Chapter 18: His Highness says he wants you to bear witness.

"What are you all doing here?"

As Yuchi Jingde’s hand reached within an inch of Wen He’s collar, a sudden, thunderous shout cut him off.

The group turned to see Zhangsun Wuji emerging from the main hall, his expression grave. "What time do you think it is? Still bickering? Get inside, all of you!"

"Brother Fujie."

Seeing him appear, the heroic-looking burly man to Yuchi Jingde’s left stepped forward first to offer a greeting.

"Greetings, Shubao," Zhangsun Wuji replied with a bow.

Hearing this, Wen He looked at the man in astonishment. So, this was the legendary Qin Shubao—Qin Qiong! No wonder he had felt an aura of martial prowess the moment they met. Seeing him here, Wen He suddenly became certain of one thing.

In later generations, many claimed that Qin Qiong had not participated in the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Wen He had been skeptical at the time, as the Old Book of Tang suggested otherwise. There was also a theory that because Qin Qiong did not participate, he was ranked last among the twenty-four heroes in Lingyan Pavilion. But then, who was ranked second to last? That was Li Ji.

The rankings in Lingyan Pavilion were finalized in the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, by which time Qin Qiong had long since passed away. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, Qin Qiong had spent his time recuperating at his manor, rarely appearing in public and performing no further meritorious service. Yet, the vast majority of the generals in Lingyan Pavilion had achieved great military glory during the Zhenguan era. If he had not participated in the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he likely wouldn't have even made it into the Pavilion. There were only twenty-four spots in total; even being ranked last was an achievement beyond the reach of countless others.

"Zhangsun Fujie, this 'charcoal lump' is acting like a bully again, and I can't stop him," the other burly man on the side huffed.

Before Zhangsun Wuji could speak, Yuchi Jingde turned and barked at the man, "Cheng Yaojin, is your skin itching for a thrashing?"

"You black charcoal, you think I’m afraid of you?"

The two glared at each other, looking ready to come to blows. Wen He watched, mouth agape. So, this was Cheng Yaojin.

"Jingde, Yizhen, the greater cause is at stake. Do not act on impulse."

*Yizhen?* So that was Cheng Yaojin’s courtesy name. Wen He had previously assumed that Cheng Zhijie’s courtesy name was Yaojin, a common misconception from watching too many television dramas. Who could have imagined that such a rough-and-tumble, boisterous man would have a courtesy name like *Yizhen* (Righteous Truth)?

"Hey, little brat, why are you staring at me with that strange look?" When Cheng Zhijie turned, he noticed Wen He’s odd expression and immediately frowned.

"It’s because your ugly mug scared him!" Yuchi Jingde never missed an opportunity to attack Cheng Zhijie.

The latter laughed instead of getting angry. "You black charcoal, you were the one accusing him of being a spy just now. I think it was *you* who scared him."

"You—try calling me black charcoal one more time!"

"I'll call you whatever I want! You think I'm afraid of you?"

"Enough, both of you!" Zhangsun Wuji couldn't stand it any longer; if this continued, they would definitely start fighting. Cheng Zhijie was clearly no match for Yuchi Gong, yet he insisted on provoking him every time. But the two paid him no mind, rolling up their sleeves as if ready to brawl.

"Enough!"

Qin Qiong, standing to the side, suddenly shouted. Yuchi Gong and Cheng Zhijie froze instantly. Turning to see Qin Qiong’s calm yet stern face, they both looked a bit embarrassed. Yuchi Gong had once been captured alive by Qin Qiong, so he held him in some awe. As for Cheng Zhijie, no matter how unruly he was, he still had to address Qin Qiong as "Second Brother." With him present, the two dared not cause trouble.

"Brother Fujie, has His Highness summoned us?" Qin Qiong asked Zhangsun Wuji, ignoring the two fools.

Zhangsun Wuji glanced at Yuchi Jingde and Cheng Zhijie, sighing inwardly. These generals were truly unruly; it was fortunate that His Highness had enough military prestige to suppress them. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't be able to command such respect.

"The others have arrived. We are just waiting for the three of you." Zhangsun Wuji gestured for them to proceed.

Qin Qiong offered a word of thanks and glanced at the two men behind him. Yuchi Gong let out a dry laugh, and Cheng Zhijie chuckled vaguely.

"Second Brother Qin, you are unwell. The physician told you not to get agitated."

"Both of you, be quiet. Tonight’s events concern His Highness’s future. No nonsense!" Qin Qiong’s complexion was indeed pale; it seemed he was suffering from a serious illness.

"Understood, understood," Yuchi Jingde replied impatiently, though he complied.

Watching the three of them enter, Zhangsun Wuji sighed helplessly. "Looking at Shubao’s condition, I fear he will never be able to take the field again." His voice was very low, but it carried clearly to Wen He’s ears—or rather, it was meant for him to hear.

"In history, after His Highness ascended the throne, Qin Qiong did not return to the battlefield. Later historical records offer many speculations, with many claiming he had fallen out of favor with His Highness."

"Absurd! His Highness and Shubao are close friends; why would he be repulsed by him?" Zhangsun Wuji snorted indignantly. "These people of later generations are prone to spouting nonsense."

"But Qin Qiong spent twelve years recuperating and was never heavily employed again, so it’s no wonder later generations had their doubts. The mainstream theory is that he was faking illness—though that premise relies on the idea that Qin Qiong did not participate in the Xuanwu Gate Incident."

Now that Qin Qiong had appeared here, that theory fell apart on its own.

"Absurd," Zhangsun Wuji muttered, thinking it nonsense. But a moment later, he paused. "Wait, didn't you say just now that Shubao participated?"

"Uh, that’s what the *Old Book of Tang* says; the *New Book of Tang* has no record of it. However, according to the theories of some in later generations, Qin Qiong shouldn't have been at Xuanwu Gate, but rather remained at the Prince of Qin’s manor."

As Wen He said this, he suddenly froze, noticing that Zhangsun Wuji’s expression had changed. Did that mean he was right?

"His Highness did indeed have Shubao remain at the Prince of Qin’s manor to guard against Xue Wanche. Besides Jingde, only Qin Shubao could hold his own against him."

"Then that explains it. Most historical accounts of later times focus only on the events at Xuanwu Gate and barely mention the Prince of Qin’s manor. Cheng Yaojin—ah, I mean, Cheng Zhijie—did he also stay behind?" Wen He asked again. He remembered that the *New Book of Tang* didn't mention Cheng Yaojin either; his participation in the Xuanwu Gate Incident was also ambiguous.

Zhangsun Wuji frowned and nodded solemnly. After a moment’s hesitation, he said, "His Highness was prepared for any eventuality. Yizhen did not go to Xuanwu Gate. Instead, he led the Black Armored Cavalry to Tonghua Gate. If anything went wrong, he was to cover His Highness’s retreat to Luoyang."

So they had two contingency plans. Li Shimin’s foundation was not in Chang'an, but in Luoyang. Back then, seeing the conflict between Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin growing increasingly fierce, Li Yuan had intended to divide the empire between the two brothers, making Luoyang the latter’s territory.

*Even with me here, Li Shimin still kept a backup plan. I am truly impressed,* Wen He thought, sighing. One who can become a great ruler is truly no ordinary man.

"Since that’s the case, why did His Highness want me here? If you are discussing matters, you don't need me, do you?" Wen He felt a bit redundant.

Zhangsun Wuji couldn't help but chuckle at this, replying to Wen He with a single, calm sentence:

"His Highness said he wants you to act as a witness."

"What the hell? What does that mean?"

"It means he wants to take you to see the Sage."