Chapter 99

Luoshixun and his companions arrived safely at Xuantu City.

Qi Hua led Luoshixun to find his friend outside the city.

Before they could catch up and introduce themselves, Luoshixun hurriedly asked, "Where is my Chibi?"

It had been nearly a month since they last met, and during this time, Luoshixun had been riding small Northeastern horses, which were neither fast nor powerful, far inferior to his original Hequ warhorse, let alone a fine steed like Chibi.

After riding Chibi, riding any other horse made Luoshixun realize what it was like to ride a subpar horse.

Qi Hua's friend was a plump man named Lao Liuliu, a veteran in the smuggling business with considerable wealth. He had taken good care of Qi Hua in the past. Seeing Luoshixun's eagerness, he chuckled and pointed to the backyard.

Luoshixun strode to the stable. In the large stable, only Chibi stood, his head drooping as he dozed. Hearing the footsteps, he lifted his eyelids, glanced at Luoshixun, and then lazily snorted, closing his eyes again.

Luoshixun smiled, not minding. Horses are very intelligent creatures; they treat those who are good to them well. Although Luoshixun was Chibi's owner, he had only carefully tended to him for two days. To Chibi, Luoshixun was like a stranger, so it was natural for him to be indifferent.

He grabbed a handful of hay and placed it in front of Chibi.

Chibi glanced at Luoshixun again and began to eat voraciously.

Lao Liuliu walked over and said, "What a fine horse! On the first day he came here, he kicked and injured the other horses in the stable. He's very wild, and only a horse like this can match a general like you."

Luoshixun laughed heartily, "You flatter me. You've taken such good care of Chibi, I, Luoshixun, will remember your kindness."

Lao Liuliu laughed, "If anyone else said this, as a merchant, I would maximize the benefit. But since you said it, General, it's fine. You've already taught Luo Yi a lesson and avenged me, so I don't dare to ask for more." It turned out that Lao Liuliu was originally from Youzhou and had become wealthy through smuggling. He was one of the richest men in the region.

Qi Hua was initially one of Lao Liuliu's subordinates. When Luo Yi rebelled against the Sui in Youzhou and urgently needed military funds, he treated Lao Liuliu harshly, even attempting to exterminate his family and seize his wealth.

With Qi Hua's help, Lao Liuliu escaped, but his son was killed by Luo Yi.

Lao Liuliu settled in Goguryeo's territory and, remembering his son's death, sent people to gather information about Luo Yi, seeking an opportunity for revenge. As Luo Yi became more powerful and influential, aligning himself with the Li Tang, Lao Liuliu's men were no match for him, so he had to bide his time.

He firmly believed that with Luo Yi's troublemaking nature, he would eventually fall from grace.

Before that day arrived, he heard that Luoshixun had taught Luo Yi a lesson, which helped him vent his anger, so he was very enthusiastic towards Luoshixun.

Upon learning the reason, Luoshixun nodded in understanding but didn't say much. In his heart, he thought Lao Liuliu was overreacting.

Luo Yi is a minor figure; it's not necessary for him to take action.

Due to Princess Pingyang's urgent condition, Luoshixun didn't stay long at Lao Liuliu's place. He led Chibi and his companions and continued south.

Leaving Liaodong, they switched to Northern horses to speed up their journey. To save time, they didn't detour around Gao Kaidao's territory but crossed it directly. Along the way, they saw desolate fields and starving people. The North was already poor, and Gao Kaidao's poor governance, coupled with his alliance with the Tujue and Xi tribes for plunder, made life even harder for the locals. The road was lined with the dead and the suffering was extreme.

"How hateful! I wish I could stab Gao Kaidao to death with one sword," said Pei Qingyi, her侠女 (female knight) nature evident, her face filled with indignation.

Sun Simiao also sighed deeply, feeling great sorrow for the people.

Luoshixun shook his head. Although there were poor areas in the 21st century, they were nowhere near as dire as the current situation. He understood that solving the problem wasn't as simple as killing one person. He said, "Killing one Gao Kaidao will only lead to another Wang Kaidao or Zhang Kaidao. It's meaningless. The only way to truly solve the problem is to completely eliminate this force."

The group continued without stopping, passing through Yuyang and reaching the territory of Beiping.

Local officials, hearing the news, sent troops to welcome them. Upon learning that Princess Pingyang had been moved to Beiping for better medical treatment, the three didn't rest and headed straight for Beiping.

Upon entering Beiping, the first person they encountered was Li Shimin, the Qin King of Tang, dressed in a loose warrior's robe, sitting majestically on his horse.

"Your Highness, Qin King!"

The three quickly dismounted and bowed.

Li Shimin also dismounted at the same time and approached, saying to Sun Simiao first, "Doctor Sun, I have been waiting for you. I entrust my sister to your capable hands." He helped Sun Simiao up and bowed deeply, instructing his guards to take Sun Simiao to treat Princess Pingyang.

Pei Qingyi looked around, hesitated, and then decided to follow behind Sun Simiao.

"General Luoshixun, you have worked hard on this journey! Only you have the courage to take on such a heavy responsibility," Li Shimin said, lavishing praise on Luoshixun after sending off Sun Simiao.

Luoshixun replied, "Princess has been kind to me. I couldn't stand by and do nothing."

Li Shimin nodded, not surprised by the answer. Luoshixun had fought alongside him in many battles, and he understood his sense of righteousness and clear distinction between right and wrong. He always remembered those who had been kind to him, and his kindness to the Pei Renji family was well-known.

"However, General Luoshixun, you truly live up to your name. Wherever you go, you make a grand impact. Capturing Guonei City, killing Yizhi Wende, forcing Gao Huizhen to release Zuo Tiancheng and Doctor Sun Simiao, and causing political instability in Goguryeo. In detail, these are great achievements!" Li Shimin had long recognized Luoshixun's bravery and intelligence. However, because Luoshixun had already gained the favor of his father, Li Yuan, and been appointed as a military commander, Li Shimin couldn't recruit him to the Tiancefu like Qin Qiong or Cheng Yaojin. Now, Luoshixun had transformed and matured, his bravery and strategic vision far surpassing what they were before. He had become a well-rounded talent, comparable to Li Shiji, and Li Shimin paid close attention to his every move.

He had specifically requested to come to Beiping, not only out of concern for his closest sister but also because of Luoshixun.

Luoshixun's recent performance had been brilliant, making him a highly sought-after new star in the military. If Li Jiancheng were to recruit him first, it would be a disaster.

Others who had gone to Goguryeo with Luoshixun were also thinking about how to save Sun Simiao and were particularly concerned about his situation. They had heard about Luoshixun's deal to exchange Guonei City for Sun Simiao and, unable to contact him, most had decided to return first.

Naturally, Luoshixun's actions in Goguryeo were relayed to Li Shimin through them.

Li Shimin could only marvel at Luoshixun's achievements.