Chapter 845: Huangfu Renhe

After ending the chat, Ouyang Mingri opened his eyes and recounted the situation in the chat group.

"The Emperor Taizong is right—even if Huangfu Renhe refuses, it doesn't matter," the frontier elder agreed, nodding. "He could simply avoid taking Sifang City and seize the lands beyond it instead.

With the Emperor Taizong's methods and divine arts, he could end the wars across the land and restore peace to the realm.

"This would indeed be an act of boundless merit."

The frontier elder was a divine physician, deeply affected by the state of the world.

At this moment, the Tang Dynasty teetered on collapse, and the people suffered unbearable hardship.

He traveled the land and frequently witnessed natural disasters and human misfortunes, with civilians displaced and bones exposed on the wilds.

He wished to save the world, yet he was powerless to do so.

In this world, no matter how high one's Wu Gong, there are limits.

Besides, even if he used his strength to rally a faction, how could he guarantee it would be governed well?

He was a divine physician—he could heal the sick and save lives, but governing a state? He was a complete outsider.

"If that's the case, let's split up," Gu Moutian mused. "I'll go retrieve the Dragon Soul Blade from Sima Changfeng. You three go find Huangfu Renhe and discuss it."

"Alright."

Thus, the group divided into two teams: Gu Moutian alone, and the frontier elder with two others.

Three days later.

Sifang City came into view, and Shangguan Yan grew impatient.

"Once I find Huangfu Renhe and complete my mission, I can go find my mother."

The nation and the world—she didn't truly care much.

After all, she had little desire for fame or fortune.

She left the martial world only to seek revenge and fulfill her family's duty.

The three entered the city and quickly found Chou Dofu—Huangfu Renhe—and led him to a secluded spot.

"Why are you looking for me?" Huangfu Renhe asked, startled. "Do you need my help with something difficult?"

Ouyang Mingri smiled. "We don't need your help—we're here to tell you something important."

Then the three revealed his true origins.

"Impossible—I'm the son of the former mayor of Sifang City?" Chou Dofu couldn't believe it. "You must be mistaken!"

"We're not mistaken," the frontier elder chuckled. "This isn't something only we know—you can ask your family and confirm it."

Upon hearing this, Chou Dofu hurried off, then returned moments later.

"Do you believe now?" the frontier elder asked.

Huangfu Renhe nodded. "I believe you. But what do you want from me? Are you trying to make me mayor of Sifang City? No—I can't do it."

Even being a Constable felt overwhelming; how could he possibly lead an entire faction?

The thought of an entire city depending on him for their livelihood made him feel suffocated.

He simply didn't have the ability!

"Aren't you going to seek revenge?" Ouyang Mingri asked in surprise. "After all, it was my father who killed your father."

"Revenge?" Huangfu Renhe's gaze sharpened. "Of course I will seek it. But these are two separate matters. I cannot bear the responsibility of tens of thousands of lives."

"Fine," Ouyang Mingri nodded. "If you wish to seek revenge, come whenever you like—I won't stop you."

"As for Sifang City, I have a proposal."

He then explained the earlier plan.

"Emperor Taizong Li Shimin?"

"A god?"

Huangfu Renhe was stunned.

Are these people trying to fool me?

Emperor Taizong was a figure from hundreds of years ago.

"If you don't believe it, you can speak with Emperor Taizong yourself."

With a wave of his hand, a glowing portal appeared in the air.

The next moment, a man clad in a dragon robe stepped out.

His extraordinary bearing and noble aura could not possibly be faked.

One's surroundings shape one's spirit; one's upbringing shapes one's body.

Only those who have long held power above others can cultivate such an aura.

Seeing this presence, Huangfu Renhe instinctively compared it to Ouyang Feiying.

The contrast made the difference instantly clear.

A true dragon and a mud eel—there was no comparison possible.

"You're truly Emperor Taizong?" Huangfu Renhe asked.

Li Shimin smiled. "Yes—but not the Taizong of your world."

"Chou Dofu pays homage to Your Majesty," Huangfu Renhe bowed. "Please, take control of Sifang City!"

"Oh?" Li Shimin was curious. "Sifang City, though on the frontier, is a vast foundation. You truly give it up?"

"I do," Huangfu Renhe said firmly. "There are hundreds of thousands of people here—I have no confidence I can ensure they live in comfort and plenty."

Benevolence is a noble virtue!

But benevolence cannot strengthen an army, cannot make subjects wise, and cannot feed the people.

Huangfu Renhe had a very clear understanding of himself.

As a Constable, he could still help others within his limited capacity.

Even if he became City Lord, he might not necessarily be able to lead Four Directions City toward glory.

And Taizong Li Shimin, a figure of legend—his talent for governing had long been known to all. Even though he was stationed at the borderlands, Huangfu Renhe was extremely familiar with this Emperor.

With Li Shimin taking charge of Four Directions City, he felt it greatly suited his wishes.

"Good." Li Shimin nodded. "I can assure you, you will not regret this. This Four Directions City will from now on absolutely become a renowned city under heaven, its people living and working in peace and contentment, never again suffering the hardships of hunger and cold."

"Good." Li Shimin nodded. "I can assure you that you won't regret it. This Four Directions City will absolutely become a famous city under heaven in the future, its people will live and work in peace and happiness, and they will never again suffer

Stinky Tofu was overjoyed.

With this, he too could consider that the foundation his father had built had been entrusted to a person worthy of trust.

Back then, the reason Huangfu Zhong and his brothers had established Four Directions City was to take in displaced common folk, not for power and influence.

With this, he could be said to have entrusted the foundation his father had built to someone worthy of trust.

Back then, the reason Huangfu Zhong and his brothers had established Four Directions City was to take in displaced commoners, not for power.