Destino: Começando no Décimo Segundo Ano da Grande Era

The Year 612 of the Sui Dynasty.

In early spring, wildflowers bloomed profusely, grasses grew lush, and trees flourished along the road. Hawks and sparrows soared in the sky. Li Shimin lifted his eyes and saw the prefectural seat of Mayi, Shanyang, already within sight.

Not long ago, the Turks had breached the frontier. His father, Li Yuan, was currently leading troops here, joining forces with Wang Rengong, the governor of Mayi, to resist the invasion. The Turkic forces were numerous, while Li Yuan and Wang Rengong had only a few soldiers. Concerned for his father’s safety, Li Shimin had hurried here to assist.

Yet, his visit was not solely for this purpose; he carried a greater mission in his heart.

Though spring had arrived, the evening winds at the Mayi border still carried a blade-like chill. Yet this cold breeze blew against him, stirring his cloak, and Li Shimin felt it to be just right.

He glanced back along the wide official road stretching southward into the heartland of Shanxi and the vast Central Plains of the empire.

The emperor had launched grand projects and waged two campaigns against Goguryeo, draining the people’s strength without regard for their suffering. Now, the Central Plains were aflame with uprisings, the great Sui empire’s realm teetering on the brink of disaster. This was the time for heroes to rise. As a noble of the Li family from Guanzhong, how could they not seize this opportunity?

His greater purpose in coming was to persuade his father, Li Yuan, that he must not linger long at the border. They ha