Chapter Forty-Three: A Close Call Without Harm

When Yang Xi arrived at Ziyun Pavilion, Crown Prince Li Heng had already finished his audience and departed, leaving Emperor Li Longji accompanied only by Yang Guozhong and Gao Lishi.

Yang Xi did not know what Li Heng had said to the Emperor, but he was certain the Crown Prince had spoken ill of him. This was evident from the look of indignation on Yang Guozhong’s face as he stood by the Emperor’s side. It was strange, however, that Li Longji had not summoned him, the accused, to confront the Crown Prince directly and clarify the matter.

Filled with apprehension, Yang Xi stepped forward and bowed to Li Longji.

"Silang, dispense with the formalities," Li Longji said, his face weary. He waved a hand to signal Yang Xi to rise, then immediately asked, "Silang, the Crown Prince claims that while at Tongguan, you acted entirely on your own initiative and prevented the Imperial Supervisor, Li Fuguo, from interfering in military affairs. Is this true? Are you training a private force of your own to command?"

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince’s accusations are baseless!" Relieved that the issue was merely this, Yang Xi denied it loudly and offered his explanation: "Your Majesty, Supervisor Li has served within the palace and has never been involved in military affairs. Fearing that his lack of experience might lead him to offer suggestions ill-suited to the current situation, I requested that he first familiarize himself with the conditions and military matters at Tongguan upon his arrival. Only after he had gained a better understanding did I allow him to participate in decision-making. During that time, I provided him with copies of all military reports and kept nothing from him. I have submitted all military arrangements at Tongguan to Your Majesty in memorials, all of which have received your approval. I am actively preparing for a counter-offensive, yet Supervisor Li frequently offered opinions contrary to mine and openly opposed Your Majesty’s decisions. It is not just I who have grievances against him; the other generals are deeply dissatisfied as well. I cannot understand why the Crown Prince would recommend someone who knows nothing of military affairs yet loves to command others to serve as Supervisor at Tongguan. Does he not take the importance of Tongguan seriously? Supervisor Li is also remarkably bold, daring to disregard Your Majesty’s own directives!"

Whether due to the recent support of Yang Yuhuan or the lack of visible anger in Li Longji’s inquiry, Yang Xi spoke with a bluntness that effectively shifted the blame onto Li Fuguo. He characterized Li Fuguo as an amateur whose interference would disrupt military deployments, while subtly accusing Crown Prince Li Heng of disregarding the greater good.

Hearing Yang Xi’s directness, Yang Guozhong hesitated for a moment before reacting, echoing him: "Your Majesty, Silang is correct. Li Fuguo has never served in the military. It was entirely appropriate for Silang to have him familiarize himself with the situation first. Li Fuguo was dissatisfied and instead falsely accused Silang of usurping power. Silang’s performance has been clear for all to see, and Your Majesty has praised him greatly. Even if he acted with a firm hand, it was for the benefit of the Imperial Court and the overall situation, and thus remains beyond reproach. The Crown Prince's slander earlier was a complete disregard for the greater good; I pray Your Majesty will discern the truth!"

Li Longji did not reply immediately, but instead continued to question Yang Xi: "And what of you training soldiers yourself after the rebel forces retreated?"

Yang Xi had no concerns regarding this point and explained immediately: "Your Majesty, the garrison at Tongguan is composed mostly of conscripts with low combat effectiveness. They might hold the city, but they have no chance of winning in an open field against the rebels. Knowing that the imperial army cannot remain holed up indefinitely and must strike back to quell this rebellion, I ordered the entire army to train rigorously to improve our combat strength once the fighting subsided. I also hand-picked the most elite soldiers to form a special operations unit. My intent was to have them infiltrate, lurk, sabotage, and burn the enemy's supplies before the main battle, hoping to deal the enemy a heavy blow. It was never for any private purpose. This force has already departed toward the southeast, intending to cross the Wei and Yellow Rivers to sneak toward Shanjun. They will coordinate with the imperial army’s attack, and may yet achieve miraculous results!"

Yang Xi explained his concept of special operations in terms understandable to the people of that era. He concluded, "Your Majesty, everything I have done at Tongguan was for the greater good. I risked my life to lead three thousand tiger-cavalry in a desperate dash to Tongguan, arriving in a single afternoon and night to save the pass in its hour of need. Later, I led the ten thousand remnants to hold the city despite the odds. Even when General Chen Xuanli deliberately delayed his reinforcements, I did not retreat, holding off the rebels and keeping Tongguan secure. Your Majesty, if I had selfish motives, I would not have held the line when things were at their most critical; I would have abandoned the city and fled. Nor would I have asked to remain in command at Tongguan, suffering hardship every day. I have always lived a life of ease; the hardships of Tongguan are far less comfortable than the luxuries of home. But I chose to remain in command, only to quell this rebellion sooner, to restore peace to the world, and to spare the people further suffering."

Li Longji remained silent, but his expression softened significantly. Seeing this, Yang Xi ceased speaking.

Yang Guozhong was overjoyed and stepped forward to add a few more words, but before he could speak, a voice rang out from outside: "Her Ladyship the Imperial Concubine has arrived!"

Following the announcement, a perfectly groomed Yang Yuhuan walked in quickly, supported by two maids.

"Yuhuan, why are you here?" Li Longji asked, surprised and concerned. "Are you not still suffering from your back injury? Why are you moving about?" He rose to greet her.

Yang Yuhuan freed herself from the maids' support, took a few quick steps, and bowed. "Your Majesty, I have recovered much. I came today to bring you a surprise."

"Hmm, is your back really healed?" Li Longji looked her up and down, his face full of wonder.

"Your Majesty, Silang treated me just a moment ago, and it had a miraculous effect. Although there is still some soreness, I can stand and walk a few steps without pain!" She gestured toward Yang Xi. "When Silang came to keep me company earlier, he learned of my injury and was very concerned. He said he understood some methods of healing back pain and tried massaging it. I never expected it to be so effective!"

Yang Yuhuan recounted the treatment, praising Yang Xi repeatedly. "Your Majesty, despite his busy schedule, Silang thought to treat my injury. He is truly thoughtful. He has been diligent in his duties at Tongguan and has helped me; Your Majesty should reward him well."

"Hmm, that matter..." Li Longji stroked his graying beard and smiled. "I shall take it into careful consideration!"

Seeing this, Yang Yuhuan immediately seized the opportunity to ask: "Your Majesty, I heard that someone has maliciously slandered Silang and requested that Your Majesty punish him. Is this true?"