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

Li Shimin listened quietly, pondering Li Tai's words.

then,

Zhu Fuyan once presented the Edict of Grace to Emperor Wu of Han.

Zhu Fuyan analyzed that the reason why the Rebellion of the Seven States broke out was because the seven states, including Wu and Chu, had the conditions to rebel.

Their strength is too great.

To avoid repeating the same mistakes,

He suggested that Emperor Wu of Han issue the Edict of Grace, which essentially meant that the inheritance of the feudal lords' official positions, property, and titles, which was previously based on primogeniture, would be changed to equal inheritance among all sons.

In this way, what appears to be a gesture of goodwill is actually cutting the original cake smaller and smaller, until finally...

Those vassal states no longer had the strength to confront the imperial court.

This is exactly the same as what Li Tai just said about Li Chenggan accumulating strength.

Li Shimin also felt that Li Tai's words made sense. Even if Li Chenggan did not have the intention to rebel now, it did not mean that he would not rebel in the future when he had power.

In other words, if Li Chengqian didn't have the power, he wouldn't have been able to rebel even if he wanted to.

Li Tai was able to compile the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land), and the book was praised by Li Shimin, which fully demonstrates that Li Tai was indeed a man of considerable ability.

He is not only good at calligraphy,

Moreover, he is quite knowledgeable about history.

"Father, there are two more things. One is that Li Chenggan has asked Ashina She'er to be in charge of recruiting soldiers near Gaochang. What is his intention?"

Our imperial court has clear regulations that prohibit anyone from recruiting soldiers privately.

If one wants to recruit soldiers, one must obtain the approval of the Ministry of War and the imperial court.

otherwise,

Recruiting soldiers was considered a rebellion.

However, it is an indisputable fact that Li Chenggan acted arbitrarily and recruited soldiers on his own.

and also,

He recruited some outlaws and Turks to establish what is now called the Lijing Gate, and put Chengxin and Wei Lingfu in charge.

Primarily engaged in reconnaissance and arrest operations,

Who gave him permission to do this?

Who is he investigating?

Moreover, none of the musicians, Taoist priests, or Turks were respectable people; they were all a rabble, followers of unorthodox practices.

In fact, Li Shimin had always been unhappy about these two things.

Therefore,

Last time,

When Fang Xuanling impeached Li Chenggan in public,

Li Shimin didn't stand on ceremony either.

Although Li Chenggan was not killed, he was imprisoned in the Dali Temple jail.

If Li Shimin hadn't been extremely angry, he wouldn't have done this; he was practically deposed Li Chengqian from his position as crown prince.

In Li Shimin's view,

That ideal man is neither human nor ghost, neither male nor female, he's a monster!

I really can't understand how Li Chenggan could associate with someone like that.

Last time,

Li Shimin had explicitly ordered Li Chengqian to expel Chengxin from Chang'an.

If Chengxin is still in Chang'an, it means that Li Chengqian didn't take his words seriously at all, which is a crime of deceiving the emperor.

How could Li Shimin not be furious?

Li Tai stepped forward, mustering his courage: "Father,

Since Li Chenggan has already been imprisoned in the Dali Temple's jail, he is now a prisoner.

How can a prisoner become the crown prince?

This is not in accordance with the regulations of the imperial court.

Furthermore, for our Tang Dynasty, it would be an ominous sign for a criminal to become the crown prince.

Throughout history, how many crown princes have been imprisoned?

Indeed, Emperor Xuan of Han spent time in prison when he was young.

but,

He was still an infant then, knowing nothing. How could he be the same as Li Chenggan?

Although Li Chengqian's leg ailment had been cured, he still engaged in various illegal activities.

Your Majesty, I believe he is no longer suitable to be the Crown Prince.

Li Shimin basically agreed with the points Li Tai had just made.

In particular, Li Chenggan had a close relationship with Songtsen Gampo and Queen Seondeok.

This made Li Shimin feel vaguely uneasy.

Li Shimin lowered his head and pondered for a moment: "Then, do you have any suggestions?"

Li Tai's eyes darted around, and he shook his head: "Father, didn't Ashina She'er lead his army to garrison on the border of Gaochang, saying that he was going to guard against the Western Regions countries such as Yanqi, Tuyuhun and Xueyantuo?"

Your subject believes that the court could send a military supervisor, so that the army would essentially belong to the court.

Even if Li Chengqian wanted to mobilize that army in the future, he would have to obtain the approval of the supervising officer, which means he would need the approval of the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin thought it was a good idea.

Li Shimin nodded slightly and asked, "Then, who should be sent to Ashina She'er's army as a supervisor?"

"Let Fang Yi'ai go."

Why did you recommend him?

"Fang Yi'ai is Princess Gaoyang's husband, so he will definitely side with the Emperor."

Li Shimin thought his idea seemed pretty good and was considering whether Fang Yi'ai was suitable to serve as a military supervisor in Ashina She'er's army.

"Your Majesty, I object!"

At that moment, a woman's clear and melodious voice came from outside the door.

Li Tai looked towards the door following the sound and saw that it was none other than Su Wan.

Behind Su Wan followed an old man with white hair and beard.

The old man was none other than Sun Simiao.

In Su Wan's hand was a crystal-clear snow lingzhi.

Su Wan and Sun Simiao kowtowed to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin quickly helped Sun Simiao up: "Old man, you've worked hard."

Sun Simiao waved his hand: "Your Majesty is too kind. It is my honor to treat the Empress."

Li Shimin asked, "Wan'er, did you find the Snow Spirit Mushroom when you went to Nanbo Fortress?"

"Found it, this is it!"

As Su Wan spoke, she raised the snow lingzhi in her hand high.

Li Shimin was amazed when he saw it, because he had never seen such a large snow lingzhi mushroom before.

Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, "Is this the snow lingzhi you wanted?"

Sun Simiao nodded slightly: "Your Majesty, that's right!"

Moreover, this snow lingzhi is bigger than I imagined.

Su Wan then briefly recounted her experience of searching for the Snow Lingzhi.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin exclaimed with deep emotion, "In that case, you and Chenggan have both taken a great risk."

Sun Simiao praised, "Your Majesty, you have such an outstanding and filial crown prince; this is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin was not very happy to hear this.

He then asked Su Wan, "You just said you opposed Fang Yi'ai serving as a military supervisor in Ashina She'er's army. What was your reason?"

Su Wan replied, "Your Majesty, let's discuss this later. Let's treat Empress Zhangsun's illness first."

Li Shimin agreed with her. Empress Zhangsun had been unconscious for several days; if it weren't for Sun Simiao preparing her medicine...

Empress Zhangsun's health has probably deteriorated.

Sun Simiao prepared a new prescription for Empress Zhangsun, then took a leaf from the snow lingzhi mushroom, put them together, poured in water, and decocted them.

Su Wan personally prepared the medicine, and after it was ready, she fed it to Empress Zhangsun.

Su Wan said to everyone, "You all go back and rest. I'll stay here and keep watch."

Everyone left.

The next morning.

A ray of sunlight shone in from the window, and Empress Zhangsun slowly opened her eyes.

at first,

She found the light a bit too bright, but it took her a while to adjust.

She saw Su Wan sitting on a stool, leaning against her bed, already fast asleep.

Empress Zhangsun's health was still very weak.

Empress Zhangsun struggled to sit up, looked at Su Wan, her face flushed red, like a red apple.

Empress Zhangsun knew that Su Wan had stayed here all night, and therefore she was deeply moved.

While she was asleep, Su Wan sensed that Empress Zhangsun was moving.

Su Wan was startled awake.

She seemed somewhat excited to see that Empress Zhangsun had indeed woken up.

She grasped Empress Zhangsun's hand and exclaimed excitedly, "Empress, you're finally awake!"

"Wan'er, you've worked hard. Didn't you sleep last night?"

"Have you been here all night?"

Su Wan rubbed her sleepy eyes and smiled sweetly: "Your Majesty, Wan'er is not tired."

Yes,

I was here all night.

As Su Wan spoke, she stood up and placed a pillow behind Empress Zhangsun's back.

Empress Zhangsun smoothed her hair with her hand and sighed, "I have sons and daughters."

I never imagined they weren't as filial as you, their daughter-in-law.

Su Wan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, what are you saying?"

They come to see you sometimes, but you're asleep and don't know it.

In fact, Su Wan said this to comfort Empress Zhangsun.

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun looked pale and somewhat haggard, Su Wan asked, "Empress, how did you fall into a coma this time?"

Weren't you feeling perfectly healthy a while ago?

Why did you suddenly faint?

"How should I put it? I've always felt that Consort Yan is quite pitiful."

From the moment she entered the palace, I have taken great care of her.

I always feel that our harem is like a big family, where everyone is a sister. Wouldn't it be better to love and care for each other?

Must we fight to the death?

Some time ago,

Her son, Li Xiao, tragically died young, which is a devastating blow to any mother.

I know she must be very sad, so I often comfort her and have Cai Xiang send her some nourishing herbs and food.

but,

I never expected her to come here and argue with me like this, saying that I had previously cursed Li Xiao behind his back.

Therefore,

Therefore,

Li Xiao will die.

When have I ever suffered such injustice?

Although I haven't read many books...

but,

I have some understanding of the witchcraft and sorcery scourge.

Witchcraft is a serious crime, and at the same time, it is utterly meaningless.

If cursing someone behind their back could kill them, then there would be no need for war; just hate someone and curse them behind their back, wouldn't that solve everything?

Empress Zhangsun spoke so much in one breath that she was panting heavily.

After listening to Empress Zhangsun's words, Su Wan realized that Empress Zhangsun was a very enlightened and kind person.

Empress Zhangsun took a long breath and continued, "At that time, when I heard her say that, I was so angry that my heart was pounding, I felt a lump in my throat, and my ribs were starting to swell."

Finally, she couldn't control herself and vomited blood.

Su Wan knew that when a person is extremely angry, their body is completely out of control.

It may cause spasms, and some people may even die from the shock.

Su Wan comforted her, saying, "Empress, you are the Empress of the Great Tang Dynasty, the mother of the nation. Why should you stoop to the level of Consort Yan?"

Your health is the most important thing.

Empress Zhangsun gave a wry smile: "You're right. From now on, I won't be angry anymore."

"Consort Yan dared to be disrespectful to you. Report this to His Majesty and punish her!" Su Wan said with resentment in her eyes.

Empress Zhangsun waved her hand: "Forget it, Consort Yan has already suffered greatly from the loss of her son."

Why should we make things difficult for her?

There was no need to treat her like that.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan thought to herself that Empress Zhangsun was truly a kind and tolerant person. She herself had almost been driven to death by Consort Yan, yet she was still speaking well of her.

"The Empress's benevolence is truly a model for the harem; Wan'er admires it greatly."

at this time,

Su Wan poured a cup of green tea and handed it to Empress Zhangsun with both hands.

Empress Zhangsun took the bowl of green tea and drank it all in one gulp, her face flushing.

Empress Zhangsun asked, "Where is Chenggan?"

"He went to the Wa (Japanese) country."

"Is he alright?"

"Your Majesty need not worry, he is safe."

"It's good that you're alright," Empress Zhangsun paused, "What happened while I was unconscious?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wan recounted the recent events to Empress Zhangsun.

After hearing this, Empress Zhangsun sighed deeply: "I never imagined so many things have happened recently."

In any case, thanks to Sun Simiao, I owe him a huge favor again.

"It was too risky for you and Chenggan to go to Mount Liujia to pick snow lingzhi. Don't do that again next time."

"I understand. I wasn't of much help, but Princess Qu Zhili of Gaochang was."

This snow lingzhi was picked by Princess Gaochang and the Crown Prince together on the mountain.

Qu Zhili almost fell off the mountaintop.

"Is that so? I should thank her properly."

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun was recovering well, Su Wan felt much more at ease: "There are some things I'm not sure if I should say."

"What is it? Just tell me."

"Recently, Li Tai has made some underhanded moves."

and,

He frequently spoke ill of the Crown Prince in front of the Emperor.

Empress Zhangsun coughed twice after hearing this: "Qingque is going too far."

It stands to reason,

He has already been crowned king; he should be content.

They should have gone to their own fiefdom long ago.

This matter,

I have said this many times.

However, he always lingered in Chang'an and refused to leave.

Presumably, it was his men who said something to him about not being able to leave Chang'an.

"Not only that,

Li Tai formed cliques within the palace, using gold and silver to bribe concubines such as Consort Yan and Princess Yang, the wife of Prince Chao.

"What is his true intention in doing this?" Su Wan's eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh, is that so?"

Empress Zhangsun was no ordinary woman. She was well-versed in the classics and history and knew that if princes colluded with the women in the harem, it was a very serious matter, and it was something that the court explicitly prohibited.

Empress Zhangsun never expected that Li Tai would collude with the concubines in the harem in order to seize the position of crown prince. Such a thing could be punished by death if it were taken too seriously.

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun could no longer remain seated: "Wan'er, help me up."

"Your body has just recovered and is still very weak. It is probably not advisable for you to stay overnight at this time."

"It's alright, I can't just lie on this couch all the time."

Su Wan knew Empress Zhangsun's temperament; she was very stubborn, and once she made up her mind, it was difficult to change it.

then,

She helped Empress Zhangsun off the bed.

Empress Zhangsun turned her face and smiled at Su Wan, saying, "You don't need to be so nervous, I don't need your help."

then,

Su Wan carefully withdrew her hands.

She was afraid that Empress Zhangsun would fall.

Empress Zhangsun, harboring a strong sense of urgency, paced slowly around the room.

She walked back and forth twice and was really feeling tired.

then,

She walked to the chair by the table and sat down, her heart pounding with exhaustion and beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

After sitting down, Empress Zhangsun took a long time to catch her breath: "I'm old, and my body really can't take it anymore."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? You are only in your thirties, in the prime of your life, how can you say you are old?"

Empress Zhangsun waved her hand: "Although I am only in my thirties, I have too many worries."

I feel like I'm fifty years old.

Putting everything else aside, the affairs of the harem and the relationships between my children alone are enough to give me a lot of trouble.

"There are indeed many things going on in the harem, which can be very frustrating."

However, you'll regain your energy after a period of rest.

And you can even bear His Majesty a baby.

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun blushed and asked, "Wan'er, do you think I can still have children?"

Su Wan laughed and said, "Why not? Isn't it normal for women older than you to have children?"

If you were to give His Majesty another little princess, and have her play with you every day, your mood would improve considerably.

Is that really the case?

Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "But if it's another prince, then the trouble will be much greater."

The three brothers, Chenggan, Qingque, and Zhinu, are already enough of a headache for me.

"If I were to have another prince, wouldn't that be the death of me?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wan chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, you're exaggerating. It would be wonderful if a prince were to come along."

"Let's just leave this to fate."

Some time ago, when Xu Hui was in the palace, His Majesty rarely came to visit me.

"He only comes to stay overnight at my place occasionally after Xu Hui left."

Su Wan couldn't help but sigh, "In the end, men still prefer young and beautiful women."

It is said that

Emperor Wu of Han had a concubine named Lady Li who was exceptionally beautiful.

but,

When she was seriously ill, Emperor Wu of Han requested to see her, promising to reward her with a thousand catties of gold and to promote her brothers to higher official positions if she would allow him to see her.

Lady Li, however, covered her head with a blanket and refused to see Emperor Wu of Han, her aim being to ensure that her beautiful image would forever remain in his memory.

Only in this way,

Emperor Wu of Han would then treat her children and her brothers better.

Su Wan thought to herself, "Could it be that Li Chenggan will be like this in the future?"

A woman's youth is fleeting, after all.

Every woman will grow old eventually.

At this moment, Empress Zhangsun ordered Caixiang to bring 100 catties of gold and give it to Su Wan: "Give this gold to Sun Simiao and express my gratitude to him on my behalf."

"I'm afraid Dr. Sun won't accept it."

"This time, no matter what, you must make him accept it."

Su Wan then personally stewed a bowl of bird's nest for Empress Zhangsun, and only left after Empress Zhangsun had eaten the bowl of bird's nest.

night.

Fang Xuanling's residence.

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

Fang Yi'ai knelt on the ground, not daring to utter a sound.

He glanced at his father and saw that his father's face was clouded with gloom.

Fang Xuanling then asked, "I ask you, who ordered you to kill those two thieves who look like Chengxin and Wei Lingfu?"

"Father, Li Tai told me to do this."

That night, Dai Zhou drank too much. I've already bribed the other people in the Dali Temple prison so they won't tell anyone.

"You are utterly foolish!" Fang Xuanling cursed. "I heard that Su Wan went to the Dali Temple prison that night."

Don't think that just because she's a young girl she's easy to deal with,

How many times has Li Tai stumbled at her hands?

"Father, there's no need to be so nervous. They're just two thieves!" Fang Yi'ai said dismissively.

"nonsense!

You have disrupted my entire plan.

At the beginning,

My father had Li Tai find two people who resembled Chengxin and Wei Lingfu in order to frame them and pin the blame on them.

Unexpectedly, those two good-for-nothings were caught by Chang He's patrolmen.

Even more unexpectedly, when the Emperor ordered Chang He to arrest Chengxin and Wei Lingfu, they failed and instead implicated the two thieves, imprisoning them in the Dali Temple jail.

but,

anyway,

These two people can't die.

If you kill them both, wouldn't that be like protesting too much?

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai crawled forward two steps on his knees: "Father, I don't think so,"

The child thinks it's a good thing those two thieves are dead; it's called silencing them. Otherwise,

"Wouldn't they have dragged us and the King of Yue out of the picture?"

"Stop talking nonsense and go to the Dali Temple to turn yourself in. Whatever the crime you are guilty of, that is the crime you are guilty of."

"If the Emperor wants to cut off your head, then you can only blame your short life." Fang Xuanling trembled with rage!

"Oh? You can't be so heartless!" Fang Yi'ai cried as he said this.

"Princess Gaoyang and I haven't even consummated our marriage yet, and I'm going to die like this? It's such a shame!"

"How dare you say you didn't consummate your marriage with Princess Gaoyang? Is this your father's fault?"

Even so, when you had nothing to do, you would still run south of the city to find Qiu Tianjiao.

Don't think I don't know; you're such a good-for-nothing!

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

"Father, I—." Fang Yi'ai was speechless.

Just at this time,

Li Tai walked in from outside and said, "Your Excellency, please calm down. It was Xiao Wang who asked him to do that."

When Fang Yi'ai saw Li Tai arrive, he was as if he had grasped a lifeline: "Prince Yue, please save me! My father wants me to turn myself in. If I get to Dali Temple, Dai Zhou will just darken his face and I'll be cooked!"

Li Tai chuckled to himself, thinking to himself, "You're such a coward."

Li Tai helped Fang Xuanling to a chair and personally poured him a cup of tea: "Grand Secretary, have a cup of tea to calm your nerves."

Fang Xuanling took the teacup, took a small sip, and then put the teacup back on the table.

He looked at Li Tai and asked, "King Yue, what brings you here?"

Li Tai sat down in a chair at the table and sighed, "The young prince was discussing something with the emperor, and it looked like the emperor was about to agree, but Su Wan came back and interrupted us."

"Oh, what are you and your father talking about?"

"I told my father that Ashina She'er has led his army to garrison on the border of Gaochang, and that Ashina She'er is extremely loyal to Li Chenggan."

That is,

That army is now under Li Chenggan's command. How can this be allowed?

therefore,

I suggested to my father that Fang Yi'ai be sent to Ashina She'er's army as a military supervisor.

In this way, even if Ashina She'er wanted to take any action, he would have to get Fang Yi'ai's consent.

In this way, that army will be under our control.

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai was moved to tears: "King Yue, you have been so kind to me, I have no way to repay you!"

To his surprise, Fang Xuanling glared at him and said, "When are you going to grow your brain?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai looked bewildered: "Father, what's wrong? Did I say something wrong again?"

You just killed someone.

When you were released from the Dali Temple prison, you encountered Su Wan.

How do you know Su Wan didn't recognize you?

Don't think that just because you're wearing a mask, people won't recognize you.

Why did Su Wan try to stop this?

It's because she had already noticed something amiss.

"No way, it was so dark that night, and I was wearing a mask, how could she recognize me?"

I don't think so.

"Now, aren't those two thieves dead?"

Dai Zhou had already reported the matter to his father, the emperor, who was furious.

"At this point, the Emperor already knew that those two people were not the real Chengxin and Wei Lingfu," Li Tai added.

"Chang He deceived your father, the Emperor, which is a crime of deceiving the Emperor. Did your father not blame him?"

"I heard that Father is very angry and is preparing to punish Chang He."

Unexpectedly, Su Wan arrived just in time and persuaded her father.

The Emperor has already agreed to let Chang He and Su Gui atone for their crimes through meritorious service.

"Capture Chengxin and Wei Lingfu within a month."

Fang Xuanling frowned: "So, your father values ​​Su Wan very much."