My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Li Chenggan saw this and understood that Ashina She'er was trying to exonerate himself.

Li Chengqian was deeply moved.

At this moment, Li Tai arrived with three hundred of his servants.

During the chaos of battle in the city, not even a shadow of him could be seen.

He wasn't stupid. Seeing the enemy's overwhelming strength, he thought to himself that his three hundred or so men wouldn't even be enough to cover their horses' hooves.

So he led his men into hiding.

Later, seeing that the situation was settled, he jumped out from some corner again.

Li Tai shouted loudly, "Protect Father!"

At his command, the three hundred servants immediately took their positions on the left and right.

He approached Li Shimin and bowed, saying, "Father, I am late in coming to your aid. Please forgive me!"

Li Shimin nodded: "You only have so many servants under your command, yet you dared to fight against the enemy army. Your courage is commendable!"

"Father, even if it costs me my life, I will ensure your safety!"

Li Shimin looked at Li Tai and asked, "Are you injured?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am not injured."

"That's good!"

Li Tai's eyes darted around: "Your Majesty, I have received some information, but I am not sure whether I should report it."

"Oh, what message?"

"When Li Chenggan fought against the Longtu cavalry, he captured Longzhu, the daughter of the King of Yanqi."

Therefore, Li Chenggan could have used the dragon pearl as a hostage to coerce Long Tuqizhi and force the King of Yanqi to surrender.

However, Li Chenggan did not do that.

Instead, he released the hostages, causing heavy casualties to our army!

Moreover, it is difficult to understand the rationale behind Li Chenggan's actions.

He had hostages in his hands, but he didn't use them, which caused our army to suffer heavy losses.

As the Grand Commander of Pingxi, doesn't he bear any responsibility?

As Li Tai finished speaking, he observed Li Shimin's expression and noticed that Li Shimin was indeed furious, his face turning ashen.

Seeing that it had worked, Li Tai continued, "Furthermore, Yanqi originally had an alliance with the Western Turks..."

If one side is in trouble, the other side must provide support.

However, it is unclear what agreement Li Chenggan reached privately with the Western Turks, but the Western Turks did not come to support Yanqi. Doesn't this seem suspicious?

Therefore, your son requests Your Majesty to punish Li Chengqian.

Fang Xuanling then added, "The prince is subject to the same law as the commoner. Since Your Majesty has commissioned me to compile the 'Zhenguan Code'..."

Your Majesty, please comply.

Otherwise, I think there's no need to revise the "Zhenguan Code" anymore; wouldn't that just be a piece of paper with no real meaning?

This old minister is willing to resign from his post and return home to enjoy his remaining years.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin asked, "Chenggan, is what Tai'er said true?"

At this moment, Li Chenggan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head when he saw Fang Xuanling and Li Tai impeaching him in front of his father, the emperor. He was utterly disheartened.

Upon realizing this, Li Chengan said loudly, "Father, yes, what the Prince of Yue said is true."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was so enraged that veins bulged on his forehead. He roared, "Li Chenggan, last time you privately mobilized local troops, I sent you to Rentou Mountain to reflect on your actions. This shows..."

You still haven't repented.

It seems you are stubborn and inflexible; you will never wake up.

"Someone come here!"

At this moment, two armored warriors entered from outside and bowed: "Your Majesty, please give your orders!"

"Remove Li Chengqian's official hat, strip him of all his official rank, collect his fees, and execute him."

"This—." The two armored warriors were also dumbfounded, unsure whether they should carry out Li Shimin's order.

It seems that Li Shimin was truly ruthless, killing without hesitation, even the crown prince was no exception.