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

Li Shimin looked intently at Fang Xuanling and asked, "Minister Fang, this civil service examination is of great importance. How are your preparations going?"

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and said, "Your Majesty, since Your Majesty issued the decree to hold the civil service examination on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, we have not dared to slack off in the slightest and have been making careful plans for this matter. Now, all the relevant matters are proceeding in an orderly manner, including the selection of examination questions, which we have also discussed."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, because he trusted Fang Xuanling's abilities.

"So, what topic do you plan to use?"

"Your Majesty, back then, after Cao Cao built the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, he ordered each of his princes to compose a poem."

This civil service examination coincides with the completion of the Jiucheng Palace, a day of universal celebration—truly a divine arrangement!

All the civil and military officials said, "Congratulations to Your Majesty! Congratulations to the Great Tang Dynasty!"

Fang Xuanling continued, "Your Majesty cares for the people of the world and cannot bear to add any burden to them."

Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has issued decrees on several occasions to reduce or exempt the people from taxes and corvée labor.

Back then, after Qin Shi Huang ascended the throne,

The construction of the Epang Palace and the Lishan Mausoleum required the recruitment of laborers and craftsmen from all over the country. It is unknown how much money was spent or how many people died.

Emperor Yang of Sui was even more extravagant than Qin Shi Huang. He spent hundreds of millions of dollars building Xianren Palace and Jiangdu Palace, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of thousands of laborers and craftsmen.

After Liu Bang seized power, he established his capital in Chang'an.

He then appointed Xiao He to oversee the construction of the palace.

Xiao He built a vast and luxurious Weiyang Palace.

He told Liu Bang that if the palace was built too small, it would be difficult to display the majesty of the court.

In view of this, we request Your Majesty to build a palace even more magnificent and imposing than Weiyang Palace, so that the envoys from various countries who come to our Great Tang will be in awe and dare not look up at you.

However, His Majesty refused.

His Majesty said that the people have suffered enough from years of war, and that they should be allowed to rest.

We, as his subjects, submitted another memorial, and only then did His Majesty agree to rebuild Renshou Palace and rename it Jiucheng Palace.

Two days later, on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Jiucheng Palace will be completed.

Let's take the Jiucheng Palace as our topic and ask all the scholars taking the exam to write an essay.

"You mean to use Jiucheng Palace as the theme?" Li Shimin asked.

"Okay, let's do it your way."

This written examination is a grand event, and it must be even more lively and solemn than the one held at Tongquetai!

"We will obey Your Majesty's decree!"

Cheng Yaojin, seeing this, became somewhat anxious and stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty, your civil service examination is making such a fuss..."

When does our martial arts exam start?

"Isn't the date set for the Lantern Festival?"

"It's still early!"

"Although it's still more than a month away, it sounds like it's still early."

However, the martial arts exam is different from the written exam, so you need to prepare in advance.

What items need to be arranged at the martial arts exam venue?

For example, if you're having an archery competition, you need a target, right?

If it's a contest of weapons, then there must be weapons.

There is also the qualification review of test takers, which requires multiple rounds of selection.

We can't just grab any random person and let them take the exam, can we?

"I, Lao Cheng, understand all of this. Leave these matters to me, Lao Cheng."

morning.

Above the East China Sea.

Dark clouds rolled across the sky, creating a chaotic scene, and a slight breeze began to stir.

The ship carrying Li Chenggan swayed on the sea, continuing its journey towards Chang'an.

Inside the cabin, Li Chenggan and Songtsen Gampo sat facing each other, with a square table between them and a chessboard on the table.

The two people are playing Go.

Li Chenggan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said to Songtsen Gampo, "It's your turn to make a move."

Songtsen Gampo pondered for a long time, then spread his hands and said, "Your Highness, your chess skills are too superb. I humbly admit defeat!"

Li Chengan laughed and said, "I haven't played for a long time, this was just a lucky win."

Songtsen Gampo praised, "Go is profound and complex. It looks simple, but in fact, it is extremely difficult."

"You're right," Li Chengan sighed, "Life is like a game of chess."

"Your Highness, what makes you say that?"

Li Chengqian gazed in the direction of Chang'an: "Speaking of which, I am like a chess piece on a chessboard."

They have no freedom at all.

"This time, you came to the Wa Kingdom and made such a great contribution, preventing the agreement between the Wa Kingdom, Goguryeo, and Baekje from being reached."

It maintained peace and stability in the Eastern countries.

This achievement is worthy of being recorded in history.

Who in history can compare to you?

Li Chengan shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Those are all insignificant. Every time I make a great contribution, what awaits me is severe punishment."

Last time, Chang'an was besieged by the armies of Li Yuanli and Zhang Zhongjian. I led my troops back and lifted the siege of Chang'an, but unexpectedly, Fang Xuanling impeached me.

If it weren't for the officials pleading for me, my head would probably be gone by now.

This time, I don't seek merit, but only to avoid mistakes; then I will be content.

Upon hearing this, Songtsen Gampo sighed deeply: "I never imagined that you would make such a great contribution, yet Fang Xuanling would impeach you."

Why would Fang Xuanling disagree with you?

"This is a long story, too complicated to explain in a few words."

As for matters within the court, such as the issue of civil and military officials choosing sides, these were old topics that Li Chenggan did not want to discuss.

"Now, I am still a criminal. Even if I return to Chang'an, I will still be imprisoned in the Eastern Palace and will not be free."

"Isn't Chang'an going to hold both civil and military examinations this time? Do you want to go back and participate?"

"I have a very indifferent attitude towards fame and fortune, and I have no desire to compete with anyone for anything."

"Since the envoy Gao Biaoren has told you about this, I suggest you participate."

It's not about asking you to compete with those scholars and intellectuals, but at least prove that you are a person with genuine talent and learning.

"Let's discuss this matter when we return to Chang'an."

Songtsen Gampo straightened his back: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, the affairs of the eastern kingdoms are not difficult to resolve."

The most troublesome of them all was Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo.

That guy, relying on his father's merits, was used to being arrogant and domineering in Goguryeo.

"Once we eliminate Yeon Gaesomun, Goguryeo will be at peace."

Hearing this, Li Chenggan realized that Songtsen Gampo was much more decisive in handling problems than he was.

"And then there's King Shuming of the Wa Kingdom, he's a hypocrite."

You saved his life.

He has repeatedly framed you.

Li Chengan nodded slightly: "They taught me the most profound lesson."

Songtsen Gampo continued, "Your Highness, perhaps you have a connection with Master Xuanzang."

He had a great influence on me.

Buddhism teaches to be compassionate, kind, tolerant, and generous.

We hope that the Buddha's teachings can help all sentient beings, and that those who have made mistakes can repent and start anew.

But Xiao Wang tells you,

You are too kind-hearted; you imagine everyone to be too wonderful.

Not everyone can be saved.

People like Yeon Gaesomun and King Sumin should be punished in kind, and their bodies should be completely destroyed.

Li Chengan stood up, put his hands in his sleeves, and paced back and forth in the cabin: "What you said is one method, but in my opinion, it may not be the best way to solve the problem."

For example, back then, Cao Cao was utterly defeated by Zhou Yu at the Battle of Red Cliffs and had to flee in disarray.

Zhuge Liang predicted that Cao Cao would definitely escape through Huarong Road.

Zhuge Liang had Guan Yu wait for him there beforehand.

Zhuge Liang clearly knew that Guan Yu and Cao Cao had a close relationship.

Back then, after Guan Yu surrendered to Cao Cao, Cao Cao treated him very well.

but,

Guan Yu was a loyal and righteous man.

Before surrendering to Cao Cao, he made a three-point agreement with Cao Cao.

One of his rules was that as long as he found out any news about Liu Bei, no matter where Liu Bei was, he had to go and find him.

Guan Yu said it, and he did it.

When Guan Yu passed through five passes and slew six generals, he killed several of Cao Cao's generals.

Cao Cao's men were unhappy and petitioned to execute Guan Yu.

Cao Cao intervened and spared Guan Yu's life.

Because of this relationship, when Cao Cao encountered Guan Yu at Huarong Road, he cried and begged for mercy. Guan Yu couldn't bear to kill him, so he released Cao Cao.

Later, Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang: "Since you have already foreseen that Cao Cao will take Huarong Road, why did you send Guan Yu to intercept him?"

Doesn't this mean they're intentionally letting Cao Cao off the hook?

Zhuge Liang sneered and said: "I observed the celestial phenomena last night and saw that Cao Cao's life was not destined to end. This is one reason."

Secondly, Cao Cao could not die, because if he died, the north would be leaderless and might descend into chaos.

In addition, Cao Cao had an heir apparent, Cao Pi, who would inevitably succeed him if Cao Cao died.

When Cao Pi ascends the throne, he will surely hold the revenge for his father's murder against Western Shu.

If that were the case, Cao Wei's army would launch a fierce attack on Liu Bei's army.

Therefore, Cao Cao could not kill him, so he asked Guan Yu to do the favor.

The current situation is somewhat similar to that of the past.

Although King Shuming has repeatedly tried to harm me

But after all, he didn't harm me. Aren't I standing here talking to you perfectly fine right now?

"Your Highness, I understand now. You have a truly magnanimous heart."

Even after how King Shuming treated you, you were still able to open your heart and forgive him.

Xiao Wang has also heard that your brother, Li Tai, almost killed you several times.

However, you said to your mother that he is allowed to be unrighteous, but you are not allowed to be unjust yourself.

if it is like this,

Wouldn't we eventually repeat the mistakes of the Xuanwu Gate Incident?

Li Tai is getting bolder and bolder; he repeatedly tests and challenges your bottom line!

When Li Chenggan heard Songtsen Gampo mention Li Tai, he felt a deep unease, because Li Tai had indeed brought him a great threat and a lot of trouble.

On several occasions, Li Tai almost killed himself.

"You're right, Li Tai did indeed try to harm me several times, but I was lucky enough to avoid falling for his tricks." Li Chenggan recalled the past with lingering fear.

"Since Li Tai has turned against you, what brotherly affection do you still have? Why don't you fight back?"

Li Chenggan waved his hand: "No, no, no, I will never allow the Xuanwu Gate Incident to happen again."

I do not wish for Father and Mother to see us brothers killing each other.

Upon hearing this, Songtsen Gampo exclaimed with deep emotion, "Your Highness, I understand your feelings very well at this moment. You value brotherhood above all else, which I admire from the bottom of my heart."

However, constantly avoiding and retreating is not a solution.

If you retreat, he'll advance; sooner or later, he'll become even more unscrupulous, and he'll try to destroy you.

I understand what you're saying, but let's talk about the future later.

The Empress Dowager has just recovered and cannot be subjected to any further stimulation.

If I and Qingque fall out, and Mother's old illness relapses, what will happen?

If anything were to happen to Mother, wouldn't I become a sinner for all time?

Upon hearing this, Songtsen Gampo shook his head and sighed repeatedly: "You are truly a filial son. I'm just afraid that while you think this way, Li Tai will not."

"Slap, slap, slap!"

Just then, Li Chengan suddenly heard a sound of something hitting the deck outside the cabin.

Both Li Chenggan and Songtsen Gampo were taken aback.

On the deck, Qin Ying shouted, "Your Highness, don't come out! There are assassins flying in the sky! It's dangerous!"

"An assassin? What assassin?"

Li Chenggan's head was buzzing. It was really hard to imagine how there could be an assassin on the high seas.

He walked to the cabin door and looked out.

Several bamboo skewers were stuck on the deck. The skewers were thicker than a rolling pin, greenish-blue, and about three feet long.

Li Chengan looked up at the sky and saw a huge kite, like a black eagle, more than ten feet high, with a person clinging to its base.

The man was covered in bamboo skewers, some long and some short, and it was impossible to count exactly how many bamboo skewers he had on his body.

At this moment, the man flicked his hand and sent out another bamboo stick.

The bamboo stick headed straight for Li Chenggan.

Li Chengan hadn't expected the man to have such great strength; the bamboo skewer shot out like an arrow.

Qin Ying broke out in a cold sweat when she saw the bamboo stick heading straight for the Crown Prince.

He quickly shielded Li Chengqian in front of him.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Li Chengan quickly pulled Qin Ying aside.

Even so, with a "splat" sound, the bamboo skewer sliced ​​across Qin Ying's right arm.

Immediately afterwards, it landed on the deck.

The tip of the bamboo skewer went more than a foot into the deck.

Looking at Qin Ying's arm, there was a two-inch-long gash, and blood gushed out immediately.

1 Li Chengan quickly pulled Qin Ying from the deck into the cabin, closed the cabin door, and looked out through the window.

Songtsen Gampo then asked, "Your Highness, what exactly happened?"

Li Chengan pointed to the "black eagle" in the sky: "See that? A black eagle is flying in."

A person was hiding beneath that black eagle.

That person can launch hidden weapons.

"hidden weapon?"

"Yes, bamboo sticks were his hidden weapons; those bamboo sticks came in various lengths."

Songtsen Gampo was also horrified upon hearing this and asked, "Who is he, and why does he want to kill us?"

"I don't know either, but it seems he came for me, and has nothing to do with you." Li Chengan said, tearing a piece of cloth from his clothes and bandaging Qin Ying's wound.

Qin Ying was indignant and wanted to go out and fight the man, but Li Chengan stopped him.

"Amitabha Buddha, excellent! Excellent!"

Dao Zhao, trembling with fear, kept chanting Buddhist prayers: "Your Highness, you must be careful! This assassin is incredibly powerful."

At that moment, another loud "bang" was heard, and yet another bamboo skewer pierced down from the top of the cabin.

but,

This bamboo skewer is different from the previous one; it's about 2 meters long and as thick as a bowl.

but,

It was even more lethal, managing to pierce through the top of the cabin, sending dust flying everywhere.

Li Chengan reached for a crossbow, nocked an arrow, and shot it at the man.

An ordinary person would have had a hard time dodging Li Chengqian's arrow.

Because Li Chengqian's archery skills, if not perfect, were almost perfect.

With a slight sway of his body, the kite soared four or five zhang high, dodging Li Chengqian's arrow.

Since his transmigration, Li Chengan has traveled the world and encountered many masters.

but,

I have never seen anyone with such lightness of body and skill.

Li Chengan didn't recognize the person, couldn't figure out who they were, or why they would want to harm him.

What's even more baffling is that the "Black Hawk" was equipped with propellers on all sides.

The man controlled the propeller with ease, allowing the black eagle to move forward and backward, flying high and low. Such lightness of movement and flight skills are extremely rare.

Li Chengan was furious and shot several arrows, but none of them hit the man.

However, no matter how fast a ship travels, it can never outrun that "Black Hawk".

The "black eagle" circled back and forth above Li Chenggan's ship.

Soon, Li Chenggan ran out of arrows in his quiver.

The other party still had many bamboo sticks.

In this way, Li Chenggan and his men would only be able to take the beating.

Li Chenggan felt that this battle was too frustrating.

At that moment, the man above laughed loudly: "Li Chenggan, your death is near. This day next year will be your death anniversary."

Li Chengan stepped out of the cabin, pointed with his hand, and angrily asked, "Who are you?"

Why did you want to kill me?

"Since you are already a dead man, then I might as well tell you, I am Ashina Jieshe, a member of the Turkic royal family."

Last year, your Tang army used trickery and intrigue to defeat our Turkic army.

Your Tang army used treacherous schemes to capture Khagan Jieli.

Our Turkic people perished from that time, but I have never forgotten my revenge. This debt should have been settled with Li Shimin.

However, you are his son and the crown prince. Since I cannot seek revenge against Li Shimin, I will seek revenge against you.

Li Chengan's mind raced. In his memory, Ashina Jieshe was a famous assassin with outstanding martial arts skills and unparalleled lightness skills among the Turks. He never expected him to suddenly appear here.

"So how did you know I was here? Who gave you the clue?"

"Did someone instruct you to do this?" Li Chenggan asked in a loud voice.

"You truly live up to your title as the Crown Prince of Li Tang; you've thought things through thoroughly. Let me put it this way: Li Tai and I have reached an agreement—if I can kill you..."

He will then find a way to help our Turkic people restore their kingdom.

"What? Li Tai?"

"Did he send you to kill me?"

"Exactly."

After hearing what Ashina Jieshe said, Li Chengan felt a deep sadness.

Because he never expected Li Tai to poison him again.

Songtsen Gampo, standing nearby, said, "Your Highness, what did I say earlier? You forgive Li Tai at every turn, but he keeps pressing you, determined to kill you."

Li Chengqian's body swayed three times, then he felt a sharp pain in his chest.

perhaps,

At this moment, he could understand his father's feelings when he launched the Xuanmen Incident, and why his father knelt at his grandfather's feet and wailed after killing Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

Li Chengqian understood that his father was also unwilling to do that, but he was truly forced into a corner.

Li Tai was utterly despicable, and what's more, he made some kind of promise, actually agreeing to help the Turks restore their kingdom.

The saying goes, "Kill a thousand enemies, but injure eight hundred of your own."

Back when Li Jing led his troops to quell the Turks, how many of our Tang soldiers died?

The Tang Dynasty paid a heavy price to finally defeat the Turks.

Unexpectedly, he is now agreeing to help them restore their country.

It seems that Li Tai has gone to any lengths to kill me in order to seize the position of crown prince.

Ashina Jieshe threw several more bamboo sticks at Li Chenggan.

Li Chengan dodged left and right, avoiding them all.

but,

The top of the cabin was pierced with bamboo skewers, leaving many holes.

Then,

Hail began to fall again, the hailstones were as big as eggs.

If a hailstone hits you hard, it can smash your skull open.

"Your Highness, what should we do? Where can we hide?"

Li Chengan thought to himself, "The weather is really not cooperating."

The inscription on it reads "Ashina Society Command," indicating that bamboo spikes can be launched at any time. These spikes are as powerful as crossbows and can penetrate armor.

Now it's hailing again; this is practically driving people to their deaths!

at this time,

Li Chengan suddenly remembered that the crocodile's tail was still inside the cabin.

Before this,

Li Chengan once cut off the tail of the giant crocodile that Lan Polu Rakshasa had brought over. The crocodile's tail was extremely large and impervious to swords and spears!