Xue Daoming summoned Li Chenzhou to the palace. Rumors were rife outside, and Li Chenzhou was deeply uneasy, worrying about whether his father would live or die and whether someone would seize the opportunity to turn the flames on him. He had assumed Xue Daoming had summoned him over this matter, but to his surprise, the emperor's real concern was the war on the Northern Frontier. What had happened within Great Kang seemed not to have attracted much of his attention.
"I summoned you to the palace to discuss the military situation on the Northern Frontier, Minister Li," Xue Daoming said.
Hearing no mention of Wen Chenghuan, Li Chenzhou felt a little more at ease. "The Northern Frontier has entered its winter lull," he replied respectfully. "There will be no further fighting for at least three months."
Xue Daoming sighed. "It is Yuchi Chong who worries me. I summoned him back to the capital to recuperate and intended to reward him, yet he has rejected my goodwill time and again."
"Perhaps the danger on the Northern Frontier has not yet passed, and he dares not leave his post without cause," Li Chenzhou said.
"The truth is that he relies on his troops to bolster his own standing and holds me in contempt," Xue Daoming said.
In a rare show of support for Yuchi Chong, Li Chenzhou said, "Your Majesty, I do not believe that is the case. Yuchi Chong has rendered outstanding service defending the Northern Frontier against Black Hu. Your Majesty should be a little more forgiving toward him."
"I know of his accomplishments," Xue Daoming said with a sigh. "Have I ever failed to show consideration for his hardships? Yet he thinks so highly of his own achievements that he no longer takes me seriously. I understand his