Chapter 1

The scorching sun shone high in the sky, marking the hottest season of the year.

In the distance, the Mang Mountains stretched out, burying countless kings and nobles. Similarly, a major battle was about to take place here. Duke of Chu, Yang Xuangan, was leading a large army of over a hundred thousand to rebel against the government.

In the main camp, Li Yu sat quietly on a stool, gazing at the distant scene. It had been three days since he arrived in this era. Four days ago, Li Zixiong’s youngest son, Li Yu, fell off his horse and fell into a coma for a day. His soul was then replaced by an African mercenary who came to this world.

Who was Li Zixiong? Li Yu didn’t know, but he did know who Yang Xuangan was. This man, who rebelled and was quickly crushed by Emperor Yang Guang, was undoubtedly a failure. In this era, the consequences of defeat were predictable. Li Zixiong, as a rebel, would certainly die, and his family would be implicated.

Li Yu never imagined that after his soul transmigration, he would become a noble, but he certainly didn’t expect to become the son of a rebel, with his life constantly under threat. Even being a commoner would be better than being the son of a rebel. At least, he could seek favor with Li Er in the future. Now, with Yang Xuangan’s inevitable defeat, if he didn’t think of a way out, his fate was predictable.

"Third Young Master, the Minister has returned." A deep voice came from behind. Li Yu knew it was Li Gu, the guard Li Zixiong had given him. Li Gu was a tall man, about two meters in height, with immense strength. But did he really need a guard now? Li Yu clenched his fist, feeling that he could kill a bull.

"Oh!" Li Yu stood up, thinking he should have a serious talk with Li Zixiong and leave this doomed battlefield.

Inside the tent, Li Zixiong was a tall and robust figure, sitting there like a mountain. As soon as Li Yu entered the tent, Li Zixiong stood up, patted Li Yu’s shoulder, and nodded.

"Third Son seems to have recovered." Li Zixiong’s eyes showed a hint of kindness. Fathers always doted on their youngest sons, and Li Zixiong was no exception. That’s why he always brought Li Yu with him during battles, which allowed Li Yu to escape a disaster. At this moment, the Li family in Chang'an had probably been completely wiped out.

"Father, I have something to say." Li Yu suppressed his discomfort.

Li Zixiong’s expression changed, and he quickly asked, "What do you want to say?" He pointed to a stool, sensing from Li Yu’s eyes that his youngest son was different.

"Father, Duke of Chu will surely fail in this battle. Why?" Li Yu said impatiently.

"Nonsense, how can Duke of Chu fail? We have over a hundred thousand troops. As long as we capture Luoyang and then enter Chang'an, the tyrant will surely be defeated." Li Zixiong was furious.

"Father, Duke of Chu is surrounded by wolves and tigers. Although we have over a hundred thousand troops, how many of them are elite?" Li Yu said disdainfully. "The court has already sent troops. They say we can capture Luoyang, but it is a well-fortified city with many troops and ample supplies. It cannot be taken quickly. Meanwhile, the court’s army is already close, giving Duke of Chu little time. When they attack from both sides, our army will surely be defeated."

Li Zixiong’s face darkened, and he paced back and forth. Finally, he said, "Wei Xuan, Fan Zigai, and the others are no match for Duke of Chu. Emperor Yang Guang is still in Goguryeo and can’t arrive quickly. Besides, we have insiders. Look at how many noble families in Guanzhong have joined us. We have the time, place, and people on our side. How can we fail? Third Son, you are young and inexperienced. You don’t understand the situation. Don’t speak rashly. Even if you are Duke of Chu’s son-in-law, he won’t spare you."

"Ah!" Li Yu’s face changed. He didn’t expect to have such a relationship with Yang Xuangan. He felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Not only did he have a father who was a rebel, but he also had a father-in-law who was the leader of the rebellion. The difficulty of this situation was too high, and Li Yu didn’t know what to do.

"Ruo Xi is a beauty. I had to work hard to get this opportunity. Weren’t you happy at first? Why are you regretting it now?" Li Zixiong asked.

"Ah! No." Li Yu quickly shook his head. He wanted to say that it was his predecessor’s doing, and he wished to immediately distance himself from Yang Xuangan and leave.

"Father, with the army gathered at Luoyang, what if we lose?" Li Yu quickly recovered and tried to persuade him. "Father, shouldn’t you reconsider?"

Li Zixiong looked deeply at his son and shook his head. "Third Son, if it were possible, I would still be the Minister of Civil Affairs in the court. Why would I come here? I am from Bohai, and the tyrant has long suspected me. This time, he summoned me to Goguryeo as an excuse to kill me. Anyone surnamed Li who the tyrant suspects will die. Didn’t the Grand Tutor’s family die this way? We are doomed to die either way. It’s better to rebel and perhaps find a way to survive. If we stand with the tyrant, we will still die. Do you understand?"

Li Yu didn’t know what to say. According to Li Zixiong, they would die no matter which side they chose. The only difference was whether they would die sooner or later.

"Things may not be as bleak as you think. We should believe that Duke of Chu will ultimately win." Li Zixiong looked at Li Yu’s pale face and tried to comfort him.

"Father, if that’s the case, why doesn’t Duke of Chu abandon Luoyang and immediately attack Guanzhong, enter Chang'an, and secure the Tong Pass? At least, it wouldn’t be like this now!" Li Yu said. He remembered that in history, a man named Li Mi had given Yang Xuangan three strategies, and the most feasible one was to attack Chang'an.

Li Zixiong hesitated for a moment, looked at Li Yu, and said, "Your suggestion is good. The military advisor also said this. However, Luoyang is right in front of us, and Duke of Chu probably won’t agree."

"Hmph, with enemies blocking the front and pursuers at the back, it’s already at this critical point, and he’s still thinking about Luoyang." Li Yu frowned. His current identity meant he couldn’t be a loyalist of the Sui Dynasty. After Yang Xuangan’s defeat, anyone would want his head as a reward. The only thing he could do was to help Yang Xuangan, but could Yang Xuangan win? It was almost impossible.

"You are right. I will report this to Duke of Chu." Li Zixiong looked at his son, nodded in satisfaction, and then added, "Spend more time with Miss Ruo Xi and avoid others. To prevent any trouble."

Li Yu was initially stunned but quickly nodded. Subconsciously, he felt that Li Zixiong’s words were hinting at something.

"Tomorrow, General Xuan Ting will launch a major attack on Wei Xuan. This is a good opportunity to earn merit." Li Zixiong looked at Li Yu, his brows showing a hint of expectation. In the past, he would never have let Li Yu go to the battlefield, even though he had learned some martial arts. Anything could happen on the battlefield. But now, he felt that his son was different. With Wei Xuan’s inevitable defeat, Li Yu’s participation in the battle could earn him some merit, which would be beneficial in the future.

"Son will join the battle and participate in the major attack tomorrow." Li Yu said solemnly.

Life is like this. Since the situation is dire, one must fight back, perhaps to carve out a future.

"Very well." Li Zixiong was even more satisfied.