Volume One: At the Foot of Mount Zhongnan Chapter Twenty-One: Li Yuan Has Raised His Banner

On the evening of the second day, the old Taoist indeed arrived as promised. Li Mingyu wasted no time and launched into a riveting retelling of "The Investiture of the Gods." Though he had never read the original novel, he had watched countless adaptations on television, favoring most the portrayal of Daji by Fu Yiwei. Her expressive, lively eyes brought the legendary fox spirit to life, vividly embodying Daji’s seductive, fierce, and ruthless nature.

The old Taoist listened with rapt attention, nodding occasionally and stroking his beard. At particularly thrilling moments, he half-closed his eyes and swayed his head, savoring the story as if lost in its depths.

That day, after finishing the tale, Li Mingyu returned home with Xiaohei. By then, darkness had fully settled. He found his master, Li Xuanba, sitting alone in the house, which was shrouded in pitch black—no lamp or candle lit. Li Mingyu entered and struck a flame, illuminating the room. His master’s face was somber, lost in thought, seemingly oblivious to Mingyu’s entrance and the light. Mingyu, curious, for rarely did he see his master so absorbed, asked, “Master, is something troubling you?”

Li Xuanba emerged from his reverie at the question. “You’re back. Are the children progressing well in their training lately? Though you’re responsible for their martial practice, you mustn’t neglect your own.”

Li Mingyu, accustomed to his master’s daily admonitions, replied, “Rest assured, Master. I practice diligently every day, never slackening for a moment.”

“Good, very good,” Li Xuanba responded absentmindedly, then resumed his silent pondering.

“Is something the matter, Master?” Mingyu pressed, noting his master’s unusual behavior.

Li Xuanba pondered briefly before answering, “I suppose there’s no harm in telling you. Today, your second uncle sent me a letter.”

Hearing that it was Li Shimin who had sent word, Mingyu assumed it concerned the matter of the horse his master had requested. Delightfully, he asked, “Has Second Uncle written back? Did he say he’s chosen a horse for me? When will it arrive?”

Li Xuanba shook his head. “I haven’t even mentioned that to your second uncle yet. His letter is about... Well, never mind. Here, read it for yourself.” With that, he drew a sealed envelope from his breast and handed it to Mingyu.

Mingyu broke the seal and read carefully. The gist of Li Shimin’s letter was that last year, their father Li Yuan had been appointed guardian of Jinyang and recruited tens of thousands of soldiers. First, he quelled rebellion within Shanxi, then repelled several invasions by the Turks. For his achievements, he was promoted to governor of Taiyuan, overseeing all military and administrative affairs in Shanxi. This May, he killed the deputy governors Wang Wei and Gao Junya, and rose in rebellion at Jinyang. Now, he was preparing to conquer Huoyi and face Song Laosheng in a decisive battle. He urged his third brother, Xuanba, to remain safely in the village, not to worry about them. With the world in chaos and the bow drawn, there was no turning back. Since they had chosen this path, even if death or defeat befell them, the future of the Li family would rest on Xuanba’s shoulders; he mustn’t seek vengeance or be reckless.

After finishing the letter, Li Mingyu understood. Li Yuan had officially raised the banner of rebellion—no wonder his master was unsettled tonight. In his memory, Li Yuan’s uprising swiftly toppled Chang’an, leading to a three-way division of the realm with Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande, and culminating in the decisive battle at Hulao Pass that unified the Central Plains.

Mingyu didn’t worry much. This was the moment when Li Shimin’s brilliance shone, waging campaigns east and west, north and south. The foundation of the Tang dynasty was largely won by his hand.

It was no surprise that Li Yuan wavered between Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng, hesitating to choose a successor. Jiancheng felt immense pressure from Shimin’s military exploits, far surpassing his own. Seeing his position as heir threatened, Jiancheng grew desperate, and their brotherly relationship deteriorated rapidly. Ultimately, after countless suppressions failed, Jiancheng plotted murder, only for Shimin to outmaneuver him and seize power in the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

“Are you worried about Second Uncle and his family?” Mingyu guessed.

Li Xuanba nodded. “War is dangerous; blades and spears know no mercy. Besides, well, these matters... ah! Victory and defeat are hard to predict.” He paused, unable to utter the sensitive word.

Mingyu understood. His master feared that Li Yuan’s rebellion was a gamble with lives. If successful, all would be well; if not, it meant total ruin for the family. Though estranged, blood ties could not be ignored. Mingyu thought for a moment and suggested, “If you cannot set your mind at ease, why not go see for yourself?”

Li Xuanba retorted, “You saw what your second uncle wrote—he urged me repeatedly not to get involved in this muddy affair.”

Mingyu laughed, “Master, you’re too involved to see clearly. Just because Second Uncle forbids it, must you obey? Go secretly, observe from afar. If disaster strikes, you’ll have a chance to save them.”

Li Xuanba realized the wisdom in his disciple’s words and slapped his thigh. “Good lad! I haven’t taught you in vain. You’re right! If Father and Eldest Brother are determined, let them face the consequences. But I’ve always been closest to Second Brother. If things go awry, how can I watch him perish? I must find a way to save Second Brother and Sister-in-law!” He stood, clearly intent on setting out immediately.

“Wait, Master! Better to leave at dawn tomorrow.” Mingyu knew his master’s anxiety was unnecessary. Who was Li Shimin? The Emperor of Heaven for the ages, rivaling Qin Shi Huang and Han Wu! How could he fail?

Yet he understood his master’s feelings. When Li Shimin last visited the village, Mingyu had seen how special the bond between the brothers was. Perhaps Xuanba still harbored resentment, or disapproved of Li Yuan’s actions. He cared little for the outcome of the rebellion, but worried deeply for his second brother.

Concern clouded Xuanba’s judgment. Mingyu’s words calmed him. “You’re right! I’m too impatient. I must inform Brother Zhou—can’t leave without a word.”

Mingyu wasn’t about to let this chance to forge a bond with Li Shimin slip away. He pleaded, “Master, take me and Xiaohei along! Let us see the world!”

“In these chaotic times, what use would you be? Stay home with Xiaohei, train diligently. You’ll have your chance to travel one day.” Xuanba’s refusal was resolute.

Seeing his master leave no room for argument, Mingyu relented. He knew full well that at barely five years old, he was too young to ride or draw a bow, and would be of no help.

The next day, Li Xuanba informed Zhou Jian, explaining he had urgent business to attend. He entrusted Zhou with leading the village’s able-bodied men in training, then instructed Mingyu, “I’ll be gone for a month or three at most—I will return. Stay safe in the village, cause no trouble. Practice your martial arts diligently, never slacken. When I return, I’ll inspect your progress. If you train well, I’ll teach you to ride and wield the spear.” With a wave, he strapped on his sword and strode out, determined and swift.