Chapter 8

"Privately detain Zhu Jun for unforeseen needs?"

"Lier, if we really capture Zhu Jun, it would be a great achievement. Why should we hide it and detain him privately?"

"Once the Chancellor learns of this, it will be a serious matter, and it could bring disaster to the entire Li family!" Li Jue asked, puzzled.

Li Li shook his head and said, "No, Uncle, you are overthinking it. Everyone knows that Chancellor Dong has five major Commandants: Lu Bu, Niu Fu, Dong Yue, Xu Rong, and Hu Zhen, while you and Uncle Guo are only Commanders.

"However, although you two are Commanders, you wield power comparable to that of the Commandants, commanding large forces.

"Because of this, in the eyes of the world, you and Uncle Guo are the greatest accomplices in Chancellor Dong's dominance and the chaos in the world. If Chancellor Dong encounters any misfortune, others might find a way to survive, but no feudal lord would dare to shelter you and Uncle Guo, nor would they let our Li family off the hook!

"Therefore, preparing multiple escape routes and having more means to protect ourselves is absolutely necessary, to be prepared for any eventuality and to plan ahead!"

"Chancellor Dong will encounter misfortune? Lier, you must not say such things lightly; it is a capital offense to speak such taboo words!"

Li Jue's face turned pale, his breathing quickened, his eyes darted around, and he was filled with worry.

Li Li knew that some things should not be revealed until the right moment, as they would be of no practical use otherwise.

"Uncle, I am just saying that if Chancellor Dong were to encounter misfortune, it would be a hypothetical scenario. Don't take it too seriously. However, we should indeed prepare in advance, as there are many people in the world who want to harm Chancellor Dong.

"It's easy to avoid open attacks but hard to guard against hidden arrows. We must be wary of those who have designs on us. If Chancellor Dong makes a single mistake, the consequences would be unimaginable, and we would be in great danger!"

Li Jue was shocked by Li Li's words, stunned and speechless, sitting there silently, deep in thought.

After a while, he turned his head and looked at Li Li with a sharp gaze, as if trying to see through his heart.

"Lier, you have truly grown up, with clear thoughts and a long-term vision. I am not as capable as you!"

Li Li was taken aback by Li Jue's words, his face turning pale as he asked in surprise, "Why do you say that, Uncle? I was raised by you, closer than father and son. No matter what, I would never harm you!"

Indeed, Li Jue, who was usually very proud, had inexplicably admitted defeat and conceded that he was inferior to his nephew, which was highly unusual!

Therefore, even with his excellent mental fortitude, Li Li could not withstand Li Jue's abnormal behavior.

It was too sudden; his heart couldn't take it!

Seeing that his words had frightened Li Li, Li Jue couldn't help but laugh.

"Ha ha ha! Don't be afraid, Lier. I didn't mean anything by it. I just think what you said makes a lot of sense. Let's do as you suggested!"

"Does that mean you agree to let me join the campaign?" Li Li asked.

Li Jue looked at Li Li with a smile and nodded, "Yes! You can join the campaign, but you must stay by my side and not engage in battle without permission.

"Also... from today on, the Longxiang Camp will be under your full command. How you train and fight is up to you. From now on, I will no longer interfere with camp affairs, and you will be the commander of the Longxiang Camp!"

Li Li's expression changed dramatically, and he was momentarily stunned.

After a moment, he asked hesitantly, "Uncle, I am young and impetuous, inexperienced and rash. Are you really willing to entrust the Longxiang Camp to me?

"I know the Longxiang Camp was trained by you from scratch. In the Battle of Luoyang, the Longxiang Camp demonstrated its might before the feudal lords, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy. If you and Uncle Guo had not been ordered to suppress the Yellow Turbans in Hedong and could not command the Longxiang Camp personally, the results would have been even more glorious.

"Are you really willing to entrust it to me?"

Li Jue affirmed, "Yes, I am willing. Are you an outsider? From now on, the Longxiang Camp is yours! If you need men, money, or weapons, I will provide them. As long as it is within my power, I will help you.

"However... after completing the military orders given by the Chancellor, I will try to find you another position, away from Chang'an, to take charge independently. The only thing I can do to help you is to entrust the Longxiang Camp to you; for other matters, I can only do my best, and you will have to fight for your own future.

"Lier, can you handle this arrangement?"

Li Li closed his eyes and thought for a moment, then looked at Li Jue with confidence.

"Uncle, I have the confidence to take charge independently and will not let you down!"

Li Jue was very satisfied with Li Li's response, "Good, that's what I wanted to hear. A child grows up and must learn to survive on their own. I have taught you all the skills I can. In the future, you will have to strive for your own success. At most, I can secure a Commander position for you.

"Shi'er is still young, and your aunt treats him as her life, striving to maintain their status and power.

"Lier, do you understand what I am saying?"

Shi'er, also known as Li Shi, was born to a concubine but is Li Jue's only son, now eight years old. His mother, Lady Yang, has risen in status due to her son and is now Li Jue's official wife, the aunt of Li Li and his brother.

At this moment, Li Li seemed to understand Li Jue's well-intentioned efforts.

In his memory, Lady Yang had been extremely harsh to Li Li and his brother and their mother after giving birth to Li Shi, often making things difficult for their mother.

Because of this, Li Jue, out of helplessness, had to keep Li Li and his brother with him in the camp, living and fighting with the army for over five years.

Although Li Jue loved Li Li and his brother dearly, treating them like his own, he could not ignore his biological son, Li Shi.

Li Li's words had made Li Jue realize that his nephew was ambitious, wise, and far-sighted, and would not remain a mere commoner in the future.

To avoid future conflicts between the brothers and Lady Yang's exclusion, Li Jue decided to find another path for Li Li and provide as much help as he could.

However, his affection for Li Li and his brother was too deep, after five years of close companionship. So, he reluctantly entrusted the Longxiang Camp to Li Li, as a foundation for his nephew.

After sorting through his memories, Li Li did not feel resentful about Li Jue's decisive decision but was instead filled with gratitude.

Although he was not the original Li Li, he was deeply moved by Li Jue's meticulous care and would remember this familial bond forever.

"Uncle, I understand. These years, you have treated me and my brother like your own, with great love and care. I will remember this kindness and never forget it. You will always be a good uncle to me and my brother!"

"Good, that's what I wanted to hear."

Li Jue softly replied, tears welling up in his eyes, rolling down his cheeks.

Immediately, he lifted his head, trying to keep his eyes open to prevent the tears from falling, not wanting Li Li to see his tears.

"Lier, that's all. Go about your business and let me have some peace."

"Alright." Li Li's eyes were also moist. He softly responded and then turned to leave the tent.