the discontented He Ruobi from trying to assert himself.
Together, Li Jian Cheng and Yang Su had a significant influence over Yang Guang. Moreover, He Ruobi was not someone who would easily ingratiate himself; he refused to back down. With plenty of capable warriors under Yang Guang’s command, they certainly did not need He Ruobi.
Meanwhile, Han Wang Yang Liang and Shiwansui had gathered their forces at Dajin Mountain, confronting the Turkic Army.
Shiwansui was a name that suggested an extraordinary individual. Coming from a military family, he wielded a strong bow and rode fierce horses. Armed and mounted, he was as brave and swift as a flying arrow. What made him even more remarkable was his proficiency in divination, which proved quite accurate.
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