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

Empress Zhangsun was completely bewildered by his words and asked in bewilderment, "Your Majesty, what makes you say such a thing?"

Li Shimin then recounted how Li Chenggan had privately recruited soldiers, released the dragon pearl on his own initiative, and possibly colluded with the Western Turks.

Empress Zhangsun was secretly alarmed, because she also knew that recruiting soldiers privately was a capital offense: "Chengqian is still young and may not be very familiar with the laws of the country."

However, I believe that he was recruiting soldiers, and that he was doing so for the sake of the court.

Without Ashina She'er's 10,000 cavalry, Chenggan might have already suffered a defeat on the battlefield of Yanqi.

How could he possibly defeat the army of Buyeo?

I implore Your Majesty to spare him in consideration of his merits and release him from prison.

"He's still your son, no matter what."

To everyone's surprise, Li Shimin's face was ashen this time, and he refused to speak: "Son? Can't a son rebel against his father?"

During the Warring States period, King Huiwen of Zhao ordered his father, King Wuling of Zhao, to be confined in the Shaqiu Palace and starved to death.

Modu trained 10,000 cavalrymen to shoot and kill Touman Chanyu, and then became Chanyu himself.

When Emperor Wen of Sui was seriously ill, Yang Guang sent someone to poison Yang Jian in Renshou Palace. Weren't they father and son?

I will not forgive him!

He has already undergone the coming-of-age ceremony and is no longer a child; he must bear the consequences of his actions.

Empress Zhangsun had been married to Li Shimin for many years and knew his temperament very well; he was incredibly stubborn.

Once he's made up his mind, nothing can change it.

Right now, Li Shimin is furious. He says he won't let go, and the more you try to persuade him, the less he'll let go.

"In that case, Your Majesty, please take care of your health and do not overwork yourself. I will now return to the Lizheng Palace."

Li Shimin nodded in agreement.

Not long after Empress Zhangsun left, a burly man walked in from outside.

Li Shimin glanced at the person who had arrived and saw that it was none other than Cheng Yaojin.

Cheng Yaojin turned around, closed the door first, and then knelt on the ground: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Li Shimin came to him and helped him up with both hands: "Duke Lu, you have suffered!"

"How was it? Those people who did it didn't damage your body, did they?"

Old Cheng laughed heartily: "Your Majesty, I, Old Cheng, have died countless times on the battlefield, facing life and death."

What does that even mean?

I, Old Cheng, am tough and resilient; these are just some superficial injuries.

However, those kids really went all out; they even punched two gashes into my face, Old Cheng."

Looking at the wound on his face, Li Shimin said with concern, "I'll have the imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau take a look at you later."

"No need, it will get better on its own in a few days."

"So, you ended up in the Dali Temple's prison, imprisoned with your subordinate?"

"yes."

"So, did he say anything?" Li Shimin's expression was a mix of nervousness and excitement.

"No, Your Majesty, Chengqian is truly a filial son!"

He'd rather die than do anything to betray you.

"Oh, what exactly did he say?"

Old Cheng then recounted his entire experience of being in prison, as well as what Li Chenggan had said.

After hearing this, Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief: "This unfilial son, he really made me furious."

If he dares to utter a single disrespectful word, I will order his execution!