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

Hearing Empress Zhangsun's praise, Su Wan smiled and said, "Empress, the books compiled by the Crown Prince and his Chongwen Academy are selling very well in our Su Family Supermarket. Some of them have even been sold to the Western Regions."

"Yeah?

Therefore, the saying that knowledge changes destiny is exactly what this means.

"Wan'er, I didn't realize you were such a shrewd businesswoman." Empress Zhangsun was somewhat surprised.

"How could I possibly know anything about business? I'm far from good enough," Su Wan said modestly.

at this time,

Li Tai walked in from outside and knelt on the ground: "Greetings, Empress Dowager!"

Empress Zhangsun looked down at him: "Tai'er, get up!"

"Thank you, Mother!"

After Li Tai stood up, he bowed to Su Wan again.

Su Wan ignored him.

Empress Zhangsun stared intently at Li Tai: "Speak, what brings you to my place so late?"

"Oh, is that so? Tomorrow is the completion date of Jiucheng Palace, and it's also the day for the civil service examination."

This matter is of great importance. To prevent thieves or spies from other countries from causing trouble, I have organized about three hundred servants and plan to assign them to guard each gate to prevent any unforeseen events.

Empress Zhangsun frowned upon hearing this: "Why do you need to meddle in such matters?"

"Aren't there imperial guards under Chang He's command patrolling Chang'an?"

"They're working too hard, so I've organized some servants to help them out. Isn't that a better approach?"

"Shouldn't you discuss this matter with your father, the Emperor?"

What brings you to your mother's place?

"That's true, but I just looked around and didn't see Father Emperor. Time is of the essence."

Therefore, I have come to consult the Empress Dowager.

Su Wan snorted coldly: "Qingque, are you actually protecting yourself from thieves, or do you have ulterior motives?"

Li Tai had been taken advantage of by Su Wan more than once.

Every time he encountered Su Wan, he would be tormented terribly.

He never expected that Su Wan would be here tonight.

Li Tai knew that Su Wan was definitely on Li Chengqian's side.

Li Taiqian chuckled twice: "Mother, please don't misunderstand."

When Princess Gaoyang got married, Chang He was on patrol.

Chang He was also leading his imperial guards on patrol, responsible for the security of Chang'an.

Unexpectedly, many Tuyuhun spies had infiltrated Chang'an City, almost causing a disaster.

Fortunately, my elder brother and his men captured those spies. If my elder brother hadn't arrived in time,

It's hard to say what the consequences will be.

Because of past mistakes, we must be cautious.

Although this written exam was not a formal exam

However, it is also very important.

What if something goes wrong?

"You've thought about it quite a lot."

Empress Zhangsun stood up, placed her hands on her abdomen, and paced back and forth in the room, asking, "How has your relationship with Chengqian been lately?"

"Your Majesty, my relationship with my elder brother is very good."

Last time,

When he was ill, his son spent a lot of money to buy two ginseng roots and send them to him.

During the campaign in the Western Regions, my brother and I cooperated with each other.

"In the end, we recovered the Dangxiang and Tuyuhun, and defeated Yanqi..." Li Tai spoke with spittle flying everywhere, wanting to continue.

Su Wan couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted him, retorting, "Qingque, how dare you say that? The reconquest of the Dangxiang and Tuyuhun, the defeat of Yanqi, are those your achievements?"

It seems someone has already deserted before even encountering the enemy.

Besides, when you gave ginseng to the Crown Prince, did he accept it?

Upon hearing this, Li Tai blushed and said, "No, but in the early stages of the Western Regions War, without my groundwork, my brother probably wouldn't have had such a smooth journey."

"You're quite good at patting yourself on the back."

Empress Zhangsun looked at Li Tai: "Tai'er, you know perfectly well what you've done."

but,

As your mother, I want to remind you again:

Firstly, you are now a vassal king, and according to the imperial system, you should not stay in Chang'an but should return to your fiefdom.

If you keep staying in Chang'an, you'll break the rules, and other princes will follow suit. How will your father deal with that?

Secondly, you must remember: if brothers are not on good terms, outsiders will bully you.

in addition,

How do you know that the sword hanging over someone else's head won't one day hang over your own?

Therefore, never harbor thoughts of harming others.

and,

Chenggan has already told his mother that he values ​​you highly and hopes you will cherish your brotherhood.

Never listen to the words of petty people and let brothers harm each other.

Hearing this, Li Tai felt quite uncomfortable. He felt that his mother favored Li Chengqian and was always urging him to go to his fiefdom.

If I really leave Chang'an, the center of power and politics, is there still any hope of seizing the position of crown prince?

But I can't say these words out loud.

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, your worries are unnecessary."

No way, how could such a thing happen?

Your Majesty, I have the utmost respect for you. I hope you can return tomorrow to take the exam, so we can compete fairly in the examination hall.

Su Wan knew that Li Tai was full of bad intentions, and what he said and what he thought were completely different things.

but,

It was inconvenient to expose him in front of Empress Zhangsun.

Empress Zhangsun's expression softened slightly: "As long as you two brothers can get along well, everything else is a small matter. You should know that a fortress is most easily breached from within."

"Your subject will certainly respect Your Majesty and follow Your Majesty's lead without question."

Once he ascends the throne, I will do everything in my power to assist him.

May our Great Tang Dynasty prosper and all nations come to offer their congratulations!

"I hope you mean what you say," Empress Zhangsun nodded slightly. "Very well, I will make the decision on behalf of your father. You may send your servants to patrol various places."

Strengthen the defenses of Chang'an City.

"It is imperative to ensure the completion of Jiucheng Palace and that Chang'an remains peaceful during the civil service examinations."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai was secretly delighted, but outwardly remained calm: "Your subject will do his utmost to accomplish this task."

However, you'll need to give me a token; otherwise, it might be inconvenient.

"This—," Empress Zhangsun hesitated for a moment, "what do you need the token for?"

"Mother, think about it. My servants are not regular soldiers. Without a token, Chang He's imperial guards might think we are here to cause trouble."

"I borrowed the token for no other reason than to better carry out my work and maintain order in Chang'an," Li Tai explained.

Empress Zhangsun opened the drawer and took out a golden token: "This is my token. Seeing it is like seeing me."

"I'll lend it to you for a bit. You have to return it to me after your exam tomorrow."

"understood."

As Li Tai spoke, he reached out to take the token.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan quickly advised, "Your Majesty, this is probably not appropriate."

Originally, guarding the capital was the responsibility of the Imperial Guards, and had nothing to do with Li Tai.

but,

Li Tai made this request, which is inherently illegal.

"Princess Consort, what do you mean by that?"

"Do you think I would disrupt the order of Chang'an?" Li Tai retorted.

"That's hard to say," Su Wan said without mincing words.

Li Tai looked at Empress Zhangsun and said, "Mother, don't you trust your son either?"

Empress Zhangsun hesitated for a moment, but finally handed the token to Li Tai: "How about this, I'll lend it to you for one day and one night. You must return it to me by this time tomorrow night. There can be no mistakes."

If anything goes wrong, I, as your mother, will also be held responsible.

"Please rest assured, Mother, everything will be perfectly fine."

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun had already agreed, Su Wan could no longer forcefully dissuade her.

And so, Li Tai, holding Empress Zhangsun's token, left happily.

Su Wan and Empress Zhangsun played chess for a while longer and chatted idly.

then,

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun was somewhat tired, she got up to take her leave.

After leaving the Lizheng Hall, Su Wan did not return to her own residence, but went to find Xu Hui.

Chong Sheng Palace.

Xu Hui was sitting at his desk reading, and he often said, "Even last-minute sharpening can be effective."

tomorrow,

She is about to take the exam.

Although she still doesn't know what the exam questions are,

but,

She suspected that this exam was definitely related to Jiucheng Palace.

Therefore,

She took out the "Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace" and read it carefully.

Upon reading the most exquisite passages, she couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

She pondered in her mind how she should write to stand out among the many candidates and make a name for herself.

As she was pondering these questions, Su Wan walked in from outside.

Su Wan walked straight to the table and poured herself a bowl of tea.

She picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing that Wan'er looked unwell, Xu Hui asked, "Wan'er, what's wrong?"

Su Wan then recounted what had happened at the Lizheng Hall.

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui sensed something was wrong and asked, "What did you say? Li Tai sent men to seal off the city gates. So, is he guarding against thieves or the Crown Prince?"

Su Wan also said, "That's right, Li Tai is definitely not a good person. I can tell what kind of shit he's going to take just by looking at him."

"Is there any news about the Crown Prince?"

Not yet.

"Where do you think the Crown Prince is?"

Su Wan rested her chin on her hand: "I have a feeling that the Crown Prince is not far from us."

For various reasons, he is currently unable to make a public appearance.

"Will the Crown Prince be alright?"

"Probably not."

"If Li Tai seals the city gates, the Crown Prince will not be able to enter even if he wants to. What should we do then?"

If the Crown Prince only enters the city after the civil service examination, wouldn't it be too late?

"That's right. Moreover, not only will the Crown Prince miss the exam, but his life may also be in danger."

Xu Hui's expression changed, and she asked in surprise, "What do you mean by that?"

Would Li Tai really dare to poison the Crown Prince?

There is nothing in this world that Li Tai wouldn't dare to do.

The most fatal flaw was that the Crown Prince still harbored illusions about Li Tai and couldn't bring himself to harm him.

but,

"Li Tai is pressing me harder and harder." Su Wan looked worried.

Just then, Su Gui arrived and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Consort Xu."

"No need for formalities!" Xu Hui lightly raised her right arm.

Su Gui is a completely different person now. He commands 2000 Imperial Guards and is considered a mid-level general in the Imperial Guards.

Su Gui, covered in sweat, said, "I noticed something unusual during my patrol just now."

Su Wan handed him a handkerchief: "What did you find?"

Su Gui took the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her forehead: "We discovered that Li Tai's servants are stationed at all four city gates—east, west, south, and north."

Moreover, those people were dressed as servants, but they didn't look like servants.

"What's different about it?"

Firstly, they were all unfamiliar faces;

Secondly, each of them had bulging temples.

Healthy body

He's clearly a trained fighter.

"You mean to say that those so-called servants are all highly trained assassins?"

"That's exactly right."

Su Wan rested her chin on her hand: "What does Li Tai want to do by deploying so many assassins at the city gates?"

Is he really trying to protect himself from thieves?

"Sis, it's obvious."

His true intention wasn't to guard against thieves, but rather to ambush the Crown Prince on his way back for the exams.

and,

I have received the latest information: Li Tai has dispatched two groups of assassins to assassinate the Crown Prince.

The first was Ashina Jieshe, a member of the Turkic royal family. He possessed unparalleled lightness skills and was adept at using bamboo sticks as concealed weapons.

Another was the infamous assassin Zhang Shizheng. That old fellow was incredibly skilled; not only could he play the guzheng, but he could also throw knives. His signature move, "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers," was virtually impossible for anyone to dodge.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan's heart pounded, and she immediately grabbed Su Gui's arm: "Has the Crown Prince already been poisoned?"

"That shouldn't be the case. We also have our own people in Jiangyangzhou."

Last night, at the Jiangdu Inn, the Crown Prince got into a fight with an old man.

Based on the description, I determined that the old man was the assassin Zhang Shizheng.

but,

The crown prince is not in any danger.

"Thank goodness, it's good that the Crown Prince is safe and sound." Su Wan felt relieved after hearing him say that.

"The problem now is that Li Tai holds Empress Zhangsun's token; who dares to stop him?"

"So, it seems very difficult for the Crown Prince to return to Chang'an and participate in the civil service examination?"

"Yes." Su Gui nodded.

"Do you have a way to ensure the Crown Prince's safety?"

"All I can say is that I'll do my best. I still need to find Chengxin and Weilingfu."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan's eyes lit up: "That's a good idea! Do you know where they are?"

"I'll go look for them; maybe I can find them. Even if I do, be very careful. Have them disguise themselves so that Li Tai and the others don't discover that they are Chengxin and Wei Lingfu from the Lijing Sect."

If the Emperor finds out that you've been associating with Chengxin and Wei Lingfu, this will be a real problem.

"Sister, I understand."

Xu Hui frowned slightly and asked, "If the Crown Prince were to return, which gate do you think he would enter the city through?"

"Xuanwu Gate!"

Su Wan and Su Gui, the siblings, said in unison.

"Why do you all think he'll come back from Xuanwu Gate?"

"For no reason other than intuition," Su Wan said.

"What other experts do you think Li Tai's team might have?"

Ordinary people would never provoke the Crown Prince.

Su Gui shook her head: "So far, no special people have been found."

"Li Tai is rich and powerful, he has plenty of money."

Money makes the world go round.

Now that he has already deployed assassins, what kind of masters in our Great Tang Dynasty haven't yet shown themselves?

Su Gui thought for a moment and said, "In our Great Tang Dynasty, there are three great assassins: Zhang Shizheng, Ashina Jieshe, and Hegan Chengji."

Among them, Zhang Shizheng and Ashina Jieshe have already made their appearances.

Another official, Hegan Chengji, did not appear.

"So,

Will Hegan Chengji also serve Li Tai?

Xu Hui's words reminded Su Wan and Su Gui.

Su Wan asked Su Gui, "Do you know He Gan Chengji?"

"I don't know him; his skills are far too advanced."

It is said that everyone who saw him died.

"Oh, is that guy really that good?"

Su Wan's mood turned melancholy. "He Gan Chengji is so skilled. If he serves Li Tai, wouldn't the Crown Prince be in danger?"

Su Gui said, "Sister, there's no time to lose. I'll go find Chengxin and Wei Lingfu to meet the Crown Prince."

Su Wan nodded in agreement: "Then be careful."

"Okay. I understand."

Su Gui agreed, turned around, and walked out.