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

Li Shimin looked at Li Tai and nodded slightly: "You have broadened your horizons. It is very good that you have this awareness. One of the main reasons for the demise of the Sui Dynasty was that their imperial examination system was unfair."

Emperor Yang of Sui eliminated dissidents, appointed relatives and friends, and frequently killed people. On one occasion, he executed three ministers, Gao Jiong, Yuwen Bi, and He Ruobi, on trumped-up charges in a single day.

During the Sui Dynasty, there were five prominent figures: Su Wei, Pei Yun, Pei Ju, Yuwen Shu, and Yu Shiji.

However, most of them are indecisive sycophants.

Whatever Emperor Yang of Sui said went, and even if he made wrong decisions, no one dared to point out his mistakes.

Yuwen Shu, relying on his considerable military achievements and his role in helping Yang Guang ascend to the throne, acted arbitrarily.

I heard that he has over a thousand godsons, and even he himself can't tell them apart.

He would accept any gifts offered to him, and he sold official positions and titles.

They exchanged official positions in the imperial court for gold and silver, and appointed incompetent people to high positions.

As a result, the country was mismanaged, and droughts and locust plagues broke out one after another every year. The Wagang Uprising and Yang Xuangan's rebellion also occurred one after another.

Despite this, Emperor Yang of Sui still launched wars against Goguryeo, suffering three defeats each time.

Beset by both external and internal troubles,

In the end, Emperor Yang of Sui lost his great empire.

therefore,

We must learn from the lessons of the Sui Dynasty's demise and attach great importance to the issue of talent selection.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan remarked with feeling, "Your Majesty, you said that the selection of talent should be fair and just."

but,

You can't just go through the motions; chanting slogans won't do any good.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "Wan'er, you're right."

Su Wan placed her hands in front of her abdomen and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying, "I know someone who is very talented, but he has never been given an important position by the court."

Therefore,

He then left Chang'an with his master.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin realized that this was no small matter.

Blocking the path for virtuous officials, thus preventing talented individuals from being given important positions, is a major failure for a court.

"Who are you talking about?"

"He is none other than Lu Zhaolin, one of the Four Great Poets of the Early Tang Dynasty."

"Lu Zhaolin? Isn't he Sun Simiao's disciple?"

"Didn't I appoint him to work in the Imperial Medical Academy to observe his performance?" Upon hearing Su Wan's words, Li Shimin remembered Lu Zhaolin, who still had a deep impression of him.

"Your Majesty, you are right. Do you remember?"

That time,

Li Ming, the son of Queen Yang of Chao, fell ill, and no one could cure him.

In a fit of rage, His Majesty ordered the execution of all the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaolin became fearful and seized an opportunity to resign. He then left Chang'an with his master and went to Penglai Island.

Li Shimin patted his forehead: "It seems like that happened, but I can't remember clearly."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan thought to herself, "Your Majesty, you really know how to play dumb. You were the one who ordered the execution of all the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital, but now you're saying you can't remember. It seems that all emperors know how to pretend."

"Lu Zhaolin not only possesses superb medical skills, but he has also surpassed his teacher."

and,

He was one of the Four Great Poets of the Early Tang Dynasty. His talent was extraordinary; his poetry and prose were truly first-rate.

but,

After spending some time in Chang'an, he felt hopeless about his official career.

Moreover, there is always the risk of losing one's head.

That's why he became disheartened and left Chang'an.

"You mean you want me to issue an edict to promote Lu Zhaolin to a higher official position, is that right?"

"Your Majesty, if I may say something, your temper is too much. You threaten to kill everyone in the Imperial Hospital at the drop of a hat."

If people kill indiscriminately like you, who would dare to serve as an official in the court?

Even if civil and military officials commit any wrongdoings, His Majesty cannot easily issue an order to kill them; the case must be handed over to the Court of Judicial Review for trial and punishment according to the law.

"Although Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, you cannot be above the laws of the Tang Dynasty." Su Wan spoke eloquently and without fear. Among the civil and military officials in the court, who would dare to speak such words to Li Shimin's face? Only Su Wan.

Wei Zheng, who was listening nearby, was worried for Su Wan.

If Li Shimin were to accuse Su Wan of a grave offense of disrespect and punish her, it wouldn't be impossible.

To everyone's surprise, Li Shimin wasn't angry at all after hearing this. Instead, he laughed heartily and said, "You're absolutely right! Everyone here, listen carefully!"

starting today,

This is something I must change, and change drastically.

From now on, anything I say when I'm drunk or angry will not be considered law.

If someone needs to be dealt with, they should be handed over to the Dali Temple for trial, and the sentence will be whatever crime is appropriate.

Everyone saw that Li Shimin truly lived up to his reputation as a wise ruler, his attitude was indeed quite good.

Su Wan rested her chin on her hand, pondered for a moment, and said, "What I mean is, Your Majesty could issue an edict to select talents throughout the country."

Then, gather those talented individuals in Chang'an for a public examination.

At that time, we will select several highly respected examiners from among the officials to conduct the selection process.

After the selection process, His Majesty will personally examine the candidates, and the most outstanding will be comparable to the top three scholars in the imperial examinations.

In this way, the court can reserve talents and appoint them to suitable official positions in the future. This is the civil service examination.

The imperial court can organize a martial arts examination at the same time.

A notice was posted nationwide, inviting anyone skilled in martial arts to participate, with the goal of selecting one general and two vanguards.

In my opinion, this war will likely continue; the surrounding areas are far from peaceful.

With them fighting on the battlefield and serving the court, we are prepared for any eventuality.

All candidates, regardless of their background or ancestral occupation, were eligible to take the exam, provided they were not thieves or criminals. This included princes and princesses as well as commoners.

Wei Zheng coughed lightly: "Your Majesty, I think the Crown Princess's suggestion is excellent."

Back in the Han Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Wu, there were civil officials such as Gongsun Hong, Zhu Fu Yan, Dong Zhongshu, and Dongfang Shuo.

Military generals included Wei Qing, Li Guang, Cheng Bushi, and Huo Qubing, among others.

It can be said that there are many talented people.

Your humble servant believes that our Tang Dynasty is in no way inferior to that of Emperor Wu of Han.

If this examination can help the court select and reserve some talented individuals for unforeseen circumstances, what's wrong with that?

This is called being prepared for a rainy day, and it also demonstrates His Majesty's fairness and impartiality.

Li Shimin also became interested after hearing Wei Zheng's words.

He rubbed his hands together, his gaze fixed on the crowd: "We'll discuss this matter again at tomorrow's morning court session."

Li Shimin did not pursue the matter of Li Tai's indecent assault on the maid, after all, he was his beloved son.

"Qingque, since we have already consummated our marriage, let me be your concubine."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai was troubled, because he had a fiancée named Yan Wan.

Yan Wan is no pushover either. If she finds out that I have an affair with the maid, will she cause me trouble?

However, since the Emperor has already made his decision, all we can do now is accept the decree and express our gratitude.

then,

Li Tai and his maidservant kowtowed to express their gratitude for the emperor's grace.

Taiji Hall.

early morning.

Li Shimin, looking radiant and full of energy, sat high on the dragon throne.

All the civil and military officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

The chief eunuch, Wang De, shouted loudly: "If you have something to say, speak now; if not, roll up the curtain and leave the court."

Nowadays,

Li Shimin also specially invited a group of veteran civil and military officials, including Changsun Wuji, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, and Yuchi Gong, to participate in this court assembly.

The civil and military officials were all very pleased to see that Li Shimin was in good health and that the Tang Dynasty was thriving.

At this moment, Wei Zheng stepped forward: "Your Majesty, your humble servant and many ministers are old."

Your humble servant believes it is necessary to hold both civil and military examinations to select young, talented, and capable individuals from across the country to serve the court.

Those with outstanding literary talent can be appointed as officials, and those with exceptional martial skills can be made generals or vanguards to fight for the court on the battlefield.

Li Shimin nodded slightly and smiled, "Alright, then let's form two groups today."

One group is responsible for the civil service exams, and the other group is responsible for selecting military officers. How about that?

"Your Majesty, this is a great idea!" Cheng Yaojin, with his potbelly sticking out, exclaimed, "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

"If you had told me earlier, I, Old Cheng, would have been prepared. Look at how big my belly is, how am I supposed to go down and take the exam?"

Upon hearing this, all the civil and military officials burst into laughter.

Cheng Yaojin was displeased and glared at them: "What are you laughing at?"

Hou Junji and Cheng Yaojin had a good relationship and he loved to joke around.

He walked up to Cheng Yaojin and said, "Old Cheng, didn't you hear me clearly? Lord Wei said he wanted to select a group of young generals. How old are you?"

Cheng Yaojin patted his belly with both hands, unconcerned: "I, Old Cheng, am still young! I'm only in my forties, in the prime of my life!"

The crowd burst into laughter again.

"Old Cheng, you're really shameless. You're almost fifty years old, and you still say you're young. Do you want to live to be a hundred?"

Everyone knows your skills are mediocre; you only know three and a half axe blows. You might fool others, but you won't fool our buddies.

Hearing this, Lao Cheng was indignant: "Hou Junji, what do you mean by that?"

Did I, Lao Cheng, ever back down back then?

In which battle was I, Old Cheng, not involved?

"Big battles, small battles—I've probably fought hundreds of them. What kind of battleground haven't I seen?"

Li Shimin listened, but simply smiled and remained noncommittal.

Li Jing waved his hand: "Old Cheng, those are all things of the past. A hero doesn't dwell on past glories."

Look at your age now, do you still want to go down and compete to be a pioneer?

You have such a high status; you're already the Duke of Lu.

Do you really want to compete with those younger generation?

Old Cheng blinked. Anyway, he was thick-skinned and didn't care: "Duke of Dai, alright then, let's give this opportunity to show our faces to the younger generation."

"Then, I, Old Cheng, will be one of the chief examiners for this martial arts exam. Who's qualified and who's not will ultimately be decided by me, Old Cheng."

Hou Junji's yellow eyes darted around as he stroked his beard: "Da Cheng, don't think that just because you're old and have a big belly you can be unreasonable. Why should you be the one to call the shots?"

I think it's up to me to decide this matter.

Have you participated in the recent battles against the Eastern Turks, Tuyuhun, and Yanqi?

Why bring up those old almanacs? Is that even interesting?

When Cheng Yaojin heard this, he was furious and glared at him with his big eyes: "What? Didn't I, Old Cheng, have my glory days?"

I'm not bragging, but back when I, Old Cheng, was the Demon King Da De Tian Zi of Wagang Mountain, where were you?

Later, I, Old Cheng, was unwilling to be that so-called Great Virtue Emperor, so I gave the position to Zhai Rang and Li Mi.

In our battles against the Sui army, there were countless times when I, Old Cheng, was always at the forefront of the charge.

However,

On the other hand,

I, Lao Cheng, am a lucky general.

"As long as I, Old Cheng, go to the battlefield, all those arrows will avoid me!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd burst into laughter again.

Because everyone knows Cheng Yaojin likes to boast, no one dares to call him out on it.

Cheng Yaojin said to Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, the chief examiner for the martial arts examination will be me, Cheng Yaojin. This matter has been decided."

Find me, Lao Cheng, a few more assistants, otherwise who will I, Lao Cheng, be able to order around?

"I, Lao Cheng, can't just order myself around."

Upon hearing this, everyone thought to themselves, "This Cheng Yaojin is really something. Who agreed to let you be the chief examiner? You just declared yourself the chief examiner."

Li Shimin laughed and asked, "Does anyone else have any objections?"

If you have any opinions, you can raise them now; you are all welcome to sign up.

However, Cheng Yaojin was well-connected in the imperial court, with good relationships with everyone, and everyone had to give him face.

Hou Junji laughed and said, "It's not impossible to have Cheng Yaojin as the chief examiner for the martial arts exam."

However, he definitely needs a few deputies, otherwise he'll accept gifts and cheat.

"Don't talk nonsense. I, Old Cheng, am neither greedy for money nor power. If that were the case, there would have been no need for the Great Virtue Emperor to relinquish his position to someone else, right?"

Upon hearing this, the crowd knew he was back again. They either remained silent or, when they did speak, recounted his past in Wagang Village and how he had been known as the Great Virtuous Emperor.

Anyway, Heaven is the greatest, he is second only to Heaven, and no one can compare to him.

After discussion, it was decided that Li Jing, Li Ji, Hou Junji, Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, and Yuchi Gong would preside over the martial arts examination.

There was also a lot of discussion about the written exam.

The group elected Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, Changsun Wuji, Gao Shilian, Chu Suiliang, and Su Dan to be in charge of the written examination.

The notice was posted.

The city of Chang'an was immediately abuzz with excitement, and the people spread the news far and wide.

Looking across the entire Tang Dynasty, those like Sun Simiao who were unwilling to serve as officials were ultimately a minority.

Most people still wanted to become officials and serve the court.

Especially those scholars and writers who felt their talents were not recognized felt they finally had a chance to shine.

morning.

Su Family Supermarket.

Su Wan and Xue'er were busy in the supermarket, chatting casually.

While keeping her head down and doing the accounts, Xue'er asked, "Master, did you see the Crown Prince in Naniwa-zu this time?"

"I saw him," Su Wan replied.

"So, did you sleep with him this time?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wan rolled her eyes at Xue'er: "What are you thinking about all day long, you little rascal?"

I was there on business, how could I be involved in those things?

"Master, I'm not exaggerating, but you two have been engaged for quite some time now, and you've never slept in the same bed. I really can't believe it."

If that's the case, then either you have a problem, or the Crown Prince has a problem.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Getting engaged isn't the same as getting married, so why would you need to go to the bridal chamber?"

"Once you're engaged, it means you're husband and wife, so why can't you consummate your marriage?"

There are far too many things like this happening around me.

Upon hearing this, a hint of worry flashed in Su Wan's eyes: "Do you think there's a problem with the Crown Prince?"

When I was on Mount Rokkyo, I saw the Crown Prince kissing Qu Zhili.

"Oh no, how could this be? Weren't the Crown Prince and Qu Zhili going up the mountain to look for the Snow Lingzhi?"

How could they kiss? Isn't that just too much? How did you know?

"I saw it with my own eyes."

"Oh dear, Master, I think this matter is a bit risky."

This shows that

Princess Gaochang put in a lot of effort to pursue Li Chenggan.

They met when the crown prince was in Gaochang.

Later, Chang'an was besieged by the armies of Li Yuanli and Zhang Zhongjian. Li Chengan led troops to relieve Chang'an, which originally had nothing to do with Qu Zhili.

Unexpectedly, she also found an excuse to come to Chang'an.

Think about it, what is she doing in Chang'an?

They're not here on a diplomatic mission.

Isn't it all for the sake of the Crown Prince?

It's clear she's determined to marry the Crown Prince.

Su Wan crossed her arms over her chest: "At that time, I saw how close the two of them were, so I said, 'Why don't we serve the Crown Prince together in the future?'"

To my surprise, she agreed.

"Oh dear, my lady, how could you say such a thing? I would be more than happy to accept it."

If you disagree

Li Chengan couldn't take her as a concubine, so if you say that, then people will just go with the flow.

You're so foolish! You're willing to give up anything, but how could you give up the man you love most to another woman?

If it were me, I definitely couldn't do it.

Su Wan listened, lost in thought, and remained silent for a long time.

Xue'er looked at her and asked, "Master, what are you thinking about?"

"What does it mean when the Crown Prince tells Qu Zhili that he wants to implement a monogamous system?"

"Are you saying he'll only marry you in his life?"

Su Wan nodded: "That seems to be the idea."

"Oh dear, Master, you are so naive. Can you really believe what a man says?"

Let me tell you this: if you could believe what men say, pigs would fly!

Don't listen to his nonsense.

Throughout history, every emperor has had three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines.

Let alone the emperor, even a prince or feudal lord would have quite a few women.

"Take a look at history. Who among Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Emperor Jing of Han, and Emperor Wu of Han had few women?"

"But that's really what the Crown Prince said."

"Talk is cheap, and actions are another matter. He is the crown prince now, not the emperor. Once he becomes emperor, he will not think this way."

Putting aside other things, take the Emperor for example. Back when he and Empress Zhangsun got married, the two of them were inseparable and were together every day.

She gave birth to several children in one go, but what happened afterward?

As time went on, the situation gradually changed.

Besides Empress Zhangsun, the imperial harem also included Consort Wei and her younger sister, Wei Nizi.

Consort Yan, Consort Yang, Consort Yin, Consort Cao (née Yang), and other concubines, etc.

There were more than a dozen concubines who could be counted, and there were also many more, such as talented women, consorts, and ladies-in-waiting.

Recently, didn't the Emperor bring Xu Hui into the harem again?

So, all men are like this, especially emperors, who are different from ordinary men.

The Crown Prince is different from other men. He is tall and handsome, and skilled in both literature and martial arts. In my opinion, all the crown princes in history combined cannot compare to our Crown Prince.

So you have to be very careful, or he might end up with another woman's man.

Su Wan looked at Xue'er and asked, "What kind of man do you like?"

"I like someone like the Crown Prince," Xue'er said, not hiding her opinion.

"Aren't you ashamed? Didn't you say you like strong men?"

Hearing this, Xue'er giggled and said, "A strong man has more energy to work and gets sick less often."

"Wouldn't it be troublesome to find a sickly person who's always carrying around medicine and you have to take care of him?"

"What you said seems to make some sense."

"Master, didn't you say you were going to find someone for me? Have you found one yet?"

"How about we betroth you to Qin Ying? That guy's strong and has some strength."

Upon hearing this, Xue'er shook her head vigorously, "Him? No way. Doesn't he like a woman from the Western Regions? What's her name again, Jiebina?"

Upon hearing Xue'er's words, Su Wan suddenly remembered that she had promised Qin Ying to arrange a marriage between him and Jie Bina.

It was obvious that the woman was in love with the crown prince.

Xue'er continued, "Qin Ying, you're too big and too honest, you have no charm at all, how can that work?"

What I like most is romance; he's always fighting and killing, or he's always talking about Wu Song.

People are tired of hearing stories like "Wu Song Fights the Tiger," "Wu Song Gets Drunk and Beats Jiang the Gatekeeper," and "Wu Song Fights and Kills Ximen Qing." If he likes someone, he'll tell you these stories every day.

However, Ximen Qing seems alright. If Qin Ying is like Ximen Qing, I might consider it.

"You're right. But who is Ximen Qing? I've never heard of him."

"He's as handsome as Pan An, rich, and charming—the kind of man we women dream of."

"Alright, alright, I'm not going to talk about Ximen Qing anymore. Bring him to me sometime so I can take a look," Su Wan paused, then continued, "How's business at the supermarket while I've been away?"

At this moment, Xue'er brought over the ledger: "Don't worry, it doesn't matter whether you're at the supermarket or not, I'll keep an eye on it for you."

Recently, our supermarket has launched promotions such as free eggs, gifts with purchase, and additional discounts, and we've also introduced a membership card.

Customers who purchase a membership card can enjoy a 8.8% discount when shopping at our supermarket.

I wouldn't dare say we've done all the business in Chang'an, but we've certainly done most of it. After deducting costs, our operating profit is about 20 taels of silver.

"Two million taels?"

"Yes. So, are you satisfied?"

Su Wan was overjoyed: "Xue'er, you are really good at doing business. In such a bad economic climate, our supermarket can still make so much money. That's really impressive."

Xue'er laughed and said, "That's because you're a good leader."

Su Wan knew that Li Chengan was desperately short of money.

Putting aside everything else, just the army led by Ashina She'er alone consumes a considerable amount every month.

Because that army was not part of the imperial court's establishment, Li Chenggan had to pay for all the expenses himself.

Su Wan took out two thousand taels of silver and gave it to Xue'er.

Xue'er declined, saying, "Master, what are you doing?"

It's my honor to work for you; what would I do with this money?

"Don't be so polite with me, just accept it. Keep it as your dowry. Work hard, and when you earn more, you'll definitely get your share of the benefits."

Su Wan understood that these days, you can't just ask people for money; you have to talk to them and that won't work. You have to show them something tangible.

"Alright then, I won't be polite."

Xue'er happily accepted the money: "Recently, I've noticed that the price of gold has been gradually rising, and it's increased several times over compared to before."

Therefore, I suggest that our master stockpile more goods, and then sell them off after the price goes up, which will make us a fortune.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan smiled and said, "You're getting smarter and smarter, but if you want to buy gold at a low price, you'll have to go to the Western Regions."

As far as I know, the Western Regions are rich in gold.

The gold there is like the coal in Huainan,

"It's inexhaustible, and the price of gold is relatively low there."

"The Western Regions are thousands of miles away from here, and I've heard that it's very chaotic there. It might not be safe for you to go."

"There is another reason why I am going to the Western Regions."

"What's the reason?"

Have you heard of Nie Yi?

"He was a merchant during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, and I heard that he did business with the Xiongnu."

"Yes, that's him. Nie Yi is very business-minded. He not only does jewelry business, but also does horse business with the Xiongnu."

The Western Regions are famous for their fine horses; we can purchase another batch from there.

A portion of Ashina She'er's army could be equipped.

Another portion can be sold externally.

"With just this one resale, we can make a fortune."

Upon hearing this, Xue'er repeatedly praised, "Master, you are truly brilliant!"

As the master and servant were chatting and laughing, a woman walked in from outside.

Su Wan glanced at the woman and saw that the beautiful woman was none other than Bai Mudan.

Su Wan quickly went to greet her: "Sister, what fragrant breeze blew you here?"

Bai Mudan swayed her hips as she walked in from outside: "Hey girl, I heard you've been pretty busy lately. It's been a while since we had a proper chat. I've missed you."

I just heard you were back from Japan, so I came to see you.

Su Wan smiled and said, "Okay then, don't leave at noon today. Let's have a couple of drinks and have a good chat."

Xue'er poured a cup of tea for Su Wan and Bai Mudan each, then went to attend to her own business.

Su Wan strolled around the supermarket with Bai Mudan.

Their supermarket is really big; it would take at least two hours to walk around it.

Su Wan smiled and said, "Sister, look, we've received a lot of new goods recently. Winter is coming soon."

Like mink coats, sweaters, long johns, and cotton shoes,

Wait, we have them all.

"Take whatever you like."

After hearing this, Bai Mudan laughed and said, "Oh dear, sister, how could I possibly accept that?"

I've taken quite a few things from you before, why do I keep taking things from you without paying?

"Sister, we're practically family, why be so formal? What's mine is all yours, isn't it?"

"If that's what you're saying, then I won't hold back." Bai Mudan took a sip of tea.

"Tell me, what do you want?"

"Do you have any aphrodisiacs here, the kind that can make men more energetic?" Bai Mudan asked in a very low voice.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan looked at Bai Mudan and asked, "What do you need that thing for?"

"It's not that I want it, but I've noticed that Chang He hasn't been performing well in that area lately, so I need to give him some supplements."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan's eyes widened, and she asked, "How is that possible? General Chang is as strong as an ox; he's a renowned military commander. How could he be incapable?"

"He's really no good. To be honest, before, he was as energetic as a dragon and as strong as could be."

I don't know why, I don't know if it's because of too much pressure, but suddenly I just couldn't take it anymore.

Su Wan nodded: "That's possible. So, following a wise ruler is both good and bad."

If the current emperor is a muddle-headed one, then anything goes.

However, the current emperor is a wise and benevolent ruler who cannot tolerate any flaws. Even the slightest oversight by General Chang could result in criticism.

"You're absolutely right, isn't that right? This time the imperial court is going to hold some kind of martial arts examination again."

Let him also become an examiner.

If he himself can't do it, how can he test others?

"That's true. You know what, recently our supermarket purchased a batch of deer antlers and deer penis from Changbai Mountain in Northeast China. It's said that they have excellent effects in nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys."

Bai Mudan was very pleased to hear this: "You have such a complete collection of things here. You have everything you could want. If you can think of it, you have it here."

Su Gui has grown up very quickly recently and is much more mature than before.

"Yes, sister, I have to thank you and General Chang for your help."

Bai Mudan waved her hand: "No need to say anything, we're all brothers."

Last time, because Su Gui failed to capture Chengxin and Wei Lingfu, the Emperor only gave our old Chang three days. Old Chang was so anxious that his mouth was full of blisters, and he wanted to punish Su Gui.

I happened to witness this, and I gave Chang He a good scolding. I said, "What are you pretending to be? Who do you think you are?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wan understood. Bai Mudan was trying to curry favor with her, implying that she hadn't taken Bai Mudan's things for nothing and that she could help Bai Mudan in a crucial moment.

"Sister, I can understand this. We can't blame General Chang. The pressure from above is too great."

"Yes, I'm glad you understand. To be honest, my husband is a good man, but he's a rough man, a warrior, and doesn't have many tricks up his sleeve."

"Sister, that's the good thing about people like that. They're too cunning, and you can't get along with them."

"I suggested that Lao Chang replace the two criminals who looked like Chengxin and Wei Lingfu with them."

"Oh, so this was your idea after all. Do you know those two have already been killed?"

"Oh, is that so? Who killed him?"

"Fang Yi'ai!"

"That kid is so audacious, daring to kill someone in the Dali Temple's prison?"

"Yes, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes."

Bai Mudan thought for a moment and said, "So, Fang Yi'ai must have some powerful backing. Without it, even if he had the guts, he wouldn't dare to do this."

"The person behind that is most likely Li Tai."

Su Wan glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then whispered to her, "Keep your voice down. You can't just say things like that without solid evidence. You know, loose lips sink ships."

"You're right. I've known for a long time that Li Tai is a scoundrel. The Crown Prince treats him so well, yet he tries to frame the Crown Prince at every turn."