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

at this time,

A person walked in from outside.

Everyone glanced at them.

The visitor was none other than Li Tai.

After everyone had finished paying their respects, Li Tai said, "Father, do not worry. Your son has a plan that can ensure the safety of the Crown Prince."

It turns out that Li Tai already knew that Fang Yi'ai would rather be beaten than betray him.

He thought to himself that Fang Yi'ai was not a bad kid.

So he swaggered in.

"Oh, do you have any way to help Li Chenggan escape this dangerous situation?"

Li Tai shook his large head and continued, "Your Majesty, I believe we can send 100,000 naval troops to the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom."

"Put pressure on them so they dare not act rashly, and the crown prince will be safe."

Li Tai's words, seemingly meant to save Li Chenggan, actually concealed a murderous intent.

then,

When Modu was a hostage in the Yuezhi, Touman Chanyu favored a new concubine and wanted to make her son the crown prince.

Touman Chanyu planned to use a borrowed knife to kill Maodun, through the Yuezhi king.

He dispatched his generals to lead an army to attack the Yuezhi, and as expected, the Yuezhi king was furious and wanted to kill Modu.

Unexpectedly, Modu was very clever and stole a horse beforehand to escape back to the Xiongnu, thus narrowly escaping disaster.

After hearing Li Tai's words, Su Wan's almond-shaped eyes widened, her eyebrows furrowed, and she sneered, "Qingque, is your idea really saving the Crown Prince, or is it harming him?"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself that Su Wan was indeed not simple and had already seen through the mystery.

but,

On the surface, he feigned surprise: "Crown Princess, what makes you say that? Of course, I want to save my imperial brother."

"Is that so? You knew perfectly well that the Crown Prince was in the Wa (Japan), yet you still wanted to send troops to attack the Wa?"

Wouldn't King Shuming then take his anger out on the Crown Prince?

Wouldn't the crown prince be in even greater danger?

Seeing that Su Wan had seen through his scheme, Li Tai rolled his eyes and chuckled, "If you think this method is not quite right, I have another way."

"What method?"

"The Japanese have always coveted our Great Tang and harbored ill intentions. Today they collude with the west, tomorrow they try to win over the east. In short, they have always had ill intentions towards our Great Tang."

Why not send an assassin to kill King Shuming? That would solve the problem.

"Once the Wa people are leaderless, we can rescue my brother and then easily annex the Wa people." Li Tai shook his head, self-satisfied, and presented his plan.

"You're making this sound far too simple."

The east is already in complete chaos. Don't you think it's chaotic enough?

Do you want to add fuel to the fire?

Besides, is King Shuming so easy to assassinate?

Li Shimin listened quietly from the side and felt that Su Wan's words made sense.

Li Shimin looked at Wei Zheng and asked, "My dear minister, what good plan do you have?"

Wei Zheng stroked his beard and said slowly, "Although I haven't read many military books..."

However, I also understand that when two families are fighting, we should not get involved.

We should try to persuade them calmly and patiently, shouldn't we?

War is not the preferred method, because once war breaks out, no one can guarantee who will win or lose in the end.

The result was devastation and widespread suffering, with ordinary people plunged into misery.

Assassinating the king is hardly a respectable act.

The most famous historical example is Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin.

then,

Crown Prince Dan of Yan deeply resented Ying Zheng, so he sought out the famous assassin Jing Ke for help.

As the saying goes, "A scholar will die for one who understands him," and Jing Ke was very grateful for the kindness shown to him by Prince Dan of Yan, so he readily agreed.

After careful planning, Jing Ke indeed went to the Qin state to assassinate Ying Zheng.

However, the assassination attempt did not go smoothly.

Jing Ke not only failed to assassinate the King of Qin, but was also captured.

Ying Zheng was furious and ordered him to be torn apart by five horses.

Qin then launched an attack on Yan, which hastened Yan's demise.

Three Kingdoms period

Cao Cao also committed assassination attempts.

then,

Dong Zhuo seized power, controlled the court, corrupted the harem, and arbitrarily executed civil and military officials.

The officials were angry but dared not speak out.

Situ Wang Yun said that it was his birthday that day, and invited all the loyal ministers of the court to his residence to celebrate his birthday together.

In reality, it wasn't Wang Yun's birthday that day; he said that to cover his tracks.

Wang Yun and all the civil and military officials wept bitterly.

Cao Cao, however, was unconvinced, saying, "Do you think your weeping here will kill Dong Zhuo?"

Lord Situ, I've heard you possess a Seven-Star Sword. Please lend it to me so I can assassinate Dong Zhuo.

Wang Yun then lent the Seven-Star Sword to Cao Cao.

Young and impetuous, Cao Cao took the Seven-Star Sword and headed straight for Dong Zhuo's residence.

Dong Zhuo happened to be sleeping.

Cao Cao drew his Seven-Star Sword, ready to strike.

Unexpectedly, Dong Zhuo turned over and suddenly woke up.

Dong Zhuo was also a brave general, with extraordinary strength, valor, and superb martial arts skills.

Cao Cao was taken aback and dared not underestimate him.

Dong Zhuo asked Cao Cao, "What are you doing with that knife in your hand?"

Cao Cao, in a moment of quick thinking, said: "I have obtained this precious sword..."

therefore,

"Take it and present it to the Prime Minister."

Dong Zhuo took the knife in his hand and examined it carefully. It was indeed a fine knife.

Just then, Lü Bu arrived.

Dong Zhuo said to Lü Bu, "Cao Cao doesn't have any good horses; go and get him a fine steed."

Lü Bu then brought a horse and gave it to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao mounted that horse and rode away.

Lu Bu believed that Cao Cao was not offering the knife but attempting an assassination, so he led his men to chase after Cao Cao, who had already fled far away.

Later, Cao Cao realized that assassinating Dong Zhuo was inappropriate.

What they should really be doing is recruiting soldiers and horses, stockpiling provisions and grain, and constantly expanding their strength.

then,

He returned to his hometown to recruit talented individuals and build up his strength.

Once Cao Cao's strength is sufficient, he will then march back to the capital.

When Cao Cao recalled his attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo, he felt that he was being incredibly ridiculous.

Therefore, assassinating Dong Zhuo was not the best solution.

Negotiation is the only way out.

Your humble servant believes it would be more appropriate to send an envoy to the Wa (Japanese) kingdom to negotiate with them.

Li Shimin nodded, finding Wei Zheng's suggestion feasible: "Then let Gao Biaoren go to the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom again. Remember, we must not let the eastern countries fight each other. Also, we must ensure Li Chengqian's safety."

At this moment, Su Wan looked intently at Li Tai: "Qingque, there's something I want to ask you."

"Oh, what's the matter?" Li Tai asked.

"Did you know that two thieves died in the Dali Temple prison?"

"Didn't those two thieves deserve to die?"

"Those two thieves deserved to die, but they were different from other thieves."

"What's different?"

"Those two people look remarkably like Chengxin and Weilingfu."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's heart stirred.

He thought to himself that Su Wan was truly remarkable.

It seems Su Wan has started to doubt herself.

However, now that the two thieves are dead, there is no way to verify their identities.

Fang Yi'ai did not expose himself.

In any case, I cannot admit it. If I do, not only will I lose my chance to become the crown prince, but my father will also punish me.

"Oh, are there really people in the world who look so alike?" Li Tai said deliberately. "That's such a coincidence."

Su Wan looked intently at Li Tai: "I advise you to stop pretending."

Were those two people the ones you hired?

"As the King of Yue, don't you feel it's beneath your dignity to do this?"

Upon hearing this, sweat beaded on Li Tai's forehead.

He quickly retorted, "Your Highness, you can't just say things like that."

I want to solemnly declare to you that I do not know those two thieves and they have nothing to do with me.

As for what bad things they did, and who ordered them to do so, I have no idea.

All I know is that whoever violates the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty must be punished accordingly.

Li Tai's words sounded quite dignified.

"It seems you know quite a bit about the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty."

"I know a little."

"Then let me ask you, when you led your army to attack Tuyuhun, you suffered defeats and fled several times, abandoning your troops. According to the laws of our Great Tang, what crime should you be charged with?"

"This—." Li Tai choked up, because according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, a general who deserted his post in battle was to be beheaded.

"Just say it!" Su Wan urged.

"You misunderstand. I never ran away. I used a strategy of luring the enemy deep into my territory."

I was faking defeat.

"If I hadn't lured them deep into our territory, how could Li Chengqian have defeated the Western Regions army after taking command?"

Anyone could tell that Li Tai was just using clever words to argue his point.

but,

Li Shimin did not deny Li Tai's statement.

Perhaps this is what happens when parents favor one child: even if that child does something wrong, they don't criticize them.

Su Wan was furious when she heard this. She thought to herself, "You, Li Tai, are really good at making excuses."

Oh, so you call that a planned retreat, luring the enemy deep into your territory? That's utterly ridiculous.

Even though he was the one who lost the battle, he still tried to take credit for himself.

"Once, you took some kind of elixir that supposedly granted immortality, but it turned out to be an aphrodisiac. You were overcome by lust and assaulted your maid. What should be your punishment for that?"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai broke out in a cold sweat.

Because there were strict rules in the palace that forbade the rape of palace maids.

If a prince were to rape a palace maid, it would be a serious crime.

"Is that so?" Li Shimin was furious and surprised when he heard this. He thought to himself that Li Tai was too useless. Seeking immortality and medicine and raping palace maids were things that Li Shimin strongly opposed.

"Father, your son—" Li Tai intended to explain.

"Don't say any more," Li Shimin waved his hand, giving Li Tai no chance to explain.

He asked Dai Zhou, "According to the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty, what crime should Li Tai be charged with?"

Dai Zhou stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the crime warrants execution!"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's face turned green. He thought to himself that he had originally planned to harm Li Chengqian today, but he didn't expect to get himself involved instead of harming Li Chengqian.

He thought to himself, "You, Dai Zhou, what grudge do I have against you? Why are you determined to destroy me?"

Li Tai was so frightened that he knelt down on the ground with a thud: "Father, after I took that elixir, I lost consciousness and knew nothing about what happened afterward."

Please, Your Majesty, investigate this matter thoroughly!

Li Shimin sat behind the desk and pointed with his hand: "You are being too absurd. Do you think you have no woman with your status?"

Who exactly was that palace maid?

Did you actually molest her?

At this point,

Li Tai could no longer deny it, so he had to say, "That palace maid's name is Bi'er."

Where is she?

"It's right here in the Yue King's Palace."

"Summon her here; I want to question her in person." Li Shimin's face was grim.

"promise!"

Li Tai quickly sent someone to fetch the maid.

Not long after, the maid arrived.

Not knowing why the Emperor wanted to see her, she panicked and knelt on the ground, trembling uncontrollably: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Li Shimin sat upright in his chair, looked down at her, and saw that the maid was indeed very beautiful and quite attractive: "I ask you, have you and Li Tai consummated your marriage?"

"This—," the maid said timidly, her face flushed with embarrassment, "Your Majesty, that time, it really happened."

Li Shimin was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and asked, "What exactly happened back then?"

The maid then recounted how Li Tai had become a beast after taking the wrong medicine and insisted on having sex with her.

"So, were you forced into it, or did you do it voluntarily?"

This is important because if it's forced, then it's tantamount to indecent assault.

However, if the maid is acting voluntarily, that's a different story.

The maid looked at Li Tai, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Because she knew that if she said the wrong thing at that moment, not only would she lose all her wealth and status, but she might even lose her life.

Although Li Tai was a bit too fat, like a winter melon,

but,

Li Tai is the King of Yue, a man of noble status. If I could follow him for the rest of my life, I would enjoy endless wealth and glory.

Thinking of this, the maid blushed and said, "Your Majesty, this servant did it voluntarily."

Did Li Tai force you?

"No, that's absolutely not true. I served him voluntarily."

Li Shimin then asked Dai Zhou, "My dear minister, what should be the punishment in this situation?"

Dai Zhou thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, if the woman acted voluntarily, she can be found not guilty."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Li Tai: "You and Chenggan are only one year apart in age."

However, your actions are far more absurd than those of Cheng Gan.

"I've heard that you frequently visit Pingkang Ward in the North City. Is that true?"

"Father, I went there not because of anyone else."

Instead, they went to investigate local customs and traditions, as well as the imperial examination system of our Tang Dynasty.

"You're going there to investigate the imperial examinations?" Li Shimin asked, half believing and half doubting.

"Indeed, Father, you may not know this, but every year the scholars who come to take the imperial examinations spend a long time there."

They studied, learned, and prepared for exams there.

Some people say that the imperial examination system in our Tang Dynasty was unfair and a mere formality, with the chief examiner having the final say and deciding who was qualified.

In response to this situation, I visited the place several times.

As for the rest, those are all fabrications.

Li Shimin always attached great importance to the imperial examination system.

During the Han Dynasty, the recommendation system was the most common method.

For example, Cao Cao recommended Cao Pi as a candidate for the civil service examination. Later, after Cao Pi succeeded to the throne, in order to consolidate his power, he reached an agreement with the aristocratic class and established the Nine-Rank System.

in other words,

Since then,

The officialdom was then monopolized by powerful clans.

Those whose fathers were officials

Their children can also become officials.

It can be inherited.

It is extremely difficult for people from poor families to become officials; clearly, this system is unreasonable.

During the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Sui established the imperial examination system, which shows how remarkable he was.

Li Shimin once looked at the scholars who came to take the imperial examination and said, "These talents have all fallen into my trap."

Now, Li Tai said that some people have complained that the imperial examination system is unfair and unjust, which makes Li Shimin somewhat worried.

Li Shimin looked at Li Tai and asked, "What do you think is most important for a court?"

Li Tai, with his fat head and big ears, spoke eloquently: "In my opinion, the most important thing for a country is talent."

Take the State of Wei during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods as an example.

The State of Wei is the most recently risen state.

Marquis Wen of Wei was skilled at utilizing talent, and his subordinates included Li Kui, Zhai Huang, Wu Qi, Ximen Bao, Yue Yang, and Zixia, among others.

Li Kui implemented reforms in the state of Wei.

It was precisely because of the assistance of these talented individuals that the State of Wei was able to rapidly grow powerful.

They were the first to become the hegemon of the Warring States period.

Unfortunately, the rulers of Wei became less and less capable with each successive generation.

They were jealous of the talented and capable.

Although the State of Wei had many talented people, they were unable to utilize them and many fled to other countries.

Serving other countries, such as Shang Yang, Zhang Yi, Fan Ju, and Sun Bin.

Most of the talented people went to the Qin state and contributed to its development and expansion.

Some went to the State of Qi, such as Sun Bin.

Sun Bin led the Qi army in several battles against the Wei army, including the Battle of Guiling and the Battle of Maling.

Pang Juan's Wei army suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Sun Bin.

Since then,

The State of Wei never recovered.

Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States period, was also a rare talent.

It can be said that he is the head of the four young masters.

King Anli of Wei was still not at ease with his younger brother.

It is said that once, someone told King Anli of Wei that the Qin army was about to attack, and King Anli of Wei panicked.

However, Wei Wuji remained calm and composed, saying it was impossible for the Qin army to have attacked.

Later, it turned out to be a false alarm.

King Anli of Wei then asked Wei Wuji, "How did you know that?"

"How could such a trivial trick possibly fool me?"

I have trusted confidants planted around the King of Qin; if it really is the Qin army attacking, they will certainly report to me.

Upon hearing this, King Wei felt that Wei Wuji's abilities were too strong and might threaten his throne.

Since then,

King Wei became suspicious of Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji.

King Wei felt that Wei Wuji was too capable and worried that he would take his position in the future, so he abandoned him and did not use him.

The State of Wei suffered repeated losses of talented individuals and was eventually destroyed by the State of Qin.

This demonstrates that for a nation, talent is the most important and valuable resource.