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

Li Chengqian looked at Queen Seondeok and continued, "Because your Silla is located near the sea, if Goguryeo and Baekje want to attack you, they will definitely use their navy."

We cannot fight a battle we are not confident of winning; we must take precautions beforehand.

Therefore,

Your primary task at present is to strengthen the development of the navy.

This included building warships and training a navy.

Queen Seondeok's beautiful eyes were fixed on Lee Seung-gan:

"Your Highness, I think you are right. As you said, we do need to strengthen the development of our navy."

but,

We lack people who understand naval affairs in our area.

It would be even better if His Highness could come to us personally to command us.

Li Chengan shook his head: "When we fought in the Western Regions, we mainly used cavalry and infantry."

There is almost no sea there.

Although I have some understanding of naval tactics and formations, I am not an expert.

"If I were to leave, wouldn't that delay your important matters?"

Just then, someone walked in from outside: "Your Highness, if it's inconvenient for you to go, I'll go instead."

Everyone glanced at the newcomer, who was none other than the envoy Gao Biaoren.

Gao Biaoren is no ordinary person.

He was the son of Gao Jiong, a general of the Sui Dynasty.

How could Gao Jiong be anything but powerful?

Gao Biaoren followed his father into battle from a young age.

He was proficient in both land and naval warfare.

This is why Gao Biaoren was highly valued by Li Shimin, who sent him here as a Tang envoy.

After everyone finished their greetings,

Li Chengan then asked, "How did you get here?"

Gao Biaoren said with concern, "Your father is worried about your safety."

Therefore, I brought some tea, porcelain, and several precious Buddhist scriptures from Chang'an to visit King Shuming.

Songtsen Gampo exclaimed with great admiration, "The Tang Dynasty was truly tolerant of the Wa people!"

"I've come to negotiate with them, to ask them to release you safely and stop harassing you."

Li Chenggan, believing his father would no longer care about his life or death, was somewhat moved: "Father, is that really what you said?"

"How could this possibly be fake?"

My purpose in coming here is...

Your father gave instructions to not only bring you back safely, but also to ensure that Silla is not invaded by Goguryeo and Baekje.

Fu Yu Fengzhang looked slightly embarrassed upon hearing this.

"So, did you see King Shuming?" Li Chenggan asked.

"I saw him."

"What did he say?"

"On the surface, this time, King Shuming's attitude is much better than before."

Last time,

I told him to kneel facing north to receive the imperial decree, but he absolutely refused, and we had a falling out.

But this time, he did as I said.

"Oh, he knelt facing north to receive the Emperor's decree?" Li Chenggan asked in surprise.

"Yes."

Everyone admired Gao Biaoren's courage upon hearing this.

Li Chenggan thought to himself, "If King Shuming had acted like that back then, what else could be said?"

In this way, the Tang Dynasty managed to turn the tide.

"So, does this mean King Shuming intends to submit to the Tang Dynasty?"

"Yes, that's what he said."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan appeared somewhat excited: "Gao Biaoren, this time, you have performed a great service!"

I must petition my father, the Emperor, to award you honors.

"Your Highness, there's no need."

It is my honor to serve the Tang Dynasty. I only hope to fulfill my mission and not to expect any merit.

Everyone was impressed by Gao Biaoren's noble character and courage.

Gao Biaoren continued, "Your Highness, once you have dealt with things here, you can return to Chang'an."

I accompanied Queen Seondeok to Silla to help train their navy, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Although Gao Biaoren meant well...

However, Queen Seondeok did not seem to appreciate it.

Because Jin Deman hoped that Li Chenggan could personally go to Silla to help them train their navy.

Thus,

She then had the opportunity to spend time with Li Chenggan day and night.

There's a saying, isn't there? "Those who are near the water tower get the moon first."

Jin Deman thought that as long as Li Chenggan was by her side, she would have a chance.

If Li Chengan returns to Chang'an, it won't be so easy to see him again.

Queen Seondeok, thinking of this, parted her lips slightly and said, "Respected envoy of the Great Tang Dynasty, thank you very much for your hospitality."

However, I think you may have misunderstood.

What I mean is, we do need people to train our navy.

but,

I hope the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty can personally come to our place and help us train our navy.

No sooner had Jin Deman finished speaking than Fu Yu Fengmei became unhappy.

She stepped forward and said, "I'm sorry, Queen Seondeok, you're too late."

Li Chengan and I have already made an appointment to go back to Sibi City together.

Help my elder brother, Buyeo Pungjang.

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggan frowned, thinking to himself, "When did I agree to this with you?"

However, since Fu Yu Fengmei had already said that, he couldn't very well call her out on it.

Li Chenggan naturally understood that Fuyu Fengmei was deeply in love with him and did not want to be separated from him.

Queen Seondeok looked at Li Chenggan with her beautiful eyes and asked, "Didn't the Crown Prince of Tang just escape from Sabi City? Do you intend to send him into a fire pit again?"

Fu Yu Fengmei pulled her chest up: "That was just an accident. This time, I will absolutely not let him suffer any more damage."

Gao Biaoren, observing their expressions, also figured out what was going on. Oh, so these two women were vying for the crown prince's affections.

But that's understandable, considering how handsome our Crown Prince is.

Queen Seondeok asked tenderly, "Your Highness, would you like to come to Silla with me?"

"I cannot comply! I have been away from Chang'an for some time now and do not know what has happened there. I must return as soon as possible."

Li Chengqian's reasons were fairly sufficient, because he also understood that it was obviously inappropriate for him to go to Silla alone.

When Queen Seondeok saw that Lee Seung-gan had refused her request, she blushed, but she couldn't say anything in front of so many people.

at this time,

Li Chenggan asked Gao Biaoren, "How is my mother's health?"

"You don't need to worry. Ever since the Empress took that snow lingzhi, her health has improved day by day, and she can now get out of bed and walk around freely."

Your mother's complexion also became rosy.

She looks younger than before.

After hearing what Gao Biaoren said, Li Chenggan felt much more at ease.

To be honest, what Li Chenggan was most worried about during this period was his mother's health.

He thought to himself, "Heaven truly has eyes, and good people are rewarded. My mother is so kind-hearted; she deserves to live to be a hundred years old."

Gao Biaoren stroked his beard and said, "The civil and military examinations are about to be held in Chang'an. The Crown Princess wants you to go back and participate in the examinations as soon as possible."

Li Chengan then inquired in detail about the civil service and military examinations.

Gao Biaoren answered each question in turn.

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying danced with joy: "Your Highness, let's go back quickly! After all, I also want to compete for the General's Seal!"

At worst,

We need to find a vanguard.

Li Chenggan waved his hand: "I'm afraid that won't work."

"Why not?" Qin Ying retorted indignantly. "Does Your Highness think my martial arts skills are lacking?"

"Is it appropriate for you to take the exam because your grandfather Qin Qiong was the examiner?"

"If I choose you as the vanguard general, wouldn't people say your grandfather is being corrupt and favoritism?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying became anxious: "Your Highness, just because my grandfather is an examiner there, does that mean I can't participate in the martial arts exam?"

If that's the case, then I'll go back and tell my grandfather to quit being an examiner.

Everyone laughed when they heard this.

"Let's talk about this later," Li Chengan said, then asked Gao Biaoren, "Has the exam date been set?"

"It is said that the civil service exam is planned to be held on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, while the military exam will be held on the Lantern Festival, and they will be held separately," Gao Biaoren replied.

"That's still some time away."

Gao Biaoren pondered for a moment: "Your Highness, everything else is negotiable."

but,

We cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the Wa people.

King Yamashiro, son of Prince Shotoku, originally had the opportunity to inherit the throne.

but,

Soga no Emishi defied Empress Suiko's will and installed Prince Tamura as the king of Wa (Japan).

To be honest, in this matter, Brother Yamabe was at a disadvantage.

but,

What's done is done, and there's nothing that can be done about it.

If King Shuming knew that you were in contact with King Yamabe,

This might cause us trouble.

After listening, Li Chengan felt that Gao Biaoren's words were not without merit.

Although he said he had no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom,

However, if King Shuming knew this, he probably wouldn't think so.

"This is a dangerous place; we'd better leave as soon as possible."

To everyone's surprise, Li Chengan shook his head: "I thought the same thing before."

however,

Unexpectedly, Yeon Gaesomun and Buyeo Yong were still there.

Yeon Gaesomun was ambitious and harbored a strong desire to conquer the Tang Dynasty.

He traveled far and wide, sowing discord and inciting other countries to oppose our Great Tang.

Their main objective was to unite with Baekje and Wa (the Wa people) to attack Silla.

His plan was to defeat Silla and then attack Tang Dynasty; his ambitions were quite grand.

Queen Seondeok looked at Lee Seung-gan with her beautiful eyes: "Your Highness, you don't need to worry too much."

There's a saying: "A true hero doesn't dwell on past glories."

What happened back then is what happened back then; what happens now is what happens now.

Although Emperor Yang of Sui's three campaigns against Goguryeo all ended in failure,

However, to some extent, this reflects that Goguryeo's military strength was still quite formidable.

then,

The total military strength of Goguryeo was approximately 60.

It had cavalry, infantry, and navy, with countless warships.

but,

These facts do not necessarily mean that they can defeat our Silla.

Our Silla has never proactively invaded any country.

As a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, we have both the responsibility and the capability to safeguard the interests of our own country and the Tang Dynasty.

No matter which country it is, if they dare to invade us, we will not be afraid.

Lee Seung-gan understood that Queen Seondeok had only recently ascended the throne and was still young, so it was truly remarkable that she could withstand the pressure from those around her.

If it were someone else, they might have already panicked.

Li Chengan, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, said, "Don't worry, you are not fighting alone. The Great Tang will always be your strongest support."

No matter which country it is, we will not stand for it if it infringes upon your Silla. We firmly support you in safeguarding your legitimate interests and rights.

Gao Biaoren suddenly remembered something: "Queen of Silla, before I came here, His Majesty gave me special instructions."

Our Great Tang Dynasty will allocate 50 warships to you to equip your navy.

Queen Seondeok was overjoyed to hear this.

Facing north, she knelt on the ground and bowed three times: "Heavenly Khan, you are truly great! We will forever be loyal to the Tang Dynasty!"

"Queen Seondeok, please don't be so polite, please rise!"

Li Chenggan put his hands in his sleeves and said slowly, "My father once said that he would protect every vassal state that is loyal to the Tang Dynasty."

My father said it, and he did it; it wasn't just empty talk.

Songtsen Gampo straightened his clothes: "Queen Seondeok, both your Silla and our Tibet are vassal states of the Tang Dynasty."

Although you are located to the east of the Tang Dynasty, bordering the sea,

We are located to the west of the Tang Dynasty, on the plateau, separated by thousands of mountains and rivers;

However, we must also unite to fight against any invading enemy.

Queen Seondeok nodded heavily after hearing Songtsen Gampo's words.

"You've said it so well. I'm so happy and proud that you're engaged to Princess Wencheng and will become the son-in-law of the Tang Dynasty."

I'm afraid I won't have that fate.

As Queen Seondeok finished speaking, she looked at Lee Seung-gan with tenderness in her beautiful eyes.

Lee Seung-gan naturally understood that Queen Seondeok meant that she wanted to marry him.

Li Chengqian pretended not to know.

As everyone was talking, a woman's voice came from outside the door: "Oh, everyone's here! How could you all forget about me?"

Li Chengan looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman with a voluptuous figure not far away. She had a long, slender neck, snow-white skin, and a pair of high, firm breasts.

This woman was none other than Princess Tianyan.

Her eyes were fixed on Li Chengan: "Did I disturb you by coming here?"

When Li Chengan saw her, he couldn't help but frown, because he knew this woman was difficult to deal with.

She once threatened to jump off a building in order to get King Shuming to make her queen.

Fortunately, Songtsen Gampo happened to be there that time; otherwise, she would have been in serious trouble.

Li Chengan then asked, "What are you doing here?"

"What? Can't I come to see you?"

Are you not welcoming me?

"That's a very strange thing to say. We have absolutely no connection, so why are you here to see me?"

"You can't say that, sir. You are the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, and I am currently the Queen Consort of the King of Shuming. It is only right that I come to visit you."

From a private perspective,

Last time,

Songtsen Gampo saved me, and I am very grateful.

We need to exchange some information.

in addition,

I am here today on behalf of King Shuming.

"What is it? Tell me."

"The king invites you to a banquet so he can speak with you alone."

"What about the others?" Li Chenggan didn't understand what King Shuming meant by making such an arrangement.

No related issues were detected.

"The rest of you can rest at the inn for now. You can go alone." Princess Tianyan's eyes were alluring.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a pang of worry for Li Chengqian.

Because they all felt that King Shuming was not a kind person.

On the surface, they appear benevolent and righteous, but in reality, they are extremely treacherous.

Fu Yu Fengmei grabbed Li Chengqian's arm: "Your Highness, you can't go. What can't be said openly? Why make you go alone? I think they clearly have ill intentions."

Queen Seondeok also frowned deeply: "I came here at the invitation of King Sumyeong, and I only brought a few attendants with me. I was not on guard at all."

then,

They showed me how to torture Fuyu Fengzhang.

later,

Threaten me,

Let us, Silla, surrender to the Japanese.

If I don't surrender, they'll detain me.

You said,

Is there anyone who does things like him?

He said some very nice things back then, only saying that I had just ascended the throne and welcomed me to visit the Wa Kingdom so that we could chat and deepen our relationship.

Maybe I was just too young. At the time, I didn't think that much about it.

I never expected that King Shuming's actions and words would be different.

Therefore,

I also object to the Crown Prince of Tang going to the banquet alone.

Qin Ying glared at him and angrily said, "Who are you, Princess Consort? What are you doing here? Are you trying to harm our Crown Prince?"

Princess Tianyan naturally knew that Qin Ying was not easy to deal with. She thought to herself that this guy was a hothead and that if she angered him, he would do anything.

Princess Tianyan was so frightened that she took two steps back and pointed at Qin Ying:

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't think you're a good person. If you try to frame our Crown Prince, I won't let you off!" Qin Ying said loudly.

"What makes you say that?"

Princess Tianyan steadied herself and said, "Everyone, I'm not afraid of you laughing at me."

I deeply admire the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, but unfortunately, I have been wrongly married to the King of Shuming.

I'm afraid I'll never have the chance in this lifetime.

But I tell you,

I am the kind of person who will never give in to fate.

I believe that happiness is something you have to strive for yourself.

To be frank, some of the women in history had been married before, yet they still married princes or emperors.

For example, Bo Ji, the mother of Emperor Wen of Han, was once married to King Bao of Wei;

Emperor Wu of Han's mother, Wang Zhi, was once married to Jin Wangsun and had a daughter, Jin Su.

Later, Wang Zhi remarried to Emperor Jing of Han and became empress.

Why can they?

"What if I can't do it?"

The crowd whispered among themselves, thinking that this woman was really shameless, daring to say anything out loud.

Buyeo Pungmi deliberately asked, "Weren't you crying, shouting, and making a scene, saying you wanted to be a queen?"

"What, now you're not planning to be queen anymore?"

"Times have changed, and in short, these things are hard for me to explain to you. Just know that I will not harm Li Chengqian."

Li Chengan overruled the objections of the crowd: "Everyone, please stop talking."

I know you all mean well and are worried about my safety.

Since the king has invited me, if I do not go,

Wouldn't that make me seem timid?

A true man has things he will not do, and things he must do; I have no choice but to go!

Everyone knows Li Chengqian's temperament; he's incredibly stubborn, and once he makes a decision, it's very difficult to change it.

Qin Ying said, "Your Highness, then I'll go with you."

Li Chengan waved his hand: "No need, they have made it clear that I will go alone."

With the alliance in place, we have nothing to fear from them.