After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 14

Li Shimin strolled along the bustling streets, surrounded by the people laughing and talking, their joy was beyond words. The sun shone on the stone road, reflecting the smiles on everyone's faces, which made him feel relieved. He felt that this incognito visit was very worthwhile, and being able to see the smiles of the people and hear their laughter was more real and vivid than any report.

But at the same time, he also felt sad that the people were so happy just because a few tyrannical officials were punished. He knew that the reason behind this was how much oppression the people suffered in their daily lives, and their happiness was so simple, yet so rare.

"On this trip, I realized that corruption is so rampant in the Tang Dynasty. I have been in office for two years, but I failed to notice this problem earlier. This is indeed my fault." Li Shimin sighed as he walked and thought, with a look of melancholy on his face. His eyes revealed a deep sense of self-blame, as if the suffering of every citizen weighed on his heart.

[Li Shimin is a man who is sometimes vigorous and resolute, like a tiger descending from a mountain, sweeping away all obstacles; sometimes he is gentle and considerate, caring about the sufferings of every citizen. He is such a strange man.] Li Qingge observed Li Shimin from the side, muttering to herself. She saw that Li Shimin's eyes contained both the majesty of an emperor and the warmth of an ordinary person. This complex emotion made her feel a little helpless.

[Let the past be the past. What’s important is the present and the future. Why bother yourself with worry?] She tried to comfort herself, but the worry in her heart was hard to dissipate.

[No matter how much you say, it is better to do something practical.] She felt a sense of pride and decided to work harder to assist Li Shimin and contribute her own strength to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin seemed to have noticed Li Qingge's subtle emotions and turned to look at her: "Cheng Qing, I have a question in my mind and would like to hear your opinion." His voice was gentle and deep, as if he could see into people's hearts.

"I am very humble and would like to hear your Majesty's instructions." Li Qingge answered respectfully, but her heart was beating fast. She didn't know what tricky questions Li Shimin was going to ask, and she felt a little uneasy.

[What is Li Shimin planning? Asking me alone, is he trying to make an enemy for me?] She muttered to herself, but she still maintained a calm expression.

Li Shimin saw what Li Qingge was thinking and laughed in his heart. He found it funny to see Li Qingge's displeasure. He liked Li Qingge's cleverness and wit, and also liked her occasional helplessness and confusion.

"I see corruption everywhere. Although some people have been punished, vacant positions still need to be filled. What do you think, should we select talented people from all over the country, or send reliable ministers directly from the capital to govern?" Li Shimin's voice was gentle and serious, and he was looking forward to Li Qingge's answer.

"This matter still needs your majesty's judgment. I believe your majesty's decision will be wise and decisive." Li Qingge used the same old words again, but she had other thoughts in her mind. She knew that this question was not easy to answer, because no matter which method she chose, it might cause new problems and conflicts.

Li Shimin looked at her and smiled bitterly. Li Qingge's smoothness was beyond his imagination. Sometimes he even doubted whether Li Qingge really had no ideas and positions of her own.

Wei Zheng and others stood aside, rolling their eyes at Li Qingge. They were dissatisfied with Li Qingge's smoothness and perfunctory response, but because they were not the subject of the questioning, they did not say much. However, the dissatisfaction and reproach in their eyes pierced Li Qingge's heart like a needle.

Li Qingge felt those rolling eyes and complained in her heart. She felt that she was innocent. This question was difficult to answer, and she didn't want to get involved in any factional struggle.

[This is something that your majesty should worry about, why are you asking me?] She complained in her heart, but still maintained a calm expression. She didn't want Li Shimin to see her dissatisfaction and helplessness, because she knew that this would only make her more passive.

[If I don’t answer well, and my opinion is not in agreement with His Majesty, I’m afraid he will be unhappy; if I recommend someone according to my own ideas, if that person becomes greedy in the future, it will not be my responsibility, but His Majesty will inevitably think of me.] She thought about these things in her mind, but still tried to stay calm and rational.

[It is better to select from the people, which will win the hearts of the people and truly benefit the people.] This idea suddenly flashed through her mind, and she felt that this idea not only met Li Shimin's wishes, but also solved the current problem.

"What you said is exactly what I want." Li Shimin seemed to have heard Li Qingge's thoughts and had made up his mind. His eyes revealed a kind of admiration and trust, as if he had seen hope for the future.

"???" Wei Zheng and others and Li Qingge were stunned, not understanding what Li Shimin meant. They looked at Li Shimin in surprise, as if they were looking at a magical magician.

In the following days, Li Shimin went deep into the people and personally inspected local officials. He went to every corner, talked cordially with the people, and understood their sufferings and needs. Finally, he found Gao Huai, an honest and upright official, and decided to promote him to the position of prefectural governor.

"I thank the emperor for his great grace and will live up to your high expectations." Gao Huai was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He knelt on the ground and took the imperial edict handed over by Li Shimin with trembling hands. His heart was filled with gratitude and awe, as if he saw hope and light in the future.

Li Shimin personally helped him up, and thinking of what happened with Pang Xiangshou before, he repeatedly reminded him: "You are deeply loved by the people, and this position has heavy responsibilities. As a parent official, you must put the interests of the people first. Now the court and the country are in turmoil, I hope you can live up to this responsibility, eliminate evils, promote benefits, and remain honest." His voice was gentle and serious, as if every word contained infinite power and expectations.

Gao Huai was flattered and thanked him again, saying, "I was originally a commoner. Your Majesty has promoted me to this high position. I will serve the public with self-denial and put the people first. I will never let your Majesty down." His sincere words and elegant manners formed a sharp contrast with Pang Xiangshou's extravagant style. His eyes revealed a kind of determination and perseverance, as if he had seen the future path and goal.

[Li Shimin finally thinks the same as me. Isn't this a tacit understanding? As a monarch, if he doesn't have such judgment, how can he govern the country well? ] Li Qingge muttered to herself. When she saw Li Shimin's choices and decisions, she was full of admiration and praise. She felt that Li Shimin was a truly wise monarch who could see through people's hearts and distinguish right from wrong.

[Gao Huai is indeed a rare talent, and there is a huge difference between him and Pang Xiangshou. Li Shimin finally made the right choice this time.] She felt proud again and decided to work harder to assist Li Shimin and contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. She believed that as long as they worked together, they would be able to create a better future.

After the matter was settled, Li Shimin took Liu's father and son, Tang Cheng and others away from that place. On the way, the sun shone through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on the winding path, adding a bit of warmth to the journey home. He suddenly remembered the shy look on his little daughter's face when she secretly looked at Li Qingge, and couldn't help laughing. It was a smile mixed with pampering and expectation, as if he had seen his daughter's happy future.

He turned to look at Liu Weng and asked as if chatting with family: "Mr. Liu, what do you think of Li Qingge?" When Liu Weng heard the emperor's question, he quickly looked at Li Qingge and recalled the scene when he bravely rescued his daughter. At that time, Li Qingge's figure looked particularly tall in the afterglow of the setting sun, and his eyes were firm and resolute, as if they could dispel all darkness. Liu Weng thought to himself that this man was really brave and extraordinary. So he replied: "Your Majesty, General Cheng is resolute and courageous, wise and brave, and handsome. He is really a rare talent in the country!"

Liu Yuru sat aside, listening to her father's praise of Li Qingge, and became even more shy. Her thoughts were clearly written on her face. Her watery eyes would secretly glance at Li Qingge from time to time, and then quickly retracted, fearing that others would notice. Li Shimin glanced at Liu Yuru, understood, and laughed: "Haha, well said! What do you think if we recruit Li Qingge as our son-in-law, Mr. Liu?"

When these words came out, Liu Weng, Li Qingge and Liu Yuru were all stunned. Liu Weng hurriedly knelt down to thank him and said, "Your Majesty, General Cheng is a noble person, and I admire him very much. But my daughter comes from a poor family, and I am afraid she is not worthy of General Cheng." These words were sincere. Liu Weng knew the difference in family background. Although he was grateful for Li Qingge's kindness, he was also worried that his daughter would be wronged in the future. His face was full of worry and helplessness, as if he had seen his daughter suffering in a wealthy family.

Liu Yuru was both happy and worried. She was happy that her feelings were noticed, but she was worried that her father would not agree. She was shy, biting her lips and not saying anything, twisting her clothes with her hands, not knowing what to do. It seemed as if there were thousands of butterflies flying in her heart, with both longing for the future and helplessness about the reality.

Li Qingge also spoke to express his gratitude, saying: "I have just entered the official career, and I am planning to serve the country and realize my ambitions. Miss Liu is gentle and virtuous, and is indeed a beauty, but I have not achieved anything now, so how dare I talk about family affairs? I hope to talk about marriage after I have achieved something in the future." His voice was calm and firm, revealing a kind of persistence and pursuit for the future.

With both sides refusing, Li Shimin, who wanted to be a matchmaker, felt a little embarrassed. He coughed a few times, trying to find a way out. Seeing this, Liu Yuru became even more anxious, and her eyes were red. She mustered up her courage and said, "Your Majesty, father, I am grateful for your concern for me. General Cheng is right, I am still young and it is indeed not suitable for me to talk about marriage. But I have made up my mind, and it is General Li. If the general does not have this intention now, I am willing to wait for him, and talk about marriage when he is successful."

After hearing this, Li Shimin's awkward atmosphere eased a little. Seeing Liu Yuru's affectionate look, he couldn't help but feel a little sympathetic. It was rare for this little girl to be so persistent in her feelings. So he said, "In that case, let's put this matter aside for now." After saying that, he couldn't bear to see Liu Yuru's disappointed look, so he turned to look at Li Qingge and said, "Cheng Qing, I hope that when you achieve something in the future, don't forget that there is a beautiful woman waiting for you."

Although Li Qingge reluctantly agreed, he felt a little guilty towards Liu Yuru. He looked at Liu Yuru's expectant eyes, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. He knew that he couldn't make any promises to her yet, but he also understood that this little girl had given her heart to him.

On the way, the scenery was pleasant, with rolling hills, shady trees, and a breeze blowing on the face, bringing bursts of flower fragrance. However, Li Qingge had no intention of appreciating the beautiful scenery. He secretly pondered in his heart: "Why doesn't Li Shimin take care of state affairs, but instead worries about my marriage?" He also suspected whether Li Shimin had any other ideas about him: "Does he really like me? But because of worldly constraints, he wants me to have a formal marriage? This trick is really cruel!" Thinking of this, he looked at Li Shimin with a different look, with a little more vigilance and speculation.

Li Shimin noticed Li Qingge's change of mind and felt helpless. He thought: "Although my son is not very good, I have no other thoughts about you. Why are you so worried? I actually want to find a good future for you, but you misunderstood me. It's really sad!" He sighed and decided not to dwell on this topic. After all, marriage requires the consent of two people, and he, as the emperor, cannot force it.

On the following journey, they walked forward in silence. Li Shimin occasionally chatted with Liu Weng about family matters, while Li Qingge remained silent. His heart was full of contradictions and struggles. He didn't want to disappoint Liu Yuru's feelings, but he didn't want to be bound by marriage. Liu Yuru kept secretly looking at Li Qingge's back, her heart full of expectations and longings. She knew that she had fallen deeply in love with this man, and she was willing to wait for him no matter whether he would achieve something in the future.

Li Qingge was still mumbling in her heart, and her clear eyes were shining with thoughts. "Alas, I was not born and raised here. What if I have to go back one day and leave such a lonely little girl here? That would be a sin." She sighed softly, her heart full of worries about the unknown future. While walking on the stone road of the imperial city, she muttered, "It's really annoying. There are so many national affairs that have not been dealt with, and Li Shimin is always worrying about my personal affairs."

Li Shimin's heart trembled slightly after hearing these words. He thought to himself, "This girl always says that she is not from here. Could it be that she is from another world? Interesting, I have to think about it carefully." Thinking of this, he became more interested in Li Qingge, and his eyes flashed with curiosity and exploration. "What is that other world like? From what this girl said, it might be more exciting than ours." He thought to himself, "I have to work harder to make the Tang Dynasty a place that the whole world envies."

Although Li Shimin thought so in his heart, seeing that Li Qingge and Liu Yuru were still young, he didn't want to force them to do anything, so he put the matter aside for the time being. He turned and looked at the mountains in the distance, and a surge of lofty sentiments and ambitions surged in his heart.

At this time, Wei Zheng spoke up, his voice was steady and powerful: "Your Majesty, the matter of Pang Xiangshou has been dealt with. Where should we go next?" When Li Shimin heard this, his heart was in turmoil. He frowned, his heart was full of concern for the suffering of the people. "Here, so close to the imperial city, there is such greed. How can the people in places farther away live?" Thinking of this, he was furious, "Let's go and see somewhere else. If the officials under the emperor are like this, I don't know how chaotic other places are!" After saying this, his face was ashen, and his eyes flashed with determination.

Wei Zheng was also troubled by Li Shimin's appearance, but he didn't say anything. He just followed Li Shimin silently, his heart full of awe and worry for the emperor. But Li Qingge secretly complained in his heart: "Isn't Li Shimin a very smart guy? As an emperor, it's okay for him to be on a secret visit for so long, but now he wants to run around." "It's not good to have no one in charge of the family, and it's not good to have no one in charge of the country. Doesn't he understand this truth?" "Maybe he didn't see the suffering of the people, so he wanted to go out more. But if he does everything by himself, it would be strange if he doesn't die of exhaustion. Besides, the Tang Dynasty is so big, if he keeps going like this, he won't be able to come back for several years, and it would be strange if the court is not in chaos." "It's better to directly arrest a typical example like Pang Xiangshou, announce it to the world, and then send a patrolling censor to replace him."

Li Shimin seemed to have heard Li Qingge's voice, and he suddenly realized that he might have gone astray. "Yes, I was so anxious to save the people from danger that I forgot that I am just an ordinary person. Doing everything myself is limited after all. Besides, I have been away from the court for so long, and the government affairs are piled up." His mind suddenly became clear, as if he had seen the blue sky after the clouds and mists had been cleared. "Forget it, I have figured it out. Going on patrol in person is not a long-term solution. I will go to a few more places. If I encounter someone like Pang Xiangshou, I will make it public to serve as a warning to others. Let the other places be handed over to the patrolling censors to investigate."

"I obey your order." Wei Zheng responded. He knew that it was not a good thing for the emperor to be away for too long, and he had to go back to deal with state affairs. Li Qingge was slightly stunned when she heard this. She looked at Li Shimin in surprise, "Did Li Shimin suddenly come to his senses? This idea coincides with mine." "My ideas are getting closer and closer to his. Although he is sometimes confused, he is a wise ruler after all, and he will understand this truth." "It's great that he can figure this out. Emperor Wen of Sui was also ambitious and did everything himself, but he was exhausted in the end. Li Shimin is different. He knows how to use people."

When Li Shimin heard Li Qingge's praise, he couldn't help but smile. He was used to hearing Li Qingge's ridicule, and he was quite happy to receive a compliment occasionally. He looked at Li Qingge with eyes full of appreciation and recognition.

So, the group accelerated the pace of the inspection, severely punished the corrupt officials, and then handed the matter over to the patrol censors to handle, and then returned to the palace. On the way back to the palace, they passed through fields and villages, saw the busy figures of the people and the scene of the harvest. Li Shimin's mood also became particularly comfortable.

Time flies, and autumn is here in the blink of an eye. The locust plague has long passed, but the potato crops introduced by Li Qingge have yielded a bumper harvest. When Li Shimin saw the wonder of more than 2,000 kilograms per mu for the first time, his eyes were full of amazement and joy. He admired Li Qingge even more, and secretly thought about how to make better use of this talented woman.

In the court, Li Qingge still dozed off leaning against a pillar like before, but now no one laughed at her anymore. Her talent and contribution had been recognized by everyone. Li Shimin looked at her with a smile, and when she woke up, he said, "Cheng Qing has made the greatest contribution to this harvest. I will give you a thousand taels of gold and a mansion outside the city."

"A thousand taels of gold!" Li Qingge was still a little confused after waking up. When she heard the reward, she immediately looked at Li Shimin with wide eyes. She quickly bowed and thanked him, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. But this is not the credit of me alone. This is the result of the joint efforts of all the people in the Tang Dynasty. I am fortunate to witness the grand scene of all the people working together. I believe that the day of the prosperous Tang Dynasty is not far away!" While thanking him, Li Qingge did not forget to praise Li Shimin. These words hit the nail on the head. He had been longing for the prosperous Tang Dynasty day and night. Now hearing what Li Qingge said, he was very happy, and his heart was full of expectations and longing for the future.

"Haha, good! Good! Good! Cheng Qing, please stand up quickly. I am so happy to hear your auspicious words. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is just around the corner!" Li Shimin was smiling, and he was so excited when he said this. His eyes were full of infinite longing for the future, as if he had already seen the prosperous Tang Dynasty, where the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the country was extremely strong.

Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin's joy from the bottom of his heart, and couldn't help but sigh in her heart. [I just said a few nice words casually, how could the emperor be so happy? It's really unexpected! It seems that everyone likes to hear nice words, and the emperor is no exception! ] She pondered in her heart, and her eyes fell on Li Shimin again, observing him more deeply. [Looking at Li Shimin like this, he really wants to make the Tang Dynasty strong. Although he sometimes makes small mistakes, but overall, he is still quite capable. And he is generous, giving a thousand taels of gold, plus a luxurious mansion, this kind of handwriting is rare in ancient and modern times! ]

When Li Qingge thought of these rewards, she felt relieved. It seemed that her future life would be even better. She thought to herself, "Money can make things happen, and it can make things happen. I'm afraid I'll live a more carefree life in the future." She couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, and her eyes flashed with anticipation for the future.

Li Shimin saw the change in Li Qingge's expression and knew that she was happy in her heart, so he didn't say anything more and turned to chat with Yuchi Jingde. Yuchi Jingde stepped forward, clasped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, the cavalry and archers in our imperial city have now taken shape. If you are interested, we can go and try our hand together after the court session." There was a sense of pride in his words. After all, these soldiers were trained by him personally, and each one was like his child.

When Li Shimin heard this, his eyes lit up. He was originally a horse emperor. Although he was busy with government affairs after ascending the throne, his love for riding and shooting did not diminish at all. So he readily agreed: "Okay! General Yuchi is efficient. It has only been a few days and the soldiers have been trained. I must go and see!" His voice was full of anticipation and excitement, as if he couldn't wait to see those brave soldiers.

At this time, Wei Zheng stood up. He was upright and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, the palace is a forbidden area. Safety is the most important. Weapons are sharp and soldiers are trained. Accidents are easy to happen. I hope Your Majesty will think twice." Although Wei Zheng knew that this might make the emperor unhappy, he had to say it because it was his duty. His eyes revealed a firm determination, as if no matter what Li Shimin decided, he would stick to his position.

Li Shimin waved his hand and said with a smile: "General Yuchi has followed me for so many years, and I trust the soldiers he trained. If we are cautious all day long, what's the point of living? Relax occasionally and treat it as a vacation. Besides, if an assassin really comes, it will be my fault, and I will reflect on it." His tone was full of confidence and calmness, as if he was ready to face all challenges.

Li Qingge was still a little worried. She reminded him, "Your Majesty, protect yourself and put safety first." Her voice was filled with concern and worry, and she obviously didn't want Li Shimin to take risks. Li Shimin smiled and comforted her, "Wei Qing, you are too cautious. It's okay this time. There are so many of you in the palace protecting us, and I am the emperor. Nothing will happen." His tone was full of ease and confidence, as if he had completely forgotten the possible danger.

Since the emperor said so, it was difficult for others to persuade him. So Li Shimin led Tang Cheng and Li Qingge and went to the playground in a mighty procession. Along the way, they passed through the prosperous palace and the bustling market, attracting everyone's attention. Li Shimin was in a particularly good mood. He felt everything around him, as if the whole world had become particularly beautiful.

When they arrived at the playground, they saw the drill sergeant and a group of soldiers kneeling on the ground to welcome the emperor. They were wearing armor and holding weapons, looking majestic. When Li Shimin appeared, everyone shouted in unison: "Long live His Majesty!" The sound was so loud that it made the entire playground buzz.

Li Shimin looked at the scene in front of him, and his excitement was beyond words. The idea from a few months ago has now become a reality before his eyes. This sense of accomplishment is more satisfying than anything else. He seemed to have seen the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, the people living and working in peace and contentment, and the country being extremely strong. A satisfied smile appeared on his face, and his eyes flashed with infinite expectations for the future.

As for Li Qingge, although she was still muttering in her heart, "Li Shimin's love of riding and archery will probably attract the jealousy of villains", she couldn't help but be infected by the emperor's high-spirited look. She prayed secretly, "I hope everything will go smoothly, and don't let any accidents ruin this beauty." Her heart was full of expectations and blessings for the future, as if she had already seen the beautiful prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin seemed to be aware of Li Qingge's worries. He secretly warned himself: "I must be careful and not make any mistakes. With so many people protecting me, I will be safe." Thinking of this, he became more confident and strode forward with the team. His figure looked particularly tall and mighty in the sun, as if he was ready to face all challenges.

"Great! Fellow soldiers, you are the pride of the Tang Dynasty. The future prosperity of the Tang Dynasty will depend on you heroes." Li Shimin's words were filled with great pride and expectation. His eyes swept over every soldier present, as if he saw the glory of the future in them.

"That's right, the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty depends on you elite soldiers and generals. You are all the pillars of the Tang Dynasty!" Li Shimin said, his blood boiling and excited. He imagined the future of the Tang Dynasty, and a prosperous scene emerged in his mind, which made him feel extremely excited and expectant.

"We have no choice but to do it!" The soldiers answered in unison, loud and firm. Li Shimin smiled even brighter, his heart full of trust and expectation for the soldiers.

However, in this passionate atmosphere, Li Qingge muttered in her heart: "Why does Li Shimin always like to say such nice things? What's the use of just shouting slogans? It's better to get down to business. The sun is so strong in this autumn that people are almost getting sunburned. It's better to end it early and go home." Thinking about the good things happening at home, she became even more impatient and couldn't help complaining in a low voice.

Although she was wearing men's clothes, Li Qingge was a woman, so she was naturally more thoughtful. She glanced at the scorching sun and felt a little irritated. She imagined the comfort and tranquility of her home, and the new maids were all so pretty. It would be great if she could go back and have them give her a massage. It would be much more interesting than watching these men shooting arrows.

Li Shimin heard her mumbling, and although he was used to her outspokenness, his face still darkened slightly when she mentioned family matters. "This kid doesn't care about national affairs, but he is so anxious about family matters. Is the position of General Xuanwei not as good as his gentle hometown?" Li Shimin was secretly angry, but he cherished her talent, so he pretended not to hear.

He turned to the training officer and asked, "Who will compete with me in horseback archery today?" There was a hint of anticipation and excitement in his tone, and he obviously enjoyed this time of close contact with the soldiers.

The training officer pointed at a man and said, "Your Majesty, this is Shao Yang. His riding and archery skills are among the best in our team." His tone was full of admiration and respect for Shao Yang.

Li Shimin saw Shaoyang, who was young, about 20 years old, with a childish look on his face, but also mature and steady. His eyes revealed a kind of determination and persistence, as if he could move forward bravely no matter what difficulties he faced.

"Great! Heroes are born young!" Li Shimin couldn't help but praise. His heart was full of admiration and expectation for Shaoyang, as if he saw the future pillars of the Tang Dynasty.

Shaoyang hurriedly saluted and said modestly: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I just work harder than others and my skills are slightly better. How dare I compare myself with Your Majesty?" His tone was full of humility and respect, and it was obvious that he was full of admiration for Li Shimin.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin burst into laughter: "Since you are the best, let me see your real skills. Stop talking nonsense and start!" His tone was full of anticipation and excitement, and it was obvious that he couldn't wait to see Shaoyang's riding and archery skills.

"Yes, sir!" Everyone responded and began to prepare for the competition. They quickly arranged the venue and equipment to ensure the smooth progress of the competition.

Li Qingge watched from the side, feeling that something was wrong, but couldn't put her finger on it. She frowned and scanned the field, trying to find the source of her uneasiness. However, everything seemed normal, with nothing unusual.

She could only intuitively feel that something unexpected might happen in this competition. Her heart was filled with worry and uneasiness, as if an ominous premonition was lingering in her heart.

Sure enough, the situation on the field suddenly changed. Li Shimin rarely participated in the battle himself, and he was in high spirits. He rode his horse and galloped on the field, with his bow and arrow ready, as if he could deliver a fatal blow at any time.

Tang Cheng, who was standing next to him, was also infected by this enthusiasm. A smile hung on the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were shining with excitement and anticipation. He stared at Li Shimin's figure, as if he wanted to learn more skills and courage from him.

But at this moment, an accident happened. A soldier hiding in the dark suddenly drew his bow and shot an arrow, aiming directly at Li Shimin. The arrow flew with a whistling sound, and it was so fast that no one could dodge it.

The situation was critical. Li Shimin watched the arrow flying at him. It was too fast to dodge, so he could only close his eyes and wait for death. His heart was filled with shock and fear, as if he had seen himself falling down.

But a miracle happened, the arrow was deflected. Li Shimin opened his eyes and saw that it was Tang Cheng who stepped forward to save him. The arrow hit Tang Cheng's chest fiercely, and blood instantly dyed his clothes red.

"Tang Cheng!" Li Shimin exclaimed and hugged him quickly. His heart was filled with grief and anger, as if he could not accept this cruel fact.

"Tang Cheng, you are still so young and have a bright future. How can you die here? I won't allow it!" Li Shimin was extremely anxious and tried to stop his bleeding. However, the blood gushed out like a spring and could not be stopped at all.

Tang Cheng smiled, his eyes began to blur. He said with difficulty: "Your Majesty, I am originally a man from the mountains. It is a great blessing for me to be appreciated by you and serve as an official in the court. I don't have any big ambitions, I just hope that there will be less corruption in the world and the people can live a good life." His voice became weaker and weaker, as if it would disappear at any time.

After saying this, he smiled again, his breath getting weaker and weaker. His eyes revealed a kind of satisfaction and peace, as if he had seen the ideal world in his mind.

"Your Majesty, I have no regrets in my death because I know you." After saying this, Tang Cheng closed his eyes and never opened them again. His body lay quietly in Li Shimin's arms, as if he had fallen asleep.

Li Qingge was so heartbroken when she saw this scene that she couldn't breathe. She regretted not being more alert just now. If she had found the assassin earlier, Tang Cheng wouldn't have died. She was so young, so optimistic and cheerful, how could she be gone like this? Her heart was filled with self-blame and grief, as if she had also lost an important relative.

Li Shimin was in great pain. He had lost a loyal subordinate and a good friend. This pain and regret would always accompany him. He hugged Tang Cheng tightly, as if he wanted to use his own strength to keep his life. However, everything was irreversible, and Tang Cheng had left him forever.

He stared at Tang Cheng's body quietly. The eyes that were once full of life and energy were now closed. His face was peaceful but with a bit of reluctance and pain, as if telling of unfulfilled ambitions and regrets. The sunlight shone through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on her face, adding a bit of poignancy to this sad scene.

"Your Majesty, how should we deal with this matter next?" Yuchi Jingde's voice was low and heavy. He did not expect such a tragedy to happen. He felt deeply sorry for the sudden death of this young life. After all, he had created this training ground, but now it had become a place for farewell. He was filled with self-blame and guilt.

Li Shimin closed his eyes tightly, frowned, and his pain was beyond words. He did not speak for a long time, just stood there silently, letting the grief rage in his heart. His thoughts surged like a tide, recalling every bit of time he spent with Tang Cheng, those laughter and joy, those days fighting side by side, now all became eternal memories.

"We must thoroughly investigate this person's background and not let go of any clues." After a long while, Li Shimin slowly opened his eyes, his tone was full of unquestionable determination and fierceness. His eyes were like torches, revealing an unyielding will and determination.

"As for Guard Tang..." Yuchi Jingde sighed and continued, "She was a good seedling with unlimited potential, what a pity!" His tone was full of regret and reluctance, as if he had lost a precious treasure.

Li Shimin looked at Tang Cheng's remains again, and memories of the past flooded into his mind. His heart was filled with complex emotions, including grief, regret, and expectations for the future. He knew that Tang Cheng's departure was not just the passing of a life, but also a concern in his heart that he could not let go of.

"She sacrificed her life to save me. Such a loyal and brave person deserves the most grand funeral!" Li Shimin said in a deep voice, his tone full of admiration and regret for Tang Cheng. His voice echoed in the training ground, as if it was the highest praise for Tang Cheng's heroic behavior.

He had always loved and respected Tang Cheng, and kept her by his side as his trusted guard. But now he had encountered such a sudden change, which caught him off guard and filled him with regret. He secretly thought that if it had not been for his momentary negligence, perhaps this disaster could have been avoided. However, things had already happened, and no amount of regret could reverse it. He could only suppress his grief and move on.

At this time, his subordinates hurriedly reported: "Your Majesty, we have found out. The murderer is a Turk. He has been lurking in the army for a long time. It seems that he planned it for a long time." The man knelt on the ground and reported angrily. There was a bit of anxiety and indignation in his voice, as if he was looking for a reasonable explanation for this sudden tragedy.

"Turks..." Li Shimin whispered, his eyes suddenly became sharp. Turks, this enemy that has long threatened the borders of the Tang Dynasty, he has long wanted to conquer them. Now, this enemy is lurking in his army and killing his trusted guards. This made his anger burn fiercely.

Yuchi Jingde also took the opportunity to advise: "Your Majesty, perhaps we can take this opportunity to fight a decisive battle with the Turks." There was some determination and firmness in his voice, as if he was ready to fight.

As the ruler of a country, Li Shimin knew that he had to act with caution. Although he had long thought of conquering the Turks, the odds of victory were uncertain, and once the war broke out, it would bring great disaster to the people. Therefore, he fell into deep hesitation. He stared at the sky in the distance, his heart full of contradictions and struggles. He knew that this decision was not only about his personal honor and disgrace, but also about the future of the Tang Dynasty and the safety of the people.

After learning about the Turkic incident, Li Qingge secretly made plans in her heart. She believed that although the Turkic people were strong and fierce, and good at riding and shooting, they were ultimately barbaric and ignorant of the ways of the world. Their strength was only due to the use of force to oppress others and the weak, and they had long accumulated deep resentment among the people. For the Tang Dynasty, this was undoubtedly a godsend. The new ruler of the Tang Dynasty had just been established. Although there were constant internal and external troubles, the people were in favor of it, and the country was rich and strong. It was not difficult to conquer the Turkic people. As long as the strategy was appropriate and the preparations were sufficient, they would be defeated in one fell swoop.

When Li Shimin heard Li Qingge's analysis, he was immediately filled with a surge of pride. This was exactly what he had been looking forward to! He knew Li Qingge's talent and courage, and believed in her insights. He believed that with Li Qingge's assistance, he would be able to lead the Tang Dynasty to a more glorious future.

So he turned to Yuchi Jingde and asked, "What is the current strength of our army?" There was a bit of anxiety and expectation in his voice, as if he was ready to fight.

Yuchi Jingde immediately understood what Li Shimin meant, and he replied: "The soldiers have all undergone rigorous training, and this year's sweet potato harvest is good, and the country is prosperous. The war horses are also fat and strong, and can be put into battle at any time." There was some confidence and determination in his voice, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

Li Shimin was delighted when he heard this: "Great! With this situation, our chances of conquering the Turks will be even greater." His voice was full of pride and confidence, as if he was ready for war. He knew very well that this war was not only to avenge the provocation and killing of the Turks, but also for the glory of the Tang Dynasty and the safety of the people.

Then, he looked at Li Qingge and humbly asked, "Mr. Cheng, what do you think, how should I deal with the Turks?" There was a hint of humility and expectation in his voice, as if he regarded Li Qingge as his think tank and right-hand man.

Li Qingge didn't expect Li Shimin to ask her this question suddenly. She calmly bowed and replied, "War and peace are all decided by your majesty. I believe your majesty can weigh the pros and cons and make the most correct decision." There was a certain firmness and trust in her voice, as if she was full of confidence in Li Shimin's decision.

However, she was thinking in her heart: [It is indeed a godsend opportunity to conquer the Turks at this moment. But the people are innocent, and they will suffer the hardships of war regardless of victory or defeat. However, I heard that the Turks have recently suffered a blizzard, lack of food and grass, and severe cold. Many animals have died of the cold, and they themselves are facing the dilemma of internal and external troubles. In contrast, the Tang Dynasty has sufficient food and grass to withstand the severe cold. This godsend opportunity is indeed not to be missed. ]

She secretly observed the changes in Li Shimin's expression and found that he had already made a decision in his heart - it was imperative to fight against the Turks. She knew Li Shimin's determination and wisdom and believed that he would be able to lead the Tang Dynasty to victory.

[It's better to fight! Jie Li Khan of the Turks has been unworthy of his position for a long time. He used to rely on force to oppress others, and now he is levying heavy taxes and causing public resentment. Keeping him will only cause greater harm to the people.] Li Qingge thought silently in her heart. She knew the significance and importance of this war, and believed that Li Shimin could lead the Tang Dynasty to a more glorious future.

(End of this chapter)