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

"Yeon Gaesomun, logically speaking, you were already second only to the king in Goguryeo, you should be satisfied."

but,

You have too many desires and too much ambition.

You instigated Baekje to attack Silla. Don't you know that Silla was a vassal state of our Great Tang Dynasty?

What's the difference between your attack on Silla and your direct invasion of the Tang Dynasty?

Don't think we're unaware of the little tricks you're playing behind our backs.

There are just some things that don't need to be said out loud.

Our Tang Dynasty is quite different from the Sui Dynasty of that time.

Don't think that Emperor Yang of Sui's three campaigns against Goguryeo failed to defeat you.

Then you can look down on the Tang Dynasty.

If you think that way, then you are very wrong.

I'm not trying to scare you.

How does your overall national strength compare to that of the East Turkestan?

Back then, the Eastern Turks commanded a million archers and seemed poised to conquer the Central Plains.

Emperor Yang of Sui was once besieged at Yanmen Pass by Shibi Khan, and it was our emperor who led troops to rescue him.

After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty,

The Eastern Turkic Khaganate's leader, Jieli Khan, repeatedly invaded the borders of the Tang Dynasty, even penetrating deep into the heartland of Mayi.

Our Tang emperor, having reached his limit of tolerance, dispatched General Li Jing to lead troops to quell the rebellion.

Within a year,

They then annihilated the Eastern Turks and captured the Khagan, Jieli.

Now, Khagan Jieli has surrendered to the Tang Dynasty and become its subject.

You should know that the Eastern Turks were once a powerful and invincible army, dominating the grasslands. In terms of population, land area, and military strength, they were probably much stronger than your Goguryeo.

If you Goguryeo really want to fight against the Tang Dynasty...

What do you think your chances of winning are?

Although Su Wan didn't say much, her words hit the nail on the head.

Upon hearing this, Yeon Gaesomun felt a chill run down his spine.

He thought to himself, "No wonder people say Su Wan is so amazing, it's true!"

Of course, "powerful" here doesn't mean that Su Wan's martial arts skills are particularly high.

She doesn't know martial arts.

Rather, it means that her eloquence and intelligence are far superior to those of ordinary people.

Yeon Gaesomun immediately suppressed his arrogance and began to look at Su Wan with new respect.

Of course, Qu Zhili's move just now also shocked him greatly.

As the saying goes, an expert can tell whether someone is good or bad just by showing them a few moves.

Yeon Gaesomun quickly bowed: "Crown Princess, you have misunderstood."

"We have come here for no other purpose than to request that Physician Sun treat our King's Consort Ronghua."

"Oh, isn't Consort Ronghua one of Gao Yuan's concubines?"

"Yes, she was indeed a concubine of King Gaoyuan."

After Gao Yuan's death, Consort Ronghua married Prince Rongliu, Gao Jianwu.

Consort Ronghua was favored by the new king.

However, fate played a cruel trick on her. No one expected that Consort Ronghua would suddenly fall ill, and even the imperial physicians in our country could not cure her.

"I heard that Physician Sun is living in seclusion here, so Gao Jianwu sent the two of us here to invite him to treat Consort Ronghua's illness. That's all."

Su Wan sneered when she heard this, and stared intently at Yeon Gaesomun: "Then, I would like to ask, how did Consort Ronghua fall ill?"

She was perfectly fine, how did she suddenly get sick?

Upon hearing this, Yeon Gaesomun thought to himself, "I can't possibly tell Su Wan that Consort Ronghua was choked by anger because I molested her."

Yeon Gaesomun stammered, "Consort Ronghua's illness came on very suddenly. She fell ill all at once, lost consciousness, and seemed to have become a vegetable."

We have never seen such a disease before.

Su Wan, observing Yeon Gaesom's ambiguous words, knew there was something fishy going on.

but,

Since Yeon Gaesomun was unwilling to talk about it, she didn't need to press him for details.

"Could it be that you were lusting after her beauty and wanted to possess her, which made her so angry?"

"No...that's absolutely not true."

"All right,

But is this how you ask people to treat illnesses?

First they burned down the house, then they broke down the door to the person's secret room, and then they tried to assassinate them.

What's the difference between what you're doing and that of robbers? Yet you make it sound so nice to invite people over.

"This—," Yeon Gaesomun thought to himself, "This girl is indeed clever; she knows everything. We are willing to apologize and compensate for all losses."

Yeon Gaesomun glared at Buyeo Ryong as he spoke, thinking to himself, "It's all your fault, you troublemaking brat."

Fu Yulong, however, did not believe he had done anything wrong and remained resentful.

at this time,

Lu Zhaolin walked to Sun Simiao's side and helped him up with both hands: "Master, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, it's just a pity about that magic pill."

Sun Simiao's expression somber. "That elixir was about to be completed, but it was ruined by Fuyu Long. What a pity!"

Originally, if you had this elixir, you could have simply given it to Consort Ronghua, and her illness would have been cured.

but,

"Now that elixir has vanished into thin air."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan looked at Fu Yulong and asked, "Since Fu Yulong destroyed Doctor Sun's elixir, how can we restore it?"

Sun Simiao pondered for a moment and said, "There is a way, but I'm afraid some people won't be willing to do it."

"Then tell us about it."

"Then we'd have to take out a person's heart and liver as the main ingredient, and gouge out their eyes as the auxiliary ingredient. And they have to be alive. Only then might we be able to restore that elixir," Sun Simiao said with great seriousness.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan laughed and said, "Isn't there something ready-made right here?"

"Where is it readily available?"

Su Wan smiled and turned to Qu Zhili, saying, "Princess, why don't you just gouge out Fuyu Long's heart, liver, and eyes now and give them to Doctor Sun as medicinal ingredients? Wouldn't that allow you to refine that elixir?"

This action also demonstrates that Buyeo Long was very friendly towards Goguryeo.

To solidify relations between the two countries, the crown prince of Baekje willingly sacrificed his life, and it is believed that the Goguryeo people will forever cherish the memory of Buyeo Yong.

"Once that elixir is refined, we can give it to Yeon Gaesomun to take back to Goguryeo, and then Consort Ronghua's illness will be cured, won't it?"

Upon hearing this, Qu Zhili smiled and said, "Your Highness, this is indeed a good idea."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yulong turned pale with fright, thinking to himself how truly wicked these two girls were, willing to use his own heart and eyes as a medicinal ingredient.

You might as well just kill yourselves.

Fu Yulong felt a chill run down his spine as he held no sword.

He quickly waved his hands: "No, no!"

"Why not?"

At that moment, Qu Zhili took a step forward. "I think this is a fantastic idea. Let's do as the Crown Princess says!"

As Qu Zhili finished speaking, she raised her sword, ready to strike. This Princess Gaochang was no pushover; she was capable of anything she said.

Fu Yulong turned pale with fright and quickly took two steps back, raising his right hand: "No, no, no, don't do it yet! We Baekje and you Gaochang have always kept to ourselves!"

If you really need heart, liver, and eyes as medicinal ingredients and excipients, I'll try to find a way to get them for you.

My heart is black, my eyes are yellow, and they no longer function.

Su Wan, listening nearby, wanted to laugh but couldn't. She thought to herself, "This Baekje crown prince is such a coward. Look how scared he is, he's even sweating."

Seeing this, Yeon Gaesomun quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Dr. Son, do you think there are any other solutions?"

Sun Simiao pondered for a moment, then said, "There is a cave on the back mountain of our place..."

A giant blue python was coiled up in that cave.

If you could take out the python's heart, liver, and gallbladder, and then remove its eyes...

Perhaps it's possible to refine an elixir of immortality.

Upon hearing this, Fu Yulong felt a chill run down his spine and couldn't help but ask, "Approximately how long and thick is that giant python you described?"

"It was about three zhang long, and its body was as thick as a water bucket!"

"My God!" Fu Yulong hurriedly waved his hands, "Are you kidding me? My sword is now broken. Without a weapon, how can I fight that giant python?"

Su Wan added, "If you are unwilling to pluck the python's heart, liver, and eyes..."

"Then let's go pick them, and the elixirs we refine are ours, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Yulong thought to himself that he was really unlucky; it would be difficult to deal with these two girls today.

Sun Simiao then asked Su Wan, "What brings you and the Princess of Gaochang here?"

Su Wan did not hide anything and told Sun Simiao about Empress Zhangsun's illness.

Sun Simiao was also very surprised when he heard this: "Oh dear, how could such a thing happen?"

When I left Chang'an, I made it very clear that Empress Zhangsun must not get angry again within a hundred days.

She's exhausted; this time, she's in grave danger.

"Dr. Sun, you're right. Does that mean even you have no solution?"

The imperial physicians in the palace are all useless; they have no way of curing Empress Zhangsun's illness.

Sun Simiao stroked his beard: "As I just said, the only way is to refine that elixir."

Once that elixir is refined, it may be able to cure Empress Zhangsun's illness.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan frowned: "May I ask how many elixir pills you possess?"

There's only this one.

Upon hearing this, Yeon Gaesomun became anxious: "How can that be? This elixir must be used to cure our Consort Ronghua's illness."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan rolled her eyes at Yuan Gai Suwen: "Why should you treat Consort Ronghua's illness?"

"The divine physician Sun is a man of our Great Tang Dynasty, so naturally he must treat Empress Zhangsun."

"No, the elixir must be given to Consort Ronghua."

"It must be given to Empress Zhangsun!"

And so, Yeon Gaesomun and Su Wan started arguing.

Sun Simiao raised his hands: "Stop arguing."

Okay then.

Let's have a fair competition!

"Whoever can remove the giant python's heart, liver, gallbladder, and eyes will get the elixir once it's refined. How about that?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present felt that it was fairly fair.

Upon hearing this, Yeon Gaesomun couldn't help but ask, "In that case, who will go first to retrieve the giant python's heart, liver, gallbladder, and eyes?"

Su Wan said, "Then naturally we'll go get it first!"

"That won't do, we have to go get it first."

If we can't get it, you can take it yourself.

"How long will it take you?"

Three days is enough!

"If we cannot obtain the python's heart, liver, gallbladder, and eyes within three days, it will be considered a forfeit, and we will have no complaints." Yeon Gaesomun said with great certainty.

"All right,

"Let's do it your way! Don't go back on your word later!"

"Once a man has made his word, it is hard to follow him!"

After both parties made the agreement, they each prepared accordingly.

Buyeo Long picked up the broken sword and shook his head and sighed repeatedly.

He whispered to Yeon Gaesomun, "General, are you confident you can defeat that giant python?"

Yeon Gaesomun smiled slightly: "What's a giant python?"

It is said that Liu Bang started his rebellion by slaying a snake at Mount Mangdang.

With five swords at my disposal, am I not as good as Liu Bang?

Liu Ji was nothing but a rogue and scoundrel; he just happened to be lucky, which is why he later became the emperor of the Han Dynasty.

Fu Yulong, hearing his certainty, didn't dare to argue with him.

Yeon Gaesomun and Buyeo Yong packed up and went up the back mountain.

Su Wan, Qu Zhili, Sun Simiao, and Lu Zhaolin arrived in front of the thatched cottage.

By this time, the thatched cottage had been burned to the ground and was now a ruin.

Su Wan cursed, "That brat Fu Yulong is such a scoundrel!"

How could they do something so pointless!

Lu Zhaolin looked nervous, fearing that his master would scold him.

Looking at Sun Simiao again, he smiled kindly and said, "It's just two thatched cottages, nothing special."

The old must go before the new can come.

There are plenty of trees on the mountain; we can just build a bigger one.

After hearing Sun Simiao's words, Su Wan thought that Sun Simiao was indeed different from ordinary people. He was broad-minded, magnanimous, and could take everything in stride.

Su Wan parted her lips slightly: "How about this? Isn't there a saying?"

Since we're here, let's make the best of it.

Anyway, we don't have much to do these past few days.

So,

"Why don't we split up? Qu Zhili and Lu Zhaolin can go up the mountain to cut down trees, while the two of us can go fishing by the sea."

Upon hearing this, Qu Zhili thought to herself, "Your work arrangement is quite reasonable."

However, being a martial artist, he had plenty of strength in his arms, so cutting down trees was nothing to him.

then,

The four people split up and acted separately.

Sun Simiao still preferred to fish at the same old spot.

He and Su Wan each prepared a fishing rod with a line on it, a hook attached to the line, and an earthworm on the hook.

People often say,

People live off the land and water; there is boundless wealth on this Penglai Island and by the sea.

Su Wan rarely goes fishing, but when she does, she finds it very exciting.

She sat next to Sun Simiao, looking very serious.

Su Wan turned her head and glanced at him, noticing that Sun Simiao's beard had turned completely white.

but,

Sun Simiao was vigorous, with white teeth and red lips, an optimistic attitude, and an ethereal, otherworldly air.

This wasn't the first time Su Wan had met Sun Simiao.

She discovered that Sun Simiao possessed a transcendent and refined air that the imperial physicians in the palace could not match.

Those imperial physicians were more concerned with their own official positions.

Su Wan smiled and asked, "Dr. Sun, you have such great abilities, yet you hide on this Penglai Immortal Island. Don't you feel lonely and it's a pity?"

Sun Simiao sat on a bamboo stool, holding a fishing rod, his eyes fixed on the sea: "This place is far from the hustle and bustle of the world, very quiet, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, perfect for retirement."

"I really don't understand. Everyone else wants to be an official, so why don't you want to be one?" Su Wan asked, somewhat curious.

"Hua Tuo's medical skills were originally superior to mine, but because he had contact with people in officialdom..."

That's what led to the tragic ending.

Guan Yu fought a great battle against Pang De, flooding the seven armies, and was struck in the arm by a poisoned arrow.

The poison gas was about to attack his heart.

Guan Yu not only lost his arm, but his life was also in danger.

Fortunately, someone introduced Hua Tuo to Guan Yu to perform bone-scraping treatment.

Guan Yu was indeed a man of iron will. When Hua Tuo cut open his arm to treat his wound,

He remained calm and composed, playing chess with his subordinates.

After Guan Yu's arm wound healed,

Guan Yu gifted Hua Tuo a thousand pieces of gold.

Hua Tuo did not accept it.

but,

Later, Hua Tuo was not so lucky.

"Why was that? And who did Hua Tuo encounter?"

The problem lies with Cao Cao.

Just then, Cao Cao's headache flared up again, so he ordered his men to bring Hua Tuo to him so that Hua Tuo could treat him.

After diagnosing his condition, Hua Tuo said, "To completely cure your illness, I must split open your head with an axe, remove the poisonous gas inside, and then you will be cured."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao angrily retorted: "If splitting a person's arm or thigh doesn't affect their life, then..."

But how can a human head be split open?

Are you a spy, trying to harm me?

So, Hua Tuo was imprisoned.

Hua Tuo left behind a medical treatise, which was also burned.

Because Hua Tuo could cure other people's illnesses, but he couldn't cure himself.

What do you think Hua Tuo was trying to achieve?

He sought neither money nor fame, yet ultimately met such an end. Isn't that tragic? Do you wish for me to follow in Hua Tuo's footsteps?

Su Wan smiled and said, "Dr. Sun, you can't say that."

The current emperor is quite different from Cao Cao; he is a wise and benevolent ruler.

Sun Simiao waved his hand: "Crown Princess, of course I know that Li Shimin is different from ordinary emperors."

He was indeed very wise and capable; it would not be an exaggeration to say that he surpassed Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han.

but,

Have you noticed that Li Shimin actually preferred killing?

He personally killed his brothers, Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Prince Qi, Li Yuanji, and did not even spare their sons.

Not only that, he also seized Li Yuanji's concubine, Lady Yang, the wife of Prince Chao.

In a sense, Li Shimin was quite ruthless.

I am just a doctor, and healing the sick and saving lives is my duty.

but,

I am old and my health is not what it used to be. No matter how much money I have, I can only eat three meals a day and sleep in one bed.

What's the point of me coveting fame and fortune?

In my opinion, it's unnecessary to think about acquiring some possessions for future generations.

If my descendants are capable, they won't need my help.

"If they were all spoiled brats and spendthrifts, could they hold onto any amount of money?"

After hearing Sun Simiao's words, Su Wan knew that Sun Simiao's mind was made up and could not be swayed: "Alright, everyone has their own ambitions, there's no need to force him."

However, if you ever wish to become an official, you can tell me, and I will ask His Majesty for a high-ranking position for you.

Sun Simiao quickly shook his head: "You're not helping me, you're hurting me."

How many days do I have left to live?

Su Wan smiled and said, "From what I've observed, you're so healthy that you could easily live to be over a hundred years old. You're still a long way off."

Sun Simiao laughed heartily: "How has the Crown Prince been lately?"

Where is he?

Su Wan washed her hands at the beach, stood up, tidied her slightly disheveled hair with her hands, sighed, and didn't say anything.

Seeing her worried expression, Sun Simiao asked, "What's wrong? Has something happened to the Crown Prince?"

Su Wan recounted how Li Chenggan and Songtsen Gampo went to Naniwajin to mediate relations between the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom and Baekje and Silla.

After listening, Sun Simiao nodded: "The Crown Prince is truly skilled and daring. Doesn't he know that Nanbojin is a den of dragons and tigers?"

Last time,

He was almost killed by them there.

He still doesn't know fear.

"That's right, I tried to persuade him, but he wouldn't listen. He's as stubborn as a donkey."

He said that we should prioritize the overall situation.

If he can successfully mediate the relations between Wa, Baekje, and Silla during his trip to Naniwa-tsu,

This is of paramount importance for stabilizing the Tang Dynasty's eastern borders.

"The Crown Prince's intentions are good, but I'm afraid things won't go as planned."

You must find a way to bring him back to Chang'an as soon as possible to avoid the risks.

The longer the prince stays in the Wa (Japanese) country, the greater the risk.

"You're absolutely right, that's what I think too."

but,

My most important task now is to cure Empress Zhangsun's illness.

How can I leave Chang'an if Empress Zhangsun's illness is not cured?

"I'm really torn." Su Wan's face was filled with worry as she said this.

"You are such a filial son," Sun Simiao praised.

"Empress Zhangsun had a tough life. She devoted herself to the Tang Dynasty and loved the Crown Prince very much."

From beginning to end, she supported Li Chengqian's bid to become the crown prince.

Without Empress Zhangsun's support, Li Chengqian would probably have been deposed long ago.

Sun Simiao looked straight ahead: "That's exactly the point."

Back then, wasn't Yang Yong deposed precisely because Empress Dugu didn't support him?

The Crown Prince is just too kind-hearted.

As far as I know, Li Tai has tried to poison him multiple times.

but,

He still couldn't bring himself to retaliate against Li Tai; how could this continue indefinitely?

He'll get what's coming to him from Li Tai sooner or later.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan's expression turned worried: "You're right, Li Tai is scheming and determined to seize the position of Crown Prince."

It is said that it is easy to dodge a spear in the open, but difficult to guard against an arrow in the dark.

The crown prince repeatedly showed him leniency.

However, Li Tai did not repent and instead went further.

Recently, many things have happened in Chang'an.

"Oh, what happened?"

Su Wan then briefed Sun Simiao on the situation in Chang'an.

After listening, Sun Simiao shook his head repeatedly:

"In that case, the Crown Prince is still too impulsive."

Since Li Shimin firmly opposed his association with Chengxin, why didn't he banish Chengxin from Chang'an?

Is it possible that besides Chengxin, he has no one else under his command?

Why was Lijing Gate established?

As an emperor, the last thing he wants to see is his crown prince establishing his own power base, secretly engaging in underhanded activities, forming organizations, or recruiting armies.

These are all things that are not allowed to be done.

Where in this world can you find a secret that stays hidden forever?

Given enough time, how could someone as shrewd as Li Shimin not know?

Su Wan felt that Sun Simiao made sense.

Although Sun Simiao was not in Chang'an, he was very experienced and there was nothing in the world that he did not know.

He was extremely knowledgeable about the affairs of the palace, seeing through everything perfectly.

"That's just how the Crown Prince is by nature; I've tried to persuade him countless times."

He was urged to retaliate against Li Tai, but he remained unwilling to do so.

He said he had promised his mother that only Li Tai was allowed to be unrighteous, but he himself was not allowed to be unjust.

What kind of logic is that?

Isn't this just blatantly leaving us to be slaughtered?

At this moment, the fishing rod twitched slightly, as if a fish had taken the bait.

Sun Simiao gripped the fishing rod tightly in one hand and said slowly, "This is rare indeed; it is also one of the Crown Prince's extraordinary qualities."

Historically, there have been many crown princes.

However, in my opinion,

Li Chengan was the most outstanding, for example, Fusu.

Back then, Fusu was not officially designated as the crown prince, which was a major blunder in Qin Shi Huang's life.

If Qin Shi Huang had made Fusu the crown prince earlier, how could the Qin Dynasty have perished after only two generations?

Qin Shi Huang believed he would live forever and was unwilling to face death.

Little did he know that death is inevitable for everyone, and no one can escape this fate.

result,

He fell seriously ill and died during his last tour of the dunes.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Gao and Li Si conspired to alter the imperial edict, replacing the youngest son, Huhai, with Qin Er Shi (the Second Emperor of Qin).

They wrote a fake imperial edict and sent it to Meng Tian's army, ordering Fusu to commit suicide.

Fusu, unable to distinguish truth from falsehood, actually committed suicide under the urging of the messenger.

This shows that Fusu was too weak and lacked discernment.

He didn't even realize the imperial edict was fake.

That could be considered blind loyalty.

In his mind, the father is the guide for the son, and the ruler is the guide for the subject; if the father commands the son to die, the son has no choice but to die.

The ruler commands the subject to perish.

I have no choice but to die.

This is his guiding principle in life.

Let's talk about Liu Ying again.

It should be said that Liu Bang appointed his heir a bit too early. He made Liu Ying his heir when he was enfeoffed as the King of Hanzhong.

At that time, Liu Bang's other sons had not yet been born.

Later, Liu Bang felt that Liu Ying was indecisive and unlike himself, so he wanted to make Liu Ruyi the crown prince instead.

However, due to the opposition of his ministers, Liu Bang ultimately weighed the pros and cons and did not proceed with the plan.

Liu Ying reigned for 7 years.

He didn't achieve anything particularly remarkable; all he knew was to be filial to Empress Lü.

He lacks his own opinions.

He did whatever Empress Lü told him to do.

Firstly, he married his niece, Empress Zhang.

Although he was unwilling to do this

However, Empress Lü wanted to strengthen their kinship through marriage, so he agreed.

He felt that such a relationship was against moral principles.

Therefore,

He never shared a bed with Empress Zhang in his entire life.

Su Wan opened her eyes wide and asked, "Is that so? Does that mean Empress Zhang has suffered for the rest of her life?"

"yes,

Later, the "human pig" incident occurred.

Because Lady Qi had hoped that her son, Liu Ruyi, would become the crown prince.

This deeply offended Empress Lü.

Empress Lü harbored resentment for a long time, but she couldn't take action while Liu Bang was alive.

After Liu Bang died,

After Empress Lü Zhi became Empress Dowager and seized all power, she began to target Consort Qi.

She first poisoned Liu Ruyi, then cut off Lady Qi's hands and feet, gouged out her eyes, cut off her nose and tongue, and threw her into the pigsty, calling her a "human pig."

Hearing this, Su Wan also felt a chill run down her spine and shuddered: "That old woman Lü Zhi is too ruthless."

"Yes, Empress Lü specially invited Liu Ying to see her masterpiece so that the world would know about it."

After seeing it, Liu Ying was so frightened that she fainted.

He said this was something no human being could do.

From then on, he indulged in wine and women, neglecting state affairs.

From this, it can be seen that Liu Ying was a person who lacked a sense of the bigger picture and did not know what was important and what was not.

If parents make mistakes, a son should try to persuade them.

If you really can't persuade them, then just let them be.

However, he disregarded the Han dynasty's empire and even the ancestral temples and state affairs of the Liu family because of Lady Qi. Was this appropriate?

This shows that Emperor Hui of Han, Liu Ying, was a person without a ruler or father.

Hearing Sun Simiao recount that period of history, Su Wan was filled with emotion. It must be said, Empress Lü's methods were far too ruthless.

but,

Empress Lü had her reasons for doing this; it was because Consort Qi had offended Empress Lü.

Lady Qi believed that having gained Liu Bang's favor, she could do whatever she wanted, even change the crown prince.

Lady Qi was too naive; she oversimplified the matter of changing the crown prince.

As for the actions of Emperor Hui of Han, Liu Ying, they are truly speechless.

"In the past, Emperor Jing of Han once made his eldest son Liu Rong the crown prince."

Liu Rong believed that since he had become the crown prince, he would definitely become the emperor in the future.

He doesn't like reading and isn't very capable.

Emperor Jing of Han tested him and Liu Che on several occasions, and Liu Rong's performance was always inferior to Liu Che's.

This greatly disappointed Emperor Jing of Han.

later,

For various reasons, Emperor Jing of Han deposed Liu Rong and demoted him to the Prince of Linjiang.

Even with the efforts of Grand Commandant Zhou Yafu and General Dou Ying, they could not save him.

If Liu Rong was a sensible person, he should have kept a low profile since he had already been demoted.

but,

Liu Rong continued his large-scale construction projects, even encroaching on the land of the ancestral temple, which was utterly rebellious.

Someone reported this matter, and Emperor Jing of Han was furious. He sent Zhi Du, a notorious cruel official at the time, to investigate the matter.

Finally, Liu Rong was forced to commit suicide in prison by Zhi Du.

Su Wan knew that Liu Rong's downfall was due to a combination of reasons.

but,

His worst misfortune was encountering the far too powerful Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che), which meant he was doomed.

"Yang Yong was also the eldest son of the emperor and was made crown prince, which was originally a very good thing."

However, Yang Yong's behavior was too eccentric, and he showed no restraint whatsoever.

His mother, Empress Dugu, was very fond of Yang Yong's Crown Princess, Yuan Zhen.

Yuan Zhen was the daughter of Yuan Xiaoju, a member of the Northern Wei royal family and governor of Jingzhou. She was of noble birth and outstanding appearance.

but,

Yang Yong, however, was particularly fond of Yun Zhaoxun. Their relationship was comparable to that of a legitimate wife, and they had three sons together.

In the end, it angered Yuan Shi to death.

Empress Dugu was furious about this.

Empress Dugu was most opposed to the practice of princes having multiple wives and concubines and failing to distinguish between social classes.

but,

Yang Yong ignored all that and continued to house numerous beauties in the Eastern Palace, spending his days and nights in debauchery with them.

Yang Yong was fond of forming cliques and cultivating his own faction.

One year on the winter solstice, instead of paying homage to Emperor Wen of Sui, all the civil and military officials went to the Eastern Palace to pay homage to the Crown Prince.

Yang Yong not only did not refuse or decline, but also accepted the homage of the civil and military officials without any politeness.

Think about it.

What does Yang Yong's action do to Emperor Wen of Sui?

After all, Emperor Wen of Sui was still alive.

Yang Guang secretly courted officials, such as the brothers Yang Su and Yang Yue, and Zhang Heng, but Yang Yong was out of step with them and didn't take them seriously.

It is important to know that Yang Su and Emperor Wen of Sui had a very good personal relationship.

Yang Su's words carried great weight before Emperor Wen of Sui.

then,

Yang Su spent his days speaking ill of Yang Yong and praising Yang Guang in front of Emperor Wen of Sui.

However, Yang Yong was completely unaware of these things and continued to do as he pleased, showing no restraint whatsoever.

Ultimately, Yang Yong was deposed as crown prince, and Yang Guang smoothly ascended to the throne.

Su Wan had heard about some of Yang Yong's absurd deeds. To be fair, Yang Yong wasn't particularly capable, but he seemed like the type of ruler who would maintain the status quo.

Yang Guang was too capable and liked to cause trouble, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.

"Let's talk about Crown Prince Li Jiancheng. In fact, Li Jiancheng was a capable man."

When Li Yuan raised his army in Jinyang, he and Li Shimin attacked Chang'an together.

However, his military command skills were far inferior to Li Shimin's.

Li Shimin gradually established himself in the army, gathering a number of civil and military officials around him. He fought countless battles, both large and small.

It can be said that the Tang Dynasty was basically conquered by Li Shimin.

Because of Li Shimin's great achievements, Li Jiancheng was very jealous and felt uneasy.

but,

What else did Li Jiancheng do?

His affair with Li Yuan's concubine is improper. Is this something a son should do?

He repeatedly framed Li Shimin. If Li Shimin hadn't been so alert, he probably would have been killed by him long ago.

Instigated by Li Yuanji, he repeatedly persecuted Li Shimin and the people of the Prince of Qin's mansion.

So what kind of good person is Li Yuanji?

Li Yuanji was simply using Li Jiancheng.

His plan was to first use Li Jiancheng to defeat Li Shimin, and then deal with Li Jiancheng to become the crown prince himself.

Prince Qi, Li Yuanji, was really calculating.

In the end, Li Shimin was driven to a dead end.

Under the persuasion of Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji and others, Li Shimin finally made up his mind to launch the Xuanwu Gate Incident and personally killed Li Jiancheng.

Do you think Li Jiancheng died unjustly?

At the beginning,

Wei Zheng was his subordinate, who had offered him many suggestions and good ideas on numerous occasions.

However, Li Jiancheng wouldn't listen to any of it.

Isn't he courting death?

Fusu, Liu Ying, Liu Rong, Yang Yong, and Li Jiancheng were just a few representatives.

Currently, Li Chenggan is much stronger than them.

Li Chengqian didn't have that many problems.

Relatively speaking,

Li Chengqian was very reserved and did not flaunt his talents.

They performed outstandingly in the battles against the Dangxiang, Tuyuhun, and Yanqi.

recent,

I heard that he also lifted the siege of Chang'an, which can be said to be an unparalleled achievement.

Li Chengqian's achievements are comparable to those of Li Shimin.

He is very filial.

He couldn't bear to upset his mother.

"You're right. It seems you know Empress Zhangsun very well."

However, this is also a very troublesome thing.

As a mother, Empress Zhangsun naturally hoped that Li Chenggan, Li Tai, and Li Zhi could get along harmoniously and not repeat the mistakes of Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Li Chengan feared upsetting his mother, but out of brotherly affection,

Therefore, we should not target Li Tai.

but,

Li Tai, however, did not think so.

Recently

Li Tai made moves both inside and outside the palace, sending gifts to concubines such as Xu Hui, Princess Yang of Chao, and Consort Yan.

Putting aside everything else, the pair of jade bracelets he gave to Consort Yan were priceless.

Sun Simiao squinted and listened quietly: "Oh, is that so?"

It seems Li Tai is being guided by a master strategist.

"Is there any need to say more?"

It must be that old fellow Fang Xuanling.

Upon hearing this, Sun Simiao's expression changed slightly: "In that case, the situation in the court is not very favorable for the Crown Prince."

The two most important ministers in the court were Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji.

However, neither Fang Xuanling nor Changsun Wuji sided with Li Chengqian.

"Yes, those two old bastards, they're both incredibly cunning." Su Wan got angry when she heard about them.

Logically speaking, Changsun Wuji is Li Chengqian's maternal uncle.

He should have stood on the same side as Li Chenggan.

but,

Changsun Wuji had his own plans. It was rumored that he had taken a liking to Li Zhi.

Although Li Zhi was still very young,

However, one can tell a lot about a person's future from their childhood, and what a child will be like at three years old is often the

Li Zhi was gentle and easily controlled.

He is not like Li Chenggan.

How easy would it be for Changsun Wuji to control Li Chengqian?

Su Wan's eyes were filled with resentment: "Dr. Sun, you were right."

Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling are cunning and treacherous.

Changsun Wuji thought more about himself.

Now that Princess Li Lizhi has been betrothed to Changsun Chong, Changsun Wuji and Li Shimin are now even closer relatives.

On the surface, Changsun Wuji appeared to be a man of high moral character, indifferent to fame and fortune, and voluntarily resigned from his position as prime minister.

Actually,

He was secretly accumulating power.

At home, they were compiling some kind of Zhenguan Code; in reality,

He was secretly accumulating power.

Currently, Fang Xuanling is the Grand Secretary, and Changsun Wuji has been recognized as the most meritorious official in the Lingyan Pavilion.

There was both cooperation and conflict between the two of them.

Fang Xuanling hoped that his and the Fang family's status could be preserved forever.

Fang Xuanling knew that Li Chengan was not on his side.

Therefore, he supported Li Tai in seizing the position of crown prince.

If their plot succeeds

How could Li Tai possibly be a match for Fang Xuanling?

Li Tai would naturally be extremely grateful to Fang Xuanling.

In this way, the Fang family's position was consolidated.

Sun Simiao smiled slightly: "Crown Princess, you see things very clearly. Just as you said, that's how the officialdom is; everyone is pursuing their own agenda."

Everyone hopes that they and their family can maintain wealth and prosperity forever, but little do they know that the more they think this way, the faster they often lose it.

Why?

"then,

Wasn't Li Si of Qin a very prominent figure?

It could be said that without Li Si's help, it would have been much more difficult for Ying Zheng to unify the six kingdoms.

From this perspective, Li Si was indeed a talented person.

However, Li Si was wicked.

On one occasion,

He went to the outhouse and saw rats living in the sewer, sneaking around, thin, small and dirty, and they would run away in fright whenever someone came.

On another occasion,

He saw hamsters in the granary; the hamsters were fat and big from eating so much.

Even when people came, they weren't afraid and continued to eat slowly and carefully in the granary.

Li Si lamented that even people are different from these rats.

Therefore, he resolved to be a hamster, not a toilet rat.

From this, we can see that Li Si was a selfish and narrow-minded person.