Chapter 107: Deceiving Heaven and Crossing the Sea

After Imperial Physician Zhu finished writing the prescription, Wang Wei exchanged a few more words with Li Yuan before they finally left Songtao Pavilion. Li Shimin let out a deep sigh. Gao Junya noticed and asked, “Why does Second Master sigh?”

Li Shimin forced a smile. “It’s nothing—perhaps the room was too stuffy since the windows weren’t opened.” He quickly added, “Now that you’ve visited my father, why don’t you rest for a while in the guest quarters? That way, you’ll be refreshed for tonight’s dance and music performances.”

“Very well, thank you, Second Master,” Wang Wei replied. Accompanied by Li Shimin, they arrived at the eastern wing of the residence, which had been newly decorated in preparation for their arrival.

Once Li Shimin departed, Gao Junya turned to Wang Wei. “Brother Wang, it seems Li Yuan wasn’t lying. He truly is ill and unable to comply with the imperial summons to the capital.”

Wang Wei took a sip of tea and spoke slowly. “Today is only the first day—it’s too early to draw conclusions.”

Gao Junya frowned. “What do you mean? Do you still suspect that Li Yuan isn’t ill? But Imperial Physician Zhu…”

Wang Wei smiled faintly. “Imperial Physician Zhu wouldn’t deceive us, but who can guarantee that Li Yuan’s injuries were caused by the assassin? It’s possible he inflicted them on himself to avoid being summoned to the capital.”

Gao Junya pondered this. “You think… he deliberately injured himself to avoid going to the capital?”

“With Li Hun executed by the Emperor, Yang Xuangan and Li Mi rebelling, could Li Yuan possibly have no concerns?” Wang Wei brushed his robe and continued coolly, “Don’t be deceived by Li Yuan’s outward appearance of loyalty and patriotism. His mind is far more calculating than most. Perhaps he harbors ambitions similar to Li Mi’s. Since we’re here, we should investigate thoroughly. Only then can we report back to the Emperor.”

Gao Junya nodded thoughtfully. “If you ask me, since the Emperor already suspects Li Yuan, why not strip him of his post and directly escort him to Luoyang for trial? Why go through all this trouble?”

“Li Yuan is still the governor of Honghua Prefecture—a key figure in stabilizing the central region. The Emperor needs him for now, so he cannot be executed—at least not until there’s concrete evidence of rebellion. Before entering the city, we sent spies to investigate secretly. News should reach us soon.” As he spoke, Wang Wei tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest. “When we left Songtao Pavilion earlier, I noticed Li Shimin sighing. In my opinion, he must be hiding something from us.”

“I’ve heard that among Li Yuan’s five sons, aside from the two youngest, the remaining three are extraordinary. Especially the second son.”

“Li Shimin…” Wang Wei said coldly. “Though we’ve only just met him, he speaks and acts with such precision that even I can find no fault in him. He’s quite the character. Have our men keep a close eye on him.”

“I’ll make sure of it.” Meanwhile, Li Shimin had returned to Songtao Pavilion. Li Xuanba had already left, and Li Yuan was speaking with Lady Wan, while Ji Rong stood quietly by.

Seeing Li Shimin enter, Li Yuan asked, “Are they settled?”

“Yes. I’ve arranged for them to stay in the eastern wing. The servants attending to them are all trusted individuals who won’t say anything inappropriate. As for other matters, I’ve made all necessary preparations, ready to act at any moment.”

Li Yuan nodded. “That was a close call earlier. Fortunately, your second mother brought Ji Rong over in time. Otherwise, Imperial Physician Zhu would have discovered that my injuries had long healed.”

Lady Wan smiled gently. “All thanks to Second Master. If he hadn’t reminded me and used the Music Pavilion as an excuse, I wouldn’t have been able to bring Ji Rong here in time. And we’re fortunate to have someone skilled in medicine within our household.”

Ji Rong curtsied and humbly replied, “Second Mistress flatters me. I only know the basics. Thankfully, Imperial Physician Zhu didn’t examine too closely, allowing me to get away with it.”

Li Yuan retrieved a small glass sphere from under his armpit and remarked, “It’s hard to believe that such a tiny object could alter one’s pulse so convincingly that even an imperial physician couldn’t detect it.”

Ji Rong lowered her gaze. “Reporting to Lord Governor, the pulse flows from the armpit to the wrist. When an object is concealed under the armpit, the pulse naturally becomes disrupted, creating the illusion of weakness.”

Li Shimin studied her and asked, “If anyone questions you about today’s events, how will you respond?”

Ji Rong thought quickly and bowed her head. “To answer Second Master, I’ve been at Qingchun Garden all day and never left.”

“Good.” Li Shimin nodded approvingly. “If it’s confirmed that you’re unrelated to the assassin, you’ll be rewarded. You may leave.”

After Ji Rong withdrew, Lady Wan noticed the silence between Li Yuan and Li Shimin. Sensing the mood, she excused herself. “Lord Governor, please continue your conversation with Second Master. I’ll check on things in the kitchen.”

Once Lady Wan left, Li Shimin spoke gravely. “Father, it’s clear the Emperor has deep suspicions about you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent Imperial Physician Zhu without giving us any prior warning, leaving us scrambling.”

“If he didn’t harbor such suspicions, he wouldn’t be emperor,” Li Yuan replied with a bitter smile. “Let’s hope our performance can deceive Wang Wei and his companion.”

“Gao Junya appears stern, but he’s not particularly cunning. However, Wang Wei is deeply calculating.” Nodding at Li Shimin’s words, Li Yuan added, “I’ve dealt with Wang Wei a few times in the capital. He’s the epitome of a smiling dagger—many have been stabbed by him without realizing it. He’s no ordinary man. Be careful in dealing with him.”

“I understand.” After Li Shimin acknowledged this, Li Yuan asked curiously, “By the way, where’s Jiancheng? I haven’t seen him around.”

Li Shimin deflected the question lightly. “Eldest Brother has found a miraculous remedy for treating bone ailments—the ancestral medicine from Ji Rong’s family. Doctor Xu believes it can cure his leg ailment. A few days ago, Eldest Brother allowed Doctor Xu to re-break the affected area and reset it.”

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan was both surprised and delighted. “Jiancheng’s leg ailment… can it really be cured?”

Li Shimin smiled. “Would I deceive you, Father? While I can’t guarantee complete success, there’s a seventy to eighty percent chance. We’ll know in about half a month.”

“Good! Good!” Li Yuan was visibly moved. Jiancheng’s leg ailment had been a thorn in his side ever since his own carelessness led to it years ago. Despite consulting countless physicians, he had always returned disappointed. Now that there was hope for Jiancheng’s recovery, how could he not be elated?

Regaining his composure, Li Yuan declared, “No matter the cost, we must cure Jiancheng’s leg ailment.”

“I understand.” Bowing slightly, Li Shimin excused himself. “Father, please rest well. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go ahead.” Pausing, Li Yuan added cautiously, “Wang Wei will likely send men to watch you. Be careful not to give them any openings. Also, keep an eye on Xuanba.”

“I understand.” Leaving Songtao Pavilion, Li Shimin did not return to Jingji Pavilion but instead headed to Lanyue Tower, where a banquet would be held that evening to entertain Wang Wei and his group.