Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 127

Chapter 127 Have All Kinds of Connections with
Late at night, in Li Ke’s tent.

Qin Mubai and Li Ke sat opposite each other and played chess. Li Ke looked exactly like Li Shimin as he raised his hand and feet. There was clearly something disturbing in his heart, but there was not a trace of joy or anger in his expression. He was calm and composed, his face as heavy as water, and even his eyes were as clear as water. It was as if he was simply throwing himself into a game of chess.

Qin Mubai often thought that Li Ke was not very old and was only in his early twenties. How could he be so mature and steady? Perhaps, it also had a lot to do with the environment in which he grew up.

I once remembered hearing a saying that if a girl wanted to become a woman, it would only take one night and she would definitely succeed. Boys, on the other hand, require thousands of hardships to become men.

Li Ke was a common son who grew up in the imperial palace, and he had experienced all kinds of disturbances and struggles since he was young. As a result, he was only in his early twenties, and he possessed mature qualities that his peers did not possess. If it weren’t for Qin Mubai having a thirty-year-old heart, it would probably be difficult for her to connect with his heartbeat.

“It’s late. Mubai, are you sleepy?” Li Ke lightly threw a finger and asked.

Qin Mubai looked at the chessboard and saw that he had already lost. After the chess game ended, his chess skills were never comparable to Li Ke’s. Moreover, Li Ke was always very focused on playing chess, never letting go of water or doing fake things, which was no different from doing other serious things.

“If Your Highness is sleepy, I’ll take my leave first.” Qin Mubai said.

“No. Talk to me, just don’t play chess anymore.” Li Ke stood up and stretched his limbs. “I never thought that there would be so many things on the trip to Jiangzhou. We still underestimated Father Emperor. Every move he made was very profound. Mubai, we are in great danger right now, do you know?”

“I know.” Qin Mubai said, “If Chen Yan really kills Zhang Tianci … then we will ruin the Emperor’s plan. A catastrophe is imminent.”

“That’s right! Perhaps Father Emperor will think that it was us who killed Zhang Tianci to shirk responsibility and avoid trouble, or the Crown Prince who killed him to protect himself. That’s also because we failed to do anything to ruin Father Emperor’s plan. Anyway, as long as Zhang Tianci dies now, we will be in trouble.” Li Ke said, “This rebellious servant’s life is more precious than anyone else’s.”

Qin Mubai was silent for a moment and said, “Your Highness, there’s something I’ve been hiding from you. Originally, I didn’t want to tell you, but now in order to relieve your pressure, I’ll tell you!”

“What is it?” Li Ke asked in surprise.

Qin Mubai smiled and told Li Ke about Hegan Chengji. There was nothing to hide now that the matter had reached this point. After all, Li Ke was the one who bore the greatest pressure, so telling him about this kind of thing would relieve his pressure and be beneficial to his camp.

Li Ke was stunned for a long time when he suddenly clapped his hands and praised, “Wonderful! The Crown Prince used a faint move, but it just happened to fulfill your wonderful move! Mubai, you’ve done this thing so beautifully, it’s simply a divine stroke! If it was me, I really wouldn’t know how to deal with this Hegan Chengji!”

‘”He must die. If he dies, the Crown Prince should wake up. The Emperor is planning to kill him. If he is unwilling to surrender, he should take the initiative to clarify to the Emperor that he has nothing to do with the case or kick Marquis Shengnan away from him as soon as possible.” Qin Mubai said, “In this way, His Highness’s pressure will be much less. The Emperor used His Highness and I as guns to investigate the Jiangzhou case against the Crown Prince, which made us feel quite pressured. Now that the Crown Prince has taken the initiative to come out and block the relationship between the Emperor and His Highness, it will be much easier for us.”

“That’s right, that’s exactly how it is!” Li Ke heaved a sigh of relief and laughed loudly as he clapped his hands. “You’re absolutely right, now I suddenly feel much more relaxed! In this way, it doesn’t matter whether Zhang Tianci lives or dies!”

“Not necessarily.” Qin Mubai said, “I always feel that Chen Yan has a problem. It’s not as simple as taking revenge for her husband. Since she has worked so hard to kill Zhang Tianci, she probably has ulterior motives. Has His Highness ever thought that if Zhang Tianci died at this time, who would benefit the most?”

“This” Li Ke slightly knitted his brows and his eyes suddenly lit up. “You mean there are other big fish behind Zhang Tianci besides the Crown Prince?”

“It’s hard to say.” Qin Mubai said, “Your Highness, think about it. Although the Crown Prince is an extremely tough backer, he is still far away from the capital. Furthermore, he usually doesn’t have much time to deal with a small Marquis of Shengnan. Although Zhang Tianci is his nurse’s younger brother, the two of them are also referred to as uncles.” However, this relationship had neither blood nor interests to protect it. The distance between the two was one foot apart, which meant that they were separated by tens of millions of kilometers. “That’s why I’ve always suspected that besides the Crown Prince, Zhang Tianci also has a backer to support him!”

“From what you said, I also feel that it makes sense.” Li Ke nodded and said, “A mere Marquis who has neither military forces nor real power can run rampant in Jiangzhou? Even Cheng Songnian, Ma Kun, and the others only became officials after joining him. I have to suspect that this person does have some methods.”

“Therefore, I have reason to suspect that Chen Yan is trying to kill people and silence them. Her purpose is to cover up the big fish behind Marquis Shengnan.” Qin Mubai frowned and said, “Perhaps the emperor really wants to deal with that person?”

“Oh?!” Li Ke cried out in surprise and was speechless. He fell into deep thought!

Qin Mubai’s heart brightened slightly. Looking at Li Ke’s expression, he most likely thought of some “important” person, and he already had a clue in his heart. What was worthy of Li Shimin’s tortuous treatment was definitely not an ordinary person, either a noble relative of the royal family or an important official of the country.

Although Jun Yaochen had no choice but to die, the Emperor needed a reasonable excuse to cover up the mouths of everyone. Moreover, seeing how secretive Li Shimin’s actions were, if he was really targeting a certain official, then he most likely only wanted to take this opportunity to teach him a lesson. He didn’t really have the intention to kill anyone.

“Mubai, it seems like the matter in Jiangzhou will get bigger and bigger …” Li Ke took a deep breath and slowly shook his head. “If I knew that, I would have been idle at home and done nothing.”

“Your Highness, it seems like you’ve come up with some clues.” Qin Mubai said, “Is there really another backer behind Marquis Shengnan?”

“It’s just a guess. I’m not sure.” Li Ke said softly, “If that person is really him … then I really don’t want to investigate this case any further.”

“Why?” Qin Mubai asked in surprise. The person who could make Li Ke have such thoughts was definitely extraordinary.

“Because … if it was really him, I would rather go to Father Emperor’s place to be scolded and punished than reveal him.” Li Ke said.

Qin Mubai was speechless for a long time. He never knew who Li Ke respected, who he had the best relationship with, or who was more important in his heart than himself.

“Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness … Can I know who you guessed this person to be?” Qin Mubai asked.

Li Ke raised his head to look at the dim yellow royal tent roof illuminated by the oil lamp and said leisurely, “Governor Bing Zhou, the Minister of Rites, Jiangxia Commandery Prince-my royal uncle, Li Daozong!”

“What?! How is that possible!” Qin Mubai was truly shocked!

Li Daozong, Li Shimin’s cousin, was one of the founding fathers of the Li Imperial Clan. He had made great contributions to Zhuo Su and was respected by the people of the world. Even Li Shimin was quite close to him, trusting and protecting him. A few years ago, in order to cut expenses, Li Shimin gathered political power into his own hands and greatly reduced the royal family’s royal lord, but instead, he added food to the Jiang Xia King, Li Daozong.

In the first year of Tang Ancestor Wu De, 19-year-old Li Daozong became Duke of Lueyang Prefecture, starting with Zuo Qianniu. In the second year of Wu De, Li Daozong, 20 years old, followed Li Shimin to resist Liu Wu Zhou. It was from that battle onwards that Li Daozong began to display his unparalleled military genius, becoming famous in one battle. He assisted Li Shimin, defeated Song Jingang and Liu Wuyong, recovered Hedong and stabilized Guanzhong, and personally persuaded Liu Wuzhou’s subordinate general Yuchi Jingde.

Afterwards, Li Daozong and Li Shimin exterminated Chi Wang Shichong, Dou Jiande, and other separatist forces. He came from the Guanlong Military Nobility Group. Since he was young, his bow horses were skilled, brave, and fearless. He often took the lead with Li Shimin and bathed in blood side by side. Apart from being related by blood, the two of them also had deep feelings for each other formed from the hot blood on the battlefield.

After five years of martial virtue, Tang Gaozu gave Li Daozong the position of marching commander of the Lingzhou Dao army, and finally began to guard half of the north side of the Great Tang. At this time, Liang shidu colluded with the Turks in Xia Zhou, letting his brother Liang Luoren and tens of thousands of Turkic soldiers surround Ling Zhou where Li Daozong was. Li Daozong was calm and composed. First, he stayed in the city, then he attacked and killed the Turkic soldiers. The Tang army expanded the results of the battle, and soon drove the Turkic soldiers out of the Five Plains and into the north!

That year, the young Li Dao Sect was crowned City King and became a famous young hero!

Since then, Li Daozong had been guarding the northern border of Spirit Protectorate all year round, and he had shone with brilliance in the war with the Turks. A few years ago, he and Li Jing calmed down Jieli Khan who was captured alive by the Northern Turks, and he shone brightly in the war in Tuyuhun, Xiding. He used the tactics of light cavalry raids to march more than 2,000 miles in the uninhabited bitter and cold land, and caught up to Tuyuhun Fuyun Khan in the Black Sea and broke through the crowd …

Everyone in the Great Tang Empire knew about Li Dao Sect’s outstanding achievements in battle. This year, Li Daozong had just been awarded the title of Duke of Jiangxia for meritorious service, the title of Governor of Jinzhou, the title of Minister of Rites, and the title of Food City. Amongst the royal relatives of the Li Clan, the prince that was most loved and loved by the people was the Li Dao Sect!

Amongst all the meritorious heroes of the founding fathers of the Tang Dynasty, the Li Dao Sect’s fame and status was unparalleled! If it was said that Changsun Wuji loved Li Shimin’s trust and respect the most because of his nepotism and the special role of the Black Warrior Sect during the change; In that case, Jiang Xia King, Li Daozong, had won the absolute trust of Li Shimin and the love and support of the subjects of the Great Tang by relying solely on his own strength!

…

If the great backer behind Marquis Shengnan was the Governor of Jinzhou, Li Daozong … No wonder Li Ke was so uncertain!

“I understand His Highness’ feelings.” Qin Mubai’s mood also became somewhat solemn. “If it’s really the King of Jiangxia, then I’m not willing to investigate this case any further. Then, I hope that Chen Yan can kill that bastard Zhang Tianci tonight. It’ll be over in one go.”

“Zhang Tianci, you still can’t die” Li Ke frowned deeply and said, “Jin Zhou is very close. The fact that the king of Jiangxia was conferred the title of Governor of Jin Zhou is that he controls all the troops in Taiyuan, the capital of the north. With his fame, seniority, and power, he could indeed speak for himself in this area. If Zhang Tianci died suddenly at this moment, it would be impossible to investigate any further. “But this will only make Father Emperor even more suspicious. It is not the best policy.”

“Your Highness is right.” Qin Mubai nodded. Li Ke’s words were obscure. Actually, what he meant was that Li Daozong came from the royal family and had the merit of following the dragon. In addition, Li Shimin, as a monarch, was certain that Li Shimin was afraid of him because of Zhan Xun’s outstanding merit, Gao Zhen, and his high popularity amongst the officials and the people. If the misunderstanding and suspicion between the two of them were deepened, it would definitely be a huge political calamity.

“My royal uncle is good at everything else. Apart from a flaw that makes one unable to laugh or cry, the others are simply perfect.” Li Ke suddenly said.

“What is it?”

“Greed for money.” Li Ke shook his head and said, “He is different from others in that he is greedy for money. Other people only want to enjoy it, buy a house, take a wife and concubine, or take in antiques, precious artifacts, precious knives, and horses. He doesn’t do anything either, purely likes money. In fact, his life has always been very simple, or even a bit stingy, but he saves all his money as much as he can without spending it.”

“That’s really a strange habit!” Qin Mubai couldn’t help but laugh. “Logically speaking, his fame and status earned him quite a lot of rewards and fiefs. In addition, he was well-paid. He was like some people who liked to collect calligraphy, painting and porcelain. He had become a hobby.”

“That’s right. He has such a strange habit.” Li Ke said, “Generation of famous generals, founding fathers have such a strange hobby, it is really ironic to say.” It was precisely because of this that I suddenly thought of him. First of all, the king of Jiangxia was able to say everything in the Jin-Bing area. Furthermore, Jin Zhou was so close to Jiang Zhou. Third, he loved money. Zhang Tianci and the others were greedy for money. Fourth, Zhang Tianci had the relationship of the Crown Prince. It was extremely convenient to make friends with royal relatives … Mubai, if Zhang Tianci’s backer was really the king of Jiangxia, then let’s forget about it. Zhang Tianci was taken down by thunderous means, and he was determined to be the ruler of corruption and massacre of officials. Coincidentally, Father Emperor has also given me the power to make arbitrary decisions when the time comes. It would be better to borrow my hand to kill him than to kill Zhang Tianci inexplicably. ”

After a moment of silence, Qin Mubai nodded, “Since Your Highness is so determined, I have nothing to say. However, these are just our speculations. How about we make a decision after we see Chen Yan’s implementation?”

“That’s good too!”

After a long time, the Hundred Cavalry Soldiers who had been sent out to do some work came back.

“Your Highness, General, Chen Yan has already arrived!”

“Where is he? Is he alive or dead?” Li Ke and Qin Mubai stood up together and asked at the same time.

“She’s alive! She’s in a ruined house in the woods three miles outside the military camp! This woman is fierce and tyrannical. She refuses to come with us. Out of helplessness, we used force to take her down.” The pawn replied.

“Good, great!” Qin Mubai turned to Li Ke and said, “Your Highness, please calm down. Seeing me go investigate Chen Yan, everything will naturally be clear!”

Li Ke’s expression was a little anxious, as if he wanted to go as well. After thinking for a while, he restrained himself and nodded, “Alright, I’ll leave it to you!”