Triumphant news arrives; a clash of interests ensues.

While Li Tai was diligently studying state affairs under the tutelage of Wang Gui, the first report of victory from the Dragon Cavalry reached Chang'an. This report had been dictated by Su Lie and transcribed by Li Daliang, detailing the entire course of the Dragon Cavalry’s inaugural engagement. Accompanying the report were over ten thousand left ears of the enemy and nearly one hundred thousand head of cattle and sheep.

When Zhang Anan read the report aloud during the court session, a buzzing hum of discussion instantly filled the Taiji Palace. Although the report lacked the visual impact of the earlier drills, the shock it generated was even more profound. The fact that the Dragon Cavalry had managed to slaughter an enemy ten times their number without suffering a single injury, while seizing such vast spoils, was a rare and monumental triumph in the history of the Tang military. Furthermore, the unit had operated in isolation, completely devoid of logistical support, which made the victory even more extraordinary.

Li Shimin sat upon the Dragon Throne, observing the reactions of his ministers with satisfaction. Many among them had previously criticized the exorbitant expenses incurred by the Dragon Cavalry. Now, reality had thoroughly slapped them in the face, leaving Li Shimin feeling immensely fortunate for his initial insistence.

After the clamor subsided, Fang Xuanling was the first to step forward. "Your Majesty, I believe this victory should be proclaimed throughout the realm to put the hearts of the people at ease."

Li Shimin nodded. "That is precisely my intention."

Wei Zheng added, "This is a great victory. We should grant the people three days of celebration to mark the occasion."

Li Shimin smiled. "Granted."

Hou Junji then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, according to the report, the remnants of the enemy force have fled. Why not recall the Dragon Cavalry and bestow rewards upon them?" As he spoke, he cast a subtle glance at Li Chengqian standing nearby. Though his words seemed to be in the interest of the Dragon Cavalry, they were, in truth, driven by ulterior motives. Having sensed the formidable power of the unit, he feared that if left to remain in Tuyuhun territory, they might soon secure another victory. In that event, the prestige of the Dragon Cavalry would reach its zenith, and both Li Zhi and Li Jing—the primary advocates for the unit’s formation—would reap the benefits.

Li Jing had been contemplating retirement for the past two years, and as he was already hailed as the greatest general of the Tang, additional glory mattered little to him. Li Zhi, however, was different. By now, the court officials were aware that many of the Dragon Cavalry’s training methods originated from him. The higher the reputation of the unit climbed, the more advantageous it became for Li Zhi. Thus, Hou Junji felt compelled to find any means possible to remove the Dragon Cavalry from the battlefield and tuck them away in the rear.

Upon seeing Hou Junji’s glance, Li Chengqian also spoke up: "Tuyuhun is vast, and its cities are sparse. It is extremely dangerous for the Dragon Cavalry to strike so deep into enemy territory alone. I concur with Minister Hou’s opinion."

Li Tai, observing the two of them pushing for the recall, looked at Wang Gui with some confusion. His political instincts were not sharp enough to grasp the underlying machinations. Wang Gui, noticing his gaze, gave a subtle nod. It was imperative for Li Tai to stand with Li Chengqian; otherwise, Li Zhi’s influence would inevitably soar alongside the Dragon Cavalry's continued success.

Encouraged by his teacher, Li Tai spoke: "Father, the Dragon Cavalry is not easily trained. Rather than leaving them to take risks within Tuyuhun, it would be better to recall them for now and strike again only when the enemy’s intentions are clear."

Li Jing countered, "The court established the Dragon Cavalry specifically to handle such situations. Now that they have entered the fray, how can we easily withdraw them?"

Hou Junji argued, "That may be so, but the Dragon Cavalry is newly formed and unaccustomed to the high-altitude environment. In my view, it is inadvisable for them to remain there for a long period."

Li Zhi replied, "The people of Tuyuhun are not born of a high-altitude race either, yet did they not establish their kingdom upon these very plateaus?"

Fang Xuanling nearly laughed aloud at this remark. The story of the Tuyuhun people’s rise was legendary; their ancestors had arrived at their current territory with only seventeen hundred households to build a nation, defeating the Qiang tribes who already resided there. Li Zhi’s retort not only refuted Hou Junji but also displayed immense confidence in the Dragon Cavalry. Hou Junji was left speechless.

Li Chengqian interjected, "Even if the Dragon Cavalry remains unaffected in Tuyuhun, what can they achieve beyond merely disrupting the land?"

Li Zhi replied, "If even that is all they can do, it is enough to ensure the enemy no longer has the leisure to harass our Tang borders."

Li Chengqian countered, "With the Tibetan Empire watching like a tiger, would our actions not simply be making wedding clothes for others?"

Li Zhi retorted, "With Tibet on our flank, is our Tang not already in the same position? If they dare to make a move, we shall simply engage them in a battle within Tuyuhun."

Hou Junji spoke up: "Your Highness makes it sound easy. You must realize that war between great powers is bound to be protracted. We currently lack grain and have not assembled a major army. How can we lightly initiate such a conflict?"

Li Zhi said, "Minister Hou speaks only of the drawbacks while ignoring the benefits. Do you not know that the land occupied by Tuyuhun is a vital trade route for the Tang?" He looked up at the gathered crowd and continued, "The recent attack by Tuyuhun targeted Liangzhou, a move that has severely impacted our commercial routes."

Liangzhou was a crucial node of the Silk Road. This attack had made it clear to Li Shimin that the enemy threatened the flow of trade. Li Zhi knew this was the true reason Li Shimin had dispatched the Dragon Cavalry, and he revealed it without hesitation. The people present might not care about the outcome of a war, but the goods brought by the Silk Road were something they all required. Li Zhi was reminding them that their interests were under threat, and it was up to them to decide.

The effect was immediate. Those who had been mere spectators now realized the gravity of the issue. The Minister of Rites, Chen Shuda, said, "Your Majesty, I believe the presence of the Dragon Cavalry will effectively protect the safety of our trade routes."

Dai Zhou, Minister of Revenue, added, "The Dragon Cavalry’s operations require no grain supplies from the court yet effectively contain the enemy. This is a benefit at no cost." Dai Zhou, true to his role as the keeper of the purse, spoke only of profit.

Yuchi Jingde chimed in, "That Tibetan Empire is nothing to fear; if they dare to interfere, we shall deal with them as well." Dai Zhou could not help but roll his eyes at this—it was easy to talk, but did Yuchi not realize that war cost money?

Soon, others began to voice their opinions, and the assembly reached a consensus: it was better for the Dragon Cavalry to remain in Tuyuhun. Such was the importance of the Silk Road; among the entire court of civil and military officials, not one could afford to lose the profits it brought.

Wang Gui observed the scene, then glanced at Li Tai, whose eyes were also gleaming with newfound clarity. He could not help but let out a silent sigh.