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

Li Chengqian, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, said, "That's true."

"Where did you and Su Wan go after you left the inn that day?" Princess Tianyan asked.

"We went to Mount Rokko."

"Did Princess Gaochang go with you too?" Princess Tianyan continued to ask.

"Yes." Li Chenggan nodded.

"I heard that you had a romantic encounter with Princess Gaochang during the process of picking the snow lingzhi."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself, "Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast."

This news spread really fast.

He and Qu Zhili almost fell off a cliff, so how could there have been any romantic encounter?

He patiently explained it to Princess Tianyan again.

Princess Tianyan was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred upon hearing this.

"I never expected that girl to be so lucky, actually getting your kiss. If it were me, I'd die happy."

Li Chengan discovered that Princess Tianyan was very interested in the women around him.

Princess Jeon-eom continued, "Did Princess Buyeo Pung-mi of Baekje go to your room alone?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan frowned, thinking to himself that this woman had nothing better to do than inquire about these kinds of things.

"Yes, she went to my place."

"Hmph, Buyeo Pungmi not only has a high alcohol tolerance, but she's also a skilled dancer."

Of course,

Her specialty is seducing men.

So,

Did she drink with you or dance for you?

Li Chengan didn't want to answer.

but,

Since Princess Tanigami has already asked this question,

He replied, "Yes, she danced and drank with me."

"That girl has so many clever ideas."

do you know?

In the backyard of your inn, there are many fine wines and spirits.

Those wines were used to entertain envoys and distinguished guests from various countries; they were very expensive.

She drinks alcohol like it's water; how much alcohol could she possibly drink?

Oh, that night,

I drank two jars of wine with her, one jar each.

"What?"

You drank two jars of wine?

This girl really doesn't consider herself an outsider.

People often say that alcohol can impair one's judgment. You two drank so much, did you do anything?

Has she already taken your bed?

"Uh—." Li Chenggan was speechless for a moment.

This is another pointed question.

Li Chenggan realized that Fuyu Fengmei had indeed fallen for his trick.

Because she suddenly fainted, Li Chengan assumed she was drunk and had hit the back of her head, so he carried her to his bed.

I never expected that Buyeo Bongmi was faking it.

Taking advantage of the situation, she hooked her arms around Li Chengqian's neck, insisting on having sex with him.

Li Chengan was unwilling, but couldn't break free. While the two were entangled in this struggle...

Brother Shanbei burst in from outside, which saved Li Chenggan from a predicament; otherwise, it would have been hard to say how the night would have ended.

at this time,

Princess Tianyan lifted her skirt and walked up to Li Chengqian, then pulled out her bosom slightly.

The pair of breasts on her chest, which were already towering, appeared even more firm.

Even though the weather is very cold,

However, Princess Tanigami was dressed very thinly, perhaps to highlight her stunning figure.

"Your Highness, now that Buyeo Pung-mi has already taken your bed, did you two spend the rest of the night passionately together?"

"No, King Yamashiro suddenly burst in from outside, and I took the opportunity to get off the bed."

"Oh, I see. You mean that King Yamashiro's arrival was ill-timed."

Otherwise, the two of you would have accomplished something wonderful, wouldn't you?" Princess Tianyan stared at Li Chenggan with a sly look in her eyes.

"That won't happen."

I would never do that.

"No way? Who would believe that? Aren't you a man?"

"Are you still a virgin?" Princess Tianyan chuckled as she said this.

"This—." Li Chenggan wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Buyu Fengmei is incredibly beautiful, and she's been so proactive, how could you resist?"

Li Chenggan suddenly felt that the distance from the inn to King Shuming's palace was very far, and that he could never reach the end.

He really didn't want to talk about those things with Princess Tianyan anymore.

He quickened his pace, wanting to finish the journey as soon as possible: "You're right, Fuyu Fengmei is very beautiful."

But no matter how beautiful she is, it has nothing to do with me.

"I'm afraid what you're saying is wrong. How can you say it's okay?"

What cat doesn't steal fish? What man doesn't love beautiful women?

Anyway, every man I've met, whether old or young, ugly or handsome, has stared at me intently. Princess Tianyan was quite confident in her appearance.

Li Chengan pretended not to hear and continued walking forward.

"Your Highness, you met with King Yamashiro?"

"Yes," Li Chenggan replied casually.

"Speaking of which, that Brother Yamabe is really despicable."

He actually came to my bedroom.

They pushed the king off the attic, and he almost died from the fall!

If something happens to the king in my palace, I won't be able to escape responsibility either.

Isn't he hurting me by doing this?

Li Chengan looked intently at Princess Tianyan: "What you said makes some sense."

But where does vinegar taste sour, and where does salt taste salty?

Why did Ooshima Yamashiro do that? Have you ever thought about that?

"All I know is that King Yamabe is a potential rival to the King."

As for who is right and who is wrong between the two of them, I'm not quite sure.

but,

One thing is certain: Yamashiro Ōe is a dangerous man.

You'd better avoid contact with him.

If you were to associate with him, King Shuming would suspect that there was some unspeakable secret between you.

This is extremely dangerous.

From Princess Tianyan's few words, Li Chenggan sensed that she still supported King Shuming, and of course, she also cared about him.

As they walked and talked, they arrived at the gates of King Shuming's palace.

Li Chengan suddenly stopped and looked around warily.

He noticed what appeared to be figures moving about in the corridors on either side of the palace.

He wondered if King Shuming had laid a trap to harm him.

He thought about it again and realized it was unlikely, because Princess Tianyan would never harm him.

Princess Tianyan did not notice anything.

She asked, "Your Highness, why have you stopped?"

"It's nothing. Just now, I think I saw Soga Emishi being taken away by someone."

"How could that be, Your Highness? You must be seeing things."

"Right now, Soga no Emishi is waiting for you in the hall." Princess Tanigami said earnestly.

Just then, two guards came over.

They first bowed to Li Chenggan and Princess Tianyan.

then,

One of the tall guards said to Li Chenggan, "Excuse me, please put your hands up, we need to search you."

Because we have a rule here that weapons are not allowed inside the king's palace.

"Insolence!" Princess Tianyan roared. "Do you know who he is? He is the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, a guest invited by the King!"

Li Chengan raised his hands and smiled slightly: "They're just doing their job, it's nothing special."

After searching him, the tall guard said, "You have no weapons on you, you can go in."

now,

King Shuming came out from inside and descended the steps to greet him: "Crown Prince of the Great Tang, you have finally arrived. I have been waiting here for a long time."

Li Chengan quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. It's nothing to mention, why bother?"

King Shuming stepped forward, took Li Chengqian's hand, and gave him a forced smile, neither genuine nor affectionate: "Last time, King Shanbei pushed me off the second floor of Princess Tianyan's palace, and I was knocked unconscious. You saved me, and I am eternally grateful."

I have long wanted to express my gratitude.

Unfortunately, I was tied up with official duties.

I haven't had time.

I finally have some time today, so I've prepared a small feast for you to enjoy, as a token of my gratitude.

Li Chengan exchanged a few pleasantries with him.

The two walked into the hall hand in hand, arm in arm.

Princess Tianyan watched from the side and secretly praised her.

She discovered that Li Chenggan was not only tall and handsome, but also courageous, magnanimous, and forgiving.

It seems he has a good relationship with King Shuming.

Li Chenggan was stunned as soon as he entered the palace.

Because he did not see Soga no Emishi.

But he saw several people he didn't want to see.

They are, respectively, the female Rangharaja, Yeon Gaesomun, Buyeo Long, and the monk Daotong.

Li Chenggan's expression changed slightly, and he felt a surge of tension, sensing that something was wrong: "Your Majesty, where is Soga no Emishi?"

"Oh, he had something else to do and left first."

"Since the four of them are here, why did you call me here?"

What is the meaning of your actions?

King Shuming looked embarrassed, chuckled twice, and explained, "You don't need to be suspicious or take offense."

I've heard that you have some misunderstandings with them.

Therefore,

Today, I have invited you all together in the hope that this banquet will help to mend the relationship between you.

Didn't you say you wanted to mediate relations between our Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, Goguryeo, Baekje, Yanqi, and Silla?

These people happen to be here.

Let's have a good chat, talk things out, and say everything that's on our minds.

"Very well, so be it, Your Majesty."

When Li Chenggan arrived at the palace, a banquet had already been prepared.

He didn't see Soga no Ezo, but he did see those "demons".

Li Chenggan was nervous.

However, on the surface, he appeared calm and composed.

Li Chenggan understood that it was precisely at this time that he needed to remain calm.

Of course, Li Chenggan is also willing to resolve the issue through dialogue.

The guests and hosts took their seats, and in front of each of them was a square table laden with wine and meat.

King Shuming knelt at the table, raised his wine cup, and said, "I am very pleased to thank the Crown Prince of the Great Tang and everyone else for attending today's banquet."

Please let us all drink from this cup.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Everyone drank it all in one gulp.

King Shuming put down his wine cup and laughed, "Gentlemen, there's a saying: 'No fight, no friendship.'"

There may have been some misunderstandings between us before this.

but,

We are all people of strong emotions.

Presumably, no one will hold those unpleasant memories in their heart.

Li Chengan listened quietly.

He found that the Rakshasa woman, Yeon Gaesomun, Buyeo Long, and the monk Daotong were all glaring at him with fierce expressions, as if they wanted to devour him.

Li Chenggan thought to himself, "This is bad. I've been tricked by King Shuming today."

The Blue Rakshasa woman chuckled sinisterly, "Your Majesty, I will certainly give you face."

but,

Li Chengan killed all the hundreds of giant scorpions I had painstakingly acquired, which was truly hateful.

Do you know how much money I spent on those giant scorpions? This is a huge expense...

Li Chenggan must pay compensation!

Looking at the Blue Rakshasa woman with her face covered in wounds, Li Chengan felt that she was infuriating, hateful, and pitiful all at the same time.

Speaking of,

The Blue Rakshasa woman is so old, yet she's still running around and working herself to the bone. What's she trying to achieve?

If this isn't being irrational, what is it?

If it were any other elderly woman, at such an advanced age, wouldn't it be wonderful to stay home and take care of her grandchildren, enjoying the simple pleasures of family life?

Why bother coming out to compete for fame and fortune?

I took off my shoes and socks tonight; I don't know if I'll wear them tomorrow.

Moreover, this old hag is always at odds with the Tang Dynasty.

At Yanqi

She then helped Yanqi fight against the Tang army.

With Chang'an besieged, Li Chengan had no choice but to withdraw his troops to relieve Chang'an.

Unexpectedly, that old hag followed us to Chang'an again and stole the imperial seal from the Bureau of Clothing and Apparel.

It almost ruined Su Wan's life.

Li Chengan knew that this old witch was most skilled at using poison.

then,

Last time, when we were in Chang'an, I and Princess Gaochang devised a plan to lure her out.

They almost caught her, but she got away.

Unexpectedly, she came to the Japanese kingdom again, distorting the truth and spreading rumors.

She urged King Shuming to join forces with Yanqi to launch a pincer attack on the Tang Dynasty.

That old hag has a brilliant idea! She wants to sell 10 jars of wine to King Shuming.

If this deal goes through, Yanqi will make a fortune.

With this huge sum of money, Yanqi could recruit soldiers and expand its army, and then fight against the Tang army.

Li Chengan grew angrier the more he thought about it.

This time,

She is even more hateful.

She found out that she and Qu Zhili were going to Liujia Mountain.

She had laid an ambush on the mountain beforehand, carrying hundreds of giant scorpions, intending to attack Li Chenggan and Qu Zhili.

They almost poisoned Qu Zhili to death.

This can be considered as Qu Zhili being very lucky.

Fortunately, Su Wan found the Snow Spirit Mushroom, which saved Qu Zhili's life; otherwise, Qu Zhili would have been in grave danger.

Thinking of this, Li Chengan sneered: "Blue Rakshasa woman, you still have the nerve to ask me to compensate you for your Giant Scorpion King?"

Did you know that a giant scorpion has already bitten Qu Zhili's arm?

You almost poisoned Princess Gaochang to death; I haven't settled that score with you yet.

Is a human life more important, or your scorpions?

The Blue Rakshasa woman's voice was low and hoarse: "I'm not bragging to you..."

The poison of that giant scorpion is incurable by anyone in the world except myself and the Snow Spirit Mushroom.

"Of course, by helping her absorb the poison, you reduced its toxicity. Otherwise, the poison would have attacked her heart, and even if you had found the Snow Lingzhi, it would have been too late."

"I really can't understand why you are so vicious?"

Qu Zhili is so young and beautiful, yet you want to kill her.

What did she do to offend you?

What grudge do you hold against her?

Upon hearing this, the Blue Rakshasa woman let out a mournful scream; it was impossible to tell whether she was crying or laughing.

"Li Chengan, let me tell you, in this life, there are two kinds of people I hate the most:"

The first type is handsome men.

The second type is the woman who is good-looking.

Li Chengan was speechless when he heard this, thinking to himself, "What kind of reason is this?"

The Rakshasa woman continued, "The reason I hate handsome men is because one man once deceived my most sincere feelings."

When I was young, I was a renowned beauty.

I'm not bragging to you guys.

Back then, countless men pursued me.

but,

I wasn't tempted at all; I was devoted to that man and bore him several children.

Unexpectedly, he abandoned her and got together with another, younger and more beautiful woman.

Tell me, how did I feel at that time?

Should that man have been killed?

After hearing this, everyone fell silent.

"I am in unbearable pain and truly wish for death."

But I can't bear to part with the children.

So, the old woman took out a sharp pair of scissors and, looking in the bronze mirror, cut her face, left and right, until she looked like this.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan could feel a sharp, agonizing pain, thinking to himself, "This old hag is truly ruthless. Others are ruthless to others, but she's ruthless to herself."

"I hate myself. If I hadn't had this face, perhaps that man wouldn't have even looked at me."

I don't want to suffer like that anymore.

Everyone sighed with emotion upon hearing Lan Po Rakshasa's words.

I never imagined she had such an experience.

Li Chengqian stared intently at the blue Rakshasa woman: "May I ask who your man is?"

Where are your children?

"That old codger has probably been drained dry by that vixen and died a long time ago."

As for where my children are, well...

I don't need to tell you anything.

Sooner or later, you'll find out.

"Old man,"

Life is full of disappointments, seven or eight out of ten times. You can only blame the man who wronged you, not all the handsome men in the world.

It was that young and beautiful woman who stole away the man you loved.

Have other beautiful women offended you again?

"I don't care about anything else, I hate any handsome man or beautiful woman."

Especially those stories where lovers finally get married, it makes me even angrier.

Upon hearing this,

Li Chengan thought to himself that this old hag was truly a strange person.

No wonder people often say that you can't reason with a woman; it seems that this is indeed true.

The Blue Rakshasa woman raised her wine cup and drank it all in one gulp: "This time, I have reached an agreement with the King."

The king promised to buy 100,000 jars of wine from our Yanqi.

For some reason, the order suddenly dropped from 100,000 jars to 20,000 jars.

"Li Chengan, did you orchestrate this?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan coughed lightly: "Oh, is that so?"

Then I can tell you that this matter has nothing to do with me.

Furthermore, speaking of wine, I'd like to add a few words here.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Do you, Yanqi, know why you are richer than before?"

One of the main reasons is that Yanqi has benefited from our Silk Road.

It is because of the Silk Road that your wine was able to be sold and bring benefits to your country.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions.

We then opened up the Silk Road.

Before this,

The Tuyuhun people occupied a key part of the Silk Road.

now,

The Tuyuhun have been subdued by our Great Tang Dynasty, and the Silk Road is now open to all.

Your wine sales have doubled again.

but,

You show no gratitude to our Great Tang Dynasty, yet you sent troops to attack our Dunhuang, even massacring an entire city and killing thousands of civilians.

Your actions are heinous and outrageous, deserving the wrath of both gods and men!

under these circumstances,

My father had no choice but to send troops to attack Yanqi.

And you show no remorse whatsoever.

Today you unite with the east, tomorrow with the west.

now,

You actually came here to spread rumors and cause trouble.

Ask yourself honestly, were all of your actions right?

Objectively speaking, what Li Chenggan said was true.

If Yanqi did not have the Silk Road

They could never have been as powerful as they are today.

"Li Chenggan, you are eloquent and good at sophistry; I, an old woman, cannot out-argue you."

"I only know that whatever the King of Yanqi tells me to do, I will do."

at this time,

Yeon Gaesomun waved his hand and said, "Why are you talking about those old, trivial matters? It's meaningless."

Let's talk about the present moment.

Li Chenggan,

You naturally praise your Tang Dynasty.

But no matter what you say,

That's the reality we're seeing.

Starting with Emperor Yang of Sui, the Central Plains states had a penchant for invading weaker neighboring countries.

then,

Emperor Yang of Sui attacked the Khitan, the Western Turks, and the Tuyuhun.

Finally, they set their sights on our Goguryeo.

They think we, Goguryeo, are easy targets.

Leading a million-strong army, they marched in with overwhelming force.

Emperor Yang of Sui brought envoys from various countries, intending to show them how he would deal with Goguryeo. Accompanying him were monks, Taoist priests, palace maids, concubines, entertainers, and musicians.

This is not a war.

They're clearly here for sightseeing and relaxation.

He didn't take our Goguryeo seriously at all.

What was the result?

Emperor Yang of Sui's million-strong army was utterly defeated and collapsed by us.

finally,

Emperor Yang of Sui was killed by Yuwen Huaji, and the Sui Dynasty came to an end.

It stands to reason,

Your father has gone through all this; he should have learned his lesson and won't repeat the same mistakes.

but,

What is the truth?

Your Li Tang dynasty used various pretexts to attack Yanqi, the Eastern Turks, Tuyuhun, and the Dangxiang, among other states.

You're all right, you're all reasonable, but I'm afraid that's not necessarily true.

Everyone understands the principle of "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold" (meaning that if one's lips are gone, one's teeth will be cold).

You said I contacted Baekje and Wa (Japan) to oppose the Tang Dynasty.

We were forced to do this.

"If we don't unite, your father will find all sorts of reasons to attack Goguryeo, won't he?"

After hearing Yeon Gaesomun's words, Li Chenggan thought to himself that Yeon Gaesomun was too good at sophistry.

They're still lying through their teeth, turning black into white.

"Yeon Gaesomun, shut your mouth and stop talking nonsense here."

"I've come to ask you, who is the true king of Goguryeo?"

"Uh—," Yeon Gaesomun said, surprised that Lee Seung-gan would suddenly ask him this question.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "That would naturally be Gao Jianwu."

"Alright, since Gao Jianwu is the king, then what's the purpose of your coming here?"

Are you here on a diplomatic mission? Do you have official credentials?

"No...no."

"Did Gao Jianwu send you here to do this?"

"No, not exactly." Yeon Gaesomun didn't know how to answer for a moment.

Because Gao Jianwu never asked him to do it; he did it on his own.

Li Chenggan’s voice was clear and loud: “If you don’t have a tally, then you can only represent yourself, not Goguryeo, right?”

The dirty things you've done could fill three days and three nights of recounting.

Don't keep bringing up Emperor Yang of Sui's three campaigns against Goguryeo; is that your achievement?

I'm telling you, that's not the case.

The real reason for the Sui army's defeat lay in internal troubles.

Yang Xuangan's defection caused the Wagang Army to become a hindrance to the Sui army.

In addition, famine, locust plagues, and droughts occurred one after another.

If it weren't for the internal problems of the Sui Dynasty, your Goguryeo would probably have been destroyed long ago. What are you still gloating about?

Even so,

It's not that the Sui army couldn't defeat you, but rather that Emperor Yang of Sui didn't understand military strategy and gave reckless commands.

If he hadn't personally led the expedition, but instead sent a general, Goguryeo would have been finished.

For example,

He divided his more than one million troops into 24 routes, which stretched for hundreds of miles, making the battle line too long.

In addition, he assigned a pacification commissioner to each army.

As long as your Goguryeo army surrenders, we will allow them to surrender and will not attack them.

but,

You Goguryeo people are fickle; you say you've surrendered today, but you go back on your word tomorrow.

"You keep going back and forth, and you still have the nerve to say that?"

"this--."

Yeon Gaesomun didn't know how to answer.

Li Chengqian, leaning on the table, said: "I would like to reiterate once again that our Great Tang Dynasty is the most peace-loving of all."

We never resort to force lightly, and we will never invade any country.

My father loved his people like his own children; he couldn't bear to see them suffer so much.

Because if war breaks out, it is the ordinary people who will suffer the most.

The reason for resorting to violence was always out of desperation.

My father and Emperor Yang of Sui were not the same kind of people at all.

My father was a wise and virtuous ruler, and he was in no way inferior to Qin Shi Huang or Emperor Wu of Han.

it's here,

I don't want to talk about how brave and skillful my father was in battle, and how he seized the world in a very short time.

The prosperous reign of Zhenguan, initiated by my father, was no less glorious than the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing.

Yeon Gaesomun curled his lips and sneered: "No matter what you say, your father is a ruthless person."

He launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident, killing his brothers Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, and also slaughtering all of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji's sons. This act was truly heinous.

Therefore,

Li Shimin was a tyrant, and that cannot be changed.

Li Chengan did not lose his temper; his voice remained calm: "You only know one side of the story, not the other."

On the surface, that's how it seems.

In fact, it is not the case.

My father has been tolerant and accommodating towards Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji time and time again, but they have already driven him into a corner.

My father has nowhere to retreat.

If my father doesn't retaliate,

My father, let alone, wouldn't survive.

We won't survive, and neither will the civil and military officials under my father.

Even if my father doesn't think about himself, he should at least think about those who have followed him for many years.

Even so,

My father, out of brotherly affection, still refused to do that.

finally,

Changsun Wuji and Gao Shilian found my father and forced him to do this.

They said that Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji were both licentious, cruel, ignorant, and fond of killing.

If the Tang Dynasty were handed over to them, the people of the Tang Dynasty would suffer even more than the people of the Qin Dynasty.

My father, for the sake of the people, even sacrificed his own family for the greater good.

Yeon Gaesomun sneered: "Your father is two-faced and doesn't keep his word."

"Oh, what did he say doesn't count?"

"He once said that he would treat all people, whether barbarians or Han Chinese, the same. Did he really do that?"

Why are most of the high-ranking officials in your court Han Chinese, and how many of them are of barbarian origin?

Your father also said that the selection of talent should be based on equal treatment for all.

but,

"How do you explain that most of the officials are from noble families in Longxi?" Yeon Gaesomun's tone was aggressive.

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggan realized that Yeon Gaesomun was setting a difficult task for him.

Li Chenggan smiled slightly: "If you say that, then you are really wronging my father."

For example,

Yuchi Jingde was a member of the Xianbei ethnic group.

He was one of my father's most trusted generals, ranked seventh among the twenty-four meritorious officials of Lingyan Pavilion, and was enfeoffed as Duke of E, and rose to the rank of Right Martial Marquis General.

Ashina She'er was the second son of Chuluo Khan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.

My father did not care about his background; rather, my aunt, Princess Hengyang, married him and had him stationed troops on the border of Gaochang.

Not long ago, Qibi Heli led the Qibi tribe of the Tiele people to surrender to the Tang Dynasty and was awarded the title of Left General of the Imperial Guard.

There was also Shi Danai of the Ashina tribe of the Western Turks. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, he followed the Turks into the Central Plains and participated in the uprising in Taiyuan. He was given the surname Li and appointed as the Right General of the Martial Guard. He was also one of the twenty-four meritorious officials of Lingyan Pavilion, ranking twenty-second.

Let's talk about the power of thought again.

He was from the Ashide tribe of the Turks.

Originally a confidant of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Jieli Khan, he submitted to the Tang Dynasty in the fourth year of the Zhenguan era. His father, the emperor, appointed him as the Left General of the Imperial Guard, married Princess Jiujiang, and enfeoffed him as the Duke of Anguo. He participated in the conquest of the Tuyuhun and Xueyantuo tribes and rose to the rank of Left General of the Valiant Guard.

In conclusion, my father's appointment of people was unconventional, regardless of background; it can be said that he treated everyone fairly.

Yeon Gaesomun was speechless.

At this moment, Fu Yulong spoke up: "Li Chenggan, stop talking."

We all know you're eloquent.

So, do you have any published works?

Li Chengqian glanced at Fuyu Long and thought to himself, "You're someone who's lost yourself."

Although you are the crown prince of Baekje, you have no opinions of your own. You do whatever Yeon Gaesomun tells you to do, and you do things that are hard to understand.

Putting everything else aside, was it right for you to burn your own sister, Buyeo Pungmi?

Li Chengan sat up straight: "Back then, Zhuge Liang once said..."

Reading should not be about seeking a complete understanding, but rather grasping the general outline; this is what it means to read effectively.

There's no need to search for specific phrases or sentences.

Throughout history, there have been many talented individuals who left no written works.

I have no notable works.

However, our Chongwen Academy compiled a copy of the *Zizhi Tongjian*.

Your arrival may change everything.

"Because you have a close relationship with Buyeo Pungjang, you even want my father to depose me and make Buyeo Pungjang the crown prince instead, isn't that right?" Buyeo Long said, his face turning red with anger.

Li Chenggan put his hands in his sleeves: "Fuyu Long, you are the Crown Prince, and so am I."

I think the Crown Prince should know my thoughts best.

Let me tell you this.

I never interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

As for whether your father will make you the crown prince or Fuyu Fengzhang the crown prince, that's an internal matter for you and has nothing to do with me.

but,

Since you've brought this up, I have a few things to say.

I think Fuyu Fengzhang treats you very well, with great respect.

Moreover, he had no ambition to seize the crown prince's position.

It is you who are judging others by your own petty standards.

I always felt that brothers should love each other. After all, brothers are brothers, not enemies.

and also,

That time, when I was in Sibi City,

You want to set me on fire and burn me to death?

Even if I have offended you

If you want to burn me, then there's nothing more to say.

but,

Why did you even burn your own sister, Buyeo Bongmi?

this way,

That's really inappropriate.

Does your sister also intend to usurp your position as crown prince?

"I--."

Fu Yulong's face flushed red and then turned pale, unable to answer.

Li Chengan stood up and continued, "As the saying goes, 'One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black.'"

Yeon Gaesomun was ambitious and rebellious.

They fear nothing more than a peaceful world.

If you stay with him for too long, it probably won't end well.

Li Chenggan didn't hold back and said it right in front of Yeon Gaesomun.

Yeon Gaesomun looked very uncomfortable after hearing this.

"Putting aside everything else, let's take the last time you went to Penglai Immortal Island to seek the elixir of immortality as an example."

Su Wan heard that Consort Ronghua was ill, and in order to treat her illness in time, she gave you her only elixir of immortality, asking you to take it back and cure Consort Ronghua's illness.

But my mother was placed at the back.

Because my mother was seriously ill, even after Sun Simiao arrived there, he was unable to provide her with treatment.

We must find the Snow Lingzhi.

Snow Ganoderma can only be found on Mount Liujia.

As you can see, Mount Rokko is covered in snow and ice all year round, with steep cliffs and precipices. Climbing up there is harder than climbing to heaven.

This was almost impossible, like finding a needle in a haystack.

Fortunately, Heaven had eyes and we found the Snow Lingzhi, which cured my mother's illness.

Think about it.

If you put yourselves in our shoes, would you be willing to give us the elixir?

However, Su Wan really did give the elixir to you.

A few days ago, at the foot of Mount Rokko, you encountered Su Wan and Su Gui, the siblings, again. How did you treat them this time?

Instead of feeling grateful, you wanted to capture them and take them back to curry favor, even as hostages.

Tell me yourselves, what kind of behavior is this?

Looking at Yeon Gaesomun, the flesh on his face twitched incessantly, like a volcano about to erupt at any moment.

If it weren't for the presence of King Shuming, he might have already lost his temper.

but,

What Li Chenggan said was true, and he couldn't refute it.

"Amitabha! Li Chenggan, gentlemen, let me say a few words!" Daotong was getting a little impatient.

Seeing his fierce face, Li Chengan knew he wasn't a good person either: "Monk Daotong, if you have something to say, just say it."

"I have heard that your Great Tang Dynasty has a highly accomplished monk named Xuanzang."

The man was handsome, with white teeth and red lips. He had kind eyes and a dignified yet elegant appearance. His Buddhist robes fit him perfectly.

He is also your father's younger brother.

then,

Our king has dispatched monks Qing'an and others from our Wa (Japanese) kingdom to Chang'an to study Buddhism.

However, unexpectedly, after returning, Qing'an actually sought refuge with the eldest brother of the mountain, King Wang.

They attempted to help the eldest brother of the Yamabe clan overthrow the imperial court.

So, may I ask if your Buddhist teachings are nothing but falsehoods?

Is it some kind of bewitching magic?

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself, "This wicked monk really knows how to spout nonsense."

If we can't persuade him, who knows how he'll slander Master Xuanzang?

Li Chengan cleared his throat: "Monk Daotong, you are mistaken."

Everyone knows that Master Xuanzang was a highly accomplished monk of our Tang Dynasty.

This goes without saying.

He frequently lectured on the Buddhist scripture "Theravada Buddhism" in public.

Thousands of monks from all over the country came to listen to his lectures.

His teachings were insightful and meticulous, captivating listeners and revealing the essence of Buddhism.

Daotong picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, then wiped his mouth with his hand.

Then, he picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth: "I've heard that Confucius was a sage..."

So why does everyone say that Confucius is a sage?

One of the main reasons is that Confucius had many outstanding disciples, such as Zigong, Zilu, Yan Hui, and Zai Yu.

Who were some of Master Xuanzang's most accomplished disciples?

Li Chengan discovered that the monk in front of him was no ordinary person; he spoke eloquently and had a deep understanding of Confucius's disciples.

Daotong looked smug: "Putting everything else aside, I have heard of a monk named Bianji. That monk is quite handsome and has beautiful handwriting."

However, some say that Princess Gaoyang's jade pillow was actually in his meditation room.

I wonder if the Crown Prince of Tang has heard of this matter, and how he intends to explain it?

It must be said that Daotong's words were extremely malicious.

He not only satirized Bianji for being greedy and lustful, but also insulted the face of the Tang Dynasty imperial family.

In fact, this also presented Li Chenggan with a difficult problem.

Li Chenggan remained calm: "Monk Daotong, Master Xuanzang is Master Xuanzang, and Bianji is Bianji."

Whether Bianji has good moral character or not proves nothing.

Even if Bianji did not have good spiritual practice, it does not mean that Master Xuanzang was not an enlightened monk.

Because some disciples have high comprehension, while others have low comprehension.

On the other hand, even if Princess Gaoyang's jade pillow was in Bianji's meditation room, it doesn't prove anything.

Since Princess Gaoyang frequently visited the Da Cishan Temple to offer incense, it would be normal for her to leave her jade pillow there.

Therefore, neither of the two things you just mentioned is causally related.

Li Chengan deftly defused Daotong's questions.

"I'm afraid things aren't as simple as you say."

We also heard that Princess Gaoyang's husband, Fang Yi'ai, was a good-for-nothing.

To date, Fang Yi'ai and Princess Gaoyang have not shared a bed.

Can Princess Gaoyang hold out?

"Is she interested in that handsome Bianji?"

Hearing this, the Blue Rakshasa woman snorted coldly: "Another handsome couple."

However, the woman's identity was special; she was actually a princess of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chenggan's expression changed slightly: "Blue Rakshasa, stop talking nonsense here."

"When I was in Chang'an, I heard some rumors. You can't hide the truth forever; there are no secrets in this world."

"Please refrain from making unfounded speculations and judgments before the facts are clear," Li Chengan retorted.

The blue wrathful woman then fell silent.

"Amitabha Buddha, this shows that Master Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty was not a highly enlightened monk."