Li Jing did not frighten Li Jue.
If he and Yuchi Jingde were really to choose, there's a high probability they would choose Li Jue.
As for the reason... it's simply that Li Shimin got old.
The battle against Goguryeo was essentially Li Shimin's last glorious moment.
Li Jing knew about this, Yuchi Jingde knew about it, and many people in the court also knew about it.
Only Li Shimin himself was unaware of this, and still believed that he could conquer battlefields and make contributions to the Tang Dynasty.
However, since Li Shimin returned from Goguryeo, his health has aged at a visible rate. His governance has been riddled with blunders, from building palaces to selecting concubines, and recently he's become obsessed with Yuchi Jingde's elixirs…
Li Jing didn't like elixirs; he knew all too well how they were made. Yuchi Jingde had been taking them for so many years without incident because he had a strong constitution and his body was resilient.
However, now His Majesty has also started eating this, which is not the way to longevity!
However, he couldn't say such things, nor could he give Li Jue any hints or suggestions.
Li Jing affectionately patted Li Jue's head, and looking at Li Jue's face full of vigor, sharpness, and heroism, he couldn't help but feel envious.
"It's so good to be young!"
“When your grandfather and I were your age, we never accomplished anything like this!”
"When you go back this time, you will most likely be named the crown prince. You should be mentally prepared."
Upon hearing this, Li Jue showed no surprise, simply nodding indifferently.
"Uh-huh!"
Li Jing was very satisfied with the result, but he was still worried and gave some more detailed instructions.
"When you go back this time, don't talk back to your grandfather. Whether he wants to build a palace or seek immortality and refine elixirs, don't stop him..."
Li Jue frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Why?
"I can't just stand by and watch my grandfather do something wrong!"
Upon hearing this, Li Jing shook his head bitterly, then said with a determined expression.
"listen to me!"
"You must do as I say!"
“Your grandfather is old, and people tend to become confused when they get old. If you really go against his ideas, you will easily anger him. Any decision made when a person is angry is unwise, and once a decision is made, it is too late to regret it.”
"Therefore, in order to prevent a tragedy from happening, I hope you can keep your mouth shut and not say anything that will make your grandfather angry!"
"this……"
Li Jue sighed upon hearing this.
“Master Li, I know you mean well, but I’m afraid I can’t do it…”
"you……"
Li Jing was very angry when he heard this, but after a while he laughed and patted Li Jue on the shoulder encouragingly.
"Good boy!"
"It was not in vain that I placed all my hopes on you!"
"Since you can't hold back, then just don't. Say what you need to say and do what you need to do. If anything goes wrong, I'll take the blame for you!"
"master……"
"But I'm afraid even your master can't hold you up for many more years..."
Li Jing had spent half his life cultivating Taoism and had long anticipated his impending death, knowing that his days were numbered.
His biggest worry right now is Li Jue. If he can't see him ascend to that position with his own eyes, he won't be able to die in peace.
"well!"
Let's take it one step at a time!
"Let's go back first, your grandfather has been waiting to see you for a long time..."
Shuozhou City.
Li Shimin recaptured Shuozhou City without breaking a sweat. The first order he issued after taking Shuozhou City was to charge into the city and kill the Hu people!
Regardless of age or gender!
Actually, there weren't many left. The Hu merchants who had done wrong had all run away long ago, leaving only a few unlucky souls who hadn't heard the news.
Li Shimin ordered the repair of the city walls, city gates, and the city lord's mansion that had been burned down. He also imprisoned all of Li Zhi's officials, intending to bring them back to Chang'an for public execution.
After finishing all these tasks, Li Shimin spent the rest of his time waiting for someone, a successor he had long desired.
Li Shimin stood atop the city wall every day, like a stone waiting for his husband, hoping for the return of Li Jing's army and his grandson.
Finally, after half a month, he saw the familiar figure.
Li Shimin excitedly walked down the city wall, ignoring the advice of those around him, and rode out on his warhorse.
Li Jue had already spotted Li Shimin. Seeing Li Shimin galloping towards him, he glanced at Li Jing beside him. Seeing Li Jing nod encouragingly at him, he spurred his horse and charged forward.
Two warhorses charged toward each other, slowing down simultaneously as they approached, and then came to a stop.
Li Shimin sat on his horse, looking at his grandson who was so close to him, and smiled with satisfaction.
"You've gotten darker, thinner, and look much more energetic!"
Not to be outdone, Li Jue replied with the same phrasing.
"I've gotten old, fat, and gained a lot of weight!"
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin pinched the fat on his waist and then laughed heartily.
"I have indeed gained weight, but I disagree with your assessment that I am old. If you're so capable, let's have a race!"
"good!"
Li Shimin immediately spurred his horse and charged out, with Li Jue close behind. The two galloped across the grasslands outside Shuozhou City, soon disappearing into the twilight, withered grass.
Seeing this, Li Jing had no choice but to send out cavalry to give chase, fearing that the grandfather and grandson would get lost.
In fact, the two hadn't gone far. Li Shimin spotted a small hill ahead and immediately spurred his horse up it. Li Jue followed closely behind, also rushing up the hill shortly after him.
Li Shimin stood atop the hill, gazing at Shuozhou not far away, and the distant, faintly visible green mountains and thousands of troops.
"Grandson, come back to the capital with me!"
"Back to Beijing?"
"Can you make me the crown prince?"
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