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

Su Dan asked with a worried expression, "If we give Li Chengqian's poem a low score, will it affect his future?"

"No, I have already discussed this with the Crown Prince, and he supports doing so."

"The Crown Prince said that we should give opportunities to more talented newcomers," Su Wan said.

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

However, Chu Suiliang was arrested by the Dali Temple, which made things a bit difficult.

"What? Is that true?" Su Wan asked in surprise.

Su Dan then recounted the whole story of how Chu Suiliang and Fang Yi'ai had fallen out.

Su Wan's almond-shaped eyes widened, her eyebrows furrowed: "Fang Yi'ai is truly despicable! Chu Suiliang is a great sage of our Tang Dynasty, how dare he treat him like this? Isn't he blocking the path to virtue?"

Su Dan shook his head and sighed repeatedly: "You're right, that's exactly how it is."

Having seen countless people in my life, I'm generally not wrong in my judgment.

If things go as your father predicts, Chu Suiliang will soon become a pillar of the court.

"Since that's the case, why don't you go find Dai Zhou, pull some strings, and get Chu Suiliang released?"

"It's just a drink, what's the big deal?"

Su Dan shook his head: "Speaking of which, it was just a drinking session, nothing serious."

but,

Fang Yi'ai took it too seriously, interpreting Chu Suiliang's behavior as a great disrespect to the emperor, which changed the whole meaning.

This matter is probably not that simple.

In other words, whoever can rescue Chu Suiliang now will become close to him in the future.

Chu Suiliang was a virtuous and upright man.

She must be a grateful person.

"Then you should go and get it done."

Su Dan shook his head: "Do you know why your father has gained the Emperor and Empress's trust?"

"Why?"

"Because I have always been careful with my words and actions, I haven't given anyone any major leverage against me."

and,

Even as a father, my qualifications can't compare to Wei Zheng's.

It would be best if Chu Suiliang knew that the Crown Prince had helped him in this matter.

He will certainly remain loyal to the Crown Prince.

Su Wan felt that her father had a point.

"I'm asking you, did you have Xue'er put laxatives in Li Tai's tea?"

So that's why Li Tai kept going to the toilet?

Upon hearing this, Su Wan chuckled and said, "How can you blame me for this? You can only blame Li Tai for his wicked intentions and for having impure thoughts about Miss Xue'er."

Su Dan frowned: "You silly girl, how could you do something like this?"

Li Tai wasn't stupid; he naturally suspected that Xue'er had put the drug in the tea.

And Xue'er is your maid, so doesn't that implicate her in your relationship?

Su Wan snorted, "What does it matter?"

This isn't the first time I've messed with him, so what can he do to me?

It was the second watch of the night.

Zichen Palace.

A charcoal fire was burning in the room, making it warm and cozy.

By this time, Li Shimin had sobered up.

He sat at his desk, reading the essays written by the candidates, while Wei Zheng stood by his side with his hands at his sides.

When he read the poem written by Chu Suiliang, he couldn't help but praise it highly:

"I never imagined that our Great Tang Dynasty had a talent like Chu Suiliang!"

Wei Zheng nodded: "Chu Suiliang's article is indeed well written, with lofty ideas."

Unlike Sima Xiangru's work, this rhapsody did not sing praises or flatter Emperor Wu of Han in an attempt to curry favor.

This shows that Chu Suiliang had great integrity.

If this person becomes an official, he will surely be an incorruptible one.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "Where is Chu Suiliang?"

"Your Majesty, he has already been taken to the Dali Temple prison."

"What? What crime did he commit, and why is he being imprisoned in the Dali Temple?" Li Shimin was very surprised.

Wei Zheng then recounted what happened later at Jiucheng Palace.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was extremely dissatisfied with Fang Yi'ai's actions: "That boy is getting bolder and bolder."

It seems that last time,

I didn't hit him hard enough.

"They've really forgotten the pain once the wound has healed and are acting recklessly again."

at this time,

Changsun Wuji walked in from outside and knelt on the ground: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

When Li Shimin saw him arrive, he quickly stood up, emerged from behind his desk, and reached out to help him up: "Fuji, what brings you to see me?"

Changsun Wuji took a breath and said, "Your Majesty, Chu Suiliang is a great sage of the court and has done nothing wrong, yet he has been imprisoned."

This contradicts Your Majesty's consistent approach of seeking out talented individuals, and I find it highly inappropriate.

This is no small matter; imprisoning one person has chilled the hearts of scholars and nobles throughout the land. We implore Your Majesty to release him.

"You found out about this too?"

"Yes, I was there at the time and saw it very clearly."

Well, to put it simply, Chu Suiliang had a bad temper and offended Fang Yi'ai.

It was just a couple more drinks.

There were no past grievances, and no present enmity; this is nothing serious, nor is it a great disrespect.

Wei Zheng observed this and thought to himself that Changsun Wuji was currently retired at home with nothing to do, mainly compiling the "Zhenguan Code" with Fang Xuanling.

Generally speaking, he rarely shows his face in public. Why is he suddenly concerned about Chu Suiliang's affairs today?

Upon hearing Changsun Wuji's suggestion, Li Shimin immediately agreed, wrote a handwritten edict, and handed it to Changsun Wuji: "Take my edict to the prison of the Dali Temple and bring him here."

"I wish to question you in person."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Changsun Wuji accepted Li Shimin's edict with both hands, turned and left the Zichen Palace, got into a sedan chair and disappeared into the night.

After dealing with the matter, Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief: "I almost made a big mistake."

When it comes to employing people, I admire Duke Xiao of Qin's magnanimity.

then,

The Qin state was impoverished and weak, and everything needed to be rebuilt.

Since Duke Xiao of Qin ascended the throne, he has been very worried.

then,

He issued a decree seeking talented individuals, saying that he would share land with whoever could make Qin rich and powerful.

This is not something an ordinary monarch could do.

Wei Zheng stroked his beard and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Duke Xiao of Qin was indeed a wise ruler. It was because of his decree seeking talented people that Shang Yang came from Wei with joy."

Duke Xiao of Qin spoke with Shang Yang several times and determined that Shang Yang was a talented person.

Ultimately, Shang Yang was appointed to implement reforms, which gradually made the Qin state stronger.

Ultimately, if Duke Xiao of Qin hadn't issued that decree seeking talented individuals, he wouldn't have been able to acquire Shang Yang.

Without Shang Yang, there would have been no Shang Yang reforms, and the Qin state would most likely have been annexed by another state.

"You're right. Judging from Chu Suiliang's article, his talent is probably no less than Shang Yang's."

Since Duke Xiao of Qin was willing to share land with others, why should I be reluctant to part with it?

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Li Shimin sat down again in front of the desk and continued to read through the essays written by the candidates.

When he finished reading Li Chenggan's "Ode to Jiucheng Palace", his expression softened slightly.

He looked up at Wei Zheng: "What do you think of Cheng Gan's poem?"

"Your Majesty, it is not that I am praising the Crown Prince, but his poem is comparable to the 'Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace'."

Li Shimin nodded slightly and asked, "So, where do you think Chengqian's poem ranks among these candidates?"

"Although this poem did not receive the same overall score as Chu Suiliang's..."

However, this humble servant believes that the Crown Prince's poem should be ranked first.

What do you think is good about this poem?

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's poem..."

Not only is the writing beautiful and the ideas lofty,

Moreover, it is practical and feasible.

The Crown Prince was deeply concerned about the people of the world.

He began by discussing the completion of Jiucheng Palace, then wrote about how to reduce taxes and allow the people to recuperate and thrive.

Our Tang army's annual expenditures are exceptionally high, accounting for a large proportion of the national treasury's revenue.

At the same time, in border areas, such as the western border regions, there are many uncultivated fields.

The Crown Prince pointed out that the Tang army could implement reforms, simultaneously reclaiming wasteland, establishing military settlements, and training troops.

In times of peace, they serve the people; in times of war, they serve the soldiers. In this way, the country can save millions of taels of silver every year.

This is a rare gem.

For Li Shimin, the Tang Dynasty had just been established, and everything needed to be rebuilt.

What he lacks most right now is money.

He was interested in anything that could create wealth for the Tang Dynasty and save expenses.

At this moment, Li Shimin's eyes lit up, and he asked, "But why is the rating so low?"

"Your Majesty, we have several examiners jointly reviewing the papers and using a scoring system, not for any other reason than that Su Dan gave Li Chenggan a score that was a bit too low."

Li Shimin was also quite surprised to hear this.

Logically speaking, Su Dan was Li Chengqian's father-in-law, so he should naturally favor Li Chengqian.

The score should have been higher, which would have been reasonable, but Su Dan did the opposite.

Li Shimin blinked, thought for a moment, and said, "So, Su Dan is truly an impartial person. This shows that Su Dan considers matters quite comprehensively."

If we rank Li Chengqian's poem as the first,

Would the scholars and intellectuals of the world be convinced of this?

They would certainly think the examiners were biased towards the crown prince.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right."

Back then, Emperor Yang of Sui was extremely arrogant and once said that if he had taken the imperial examination, he would have been the top scholar.

In truth, Emperor Yang of Sui was not entirely without merit in Li Shimin's eyes.

Historically, emperors who were both skilled in literature and military affairs were rare. For example, Liu Bang was originally a village head and a street ruffian.

He unexpectedly transformed into the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty.

However, Liu Bang was very vulgar, often swearing, and disliked reading. When Sima Qian wrote the Records of the Grand Historian, he criticized many of Liu Bang's words and deeds.

For example, Emperor Chen Houzhu became famous for his poem "Yushu Hou Ting Hua," but not for his positive, enduring fame.

However, despite his talent, he was not good at governing the country or leading the army, which is why the Southern Chen Dynasty was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.

Emperor Yang of Sui, however, was an emperor skilled in both literature and military affairs.

Emperor Yang of Sui pacified the Southern Chen dynasty, attacked the Khitan, and conquered the Turks and Tuyuhun, demonstrating his remarkable military prowess.

Emperor Yang of Sui once laughed at Emperor Wu of Han, saying that although he commanded Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and others to conquer the Xiongnu, he himself had never crossed the Yellow River.

Emperor Yang of Sui personally toured Zhangye to establish his authority in the Western Regions.

Emperor Yang of Sui was also a poet. Li Shimin greatly admired many of his poems and could even recite them, especially his poem "Drinking Horse at the Great Wall Cave".

It's not something an ordinary person could write; it's broad-minded and magnificent.

Yang Su also wrote frontier poems, but he was far inferior to Emperor Yang of Sui; in Li Shimin's view, Emperor Yang of Sui was far superior to Emperor Chen Houzhu.

Li Shimin also read the poems written by Xu Hui, Li Tai, and Lu Zhaolin.

He felt that Li Tai's writings were mostly eulogies and flattering words, lacking any real meaning.

The poems written by Xu Hui and Lu Zhaolin each have their own merits.

Li Shimin thought to himself, no wonder Su Wan had once stood up for Lu Zhaolin, saying that Lu Zhaolin's ambitions and talents had not been realized.

It seems that

Su Wan's words were true; Lu Zhaolin was indeed a rising star, representing a large segment of the literati and scholars of the Tang Dynasty.

There isn't much of a background to speak of.

Li Shimin never considered whether a person had a good background or origin when appointing people; instead, he looked at their talent and virtue.

Li Shimin looked at Wei Zheng and asked, "Have there ever been any imperial concubines in history who served as female officials?"

Wei Zheng pondered for a moment, then said, "There is one."

"who is he?"

That was Ban Zhao.

"Ban Zhao? Wasn't she a historian from the Eastern Han Dynasty?"

Yes, she did continue writing the Book of Han.

Although there are no clear records of her status as a concubine,

However, she once served as a female tutor in the palace, teaching the imperial concubines etiquette and classics.

What does Your Majesty mean?

Li Shimin sighed: "For a long time, many people have thought that I am a lecher. Why do I often go to Xu Hui's Chongsheng Palace?"

This poem is the best answer.

If each of them could write such excellent articles, why wouldn't I go?

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng thought to himself that Li Shimin had far more concubines in his harem than Emperor Wen of Sui, yet he claimed that he was not lustful.

However, Wei Zheng couldn't say this to Li Shimin face to face.

"Does His Majesty intend to appoint Consort Xu to an official position, to have her do some work in the palace?"

"Yes, in my opinion, many officials are not as capable as Xu Hui."

"Isn't she managing the Bureau of Imperial Clothing now?" Wei Zheng asked.

"Yes, as the saying goes, the capable are often burdened with more work. She is managing the Imperial Clothing Bureau, but wouldn't it be better if she could share some of the burden with me?"

Wei Zheng looked worried: "Since ancient times, women's involvement in politics has been a major taboo in the court."

Li Shimin disagreed: "Rules are made by people; rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

That's all. Just don't let her participate in important court decisions.

Historically, the notion that beautiful women bring ruin—blaming Bao Si for the downfall of King You of Zhou, blaming Su Daji for King Zhou of Shang's overthrow by King Wu of Zhou, and blaming Xi Shi for King Fuchai of Wu's destruction of his kingdom—is, in my opinion, utter nonsense.

It was just those fallen monarchs making excuses for themselves.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Wei Zheng also agreed with Li Shimin's viewpoint. Why should men blame women when they fail?

"I think Xu Hui is suitable to work at Chongwen Academy."

Currently, Chongwen Hall boasts the richest collection of books in our Great Tang Dynasty, containing various classic texts, some of which require verification.

When the crown prince had nothing to do, he would compile many books, which required people to copy and organize them.

"Your idea is not bad. I'll discuss it with Xu Hui later and see if she's willing to go."

If she's willing to go, let her go to Chongwen Academy to gain experience.

at this time,

A fat man walked in from outside, knelt on the ground, and called out, "Father!"

Li Shimin looked down at him and realized it was none other than Li Tai.

Li Shimin frowned and asked, "Tai'er, what's wrong with you?"

"Please, Father, do justice for me!" Li Tai cried, tears streaming down his face.

Li Shimin was annoyed: "You're not a child anymore, crying and wailing like this, what kind of behavior is this? Get up and speak!"

"promise!"

Li Tai then got up from the ground, choking back tears, and said, "Su Wan is so wicked. She ordered her maid to serve tea to me at Jiucheng Palace."

However, they added a laxative to the tea, and I almost died from diarrhea.

"I feel weak all over, my legs are sore and I'm dizzy."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, absolutely true. How could I dare to deceive Father?"

"Did you see the imperial physician?"

"I saw it, but..."

The imperial physician said this medicine was very special, unlike regular laxatives, and that after taking it, one would experience diarrhea for at least half a month.

If that were the case, I fear I would not survive and would be unable to fulfill my filial duties before my father and mother.

Li Tai started crying again as he said this.

Li Shimin also harbored resentment towards Su Wan, thinking to himself, "You're so mischievous."

Yesterday was the day Jiucheng Palace was completed and the day of the civil service examination. How could they play such a joke on Li Tai?

"I understand. I'll ask Su Wan about it when I see her. If it's really as you say..."

I severely criticized her.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai thought to himself, "Did I suffer for nothing? How could it be so easy?"

I almost died, and you think you can just say a few words to her and that's it?

Thinking of this, Li Tai mustered his courage and said, "Father, how can that be? Su Wan has gone too far. Simply criticizing her would be too lenient on her."

Because of my poor health, I was unable to perform at my normal level during the exam.

That's why I failed this time.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's face darkened, and he said, "What you're saying is a bit far-fetched."

How can you blame Su Wan for the exam problems?

"Wasn't the exam already delayed by an hour?"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai thought to himself that his father was biased towards him.

"Father, I request a retake. This exam is invalid. I will take the exam again once I have recovered."

"Nonsense! You only had one chance, and I've already given you one. You didn't seize it. The exam is over, how can you take it again?" Li Shimin paused here.

"I heard there was a lot of commotion at Xuanwu Gate last night, with someone attempting to assassinate Li Chengqian. Did you order someone to do this?"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai was so frightened that he knelt on the ground with a thud: "Father Emperor is wise!"

However, this matter,

Your son knew absolutely nothing about it.

"You really don't know?"

"Your subject truly does not know."

Li Shimin looked intently at Li Tai: "Alright, I'll pretend you don't know, and I'll pretend what you said is true."

It's best if you don't know.

However, remember this: you must never harbor any intention to harm the Crown Prince.

You brothers must get along well.

"Please rest assured, Father, my relationship with my elder brother is very good."

Last time,

When he was ill, I spent a lot of money to buy him two ginseng roots…

Li Tai wanted to continue speaking.

Li Shimin waved his hand to interrupt him: "Alright, alright, I've heard you mention that matter many times already."

Didn't Li Chengan not take your ginseng?

"Yes, Your Majesty did not accept it, but I have already spent the money."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin asked, "What do you mean? Do you want me to pay for this money for you?"

"How could I have meant that? What I meant was that the relationship between me and my elder brother is extraordinary, not as bad as the rumors suggest," Li Tai quickly explained.

"Qingque, you, Chengan, and Zhinu are brothers from the same mother. You three are the closest brothers in the world."

Why did the Qin Dynasty only last two generations?

"This...this problem is a bit complicated." Li Tai didn't know where to begin.

"I'll tell you, the reason is very simple: Hu Hai was afraid that his brothers would take his throne."

Therefore, they slaughtered all of Fusu and his brothers.

When the world falls into chaos, no one will come to the king's aid.

If Hu Hai had handled his relationships with his brothers as well as Liu Zhuang had, how could the Qin Dynasty have perished?

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I will certainly keep it in mind."

at this time,

Fang Xuanling walked in from outside and knelt on the ground: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Li Shimin walked up to Fang Xuanling and intended to help him up with both hands.

However, Fang Xuanling did not get up.

Li Shimin found it strange and asked, "Why don't you get up?"

"There is one thing Your Majesty must grant me, or I will kneel here and die," Fang Xuanling said resolutely, brooking no refusal.

"What is it? Tell me."

"Your humble servant requests that Crown Prince Li Chengqian be deposed and exiled to the frontier, never to return to Chang'an without the imperial decree." As Fang Xuanling said this, two cold glints flashed in his eyes.

Wei Zheng, who was listening nearby, was also shocked. He never expected that Fang Xuanling would impeach Li Chenggan again, and this time the impeachment was quite severe.

Li Shimin's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "What do you mean by that? Has Li Chengqian done something illegal again?"

"Your Majesty, last night, Gongsun Wuda, the commander of Xuanwu Gate, had some urgent business to attend to."

Fang Yi'ai was temporarily assigned to replace him in guarding Xuanwu Gate.

Fang Yi'ai reported to this humble servant that he had discovered Chengxin and Wei Lingfu leading a group of people causing trouble outside Xuanwu Gate.

It seems,

They still have collusion with Li Chenggan.

Is this really true?

"Absolutely true!"

Chengxin and Wei Lingfu had always been a source of anxiety for Li Shimin.

He had already issued an imperial decree ordering Chang He to capture Chengxin and Wei Lingfu within a month.

However, so far, there are no clues.

Unexpectedly, Chengxin and Wei Lingfu appeared outside Xuanwu Gate.

Isn't this ironic?

"What evidence do you have to prove that Li Chenggan is still in contact with Chengxin and Wei Lingfu?"

"Fang Yi'ai has reported to me that Chengxin, Wei Lingfu and Su Gui are together."

Su Gui was Su Wan's younger brother and was closest to Li Chenggan.

Since Su Gui is with Chengxin and Wei Lingfu, doesn't that mean Li Chenggan is in contact with them?

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was so angry that the veins on his forehead bulged, and he cursed: "You, Li Chenggan!"

How dare you hide from me and mingle with those wicked people like Chengxin and Wei Lingfu!

Your mission to the Japanese was clearly just an excuse to hang out with those people and neglect your studies. As the saying goes, "One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black." The fact that you're with those people shows what kind of person you are.

"Help! Someone, come here!"

At this moment, two guards entered from outside, bowed, and said, "Go and arrest Li Chenggan for me. I was just about to behead him!"

The two guards were also taken aback, not knowing what had happened.

"What are you all standing there for? Didn't you hear what I said?"

"Go and bring Li Chenggan here immediately!"

When the two guards saw that Li Shimin was really angry, they turned around and walked out.

"Wait a moment!"

Upon seeing this, Wei Zheng quickly called out.

The two guards stopped and turned to look at Li Shimin, awaiting his final instructions.

Wei Zheng bowed again: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

Li Shimin knew at a glance that the old Taoist priest had something to say again.

Li Shimin patiently asked, "What do you have to say?"

"Lord Fang just mentioned that Fang Yi'ai was guarding Xuanwu Gate last night. This is a bit strange."

Fang Yi'ai was a prince consort.

Guarding Xuanwu Gate had little to do with him.

How did he end up at Xuanwu Gate?

Isn't that strange?

Alternatively, could it be that Fang Yi'ai was seeing things?

Last time,

Didn't they also say they saw Chengxin and Weilingfu?

In the end, it was discovered that the two people were thieves in disguise, and not the real Chengxin and Wei Lingfu.

So,

This time,

Is it possible that I misread it again?

In other words, even if Fang Yi'ai's observation is correct, and it was indeed Chengxin and Wei Lingfu who appeared in front of Xuanwu Gate, this precisely demonstrates that Li Chenggan had no connection with them.

"Oh, what do you mean?"