My wife, Wei Gui, was 1.9 meters tall and fought against the Tang dynasty for the throne.

"please."

A short while later, a man in his early thirties entered, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, with a thin face. Behind him were two servants carrying a box.

"I am Yang Wei, a cousin of the Duke of Chu," the visitor said, bowing with a gentle smile. "I apologize for my intrusion."

Li Ju returned the greeting: "Young Master Yang, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Yang Wei sat down and had his servant open the chest. Inside were two jars of wine, a stick of ink, several bolts of thick cotton, and a neatly folded winter coat. On top of it lay a sword, its scabbard made of ebony and inlaid with bronze ornaments, simple and solid.

"The Duke of Chu said that Li Lang is a young and capable official who has made great contributions to protecting the grain transport, and he greatly appreciates him." Yang Wei pointed to the sword, "I heard that Li Lang likes to practice swordsmanship, so I specially sought out this ancient sword, hoping that Li Lang will not refuse it."

Li Ju looked at the sword but did not touch it immediately.

"The Duke of Chu has bestowed such a generous gift upon me, which I find unworthy. Today in court, the Duke has already spoken out in my defense, and I have not yet paid my respects in gratitude. How dare I accept such a generous gift again?"

Yang Wei laughed and said, "The Duke of Chu said that there is no need for such formalities, Li Lang. The Duke cherishes talent and cannot bear to see capable people wronged. As for these items—they are just everyday items and not worth much. If Li Lang does not accept them, I will have a hard time explaining myself when I return."

Li Ju remained silent for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I will respectfully comply. I will certainly pay a visit to the Duke of Chu another day to express my gratitude in person."

Yang Wei did not leave.

He glanced at the newly placed huanghuali wood desk in the study, then at the Duan inkstone on it, and smiled, "Li Lang's study is indeed elegant."

Li Ju said, "It's just a humble room; please excuse my poor appearance, Young Master Yang."

Yang Wei sat down in the guest seat, took the tea served by the maid, took a sip, and put it down.

He waved his hand, signaling the maid to leave.

Only the two of them remained in the study.

"Young Master Li," Yang Wei said, his voice low but serious, "the Duke of Chu asked me to convey a message to Young Master Li."

Li Ju bowed slightly: "Please speak, Young Master Yang."

"From now on, Li Lang, you are free to handle matters related to canal transport and river embankments. If there are any inconveniences, you may directly report to the Duke of Chu."

Li Ju's heart skipped a beat.

These words are spoken lightly, yet they carry great weight.

The canal transport and river embankments were matters for the imperial court.

Yang Xuangan told him to "go ahead and do it," and added that he could come to him directly if there were any inconveniences—this was not just politeness, but a promise.

He promised that Yang Xuangan would help him if he encountered any obstacles.

"The Duke of Chu is so kind to me; what merit or ability do I possess?" Li Ju bowed.

Yang Wei smiled and said, "The Duke of Chu also said that in these chaotic times, the capable will prevail. Young Master Li has a bright future. If there is anything the Duke of Chu can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask."

Li Ju raised his eyes and looked at Yang Wei.

Yang Wei's gaze was calm, his smile gentle, but deep in his eyes there was a certainty.

The capable shall occupy the position.

This can be interpreted as encouragement, or as being unconventional and breaking with convention.

As for "where the Duke of Chu can be of use," he was even more outspoken: "If you want an official position, people, money, or grain, I can give you anything."

Li Ju knew perfectly well what was going on.

This is not ordinary appreciation; it's a form of courting.

Yang Xuangan was paving the way for himself.

He controlled the canal transport, granaries, docks, and fleets from Luoyang to Liyang, making him the most crucial person on this lifeline.

Winning him over is tantamount to winning over the river.

Moreover, he has the Wei family and the Li family of Longxi behind him—although the Li family doesn't treat him well, their reputation still stands.

Winning him over is equivalent to winning over ten high-ranking officials.

Li Ju stood up and bowed deeply to Yang Wei.

"I am deeply grateful for the Duke of Chu's kindness. I am but a lowly official, and I am humbled by the Duke's high regard for me. I will not refuse any task he may undertake in the future."

Having said that, they expressed both gratitude and a gesture.

As for what "dispatch" meant, he didn't ask, and Yang Wei didn't say either.

Yang Wei nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and patted Li Ju on the shoulder.

"Young Master Li is young and has a bright future. The Duke of Chu said that he is a good judge of character."

Li Ju cupped his hands in greeting: "I will certainly live up to the Duke's high expectations."

Yang Wei did not linger and took his leave. Li Ju saw him off at the alley entrance, watching his carriage disappear into the night.

Back in his study, he stood before his desk, gazing at the ancient sword in its ebony sheath, and remained silent for a long time.

Yang Xuangan is good to him, so he can accept it.

Yang Xuangan could help him fend off Li Zixiong, speak up for him in court, and do him favors—these were all things he needed.

But Yang Xuangan wanted to raise an army.

He can't follow him.

Once they've received the benefits, they'll never side with him when he raises an army.

Li Ju put the sword back on the shelf, blew out the lamp, and lay down.

Not long after Yang Wei left, in Yang Xuangan's residence, in his study.

Li Zixiong sat in the guest seat, his face displeased. The tea in front of him had gone cold, and he hadn't touched it.

Yang Xuangan sat in the main seat, slowly pouring tea, pouring himself a cup, and then refilling Li Zixiong's cup.

"Brother Zixiong, are you still upset about what happened in court today?"

Li Zixiong snorted coldly: "Duke of Chu, it's not that I'm unhappy that you're speaking up for Li Ju. I just don't understand what's so special about that illegitimate son that makes him so important to you?"

Yang Xuangan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said unhurriedly, "Whether he is worthy of my attention is another matter. Brother Zixiong, I only have one question for you—who will handle the grain transport next year when we conquer Liaodong?"

Li Zixiong was taken aback.

"From Luoyang to Zhuojun, a two-thousand-mile waterway, carrying a million shi of grain and fodder." Yang Xuangan put down his teacup. "Among all those in the Imperial Water Conservancy Bureau, besides Li Ju, who else could handle this task properly?"

Li Zixiong remained silent.

"The Water Envoy is old and all he does is sit in court. Zhao Wenyuan is your man; you know his abilities better than I do." Yang Xuangan looked at him. "If the grain doesn't arrive, what will the front lines eat? If the Emperor blames us, will you take the blame, or will I?"

Li Zixiong's expression changed slightly, and he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "What the Duke of Chu said is quite right. However—this boy is too close to the Wei family, and he also has a grudge against my son..."

"A rift?" Yang Xuangan smiled. "It's nothing more than a minor rift between family members and their children."

Li Zixiong gritted his teeth and said, "That girl from the Wei family refused the marriage proposal to my face, and Min'er lost all face—"

"Brother Zixiong," Yang Xuangan interrupted him, his voice not loud but his tone a bit serious, "There are plenty of women in the world, why must you choose the Wei family? If you trust me, I'll arrange a marriage for you."

Li Zixiong looked up at him.

"Zheng Jibo, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, has a daughter named Guanyin, who is fourteen years old. She is beautiful and virtuous, gentle and quiet, and can be considered a lady from a good family, suitable for marriage and family life." Yang Xuangan said slowly and deliberately, "She is a good match for your son, and is no less than the Wei family. What do you think, Brother Zixiong?"

Li Zixiong remained silent for a moment, then stood up and bowed deeply to Yang Xuangan.

"I am deeply grateful for the Duke of Chu's kindness."

Yang Xuangan helped him up and patted his arm: "Brother Zixiong, we've known each other for many years, there's no need for this. Let's let the matter of Li Ju go. We'll be working together in the future; what kind of order is this with all this infighting?"

Li Zixiong nodded: "Don't worry, Duke of Chu, I know what to do."

Yang Xuangan smiled slightly and picked up his teacup: "Have some tea."

Li Zixiong picked up the tea and drank it all in one gulp.

Back at the Li residence, Li Zixiong summoned Li Min to his study.

When Li Min entered, his face still carried a somewhat gloomy expression.

"Father."

"Sit down," Li Zixiong said, pointing to the chair opposite him.

Li Min sat down, looked at his father, and waited for him to continue.

Li Zixiong was silent for a moment before speaking, "Min'er, the matter of Li Ju ends here."

Li Min's expression changed: "Father—"

"Let me finish," Li Zixiong raised his hand to stop him. "Today, the Duke of Chu himself said that Li Ju is someone he wants to protect. Next year's campaign against Liaodong will require the grain transport to function without him. If we continue this argument, we will be going against the Duke of Chu."

Li Min clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

"And another thing," Li Zixiong softened his tone, "The Duke of Chu has arranged a marriage for you. Zheng Guanyin, the eldest daughter of Zheng Jibo, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, is only fourteen years old. She is beautiful and virtuous, and the two families are well-matched. She is no less than that girl from the Wei family."

Li Min kept his head down and didn't say anything.

"Min'er," Li Zixiong's voice deepened, "I know you're unwilling. But some things can't be changed by being unwilling. We can't disregard the Duke of Chu's face. As for that girl from the Wei family—forget about her."

Li Min remained silent for a long time.

"Your son understands." He stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your son takes his leave."

He left the study and stood on the veranda, where the night breeze carried the chill of early autumn.

He looked up at the moon in the sky.

Wei Gui.

He silently recited the name in his heart, and then recalled the scene he had seen under the corridor of the White Horse Temple—she lowered her eyes slightly, smiled, and whispered to the illegitimate son, "Thank you for your kind words, Young Master Li."

He closed his eyes.

Hate, still hate. Resentment, still resentment.

But what can we do?

Yang Xuangan spoke, and his father relented. If he continued to argue, he would be making enemies of both families.

He took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and turned back to his own courtyard.

The moon hung in the sky, cold and desolate.