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

Chapter 9

Almost instinctively, Li Shimin walked towards the Prince's Mansion with firm steps. The sunlight shone on him, reflecting his resolute face and frowning brows. His heart was filled with worry and anxiety, as if he had a premonition that something big was about to happen.

As soon as he opened the door, a strong scent of tea and the graceful sound of opera came to his face. He saw the crown prince Li Chengqian sitting there, listening to a group of actors singing leisurely. Next to him, there was a beautiful actor sitting, with a smile on her face and a graceful figure. The distance between her and the crown prince was very close, and she seemed quite intimate. Their interaction was full of an ambiguous atmosphere, which made people feel suspicious.

Li Shimin's face instantly turned as cold as iron, and his eyes revealed deep disappointment and anger. He quickly walked to Li Chengqian and asked coldly: "Li Chengqian, what are you doing!" His voice was low and powerful, as if it contained endless anger.

"Grandpa, I..." Li Chengqian looked up and was startled to see Li Shimin suddenly appear. He stood up in a panic, with a look of bewilderment on his face. The actor was also frightened by this sudden situation and stood trembling by the side.

At this time, Li Chengqian was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe with exquisite patterns embroidered on it, showing his noble status. His hair was neatly combed and fixed with a golden hairpin, and his face was handsome and slightly childish. However, at this moment, his eyes were full of confusion and panic, and he had completely lost his former confidence and composure.

The actress was wearing a light and elegant costume with delicate flowers embroidered on it. Her skin was white as snow, her face was beautiful, and her eyes were bright. Her hair fell on her shoulders like a waterfall, swaying slightly with her movements. She stood there, graceful, like a blooming flower, exuding charming charm. But at this moment, her face was full of fear and helplessness, and her eyes revealed confusion and worry about the future.

Li Shimin pointed at Li Chengqian and was speechless for a long time. His eyes were full of disappointment and heartache, as if the man in front of him was no longer the son he had placed high hopes on. After a long while, he slowly said, "Qian'er, I am so disappointed in you!" His voice was full of helplessness and grief, which made people feel pity.

Oh, I've expected this, but I'm still struggling with it. Li Chengqian was never suitable for the position of crown prince. I don't know why you're so stubborn. Even if he's the son of Empress Zhangsun, he's morally incorruptible. Look, you, Li Shimin, are also a person who won't give up until the Yellow River crosses. Li Qingge stood aside, watching all this silently, secretly complaining in her heart. She was wearing a simple and elegant long dress, her long hair fell on her shoulders like a waterfall, and her face was a bit indifferent and cold. Her eyes were clear and sharp, as if she could see through the essence of everything.

"Pass on my order to imprison the Eastern Palace. No one is allowed to visit without my order!" Li Shimin gave the order coldly in anger, but he still couldn't make up his mind to depose the prince. His heart was full of contradictions and struggles. He was angry and disappointed with Li Chengqian's behavior, but he couldn't bear to give up on him completely.

Oh, the emperor of the dynasty, why are you so indecisive, Li Shimin? Look, you can't depose the prince until the last moment. With such favoritism, it's no wonder that the prince has been trained to be so useless. Forget it, this is not something I can control. I'd better just be a salted fish! Li Qingge thought to himself, with a disdainful smile on his face.

Li Shimin saw him mention this repeatedly, and knew that Li Chengqian was really going to rebel. But because he loved Empress Changsun, he decided to give the prince another chance. After issuing the order, Li Shimin left with Li Qingge. The sun shone on them, reflecting their figures, which looked particularly lonely.

"Grandpa, I was wrong, Grandpa, I was wrong!" Li Chengqian half-knelt on the ground, with a look of regret on his face. His voice was full of pain and self-blame, as if he had realized his mistake. However, Li Shimin, who was already extremely disappointed, did not look back, and the gate of the East Palace slowly closed with Li Shimin's departing back.

"Grandpa, I was wrong, I was wrong, Grandpa..." Li Chengqian's voice echoed in the air, filled with endless sadness and regret. His face was full of tears, and his eyes revealed deep despair. He slowly stood up and looked at the closed door, his heart filled with loss and helplessness.

"Asshole! This is really nonsense!" Li Shimin said sternly on the way. His voice was full of anger and dissatisfaction, as if he wanted to vent all the anger in his heart. His face was terribly gloomy, as if he could explode at any time.

"I want to abolish him!" Li Shimin seemed to be talking to himself, or to Li Qingge. His eyes revealed a firm determination, as if he had made the final decision.

What does the emperor mean? Why didn't he just say what he wanted to do in front of me? Is he waiting for me to ask him to depose the crown prince? This Li Shimin is so hypocritical! The crown prince is already like this, is he really waiting for him to rebel if he doesn't depose him... Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin's angry expression and thought to herself. Her face was still somewhat indifferent and cold, as if she was used to all this.

"No matter what your majesty does, I support your decision!" Li Qingge said some decent but useless nonsense. There was a hint of perfunctoriness and helplessness in her voice, as if she was tired of all this.

……

Li Shimin shook his head helplessly. This Li Qingge, could still be so indifferent at this time. It seemed that he really had no interest in power. He raised his head and looked at the clouds floating in the sky, his heart full of emotion. The sunlight shone on his face, reflecting his resolute face and deep eyes.

"Forget it, this matter actually has nothing to do with you!" Li Shimin said, and suddenly waved his hand, signaling the eunuch next to him to come over. "Your Majesty." The eunuch responded respectfully, waiting for the emperor to speak.

"The actor who bewitched the prince is guilty of a grave crime and plotted to endanger the country and the people. He shall be executed immediately!" Li Shimin said coldly. It seemed that he was still not satisfied with what Li Chengqian had done. His voice was full of anger and determination, as if he wanted to eradicate all evil.

"Yes!" After receiving the order, the eunuch went to handle the matter. The sunlight shone on the eunuch, reflecting his hurried figure.

Oh, this is too bloody and violent! This actor is so unlucky that he became a victim of power. This Li Shimin is really sick! I don’t know what is in Li Shimin’s mind. He is so partial to his own son and kills a little actor! Look, even if it is benevolent governance, it is also based on a certain bloodiness. Sure enough, under the rule of the emperor, human life is like grass. I’d better try not to provoke this Li Shimin. Li Qingge looked at the eunuch’s back as he left, thinking secretly in his heart.

Li Shimin was very helpless to hear his inner words. In Li Qingge's eyes, he had now become a monarch who killed innocent people. His heart was full of helplessness and indignation, as if he was tired of all this. But he knew that as an emperor, there were some things that had to be done. If he didn't do this, the country would fall into chaos and turmoil.

If the actor hadn't died, there would have been a scandal in the royal family. Compared with human life, the safety of the royal family is naturally more important. He didn't want to kill people, but there was no other way. Forget it, I can understand you. As a king, there must be many things that must be chosen. If it were me, I would make the same choice. Thinking about it this way, fortunately it's not me, there are not so many trivial things to bother me. Look, my salted fish life is still good. I can lie there and a day will pass. I don't need to worry about things at home or outside. It's really perfect. When will Li Shimin let me go back? The sun is really a bit hot.

"My dear Cheng, you have been with me for so long today. You must have worked hard. Please go back first." Li Qingge had just finished complaining when Li Shimin suddenly thought of something and asked him to go back. The sun shone on Li Shimin, reflecting his tired face and deep eyes.

Oh, it's amazing! I was just complaining about Li Shimin not letting me go back, and now as soon as I finished complaining, he let me go back. It's amazing. I have to say that Li Shimin is sometimes quite considerate. As soon as I thought of this, he actually did it for me silently. This is good. If it can stay like this, it will be even better! Li Qingge thought to himself, with a relieved smile on his face.

She slowly turned around and walked towards her residence. The sunlight shone on her, illuminating her lonely figure. Her heart was filled with emotion and helplessness, as if she was tired of all this. But she knew that she had to face it all with strength, because this was her fate.

The next day, Li Shimin publicly announced the dethronement of the crown prince. At that time, Li Shimin had been on the throne for less than two years, and the entire court was in an uproar when this decision was made.

"Your Majesty, you must not do that!" "Your Majesty, please think twice! Your Majesty, it has been two years since your accession to the throne, and your top priority is the stability of the country!"

…………

Once this matter was finalized, the ministers in the court were shocked as if a thunderbolt had struck a clear sky. They looked at each other with astonishment and confusion in their eyes, as if they had just experienced a dreamlike change.

Li Shimin sat high on the dragon throne, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, majestic and solemn. He glanced down, and the ministers were like fallen leaves swept by the autumn wind, their hearts were beating fast, and they couldn't guess what the old man was thinking. The calculations in Li Shimin's mind were as deep as a well, and no one could figure it out. His face was as calm as water, but it hid the means of changing the situation and the unfathomable scheming.

In the past, he was still hesitant about this matter, but now he has done it without hesitation. The emperor's mind is more unpredictable than the winding river. But then again, it is reasonable to depose Cheng Qian, the weak and incompetent prince. After all, Cheng Qian's weakness and incompetence have long been widely known in the court, and he is really not fit to be an emperor. Although the ministers felt sorry, they also understood that this was for the future of the Tang Dynasty.

As soon as Cheng Qian was deposed, everyone started to wonder who would be the crown prince? Prince Tai? Li Shimin loved his fat son very much, and he was born to Empress Changsun, so you can imagine how much he doted on him. But things are unpredictable, and it is written in history books that Zhi finally sat on the chair, and this was also fate. The ministers had their own calculations in their hearts, but no one dared to express their feelings easily.

Qingge was thinking about all this silently, her eyes were sharp and deep, as if she could see into people's hearts. She was wearing a light and elegant dress, and her manners revealed a unique temperament. Suddenly, Li Shimin spoke, staring at her straight in the eyes: "Cheng Aiqing, you went with me to the Prince's Mansion yesterday. Tell me in detail what you saw and heard. Should Cheng Qian be deposed?" This question confused Qingge. She never thought that the emperor would call her name.

"Oh my god, Li Shimin already knows the answer, but he still asks this on purpose. He wants me to be the black-faced Bao Gong!" Qingge felt so bitter in her heart, but she had to pretend to be respectful on her face. "Your Majesty, I don't dare to comment on such a major matter as deposing the crown prince. Your Majesty, please discuss it with the ministers." Her voice was cold and firm, revealing an aura that could not be questioned.

Seeing her say this, Li Shimin seemed not to let her go: "Cheng Qing, just go ahead and say it." There was an inexplicable light in his eyes, as if he wanted to see through Qingge's true thoughts.

"Your Majesty, you are pushing me into the fire pit! Why do you involve me in the matter between father and son? I am shot even when I am lying down!" Qingge felt helpless in her heart, but she still had to be polite, "Your Majesty, I really have nothing to say. The matter of deposing and enthroning is entirely up to Your Majesty's decision!" There was a kind of indifference and detachment in her words, as if she didn't care about the disputes in the court.

Seeing that she was still playing Tai Chi, Li Shimin waved his hand and told her to stop talking. There was a flash of displeasure in his eyes, but he also understood Qingge's difficulties. When the ministers saw that Li Shimin asked Qingge alone, they were all very surprised and talked about it in private: "General Cheng has been favored by the emperor recently!" "That's right, the high-yield grain she produces is a blessing for our Tang Dynasty!" Their words were full of envy and admiration for Qingge.

Li Shimin sat at the top, listening to the discussion below, and he had already made up his mind. He was well aware of the disputes and undercurrents in the court, but he also knew that he had to make a decision. "I have made up my mind. From today on, Li Chengqian's position as the crown prince will be abolished!" As soon as these words came out, the court was in an uproar. Ministers stood up to persuade him, but Li Shimin had made up his mind. He waved his hand and said, "No need to say anything more, I have made up my mind." His voice was firm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

The young eunuch responded and left in a hurry. He understood the significance of this decision and the responsibility he shouldered. Li Shimin's decision completely kicked Cheng Qian out. He knew very well that the lesson of the Xuanwu Gate Incident was still there, so how could he let his descendants repeat the same mistakes? As for who would be the heir, he had his own plan. There was a deep light in his eyes, as if he had seen the future prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

Qingge was quite calm in her heart. She thought: "Li Shimin, Li Shimin, even if you want me to be idle, it is impossible. You must want to make good use of my skills." But she was also happy to be idle, after all, the disputes in the court were not what she wanted. She yearned for a free and unrestrained life.

Seeing that Li Shimin was so determined, the ministers said nothing more and dispersed. They all had their own plans in mind, but no one dared to express their feelings easily. Qingge also returned to the mansion leisurely. For her, it was as if this matter had never happened. She sat on a stone bench in the garden, admiring the beautiful scenery around her. The garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers and shady trees, like a fairyland on earth. She secretly rejoiced in her heart: "Li Shimin didn't keep me to work overtime today, and I am even more happy and comfortable." Her face was filled with a smile of satisfaction and happiness, as if she had forgotten the disputes and troubles in the court.

For Qingge, this was a great blessing. She stood in a corner of the court, her eyes indifferently sweeping over the ministers who were talking about it, but her heart was at peace. She knew very well that the turmoil in the court had nothing to do with her. All she wanted was to keep her own peace in this chaotic world.

As soon as Li Shimin entered the bedroom, Empress Zhangsun followed him in, dragging her frail body. Her face was as pale as paper, but her eyes were as firm as iron, as if she wanted to use this last bit of strength to fight for a glimmer of life for her son.

"Your Majesty, I am not supposed to move around much, but I am worried about Cheng Qian, so I came here." Empress Changsun said softly, with a tremor in her voice. Li Shimin knew she came to plead for Cheng Qian, and he felt helpless.

"Empress, you are not feeling well, why did you come here? Do you remember what I promised you two days ago?" Li Shimin was gentle but helpless. He saw the anxious look on the Empress' face and understood most of it. He knew that Empress Changsun had always regarded Cheng Qian as her dearest. Now that she saw that he was about to be deposed, how could she not be anxious?
"Your Majesty, have you forgotten what you said? Cheng Qian is your eldest son, the apple of my eye. Even if he made a mistake, please let him stay in the Eastern Palace for my sake. How can he endure the bitter cold of Qianzhou, where he has been spoiled since childhood?" Empress Changsun's voice was filled with tears. When she thought of her son being demoted to such a faraway place, her heart ached as if being cut by a knife.

Li Shimin felt a pang of pain when he saw the Empress Changsun in pain. He knew that Cheng Qian's actions were indeed disappointing, but seeing the Empress Changsun in such pain, he couldn't help but feel a little soft-hearted.

"Cheng Qian is getting worse and worse. He only knows how to play with actors all day long and has no sense of propriety when speaking. He has brought shame to the royal family!" Li Shimin was furious when he thought of Cheng Qian's actions. He looked at Empress Changsun with a look of regret, hoping that she could understand his painstaking efforts.

Empress Changsun was stunned. She had never thought that things would be so serious. Her eyes were full of disbelief and pain, as if the whole world had collapsed.

"How could he become like this!" After saying this, Empress Changsun suddenly started to cough violently. Her handkerchief was stained with bright red blood again, as if it was a symbol of the pain in her heart.

Li Shimin patted her back with heartache and comforted her: "Queen, you must take care of yourself. Don't worry too much about this matter." His voice was full of helplessness and heartache. He knew that Empress Changsun had always regarded Cheng Qian as the whole of her life. Now seeing her in such pain, he was also very sad. "How can I not worry? But things have come to this point, maybe it is best to let him stay away from the capital." Although Empress Changsun was unwilling, she also knew that Li Shimin's decision would not change easily. She had served Li Shimin for many years and knew that he had a strong and decisive character and would not change his mind easily once he made a decision.

She murmured to herself, "My children and grandchildren have their own blessings. I can't protect him forever." After that, she left in a trance. Her back looked so thin and weak, as if she would fall down at any time.

Li Shimin looked at her back and sighed softly. He knew that Empress Changsun was in a very heavy mood, but he also understood his duty and mission as an emperor. He had to consider the future of the Tang Dynasty and could not destroy the entire country for a useless son.

As soon as the emperor's decision was made, the people were in an uproar. The people were discussing the matter of Cheng Qian being deposed and speculating on the candidate for the new crown prince. The officials in the court were also paying attention to this sensitive topic. They had their own thoughts and were divided into different factions.

The atmosphere at the court meeting the next day was extremely serious. The ministers were all waiting to see how the emperor would decide on the new crown prince, but no one dared to speak easily for fear of offending the emperor. They all knew that Li Shimin had a strong and decisive character and would not easily change his mind once he made a decision.

At this time Wei Zheng stood up and said in a loud voice: "Since Your Majesty has abolished Cheng Qian's position as crown prince, you should appoint a new crown prince as soon as possible to stabilize the court." His tone was firm and decisive, as if he was considering the future of the entire court.

Li Shimin felt relieved after hearing Wei Zheng's words. He followed Wei Zheng's words and said, "Wei Qing is right. This matter should be resolved as soon as possible." There was a hint of relief and appreciation in his tone. He knew that Wei Zheng had always been a far-sighted minister.

Then he turned to his ministers and asked, "So who do you think is qualified for this position?" His eyes revealed a light of expectation and inquiry, as if he was waiting for the ministers' answers.

[Humph! Li Shimin is such a cunning guy! He has clearly made up his mind, but he deliberately uses Wei Zheng to test our attitude.] Qingge thought silently in her heart. Although she is a woman, in this male-dominated dynasty, she has won the appreciation and trust of Li Shimin with her talent and wisdom. She knows Li Shimin's thoughts and strategies, and understands why he uses Wei Zheng to test the ministers' attitudes.

[But then again, choosing a crown prince is indeed a big deal, and it is related to the stability of the court and its future development.] Qingge thought silently in her heart. She knew that the selection of the crown prince was crucial to the entire court. Once the wrong person was chosen, it could lead to turmoil and unrest in the entire court.

[Besides, the emperor has just ascended the throne, and the Turks and other rebels are eyeing us covetously. Appointing a crown prince as soon as possible can also put an end to their covetousness.] Qingge silently analyzed the situation in her mind. She knew that in this turbulent era, the Tang Dynasty needed a wise crown prince to stabilize the situation and appease the people.

Qingge thought about these things silently in her heart, but she didn't say it out loud. Because the selection of the crown prince was not important to her, she was more concerned about how to keep her own peace and happiness in this chaotic world. But the ministers were different. They had their own thoughts and were divided into different factions, fighting for their own interests.

Li Tai wanted to compete for the position of crown prince, while Wuji was more optimistic about Zhi. The ministers also had constant disputes over their own interests, and the entire court was full of undercurrents and intrigues. But Zhi was young after all, so Li Tai temporarily gained more support. He used his power and status to constantly win over people's hearts and expand his sphere of influence.

At this moment, Li Tai suddenly stood up. He swore, "Father, I know your worries. Although I am incompetent, I only have one son. I am willing to get rid of him and pass the throne to my younger brother Zhi!" His voice was firm and resolute, as if he was announcing his determination and courage to the whole world.

As soon as this statement came out, the whole court was shocked. The ministers discussed Li Tai's cruelty and determination, and wondered whether he would really kill his own son for the throne. Qingge also secretly mocked in her heart: "Li Tai's move is really cruel! But if the throne really falls into his hands in 20 years, who can guarantee that he will not do something more excessive? He will not be able to escape the accusations and curses of the world after all!" Her eyes revealed a cold and indifferent light, as if she was watching a farce that had nothing to do with her.

On that sunny afternoon, Li Tai's words were like an undercurrent, with a sharp contrast between the warmth on the surface and the cunning in his heart. His eyes flickered, as if hiding endless calculations, a kind of ruthlessness hidden deep in his heart, which made people shudder. Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne with deep eyes. How could he easily trust the man in front of him? Even his own son, the desire for power made him wary. He thought of Li Qingge, the woman who could always see through people's hearts, her eyes were clear, as if she could penetrate all hypocrisy.

Li Qingge stood aside, secretly shaking her head, full of disdain for Li Tai's behavior. She was wearing an elegant dress, with her hair tied up high, and her brows revealed a heroic spirit, which formed a subtle contrast with the magnificent palace. Her eyes stayed on Li Tai for a moment, a look that was a mixture of disappointment and insight, as if she could see through all his disguises.

"To be honest, I also want to pass the throne to my son. Li Zhi is his younger brother after all. But who can say for sure what will happen a hundred years later? How can we easily believe his words?" Li Shimin sighed, with a bit of helplessness and heaviness in his voice. He looked out the window, where there was a green bamboo forest, swaying gently in the wind, as if telling something. "I don't want my sons to kill each other for the throne. I will never allow such a tragedy to happen again." His tone was firm, with unquestionable strength.

Thanks to Li Qingge's reminder, Li Shimin was not deceived by Li Tai's sweet words. He recalled Li Qingge's words that day, which extinguished the fire of hesitation in his heart like cold water, and made him sober instantly. Li Qingge's words were always so direct and profound, as if they could see into the deepest secrets of people's hearts.

"Nonsense! Li Zhi is also my son! Your son is also my grandson! I will never allow such a thing!" Li Shimin was furious, his voice echoed in the court, making everyone's eardrums hurt. The court was suddenly silent, and even breathing became cautious.

Li Tai did not expect things to develop to this point. He originally thought that relying on his reputation among the officials and his father's favor for him, he would be able to win the battle. However, facing Li Shimin's anger at this moment, he felt unprecedented fear.

"Father, I was wrong. I said the wrong thing in a moment of panic. I will never dare to do it again." Li Tai's voice was trembling. He knelt on the ground with his head lowered as low as possible, like a lamb to be slaughtered.

"You'd better remember what I said today." Li Shimin said coldly, his eyes were as sharp as a knife, as if he could see through all disguises and look directly into Li Tai's heart. After Li Qingge's reminder, he seemed to see through Li Tai's heart and felt a little scared. After all, they were his own flesh and blood, and he was almost deceived by Li Tai's appearance.

Seeing this, the ministers began to discuss privately. Some of them regretted Li Tai's loss of power, while others were glad that Li Shimin was wise.

"Li Shimin used to favor Li Tai so much, but now he doesn't make him the crown prince." A minister whispered.

"Li Shimin is not a fool. Pampering someone and raising a tiger to cause trouble are two different things." Another minister echoed.

"Thinking about what happened to Yang Guang, which is still vivid in our minds, Li Shimin must be afraid that Li Tai will become the second Yang Guang if he becomes the crown prince." An old man sighed.

"There is a reason why Li Shimin could become the greatest emperor of all time. He was very good at judging people," added a young minister.

Li Qingge stood aside, listening to the discussion of the ministers, secretly admiring Li Shimin's wisdom. Her eyes were full of admiration, a kind of admiration for a truly wise man. She knew that the reason why Li Shimin could become a wise ruler was not only because of his talent and courage, but also because of his heart that could see through people's hearts and distinguish right from wrong.

Li Shimin also thought about Li Qingge's reminder with lingering fear, and was glad that he did not make a big mistake because of a momentary impulse. He looked at Li Qingge with gratitude in his eyes. He knew that it was Li Qingge's reminder that made him see Li Tai's true face and made him more determined.

Days passed one by one, and things in the court remained the same. However, the issue of appointing a crown prince remained undecided. Li Shimin looked at the ministers' discussions and hesitated. He knew that appointing a crown prince was a big deal and must be carefully considered.

"Regarding the matter of appointing a crown prince..." Li Shimin saw that everyone was discussing it but no result had come out, so he asked, "Do you have any good suggestions?" His voice echoed in the court, carrying a bit of expectation and inquiry.

Zhang Sun Wuji suddenly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think Li Zhi is a good candidate! He is diligent and humble and will definitely become a great man in the future!" His tone was firm and confident, as if he had seen Li Zhi become a wise ruler. This was actually Zhang Sun Wuji's own calculation, because Li Zhi was his nephew, so he was naturally much closer to him than Li Tai, and he and Li Tai didn't have a good relationship, so among the princes, only Li Zhi could be counted on.

"But Li Zhi is still young..." Li Shimin said hesitantly. He was indeed worried that Li Zhi was too young to be the crown prince.

"Your Majesty, rest assured! Although Li Zhi is young, he is already very sensible. As long as he is taught well, he will be able to take on the position of crown prince!" Changsun Wuji said confidently. His eyes were full of trust and expectation for Li Zhi, as if he had already seen Li Zhi's brilliant future.

Li Shimin was also somewhat shaken when he heard what Changsun Wuji said. He looked at the ministers and found that except for the people from Li Tai and Changsun Wuji's faction, everyone else was just watching the fun. They didn't seem to care who would be the crown prince, but only cared whether their own interests would be harmed.

"Although the other princes are older, their reputations are not very good..." Li Shimin sighed and said. He was indeed not satisfied with the other princes. Their reputations and conducts worried him.

"From this point of view, Li Zhi is indeed a good candidate!" Li Shimin finally made up his mind. He knew that making Li Zhi the crown prince might cause some controversy and dissatisfaction, but he also believed that as long as Li Zhi was taught well, he would be able to become a qualified crown prince. And compared to other princes, Li Zhi was indeed a better choice.

In the hall, the ministers nodded and whispered in private. In the current situation, although there are several princes like Li Ke, who are of similar age, none of them like to study, and they seem mediocre and incompetent, which makes people more disappointed. In contrast, Li Zhi has a kind character, is diligent and studious, and seems to be more outstanding than other candidates for the crown prince. It's a pity that he is still young, which has become the biggest regret.

Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne, frowning, anxious. He had been extremely intelligent since he was young, and had made great achievements in both civil and military affairs, so why were all his sons useless? "Alas, I, Li Shimin, have been wise all my life, but why are my sons so disappointing!" He sighed secretly, his heart full of helplessness and worry. Thinking that although he had the talent to govern the country, his descendants did not seem to inherit this excellence, he could not help but worry about the future of the Tang Dynasty. Is he really going to fall into the hands of a woman? A feeling of unwillingness and anger surged in his heart, "I raised so many sons, but in the end, only a few of them can help. It's really a waste of my efforts."

At this time, Li Qingge stood aside. She was wearing an elegant palace dress, and her eyebrows revealed a sense of cleverness. She was also feeling mixed emotions. She secretly looked at Li Shimin, her eyes full of sympathy and worry. Li Shimin was delicate and immediately noticed her thoughts, as if he could hear the voice in her heart. "Why can't any of my sons be like me?" He felt bitter in his heart. Thinking back to the years when he had been busy with state affairs and had neglected their education, he could not help but feel sad.

The sunlight outside the hall shone through the window lattice onto the ground, forming mottled light and shadows. Li Qingge's eyes fell on those light and shadows, but her heart was in chaos. She remembered what she had said to Li Shimin, "The Tang Dynasty will be controlled by women", and she couldn't help but feel a little regretful. She knew that Li Shimin always attached great importance to the concept of male superiority and female inferiority, and he hated women's interference in politics. But she also knew that Wu Meiniang's existence was indeed a threat. Not only was she deeply loved by Li Shimin, but she also cleverly used her charm to influence the government.

"Since ancient times, emperors have always been men. It is a taboo for women to interfere in politics. How can they really rule the country? What she said is too absurd." Li Shimin's voice echoed in the hall, with a hint of disdain and anger. But when he talked about his own stupidity in his later years, he was somewhat moved. He admitted that he was indeed negligent in his later years, but he would never refuse advice and cover up his mistakes. He pondered for a moment and decided to listen to Li Qingge's opinions more in the future. He felt that although Li Qingge was young, she had extraordinary knowledge and her words were not without insights. He wanted to use her as a mirror for himself and always alert himself.

Therefore, Li Shimin made up his mind to make use of Li Qingge. He believed that her intelligence and keen insight would bring new hope to the Tang Dynasty. However, Li Qingge was still immersed in her imagination of playing in the afternoon and was completely unaware of Li Shimin's thoughts. She just felt that she should do her part for the future of the Tang Dynasty, no matter what the cost.

"Li Zhi is a kind-hearted boy who is eager to learn. I think he can be made the crown prince." Li Shimin announced to his ministers. His voice was firm and powerful, as if he had made the final decision. Zhangsun Wuji immediately stepped forward to express his support: "Your Majesty is wise. Li Zhi will definitely live up to your expectations." There was a hint of eagerness and expectation in his words, as if he had already seen the day when Li Zhi would become the crown prince. But Li Qingge knew in her heart that Zhangsun Wuji's move was more out of his own selfishness. She knew that Zhangsun Wuji had always wanted to consolidate his position, and supporting Li Zhi to become the crown prince was undoubtedly a great opportunity.

However, what happened next made Li Shimin very angry. The three words "indulging stepmother" mentioned by Li Qingge inadvertently touched his reverse scale. He slapped the armrest of the dragon chair in anger, "The stepmother is my concubine, how can I allow others to insult her!" His voice echoed in the hall like thunder, making everyone feel his anger and majesty. He felt that he had lived an upright life, how could he have such an unfilial son! If Li Zhi was really bewitched by beauty and obsessed with his concubines, it would be ridiculous! How could such a mediocre person inherit his throne!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and his hatred for Wu Meiniang began to grow. He felt that this enchantress not only seduced his son, but also attempted to disrupt the government. He would never let her succeed! He secretly vowed to get rid of this scourge and clear the obstacles for the future of the Tang Dynasty.

At this time, Wu Meiniang, this extraordinary woman, was in Ganye Temple. When she first became a talented woman, she had already shown extraordinary charm, and she was able to charm two generations of emperors. Not only was she favored by Li Shimin, she also cleverly used a letter to make Li Zhi rush to Ganye Temple to meet her. Her heart was full of ambition and desire. She wanted to gain more power and become the real ruler of the Tang Dynasty.

The bells of Ganye Temple sounded melodious and profound, as if telling the vicissitudes and changes of history. Wu Meiniang stood in front of the window of the temple, gazing at the sky in the distance. Her eyes revealed a kind of firmness and determination, as if she had seen the glory of her future. She knew that her road was full of thorns and challenges, but she also knew that her wisdom and means were enough to deal with everything.

In the end, she not only captured the hearts of two emperors, but also took control of the government. She proved with her actions that women's wisdom and ability were no less than men's. She became the only empress in Chinese history and created an era of her own. All of this makes people have to sigh at her extraordinary means and wisdom. Li Qingge and others can only witness the rise and glory of this extraordinary woman in the torrent of history.

(End of this chapter)