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

Qin Ying realized they had met the wrong people today.

They encountered an old man who not only swindled them out of food and drink, but also demanded that Li Chengan carry him into his room.

Qin Ying was angry, but she held back her anger and said, "Grandpa Zheng, let me carry you to your room."

To everyone's surprise, Zheng Shizhang was still unhappy, shaking his head vigorously: "No, no, you haven't showered in days, you stink!"

"you!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying became even angrier, thinking, "I didn't complain about you being dirty, but you complain about me being dirty. Even if I haven't showered for a month, I'm still cleaner than you. Look at how tattered and filthy you look."

Qin Ying was about to lose his temper when Li Chengan stopped him.

Li Chengan approached Zheng Shizhang and said, "Old man, I see that you have indeed sprained your ankle, and it's quite serious. You should have a doctor take a look at it."

"Need not!

I've sprained my ankle more than once, but I always feel better after a good night's sleep.

You can just carry me to the room.

I heard that when Zhang Liang was learning his skills from Huang Shigong, that old man was probably about my age.

He deliberately threw the shoe off the bridge, making Zhang Liang retrieve it; he did this three times.

He also demanded that Zhang Liang put his shoes on.

Zhang Liang did as instructed, and then the old man said happily, "This child is teachable."

In my opinion, you, sir, are far superior to Zhang Liang.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself that this old man was not modest at all, comparing himself to Huang Shigong.

"Zhang Liang was a master strategist, I can't compare to him, but carrying you to the room is no big deal."

As Li Chengan finished speaking, he squatted down, his back to Zheng Shizhang.

Zheng Shizhang didn't stand on ceremony and climbed onto Li Chengqian's back.

Zheng Shizhang said to Qin Ying, "Your employer is really good. He respects the elderly and cares for the young, unlike some people who look down on others."

At the end of the corridor is Zheng Shizhang's room, about 200 meters away.

however,

When Li Chengan had walked about 50 meters, he suddenly felt something was wrong with his back.

For some reason, Zheng Shizhang felt heavier and heavier, as if a thousand-pound boulder was pressing down on him, making it hard for him to breathe.

Li Chenggan found it strange and wondered what was going on.

It seems that

I met a master today.

Do you think I can crush you just because you want to?

If that were the case, wouldn't I lose face?

Li Chengan took a deep breath and strained upwards.

Zheng Shizhang, however, strained downwards with all his might.

At first, Songtsen Gampo didn't pay much attention.

Later, he realized something was wrong.

Because every step Li Chengan took was extremely difficult.

Looking at the tiles on the floor, they were all crushed by the "kaba, kaba" footsteps.

Looking at Li Chenggan, his face was red and his neck was thick, with veins bulging on his forehead.

The beads of sweat, the size of soybeans, rolled down his face incessantly.

His arms were three times thicker than usual, as if they were about to burst through his clothes.

Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying were both taken aback.

Li Chengan walked forward, breaking more than a dozen bricks in succession.

In the end, the tops of my feet were buried under the broken bricks.

but,

No matter how hard Zheng Shizhang strained on Li Chengqian's back,

Li Chenggan did not fall down.

With great difficulty, Li Chengan carried Zheng Shizhang into the room.

The room was very spacious, with a charcoal fire burning and lamps lit.

Li Chengan gently placed Zheng Shizhang on the couch.

Li Chengan finally caught his breath.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Grandpa Zheng, you can rest now."

however,

To Li Chengqian's surprise, Zheng Shizhang lay on his back on the bed, his eyes rolled upwards, his face as yellow as paper, as if he were dead.

Li Chengan quickly checked his breathing with his hand and found that he was not breathing and his heart had stopped beating.

"Could it be that this old man has passed away?"

Songtsen Gampo said, "Impossible. Let Xiao Wang take a look."

Songtsen Gampo came to the bedside.

They checked Zheng Shizhang again from head to toe, and sure enough, he was no longer breathing.

Qin Ying began to complain: "Your Highness, I told you not to meddle in other people's business, but you still meddle!"

Now someone has died, hasn't that?

We've got so many problems already, and now we're embroiled in a lawsuit.

"Keep your voice down. You two stay here and guard him. I'll go to the street to find a doctor to treat him and see if I can cure him." Li Chenggan was still thinking about how to save Zheng Shizhang's life.

Qin Ying said, "Oh dear, Your Highness, the person isn't breathing anymore, what's the point of trying to treat them?"

"No, no, no, just now when he was on my back, he felt as heavy as Mount Tai."

How could she suddenly stop breathing?

There must be a reason for this.

"Neither of you go anywhere, just stay in this room. I'll be right back."

Seeing that Li Chenggan was determined to do so, Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying did not feel the need to forcefully dissuade him.

After Li Chengan rode away from the Jiangdu Inn, he inquired everywhere about famous doctors in Yangzhou.

Before long, he indeed found an old physician.

Li Chengan invited the physician to the Jiangdu Inn.

but,

When Li Chengan returned to Zheng Shizhang's room at the Jiangdu Inn...

I'm confused again.

It turned out that the old man was not dead at all; his eyes were slightly closed, and he was sitting at a table playing the guzheng.

Then Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying were found tied up and thrown on the ground in the corner.

Upon seeing this, Li Chengan exclaimed, "Oh dear, we've been tricked! This old man is no good!"

"What on earth is going on?" Li Chenggan was covered in sweat.

"He woke up not long after you left, and while Songtsen Gampo and I weren't paying attention, he tied us up."

Li Chengan found it both funny and infuriating, thinking to himself, "How come you two were so easily tied up?"

Li Chengan did not get angry, and bowed again: "Old man, I thought you had stopped breathing, so I went out to fetch a physician to take a look at you. I didn't expect you to be alright."

But what do you mean by tying up my two companions?

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shizhang opened his eyes, his eyes flashing with a cold light, and laughed loudly: "Li Chenggan, stop acting!"

Do you think I'm blind and don't know who you are?

Li Chengan was startled, wondering how this complete stranger knew about his background.

Li Chenggan first took out a bag of silver from his pocket and handed it to the physician: "Everything is fine here, you can go back now."

The doctor, sensing that a fight might break out between them, accepted the money, thanked him repeatedly, and turned to leave.

"Old man, now that you know about my background, please release them quickly."

Zheng Shizhang sneered, "One of them is Songtsen Gampo, and the other is Qin Ying, right?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself that this old man really knew his background very well: "You are right, it is indeed Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying."

"I can't let those two go. I'll talk to you after I kill you."

"Who are you? Why did you try to kill me?"

Zheng Shizhang did not answer, but began to play the guzheng.

Li Chengan also had a basic understanding of music, and he could tell that the old man was playing "High Mountains and Flowing Water".

At the beginning,

The sound of the guzheng was initially very elegant and deep, but later became high-pitched and passionate.

Li Chenggan noticed that the old man's fingers were exceptionally nimble.

He doesn't look like an eighty-year-old at all.

Li Chengqian's eyes were fixed on Zheng Shizhang.

As Zheng Shizhang played, he suddenly flicked the middle finger of his right hand on the zither string, and a flying knife as thin as a cicada's wing was launched, heading straight for Li Chengqian's throat.

Li Chengan was taken aback and quickly stepped aside.

I dodged the flying knives.

The flying knife struck a pillar behind him, causing it to shake and sway three times.

Immediately afterwards, several pieces of broken brick fell from the pillar.

Li Chengan, witnessing this, broke out in a cold sweat, thinking to himself how incredibly strong the old man was.

Just as Li Chengqian dodged the first flying knife, a second one shot towards him, aiming straight for his forehead.

Upon seeing this, Qin Ying quickly called out, "Your Highness, be careful!"

You invited him to dinner and drinks, and personally carried him into the room.

Now, he wants to kill you too. What kind of person is he?

"You old codger!"

Li Chengan leaned back, and the throwing knife grazed his nose before striking the door on his left.

The door was knocked down.

Qin Ying then said, "Did you see that? This old guy is going to demolish the house here."

"After he finishes demolishing it, he'll want you to pay for it."

At this point,

Li Chengan cried out to heaven and earth in vain, so he had no choice but to calmly face the challenge.

He drew the Qinggang sword from behind his back and began to wield it.

Zheng Shizhang wielded a knife in both hands, each strike aimed at Li Chengqian's vital points.

Li Chengan knocked down several throwing knives in a row, but still couldn't figure out how many throwing knives Zheng Shizhang had on him.

Li Chengan's Qinggang sword flew up and down, forming layers of sword curtains that protected his body.

The flying knives struck the Qinggang Sword and flew off in disarray.

Zheng Shizhang had not expected Li Chengqian to be so fast.

Zheng Shizhang thought to himself that if the fighting continued like this, it would be difficult to win.

He stood up, touched the ground with his left foot, squatted slightly, and bent his right leg over his left.

Then, he placed the broken zither across his right leg.

His entire buttocks were suspended in the air, but he looked as steady as a rock, as if he were sitting in a chair.

Zheng Shizhang unleashed his ultimate technique, "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers."

He played the guzheng with both hands, his ten fingers moving rapidly back and forth across the strings.

It can launch dozens of throwing knives at the same time, surrounding Li Chenggan.

Faced with Zheng Shizhang's powerful offensive, Li Chenggan was also very nervous.

Just then, Li Chengqian heard the system's voice: "Host! Please note, the opponent has broken down and is on the verge of rage. Their emotional fluctuations are abnormal. This system provides you with three options:"

First, he took off running;

Secondly, stand there motionless, waiting to be beaten, or kneel down and beg for mercy;

Third, suicidal confrontation.

Please select!

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself, "What kind of broken system is this? Not a single one of its suggestions is sound."

"I'll choose the third option."

at this time,

Zheng Shizhang has already used his ultimate move, "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers".

In an instant,

Hundreds of throwing knives flew straight toward Li Chenggan.

Li Chengan couldn't attend to everyone, whether above or below, left or right.

after awhile,

Li Chenggan wondered if he was going to die here.

Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying tried to exert their strength, but they couldn't.

Their hands and feet were tightly bound, making it impossible for them to move.

At this critical moment, suddenly, a copper net fell from the roof beam.

They caught all the flying knives thrown by Zheng Shizhang in the net.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Shizhang's expression changed drastically, and he asked in surprise, "Who is it?"

at this time,

A person floated down from the roof beam.

Li Chengan stared intently and saw that the person was none other than the physician Hui Ri.

Before this,

Yakushi Keiko once told Yakushi Eri: "You must escort the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty back to Chang'an safely, and prevent any mishaps along the way."

Pharmacist Hui Ri nodded in agreement.

However, along the way, Li Chengan and his group were in the open, while Yaoshi Huiri remained in the shadows.

The pharmacist, Hui Ri, had already taken notice of the old man, including how he pretended to be poor in front of the waiter, ate and drank with Li Chengan and the others, and how Li Chengan carried him to his room.

He could see everything clearly.

He sensed that this old man was no ordinary person, but rather someone from a legend.

To ensure Li Chengqian's safety, he hid in the roof beam beforehand. Later,

He saw the old man unleash his ultimate technique, "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers."

They acted swiftly and saved Li Chenggan's life.

Zheng Shizhang knew that the person in front of him was not simple.

He put the guzheng away, slung it over his shoulder, and asked, "Who exactly are you?"

"I am Pharmacist Hui Ri. Zhang Shizheng, please stop acting."

You can fool others, but can you fool me?

then,

I went to Chang'an on a diplomatic mission with Inugami Odenkuchi, and stayed there for a long time.

I once saw you at the Yue King's residence; you may have forgotten me.

Seeing that Yakushi Huiri had already recognized him, Zhang Shizheng realized there was no need to hide it any longer.

Zhang Shizheng thought for a moment, then laughed: "That's right, it really is you! I didn't expect you to show up here, ruining my big plan."

Qin Ying began to complain again: "Your Highness, so this old fellow was an assassin!"

Only then did Li Chengan realize that the old man in front of him was not Zheng Shizhang, but Zhang Shizheng, a famous assassin of the Tang Dynasty.

"Zhang Shizheng, why did you try to assassinate me?"

"You'll have to ask your brother Li Tai about this. I'm an old man who takes money to solve problems for people!"

My principle is that as long as someone pays me, I will kill for them, regardless of who the victim is.

However, you did a good job just now. You treated me to a meal and drinks, paid for my accommodation, and even carried me for a while.

Therefore, I, an old man, have shown you mercy.

Otherwise, do you think you'd still be standing here talking to an old man like me?

Objectively speaking, Zhang Shizheng's statement wasn't exactly boasting.

If he were to ambush Li Chengqian while he was attached to Li Chengqian's back,

Li Chenggan will likely find it difficult to avoid this.

Qin Ying was also terrified; he thought Li Chengan was really going to be in trouble this time.

Unexpectedly, the pharmacist Hui Ri appeared in time, and Li Chenggan escaped danger.

Although Qin Ying was unable to move, he was still sharp-tongued.

"I told you long ago that Li Tai is even worse. You have forgiven him time and time again, but he has sent assassins to kill you again and again."

Li Chenggan was also heartbroken.

He thought to himself, "Li Tai, Li Tai, what deep-seated hatred do we brothers have that you would spend a fortune to hire assassins to kill me?"

It seems that this time, you are determined to eliminate Gu Chuan.

All along,

Out of brotherly affection, Li Chengan couldn't bring himself to harm Li Tai.

Moreover, he had promised his mother that only Li Tai was allowed to be unrighteous, but he himself was not allowed to be unjust.

He hoped that this approach would make Li Tai stop, change his mind, and allow the two brothers to live in harmony.

It is now clear that Li Tai has no intention of stopping; on the contrary, he wants to kill me as soon as possible.

Li Chenggan was heartbroken.

Li Chenggan thought of his father, the emperor, who had been forced into the Xuanwu Gate Incident when he had no other choice.

Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji also repeatedly framed their own father, the emperor.

On several occasions, my father almost died.

Is the Xuanwu Gate Incident really going to repeat itself?

but,

If that's the case

Don't Father and Mother feel pain?

Thinking of this, Li Chengan suddenly felt utterly hopeless and didn't know what the meaning of life was.

He loosened his grip, appearing non-resistant: "Zhang Shizheng, didn't you want the reward?"

Weren't you going to kill me?

"Go ahead and do it, I don't want to live anymore."

This completely baffled Zhang Shizheng.

Because, in any case, Zhang Shizheng never expected Li Chengan to say such a thing.

Zhang Shizheng stroked his beard and said, "Li Chengan, considering you treated me to a drink, I'll let this opportunity pass."

I might as well tell you the truth: Li Tai has already laid a trap in Chang'an.

If you dare to return to Chang'an, you will surely die.

I advise you not to go back. Find a place to hide and live as an ordinary citizen; that would be just as good.

No matter what, you can't beat Li Tai.

The King of Yue is now far more powerful than you.

Although he was only a king

But didn't you realize that your father is biased?

His territory originally comprised 22 states, and with the addition of the Tanguts, that makes 23 states.

Look how prosperous Yangzhou is; it all belongs to Li Tai.

Among the civil and military officials in the court, the two most influential were Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji.

It's a pity that neither of them will support you.

Of those generals, it seems only Hou Junji is supporting you.

Besides these, is there anything else?

It's likely that most people support Li Tai.

Therefore, I advise you to quit while you're ahead; it's better to live a miserable life than to die a good death.

If you don't heed this advice, you'll soon die like Yang Yong and Li Jiancheng, and who will remember you then?

It will only make them a laughingstock for all time.

It must be said that what Zhang Shizheng said was basically true.

Li Chenggan also felt deeply isolated and helpless: "Thank you for your kindness, but I know how to proceed from here."

"I'm taking my leave now, until we meet again!"

With that, Zhang Shizheng strode away from the inn.

Li Chengan untied the ropes binding Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying, and the four of them closed the door and took their seats as host and guest.

Qin Ying stretched her limbs and poured each of them a cup of green tea.

Then, he stood respectfully behind Li Chengqian with his hands at his sides.

Li Chenggan asked the pharmacist Hui Ri, "What are you doing here?"

The pharmacist, Eri, then recounted what had happened.

"If you hadn't appeared in time, I would probably be riddled with holes by now."

How did you manage to confiscate all his razor blades at once?

"The logic is simple: this copper mesh has magnets attached to it, and the blades will be attracted when they come into contact with the magnets."

"I see."

The pharmacist Hui Ri laughed and said, "Speaking of which, Zhang Shizheng is really not simple. He can actually launch flying knives with a guzheng. There are very few people in the Tang Dynasty with such skill."

As Zhang Shizheng just said, Li Tai has already laid a trap in Chang'an. If you go back, it will be like walking into a trap and courting death.

I think we should just forget about it and not go back.

"You can come back to Wa with me, or you can go to Silla if you want. Why take that risk?"

Songtsen Gampo also said, "Before this, Xiao Wang also advised you to go back and take the civil service exam, but now it seems the situation has changed."

We must adapt to local conditions.

Putting aside other matters, just take Ashina Jieshe and Zhang Shizheng as examples; both of these assassins were top-tier masters.

It's easy to imagine that he had deployed top-tier experts in Chang'an.

Li Chengan sighed: "Logically speaking, I should have perished at sea long ago, but I never expected that I would still be alive."

Perhaps it's because heaven is looking out for me.

Now that we have overcome several obstacles, our next step is to enter Chang'an City.

"I'd like to see what kind of scheme Li Tai has set up."

"Your Highness, I heard that Jiucheng Palace will be completed on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, and a civil service examination will be held at the same time, which is the morning after tomorrow."

Yangzhou is far from Chang'an, how could we possibly make it in time?

Let's not go back.

Li Chengqian was also stubborn: "I would rather die in battle than be frightened to death."

Li Chenggan spoke with a firm tone.

Qin Ying waved his large hand: "Your Highness, don't listen to Zhang Shizheng's arrogance. Li Tai is nothing special."

He's nothing but a paper tiger; I've never taken him seriously. Even though I'm a little injured, I'm more than capable of dealing with those cowards.

Back when Wu Song wreaked havoc at Feiyunpu and splattered blood at Yuanyang Tower, how many people did he kill?

Does that mean I, Qin Ying, am inferior to Wu Song?

Wu Song's fight to the death with Ximen Qing was even more impressive...

When Li Chengan saw him coming again, he waved his hand and said, "Stop. This guy is so engrossed in reading 'Water Margin' that he keeps talking about Wu Song."

Pharmacist Hui couldn't help but ask, "Who is that hero he just mentioned, Wu Song?"

"Well, Wu Song was a hero, but he wasn't from the same era as us."

The pharmacist Hui Ri listened, but only vaguely understood.

Songtsen Gampo pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness, preparation is the key to success, and lack of preparation leads to failure."

It's better to believe it exists than to believe it doesn't.

Since Zhang Shizheng has already said so, it seems that Li Tai has already made arrangements.

How about this: after we arrive in Chang'an, Xiao Wang will go in first to scout things out.

If Chang'an is safe

It's not too late for you to go back then.

Li Chengan hesitated for a moment, because Songtsen Gampo was, after all, a guest of high status.

It seems a bit inappropriate to ask Songtsen Gampo to gather information for me.

"I'd better go into the city myself to investigate."

Qin Ying waved his hand: "No need, Your Highness. If you want to go back, I'll go back first."

I'm very familiar with Chang'an.

Li Chengan thought for a moment and said, "Alright then, you'll have to work hard. Set off now and make sure you get a clear picture of the situation. Then, send a message to me by carrier pigeon."

At this point, Li Chengan took out a carrier pigeon and handed it to Qin Ying.

"Your Highness, please rest assured, I will not let you down."

The pharmacist Hui Ri said, "My sister said that we must get you safely to Chang'an City, otherwise, the mission will not be completed. I will go back with you."

Li Chengan nodded: "Then I'll have to trouble you."

After discussing it further, the group went to rest.

Despite his injuries and the pain, Qin Ying mounted his horse and rode away because time was of the essence.

Qin Ying traveled non-stop, without resting at night, to Chang'an.

It was the second watch of the night.

Lizheng Hall.

Empress Zhangsun and Su Wan are playing Go.

Don't underestimate these two women; they are experts.

Empress Zhangsun placed a black stone and asked with a smile, "Wan'er, do you know why Consort Qi was favored by Liu Bang back then?"

"Isn't it because Lady Qi is younger and more beautiful than Empress Lü, and she is also good at singing and dancing, and has a gentle personality?" Su Wan gently placed a white piece in the middle of the chessboard.

Empress Zhangsun nodded slightly: "What you said makes some sense, but Consort Qi has a special skill that not every woman possesses."

"Oh, what is that?"

Is it because she's exceptionally skilled in bed?

Empress Zhangsun rolled her eyes at Su Wan: "You silly girl, you dare to say anything out loud."

Su Wan chuckled: "I've heard that Wang Zhi gained Emperor Jing's favor precisely because of her exceptional skills in bed."

Furthermore, she bore Emperor Jing of Han three princesses and one prince, who was Liu Che.

I thought Lady Qi also possessed this unique skill.

"Lady Qi is an exceptionally good chess player."

In ancient Chinese history, those who knew how to play Go were rare; she was truly an extraordinary woman.

"Is that so?" Su Wan's lips curled up. "So, Madam Qi is not simple either."

"Yes, it's a pity that Consort Qi and Empress Lü were fighting each other."

Ultimately, she was turned into a "human pig" and died a gruesome death by Empress Lü.

Because she harbored unrealistic ambitions, hoping that her son Liu Ruyi could become the crown prince.

She didn't even consider that since the Qi family had no one in the court, how could Liu Ruyi be suitable to be the crown prince?

in addition,

She overestimated Liu Bang and underestimated Lü Zhi.

These were the fatal mistakes she made.

She thought that conquering men meant conquering the world.

She thought that since Liu Bang was the emperor, if he agreed, wouldn't her son Liu Ruyi be the crown prince?

That's incredibly naive.

In truth, she didn't understand Liu Bang. He was ruthless towards the vassal kings and his meritorious officials, killing them without hesitation. However, when it came to family matters, he was utterly indecisive.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan sighed deeply: "Your Majesty, you are absolutely right. Consort Qi does not have a clear understanding of her own side."

Empress Zhangsun continued, "If we're talking purely about the art of chess, Consort Qi is invincible."

She has no opponent when she plays chess.

However, in terms of interpersonal skills, she failed.

She not only caused her own death, but also killed her son Liu Ruyi.

Life is like a game of chess.

Every step must be taken carefully; one wrong step can lead to total defeat.

"Your Majesty, you are a true winner in life."

Empress Zhangsun pondered for a while, holding a black chess piece in her right hand, hesitant to make a move.

She realized that her side was already in a very passive position, and that no matter where she placed the black piece, it wouldn't be a good fit.

Empress Zhangsun said calmly, "To say that I am a winner would be an understatement."

All I can say is, let nature take its course.

"You look pretty good these days."

Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "It is a little better than before."

"Is it because you've been nourished by love?" Su Wan smiled mysteriously.

"These past few days, His Majesty has sometimes come to stay overnight at my palace."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! If that's the case, perhaps you are already pregnant with the Emperor's child."

Empress Zhangsun blushed deeply: "I don't wish to have another son; a princess would be much better."

"Why? Doesn't the prince have a brighter future?" Su Wan asked, puzzled.

Empress Zhangsun finally placed the black stone: "Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi, those three brothers, are already enough of a headache for me."

"If another prince were to arrive, wouldn't that be the death of me?"

Su Wan thought about it and agreed that Empress Zhangsun made sense.

Empress Zhangsun asked, "Has Xu Hui returned?"

"Yes, I wrote her a letter asking her to come back and take the written exam."

"I heard that you suggested this civil service exam to the Emperor."

"Yes, Your Majesty's idea is excellent."

Let me tell you this: the world has never lacked talented horses, but rather discerning judges of horses.

Therefore, as people often say, there are many talented horses, but few discerning judges of horses. This is the reason why.

Our Tang Dynasty is full of talented people, which can surpass any dynasty in history.

For example, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, a large number of talented individuals emerged, including civil officials such as Gongsun Hong, Zhu Fu Yan, Dong Zhongshu, Ji An, and Dongfang Shuo.

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

but,

What's the most regrettable thing?

There are talented people, but they cannot recognize them.

Emperor Wen of Han is said to be a wise ruler, but he did not recognize Jia Yi.

Jia Yi was a man of great talent, but he never had the opportunity to realize his ambitions.

Isn't this a loss for the imperial court, and a cause for great sorrow?

Therefore, in this respect, Emperor Wen of Han is inferior to Emperor Zhao of Han.

Despite his young age, Emperor Zhao of Han was able to quickly distinguish between truth and falsehood when someone framed Huo Guang, which was a remarkable achievement.

Take Cao Cao and Yuan Shao from the Three Kingdoms period as examples.

Did Yuan Shao lack talented subordinates?

wrong!

Yuan Shao had many talented people under his command, including civil officials such as Xu You, Guo Tu, Shen Pei, Feng Ji, Tian Feng, and Ju Shou.

Military generals included Yan Liang and Wen Chou,

If Yuan Shao had been good at using people, Cao Cao would have been no match for him at all. Take Ju Shou, for example.

No matter how many good ideas were given to him, he wouldn't adopt them. For example, when Ju Shou advised him to welcome Emperor Xian of Han to Ji Province, so as to use the emperor to command the other lords,

Yuan Shao, however, was extremely unwilling, saying that he was perfectly comfortable staying here by himself and could do whatever he wanted, so why should he invite an ancestor to worship?

When Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian of Han to Xuchang and then used the emperor to command the other warlords,

Yuan Shao then realized that Cao Cao had made a huge profit.

Cao Cao could command and mobilize him anytime, anywhere in the name of Emperor Xian of Han, and he had no choice but to obey.

Only then did Yuan Shao realize that he was in a very passive position.

"Your Majesty, your analysis is so insightful. I also think Yuan Shao's mind is too slow to process information."

"When Cao Cao and Liu Bei were fighting a major battle in Xuzhou, Xu You suggested that Yuan Shao send a surprise attack on Cao Cao's main camp."

Yuan Shao refused again, saying that his youngest son had contracted a skin disease and he had no mind to fight.

Listen to this! Is this something a general or commander-in-chief should say?

On the eve of the Battle of Guandu, Tian Feng advised Yuan Shao against launching the battle, arguing that it would lack a legitimate reason for war.

Yuan Shao ignored him and instead imprisoned Tian Feng.

In the end, after suffering a defeat, he felt he had no face to see Tian Feng, so he actually killed Tian Feng.

This shows that Yuan Shao's defeat was not because he lacked capable people or talent, but because he was not good at recognizing and utilizing talent.

Ultimately, this led to the disastrous defeat at Guandu.

Su Wan gently stroked her temples: "Empress, I never knew you were so knowledgeable about history. I have a lot to learn from you."

"Nowadays, our Great Tang Dynasty is also producing a great number of talented people."

For example,

Among the civil officials were Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, as well as your father, Li Gang, Gao Shilian, and others. Each of them was extremely learned and talented.

The military generals included Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, Yuchi Gong, Hou Junji, Li Jing, Li Ji, and Li Daliang, all of whom were skilled warriors.

However, the problem is the lack of fresh blood.

So your suggestion is excellent.

The completion of Jiucheng Palace was a day of universal celebration.

So,

Who are the participants in this exam?

"Among them are Li Tai, Li Ke, Xu Hui, Lu Zhaolin, etc."

I've heard there was another one named something like Chu Suiliang.

"Chu Suiliang?"

"Exactly."

"This name seems familiar. Where have I heard it before?"

"I heard that he is the son of Chu Liang and is quite talented in literature."

Because he had expressed some criticism of the imperial examination system while drinking in Beili Pingkangfang, the emperor was furious and summoned him to the morning court session.

He was given a task in front of the public: to write an essay within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Unexpectedly, he finished writing the article in just half an incense stick's time.

After reading it, the emperor greatly praised his writing and calligraphy.

"Oh, so this person is quite remarkable; he is quick-witted."

You should know that most people would be terrified of the emperor if they saw him in the Taiji Hall, let alone composing poems.

For a long time, civil and military officials had been silent and dared not speak when they saw the emperor.

It's truly remarkable that this person can write such a good article in such a short time.

"Yes, I also think he's amazing."

Because his article was so well-written, I had it copied down.

At this point, Su Wan took out a folding book and handed it to Empress Zhangsun: "Your Majesty, please take a look. This is the article written by Chu Suiliang."

Empress Zhangsun opened the folding book to examine it closely, saying, "It is indeed a fine article. His calligraphy is first-rate, and it is clear that he has been instructed by a famous teacher."

otherwise,

It's impossible to reach such a high level of skill.

So, what about Cheng Gan? Will he participate in this civil service examination?

"Your Majesty, I have already written to him about Wen Kao's matter."

and,

This time,

When Gao Biaoren was sent as an envoy to the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, I repeatedly instructed him to take the matter seriously.

Logically, he should be rushing back to Chang'an, but so far, there has been no news of him.

As for tomorrow morning

It's still uncertain whether he will take the exam as scheduled.

"If Chenggan can successfully participate in this exam,

And if they win the championship, they can silence the critics.

Many ministers said that Cheng Gan often hung out with Cheng Xin and Wei Lingfu, neglecting his duties and being ignorant and incompetent.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan frowned slightly and asked, "Empress, do you also think so?"

"Chenggan, Qingque, and Zhinu were all born to me, so I naturally know them well."

I know best what kind of person Chenggan is.

Recently, I read the edition of the Zizhi Tongjian compiled by their Chongwen Academy.

I believe that book is entirely comparable to the Records of the Grand Historian.

In some respects, it may be more practical than the Records of the Grand Historian. It truly serves as a guide to history and a textbook for emperors.

Therefore, in my opinion,

If Chenggan participates in this written exam, he will most likely achieve good results.