With Li Yuanying just arriving, the public was curious about him. The boy brought his team out and loudly interacted with those they met along the way. Yuanying didn’t turn down anyone who offered to bring him around for a good time. Slowly, more got to form an acquaintance with him.

Yuanying made a round in the city and was satisfied with it. Although it’s not a big one,the citizens live well. He wondered if those living outside the city walls are also well taken care of. He saw a huge lake on the West and made a mental note to include it within his city planning.

There’s a smaller lake in his mansion that looked beautiful but is too delicate. The big lake is much better with good view, enough space for boats and they can even include street performances near it.

While Yuanying was busy planning how to beautify his city, Governor Cui dropped by to inform that preparations for the banquet is now ready and he would like to formally invite him.

He was already aware of this invitation on day 1 so he quickly accepted. After all, why not take free food when others are willingly offering it?

Yuanying held a serious expression and professionally spoke to the governor about matters related to Tengzhou. But he quickly reverted to his playful state: “Oh, I wrote to brother today and briefly mentioned your name.”

Governer Cui felt a bad foreboding.

“I told him that you looked like my fourth nephew and made me think about him. I wonder if he is doing well when it’s really cold out there. Governer Cui, with your prosperous body shape are you afraid of the cold and the heat too?”

Governer Cui almost tripped. Well…. isn’t he just a little chubby?

Why did Li Yuanying write to His Majesty about matters like this? And even mentioned that he resembles Prince Wei! Isn’t Prince Wei one of the unfortunate victims; the most favoured son who lost to Prince Teng? Isn’t it enough to have won? Why is he bringing him up from time to time?

Why is it your business if a chubby person is afraid of the cold? Why did you write to the Emperor to discuss such things?!

This is discrimination toward chubby people!

But Governor Cui cannot refute the Prince and so he could only answer with a smile: “This humble one is not afraid of the cold.”

Yuanying nodded. “I think so too. Isn’t there a saying that the cold pierces the bone? With more meat on ones body it will be harder to reach the bones. So chubbier people shouldn’t be that afraid of the cold. This is for the best as I feel sorry for my nephew. He should be enjoying in a warm house but he had to travel far in cold weather.”

Yuanying thought in 3^rd person: although he loves travelling he wouldn’t want to travel North in winter. He hasn’t faced much difficulties since birth and Li Tai would be the same as him!

Ahh… he didn’t plan well and has caused fourth nephew to suffer… he now feels a little guilty.

Around the same time, Li Tai reached Geryeo.

The journey wasn’t easy. In the past he would be fuming with anger at everyone especially Li Yuanying. But now he felt peaceful and even spoke to Ma Zhou about the things they saw along the way.

If the Emperor had only sent him alone on this trip Li Tai would think that his Majesty is deliberately punishing him, but Ma Zhou is also here so the real motive is for them to complete this task well.

The delegation team arrived with smooth passage in Goryeo and also received the highest level of hospitality.

Li Tai watched coldly and noticed that the people were pale and thin, the lands had low houses and barren fields. He felt that Goryeo had nothing special to be praise about, and was far inferior to Tang. Only when he arrived at the capital did he feel that it’s okay but still barely comparable to a county of Tang!

In such a poor and weak country, it’s no wonder the Ruler is weak while ministers are strong and controls the military and political power. Unfortunately, this small country tried to join forces with Baekje to attack Silla and is trying to swallow up its neighbor!

In Li Tai’s eyes, this situation is like having three pets at home, two which wants to peck the remaining one to death. Do they think the master is dead?

Li Tai thinks that Goryeo will not be able to cough up the military fund for decades. If that’s the case, why won’t they just obediently comply? Don’t make a fuss attacking others but focus on doing a good job in cultivating culture, education  and the economy. That way they can lay better eggs for the Tang Dynasty. Oh no no, I meant to pay tribute!

Although Li Tai was forcefully driven away and had to withdraw from fighting for succession to the throne, the pride he had developed from childhood still lingered. As an envoy entering the capital of Goryeo, he was full of demeanor.

In the past two years, he had slimmed down, and doesn’t look so prosperous anymore. Riding had  become much more convenient. The Goryeo citizens who saw him looking tall and strong felt that he looked truly magnificent, more majestic than their own King!

Of course, there is still a slight gap compared to their Mo Li Zhi.

Many people instinctively shuddered at the thought of Yeon Gaesomun. In order to capture the cities of Silla, he recruited soldiers and the people dared not resist. In the eyes of many, what’s the point of conquering more cities? They can’t cultivate more land or live in more houses? The soldiers suffer in  war, but what they achieved is just reputation!

It will still be these common people who suffers!

Li Tai didn’t know the sadness in the hearts of the people but he could see that their lives  were not very good. He exchanged a glance with Ma Zhou and strode out to greet the Goryeo officials.

Li Tai soon met Yeon Gaesomun and the Goryeo King he had supported.

The so-called Mo Li Zhi position held by Yeon Gaesomun was actually an official position established by Yeon Gaesomun himself. He is to be superior to all military and political ministers, firmly controls the military and political power and is no different from proclaiming himself king!

The King of Goryeo is clearly a puppet ruler, appearing weak and always looking towards Yeon Gaesomun for his opinion before speaking.

Li Tai saw it and think that this is indeed a barbaric land. The ruler is control by a courtier and had no dignity. What’s the point of having such a ruler?

For the first time, Li Tai felt that being born in Tang was something to be proud of. Although His Majesty is often criticized, it is because Li Er wanted to govern well and become a wise ruler, rather than being controlled by others like the King of Goryeo!

Ma Zhou stayed focused and supported Li Tai in getting to know the rulers of Goryeo.

Quickly they handed over their official document to the King.

Both Li Tai and Ma Zhou portrayed a serious and solemn expression throughout.

Ma Zhou observed that Yeon Gaesomun gripped his fist after reading the document as if he was holding in his anger.

Li Tai observed the same thing but calmly shared that they will be staying for a few days and allow them time to consider the proposal. If Yeon Gaesomun refuses to retreat his army from Silla and admit their wrongdoings then the next meeting will not be them but the Tang army.

“Along my journey here I observed that the citizens looked hungry and dressed in shambles; it looked like they are not having a good time. In my land, my subjects lives a prosperous and happy life. If you’re unable to do so, why not become part of Tang and we will send supplies and take care of the citizens!” (Li Tai with said proudly showing off his status as Royalty)

In the next few days the pair went around the capital visiting. They did not realize that their action had threaten the Goryeo ruler which might cause their lives to be in danger.

Tang has declared war upfront and this is the last warning. If they are unwilling to compromise, can we be blamed for attacking?

When one thinks that they are in the right , they act proudly.

Dai Ting coincidentally was in Goryeo. When he heard that an envoy from Tang is visiting, he quickly tried to get news about them. When he found out that it’s led by Li Tai and Ma Zhou, he hesitated for  days but decided to quietly visit Ma Zhou to get more information about the Imperial Court’s decision.

Although Yuanying had sent him a letter informing him about his move and also about his advise to the Emperor to declare war in summer but he’s not sure if the Court actually took him seriously. Although this place and TengZhou is only separated by a sea, it’s not easy to send letter. Therefore, Dai Ting decided to approach Ma Zhou for more updates.

Ma Zhou was surprised to see him. Although Dai Ting is not a prominent figure in the Palace, he had a deep impression of him. This is the same person that Prince Teng send to GaoChang and made a fortune! Right after this same guy was sent to the Tibetan Empire a nd opened up two trading routes.

This is a capable fella!

It’s a pity that he’s a eunuch.

Ma Zhou observe the man who sat down and felt pity in his heart. Remembering all his great achievements, he asked what he’s doing in Goryeo.

Since Dai Ting is here for news, he naturally is willing to share his own updates too.

“Yeon Gaesomun has killed the ruler and stolen power. This is treacherous behaviour and many are unhappy.” He continued with a faint smile. “This humble one is here offering help to people who loves their country, to seek righteousness and to defend what they believe in. I’m also doing some businesses on the side, nothing too out of the ordinary.”

Looking at Dai Ting’s beautiful smiling face, Ma Zhou thought silently: Luckily he’s born as a man, otherwise who can guess what calamity he’ll bring!

He thought again. No, it’s not safe even if he’s a man. Seriously how did Li Yuanying see his talent and skills within without being distracted by this beautiful face that transcends gender!

Maybe because Prince Teng is not at the age where he’s influenced by beauty?