Tang Dynasty Swordsman.

Kang Qian instructed his servants: "Tell the innkeeper that if the Uyghurs want to cry, let them cry. Even if they cut their faces, it doesn't matter. Our Tang Dynasty values ​​loyalty, filial piety, and etiquette the most. So how can we not be humane and forcibly stop them from mourning the death of their elders? As for disturbing the other customers, explain the situation to each of them and apologize. At worst, we can just halve the cost of the wine."

The servant obeyed and left. Kang Qian then turned back to Li Ji, smiling apologetically: "The time is bad today, I have spoiled your enjoyment, Erlang. I am guilty—come, Erlang, have another cup of wine as my apology."

Li Ji laughed and said, "This is not your fault, sir. Why apologize? You handled it very well. Even if the Uyghurs were a friendly nation, there would be no reason for the Tibetans not to mourn if the Tibetan king died."

He paused for a moment, then asked, "Sir, are you familiar with the customs of the Uyghurs?"

Kang Qian nodded and said, "My family also has a caravan that frequently travels to the Uyghur region. Only by being familiar with the local customs can we trade smoothly. Erlang, are you asking about the custom of 'shaving the face'? This is..."

Li Ji smiled and waved his hand, politely interrupting Kang Qian: "The custom of 'scarving the face' is recorded in historical books. The Xiongnu and Turks both did this, so I know that. But I've heard that in the old customs of the Xiongnu and Turks, when a leader died and passed the throne to his son, the new leader would have an affair with his stepmother. Is it the same for the Uyghurs?"

According to the old customs of nomadic peoples, after a father's death, the son not only inherits his property but also his wives. Besides his own mother, the father's wife becomes the son's wife, and the father's concubine becomes the son's concubine. This practice is called "zheng" in Chinese, and is considered a grave violation of etiquette, worse than that of animals—hence the related terms such as "zhengyin" (蒸淫), "zhengbao" (蒸报), and "zhengluan" (蒸乱), all of which are derogatory.

This kind of behavior cannot be completely eradicated even in China. Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, even had an affair with his stepmother, marrying Wu Zetian, a concubine of his father, Li Shimin, who later became Empress Wu Zetian. This is why some people criticize the Li family for "not shedding their barbarian ways." But actually, this has nothing to do with barbarian customs. Even if the Longxi Li clan had once been influenced by barbarians, after the founding of the dynasty, they embraced Confucianism and Taoism, and their old habits were long gone. This was purely a lapse in judgment on Li Zhi's part.

However, this custom is very prevalent among nomadic peoples of the grasslands, mainly for the purpose of continuing their lineage. People don't care about Zhou rituals or seniority.

For example, Wang Zhaojun was married off to Huhanye Chanyu of the Xiongnu. She stayed with him for three years and gave birth to a son, Yituzhiya. When Huhanye died, his eldest son, Fuzhulei Chanyu, succeeded him. Wang Zhaojun wrote a letter requesting to return home, but Emperor Cheng of Han ordered her to "follow the customs of the Xiongnu." So she had no choice but to remarry Fuzhulei Chanyu as his queen (Chanyu's principal wife). They stayed together for eleven years, and she gave birth to two more daughters.

Therefore, Li Ji pondered that after the death of the valiant Khan, the throne would most likely fall to his youngest son, the current Crown Prince Yidi Jian. Should Princess Ningguo then remarry Yidi Jian, thus beginning her fourth marriage? He asked Kang Qian this question. Kang Qian replied:

"While the customs of the Uyghurs largely followed those of the Turks, there were also significant differences. The ancient Xiongnu were entirely different. The Uyghur tribes were numerous, and many had the custom of having concubines marry their stepmothers. However, as for the daughters of the Khan, the Yaoluoge clan, it was customary to have them buried alive with the Khan. After the Khan's death, wives and concubines with children were buried with him, while those without children were all buried alive with him."

Upon hearing this, Li Ji's expression changed drastically, and he jumped up in a flash.

He thought to himself, "Six months ago, when I visited the Uyghur capital, Princess Ningguo showed no signs of pregnancy. The old Khan had fallen from his horse and was probably too weak to sleep with women then. So, it's highly likely that Princess Ningguo was childless. According to Uyghur custom, does that mean she had to be buried alive with the mighty Khan?"

Kang Qian hadn't thought of this question before, but when he saw Li Ji suddenly raise his eyebrows, widen his eyes, and jump up with an expression that seemed to be both shocked and angry, this old and shrewd Hu man immediately realized what was going on—"Princess Ningguo!"

He then hesitated for a moment before saying, "After all, she is a princess whom the sage has always cherished. Surely the Uyghurs wouldn't order her to be buried alive with him..."

Li Ji thought to himself, "Bao Ai my ass! If he really cared, he wouldn't have married her off to the Uyghurs. That bastard Li Heng is outwardly kind but inwardly cold-hearted. He's willing to imprison his father and kill his son; would he really be reluctant to part with a daughter?"

He didn't respond to Kang Qian's words, but just remained silent in thought.

Kang Qian, of course, was unaware that Li Ji and Princess Ningguo had met several times, and even thought he understood Li Ji's concerns. After all, the Hu family had lived in the Central Plains for generations and had held official positions in the Tang Dynasty; regardless of how others viewed him, he considered himself a pure Tang citizen. From the perspective of an ordinary Tang citizen, his princess, regardless of the reasons or customs, should not be allowed to be humiliated by foreign tribes, let alone ordered to die.

This death of a Tang princess has brought shame upon the entire Tang people!

Especially since Li Erlang had fiercely defended against the barbarian bandits in Longyou, he must have been loyal to the emperor and loved the Tang Dynasty. Although Kang Qian didn't understand what "nationalism" was, he instinctively felt that Li Erlang's nationalist sentiments must be stronger than those of ordinary people. So how could he not be shocked and furious when he heard that Princess Ningguo might be forced to commit suicide for the Uyghur Khan?

Old Hu's conjecture, though not entirely accurate, is not far off—Li Ji himself did not identify with the feudal dynasty and had no reverence for imperial power. His talk of loyalty to the emperor and love for the Tang Dynasty was pure nonsense. However, he would naturally follow the common thinking of Tang people at that time, regarding the Li Tang imperial family as the representative of the state power. Therefore, if Chinese emperors are to be killed, it should be done by our own revolutionary masses; if they are to be humiliated, it should be done by our own revolutionary masses. When did it become the turn of foreign tribes? This is truly a great disgrace!

Although the Li Tang royal family had long been spitting in people's faces, wasn't it a disgrace when Li Heng allowed the Uyghur troops to plunder the two capitals? It was a disgrace to the country, a disgrace to the people, and a disgrace to your Li family! Li Ji had cursed Li Heng's cowardly character of refusing to listen to insults countless times in his heart.

Therefore, if Li Heng himself were humiliated or even killed by foreign tribes, Li Ji, while deeply feeling the national shame, might even feel a slight sense of schadenfreude. But that would only extend to Li Heng, and at most, the old and still alive Emperor Li Longji, who was now practically a prisoner. Li Ji would never tolerate foreign tribes bullying other members of the royal family, such as Li Yu, Li Tan, and Li Shi, and naturally, Princess Ningguo as well.

He had met Princess Ningguo, in particular. As the saying goes, "He saw the cow but not the sheep"—the person I knew was still so pitiful, her fate was not in her own hands, and she was used as a political tool. I was quite depressed when she was married off to the Uyghurs, so how could I bear to see her die a violent death in a foreign land?

Moreover, deep down, Li Ji possessed a self-proclaimed strongman's conviction that he had a duty to protect the weak. He believed that true men, whether wielding swords and spears or commanding armies, should fight to the death on the battlefield. Even if they died in battle, they would have no regrets, though they might feel sorrow, but certainly not shame—for example, if Zhang Xun or Nan Ba ​​had died in Suiyang, Li Ji wouldn't consider it a national disgrace, but rather a source of national glory. However, if the elderly, women, and children perished, it would be the fault of the men and soldiers for failing to protect them, and that would truly be a shameful thing!

If the Uyghur headquarters were just next door, even in Suiyang, Li Ji would most likely have jumped out of the tavern, mounted his warhorse, and rushed a thousand miles to rescue Princess Ningguo. The problem is, they are thousands of miles apart, which would take several days even by train—and by the time the news reaches Chang'an, who knows how much time will have passed—unless I can conjure a magic door, I definitely won't make it in time. Perhaps by now, Princess Ningguo will already be dead…

So he was furious for a long time, but in the end he could only sigh and sit down again: "I hope the Uyghurs will consider my Tang Dynasty and not do such a terrible thing..." Then he gritted his teeth: "Otherwise, if I become a general in the future, I will definitely crush the Uyghurs, dismember the Khan, and burn his tent!"

Kang Qian hurriedly waved his hand: "Second Brother, be careful what you say, be careful what you say." After all, the Uyghurs are still vassals of friendly nations. The Uyghur Khan is equivalent to a prince, and there are quite a few Uyghurs next door. Could you please lower your voice?

Although Li Ji remained seated, having learned of this matter, he lost his appetite for eating and drinking. Kang Qian knew he could not persuade them to stay, so he respectfully saw the two off from the tavern. Before parting, he took a brocade box inlaid with pearls and tortoiseshell from a servant and presented it to Li Ji with both hands: "This is a humble gift, nothing more than a token of my respect. I hope you will not refuse it, Second Brother."

Li Ji had other things on his mind, so he casually took the box and handed it to Qingluan. They hadn't gone far when Qingluan suddenly ordered the carriage to stop. Li Ji dismounted and asked what was wrong. Qingluan slightly lifted the carriage curtain, revealing the brocade box to him—"Such a generous gift, sir, you shouldn't accept it. You'd better return it quickly..."

Li Ji glanced inside and saw that the box was filled with glittering treasures, all of them gold and pearl jewelry. Although he didn't know much about the market for women's jewelry, he estimated that it was several times more expensive than the lavish feast he had just attended.

By this time, Qingluan had a general understanding of why the Kang father and son had hosted a banquet for Li Ji. She felt that since her son Li had saved the Kang master's life, it was only natural for the Kang father to invite him for a meal, and it was also normal to give him some gifts afterwards. But weren't these gifts a little too expensive?

The saying goes, "When a gift is given, there must be an ulterior motive." So many pieces of jewelry and ornaments are definitely not just a simple way to express gratitude for someone's help! Young man, please do not take this lightly. If you receive such a great favor for nothing, you may never be able to repay it in the future.

Li Ji smiled and said, "It's alright, you can put it away."

Qingluan insisted, and Li Ji finally leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Do you think that Old Kang giving me such a generous gift was his own wish? I even suspect that what happened at Miaosheng Temple today was not a coincidence..."

Li Ji knew that he was not particularly noticeable in appearance. So how could Kang Lian have been so coincidentally the only one among so many men in the front courtyard of Miaosheng Temple, heading straight for him and grabbing his clothes, crying and begging for help? And that "Yuan Bawang" seemed to be furious and wanted to beat Kang Lian to death with a few punches and kicks. Was he really relying on the power of the "Chashi Hall" and not taking human life seriously?

Li Ji had inquired about the "Investigating Office," and while it was notorious for its inquisitive nature, including probing the private lives of officials and commoners and framing innocent people for theft, it hadn't yet been known for killing anyone on the spot—even secret agents are divided into intelligence teams and action teams, and currently the "Investigating Office" only had an intelligence function. Furthermore, Li Ji wasn't sure if there were any casinos nearby, but theoretically, how desperate would Kang Lian have to be to flee from a casino to a nunnery? Why didn't he just run home?

He vaguely felt that this was a pre-arranged play, intended to allow Kang Qian to legitimately approach and befriend him. As for using his own youngest son as bait, and "Yuan Bawang" cursing the Hu people again, perhaps it was to test his intentions beforehand—if he, Li Er, also disliked or even hated the Hu people, and refused to help when he saw that the one being beaten was a Hu, then there was no need to continue this play.

However, did Kang Qian himself want to get to know me? It doesn't seem likely...

Ultimately, he was not a person of high rank or great power. Perhaps he occupied an important position, which could be used by certain people, but such people would certainly not include a wealthy merchant from the West Market. In particular, Old Kang at least held the title of "Trial Minister of Ceremonies," which meant he had an official position. So, his attitude towards "Yuan Bawang" and himself was far too humble.

If he always acted like this, it would be like a child carrying a fortune in the bustling city. His family's wealth would have been devoured long ago, leaving not even a trace!

Someone must have instructed Lao Kang to offer him drinks and gifts, hoping to curry favor with him.

Kang Qian claimed that he now had no backing and his family business was in grave danger. While the latter statement might have some truth to it, the former was a complete lie. Even if the people of Chang'an disliked the Hu people, many court officials wouldn't act so emotionally. So, if Kang Qian was able to curry favor with Yang Guozhong in the past, wouldn't he now be unable to find even a single backer? If he truly had no one to rely on, not only would his family business have long been lost, but he would also have no intention of befriending me.

Li Ji was quite perceptive and clear-headed. However, his initial plan was to probe Kang Qian's background during the banquet, but after hearing about the death of the Martial Khan, he became worried about Princess Ningguo and lost interest in wasting his brain cells.

Why would the powerful figure behind Kang Qian want to befriend him or curry favor with him? It certainly wasn't because I, Li Erlang, am handsome, nor was it because he admired my fighting skills—individual martial prowess, in the grand scheme of things, is undoubtedly of very limited use. It was likely for three reasons: First, I am on good terms with Li Shi; at least I saved his mother. Therefore, currying favor with me is tantamount to currying favor with Li Shi, or even Li Yu.

Isn't that why Li Fuguo intends to "bury the hatchet" with me?

Secondly, I held a position in the Imperial Guard and wielded considerable power.

To be honest, at least until today, Wang Jiahe, Dou Wenchang, and Huo Xianming are merely figureheads. Their control over the Yingwu Army is far less than Yu Chaoen's control over the Shence Army. Of the two thousand Yingwu soldiers, half are actually in Li Ji's hands, and the other half in Ma Sui's. Furthermore, Li Ji also wields considerable influence over the lower-ranking officers of the Shence Army.

Third, Li Ji had Li Bi standing behind him.

Although Li Bi has been retired for a long time, his legend lives on in the martial world, even though he no longer participates in its affairs… Didn't he spend even longer in seclusion before? Once he emerges, he wears a purple robe; who knows if such a sight won't be seen again tomorrow?

Therefore, Li Ji readily accepted Kang Qian's gift to signal to the person behind him that continued contact was possible, so that he could gradually expose the other party after calming down. Anyway, he'd accept the sugar coating and retaliate with the bullets; what was the harm?

So he smiled at Qingluan and said, "I know what I'm doing, so just accept the things—hurry home, I still need to deliver a message to someone."

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Chapter Twelve, Slim Chances of Victory

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Upon returning home, Li Ji hurriedly took out paper and pen, wrote a line of words, handed it to the doorman, and instructed him to "pass it on to the Prince of Fengjie."

The message was simple: "The valiant Khan is dead. What should you do about your aunt? You must bring her back as soon as possible." Li Ji knew that everyone around him except Qingluan was Li Shi's man, especially this old gatekeeper. Since he was able to bring Li Shi into his house without anyone noticing, surely he had a way to send a message to the little guy?

However, after sitting in his study all night, Li Shi did not come to visit... Li Ji was annoyed but had no idea what to do, so he could only continue to wait the next night.

It wasn't until the evening of the third day after hearing the news of the valiant Khan's death, shortly after the drums of the quiet street had sounded, that Li Shi finally came to visit. Upon entering, he first asked, "Are you so concerned about your aunt's safety? Even if she is widowed, your aunt will never marry you, Li Changwei."

Li Ji immediately glared at him: "What are you saying, Your Highness? Your own aunt, you're not worried, but others are anxious and you're spreading rumors?!"

Li Shi quickly waved his hand: "Don't get angry, it was just a joke."

To say that Li Ji had no feelings for Princess Ningguo would not be entirely true. As the saying goes, "He who knows beauty admires the young," and the princess was indeed quite beautiful; any man would be tempted by her. But being tempted is one thing, but to actually develop feelings for her... Li Ji wasn't that promiscuous.

Besides, that was simply impossible. Leaving aside the vast difference in their social status—one was in heaven, the other in the mud—they both shared the surname Li, and according to the customs of that era, marriage between people with the same surname was absolutely forbidden. Many things, if one knew from the beginning that there was no hope, would not have been wasted on them, lest one become trapped in a quagmire.

Li Ji simply felt that Princess Ningguo was truly pitiful, and since she was someone he knew well and had a good impression of, how could he stand by and watch her die?

He immediately said to Li Shi, "If my Tang princess were to follow the Uyghurs' bad customs and be forced to be buried alive with them, would that be an honor for my Tang? If such a grudge is left between the Tang and the Uyghurs, how can they possibly maintain harmony in the future? The barbarian invaders are currently encroaching on the western border. If the Uyghurs were to also become our enemies, it would be a great calamity for the country and its people!"

Li Shi raised his hand and pressed it down slightly, signaling Li Ji to calm down. He then leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Yesterday, the Crown Prince faced north and wept at Xin'an Gate, earnestly requesting His Majesty to send an envoy to welcome back Princess Ningguo."

Li Yu, residing in the Eastern Palace, was essentially imprisoned, just like his grandfather who lived next door. He needed Li Heng's permission to see his father, so he could only pay his respects from afar. However, he knew his father was watching his every move, and his request to bring back Princess Ningguo would surely reach Li Heng's ears.

Moreover, Li Fuguo is currently secretly communicating with Li Yu and his son, and he would never obstruct this—this is to demonstrate the Crown Prince's loyalty and filial piety, not to showcase his talent, so that the Emperor knows there is only benefit and no harm.

Li Ji could guess the grievances involved, and thought to himself that he hoped Li Yu was truly kind and benevolent, unlike his father, and not using his sister's misfortune as an opportunity to deliberately show off...

"Would a sage be willing to accept advice? What are his ultimate plans?"

Li Shi sighed softly and said, "This matter cannot be rushed... We don't know when the Uyghurs will bury their mighty Khan. The matter of funerary sacrifice will only be discussed at the time of burial. Whether we can stop it in time depends on fate." He clasped his hands together, looked up at the sky, and prayed, "May our ancestors have mercy and bless my aunt..."

He then said to Li Ji, “It is impossible for the two countries to send a fast horse to order the Uyghurs to abandon their old customs. When the Uyghur messenger arrives to report the death and says that the crown prince has moved to another place and that Jianjiang has succeeded to the throne, the country will need time to send an envoy to mourn the former Khan and to confer the title of the new Khan.”

Li Ji simply urged, "What's the final outcome?"

Li Shi said, "The Emperor has already granted permission. Since the Uyghur royal family does not have the custom of having a concubine, Princess Ningguo has no children and should return to our Tang. But if the princess has already committed suicide..." At this point, he gritted his teeth, "her remains should be carried back to Chang'an and not buried in the northern desert!"

Li Ji thought to himself, "This is rare. It's rare for Li Heng to do something like this." Of course, it might not have been Li Heng's idea, but rather that all the officials and nobles considered it shameful for the princess to be buried alive with him and all said that she should be brought back—I need to find out the truth.

Then Li Shi said, "The imperial decree appoints the Prince of Dunhuang as an envoy to confer the title of Yingyi Jiangong Khan upon Yidijian."

Li Ji hurriedly asked, "When will the King of Dunhuang set off, and how long will it take to reach the Uyghur capital?"

Li Shi replied, "The Prince of Dunhuang will depart in five days, and as for when he will arrive at the Uyghur camp, that depends on you."

Li Ji asked blankly, "What does this have to do with me?" Then he realized—"Does it mean I'm to escort the King of Dunhuang to the Uyghur Khaganate?"

Li Shi nodded and said in a low voice, "Who told you to bring back the Crown Prince of Yehu..."

Li Tan did not hide the fact that he had secretly kept the Crown Prince of Yabghu from Li Yu and his son. Li Shi was therefore worried that his uncle would take the opportunity to send the Crown Prince of Yabghu back to the grasslands and plot to seize power.

He said, “The Crown Prince Yabghu is truly a treasure. In the past, when a secret letter arrived from the Prince of Qi, the Crown Prince wanted to order him to return the Uyghurs, but it was I who advised that the matter be postponed. However, if we have several years to allow the Crown Prince Yabghu to slowly devise his plans, he may be able to regain power from the Uyghurs. In that case, his virtue towards our Tang Dynasty will be greatly enhanced, and the friendship between our two countries will be deeply and unbreakable from now on…”

Li Ji nodded, and Li Shi continued, "Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. The valiant Khan passed away too soon. If the Crown Prince of Yabghu acts hastily, he will have no chance of winning. On the contrary, it will make Yidijian hate our Tang even more, which will be detrimental to the stability of the western border! Therefore, I hope you will hurry to Longyou and persuade Uncle Qi to keep the Crown Prince of Yabghu and not send him away. You may even... devise a plan to capture him, so that he can be used as a restraint on Yidijian in the future, or send him back to the Uyghurs to show your kindness to Yidijian."

Li Ji clasped his hands and said, "Your Highness's concerns are valid. I will depart immediately tomorrow."

Li Shi looked at him but didn't speak. Li Ji asked in surprise, "Does Your Highness have any other instructions?"

Li Shi shook his head slightly: "Changwei, you are too close to Uncle Qi, or perhaps you are influenced by him, and you don't even know how to plan for yourself?"

"What do you mean by that, Your Highness?"

Li Shi slowly said, "Actually, if you want to prevent the Prince of Qi from sending the Crown Prince of Yehu, I can send a single envoy. Why do I need to specially send you, Changwei, to Longyou?"

Li Ji suddenly realized: "Your Highness wants me to leave Chang'an temporarily?"

Li Shi nodded: "Yu Chaoen has recently been plotting to harm you, but the time is not yet ripe, so he has not acted yet. Therefore, I have taken this opportunity to send you out of Chang'an. Ostensibly, you are to lead two hundred elite left-wing soldiers to escort the Prince of Dunhuang to the Uyghur Khaganate. In reality, after leaving Chang'an, we can part ways. You will first go to Longyou to spread the word, and then go to Hexi to meet up with the Prince of Dunhuang..."

Li Ji hurriedly said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but... since that's the case, why not let me return to Longyou? Otherwise, I'm afraid I can only hide for a while, not forever... a lifetime." He was genuinely worried about the situation in Longyou, fearing that the Tibetans would invade again this autumn.

Li Shi thought to himself, "Don't be ridiculous! I finally managed to transfer you back from Longyou, how could I possibly hand you back to Uncle Qi!" He then gave a cryptic smile and said, "No need to worry, Yu Chaoen won't be staying in the capital for long." At the same time, he thought to himself: Sending you away from Chang'an temporarily will also give me an explanation to Empress Zhang…

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Five days later, Li Ji was ordered to dispatch two hundred elite left-wing soldiers to escort Prince Li Chengcai of Dunhuang and his entourage out of Chang'an through the Jinguang Gate. They then crossed the Wei River to the north and proceeded westward along the Weibei Avenue.

The plan was to first travel west to Xiangwu in Weizhou, then north to Jincheng in Lanzhou and Guzang in Liangzhou, before turning west again, crossing the Helishan Mountains to the north, exiting the country near Juyan Lake, and heading straight for the location of the Uyghur headquarters. Li Chengcai and his entourage, consisting of more than 300 officials and laborers, and over 40 vehicles of various types, formed a procession stretching for more than a mile. Of course, they could not take the shortcut and cross the Gobi Desert as Li Ji had done the previous year.

Therefore, even at the fastest pace, the journey of over three thousand li would take nearly two months. By the time they reached Wudejian Mountain, Princess Ningguo would likely be dead. But there was nothing that could be done. As Li Shi said, it was impossible to send a fast horse to stop the Uyghurs from practicing human sacrifice according to their old custom. How could they possibly comply?

Li Ji couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The safety of Princess Ningguo could only be left to fate or depend on the princess's own efforts... In the end, all that would be brought back was her coffin... But even so, he had to go and welcome her!

Of course, even more important than that is to rush to Longyou and remind Li Tan not to let the Crown Prince of Yehu return to the country to seize power. Firstly, the chances of success are slim, and it would only damage the friendship between Tang and He. Secondly, during the internal strife in the Uyghur Khaganate, even if Princess Ningguo were still alive, she could be drawn into the political vortex and be completely destroyed.