"Outrageous! That unfilial son has actually betrayed the Li family! Jiancheng, Yuanji, take fifty thousand troops and bring him back to me!" Li Yuan raged.
"Father, what if Yuanba resists?" Li Yuanji asked.
"Resists? ... If he resists, kill him without mercy," Li Yuan said after a moment's silence.
"Yes, Father," Li Yuanji replied.
"But unless you have absolutely no choice, do not take your Fourth Brother's life. Understood?" Li Yuan cautioned.
"Rest assured, Father. Third Brother and I know where to draw the line," Li Jiancheng said.
"Go," Li Yuan said, pressing a hand to his forehead.
The two accepted their orders and led fifty thousand troops toward Heaven County in Luzhou.
Before long, Cheng Yaojin arrived at Eight-Li Two Worthies Manor. Delighted to learn of his visit, Shan Xiongxin hurried to invite him inside.
Cheng Yaojin had his soldiers camp outside, then entered the manor with Li Yuanba.
Shan Xiongxin ordered a feast prepared, and the three talked as they ate.
After several rounds of wine and a generous meal, Cheng Yaojin explained why he had come.
Shan Xiongxin slapped his thigh upon hearing this. "A true man born in troubled times should wield a three-foot blade and achieve unparalleled glory. Brother Yaojin, since you have the ambition to contend for the realm, I'll risk my life at your side!"
"Excellent! I'll drain this cup to thank you, brother," Cheng Yaojin said.
He raised his cup and drank it dry. "Splendid! That's the spirit I like in you, brother," Shan Xiongxin said, then drained his own cup.
Then he looked at Li Yuanba. "Brother Yaojin, who is he?"
"He's Li Yuan's fourth son, Li Yuanba. He's joined me," Cheng Yaojin said.
"Oh? How did that happen? Hasn't Li Yuan proclaimed himself king too? Why would he help you