Chapter 80

Last time, it was mentioned that Sun Simiao revealed to Li Yuan some unknown reasons behind the fall of the Sui Dynasty. Only then did Li Yuan realize that there were such intricate matters involved. He had always thought that the tyrannical rule of Emperor Yang was merely a puppet's game, and that Emperor Wen of Sui had actually died from taking elixirs.

After digesting this shocking information, Li Yuan earnestly pleaded with Sun Simiao for help: "This so-called elixir poisoning of mine is not from taking elixirs. I hope you can lend a hand and restore my health!" Li Yuan's voice was sincere.

"Of course, I believe His Majesty would not deceive me. However, this elixir poisoning is extremely insidious and cannot be cured in a short time. I will first prescribe a formula. Send someone to get the medicine, boil it down from three bowls of water to one, and then I will perform acupuncture to temporarily suppress it. His Majesty must not overwork himself and should make early plans!" As a doctor, Sun Simiao advised for Li Yuan's health.

"I had anticipated this! I have already made arrangements! In a few days, the results will be out. My three eldest sons are probably already plotting!" Li Yuan was quite open-minded, having held the throne for nearly ten years and wielding great power, but for the sake of his life, he was willing to let go.

Seeing Li Yuan's expression, Sun Simiao did not say more. After bowing to An, he left the Zhaohua Palace. He knew that this emperor would certainly have some plans, which were not something he, an outsider, could casually listen to.

On the other side, Li Kuan did not expect that Li Er would visit him. With Li Er's status, he personally came to this small inn in the Western Market, waiting for almost an hour, just for this person?

The person who entered was someone Li Kuan recognized, Chang He, a relative of the Crown Princess Chang. Li Kuan did not know how distant this relative was, but Chang He had not been promoted for several years and was still a city gate commander, though he had been transferred from the Mingde Gate to the Xuanwu Gate. However, he now looked much more prosperous, with a visible belly and double chins, all signs of a life of ease.

"Apologies for keeping the Prince of Qin waiting, it is truly my fault. However, the Crown Prince just summoned me, and as a low-ranking officer, I dared not refuse!" As soon as he entered, the general who had guarded the city gates for years began to complain, skillfully distancing himself and shifting the blame for neglecting Li Er onto the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng. It was clear that he had learned a lot about being an official in Chang'an over the years, and this tactic of shifting blame was very smooth.

"General Chang, there's no need for such formalities. Let's be straightforward. I have come here to seek your help. If you can lend a hand, I will surely reward you generously!" Li Er did not beat around the bush with someone like Chang He and got straight to the point.

"I don't know how I can be of assistance, but if it's within my capabilities, I will do my best!" Chang He did not make a full commitment, leaving room for maneuver. If what Li Er asked was too difficult, he could say he was incapable and could not help.

"It's not a difficult task. I just hope that on the day of the court assembly in a few days, you will give the guards at the Xuanwu Gate a day off!" Qin Qiong spoke on behalf of Li Er, fearing that Chang He would refuse. If Li Er had said it directly and Chang He had refused, it would have been a loss of face for the Prince of Qin. But if Qin Qiong said it, it was different.

"This... " Chang He was hesitant. The Xuanwu Gate was the northern gate of the palace. If the guards were absent, the charge of dereliction of duty could cost him his head. But if he refused, the two tiger generals by Li Er's side could easily deal with him. This dilemma made his forehead break out in a cold sweat; this was a matter of life and death.

"What, are you finding it difficult?" Cheng Yaojin asked fiercely, as if he would tear Chang He apart with a nod.

"This... If the Emperor were to punish me, I could not bear it. The Xuanwu Gate is crucial to the safety of the palace. There are so many concubines, princes, and princesses in the palace. If anything goes wrong, my entire family would pay with their lives!" Chang He was drenched in cold sweat, which ran down his face.

"Rest assured, someone will take over the guard duty at the Xuanwu Gate!" Qin Qiong reassured him.

This one sentence made Chang He realize Li Er's plan: to replace the city gate guards with the Ironclad Guards and settle everything at the Xuanwu Gate. The unaware Crown Prince and his followers would be no match. Chang He now understood that he was in too deep to back out.

"If General Chang still has any doubts, can you do this for his sake?" Li Er pressed the final point, pointing to Li Kuan, who had been sitting quietly on the side.

Chang He only then noticed Li Kuan, bowing and saying, "I didn't expect the Second Prince to be here, it is truly..."

"No problem, I am just accompanying my father! I didn't expect my father to place such importance on General Chang!" Li Kuan also bowed in return.

"This... Since the Prince of Qin values me, I cannot refuse!" Chang He had no choice. Li Er had used his trump card. Chang He owed Li Kuan's grandfather, Yin Kaishan, a life debt, which could never be repaid. Now was the time to repay it. If he refused, he would lose face.

"With your help, I am sure to succeed!" Li Er stood up and said to Chang He.

"Let me prepare a banquet. Although it will be a simple one, will the Prince of Qin honor me with his presence?" Chang He was already familiar with the rules of the official world. Having just pledged his allegiance to Li Er, he began to curry favor. The preparation was probably already done, and the so-called simple banquet would appear if Li Er could persuade him or if the benefits Li Er offered were tempting. If not, there would be no banquet, and he would simply serve tea and bid farewell.

"I have other matters to arrange and cannot spare the time. Perhaps Kuan can represent me and have a few drinks with General Chang?" Li Er was still a bit unhappy that Chang He had kept him waiting for almost an hour, even though he was broad-minded. So he made this excuse.

"I will gladly help my father!" Li Kuan stood up and respectfully said. This settled the matter, much to the surprise of both Li Er and Chang He.

Li Er was surprised that Li Kuan would speak up at this moment, not knowing that he was trying to test Chang He. Why did he agree so quickly?

Chang He was surprised that this young prince would speak up for him. He sensed that the Prince of Qin was a bit displeased with him and was anxious and regretful for making a show of importance and arriving late. He didn't expect this to be resolved by the young prince, who probably had something he wanted him to do. Chang He's guess was accurate. Li Kuan indeed had something to ask of him, though it was not yet certain. He had been living in the camp and had no time to run around. This time, he had come out thanks to his late grandfather's influence. The next time might be during the Xuanwu Gate Incident. He might be able to sneak out, but he wouldn't be able to meet with a city gate commander like Chang He so openly.

"Very well, Kuan, remember to return to the camp early and don't wander around. These are not normal times; Chang'an is on high alert!" Li Er gave Li Kuan a few instructions and then left with Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin.

Li Kuan and Chang He ate and drank in the small inn for over an hour before leaving. No one else knew what they discussed, but as they parted, Li Kuan solemnly reminded Chang He, "Don't forget!"

Returning to the camp, it was almost dusk. Sun Simiao had also returned from the palace. Li Kuan had been looking for this old doctor since the night before. Now that he had found him, he naturally paid a visit, and they had a long conversation. There seemed to be some disagreement, as a faint mist lingered where they talked, but they both laughed and parted ways, leaving the guards on duty puzzled.

Li Kuan finally returned to his tent and began to review the day's work. He had done quite a bit, at least arranging two key elements of his plan, but there was still one major obstacle. This was the most critical part of his plan, and he lacked the necessary item.

This item could be bought with money or exchanged with energy points and the system, but he had neither money nor energy points, leaving him in a quandary. Everything was ready, but the crucial wind from the east was nowhere to be found, which was frustrating.

Li Kuan paced back and forth in his tent, muttering, "Money, money, money, life is intertwined with it. A single coin can stump a hero. Money is not everything, but without it, nothing is possible." He recited these famous sayings but still couldn't think of a solution.

What he didn't know was that as he muttered these things, a figure outside the tent was listening, a smile on his face.

The night was dark and enveloping. Birds in the sky began to return to their nests, and stars appeared, twinkling in the beautiful night sky. Li Chenggan and Li Ke were already asleep, and Li Kuan was still sitting on the bed, troubled by money. He even considered becoming a thief, but a voice from outside the tent stopped him: "Kuan, I know you're not asleep. Come out!"

Li Er's voice pulled Li Kuan out of his dilemma. He stepped out of the tent, and Li Er was standing outside.

"Father! What is it, Father?" Li Kuan asked.

"I'm taking you somewhere!" Li Er was wearing a dark cloak, and the night wind blew his clothes and the beard on his chin.

"Where?" Li Kuan was puzzled.

"You'll see!" Li Er did not say more and led Li Kuan out of the camp. A carriage was waiting outside the gate, and beside it, Changsun was standing in the night wind, waiting for them.

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