Li Yuan was in a dilemma. Looking at his men, he was a little depressed, and he was somewhat depressed.

This immortal weather caused him to suffer, and no one expected this result. But now he knew that the arrow was on the string and had to be fired, and he had no way back.

He claimed to have 30,000 elite soldiers, but many of them were temporarily recruited. He originally expected to continue recruiting new soldiers during the march, but now he could not advance and his morale was slightly disintegrated. If he wanted to withdraw to Taiyuan, he would be really defeated.

It is said that if you send troops again, your morale will decline, and it can be said that victory or defeat is unpredictable.

The only thing that made Li Yuan feel at ease was that although he did not occupy the time of the world, there were still people in the right place. Li Gui, Liu Wuzhou, and Xue Ju all had the intention of dominating Guanlong, which caused a cross-border attack on his Taiyuan. But in Li Yuan's view, these three people lacked the ambition to dominate the world and only wanted to protect themselves. There was no idea of ​​plotting for Guanzhong at the moment. As long as he could persist in taking Guanzhong and plotting for the world with the four barriers, there was great potential. Although Xiao Buyi, Li Mi was now arrogant, this struggle for the world was not a matter of one night. Besides, Zhou, Qin, Han, and Sui all rose from this place. Li Yuan followed his predecessors, and the world could not be considered as possible.

Li Yuan was over fifty years old and had been living a cowardly life. In the eyes of Yang Guang and the ministers, he was just a drunkard. But he had always been ambitious and thought about all the plans for too long. This time, he seemed to have to raise an army, but he had been brewing in Taiyuan for at least several years, but he had been planning in his mind for less than ten years.

"Now the morale is low, I don't know when the rain will stop. If I follow my ideas, it's better to return to Taiyuan and plan."

"Absolutely not. If the morale is low and turns back, it will probably be defeated. It is a pity that we have worked hard to build momentum for so long, but it will be lost all the time."

"But now we cannot advance or retreat. I don't know what are the wonderful strategies to build it?"

"Well... I'm still following the general's orders."

Li Yuan looked down and saw Pei Ji who said he would turn back to Taiyuan. He said that he could not turn back but his eldest son Li Jiancheng. Li Yuan nodded secretly. He thought that Jiancheng Shimin was all newborn calf, and now he needed their aura. Pei Ji was very serious and said that he wanted to turn back to Taiyuan was the opinion of most older people.

This time, Duan brought many elders. Of course, Li Yuan was unwilling to return without success, but he also knew that it would be difficult to convince them. Everyone's uprising was to unite. If there was a difference, it would be a sign of chaos.

Pei Ji looked at Li Yuan and said, "I don't know what the general has to tell you?"

Li Yuan coughed lightly. Just as hesitating, a soldier came in at the central army tent and shouted: "Report to the General, Taiyuan has an emergency military situation."

The ministers in the central army tent all looked disdained and thought to themselves that the fundamental place of Taiyuan was in trouble. If they were trapped, everyone could be considered dead and burial.

Li Yuan reached out to take the document, glanced at it, snorted coldly, and threw the document on the ground. It happened to roll down at Pei Ji's feet. Pei Ji picked it up and looked at it, and said in a lost voice: "It turns out that there is news that Liu Wuzhou wants to join forces with the Turks to attack Taiyuan!"

As soon as he said this, everyone in the tent was shocked and looked at each other. Tang Jian walked out and said, "General, we are in the fundamental land of Taiyuan. Besides, the family members of the rebels are all in Taiyuan. If they are trapped, we will die at both ends of the rat. We will not be able to bury the place. It is better to turn around for the time being. I don't know what the general wants?"

"No!" Although Li Jiancheng was a humble gentleman, he did not give in at all. He looked at the clerk and said, "The clerk is just a rumor. How can the rumor be taken seriously? Yuan Ji was really abrupt this time."

Li Shimin took the document and looked at it again, frowned and said, "Brother, it was Dou Dandi's letter, not as exaggerated as Pei Changshi said. Dou Dan was not too nervous. The letter was just asking for the general's opinions. It was probably Yuan Ji's big trouble."

It turned out that Li Yuan went south to plan for Guanzhong, but he was worried that he would not be able to lay down the foundation of Taiyuan. Of course, he would not hand over such a place to others, so he handed over Taiyuan to Li Yuanji to take charge. He took many concubines, but the only one who could really use his strength was the children born to him by Yuanmai Dou. But even so, Li Yuanji was a little young and could not bear the responsibility of guarding Taiyuan. So he ordered Dou Dan and Yuwen Xin to assist Li Yuanji, and the Li clan members, so he went south with peace of mind. Dou Dan married his daughter, which was also considered a close relative of his son-in-law. With some clan members, he could ensure that Taiyuan was worry-free.

So now the real decision-maker in Taiyuan is not Li Yuanji. Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin pushed the problem to Li Yuanji because they didn't want the ministers to take the problem too seriously.

Pei Ji shook his head, "According to military situations, Song Laosheng and Qu Tutong are all guarding the dangers, and it is not easy for us to conquer. Besides, although Li Mi has formed an alliance with us, he may attack us through Luoyang at any time. The Turks are greedy for profit and forget their righteousness, and they can't believe it. If they are occupied by Liu Wuzhou and the Turks, I am afraid that everyone really has nowhere to stay. It's better to go back to rescue Taiyuan for the time being and plan for justice. I don't know what the general wants."

After Pei Ji's words, the ministers were silent, but many people nodded. Tang Jian, Yin Kaishan, Wen Dayou and others followed suit, but Liu Hongji, Duan Zhixuan, Liu Zhenghui and others did not agree. Li Yuan frowned secretly and said softly: "Let this matter be released for the time being, and we will decide tomorrow."

"General, the rescue is like putting out a fire, and this matter cannot be waited for." Tang Jian said in a hurry.

"It's too late today, it's still raining heavily. It's not appropriate to march. I'll send troops to turn around tomorrow." After Li Yuan finished speaking, he left the central army tent with his sleeves. A group of old ministers looked at each other and followed closely behind, obviously to finalize the turn around.

Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng looked at each other and retreated to the corner and whispered.

The dark curtain fell, and heavy rain was pouring. The sky was like a hole, tilting the rain constantly.

Li Yuan's tent was clear and he was not asleep in the middle of the night. All the ministers tried their best to persuade Li Yuan to turn around. Li Yuan was unhappy, but these people were his righteous ministers, so they should not be blamed seriously, but it would be absolutely difficult to convince them.

Listening to Tang Jian analyze the matter again. The old ministers nodded, and Li Yuan could only say helplessly: "Okay, if it rains heavily tomorrow..."

Before he finished speaking, a soldier rushed in and reported, "General, Duke Dunhuang asked for a visit."

Duke Duke of Dunhuang was Li Shimin. All the old ministers looked at each other and looked at Li Yuan. Everyone knew what Li Shimin was doing!

When Li Yuan saw the faces of the ministers, he coughed and waved his hand, "I'm going to bed, I'm not seeing you."

All the old ministers were relieved. They were grateful for Li Yuan's understanding. The soldiers hurried out to inform Li Shimin. They turned back for a moment, and Li Yuan asked unhappily, "What's going on?"

The soldier said: "Dunhuang knelt on the mud and watery ground and cried bitterly, just to see the general."

Li Yuan said angrily: "No see!"

The soldiers could only go out again. A flash of lightning was shining outside the tent, and the outside of the tent was bright. The old ministers were thrilling. Then the dense rain knocked down and hit the tent ping-pong. The sound of the rain was mixed with wailing and crying. The old ministers looked at each other in desolation and sadness.

Li Yuan was unmoved and just said, "That is what Lord Tang means, are we..."

The soldier ran in again. "General, Dunhuang is already watered outside the tent, I am afraid that this will continue..." The soldier wanted to speak but stopped, and Tang Jian finally said: "General... There is such a heavy rain, Dunhuang is outside. I am afraid that it will damage the body."

"Don't pay attention to this disobedient son!" Li Yuan said angrily, "Master Tang, you said yours."

When he heard the crying outside, how could Tang Jian continue? Soon there was a noise outside, and another soldier rushed in and reported, "General, Duke Dunhuang has drawn his sword and said he would commit suicide!"

Li Yuan didn't say anything. All the ministers stood up suddenly and rushed out in a swarm. After a while, Li Shimin was brought in.

Li Shimin was fished out of the water, and tears were dripping from the rain. When he saw Li Yuan, he knelt down on the ground and cried bitterly, "The child is not filial." He was talking and wanted to lift a knife to wipe it out on his neck. Duan Zhixuan grabbed his wrist tightly, and the ministers also stopped him. Li Yuan said angrily, "What are you going to do?"

Li Shimin's tears and rain flowed down his cheeks, and said sadly: "The child is only sad for his father, sad for the rebels, and sad for the world. The child is experiencing his ambitions when he dies, just to make people understand that the child has no selfish intentions. If he can save the rebels with death, what's the harm in death?"

Everyone was moved and Tang Jian hurriedly asked, "How can Dunhuang Gong explain this?"

Li Shimin said angrily: "We were originally promoting righteousness, saving the people from water and fire, advancing Xijing, and commanding the world. But now we are just encountering a small thief, and we can't wait to return to defend that city. How can we call the world? Wouldn't we let the righteous men follow you be disappointed? Besides, what can we do to defend Taiyuan? What is the difference between what we do and what Liu Wuzhou does? It's not that the world is ridiculed and become a small thief? We raise our troops for great righteousness, and we will win if we advance, and we will lose if we retreat. If we retreat today, the people's hearts are lost and destruction is just around the corner. In this case, what will happen if we keep the Taiyuan city? What's more, Liu Wuzhou's attack on Taiyuan is just a rumor!"

The old ministers looked at each other. When Tang Jian saw Li Shimin trying to use the knife again, he hurriedly held it down and said, "Dunhuang Dunhuang, don't be anxious. We are all thinking about Mr. Tang, and we will make a decision slowly if we have something to do."

Li Yuan asked coldly, "Song Laosheng, Qu Tutong is almost in danger, what should we do if we can't move forward or retreat?"

Li Shimin said solemnly: "Qu Tutong was old and incompetent. He only knew how to guard Hedong and abandon Hukou and Longmen. Perhaps the Hedong city was high and difficult to get down, but we were raised with the flag of righteousness. As long as we broke through Huoyi, countless rebels would follow us. At that time, we divided our troops into two groups, besieged Hedong, crossed the Yellow River, and attacked the Weihe Plain. Why are we afraid of Qu Tutong? Song Laosheng was born in a humble and frivolous and impetuous person. As long as we lure him to fight, we can capture it in one battle. In my opinion, both of my father said were almost solved."

The ministers were moved, but Li Yuan sneered: "If Li Mi advances westward, how should we deal with it?"

Li Shimin said seriously: "Li Mi has a short-sighted vision and only cares about the Dongdu, let alone Luokou and Liyang Granary, and does not care about Xiangyuan's plan!"

Tang Jian nodded, "What Dunhuang Duke said makes sense."

"But what if Liu Wuzhou joined forces with Turkic troops to come south to attack Taiyuan?" Li Yuan asked again.

"First of all, the Turks and we are also intimate. Secondly, I heard that the Turks Shibi Khan had made a great vow that they would not go south in their lifetime. Since that's the case, even if some Turkish soldiers did not listen to Shibi Khan's orders to attack, what's the fear of us? More importantly, the Turks and Liu Wuzhou were also in harmony. He wanted to plot against Taiyuan, how could he not consider Mayi being eyed by the Turks? What's more, Taiyuan City is high and thick, and we also have a large army to guard it. As long as it is not stupid, it is absolutely not a problem to hold on for several months. If it really attacks, it's not too late for us to return. If it's just a rumor, let me wait for it to turn around. It's just a ridiculous laughter for the people of the world."

Li Yuan snorted coldly, "Boy Huangkou, I don't know that the sky is high and the earth is thick."

Pei Ji looked left and right, and finally said with a smile: "Actually, Shimin's words make a lot of sense. I think I should make a long-term plan for turning back to Taiyuan." Everyone just wanted to turn back to Taiyuan immediately, but they just forced Li Yuan. When they heard Li Shimin's analysis, they were sad and miserable, and they all hesitated.

Li Jiancheng didn't know when he got into the tent and said in a deep voice: "In my opinion, there is a compromise in this matter."

"What's the method?" everyone asked.

"The right time is wrong at this moment. Why don't we wait here for another half month to see what the changes are?" Li Jiancheng said cautiously.

When the ministers saw Li Shimin still holding a knife, they could only nod, "What Duke Long said makes sense." Li Yuan sighed softly, "Ah... since that's the case, I'll listen to your ideas and stay here for another half a month to observe the changes. It's too late. Let's go back and rest."

When the ministers retreated and only Li Yuan and his son were left, Li Shimin suddenly sneezes. Li Yuan hurriedly ordered his servants to prepare clean clothes and sighed: "Shimin, I feel wronged. You really didn't disappoint me."

Li Shimin rubbed his nose and smiled. "Dad. We are people who do big things, what is this grievance? But thanks to your analysis thoroughly. My brother teaches the land well, otherwise it will be really difficult to convince them."

Li Yuan reached out and patted Shimin on the shoulder and sighed: "Shimin, you said it well, and some words are indeed better for you."

"I think I, an ignorant boy, are all very analytical. Since I give them a way out, how can they be uninterested?" Li Shimin said with a smile.

Li Yuan sighed lightly: "In the real crisis, you are the only two of you who can trust your father. Fortunately, you did not disappoint me, otherwise this time, I would be the prisoner of others."

"By the way, my father, there is something to report to you." Li Jiancheng suddenly said, "Caiyu, with the help of Changsun Shunde, has moved most of the Dongdu family out. Sanniang, Siniang and others have rushed to Taiyuan, and I have sent someone to help."

Li Yuan sighed in a long sigh, "When will Caiyuchai Shao turn around?"

Li Jiancheng smiled and said, "I guess it's only within a few days, so daddy doesn't have to worry too much."

Li Yuan sighed and murmured: "That's good..."

Xiao Buyi was injured in Dongdu for several days and he had already healed. He seemed to be seriously injured, but when Shi Dana still barely got up, he was able to move freely.

When Qiuyan was teaching him the Yijin Jing, he mentioned a sentence that I said, "No one in the world is weaker than water, and no one can defeat the strong, and he cannot change it. Xiao Buyi also understood some principles of weak defeating the strong. Shi Danai had a strong skill and was seriously injured when he fought with Fu Pingju. He used Yijin Jing to change the muscles and blood. Although he was seriously injured at that time, Yi finally removed most of Fu Pingju's strength in time, so he was quick to recover from the situation. Thinking of Qiuyan, Xiao Buyi smiled bitterly, and thought that Fu Pingju's skill could be restrained by Qiuyan.

Moving his muscles and bones in the courtyard, the woman in black breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her from afar.

Xiao Buyi knew that he was injured for the past few days, the woman in black had been on guard against Fu Pingju's plot, so she was guarding day and night. She seemed indifferent, but she was still indifferent.

Although the woman in black did not say anything, Xiao Buyi was grateful in her heart and wanted to go up and say a few words. Huang Sheren hurriedly arrived and asked, "Brother Xiao, are you better?"

Xiao Buyi was seriously injured, and the court officials came to visit him no matter what their purpose was. However, they often put down their gifts and left after asking for peace. They did not dare to disturb Xiao Buyi's rest. Huang Pujiang was familiar with him, so of course he would have to come in these days.

Seeing Huang Pujiang's desire to speak but stop, Xiao Buyi smiled and said, "It's much better. Not only can you walk, but it's no problem to enter the palace."

Huang Pujiang said happily: "The King of Yue is quite concerned about Brother Xiao's body, so he asked Brother Yu to come and visit him. Do you have to rest for a few more days?"

His concern was self-evident. Xiao Buyi was moved, but he thought of something, "Is it that something big happened in the court?"

Huang Sheren smiled bitterly, but raised his thumb and said, "Brothers are so smart, they will hit it as soon as they guess. I said, brothers, don't tell others." Knowing that Xiao Buyi kept his mouth shut, Huang Sheren lowered his voice and said, "It was only then that news came, Pei Renji, the Huzhu, raised the city and surrendered to Wagang!"

Even though Xiao Buyi was calm, his face changed slightly, "What did you say? Pei Renji surrendered to Wagang, this..." He originally thought that it was possible. But then he thought that it was very likely. The barrier on the east side of the eastern capital was in the three major cities of Hulao, Yanshi and Jinyong. But Wagang conquered Xingyang, Hulao, and Yanshi early on, all of them were lonely. Relying on the high and thick walls to support this long time, but the reinforcements were not delayed, and Pei Renji could not see the hope, so how could he not surrender? But the news was a bit abrupt. It disrupted his original plan.

"The King of Yue summoned me into the palace for this matter?"

Huang Sheren nodded, but shook his head again, "Not all," actually, it was the Queen Mother Xiao Liu Liangdi who mentioned you this time. It happened that I was by my side. They were always worried about their injuries and they were not good. Then I recommended myself. Of course, it is best if you are well. As for whether to enter the palace, you still have to make your own decisions."

Xiao Buyi made a decision in a moment, "Okay, I will enter the palace with you."

Huang Sheren was overjoyed. Naturally, he felt quite proud. Before the two could leave the courtyard, the woman in black had already walked over, "Where are you going?"

She said indifferently, Xiao Buyi didn't care and said softly: "Enter the palace."

"I'll go with you." said the woman in black.

Xiao Buyi knew that the palace was not peaceful, at least Fu Pingju disappeared in the inner city, and he still didn't know whereabouts. Thinking of the man's elusive skills, Xiao Buyi also felt a little nervous. He nodded and said, "That... I'm working."

Huang Sheren did not stop him, and the three of them went straight into the imperial city. The guards of the city gate felt that the woman in black was very strange. However, when General Xiao came, they all saluted respectfully and did not dare to ask. Huang Sheren took the two to Chengxiang Hall this time.

Longguang Hall has always been the place where the Yue Dynasty was politically and living, but Chengxiang Hall is the place where the Queen Mother is located.
To be continued...