Chapter Sixty: Li Jiancheng

“Big Brother!” Li Er’s shout still reverberated within the carriage as the door swung open. A young man in his twenties stepped inside; his complexion was fair and pale. He stooped as he entered, suggesting a height of nearly six feet. Upon seeing Li Er’s condition, he hurried over, grasped Li Er’s hand, and his eyes reddened instantly.

When Li Er called him big brother, Yun Hao already knew that this sibling was none other than Li Jiancheng. Fate had not been kind to Li Jiancheng. He was once poised to become the second emperor of the Great Tang Empire, but the tumult of the Xuanwu Gate Incident sent him to the underworld. In that calamity, five of his sons perished alongside him. In the aftermath, Li Er bestowed upon his brother only the title of Prince of Xi. Later histories would refer to him as the Hidden Crown Prince.

Contrary to Yun Hao’s expectations, the bond between Li Er and Li Jiancheng was remarkably strong. Li Jiancheng held Li Er’s hand tightly, and the redness of his eyes along with his concern were unmistakably genuine.

“Second Brother, how did you end up like this?” Li Jiancheng asked, seeing the ghastly wound on Li Er’s back.

“Father—!” Li Er’s words were abruptly cut off by another voice. “You must be the eldest son of the Duke of Tang’s household. There’s too much dust on you, which could infect the wound. If you don’t want your brother to die, you’d best step outside first.”

Li Jiancheng turned sharply, seeking the source of the voice. The world of the Sui Dynasty belonged to the Yang family, but Jinyang City was the domain of the Li family. Li Jiancheng wondered if he had misheard—was there truly someone in Jinyang bold enough to speak to him in such a manner? Was this person courting death?

Yun Hao clearly saw the astonishment on Li Jiancheng’s face. Indeed, the heir of the city’s most distinguished family being rebuked by a child was something no one would believe.

“Don’t take offense, big brother. This is Brother Yun. He’s the one who cured my illness, and he’s here today to treat our father.” Li Er’s meaning was clear: he didn’t want his brother to offend Yun Hao and risk jeopardizing Yun Hao’s care for Li Yuan.

Li Jiancheng’s eyes were sharp as an eagle’s, shining like twin swords ready to unsheathe and draw blood. The intensity of his gaze made Yun Hao uneasy. Those who leave a mark on history are never ordinary. No wonder Li Jiancheng and Li Er fought bitterly in Chang’an, evenly matched with the Dragon among men, Li Er. The Li family truly produced extraordinary talents, though the throne could only seat one, and there were too many contenders.

“Second Master! Your wound is still red and swollen, which is when infection is most likely. The Buddha says a flower, a leaf, a world; there are many things unseen by the eye in this world. If those things find their way into your wound, it will remain inflamed and then fester. Eventually… you’ll depart this world, and I’ll find myself decapitated by Changsun Wuji, my head offered at your memorial like a pig’s.” Yun Hao spoke with conviction. In fact, Changsun Wuji had never abandoned the idea of disposing of Yun Hao. If his sister became a widow, Yun Hao’s words would certainly come to pass.

Li Jiancheng, seeing Yun Hao’s serious demeanor, realized the child wasn’t joking. Yet being rebuked by a child was still a blow to his pride.

Yun Hao paid no mind to Li Jiancheng’s feelings. Though this brother had sparred fiercely with Li Er, he ultimately met defeat. Some died, others were exiled. It was best to choose sides swiftly. Besides, Li Jiancheng was indeed filthy; his hair was thick with dust, evidence of a long journey back to Jinyang. It was rumored Li Yuan wished to rebel and had sent Li Jiancheng to Hedong to win hearts and build strength in secret—a rumor now proved true.

“Oh! Since you’ve cured my second brother, your skills must be remarkable. Truly, heroes emerge from youth.” Li Jiancheng’s anger faded in an instant, replaced by a warm smile that would put the famed face-changing actors of Sichuan opera to shame.

He spoke as he patted Yun Hao’s shoulder in a friendly gesture.

“Big brother is back!” The carriage door opened again, and this time Chai Shao entered. Though not yet married to Li Xiuning, everyone in the Duke of Tang’s household already regarded him as a son-in-law. He greeted Li Jiancheng warmly as “big brother,” and Li Er’s admiring gaze made for a harmonious scene of brotherly affection.

“This isn’t the place for conversation; let’s continue inside.” Chai Shao entered the carriage, and with so many people squeezed in, it felt cramped. Chai Shao knew Yun Hao’s rules—unless everything was rinsed in salt water, Yun Hao wouldn’t allow anyone near Li Er. He feared that Yun Hao might offend Li Jiancheng, and if Yun Hao’s childish temper flared and he refused to treat Li Yuan, disaster would follow.

For now, Yun Hao was the Li family’s only hope. They had summoned every renowned physician in Jinyang. Many remedies were tried, but none worked, and messengers had already been dispatched to Chang’an to seek Master Sun Simiao. But the journey there and back would take nearly a month, and it was uncertain whether Master Sun was even in Chang’an, or if he would agree to come. Even the Duke of Tang’s name could not compel a sage like Sun Simiao.

“Oh, forgive my rudeness. Second Brother, when your wounds heal, we shall drink three cups together! Young brother, do your utmost—remember my promise, and you’ll see the Li family’s honor at work.” With that, Li Jiancheng saluted Yun Hao and, together with Chai Shao, disembarked from the carriage, bringing Yun Hao along.

Li Er’s carriage drove straight to the rear courtyard, while Chai Shao led Yun Hao toward the main house, Li Jiancheng’s tall figure following behind.

The moment Yun Hao entered the main hall, a strong medicinal aroma greeted him. Several beautiful maids stood beside a large sandalwood bed. It was said that Li Yuan was quite lascivious, and one reason for the uprising in Jinyang was his escapades with concubines alongside Pei Ji in the palace. Seeing the scene before him, Yun Hao realized the historical records were no exaggeration.

“Brother Hao, do your best. If you cure our Duke, there will be rewards for you.” Chai Shao whispered to Yun Hao, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.

Yun Hao understood the meaning behind the words—success would bring benefits, failure would bring trouble. Considering Changsun Wuji’s methods, the consequences would be dire.

With resolve, Yun Hao followed Chai Shao to Li Yuan’s bedside, already determined to claim he found nothing seriously wrong. The Li family’s blades may be sharp, but they cannot strike the innocent.