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

Li Chengan embraced Su Wan: "I have come to terms with it. What is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force. Some things cannot be forced."

With you, my life is complete!

Upon hearing this, Su Wan raised her face and looked at Li Chengan: "Your Highness, are you speaking from the heart?"

"Of course." Li Chengqian put his right arm around Su Wan's waist. Su Wan's waist was as slender as a willow branch, just the right size to be held in one hand.

Su Wan pursed her lips: "Sometimes, I don't even want to talk about you."

Don't think I don't know what you've done.

Last time on Mount Liujia, I saw you kiss Qu Zhili with my own eyes. Are you still going to try to deny it?

"Uh—," Li Chengqian's face showed a slight embarrassment, "Wan'er, I've already explained that matter to you, so why are you still holding onto it?"

Su Wan feigned anger: "I'm afraid it's not just these things. Has Fuyu Fengmei already taken your bed?"

Have you two already gotten married?

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan looked even more embarrassed: "That's not true at all. I thought she was drunk and suddenly fainted."

then,

They carried her to the couch.

Suddenly, Yamashiro Ooshima burst in.

"What? You actually took Buyeo Bongmi to your bed?"

You still won't admit that you two are together?

"So, according to you, if it weren't for Brother Shanbei barging in, you two would have been sleeping together, right?" Su Wan asked, her eyes fixed on Li Chenggan.

Li Chengan suddenly realized that he seemed to have unknowingly fallen into Su Wan's trap.

Because the more you rush to explain something like this, the less clear it becomes, and the worse it gets: "Wan'er, please stop making things up, okay?"

"What? I'm being unreasonable?"

In my opinion, it's obvious that you're just infatuated with every guy you meet.

"You actually said I'm being unreasonable?"

Li Chengan gently pushed Su Wan away, walked to the table, and poured himself a bowl of tea.

He picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp: "This time, after I return to the Eastern Palace, Father will continue to imprison me, so that I can properly reflect on my actions here."

"From now on, I won't be able to go anywhere. You can rest assured now."

Su Wan glanced at Li Chenggan and said, "Aren't there enough beauties in your Eastern Palace?"

Putting everything else aside, those two were seductive enough.

Li Chengan smiled slightly upon hearing this: "Don't worry, I'm not like Li Tai. I won't mess around with my own maid."

"If you won't mess around with those palace maids, then who do you want to mess around with?"

Do you really want to have an affair with Consort Zhang and Consort Yin like Li Jiancheng did?

Upon hearing Su Wan's words, Li Chengan frowned: "Wan'er, what's wrong with you? What nonsense are you talking about?"

You weren't like this before.

"Yes, I was too naive before. I imagined you to be too wonderful."

but,

I feel that your heart is not at peace.

Some people even told me that my trip to the Wa Kingdom was not to mediate relations between Wa, Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla.

They went there not for the beautiful women, but for the local women.

Because you already knew beforehand that Queen Kim Deok-man of Silla was in Naniwa-zu.

"With Fuyu Fengmei accompanying you on this trip, you're living a very leisurely life. I had such high hopes for you."

Su Wan wanted to continue, but Li Chengan waved his hand, interrupting her: "Alright, let's stop talking about this topic here for now, okay?"

Let's talk about this written exam.

From Li Chengqian's tone, Su Wan sensed that he was becoming somewhat impatient.

"Okay," Su Wan said slowly, pacing back and forth in the room with her hands in front of her stomach, trying to calm herself down. "Regarding the written exam, my father said that based on your writing level..."

You should be able to rank first.

My father praised your essay, saying it was well-reasoned, practical, and feasible.

The reason you came in second is because my dad intentionally gave you a low score.

This will cause your average score to drop.

Li Chengan nodded slightly: "I think your father gave you a slightly higher score."

"If I were to become the top scholar in the imperial examination, all the scholars and princes in the land would surely be dissatisfied, believing that I used connections."

Su Wan then thought of something else, and her expression became worried: "We just heard from the Zichen Palace that your father is very concerned about your relationship with Chengxin."

Because of this incident, Fang Xuanling even suggested to the emperor that you be deposed as crown prince and exiled to the remote and barren land of Qianzhou.

Without the imperial decree, you are never allowed to return to Chang'an.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan felt a chill run down his spine. He wondered what he had done to offend Fang Xuanling and why Fang Xuanling had repeatedly tried to frame him.

What were Fang Xuanling's reasons?

"Actually, the reason is very simple: you still have contact with Chengxin and Weilingfu."

He said that Chengxin's appearance in Chang'an meant that you had not fulfilled your initial promise, which constitutes the crime of deceiving the emperor.

later,

Wei Zheng defended you from the side.

Fang Xuanling also fell silent.

Your father hasn't issued an edict to exile you, but you're only allowed to stay in the Eastern Palace and aren't permitted to move around freely.

Li Chengan felt that Wei Zheng was a relatively fair person.

In retrospect, it was all thanks to Wei Zheng.

On several occasions, when he was in grave danger, it was Wei Zheng who helped him out of the predicament.

Did Changsun Wuji say anything?

"He didn't say anything, as if you weren't his nephew; he was completely oblivious to those things."

His sole purpose in going to the Zichen Palace was to request an imperial decree from your father, the Emperor, to go to the Dali Temple to rescue Chu Suiliang.

Li Chenggan put his hands in his sleeves, lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then asked, "Where are Chengxin and Wei Lingfu?"

"Su Gui has already asked them to leave Chang'an temporarily," Su Wan said, pausing before looking at Li Chenggan with concern. "Your Highness, although Chengxin and Wei Lingfu helped us this time..."

but,

Because your father, the Emperor, cares deeply about Xi and Wei Lingfu.

You'd better not associate with them.

otherwise,

The result will be that you will not only have caused the deaths of Chengxin and Wei Lingfu, but your own position as crown prince will also be in jeopardy.

Why bother?

Li Chengan shook his head after hearing this: "Take the incident outside Xuanwu Gate this time, for example..."

If Chengxin and Wei Lingfu hadn't arrived in time, I probably would have lost my life.

They have been kind to me, so how can I be timid and cut ties with them?

Besides, all Chengxin does is play chess and read books with me; what law has that broken?"

Seeing that Li Chenggan was determined, Su Wan had no choice but to say, "Your Highness, you must be more careful in the future. The three great assassins have one thing in common."

Once they accept money from others...

They will relentlessly pursue their target for life, only stopping once they have achieved their goal.

Those three assassins all possessed extraordinary skills; Ashina Jieshe was even skilled in flying kites.

He came up with a unique idea: he attached a propeller to the kite.

(This sentence lacks a subject. Based on the context, it could be interpreted as "He/she/it can fly across the sea, a skill that is unique in the Tang Dynasty." However, due to the lack of a clear subject, it will not be corrected for now, and the original sentence will be retained.)

Hegan Chengji used earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic or escaping technique), burrowing in and out of the snow like a groundhog.

In other words, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to enter Chang'an City; he might even find his way into the Eastern Palace one day.

Zhang Shizheng was an old fox; he knew how to feign death, poverty, and stupidity.

I heard that when you were in Yangzhou, someone wanted to kill you.

How come you didn't notice?

You treated him to a meal and even carried him to your room at the inn.

He was faking his death, and you still went to Yangzhou to find a doctor to treat him. What kind of thing did you do?

They can't tell the difference between good and bad people.

"I just feel that he's getting old and has had a tough time. It's just a drink, nothing more."

"Your Highness, you are wrong to think that way. There are good people and bad people among the elderly. Why would you sympathize with a villain like him?"

Have you forgotten that Blue Rakshasa woman?

How many times has that old hag harmed you?

After hearing what Su Wan said, Li Chengan also realized that he was still somewhat lacking in the ability to judge people.

In the end, it all comes down to my own kindness; I always imagine others to be too wonderful.

Last time,

At the Jiangdu Inn, if Yaoshi Huiri hadn't arrived in time, Zhang Shizheng's ultimate move, "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers," would probably have riddled him with holes.

Even so,

Li Chenggan still felt that Zhang Shizheng, Hegan Chengji, and Ashina Jieshe had different levels of influence.

Zhang Shizheng was still a man of conscience; he was advised not to return to Chang'an.

If I come back, I might be framed by Li Tai.

Li Chenggan sensed that Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe were leading three men who were besieging him with iron siege engines.

Zhang Shizheng didn't seem to be using his full strength.

Thinking of this, Li Chengan said to Su Wan, "If I have the chance, I'd like to meet Zhang Shizheng alone."

Although he was an assassin

However, I feel he is different from other assassins and can be a valuable asset for us to acquire.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan said irritably, "That old guy is too mean. You treated him to drinks, arranged accommodation for him, and carried him into the inn..."

As a result, he pretended to be dead, and you even went to find a physician to treat him. In the end, he still wanted to kill you.

Such a person is truly wicked; why would you associate with him?

Li Chengan waved his hand: "Even thieves have their code of honor; not all assassins are bad people."

If we can win Zhang Shizheng over, then we'll have gained a friend and lost an enemy. That makes a huge difference.

Su Wan knew Li Chengqian's temperament; once he made a decision, it was hard to change it. "Alright, then you decide what to do. But, in any case, you need to be careful. I've prepared something for you here. Take a look, do you like it?"

Previously, Li Chengan hadn't paid attention, but it turned out that Su Wan had also brought a package, although the package wasn't very big.

at this time,

Su Wan walked to the document and opened the package.

"What is this?" Li Chenggan asked.

Su Wan took the item out of the package; it turned out to be a soft armor.

Su Wan smiled and said, "This is a specially made soft armor. When you wear it, you'll be invulnerable to swords and spears."

Li Chengan took the soft armor in his hand and examined it, asking, "Why does this look like it's made of crocodile skin?"

Su Wan smiled: "You guessed right, this is a soft armor made of crocodile skin."

When you were sailing at sea, did you encounter a giant crocodile?

Later, you used the Qinggang Sword to cut off the crocodile's tail.

"Yes, how did you know?" Li Chenggan asked, puzzled.

"The monk Daozhao has already transported the crocodile tail to Chang'an. I found the crocodile skin to be extremely tough, so I asked the best craftsmen in Chang'an to process it."

We've added gold and silk to it, and it was custom-made just for you overnight.

This soft armor is impervious to blades and spears; even your Qinggang Sword cannot pierce it.

Li Chengan was deeply moved upon hearing this, thinking to himself that Su Wan was truly kind to him and had thought of everything so thoughtfully.

"So, according to you, Daozhao has already arrived in Chang'an?"

"Yes."

Li Chengan laughed too: "I didn't expect that monk to run so fast."

"Because he had one goal: to become a disciple of Master Xuanzang, even if it was just as a nominal disciple, he would be content."

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "I will do my best to help him fulfill this wish."

Li Chengan first took off his outer garment, and then put on the crocodile skin armor. It fit him perfectly, not too big or too small, neither too fat nor too thin.

"Your Highness, from now on, you must wear this soft armor at all times in case of unforeseen circumstances."

"Is it really that exaggerated?"

"Better safe than sorry, you must not be careless."

"All right."

So Li Chengan put his outer coat back on.

From the outside, it's impossible to tell that he's wearing soft armor.

"Wan'er, could you send someone to deliver the antidote to Li Tai?"

"No, even if he dies this time, I won't care about him," Su Wan said firmly. "Because he's not your brother, he's your enemy."

Li Chengan understood that it was unlikely he could force Su Wan to give Li Tai the antidote at this point.

"Your Highness, we have recently learned that gold prices are expected to rise significantly, which presents a good opportunity to make money."

I plan to go to the Western Regions to buy more gold, stockpile it, and then sell it at a high price. That way, we can make a fortune.

"What?"

"You're going to the Western Regions?" Li Chenggan asked in surprise.

"No, no."

Li Chengan shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum.

"Why not?"

"The Western Regions are not peaceful. Not long ago, we were still fighting with Yanqi."

"What if you fall into their hands once you reach the Western Regions?"

Su Wan put her hands behind her back, raised her head, and said dismissively, "The saying goes that fortune favors the bold. How can you make big money without taking some risks?"

We must remember that opportunities don't come twice; we'll have many expenses in the future.

However, no matter what Su Wan said, Li Chenggan disagreed.

"Your Highness, I'm telling you this not to get your consent, but to inform you. Whether you agree or not, I have to go." Su Wan was also very stubborn.

Seeing this, Li Chengan had no choice but to say, "Let's discuss this matter another day."

At this moment, the charcoal fire in the stove grew stronger and stronger, and the temperature in the room rose higher and higher.

Su Wan said, "It's so hot!"

Then she took off her coat and hung it on the hanger.

Her skin was as white as snow, her neck was slender, and her breasts seemed to be much higher than before.

Su Wan walked up to Li Chengqian, then pulled out her breasts and looked at him with her beautiful eyes: "Then, tell me properly how you and Fuyu Fengmei got into bed that night in the inn."

I'm telling you, I'm not leaving tonight; I'm sleeping here too.

morning.

Lizheng Hall.

Empress Zhangsun sat on the couch, the curtains drawn.

Empress Zhangsun was somewhat excited, because she didn't know whether she was pregnant with a prince or a princess this time.

Sun Simiao was sitting about two zhang away, taking Empress Zhangsun's pulse by threading a needle.

The diagnosis was completed after about half an hour.

Sun Simiao packed up all the necessary items: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, you are recovering very well."

and,

This time,

The Queen is pregnant with a little princess.

Empress Zhangsun was also very pleased to hear this.

She ordered Cai Xiang to remove the curtains and then brought out a plate of gold to reward Sun Simiao.

"I feel extremely indebted to you, Dr. Sun, for the many times you have troubled me."

That's one way to put it.

If it weren't for your timely rescue, I would probably be dead by now.

"These gold pieces are a small token of my appreciation," Empress Zhangsun said sincerely.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind."

I'm so old, I don't know how many more days I have left to live.

Although I'm not exactly wealthy, I still have enough to eat and drink.

What would I do with so much money?

The court is currently in dire need of funds; the Empress should retain these funds and use them where they are truly needed.

Empress Zhangsun saw that he was determined not to accept the gift, so she did not press the matter further.

"Now that you've come to Chang'an, I hope you can stay here for a while longer and explore the city."

Sun Simiao thanked him repeatedly, saying, "I had the same plan."

Cai Xiang removed the plate of gold and poured Sun Simiao a bowl of hot tea.

Sun Simiao sat down in a chair at the table, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "I heard that the court held a civil service examination when Jiucheng Palace was completed."

"Yes, I was just about to congratulate you. I heard that your apprentice, Lu Zhaolin, did very well in the exam, ranking third alongside Consort Xu."

"Yes, congratulations," Sun Simiao nodded slightly, "My disciple is indeed different from ordinary people."

He enjoys reading and is quite good at writing poetry and prose.

"Lu Zhaolin is knowledgeable in both literature and medicine; he is a rare talent."

If he were to serve as an official in the imperial court, he would surely have a bright future.

"Last time, he told me that he was leaving Chang'an and would never enter officialdom again."

This time, it was Su Wan's persuasion that led him to participate in the written examination.

As for whether he will serve as an official in the court in the future, that is his own business.

"How about I choose two old women to take care of you?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Simiao quickly declined, saying, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. There is no need for it for the time being."

I can still take care of myself.

"That's fine then. If you need anything in the future, just let me know."

"I heard that the Crown Prince came in second place this time."

"Yes," Empress Zhangsun said, feeling quite relieved. "Recently, Li Chengqian has had a lot on his plate."

He recovered the Dangxiang and Tuyuhun, then went to war with Yanqi, and then came to the rescue of Chang'an. Not long after he returned, he rushed to the Wa Kingdom to mediate the relations between Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. I was worried that he would neglect his studies, so I was always concerned.

Surprisingly, he did quite well on the exam this time.

Sun Simiao stroked his beard and said, "Empress, you are overthinking it. Having such a talented and accomplished crown prince is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty and for all the people of the world."

However, I also heard that Li Chengan experienced many dangers on his return from the Japanese kingdom.

Fortunately, he was blessed with good fortune and managed to avert all danger, escaping unscathed.

Empress Zhangsun's expression turned worried upon hearing this: "Yes, I've heard about it too. We still haven't figured out who's making things difficult for the Crown Prince."

What deep-seated hatred could possibly drive someone to kill the Crown Prince?

Sun Simiao pondered for a moment: "Empress, I must say something I shouldn't: external threats are not so terrible; what is terrible is internal strife."

"What do you mean by that? Do you mean that someone in Chang'an is trying to frame the Crown Prince?"

The Empress is a wise woman, her mind is as clear as a mirror; there's no need for me to be too blunt.

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun's eyes darted around, and she roughly understood what Sun Simiao meant.

"Jiucheng Palace was built on the site of the original Renshou Palace. It is magnificent and imposing. Does the Empress intend to move into Jiucheng Palace?"

Empress Zhangsun was in a good mood, her face flushed: "If it's summer, I can go there to escape the heat, but there's no need for me to stay there permanently."

I think the Lizheng Hall is quite nice.

No matter where you live, you only sleep in one bed, so why bother going back and forth?

"The Empress is wise!"

Just then, a woman walked in from outside and knelt on the ground: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Empress Zhangsun looked down and saw that the woman who had entered was none other than Yan Wan, Li Tai's fiancée.

She was the daughter of Minister Yan Liben, and she was very beautiful.

Empress Zhangsun raised her right hand slightly: "Yan Wan, stand up and speak."

"Thank you, Empress!"

After Yan Wan stood up, she stood respectfully to the side with her hands at her sides.

To be honest, Empress Zhangsun was not very satisfied with this marriage.

She felt that Yan Wan and Su Wan were simply incomparable.

Seeing her flustered expression, Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but ask, "What happened? Why are you so flustered?"

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid Li Tai is nearing his end."

Empress Zhangsun's expression changed slightly upon hearing this: "What did you say? Didn't he attend the completion ceremony of Jiucheng Palace and the civil service examination just two days ago?"

"Yes, he took the exam at Jiucheng Palace."

But that time, he gritted his teeth and persevered.

Because Xue'er put laxatives in his tea, he got diarrhea and hasn't recovered yet; in fact, it seems to be getting worse.

Empress Zhangsun frowned upon hearing this and asked, "Are you sure Xue'er put laxatives in his tea?"

"It's certain, because Li Tai was fine when he went to take the exam, but he started having stomach problems after drinking the bowl of tea that Xue'er offered."

Because of this, the exam was delayed by an hour.

Empress Zhangsun placed her hands in front of her abdomen and paced back and forth in the hall, asking, "Has the imperial physician been seen?"

"We searched, but the imperial physician said that the medicine Xue'er was using was very special, and other medicines simply couldn't control it."

"If this continues, won't Li Tai be in danger?"

Empress Zhangsun was also very anxious when she heard this, after all, a mother's heart is always with her son.

"Yes," Yan Wan continued, "Li Tai said that probably only Sun Simiao and his apprentice Lu Zhaolin in this world can cure his illness, and no one else can help."

"It just so happens that Doctor Sun is here. I humbly request that Doctor Sun prescribe some medicine for Li Tai."

To everyone's surprise, Sun Simiao shook his head: "Miss Yan, you flatter me too much. I can't cure every disease."

The physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy are selected through a rigorous process, and their medical skills are superb, even surpassing mine.

Since even the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital are helpless, then I have no other choice either.

Upon hearing this, Yan Wan burst into tears: "Are you just going to watch Li Tai die like this?"

"I'm sorry, this is not my responsibility, and there's nothing I can do about it."

Empress Zhangsun understood that Sun Simiao was not incapable of curing Li Tai's illness, but rather unwilling to do so.

Even though she is the empress, she cannot force others to do things against their will.

Empress Zhangsun said, "Divine Physician Sun, since you cannot cure Li Tai's illness, I will not blame you."

Because there is no doctor in this world who can cure all diseases.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Sun Simiao rose to take his leave.

"Dr. Sun, you say you can't cure Li Tai's illness. Then, do you know anyone who can?"

"Why don't you try finding Zhang Baozang?"

After Sun Simiao finished speaking, he left the Zichen Palace.

Yan Wan cried anxiously when she saw that Sun Simiao was unwilling to help Li Tai.

"Yan Wan, you don't need to be so anxious," Empress Zhangsun paused, "This matter may not be entirely Xue'er's fault; it may be hereditary."

I remember that His Majesty suffered from dysentery back then.

Later, it was the imperial physician Zhang Baozang who cured his illness.

Because of this incident, Zhang Baozang was promoted three ranks and appointed as the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Yan Wan had also heard of this incident. Back then, Li Shimin suffered from severe dysentery, and the imperial physicians were helpless. Zhang Baozang used a folk remedy and cured Li Shimin's illness.

Soon after, Li Shimin's old illness relapsed, and it was Zhang Baozang who cured him once again.

Li Shimin was very pleased and promised Zhang Baozang an official position.

However, Wei Zheng kept this matter under wraps.

Wei Zheng felt it was inappropriate to promote Zhang Baozang to such a high rank simply because he had cured the emperor's illness.

Some time later, one day the emperor suddenly remembered this matter again.

The emperor asked Wei Zheng, "Have you promoted Zhang Baozang yet?"

Wei Zheng deliberately asked, "Your Majesty, would you like me to promote him to a civil official or a military official?"

It was obvious that Wei Zheng was declining, because Zhang Baozang was not skilled in martial arts and could only serve as a civil official.

Ultimately, Wei Zheng still appointed Zhang Baozang to the position of Grand Herald, the root of which was that Zhang Baozang had cured the emperor's dysentery.

Empress Zhangsun paced back and forth, and slowly said, "You still need to go to the Eastern Palace to see the Crown Prince about this matter."

Why?

"On that occasion, Li Ming, the son of Princess Yang of Chao, fell ill. None of the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital could cure him, not even Zhang Baozang."

The Emperor was furious and ordered Zhang Baozang's execution.

It was the Crown Prince and Wei Zheng who pleaded on Zhang Baozang's behalf.

Zhang Baozang was spared from death.

Go to the Eastern Palace and find the Crown Prince. Ask him to write a letter to Zhang Baozang, instructing Zhang Baozang to treat Li Tai.

"Will that work?"

Yan Wan thought that Li Tai and Li Chenggan were fighting to the death for the position of crown prince. If she went to Li Chenggan, would he be able to help her?

Is this a joke?

Empress Zhangsun, observing Yan Wan's expression, sensed that Yan Wan seemed to have something difficult to say: "You don't need to be too nervous. Just go find the Crown Prince. I believe that the Crown Prince is a person who values ​​brotherhood very much. He will definitely help Li Tai."

"Then I'll give it a try."

"Also, Li Tai asked me to inquire with the Empress whether he may move into the Nine-Tiered Palace."