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

The Eastern Palace.

Li Chengan was sitting at his desk writing a book.

Because Su Wan told him that recently, books in the supermarket have been selling like hotcakes and are often out of stock.

Li Chengan felt that what the people of Chang'an lacked most was not material life, but spiritual life.

He plans to write down all four classic Chinese novels and foreign classics.

Just then, a beautiful figure flashed in through the door.

Li Chengan looked up and saw that the person who had come was none other than Princess Wencheng.

"Your Majesty, I greet you." Princess Wencheng gracefully bowed.

"Wencheng, there's no need for such formalities."

Li Chengan stood up and said with a smile, "What brings you to my humble abode today?"

"Little sister, I heard you've made great progress in your studies, so I came to visit and ask you a question. What are you writing?"

Li Chenggan knew that Princess Wencheng was different from Princess Gaoyang; she especially loved reading.

"My foolish brother is writing a Shakespearean tragedy."

"Shakespeare? That's a very unique name."

"Yes, he is a very remarkable person."

"My brother's scholarship has improved so much that he's even started writing books."

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "Little sister, you've come to see me, so just tell me what's on your mind."

"Alright, I won't beat around the bush with you anymore. I heard you went to Tibet last time and met Songtsen Gampo."

"Yes."

Li Chengan nodded, thinking to himself that Princess Wencheng's visit to him was indeed not for the sake of the visit itself. On the surface, she said she was visiting him, but in reality, she was trying to find out information about Songtsen Gampo.

"Then, can you tell me what kind of person Songtsen Gampo was?" Princess Wencheng couldn't help but ask.

I think he's a very remarkable person.

"To become the king of Tibet at such a young age, when Tibet is beset by internal and external troubles, is not an easy position to hold."

Princess Wencheng, while fiddling with her hair, said, "I heard that Songtsen Gampo wants to ask for a princess from our Great Tang Dynasty in marriage."

"Yes, he did have that idea."

"Brother, do you think my sister and he are a good match?" Princess Wencheng asked, her heart filled with unease.

Li Chengqian looked at Princess Qingshen and smiled, "I think the two of you are a good match."

"Father has always been busy with state affairs and has never thought to care about my marriage. Only you, my brother and Su Wan, have kept my affairs in mind."

The little sister is extremely grateful.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan felt ashamed: "Little sister, please don't say that. We are siblings, family. Besides, I haven't provided you with any help, and I haven't taken good care of you."

Princess Wencheng walked to the document and picked up the book written by Li Chenggan.

She looked at it and said, "Brother, I didn't expect your calligraphy to improve so quickly."

Li Chengan waved his hand: "Little sister, you flatter me. I know you are a very talented person."

Princess Wencheng, seeing that the book was titled *Hamlet*, asked, "Brother, who is this Hamlet?"

Li Chengan crossed his arms and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying, "Hamlet is the prince of Denmark."

He studied abroad, but when he returned home, he discovered that his father, the king, had died.

Uncle Claudius, however, became king.

A month after the hasty funeral for Hamlet's father, Gertrude, her mother married her uncle Claudius.

Hamlet was stunned by this series of unexpected events.

His father appeared to him in a dream.

His father did not die of illness, but was poisoned by his uncle Claudius, who wanted him to avenge him.

In his grief and anger, Hamlet feigns madness to escape his uncle's persecution.

After he had investigated the matter thoroughly, he killed Claudius.

Finally, Hamlet and Laertes dueled, both were struck by poisoned swords, and died.

Princess Wencheng was deeply saddened upon hearing this: "In that case, I think Hamlet is somewhat like Songtsen Gampo."

Wasn't Songtsen Gampo also seeking revenge for his father's death?

"Yes, in that respect, they are somewhat similar."

"However, Songtsen Gampo was luckier than Hamlet because he met you and Suwan, and you helped him avenge his father."

Recalling that incident, Li Chengan nodded slightly: "That time, Su Wan did indeed put in a lot of effort."

Even the military campaigns of Grand Minister Shangnang could not avenge Songtsen Gampo's father.

Su Wan used a clever trick to capture the other party.

"Your sister-in-law is truly remarkable."

"However, what troubles me is that..."

Claudius and Hamlet's father is like Li Yuanli and my father, the Emperor.

Xuzhou was a very important place for our Tang Dynasty.

My father has so many brothers, yet he sent Li Yuanli to Xuzhou.

It can be said that Li Yuanli was a powerful regional official, an emperor even overseas.

Xuzhou, in those days, was Pengcheng, the capital of Xiang Yu.

That place is very prosperous.

In order to capture Pengcheng, Liu Bang once led an army of 56 to attack Pengcheng.

At that time, Xiang Yu was pacifying the Qi region. When he heard that Liu Bang had captured Pengcheng, he was filled with rage.

In order to recapture Pengcheng, Xiang Yu led 3 cavalry from Qi and marched back.

In the end, Xiang Yu defeated Liu Bang and drove him away.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Xuzhou was initially in the hands of Tao Qian.

Later, on his deathbed, Tao Qian transferred Xuzhou to Liu Bei.

Seeing that Liu Bei had occupied Xuzhou, Lü Bu became extremely envious and came to fight for Xuzhou as well.

Xuzhou was occupied by Lü Bu again.

Cao Cao, upon learning this, was also unwilling to accept it.

Later, Xuzhou was eventually taken over by Cao Cao.

This shows that Xuzhou was extremely important and a strategic location fought over by military strategists.

The Emperor entrusted such an important and prosperous place to Li Yuanli.

Instead of serving the court, Li Yuanli joined forces with Zhang Zhongjian of the Buyeo Kingdom to besiege Chang'an, nearly capturing it.

Are Li Yuanli and the Emperor not brothers?

It seems that royalty is ruthless, a truth that holds true throughout history and across cultures.

Upon hearing this, Princess Wencheng sighed: "People are often greedy and never satisfied, only learning to cherish what they have after they have lost it."

"You're right. Now that Li Yuanli is imprisoned in the Dali Temple jail, doesn't he regret it?"

It was only because his father was mindful of their brotherly bond that he couldn't bear to kill him; otherwise, his head would have already rolled on the ground.

Princess Wencheng put down the copy of Hamlet and asked, "Brother, when will Songtsen Gampo arrive in Chang'an?"

"Don't worry, I've already sent him a message by carrier pigeon. I believe he will arrive in Chang'an soon."

You two should meet then.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Princess Wencheng expressed her gratitude repeatedly.

night.

Fang Xuanling's residence.

Fang Yi'ai knelt on the ground, not daring to breathe.

Fang Xuanling paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back, his face ashen.

He grabbed a ruler and began to beat Fang Yi'ai across the face, striking him repeatedly!

"Clap clap clap!"

A series of loud noises suddenly erupted in the room.

A moment later, Fang Yi'ai's face was swollen like a pig's head, with blood flowing down the corner of his mouth, but he didn't dare to move.

Fang Xuanling was so angry that he was panting heavily, and he cursed, "You unfilial son!"

What did our Fang family do in our past lives? What sins did we commit to deserve such a spendthrift son like you?

Sooner or later, our Fang family will be ruined by you.

Tell me, what have you been doing lately? You haven't done any of the things you should have done, but you've done a whole bunch of things you shouldn't have done.

Who gave you permission to make a move against the Bureau of Imperial Clothing?

Do you think Su Wan and Su Gui are easy to deal with?

Su Wan's eyes lit up with an idea. "Think about it," she said.

How many times has Li Tai suffered at her hands?

Do you think you can defeat Su Wan?

Either don't do it at all, or if you do, don't leave any evidence against you.

Besides, when did I give you permission to open a gambling den in Chang'an?

Isn't your salary enough for you to spend?

Isn't our Fang family's money enough for you to squander?

Throughout history, no one has ever been known to get rich by running a gambling den; in the end, they all lost because of the word "gambling."

Furthermore, I hereby instruct you to sever all ties with Qiu Tianjiao and devote yourself entirely to Princess Gaoyang.

However, you kept Qiu Tianjiao in the south of the city and maintained a close relationship with her.

How can you go on like this?

Are you satisfied with Princess Gaoyang?

When Fang Xuanling got excited, he got another beating.

Fang Yi'ai was also stunned by the beating and quickly begged for mercy, "Dad, I know I was wrong, please stop hitting me!"

Fang Xuanling then put the ruler away: "Don't think that just because your father has made some contributions in the court, you can do whatever you want."

That's not the case.

Merit is merit, and fault is fault.

I am a father, but you are you. No matter how great my achievements are, can I compare to Lü Buwei and Li Si back then?

Without Lü Buwei, could Ying Yiren have become the King of Qin?

If Ying Yiren couldn't become the King of Qin, how could Ying Zheng possibly become the First Emperor of Qin?

However, despite his great achievements, Lü Buwei was ultimately forced to commit suicide by drinking poison by Qin Shi Huang.

Li Si made great contributions during Ying Zheng's unification of the six kingdoms.

Without Li Si, it wouldn't have been so easy for Ying Zheng to unify the six kingdoms.

However, in the end, Li Si's entire clan was also exterminated.

Before he died, did he ever wonder if it was still okay to go to Shangcai to walk his dog?

Then there's Chao Cuo during the reign of Emperor Jing of Han. He was Emperor Jing's teacher, and he was utterly loyal and devoted to the court.

When Liu Qi was the crown prince, he took Chao Cuo as his teacher.

A teacher for a day is a father for life; Chao Cuo was utterly loyal to the Han Dynasty.

However, King Liu Bi of Wu and King Liu Wu of Chu joined forces and launched the Rebellion of the Seven States, raising the slogan "Purge the court of corrupt officials and execute Chao Cuo".

In reality, everyone understands that this is just a smokescreen; the seven kingdoms can't very well openly declare a rebellion.

Surprisingly, Emperor Jing of Han actually believed it and had Chao Cuo executed by being cut in half at the waist.

Chao Cuo was unaware that he would be cut in half at the waist until his death.

He was still wearing his official robes when he was cut in half at the waist.

Do you know how cruel the punishment of being cut in half at the waist is?

After a person is cut in half at the waist, they won't die immediately; they will still have sensation and consciousness, and it will be very painful.

Then there's Huo Guang, one of the four regents entrusted by Emperor Wu of Han.

Huo Guang was wholeheartedly devoted to the Han Dynasty and remained utterly loyal.

Shangguan Jie and others attempted to rebel, but Huo Guang quelled their rebellions one by one.

It was because of Huo Guang that the imperial power of the Han Dynasty was able to be consolidated.

However, how did Emperor Xuan of Han treat Huo Guang's family after he ascended the throne?

The entire family was executed, and nine generations of relatives were exterminated.

Logically speaking, you've read quite a few books and should have heard about these historical events.

How can you take advantage of my favor and act so recklessly?

Fang Yi'ai was scolded by his father, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

He knew that what his father said was historical fact.

Fang Xuanling sighed deeply: "Do you think my achievements can compare to those of Lü Buwei, Li Si, Chao Cuo, and Huo Guang?"

"I'm afraid it's incomparable," Fang Yi'ai said tremblingly.

"At least you have the self-awareness to know that your contributions are not as great as others', yet you're still messing around recklessly."

"What are you doing if you don't invite bad luck?"

"Father, I will never dare to do it again next time," Fang Yi'ai said, covering his cheek with his hand.

"Going to provoke Su Wan and Su Gui is the same as going to provoke Crown Prince Li Chengqian. Isn't that the same principle?"

Su Wan is the Crown Princess.

Currently, Li Chenggan and Prince Yue, Li Tai, are fighting each other for the position of crown prince.

Whether the King of Yue will ultimately prevail remains to be seen.

As a father, I underestimated Li Chenggan back then.

Ever since Li Chenggan fell ill, he seems like a completely different person, very different from before, and very difficult to deal with.

Moreover, our Great Tang Dynasty launched several expeditions to conquer the Western Regions, but the King of Yue was never defeated and had no victories.

This is because the emperor favors him; otherwise, he would have been beheaded.

You said, how can this go on?

Through these wars, Li Chenggan's strength continued to expand.

Now, he has the support of people such as Wei Zheng, Du Zhenglun, Du He, Hou Junji and Li Gang.

Outside, Ashina She'er's army was loyal to him;

Among the Imperial Guards is Su Gui. Haven't you noticed how quickly Su Gui's official rank has risen?

Have you seen these trends?

Li Chenggan is no longer the same person he once was; his strength has been continuously increasing, and his position has been constantly consolidated.

Whether Li Tai will ultimately win is still hard to say.

At this time, we must be careful in every step we take, and we cannot afford to make any mistakes.

"I will remember this and will pay attention in the future!"

Just then, Li Tai walked in from outside.

Seeing Fang Yi'ai's disheveled appearance, he asked, "Your Excellency, what happened?"

Why was Fang Yi'ai beaten like this?

Fang Xuanling said angrily, "This unfilial son is too careless and infuriating. He won't learn his lesson if we don't punish him."

Li Tai walked up to Fang Yi'ai and helped him up: "Get up quickly!"

Fang Yi'ai's knees were numb from kneeling, and he finally managed to stand up.

A servant brought water, and he washed his face.

Fang Xuanling and Li Tai took their seats as host and guest, respectively.

Fang Yi'ai stood behind Fang Xuanling.

Li Tai then recounted his visit to Princess Yang, the wife of Prince Chao, and Empress Zhangsun.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling frowned: "King Yue, it's fortunate that Princess Yang of Chao is on your side, thus forming an alliance."

This is a good thing.

After all, Princess Yang, the wife of the Prince of Chao, was no ordinary person.

Her words carry considerable weight even in front of your father.

Moreover, the Yang family has the support of the Yang family behind her, so her influence is not insignificant.

But, judging from what your mother said, she wants you to return to your fiefdom as soon as possible and not stay in Chang'an.

"Yes, I am currently troubled by this matter."

Once they leave Chang'an, they will be marginalized and forgotten by their father, the Emperor.

Fang Xuanling sighed: "I was just reprimanding this unfilial son. You took the Shangfu Bureau as your target this time and switched the tribute from Tibet. You did a bad job."

Now that the tribute has been transported away, how can we let Li Chenggan find out?

You guys are being way too careless.

Li Tai opened his narrow eyes and looked at Fang Yi'ai.

Fang Yi'ai lowered his head.

Fang Xuanling continued, "When you receive the tribute, you shouldn't put it in the gambling den. Even if you do put it in the gambling den, you shouldn't take it out and pile it on the gambling table."

How do you know that no one can tell the difference?

The Tibetan silver coins all have serial numbers, unlike ours from the Tang Dynasty.

Fang Yi'ai felt a surge of excitement upon hearing this.

He pointed to the door and said, "This can't be entirely my fault. It was that brat Changsun Chong who piled up the silver."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling angrily retorted, "Even now, you still dare to talk back!"

They haven't reflected on their mistakes at all!

When Fang Yi'ai saw that his father was angry again, he lowered his head in fear.

Li Tai sighed: "It seems that the Empress Dowager has already noticed that I often come to your residence."

She's quite sensitive about this matter.

Fang Xuanling nodded: "From now on, let's see each other less often. Unless there's something special, let's try not to meet."

Li Chengqian has many spies and informants.

"Your Excellency, you are absolutely right."

This harem, seemingly peaceful, is actually rife with undercurrents. I increasingly feel that these women in the harem have a certain say in the deposition and appointment of the crown prince, and may even change my father's mind.

"You've finally figured it out, but the women in the harem all have weight in their words, especially your mother and Xu Hui."

But it's obvious that neither of them is on your side.

Therefore, you are outnumbered and isolated; you should seek out someone like the Yang family to form an alliance.

Li Tai rubbed his forehead: "I also visited Xu Hui, but she seems completely unresponsive. What can we do with someone like that?"

"Xu Hui has been completely won over by Su Wan."

You shouldn't consider her anymore.

You can't possibly bring her over.

It's probably impossible to change the Empress Dowager's mind.

I know your mother very well; to be honest, we have a pretty good personal relationship.

Back then, your mother and I helped your father pacify the world.

Whenever we encounter any difficulties, your mother always consults me.

I know that your mother's attitude towards making Li Chengqian the crown prince has never changed.

"What about Consort Yang? Can we win her over?" Li Tai asked.

Fang Xuanling stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the hall: "Consort Yang has a special identity. She is the daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui and was formerly a princess of the Sui Dynasty."

If I'm not mistaken, she harbors deep resentment towards your father.

I heard that when Chang'an was besieged this time, she wrote a letter to Li Ke, telling him not to bring troops back to rescue Chang'an, intending to perish together with your father, the emperor.

"Is that so?" Li Tai asked, puzzled. "Why would that be?"

"Because, in Consort Yang's view, the Sui Dynasty was overthrown by your grandfather and your father."

Consort Yang could be won over, but a catalyst and a suitable entry point are needed.

At this moment, Fang Yi'ai couldn't help but say, "King Yue, Father, I have an idea."

"What idea? Tell me quickly!" Fang Xuanling hoped that he could come up with a practical idea.

"King of Yue, don't you have an uncle named Li Yuanjing?"

"That's the one who likes to refine elixirs," Fang Yi'ai said.

"Yes, he's gone to the point of demonic possession while refining elixirs."

Fang Yi'ai shook his head: "Actually, no, Li Yuanjing's alchemy is just a smokescreen, not his true intention."

As far as I know, he and Li Ke had a very good relationship, and Li Ke would visit him every time he returned to Chang'an.

Generally speaking, Li Ke would listen to whatever Li Yuanjing said.

In addition, Li Yuanjing and Princess Gaoyang have a very good relationship, like father and daughter, even more so than your father, the Emperor.

Therefore, what I mean is that we can visit Li Yuanjing.

"As long as we can persuade Li Jin and Li Yuanjing, Li Ke will definitely listen to what Li Yuanjing says."

Li Tai thought this method was good, but Fang Xuanling had some concerns.

Fang Xuanling lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then said, "Back then, your father once told others that Li Ke resembled him."

In other words, your father really liked Li Ke and thought he was wise and capable.

"When Li Ke returned to Chang'an some time ago, didn't your father test his knowledge, examine his martial arts, and dine with him?"

"It seems like that's true."

"In this respect, you can't compare to Li Ke."

Back then, your father had considered changing the crown prince. At that time, Li Chengqian had some difficulty walking, and your father felt that he did not have the appearance of an emperor, while Li Ke had an extraordinary appearance.

Given this, will Li Yuanjing support Li Ke to become the crown prince?

Fang Yi'ai said, "Father, you're worrying too much. Although Li Ke is very outstanding, how can he compare to the King of Yue?"

He only ruled over 8 provinces, while the King of Yue ruled over 22 provinces.

Their strength is incomparable.

Moreover, the Emperor allowed the Prince of Yue to establish a literary academy and recruit scholars according to his own preferences. What kind of privilege is this?

Therefore, it is clear that Li Ke has little chance of rising to prominence, and Father need not worry.

Li Tai also thought Fang Yi'ai's idea was good, thinking that if he could win over Li Yuanjing and Li Ke, then Consort Yang would naturally side with him.

Fang Xuanling still shook his head: "This matter is probably not that simple. Precisely because Li Ke is wise and brave and very outstanding, Yang Shufei naturally hopes to make Li Ke the crown prince. Is there any need to say more about this?"

Moreover, it is said that Consort Yang and Consort Yan have formed an alliance.

The last time the imperial seal was stolen, it was probably related to Consort Yang and Consort Yan.

"No matter what, let's give it a try first."

If we can win over Consort Yang, wouldn't that be the same as winning over Consort Yan as well?

Although Fang Xuanling did not approve of this, Li Tai wanted to try it, so Fang Xuanling could not forcefully stop him.

Fang Xuanling instructed, "If you are going to do this, you must keep a low profile and keep it secret. You must not cause any further complications."

Fang Yi'ai thumped his chest loudly: "King Yue, Father, leave this matter to me."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and reminded Li Tai: "By your father's side, there are Consort Wei and Consort Yin. Those two women are not simple either."

Especially Wei Gui, she and her cousin Wei Ni Zi served your father together.

Moreover, that woman is very secretive.

Women like Consort Yan, who loved to frolic and make a fuss, were nothing compared to Consort Wei.

"Thank you for the reminder, Your Excellency. I will keep this in mind."