#150: The Impending Farewell

Li Yuan said, “I’ve gathered a collection of treasures and maidens to accompany this memorial to the capital, securing the Emperor’s trust and buying us more time.”

While nodding, Li Shimin thought of their earlier conversation. “What about the conscription issue?”

Li Yuan pondered briefly and resumed writing. Li Shimin recited softly beside him: “The county lacks sufficient able-bodied men, falling short of Your Majesty’s expectations. This humble servant, Yuan, feels deeply ashamed. Upon inspecting the populace, I find mostly women and children. It is impossible to fulfill the remaining ten thousand. Thus, I pledge all male members of the Li family to join the campaign, aiding Your Majesty in subduing Goguryeo and securing a glorious legacy!”

“Father, you mean…” Under Li Shimin’s astonished gaze, Li Yuan explained, “The Emperor now trusts us somewhat. This memorial should convince him to pardon the remaining ten thousand men.” With that, he summoned the steward of Songtao Residence and ordered him to deliver the memorial to Luoyang via express courier.

After the steward left, Li Yuan turned to Manager Qi beside him. “Did you hear everything I wrote in that memorial?”

Manager Qi was startled but quickly understood. “Rest assured, Taishou. I won’t breathe a word of it.”

“On the contrary, I want you to spread the contents of this memorial far and wide. The more people who know, the better.” Li Yuan’s words puzzled Manager Qi. “Taishou, you mean…”

Li Shimin’s eyes flickered. “Don’t ask questions. Just follow Father’s instructions.” After Manager Qi departed, Li Shimin looked at Li Yuan. “Father, do you intend to use this memorial to win the hearts of Honghua Prefecture’s people?”

Li Yuan stroked his beard. “Go on.”

Li Shimin thought for a moment. “Currently, resentment runs high in Honghua Prefecture. The Emperor’s actions have lost the people’s support. Father seeks to capitalize on this opportunity to regain their loyalty. Over forty thousand conscripts are still in the prefecture. Ten days is ample time for them to hear of this. Once they march out with the army, they’ll surely tell others of Father’s benevolence. Word will spread, ensuring the people know of Father’s love for them. When the time comes for our uprising, we’ll gain widespread support, achieving twice the results with half the effort.”

“Precisely. Though the Sui dynasty wanes, a dead camel is still larger than a horse. We must leverage every resource at our disposal. Never grow complacent or underestimate our enemies, lest we meet Yang Xuangan’s fate.”

Li Shimin bowed. “I’ll remember your teachings, Father.”

Li Yuan nodded slightly. “Has Jiancheng sent any news?”

Li Shimin lowered his gaze. “Yesterday, I received a letter from Elder Brother. He’s safely reached Hedong and is proceeding as planned.”

“Good. Tell Jiancheng to temper his temper and seek talented individuals with potential for leadership.” After a few more words, Li Yuan dismissed Li Shimin.

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye. As Li Shimin had estimated, Honghua Prefecture conscripted thirty-nine thousand seven hundred men, one per household—still ten thousand short of the required fifty thousand.

This shortfall placed immense pressure on Li Yuan. No matter how much pressure came from above, he steadfastly refused to conscript more men. Meanwhile, the message Manager Qi had spread propagated rapidly, reaching every corner of Honghua Prefecture within days. The people praised Li Yuan endlessly, elevating his reputation to unprecedented heights.

With the conscription deadline looming, Duan Zhiming still hadn’t delivered any news. Yunyi grew increasingly anxious. Would Wu Laosan truly be unable to escape this fate? But… he was already over fifty. This journey would likely end in tragedy. She couldn’t bear to watch him walk to his death.

Since the imperial conscription began, once-bustling streets had grown desolate. Everyone wore expressions of sorrow, devoid of smiles—even in the Taishou’s mansion, muffled cries could be heard. Nearly everyone faced the pain of losing loved ones.

That morning, Yunyi returned home early. Upon entering, she saw Wu Laosan busily moving in and out of the house. Thinking she might never see him again after tomorrow, sorrow welled up within her. Fighting back tears, she approached him. “Father, what are you doing so early? Sit and rest.”

Wu Laosan smiled. “I’m not tired. I’ll rest after hanging these cured meats.” As he spoke, he skillfully hung the prepared meat under the eaves—dozens of pieces, including pork, venison, roe deer, and wild rabbit.

Yunyi fetched a basin of water for him to wash his hands, saying, “It’s warming up. Why are you making so much cured meat? Won’t it spoil?”

“It’s still cool, and the sun doesn’t reach here. It should be fine. Tomorrow’s the first day of the month. By the time you return on the fifteenth, it should be ready. Whenever you want to eat, just cut some.” Patting Yunyi’s hair, his voice choked with emotion. “After I’m gone, take good care of yourself. Don’t go hungry or cold. Understand? And if anything happens, go to Second Young Master. He promised to look after you. Trust him to keep his word!”

At these words, Yunyi’s tears, which she had held back for so long, began to fall. Wu Laosan patted her back. “Don’t cry, girl. I’ll be fine. I’ll return after the war. Everything will be alright.”

Yunyi clung tightly to Wu Laosan, sobbing. “I want Father to stay home with me—not be conscripted, not join the army, not go anywhere!”

“Silly girl, I want to stay with you too, but… I don’t have that fortune.” Wu Laosan wiped away his tears and forced a smile. “Enough of this. You haven’t eaten yet, right? Let me make some pancakes for you…” Before he could finish, Yunyi abruptly turned and walked out. Wu Laosan hurriedly grabbed her. “Where are you going, girl?”

Yunyi’s voice was hoarse. “I’m going to find Second Young Master. He promised to save you. He can’t break his word!”

“No!” Wu Laosan pleaded. “I believe Second Young Master has done everything he can. If you go now, you’ll only make things difficult for him. Let it be.”

Yunyi clenched her teeth tightly. She knew Li Shimin had tried his best, but she simply couldn’t stand by and watch Wu Laosan walk to his death.

Just then, someone entered through the open door. It was Qi Shi, the steward of Jingji Pavilion. “Second Young Master requests both of you to come to the county office immediately.”

Yunyi’s spirits lifted. “Has Second Young Master found the original household registry?”

Qi Shi lowered his gaze. “I’m not certain. Second Young Master simply requests you both follow me immediately.”