Chapter 133: An Imperial Edict Arrives (Second Update—Please Vote)

"Sanlang, are you aware that the Japanese envoys have arrived in Chang'an today?" Li Jing asked, his expression solemn.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew heavy following Li Jing's remark.

"What is the matter, Father?" Li Yi, noticing the shift, blinked in confusion. "I have already met them today."

"You have met them?" Li Jing, who was in the middle of sipping tea, was so startled he nearly spat it out.

He hurriedly set down his teacup, narrowed his eyes at Li Yi, and demanded, "When did you see them?"

Li Yi had no intention of hiding anything and replied with earnest gravity, "Around midday, there was an incident at the Zuixian Restaurant. Manager Xu sent someone to fetch me, saying some Japanese were causing trouble there, so I went to handle it."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing immediately sensed that the matter was far from simple.

His brows furrowed, and his expression turned severe. "Sanlang, tell me exactly what happened today, from beginning to end."

"Yes, Father," Li Yi nodded, looking slightly dazed.

He then recounted the entire event to Li Jing, leaving nothing out, even detailing how he had handled the compensation for the damages at the restaurant. However, he carefully omitted the fact that he had orchestrated the entire compensation scheme himself.

As Li Jing listened, he fell into deep thought, his brows knitted tightly and his pupils slightly constricted. He looked exceptionally grave.

Li Yi, seeing this, did not dare to interrupt his father's contemplation and sat quietly.

After a long moment, Li Jing exhaled a long breath and sighed with a troubled expression, "Sanlang, you did not handle today's business quite right."

"How so, Father?" Li Yi asked, his brow furrowing slightly. "Those Japanese were bullying people on Tang soil. I only made them pay compensation according to the Tang Code; surely that was correct?"

Li Jing nodded, agreeing in principle. "The action itself was not wrong, but have you considered that there were other ways to resolve this matter just as easily?"

Li Yi shook his head, feigning ignorance. "I do not know, Father."

Li Jing’s mouth twitched slightly. He knew full well that Li Yi was playing dumb. After all, if he could devise such a ruthless and effective method of retaliation, how could he possibly be unaware of other options? It was simply that Li Yi had no desire to use them.

However, Li Jing did not intend to expose this transparent lie. After all, what was done was done; it was too late to turn back now.

"Sanlang, have you thought about this?" Li Jing said, his tone softening slightly. "These Japanese envoys have come to our dynasty to learn and exchange knowledge, and our empire has always been a land of propriety. Your actions today were indeed a bit excessive."

Although Li Yi understood the logic, he could not bring himself to agree. In his heart, he knew that the Japanese were nothing more than ingrates and opportunists. They came now only because their nation was in dire straits and they sought to learn Tang technology to improve themselves. But once they grew strong, they would surely turn into wolves and tigers. For such an enemy, only "separation by life and death" could truly end the threat.

"No, Father, I cannot agree with you," Li Yi said, shaking his head with a serious look, his gaze fixed on Li Jing. "I believe that there is a saying from our ancestors that is absolutely correct."

"What saying?" Li Jing asked, piqued by the sudden shift in topic.

Li Yi took a deep breath, his expression hardening with resolve. "Those not of our race are bound to have different hearts. Those who offend our mighty Tang shall be punished, no matter how far away they may be!"

Li Jing stared at his son in disbelief, his eyes widening. He had never expected Li Yi to quote that line. More importantly, Li Yi’s vision was far-reaching, already considering matters from a higher strategic perspective.

Intrigued, Li Jing felt a spark of excitement. He felt more than ever that his third son was a rare talent for the study of military strategy.

After a few moments of contemplation, Li Jing smiled and asked, "Sanlang, let me ask you this: if you were on the battlefield and encountered an enemy who preferred to hide their intentions and bide their time, how would you deal with them?"

Li Yi blinked and looked at his father. He understood perfectly that Li Jing was seizing the chance to test his knowledge of military strategy, and that the matter of the Japanese envoys had likely been cast to the back of his mind.

After a brief thought, Li Yi blurted out, "Father, I believe that for such an enemy, the only safe method is to ensure they are separated by the divide of life and death."

Li Jing's patience wore thin. He felt a strong urge to box his son's ears. He realized that while his boy was gifted, he simply refused to put his heart into studying military arts. Was he truly going to let the family's military legacy die with him, or would he have to pass it to someone else? General Su Dingfang of the Great Tang was already his student, after all.

Li Jing had hoped to use this opportunity to discuss strategy, but this rascal refused to play by the rules. Exasperated, Li Jing glared at him.

Sensing the "murderous" look in his father's eyes, Li Yi hurriedly put on a cheeky grin. "Father, drink your tea quickly. It won't taste good once it goes cold."

Li Jing glared at him, took a sip, and set the cup down. "Sanlang, stop trying to sidetrack me. Answer the question I just asked you!"

Li Yi offered an awkward smile. "Father..."

He opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, a servant hurried toward them.

"Master, Young Master," the servant said, his face beaming, "an imperial decree has arrived from the palace!"