Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 20 We are willing to travel with Your Highness
"Indeed, it was a sign from heaven. That's why when I saw Your Highness just now, I saw a golden light flash before my eyes and a flying dragon rose from Your Highness's body. That's why I couldn't help but call out to Your Highness."

Anyone can play tricks, and Wen He felt she couldn't let that old rascal Changsun Wuji steal the spotlight.

Changsun Wuji, who was interrupted by Wen He halfway through his sentence, stood there stunned in astonishment.

This brat can lie so easily.

"Flying dragon? What flying dragon?" Yuchi Gong nudged Cheng Zhijie with his elbow, puzzled.

The latter rolled his eyes at him speechlessly, then walked out with a smile.

"Yes, Flying Dragon, I saw Flying Dragon too. I was wondering why His Highness seemed different today. I think it's a sign of destiny bestowed upon him!"

He spoke casually, ignoring the strange looks from those around him.

Anyway, no one dared to refute him.

Li Shimin, sitting at the head of the table, sighed and rubbed his forehead. He then asked Changsun Wuji to come out and talk about destiny, hoping to boost morale.

But with Wen He and Cheng Zhijie making such a scene, the whole thing turned into a farce.

What dragon?

It's more accurate to say that it was the work of the ancestor Li Er.

"Ahem, is the matter of Venus true?" Yuwen Shiji asked Du Ruhui in a low voice.

The latter and Fang Xuanling arrived much earlier than them, so the King of Qin must have discussed this matter with them.

He felt it was a bit too risky.

The future is still uncertain, and even the Imperial Observatory dares not be certain. Why is Your Highness so reckless?

"Sima, rest assured, that boy named Wen He is indeed an extraordinary person. Xuanling and I have both confirmed this."

Du Ruhui nodded firmly.

Yuwen Shiji frowned slightly.

He might not trust Changsun Wuji, but he definitely trusted Du Ruhui.

As everyone knows, Du Keming's plans are almost always successful.

"Very well, let's believe it this time. But if anything changes, we'll arrest that boy and say he bewitched Your Highness. That way, we can pin the whole thing on him and let Your Highness extricate himself from the situation."

It was only because Wen He was unaware of Yuwen Shiji and Du Ruhui's secret plot that he didn't know what was going on. Otherwise, he would have given the old man a thorough dressing down, regardless of the current situation.

"Since fate has changed and destiny rests with the King of Qin, we must pave a bloody path for His Highness!"

Qin Qiong stepped forward, representing the military.

With Li Jing, Li Ji, and others absent, he holds the highest military rank and noble title among the military officers here.

He made his statement, and the others stepped forward to bow respectfully.

Military generals are the most crucial element; only with them can stability be ensured in Chang'an after Li Shimin becomes the crown prince.

The Crown Prince's guards also have considerable power; Xue Wanche alone is enough to instill fear in many.

"Your Highness!"

The civil officials, led by Yuwen Shiji, stood up to express their opinion.

Li Shimin, sitting at the head of the table, stood up slowly with a calm expression, leaning on the table for support.

"In the early days of the Tang Dynasty, the world was in turmoil. As the son of a sage, I should defend the land and protect the people. However, the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qi have treacherous intentions. I have no choice but to resist. Are you all willing to follow me?"

He raised the knife on the table and shouted.

Everyone in the main hall bowed in unison and said, "We are willing to travel with Your Highness!"

"Today, the fate of heaven will be decided. I hereby promise that from this day forward, I will share wealth and honor with you all!"

This was Li Shimin's promise.

Without this promise, who knows how many people will remain in the main hall.

Wen He stood in the far corner, scanning the expressions of those people.

He couldn't help but feel a little regretful. Without a cell phone or camera, if this scene could have been filmed and passed down to future generations, it would surely have been a great miracle in the field of archaeology.

"Put on your armor!"

He gave a soft shout, and from the side room, Empress Changsun emerged carrying a suit of armor.

When everyone saw him, even Changsun Wuji consciously lowered his head and looked at his shoes.

"Second Brother, you must return safely from this journey."

The husband goes to war, the wife dons armor, hoping for her husband's victorious return. Li Shimin gently grasped Empress Zhangsun's hand.

"I'll leave the household to you. I'll have Shubao stay behind to protect you. With all of you here, I'm sure I'll return victorious."

He did not tell Empress Zhangsun that he had left himself a way out.

This was because I was afraid she would worry.

However, after so many years of marriage, they understand each other's thoughts without needing to say much.

Empress Zhangsun personally helped him put on the armor, and the rest of the people left the main room one after another.

Wen He also went out with the crowd.

However, he was pulled away by Changsun Wuji as soon as he reached the door.

"His Highness has prepared armor for you, it's from when he was young, I'll have someone help you put it on."

"We need to wear armor too?"

Wen He was taken aback. Although he used to like the Mingguang armor of the Tang Dynasty, he had heard that this armor was very heavy.

If it were him before, there might not have been a problem, but he is only ten years old now.

This little body of hers gets exhausted just carrying a few kilograms of weight, I never imagined she'd have to wear armor.

"The battlefield is dangerous; just in case."

"Then you can't just leave me out. I can go see His Majesty once things have settled down."

Wen He sighed helplessly.

He knew why Li Shimin insisted on taking him to see Li Yuan.

This incident tonight has sealed the fate of the father and son, leading to a complete break.

But Li Shimin was not content; he wanted his father to know about his future achievements.

"Wait, His Highness wouldn't be going to..."

"Shut up! What nonsense are you spouting? His Highness is not Emperor Yang of Sui!"

Changsun Wuji grabbed his arm and glared at him intently.

Wen He nodded with a dry laugh.

"Is this little kid going too?" Seeing Wen He in armor, Yuchi Gong and Cheng Zhijie walked over curiously.

"Why not?" Wen He tilted her head back and gave a soft hum.

He hadn't forgotten that Yuchi Gong had just tried to attack him.

However, looking at Yuchi Gong like this, Wen He couldn't help but feel a little sorry.

Who would have thought that such a straightforward and bold general would one day hide at home, afraid of overshadowing his superiors, and eventually die from consuming an elixir of immortality?

He must have felt very stifled in his later years.

Wen He clicked her tongue twice, leaving Yuchi Gong completely bewildered.

What's with Wen Xiaolang's expression?

Why does it feel like he's pitying me?

"What do you mean by this?" Yuchi Gong, who was quick-tempered, couldn't help but ask, filled with doubt.

Wen He quickly composed herself and shook her head innocently, saying, "No, oh, I was just thinking that a lot of people are going to die tonight, and I felt sorry for them."

"I didn't expect you to be so kind-hearted. But I'm also wondering why His Highness would bring along such a little child like you." Yuchi Gong wasn't looking down on Wen He, but he knew that a bloody battle was inevitable.

Who will protect this little baby?

Judging by his height, he's not even as tall as a horse, so he's definitely never ridden a horse before.

Fighting a war while also taking care of children—who knows which unlucky soul will be next?

Yuchi Gong thought to himself with schadenfreude, glancing around at his surroundings.

Once he finds out who it is, he'll definitely give them a good laugh.

"Jingde, His Highness has ordered that Wen Xiaolang ride with you on the same horse."

"What?"

Upon hearing this, Wen He and Yuchi Gong, who had just put on their armor, were both dumbfounded.

(End of this chapter)