Chapter 106: Fractures Between Brothers

Li Er appeared before Gao Junya and Wang Wei, accompanied by Changsun Wuji, putting the two men in a difficult position. Killing a mere troublemaker was like swatting a cockroach—an insignificant matter. But killing Li Er? Li Yuan would undoubtedly fight them to the death. If things escalated that far, even the current sage would not spare them. For a handful of money, risking their lives was simply a losing bet. Both Gao Junya and Wang Wei felt this was a deal bound for loss.

Naturally, no one wanted to take a losing deal. Gao Junya smiled and said to Li Er, “Ah, so it’s the Second Young Master. What brings you here? Do you know this man and wish to stand up for him?”

“The stove and the honeycomb coal can help the people of Jinyang save money on heating. This is a matter that benefits both the nation and its people. If this proves feasible, the citizens of Jinyang will spend far less. For this reason, I shall personally spend a night in the house with this stove to test its safety. This is the greatest responsibility I can show to the people of Jinyang,” Li Er declared with righteous confidence. Gao Junya and Wang Wei exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.

“Second Young Master, your status is precious; you need not risk yourself personally,” Wang Wei urged helplessly.

“The sage entrusted Jinyang to my father as its guardian. Naturally, the safety of its people rests on him alone. Now that such a matter has arisen, for the country, I, Li Shimin, as a military captain, must seek the welfare of the people. For my family, as a son, I must act in my father’s stead and personally experience this dangerous matter. This is the path of loyalty and filial piety. I hope you two gentlemen will support me,” Li Er spoke with lofty, formal words that nearly made Gao Junya’s and Wang Wei’s features twitch in disbelief.

He was clearly backing his own business, yet he spoke as if fulfilling the highest duties of loyalty and filial piety. Such shameless duplicity was astonishing. Gao Junya and Wang Wei’s faces twitched uncontrollably. They never expected this situation to come to such a pass. If Li Er stayed overnight in a house with this stove, the whole of Jinyang would surely know by morning. Then the business of stoves and honeycomb coal would be ruined...

Yet Li Er’s words were so grand that refusing him was impossible. Besides, who dared to bind Li Er? He had committed no crime nor lacked virtue. Risking himself for the people of Jinyang—what reason could there be to stop him?

Seeing Gao Junya and Wang Wei so cornered, Li Er felt immensely pleased. He was forcing them into a tight spot. As Yun Hao put it, this was “product advertising”—advertising meaning to widely proclaim. Li Er admired this phrase. In business, one must spread the word about what one is doing.

“Gentlemen, please make yourselves comfortable. I shall now enter this shop. Anyone willing to join me in drinking until dawn is welcome!” Li Er, born into the military aristocracy of Guanzhong and raised in barracks, knew well when to show boldness. His words rang with firm resolve and unyielding spirit.

Without waiting for Gao Junya or Wang Wei to reply, he strode directly into the coal shop. Hou Junji and Changsun Wuji followed behind. Lai Shun’er and Qi Biao entered without hesitation. Some young men desired to join but were held back by their families. After all, this stove was newly invented; no one could say for sure if it was safe. The people’s thinking was conservative, and they instinctively feared the unknown.

Gao Junya and Wang Wei had no options. They couldn’t arrest him, and stopping him now would only make matters more awkward.

Li Yuan sat solemnly on his chair, a massive tiger skin beneath him. Several sheets of paper lay on the table, their handwriting so crooked and ugly it was like a clumsy bird’s footprints in snow.

“Is this how your teacher instructed you? How much of the Analects, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Great Learning have you truly understood? This essay is a twisted mess!” Li Yuan’s veins bulged in anger. The sons born to Madam Dou could not have been more different.

The eldest, Li Jiancheng, was mature and steady, fit for great responsibility. The second, Li Shimin, was talented in both civil and military affairs, a true savior of the people. Even the simple-minded Li Yuanba possessed formidable martial skills; given time, he could rival even the toughest warriors. But Li Yuanji? Neither versed in letters nor skilled in arms, always stirring trouble. Today, he had placed a basin of water at the door, soaking the teacher upon his arrival. Now he had feigned illness and asked to resign!

“Uncle, Yuanji is lively and mischievous at his age. He will grow out of it. Please calm down and not harm your health with anger,” his nephew Li Xiaogong tried to soothe.

“He’s still young, turning twelve after the new year. Daosong is a year younger, yet look at his writing—neat and clearly crafted. This boy wastes his effort entirely,” Li Xiaogong’s words only fueled Li Yuan’s anger further. His own children never measured up.

“Yuanji simply fancies the frivolities of youth. It’s natural for a boy his age to be infatuated,” Li Xiaogong smiled as he comforted, while Li Daosong glared wide-eyed at his older brother in shock.

Li Yuanji closed his eyes, knowing this time he was finished.

Upon hearing that Yuanji had visited a brothel, Li Yuan’s fury exploded. He grabbed the inkstone from the table and hurled it at him. Li Yuanji dodged, but ink splattered all over, leaving him a sorry sight.

“Father, please don’t be angry. I will discipline Yuanji properly. Please sit and calm yourself. Second Brother has already gone to the coal shop. Gao Junya and Wang Wei have fled helplessly. If this business succeeds, our family’s annual income will far surpass that of our estates,” Li Jiancheng entered, supporting Li Yuan to sit down. Then, coldly, he said to Li Yuanji, “At such a young age, you visit brothels and gambling dens? Apologize to Father at once!”

“Learn from your Second Brother—on horseback he fights the battlefield; off horseback he governs the counties. We are all born of the same mother, yet you are such a prodigal,” Li Yuan pointed at Li Yuanji’s nose, scolding sharply.

“Second Brother is excellent. You can have all the family’s estate. At worst, I’ll join the bandits in the northwest and be captured and executed,” the boy muttered. Children hated those favored by others.

The eldest brother Li Jiancheng was much older and usually protective of Li Yuanji. Naturally, Li Yuanji dared not compare himself to Li Jiancheng. But Li Er was only a few years his senior, and Li Yuan often used Li Er’s civil and military achievements to taunt him, breeding deep resentment. Though full brothers, Li Yuanji bore Li Er no affection whatsoever.

“Yuanji! Stop this nonsense and get out. You are grounded for a month and forbidden to leave. If you disobey, your eldest brother will break your legs himself,” seeing Li Yuan rise again, Li Jiancheng hurriedly scolded. Li Yuanji was no fool; hearing this, he fled without a trace.

Li Er’s two young followers, Li Daosong and Li Xiaogong, exchanged glances. It seemed the eldest brother was still protecting Li Yuanji.