Daoist Zhunti's Plan, City of Wrongful Deaths in the Underworld, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji

Back then, he had still been young, following his father in rebellion against the Sui Dynasty.

At the battle of Hulao Pass, he had led three thousand cavalry in a frontal charge against Dou Jiande's hundred-thousand-strong army, capturing two kings in a single battle.

That battle had left him drenched in blood, his armor dyed red, yet he had not retreated a single step!!

At the battle of Qianshui Plain, he had pacified Longxi and crushed Xue Ju and Xue Rengao, father and son.

His army had been surrounded for three days and three nights in that battle, their supplies cut off and morale low!

Yet he had personally led his guards through the encirclement.

Then he had turned around and destroyed the enemy's lair.

At the battle of Baibi, he had routed Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang, recovering Hedong.

He had taken two arrows in that battle, blood pouring from his wounds, yet he had continued directing the troops until the battle ended before collapsing.

For all these years, he had fought north and south, his might intimidating every direction as the Four Seas paid tribute.

He had survived countless life-and-death crises, relying solely on his own fists and unshakable conviction. He had never believed in so-called compassion or Merit!

And then there was Xuanwu Gate.

That was the day he least wished to remember.

His elder brother Li Jiancheng and his younger brother Li Yuanji had both died in that battle.

It was not that he had been cruel. He had had no choice.

If he had not acted, the one who died would have been him!!!

Mercy did not command armies.

He understood those four words better than anyone.

Li Shimin closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, then opened them again.

"Return to the palace," he