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

"Many of the ministers in the court have chosen sides."

For example,

"The Grand Commandant Zhou Yafu and the General Dou Ying both supported Liu Rong to become the crown prince," Su Dan said.

"Why?" Su Wan asked.

"Because Liu Rong was the eldest son, and he hadn't committed any major mistakes."

Zhou Yafu and Dou Ying once joined forces to quell the Rebellion of the Seven States, and their achievements were unparalleled.

Without them, it's hard to say whether the Han Dynasty would have even existed.

Logically speaking, with two people like these protecting the crown prince, Liu Rong should have been able to save his life, right?

It still didn't work.

Emperor Jing of Han was a man of few words, but also very harsh.

Once he makes a decision, no one can stop him.

Ultimately, Emperor Jing of Han deposed his eldest son, Liu Rong, and made Liu Che the crown prince.

Simultaneously,

In order to remove obstacles for Liu Che, he first...

Grand Commandant Zhou Yafu was executed.

This is the consequence of ministers taking sides; they could lose their lives and fortunes.

Neither of the two most important ministers of the court, Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji, supported Li Chengqian.

It was an open secret that Fang Xuanling supported Li Tai.

Although he himself did not directly join Li Tai's camp.

but,

He allowed his eldest son, Fang Yi'ai, to befriend Li Tai.

Furthermore, he did not publicly oppose the support of his students Cen Wenzi and Liu Ji for Li Tai.

What difference is there between this and him directly joining Li Tai's shogunate?

do you remember?

Prior to this, when the Emperor appointed Fang Xuanling to the Eastern Palace to instruct the Crown Prince...

Fang Xuanling declined.

Last time, the Crown Prince led his army back from Yanqi and lifted the siege of Chang'an. Logically, he should be richly rewarded.

Fang Xuanling, however, impeached the Crown Prince in public, demanding that His Majesty execute him. His reason was that the Crown Prince had privately recruited soldiers on the border of Gaochang, and Ashina She'er had led troops to be stationed there, intending to rebel.

What else could this be but creating something out of nothing?

If Li Chenggan really intended to rebel, why would he have returned to rescue Chang'an?

Wouldn't it be better to let the allied forces of Li Yuanli and Zhang Zhongjian kill Li Shimin?

If that were the case, Li Chengqian could declare himself emperor.

"Father, why is this happening?"

The Crown Prince did not offend Fang Xuanling.

Why must Fang Xuanling be so ruthless as to exterminate them all?

Su Dan sighed: "This isn't about who offended whom, it's about being driven by self-interest."

Fang Xuanling understood a simple truth: if the crown prince inherited the throne, he would not have a good outcome.

To use a somewhat inappropriate analogy, Fang Xuanling was a bit like Wen Zhong, and also a bit like Huo Guang.

He couldn't reach the level of Zhang Liang. After helping Liu Bang seize the world, Zhang Liang retired and no longer concerned himself with court affairs.

Fang Xuanling wasn't like that; he had a strong desire for power.

He was considering the interests of his entire Fang family.

He hoped that the entire Fang family could forever occupy the position of Grand Secretary.

Obviously,

If Li Chenggan were to inherit the throne in the future, it would be unlikely that Fang Xuanling would be able to retain his position as Grand Secretary.

Putting aside other matters, Changsun Wuji was Li Chengqian's maternal uncle, and his contributions surpassed those of Fang Xuanling; it was not Fang Xuanling's turn to be credited.

Su Wan opened her eyes wide and asked, "Didn't they say that Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling had a tacit understanding and were inseparable?"

Su Dan shook his head: "Haven't you heard people say that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests?"

During the years when the emperor seized power, Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji cooperated well and had a good relationship.

Their relationship reached its peak during the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Because at that time, they shared the same fate and went through life and death together.

If the Xuanwu Gate Incident had failed, they would have been killed without a proper burial.

After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin became emperor, and the situation changed.

A very real problem faced them both: who should be the Grand Secretary?

"Didn't Changsun Wuji resign from his position as prime minister?"

"Isn't what he's doing almost the same as what Zhang Liang did?" Su Wan asked rhetorically.

Su Dan picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "It's different. Zhang Liang's resignation was a genuine one."

Changsun Wuji resigned from his official post under pressure from Empress Changsun.

Because Empress Zhangsun was well-educated, she knew that historically, relatives of the emperor who held powerful positions often met with bad ends.

To ensure the safety of the eldest grandson family,

Therefore,

Empress Zhangsun strongly advised Zhangsun Wuji to resign from his position as prime minister.

Under these circumstances, Changsun Wuji was forced to resign from his position as prime minister.

It's not that he really wants to give up power.

There can only be one Grand Secretary, and Fang Xuanling is currently serving as Grand Secretary. It's hard to say who will be Grand Secretary in the future.

Regardless of the circumstances, Changsun Wuji is Li Chengqian's maternal uncle, and that cannot be changed.

"Father, isn't Changsun Wuji also Li Tai's uncle?"

In the future, whether Li Chengqian or Li Tai becomes emperor, what difference will it make to Changsun Wuji?

"That's different."

Because Li Tai was not originally the crown prince.

If Li Tai is able to become the crown prince and emperor in the future, it will all be thanks to Fang Xuanling.

Fang Xuanling was essentially a founding father of the nation.

"How could Li Tai not give him an important position?"

Su Wan thought her father's analysis made sense and asked, "Why didn't Li Shimin give more important positions to his own uncle?"

"The reason why Li Shimin did not give important positions to his uncle was because he knew that his uncle was incompetent."

In the court, besides Fang Xuanling and his son Fang Yi'ai supporting Li Tai, there were also Du Chuke, Chai Lingwu, Cen Wenzi, Liu Ji, and Wei Ting, among others. They were mostly from the Guanlong Group and the Guandong gentry, sons of meritorious officials, and were very powerful.

Therefore, this written examination is of paramount importance to the Crown Prince.

After hearing her father's words, Su Wan was filled with emotion.

At last,

Su Wan said to her father, "Dad, you should go to sleep early. I have to go out for a while."

"Where are you going so late?"

"I'm going to Xuanwu Gate."

"What are you going there for?"

"You don't need to worry about that, old man."

It was around four in the morning.

The weather has changed again; the sky is covered with dark clouds, and it looks like it's going to snow again.

Xuanwu Gate was completely silent.

Most of the soldiers guarding the city on the city wall were asleep.

The general in charge of guarding the city here tonight is Gongsun Wuda.

Gongsun Wuda was no ordinary man; he was originally a valiant and skilled warrior in the Sui army, known for his bravery and prowess in battle.

When Li Yuan raised his army, he went to Changchun Palace to pay his respects and joined Li Yuan's forces. From then on, he became one of Li Shimin's trusted followers.

He followed Li Shimin in his campaigns across the land, accumulating numerous military achievements.

Furthermore, he was one of the ten core members of the Xuanwu Gate Incident and enjoyed Li Shimin's deep trust.

Just then, Fang Yi'ai arrived, accompanied by dozens of servants.

Each servant carried a bulging package on his back, the contents of which were unknown.

Fang Yi'ai walked straight up to Gongsun Wuda and said, "I have been ordered by the Empress to guard this place and to transfer you to the Vermilion Bird Gate to carry out new missions."

Gongsun Wuda was taken aback: "What did you say? I didn't receive any orders from General Chang."

"What, you don't even believe what I say anymore?"

As Fang Yi'ai spoke, he pulled Empress Zhangsun's token from his bosom. "Open your eyes and look carefully. What is this?"

Gongsun Wuda took a torch, and upon closer inspection, saw that it was Empress Zhangsun's token. He was so frightened that he knelt down with a thud: "Greetings, Empress!"

His soldiers, seeing him kneel down, didn't understand what was going on, and they all knelt down as well.

Fang Yi'ai raised the token high with his right hand and said in a loud voice, "Brothers, I will say it again: I am here to guard Xuanwu Gate by order of the Empress. You must go to Zhuque Gate immediately."

Someone will meet you there and tell you what to do.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Wuda thought that since Fang Yi'ai possessed the Empress's token, then the matter must be true. If he wanted to guard this place, then let him stay here.

We've ended up living a carefree life.

After all, no one's life comes from a sudden storm, and disobeying an imperial decree is no laughing matter.

Therefore, Gongsun Wuda led his imperial guards to the south gate.

Fang Yi'ai then smoothly took over Xuanwu Gate.

He immediately ordered all his assassins to wear the uniforms of the Imperial Guard, making them look no different from ordinary Imperial Guard soldiers.

Fang Yi'ai climbed to the top of Xuanwu Gate and looked down. The area below was empty; there wasn't a soul in sight.

Fang Yiai thought to himself, "This is the place where Li Shimin launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident back then. You can imagine how thrilling that incident must have been."

After a while,

Fang Yi'ai seemed to hear the sound of horses' hooves, which grew closer as they approached.

He rubbed his eyes.

Three horses arrived, and three people sat on their backs.

The three were: Li Chenggan, Songtsen Gampo, and Yaoshi Huiri.

It turned out that Li Chengan had sent Qin Ying back to Chang'an to gather information.

Li Chengan had already received Qin Ying's message by carrier pigeon.

After Qin Ying rushed back to Chang'an and investigated, he found nothing unusual.

then,

He wrote to Li Chenggan and said

Chang'an is safe and sound; you can return now.

After receiving Qin Ying's letter, Li Chengan decided to return to Chang'an.

At that time, Songtsen Gampo said, "Your Highness, we should be careful. Qin Ying is impulsive and rash. Just because he says everything is fine doesn't mean everything is really fine."

Li Chengan pondered for a moment and said, "Whether there's something to discuss or not, I have to go back."

The pharmacist, Hui Ri, also advised, "Your Highness, I think this matter is a bit risky. Zhang Shizheng explained it clearly..."

Li Tai laid a trap in Chang'an.

Going back would be tantamount to suicide for you; there's no need for us to make unnecessary sacrifices.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan shook his head again: "The completion of Jiucheng Palace and the civil service examination are both very important matters, and I must participate."

Furthermore, I also want to see just how capable Li Tai really is. Even if Chang'an City has become a den of dragons and tigers, I will still venture in.

Songtsen Gampo and the medicine master Huri knew that Li Chengqian was also very stubborn, and once he made a decision, it was difficult to change it.

then,

The three men hurried to Chang'an on horseback.

After a day and a night of long-distance travel, Li Chenggan, Songtsen Gampo, and Bhaisajyaguru arrived in Chang'an.

Songtsen Gampo then asked Li Chenggan, "Which gate should we enter the city from?"

Without hesitation, Li Chenggan replied, "Let's enter the city through Xuanwu Gate."

"Why go through Xuanwu Gate?"

"Since the Wa people are in the east, if Li Tai were to deploy defenses, he would most likely do so at the east gate."

"Your Highness, that's not necessarily true. Why don't we enter the city through the west gate?"

Yakushi Eri, however, said: "I have a different opinion. Xuanwu Gate is where the Emperor launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident."

That time, the emperor executed Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Prince Qi, Li Yuanji. This place was considered unlucky.

Why don't we go through the south gate?

Furthermore, I think it's unlikely that Li Tai has deployed defenses at the Vermilion Bird Gate.

"Why is that?" Li Chenggan asked, crossing his arms.

The reason is very simple.

Since Li Tai's nickname is Qingque (青雀), it means that the Zhuque Gate clashes with his name.

The Vermilion Bird Gate is also known as the Sparrow Slayer Gate.

It is the most unlucky.

Therefore, it was impossible for him to deploy defenses at the Vermilion Bird Gate.

Songtsen Gampo agreed, saying, "Yes, Your Highness, let's enter the city through the Vermilion Bird Gate."

To everyone's surprise, Li Chengan said, "No, you two can enter the city through the Vermilion Bird Gate, and I will enter through the Black Tortoise Gate."

Songtsen Gampo and the Medicine Master Hurih thought to themselves, "How can that be allowed?"

Seeing that Li Chenggan was determined, the two of them had no choice but to say, "Since Your Highness has made a decision, we will risk our lives to accompany you and enter the city through Xuanwu Gate."

And so, the three of them rode their horses to the outside of Xuanwu Gate. About three hundred paces away from Xuanwu Gate, Li Chenggan reined in his horse.

At this moment, the sky was still pitch black, a fierce northwest wind was blowing, and heavy snow was falling.

Li Chengan looked up at the city gate tower and saw some imperial guards guarding the city, but he couldn't see their faces clearly.

Songtsen Gampo shouted towards the city gate, "Brothers guarding the city, listen up! His Highness the Crown Prince has returned! Quickly open the city gate and let us in!"

Fang Yi'ai ordered his men to light torches and looked down. Who else could it be but Li Chenggan?

Songtsen Gampo stood on horseback to Li Chengqian's left, while Bhaisajyaguru Huiri stood to Li Chengqian's right.

The three of them were covered in dust from their journey, their heads and shoulders piled high with snow, which was beginning to turn white.

Fang Yi'ai recognized them all and quickly bowed, saying, "Your Highness, you're back."

"Yes, I just returned from the Japanese kingdom. What are you doing here?"

"Uh, well—," Fang Yi'ai choked up, because logically speaking, he didn't need to be guarding the city gate here. His mind raced for a while before he replied, "Your Highness, it's like this..."

General Gongsun Wuda, who was guarding the city gate here, fell ill.

He asked me to cover his shift temporarily.

"I see. You've worked hard. Quickly open the city gates and let me in."

"Your Highness, I'm sorry, we cannot let you in right now."

Li Chengan couldn't help but feel annoyed, but he suppressed his anger and patiently asked, "Oh, why is that?"

Fang Yi'ai looked up at the sky, which was pitch black with no moon. He said, "Your Highness, I'm so sorry, it's too dark, I can't see anything clearly."

Let's talk about it when it gets light.

Recently, thieves have been frequently seen both inside and outside Chang'an City.

If anything goes wrong, I'll be in deep trouble.

Upon hearing this, Songtsen Gampo angrily retorted, "Fang Yi'ai, have you lost your mind?"

They dare to disobey even His Highness's orders? What kind of thief is this?

I can tell you're deliberately making things difficult for us.

Fang Yi'ai's face darkened: "Songtsen Gampo, you are Princess Wencheng's husband, and I am Princess Gaoyang's husband. We are both husbands-in-law, so we are evenly matched."

What right do you have to scold me?

Don't think you're so great just because you're the king of Tibet. I don't buy into that.

Tomorrow is the day of the completion of Jiucheng Palace and the civil service examination. If thieves or spies sneak in and cause trouble in Chang'an, who can bear the consequences?

The city gates are tightly shut, the drawbridge is raised, and not a single person is allowed to enter!

Li Chengan was at a loss for what to do.

Unexpectedly, after only a few days, Fang Yi'ai has become quite capable, extremely arrogant, and doesn't even recognize his own family.

Who exactly gave him such confidence?