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

Li Tai was thinking to himself, "Back then, when I wanted to move into the Wude Hall, my mother wouldn't allow it."

Now that Jiucheng Palace has been completed, it shouldn't be too difficult for me to move in.

He didn't dare to bring this up directly with Empress Zhangsun, so he had Yan Wan bring it up instead.

Of course, Li Tai was lying on the couch at the moment, so he probably couldn't come.

Empress Zhangsun's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, for she knew that moving into Jiucheng Palace was no ordinary event.

The imperial court had a rule that only princes and princesses who were virtuous, talented, and outstanding could live in Jiucheng Palace. Unexpectedly, Li Tai couldn't wait any longer and took the initiative to ask for one.

Empress Zhangsun pondered for a moment, then said, "His Majesty has many children. Just because Li Tai is my son doesn't mean I should allow him to live in Jiucheng Palace."

According to the regulations of the imperial court, he must have outstanding performance, great merit, and excellent character and learning in order to be qualified to live in Jiucheng Palace.

but,

I have heard that Li Taiwen's exam results were not ideal this time.

If Li Tai were to move into Jiucheng Palace, would the other princes be truly convinced?

Therefore, from my perspective, it won't pass.

Besides, with the completion of Jiucheng Palace and the civil service examination over, Li Tai should return to his fiefdom.

A vassal king should stay in his own fiefdom; how can he linger in Chang'an for so long?

"Wouldn't this break the rules?"

Yan Wan never expected that Empress Zhangsun would be so ruthless and impartial, showing no regard for the bond between mother and son.

Yan Wan met with a rebuff.

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun was somewhat tired, she made an excuse to leave the Lizheng Hall.

It was around 2 AM.

Chong Sheng Palace.

The hall was very clean and tidy. Xu Hui was a clean freak and would not tolerate even a single hair falling on the floor.

The room was warm and cozy, with a charcoal fire burning inside.

After taking a bath, Xu Huigang, dressed in a pink dress, was sitting in front of the dressing table getting ready, with the help of her maid He Lian.

Because Li Shimin is coming to her place tonight.

She felt both nervous and excited.

There's a saying that lovesickness ages people quickly, and it's certainly true.

Xu Hui looked at herself in the bronze mirror and found that her face looked much more haggard. Even her once round chin had become pointed, and there were several silver strands in her jet-black hair.

At the beginning,

Before entering the palace, she imagined it to be such a wonderful place, and she was determined to go there.

but,

When I arrived at the harem, I realized that it was a deep and treacherous place, full of complex relationships. One wrong step could lead to utter ruin.

Fortunately, Li Shimin treated himself fairly well.

When Li Shimin lost his temper, he would glare at her and even imprison her in the Dali Temple.

However, once he calmed down, he still doted on her a lot.

but,

This, in turn, aroused the jealousy of the other concubines.

Those women would say they used some seductive tricks to bewitch Li Shimin.

in fact,

There's no such thing.

Almost every time Li Shimin came here, he would always persuade him to stay overnight in the palaces of other concubines.

However, Li Shimin did not listen to her.

Once he got here, he just wouldn't leave. I couldn't very well kick him out.

Xu Hui thought to herself that she really had no way to defend herself. Perhaps some people would say that she was hypocritical, since which of the concubines in the harem did not want to be favored by the emperor?

As long as one is frequently with the Emperor, there is a chance of conceiving a prince. In this palace where a mother's status depends on her son, giving birth to a prince would be her greatest asset.

However, for some reason, my belly is not cooperating and there is still no sign of pregnancy.

Fortunately, Empress Zhangsun, Li Chengan, and Su Wan all took good care of him; otherwise, he would have truly become a lonely person.

Xu Hui often thought of Lady Qi from history.

Lady Qi was skilled in singing and dancing, young and beautiful, and deeply loved by Liu Bang.

However, in the end, Lady Qi was turned into a human pig by Empress Lü.

Just thinking about it sends chills down your spine.

Just as Xu Hui was lost in thought, a pair of large hands hugged her from behind.

Those hands were very strong.

Xu Hui turned to look, and it was none other than Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, when did you arrive?"

Li Shimin asked with a smile, "I've been here for a while now. What have you been thinking about? You seemed so lost in thought."

Xu Hui smiled shyly: "I didn't think of anything."

The saying goes, "A beauty is more beautiful the more you look at her under the lamplight."

Li Shimin discovered that Xu Hui had grown into a woman with a tall and straight figure, a curvaceous figure, a willow-like waist, and fair skin and beautiful features.

I remember when Xu Hui first entered the palace, she was a naive young girl who knew nothing.

Having gone through so much, it has become even more charming now.

Every time Li Shimin saw Xu Hui, he felt as if he had become ten years younger, and his whole body was full of vitality.

Li Shimin immediately picked Xu Hui up.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" Xu Hui blushed and wrapped her arms around Li Shimin's neck.

"I will rest here tonight."

Li Shimin walked to the bedside and gently placed Xu Hui on it.

The two undressed and made love.

Half an hour later,

Li Shimin was covered in sweat, and Xu Hui was also drenched in sweat.

As Xu Hui dressed, she said, "Your Majesty, you're getting more and more amazing."

Li Shimin laughed heartily: "You met me a little late. If it had been ten years ago, my energy would probably have been much greater!"

"Your Majesty, you must take good care of your health. Throughout history, many emperors have neglected their well-being, indulging in wine and women, and ultimately ruined their bodies," Xu Hui said, her beautiful eyes turning to Li Shimin.

"I heard that Empress Zhangsun is pregnant with a little princess."

"Uh," a hint of embarrassment flashed in Li Shimin's eyes, "It's like this, recently, since you've been away from the palace, the Empress has needed someone to take care of her, and sometimes I've stayed overnight at her place... Hmm, I didn't expect it to turn out like this..."

Xu Hui was unlike Consort Li, a concubine of Emperor Jing of Han, who hoped that the emperor would concentrate all his love on her alone; that was impossible.

"Your Majesty, you don't need to explain anymore. I understand."

Congratulations, Your Majesty!

I told you long ago that you should come to my palace less often and spend more time with the other concubines.

They also long for your love.

Li Shimin put his arm around Xu Hui's shoulder: "Most of those concubines are people who only care about land and houses."

Unwilling to read or practice calligraphy

What they talk to me about every day is nothing more than asking me to bestow upon them gold and silver jewelry, fine silks and satins, and cosmetics.

Or it could refer to a particular field or house.

You tell me, I have so many things to deal with every day, how can I have the mood to talk to them about these things?

If they could love reading as much as you do.

"If you can write beautiful calligraphy and produce excellent articles, why shouldn't I go?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui could only advise from the side: "Your Majesty, some people like to read, and some people don't. You can't expect every concubine to like reading."

"Alright, alright, I understand. I'll visit them when I have time."

"Your Majesty, you must keep your word."

Only by visiting them more often will they stop resenting me.

otherwise,

"In time, I fear I will face a great calamity."

"Yes, you are a wise woman."

At this point, Li Shimin suddenly remembered something, "My beloved concubine, your poem was quite well written."

I greatly admire it.

Xu Hui blushed upon receiving Li Shimin's praise: "I am honored by Your Majesty's praise, but I am still far from worthy of it."

"No, no, no, I didn't mean to praise you, but you really did write very well."

Xu Hui tidied her hair and then got off the bed.

She poured Li Shimin a cup of green tea.

Li Shimin was indeed thirsty, so he took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp: "I intend to appoint you to a position at the Chongwen Academy. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui's eyes lit up: "Isn't the Crown Prince in charge there?"

"Yes.

Li Tai established a literary academy, and the Eastern Palace set up the Chongwen Academy.

Chongwen Library has a very rich collection of books; you can satisfy your thirst for knowledge there.

Additionally, you can help organize and verify some classical texts, and transcribe some manuscripts.

"Okay, when should I report for duty?" Xu Huixin readily agreed.

"We can go tomorrow, so what about the Bureau of Ceremonial Affairs?"

"Can you temporarily take on the role of Director of the Imperial Clothing Bureau?"

"Your Majesty, it's not that I'm unwilling to work, but if I do, the concubines in the palace will have something to say."

They would say that His Majesty is biased, giving me so many titles, and that I should give up my position in the Bureau of Clothing and Costumes.

Your Majesty should appoint another capable person to manage the Bureau of Imperial Clothing, such as Consort Yan or Princess Yang, the wife of Prince Chao.

Li Shimin praised, "You are truly a person who does not covet fame and fortune and has a broad mind."

However, neither Consort Yan nor Consort Yang of the Prince of Chao were well-suited to serve as the head of the Bureau of Clothing and Costumes.

"If Su Wan were to take over the Imperial Clothing Bureau, I would feel more at ease."

"I'm afraid Su Wan won't agree."

"Let me think this over carefully," Li Shimin said, arms crossed. "Jiucheng Palace is now complete. Do you intend to move there?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui quickly declined, saying, "Your Majesty, what merit do I have to reside in Jiucheng Palace?"

Doesn't the imperial court have regulations?

Must only concubines, princes, and princesses who possess both virtue and talent and demonstrate outstanding performance be allowed to reside in Jiucheng Palace?

Your Majesty, I have not rendered any merit. If I were to reside in Jiucheng Palace,

How could the other concubines not have objections?

Li Shimin was deeply moved upon hearing this: "You are truly wise. Several concubines have already requested to move into Jiucheng Palace."

but,

I did not agree.

I believe their talent and virtue are no match for yours.

"Your Majesty flatters me. Most of the other concubines in the palace are of noble birth, outstanding in appearance, and exceptionally intelligent."

Your Majesty should discover more of their strengths.

In truth, I am just an ordinary person, incomparable to anyone else.

I only wish to live a simple life.

If it were truly possible for me to study at Chongwen Academy every day...

"I'm perfectly content." Xu Hui tied a ribbon around her waist.

Li Shimin laughed heartily: "Your wish will soon be fulfilled."

"I sense that you seem quite happy about being appointed to the Chongwen Academy."

Xu Hui smiled gently: "That's natural."

Why?

"Because the people in Chongwen Hall are all upright and knowledgeable people, loyal ministers of the Tang Dynasty. They are kind and positive. I am sure I can learn a lot from them."

Is there anything happier in this world?

"You're right."

Li Shimin put on his pajamas, got off the bed, and paced back and forth in the room, slowly saying, "This civil service examination has allowed me to discover another great sage."

"The person Your Majesty is referring to, could it be Chu Suiliang?"

Yes, Chu Suiliang was the son of Chu Liang.

He dared to say that the imperial examination system of our Great Tang Dynasty was unreasonable, unfair, and unjust, even though he was in the northern part of the city.

These words sent a chill down my spine.

"Throughout history, talent has always been the most important factor for a country."

In the early Warring States period, the reason why the State of Wei was able to become the first among the feudal lords to rise to power was because Marquis Wen of Wei was good at identifying and utilizing talent.

However, the rulers of Wei were progressively worse than their predecessors.

To the end,

The State of Wei was destroyed by the State of Qin.

Because the State of Wei had too many talented people.

Liu Bang was originally a commoner, but after he seized power,

On one occasion, he held a grand banquet for his officials.

At the banquet, he concluded that his victory over Xiang Yu was due to Xiang Yu's inability to recognize and utilize talent.

He gained the trust and utilized the talents of Han Xin, Zhang Liang, and Xiao He.

Xiang Yu only had Fan Zeng, but he couldn't use him, which was the fundamental reason why Xiang Yu lost the world.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han,

Why was Emperor Wu of Han able to achieve such brilliant results and drive the Xiongnu to the northern desert?

This was also because Emperor Wu of Han had a wealth of talented people under his command.

The region boasted prominent civil officials such as Gongsun Hong, Dong Zhongshu, Zhufu Yan, Ji An, and Dongfang Shuo, as well as renowned military generals including Li Guang, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and Cheng Bushi.

It was precisely because of the assistance of these talented individuals that the Han Dynasty was able to reach its zenith and defeat the Xiongnu.

Xu Hui also enjoyed reading classics and history, and knew a lot about historical events: "What Your Majesty says is absolutely right."

How did Cao Cao rise to power?

After Cao Cao assassinated Dong Zhuo, he was wanted by the entire nation.

He returned to his hometown and began to think about where his way out lay.

He was eager to find talented people and issued an edict to do so.

He successively gained the assistance of military generals such as Dian Wei, Li Dian, Yue Jin, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, and Zhang Liao.

Among the civil officials were Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, and Jia Xu. It can be said that Cao Cao had the most civil and military officials under his command during the Three Kingdoms period.

It was because of these people who advised him and fought on the battlefield that Cao Cao was able to gradually unify the north.

However, after Cao Cao's death, Cao Pi, eager to become emperor, actually reached an agreement with powerful clans and aristocratic families to implement the Nine-Rank System.

In other words, the sons of officials could monopolize the officialdom for a long time.

Thus,

This would prevent those from humble backgrounds who are capable and talented from serving the court.

Therefore, some people say that Cao Pi's decision to implement the Nine-Rank System doomed the Wei Kingdom to short-lived.

It can be said that those who gain talent gain the world, and those who lose talent lose the world.

"From this, it is clear that Your Majesty has a profound understanding of history and has summarized it very accurately."

"so,

This time, Su Wan proposed holding both a civil service exam and a military exam, and I agreed.

Chu Suiliang took the exam several times, but still failed to achieve any results.

but,

I have discovered that his writing and calligraphy are both first-rate.

Talented individuals like this are rare in our Great Tang Dynasty.

Judging from Li Shimin's tone, Xu Hui knew that he valued Chu Suiliang highly. Therefore, it would be very important which camp Chu Suiliang would join in the future.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but ask, "May I ask how Your Majesty intends to deal with Chu Suiliang?"

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, I'll send him to Li Tai's literary academy for a period of training."

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui was startled. She thought to herself that Chu Suiliang was a great talent who was about to become a pillar of the court. If he joined Li Tai's camp, wouldn't he become Li Tai's right-hand man in the future?

That would be extremely disadvantageous for Li Chenggan.

Thinking of this, Xu Hui quickly advised, "Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate."

"What's wrong with it?"

"I heard that at the banquet celebrating the completion of Jiucheng Palace that time,"

Chu Suiliang was imprisoned in the Dali Temple jail for offending Fang Yi'ai.

Later, it was only after Lord Changsun pleaded with His Majesty that His Majesty agreed to release Chu Suiliang, was that not true?

Li Shimin nodded: "That's roughly how it is."

"Has Your Majesty ever considered why Chu Suiliang so deeply resented Fang Yi'ai?"

Could it be that Chu Suiliang and Fang Yi'ai had some kind of feud?

"I haven't heard of that."

"In my opinion, Chu Suiliang doesn't have a problem with Fang Yi'ai, but rather it's because Fang Yi'ai is working for Li Tai."

That's why Chu Suiliang had objections.

In other words, Chu Suiliang didn't have a problem with Fang Yi'ai, but rather he disapproved of Li Tai's various behaviors.

If Your Majesty sends Chu Suiliang to the Literary Academy, he will surely be unhappy.

How much can a person who is unhappy do for the court?

Li Shimin felt that Xu Hui's words were not without merit: "But why would Chu Suiliang have a problem with Li Tai?"

"Your Majesty, only Li Tai himself can answer this question."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said, "Since Changsun Wuji saved him, let him work with Changsun Wuji to compile the Zhenguan Code."

In fact, Xu Hui also had different opinions about Li Shimin's arrangement.

However, she felt that since Li Shimin had already made concessions, it was inappropriate for her to interfere too much: "Your Majesty, you can handle it as you see fit."