For four hundred years, the wind has blown from Mount Qi, landing on Mount Zhongnan in the twenty-third year of the Zhenguan era of the mighty Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin, who once rose in rebellion against the Sui Dynasty, radiating with confidence as countless nations paid tribute, has finally grown weary. The relentless passage of time, accompanied by the onslaught of adversity, has caught up with him in the latter half of his life.
Amidst his mind, scenes of battles and sword fights swirl. Suddenly, a smile appears on his face as he thinks to himself, "So be it. In this lifetime, I have no regrets in my rise and fall. If there truly is a next life, I shall establish my dominance over the realm and bring about a harmonious world for all."
As this thought emerges, a breeze from four centuries past is captured within the Wind-Containing Hall of the Cuwei Palace.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, closes his eyes.
...
...
...
The twenty-one-year-old Emperor Liu Shan of Chengdu City opened his eyes.
The wind that blew against its course for four hundred years carried the soul of Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang Dynasty into the body of Liu Shan, the later ruler. As for Liu Shan... he probably went to Zhao Guo and killed Qin Hui.
In any case, when Li Shimin opened his eyes once again, unfamiliar palace surroundings entered his sight, followed by a flood of memories belonging to Liu Shan.
Countless fragments of the past merged within Li Shimin's world—the tumultuous battle at Changban, the scorching flames of Chibi, the laughter as the armies marched into Chengdu—ultimately converging into two lines of clear tears, like those written in a farewell letter.
These fragments washed over Li Shimin's heart, causing his thoughts to swirl endlessly.
Damn it, am I alive again?
Am I only twenty-one years old? Am I still being forced to train in martial arts by someone with big ears and long arms?
Damn it, I'm Liu Shan!
With a sudden burst of energy, Liu Shimin, also known as Liu Shan, leaped up from the bed.
His eyes gleamed with excitement and confidence.
Within the heavenly palace, rumors began to circulate, stating that the emperor had gone mad. For no apparent reason, he burst into laughter, a wild laughter, babbling and laughing incessantly. He pointed at the sky and the earth, saying, "Since I am here, if I were to make loyal ministers weep and the schemers seize heaven's mandate, causing suffering for the people of the Nine Provinces, then I refuse to bear the name Li!"
Guan Xing:...
Guan Xing said, "Your Majesty, you weren't originally named Li anyway."
After speaking, Guan Xing coughed twice. Liu Shimin waved his hand dismissively and said, "That's not the point. Why are you here?"
Guan Xing paused for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, I am the attendant here. It's normal for me to be in the palace."
Liu Shimin nodded twice and said, "I forgot, I forgot." Then he laughed again, a soaring and reckless laughter, like sunlight scattering chaotically, but when it fell back into his eyes, it became an indomitable blade.
This smile left Guan Xing somewhat dumbfounded. He sensed that something was off with his Majesty today but couldn't quite describe it.
Guan Xing lowered his head, coughed twice again, and a sickly flush appeared on his face.
Liu Shimin raised an eyebrow and said, "You're so young, why do you look like your end is near?"
Guan Xing's face turned even paler, and a bitter smile emerged at the corner of his lips. He said, "It's always been like this with my health, Your Majesty. Please don't worry... This is a frontline military report I received, and I've come to present it to you."
Liu Shimin's gaze became sharp as he took the report and quickly scanned it. It revealed that Zhao Yun's diversionary forces had halted Cao Zhen at Jigu, with the Prime Minister's main forces advancing north from Mount Qi. Three counties responded, shaking Guanzhong. Taking advantage of the vulnerability in the Longyou region, they had already captured Tianshui.
Although there is a pseudo-emperor, Cao Rui, personally stationed in Chang'an, and Zhang He's reinforcements have arrived, the Prime Minister still assures Your Majesty that there is no need to worry.
The Prime Minister says that Ma Su has already set off for Jieting, and although it is difficult to attack, it is easy to defend. With a few more days of defense, he is confident in recapturing the three counties. Then, with a large army, they will counter-attack Cao Wei, ensuring that the reinforcements do not arrive, leading to the collapse of Liangzhou.
Liu Shimin:...
Liu Shimin: Oh no, it's over.
This fucking Ma Su has already gone to Jieting, so there's no need to play!
With a broad gaze, Liu Shimin cursed in frustration, casually tossing the military report to Guan Xing. Oblivious to Ma Su's actions in defending Jieting, he was instead filled with excitement and joy, his eyes shining brightly. He exclaimed, "Who could have imagined this? Who could have imagined? Just a few years ago, after the passing of the late emperor, the people of Shu were filled with fear and rebellion was rampant. We lacked food, money, and manpower. But in just five years, who could have anticipated that Prime Minister Zhuge could bring about great stability in Shu and launch a northern campaign to this extent!"
Liu Shimin glanced at him, realizing that this poor child had no idea that the northern campaign would soon fail.
Looking at the exuberant Guan Xing, Liu Shimin was reminded of the setting sun of the Han Dynasty, the fading triumphant songs, and the autumn wind that fell into the depths of Wuzhang Plains. Liu Shimin's smile disappeared as he beckoned and asked Guan Xing, "How many days does it take for a military report to reach the front lines from here?"
Guan Xing, who was previously filled with excitement, was momentarily startled by the question. In the past, regardless of whatever news from the Prime Minister arrived, the Emperor would simply read it without expressing any opinion or asking any questions. But encountering this kind of victorious report, it was a cause for joy. Today was different, though.
However, Guan Xing had to answer and said, "Maybe three or four days."
Liu Shimin raised an eyebrow and said, "The road to Shu is treacherous. Can it really be that fast?"
Perplexed, Guan Xing asked, "Hasn't it always been this fast? When the late emperor traveled from Hanzhong to Chengdu, he established relay stations and official residences every 400 miles. Fast horses were used for the postal service, and the Prime Minister even considered delivering urgent orders as an exception to military law. So, of course, the military reports are fast."
Liu Shimin suddenly sighed.
The past events of the Six Dynasties flowed like running water, all becoming personal calculations and schemes.
Having seen many people compromising and seeking comfort, Liu Shimin couldn't help but sigh again at the Han loyalists, headed by Prime Minister Ji and his ministers, who never forgot to prepare for the northern campaign, no matter how poor and difficult the circumstances.
Liu Shimin stared at Guan Xing and said word by word, "The late emperor's aspirations were not yet fulfilled. He was indomitable, and Prime Minister Wuhou devoted himself to the point of exhaustion, even in death. They are truly worthy of respect."
Guan Xing understood the reasoning, but he was still puzzled and asked, "Shouldn't you address him as 'Father Emperor'? Why are you calling him the late emperor?"
Liu Shimin: ...
Liu Shimin cleared his throat and said, "I feel that calling him 'Father Emperor' somehow belittles the late emperor."
Guan Xing: ???
Before Guan Xing could regain his senses, Liu Shimin had already walked up to him and began speaking rapidly, saying that even if the military report arrived here, Ma Su would have arrived at Jieting by now. The late emperor had mentioned that Ma Su often talked big but lacked the determination to hold his ground, always seeking to achieve military exploits. He would never honestly defend a city or fort. Zhang He, being knowledgeable about warfare, wouldn't give Ma Su any chance either.
"In the Battle of Jieting, Ma Su is destined to be defeated, and the Prime Minister's grand plan for the northern campaign will be ruined."
Perhaps it was Liu Shimin's confident tone, or maybe it was the enchanting spring sunlight, but Guan Xing had the illusion that "the Emperor's judgment is correct."
Liu Shimin glanced at Guan Xing and interrupted him, saying that there was no time to send the military report to the front lines now. He asked, "What do you think we should do?"
Guan Xing, just coming to his senses, smiled bitterly and said, "Your Majesty, this seems a bit presumptuous. The Prime Minister has his own..."
"The Prime Minister is also human and can make mistakes. Tell me, if Jieting is truly lost, how can we salvage the northern campaign?" Liu Shimin interrupted Guan Xing's words and began writing something.
Guan Xing was perplexed and said, "If the Prime Minister is defeated, what can I do as a minister?"
Liu Shimin turned his back to Guan Xing and suddenly said, "Don't you want to avenge your father?"
Guan Xing straightened his back, like a startled cat. But then he slumped, saying that seeking revenge for his father was his personal grievance. Currently, Cao Wei was the true enemy, and he shouldn't forget his duty for personal vengeance...
"So you've been troubled, and your health has been deteriorating. If this northern campaign succeeds, you still have hope of leading troops to Dong Wu in your lifetime, to seek vengeance and settle the score. But if the northern campaign fails, you'll probably wither away in melancholy. Isn't that right?"
Guan Xing remained silent.
At this moment, Liu Shimin turned around, smiled, and said, "Rest assured, now that I'm here, this northern campaign will not fail. I promise you that within five years, General Guan will witness the demise of those villains and the unification of the Han Dynasty."
Under the sunlight, within the deep palace, Guan Xing looked at Liu Shimin's determined smile and unexpectedly thought of three words: "I obey the decree."
Liu Shimin laughed heartily, slapped the written imperial decree on Guan Xing's chest, and said, "Hurry, go find Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, and Xiang Chong, among others. I will rush to Jigu, there's no time to waste with them. I entrust these people to you!"
Guan Xing didn't know what force was pushing him, making his blood boil. He saw Liu Shimin striding forward and instinctively took a couple of steps to catch up, saying, "Your Majesty, you're going to Jigu? General Zhao's troops are meant to serve as a diversion. Except for a small cavalry unit, the rest are peasant soldiers. They won't be able to fight against Cao Zhen's main force."
Liu Shimin didn't stop and said, "Even diversionary forces are main forces. I want to take a trip to Chang'an City and see if Cao Rui still has the courage to challenge me!"
Guan Xing watched as Liu Shimin's figure stepped confidently into the sunlight, feeling at a loss. He didn't know whether he should pour cold water on the Emperor and advise him against impulsive actions, or firmly clench his teeth and move forward with the Emperor.
Liu Shimin smiled and said, "Come, let's go and save the Han Dynasty together."
Guan Xing wanted to bid farewell, saying, "Your Majesty, you're only 21. What gives you the right to question the Prime Minister? If you continue down this path, others will say you're an old man seeking glory, and in the end, you'll be a clown who can't live up to your words."
But as Guan Xing gazed at Liu Shimin's smile, three words inexplicably came out of his mouth: "I obey the decree."
Liu Shimin laughed loudly and slapped the decree he had written on Guan Xing's chest. He said, "Quickly go and find Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, Xiang Chong, and the others. I'm heading to Jigu, and I don't have time to argue with them. I entrust them to you!"
Guan Xing didn't know what had come over him, but he felt his blood boil. He watched Liu Shimin's figure stride into the sunlight and thought, "What an imposing figure, carrying the weight of the heavens and the earth."
At that moment, Guan Xing also thought that if he went to Jigu, General Zhao would be there to support him.
No one could have expected that in the decisive Battle of Jigu, which would later be known as a turning point in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the white-haired Zhao Zilong followed Liu Shimin, who personally led the troops, and fought more fiercely than anyone else.
In just one day, they cut through twenty years of time.