The next day, at the Imperial Court, Li Jiancheng volunteered to lead troops against the Turks in the north.
"No!"
Li Yuan refused at once.
"Father Emperor—"
Li Jiancheng wanted to say more, but Li Yuan waved a hand and cut him off.
"It's far too dangerous! When you went to Hebei, commanders from Celestial Strategy Mansion accompanied you, so I was somewhat at ease. But now everyone from Celestial Strategy Mansion is with the King of Qin in Hebei! As the Crown Prince of Great Tang, how can you take such a risk and head north to face the Turks?"
"Second Young Master is out there fighting for Great Tang. I want to as well!"
"Nonsense!"
Li Yuan barked, "Your younger brother is the King of Qin. Fighting for Great Tang is what he ought to do. You are the Crown Prince. What you should do is remain in Chang'an and obey my orders!"
"This matter shall not be discussed again!"
Li Yuan gave Li Jiancheng no further chance to speak.
He rose at once and left the Grand Hall.
Li Jiancheng stood silently in the Grand Hall for a long while. In the end, he sighed and turned to leave.
But no matter what, he was still the Crown Prince.
Though he could not compare to Li Shimin, looking across the realm, past and future alike, he was no mediocre man. Even if Li Yuan refused, Li Jiancheng still wanted to contribute his share to the country.
Thus, he had Li Xiu Ning conceal the matter from Li Yuan while he himself left Chang'an overnight and raced straight for the northern border.
By the time Li Yuan learned of it, Li Jiancheng had already arrived in Shuozhou. Li Yuan was furious! Even Li Xiu Ning received a scolding