Chapter 22: A Family That Puts Benefits Above All Else

  After Li Yuan left Taiyuan, in May, Li Yuan finally killed the deputy governor of Taiyuan, Wang Wei and Gao Junya, and launched a rebellion in Taiyuan. Within just over 120 days, Li Yuan occupied Guanzhong and captured Chang'an. After entering Chang'an, Li Yuan established Yang You, the grandson of Emperor Yang of Sui, as a puppet emperor (Emperor Gong of Sui), and respectfully referred to Emperor Yang of Sui, who was in Jiangdu, as Taishang Huang. He himself became the Grand Chancellor and King of Tang.

  As the news of Li Yuanba's defeat and Cheng Xuan's escape spread far and wide, Yuwen Huaji could no longer bear to lay hands on Yang Guang! The prestige of the Li family grew more and more powerful, their wolfish ambitions were exposed without a doubt. If they didn't take action now, it was feared that after Yang Guang died, the power of the Li family would be enough to sweep across the land, unstoppable!

  In March 618, Yuwen Huaji secretly joined forces with his son Yuwen Shu, who had become the emperor, and killed Yang Guang in Jiangdu. They then enthroned Qin Wang Hao as emperor and led their troops back to Guanzhong. In the same month, Shen Faxing, the governor of Wu Prefecture (present-day Zhejiang), launched a rebellion. As a member of the prominent Shen family with thousands of households, Shen Faxing used the pretext of attacking Yuwen Huaji to gather an army in Wucheng and recruit 60,000 elite soldiers. He then conquered Yuhang, Piling, and Danyang, occupying more than ten prefectures in Jiangnan. He declared himself the Grand Marshal of the Jiangnan Circuit and appointed officials according to imperial regulations.

  Li Yuanba returned to the main camp, and Du Fowei was still sitting in the main seat with an incredulous expression on his face that was quite amusing. As soon as Du Lingyue saw Li Yuanba walk in, she excitedly mimicked Li Yuanba's words: "Li Yuanba! Powerful and domineering, you've scared off even the world's number one master! However, you've also scared your father stiff, so you'd better take responsibility!"

  "Haha, I didn't expect this half-step legendary to be so lame! My brother hasn't even passed the threshold yet. Why don't we head back to Taiyuan together and have some real fun?" Li Yuanba casually put down his twin hammers and suggested with a wave of his hand.

  Du Fuwei stood up straight and regained his paternal dignity, saying in a deep voice: "What nonsense! How can my daughter follow you so casually?! And return to Taiyuan? Don't you know that your father is now in Daxing, no, in Chang'an?"

  Li Yuanba was taken aback: "Ah? Changed name so soon? What about Yang Guang? Dead?"

  Du Fuwei nodded: "Yes, he was killed by Yuwen Huaji! The world is really going to be in great chaos now!"

  Li Yuanba said carelessly, "It's going to be chaotic anyway, it's just a matter of time!" He changed the subject: "But... heh heh! What do you think about my marriage with Ling Yue?"

  Du Fuwei waved his hand: "This matter will be discussed later! Your arrival has really put me in a difficult position! Look at my large army, you've caused the military morale to become unstable with just one person, how do you plan to compensate?"

  Du Lingyue whispered beside him: "What's the point of making up for it, anyway? It's all like this now. Why not just follow Li Yuanba to Daxing... no, Chang'an is better!"

  Du Fuwei sighed heavily and exclaimed, "How could I have given birth to such a family-ruining daughter!" However, this matter requires some careful consideration...

  Li Yuanba scratched his ears and cheeks, humming for half a day, and whispered to Du Lingyue: "What do you think your father is thinking? When can our marriage be agreed upon?"

  Du Ling Yue's face turned red, and she muttered: "I... I don't know, you handle it yourself, I'm going to find my sister Qing Er. I don't care!" After that, she ran away!

  Li Yuanba could only look at Du Fuwei with a pitiful expression. Du Fuwei was made uneasy by the fierce man's gaze, and he flung his sleeve: "My daughter is now the princess of Huainan! How can she be taken away by you alone so casually? You go back and find a matchmaker with some status to propose again! Hmph!" He also left!

  Li Yuanba sighed and cursed, "This era is really screwed up!" He gritted his teeth in anger and muttered to himself, "Damn it! I'll go back and find my old man, get him to arrange something!"

  Carrying his dual hammers, Li Yuanba rode away! Du Lingyue and Du Qing immediately went to find Du Fowei to demand an explanation upon hearing that Li Yuanba had fled.

  Du Fuwei sighed and said, "I say Ling Yue! You are also the daughter of a leader of a faction, how can you casually say marry and then marry? At least it should be a proper marriage, not even a little bit of a young lady's demeanor, isn't it laughable to your father?"

  Du Lingyue suddenly spat out a fragrant tongue and dragged Du Qing, who still had a head full of misty water, to run away! Li Yuanba arrived in Chang'an without stopping his horse and rushed into Li Yuan's study. The new guard at the door stretched out his hand to block him: "Who are you? The master is discussing important matters with someone, don't disturb him, leave immediately!" The servant following behind Li Yuanba bowed his head and covered his eyes, silently mourning for this poor person...

  With a loud slap, the guard who blocked the way was slapped to the ground by Li Yuanba!

  "Damn it! Dare to delay brother's big business!" Li Yuanba cursed and kicked open the door, walking straight in!

  Li Yuanzheng and his sons and subordinates were discussing, now that Yang Guang is dead, the puppet Yang Yong will no longer be needed! The national title and year number also need to be decided, and how to deal with the various forces in the world afterwards also requires a plan. Moreover, Li Mi of Wagangzhai sent a letter asking him to respect Li Mi as the leader of the anti-Sui alliance, and there is also news that Liu Wuzhou wants to join forces with the Turks to attack Taiyuan...

  The big gate was kicked open, and the people inside looked up in surprise to see what was so arrogant! Li Yuan's heart was already furious, no matter who disturbed their discussion of important matters, they would be severely punished!

  "Dad, quickly find me a matchmaker to talk about marriage, right now!" Li Yuanba shouted as soon as he came in, without even seeing who was there.

  Li Yuan's fierce expression suddenly fell, it turned out that this ancestor who couldn't be provoked by anyone had arrived.

  "Yuān Bà, you've arrived. Look, Father is discussing important matters. Can't you talk about your personal affairs later?" Li Yuan thought to persuade Li Yuān Bà to delay speaking of his private matters for now.

  "What's the big deal? Isn't it just being an emperor?! You quickly find a famous person with status to be my matchmaker, if you delay my important matters, no one will think about becoming an emperor!" Li Yuan said domineeringly!

  Got it! Li Yuan compromised: "Alright, I'll find someone to be your matchmaker tomorrow, but do you think Du Fuwei will agree?"

  "What's tomorrow? Go find her now! My father-in-law said I should marry Lingyue properly." Li Yuanba looked around proudly, his eyes wide: "What are you looking at? Get out!"

  Li Jiancheng stood up, patted Li Yuanba's shoulder and said to Li Yuan: "Father, this is a great joy! In this way, our family can be connected with the Huainan forces. Moreover, my third brother has finally come out of the shadows, we must think carefully about this matter!"

  Li Yuan listened to Li Jiancheng's words and also reacted! Du Fuwei is now one of the most powerful forces in the world. Although he no longer has the support of the Taoist sect, the Taoist faction below has not withdrawn yet! This alliance can be considered a strong union...

  Thinking of a good idea. Li Yuan stroked his beard and laughed: "Hmmm, very good! Your father will arrange for the right person, but Yuan Ba you have to be patient, haha"

  Li Yuanba swept his eyes over the crowd, and immediately one person stood out, bowing to Li Yuanba: "Third Brother is well, I am Chai Shao, husband of Xiuning!"

  Li Yuanba looked down on this kind of trashy person, and responded with a bland "uh-huh", ending the conversation. Chai Shao retreated with a sullen expression.

  At this time, several more stood out, all of whom were born to Li Yuan's concubines. Li Yuanba didn't even want to bother with them. How many years had it been? None of these people had ever met Li Yuanba!

  Li Yuan saw the awkward atmosphere and immediately dispersed the crowd, going out to make arrangements for Li Yuanba.

  Li Shimin was the first to leave, and his closest brotherly relationship became estranged due to several incidents.

  "Third brother, come to my place and sit for a while when you're free. It's been years since we last met and it's almost like we're strangers! Big brother will handle some business first, then go find you, and have a good drink together." Li Jiancheng said warmly to Li Yuanba.

  "Alright, big brother, I'll wait for you at my place. It's quiet there..." Li Yuanba felt a ripple of affection in his heart.

  "Haha, okay! But Third Brother hasn't been to the current mansion yet, right? Why don't I take you there and then we can attend to business." Li Jiancheng also felt a deep sense of emotion. Since Li Yuan's uprising, these brothers' hearts had all scattered!"

  "Your Majesty, the three princes and the eldest prince seem to be getting very close! This is not good for your future development!" Duke Longsun expressed his concerns to Li Shimin.

  "Hmm! I'll consider this, Brother Wuji, you go down first! I want to calm down for a while..."

  After a few days, Li Yuan finally arranged the matchmaking team, led by Pei Ji, Li Yuan's most trusted general and minister! Li Yuan was strongly advised to wait at home for news.

  In late April, Du Fuwei defected to Li Yuan and was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner of Huainan, independently commanding the region. Li Yuan had initially wanted to bestow upon Du Fuwei the surname "Li", but Li Yuanbiao glared at him: "What are you doing? He is my father-in-law, if I let our family's Lingyue be uncomfortable, I will make you uncomfortable!" At this time, Li Yuanbiao could be said to be very disgusted with people who wanted to become emperors in this era. Forcing one's surname on others and calling it "trust", isn't that a ridiculous thing? Moreover, Li Yuan's current power cannot compare to theirs, looking at Li Yuanbiao's share of the spoils for defecting to you, how can you be so shameless?!

  The Li family, as recognized by Li Yuanba, is extremely shameless! Take Li Xiuning for example. Let's not mention the husband Chai Shao that Li Yuan found for her. In official history, Li Xiuning made indelible contributions to the Tang Dynasty, but Li Yuan didn't even record this daughter in the historical records! He just glossed over it, and from a later perspective, it was due to his thin family affection! And this chaotic relationship of the Li family, if not for Li Yuanba being his son, judging from the comments of later generations, he would have been the first to destroy the Li family!

  Besides, Li Yuanba has now felt this kind of family atmosphere that only seeks benefits.