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

Sure enough, a short while later, Zhang Baozang arrived, carrying a small medicine box on his back, jogging over.

After exchanging greetings with each other,

Zhang Baozang quickly asked, "Your Highness, where do you feel unwell?"

Li Chengan ordered Yunjuan to bring over a chair: "Physician Zhang, please sit down!"

"With Your Highness here, how could I dare to sit?"

"No need to be so polite, sit down so we can talk," Li Chengqian said with a smile.

Zhang Baozang then sat down sideways.

Yunjuan brewed another cup of tea for Zhang Baozang.

Zhang Baozang then realized that Yan Wan was also there.

"To be honest, I am not ill," Li Chengqian said with a smile, his hands tucked into his sleeves.

"Huh? Didn't Miss Yunjuan just say you had a headache?" Zhang Baozang asked, looking puzzled.

"That was a lie. Otherwise, how could you have gotten here so quickly?"

"Oh, I see. I thought it was because of the heavy snow and freezing weather that Your Highness had accidentally contracted typhoid fever."

That's great!

"Your Highness, then I shall take my leave."

"Doctor Zhang, there's no need to rush. There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it? Your Highness, please give your orders. I will do my best to do anything I can." Zhang Baozang said firmly.

"That's right, Qingque has contracted dysentery."

I know you are an expert in treating dysentery. Back then, when my father suffered from dysentery, it was you who cured him.

Could you please take a look at Li Tai's case as well?

Upon hearing this, Zhang Baozang understood, but he couldn't understand why Li Chengan would do such a thing.

Thinking of this, Zhang Baozang coughed and said, "Your Highness, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

"Say whatever you want."

"I've heard that Li Tai has framed you several times."

Forgive my bluntness, but he has reached a point of utter depravity.

He has repeatedly framed you, yet you still insist on treating his illness. Why is that?

"This—," Li Chenggan waved his hand, "those are all rumors, they don't exist at all, you shouldn't believe them."

Currently, Qingque is compiling the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land), a monumental work that is still unfinished.

Moreover, the Emperor has already read the beginning of this book and is very satisfied with it.

If Qingque's health deteriorates, it will be a huge loss for our Great Tang Dynasty.

Therefore, I would be grateful if Physician Zhang would make the trip.

"Alright, since Your Highness has spoken, then this old man will go and take a look. However, I dare not guarantee whether he can cure the disease."

"Doctor Zhang, as long as you go, that's fine."

Yan Wan thanked him repeatedly, and then led Physician Zhang away.

At this moment, Yun Juan arrived: "Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness,

Why did you save that scoundrel Li Tai?

He's framed you more than once. Wouldn't it be better if he died this time?

Li Chengan shook his head: "Even if Qingque wanted to frame me, it was because she was instigated by a villain."

I believe that one day he will understand and repent.

Besides, if anything were to happen to Qingque, wouldn't Father and Mother be heartbroken?

Yunjuan was speechless: "Buddhist teachings say that killing evil people is a good thought. Why does Buddha have to kill evil people? Why doesn't he save them?"

Some people can never be converted.

Li Chenggan lowered his head and remained silent.

A moment later,

Two people walked in from outside the door.

The man walking in front was tall and handsome; he was a monk, wearing a robe, a string of prayer beads around his neck, and monk's shoes.

Following behind him was a young monk.

Li Chengan glanced around and saw that the monk walking in front was none other than Master Xuanzang.

The monk behind him was Daozhao, who was holding a package in his hand.

Li Chengan quickly rose to greet him: "Master Xuanzang, what fragrant breeze has brought you here?"

"Amitabha Buddha, Your Highness, I heard you've returned from the Japanese kingdom."

This humble monk has long wanted to visit you, but I could only wait because my lecture on Buddhist scriptures had just ended.

That's why I rushed over.

Master Xuanzang sat down in the chair that Zhang Baozang had just sat in.

Dao Zhao stood by.

"Master Xuanzang, you've come so late at night; surely it's not just to visit me, is there something else?"

Master Xuanzang stared intently at Li Chenggan: "Your Highness, touch it, do you still have a head?"

Li Chengan was taken aback and asked, "Master, what do you mean by that?"

Is someone trying to frame me?

"Your Highness, people often say, 'You should not have the heart to harm others, but you must have the heart to guard against others.'"

Clearly, you have no intention of harming anyone, nor do you intend to be wary of anyone.

How can this be allowed?

Dao Zhao has just told me that Fang Xuanling has led a group of ministers to the Zichen Palace to request your father, the Emperor, to execute you.

What are you still doing here? Waiting to get stabbed?

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggan was startled.

He thought to himself, "That old man is really something else."

Two days ago, they wanted to impeach me, exile me to Qianzhou, and forbid me from ever returning to Chang'an. Now they want to request an imperial decree to execute me.

What exactly did he mean?

What grudge do I hold against you that you must be so determined to kill me?

Thinking of this, Li Chengan asked, "Then, what was Fang Xuanling's reason for requesting the imperial decree to execute me?"

Dao Zhao recounted the information he had gathered.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan quickly explained, "This is completely a misunderstanding."

Indeed, King Yamashiro intends to lead his army to surrender to me.

but,

I did not accept their surrender.

I simply suggested that they go to the Silla border to capture pirates.

How can you say that I have built another army of my own?

What makes you say that?

"Amitabha, Your Highness, there are many things in this world that are difficult to explain clearly."

You know the truth, but do others know it?

If you think like this,

Do other people think the same way?

Because you have already recruited a cavalry force of ten thousand men on the border of Gaochang,

Therefore,

Those ministers will think you're eager to expand your power and seize military control.

Li Chengan put his hands in his sleeves: "The reason I recruited soldiers on the border of Gaochang was because I found that the Western Regions were not peaceful."

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, and given the time constraints, I decided to have Ashina She'er recruit soldiers locally.

It was because of that army that we defeated Yanqi and rescued Chang'an.

Without that army, the outcome would have been unpredictable.

"Amitabha, Your Highness, I understand everything you have said."

but,

Will the ministers in the court be able to understand?

They believe that you have violated the regulations of the imperial court by privately recruiting soldiers, intending to amass power and oppose the court in the future.” Master Xuanzang fiddled with the string of Buddhist prayer beads in his hand.

The string of prayer beads had been worn smooth and shiny from being handled so often by Master Xuanzang.

Li Chenggan remained silent.

"Your father is furious right now, you'd better lay low for a while."

"this--."

"When we entered the city, we found that the entire city of Chang'an was under martial law, as if facing a major enemy."

Everyone is allowed to enter, but not leave.

Before you arrived, this humble monk has prepared a set of robes, prayer beads, monk's shoes, and a hood for you.

"Hurry up and change into these and come with us."

At this moment, Dao Zhao placed the package he was holding on the table.

He respectfully opened it: "Your Highness, please take a look."

When Li Chengan looked at the items on the table, he saw that they were all brand new and the right size.

Li Chenggan thought to himself, "Master Xuanzang is such a thoughtful person, considering things so thoroughly for me."

"Your Highness, don't hesitate any longer, don't waste any more time, change it quickly."

"I won't leave. If I leave, wouldn't it make me look guilty?" Li Chenggan was very stubborn.

Master Xuanzang advised again, "Your Highness, as long as you're alive, you can always fight another day. Don't be stubborn anymore; preserving your life is the most important thing."

If you lose your life, then there's no chance of turning things around.

Li Chengan did not want to do this, but he felt that Master Xuanzang's words were not unreasonable. He was just trying to be helpful. What was he after?

then,

Li Chengan put on a kasaya, hung up his prayer beads, put on monk's shoes, and put on a hood, instantly transforming into a handsome monk.

Li Chenggan felt that his face was easily recognized, so he put on another mask.

He wrote a letter and gave it to Yunjuan, asking her to pass it on to Su Wan.

quickly,

Li Chengan, Master Xuanzang, and Daozhao arrived at Xuanwu Gate, intending to leave the city.

The one guarding Xuanwu Gate tonight is Gongsun Wuda.

Gongsun Wuda has received General Chang He's order that no one is allowed to enter but not leave, and he specifically pointed out that this is to prevent the Crown Prince from escaping.

Gongsun Wuda was also puzzled, thinking that the Crown Prince had just returned from the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, attended the completion ceremony of Jiucheng Palace and the civil service examination,

I heard that the Crown Prince did very well in the exam, and the Emperor was very happy. So why is the Emperor now trying to arrest the Crown Prince again?

However, for a soldier, obedience is his duty; he does whatever his superiors tell him to do.

At this moment, Gongsun Wuda saw three monks approaching and shouted, "Halt!"

His voice was as loud as a bell.

Li Chengqian was startled.

Because he knew that Gongsun Wuda was one of the generals highly valued by his father, the emperor. He was skilled in martial arts, incorruptible, and loyal to the court.

If he finds out that I want to leave Chang'an, it will be troublesome.

Gongsun Wuda strode up to Master Xuanzang.

By the dim moonlight, he recognized Master Xuanzang: "Excuse me, who do we have here? It's Master Xuanzang!"

Who doesn't know Master Xuanzang?

Master Xuanzang was Emperor Taizong's younger brother.

Although he was just a monk, because of his special relationship with Li Shimin, he had complete freedom to come and go from Chang'an.

Xuanzang also knew Gongsun Wuda, and knew that he was a favorite general of Li Shimin.

"General Gongsun, during the day, His Majesty wanted to learn about some things in the Buddhist scriptures, so he sent someone to summon this humble monk."

Time flies so fast, and before we knew it, it was dark.

This humble monk originally planned to rest in Chang'an for one night and return to the temple tomorrow.

but,

The abbot sent a young monk to say that something had happened at the temple and the abbot urgently needed to summon me back.

"This humble monk is in a hurry to return; please, General Gongsun, grant me this favor."

Gongsun Wuda looked behind Master Xuanzang.

There were two monks.

One was of medium height, and the other was tall, both wearing masks.

Li Chengan was afraid of being recognized, so he put on a mask.

but,

This further attracted Gongsun Wuda's attention.

He asked Xuanzang, "Master, who is this?"

Master Xuanzang realized that this matter was not easy to handle, as Gongsun Wuda was unwilling to come forward.

"Oh, he is a new disciple of this humble monk."

"Why are you wearing a mask?"

"because……."

Master Xuanzang was an honest and kind man who never lied. If you asked him to lie, he wouldn't be able to do it right away.

Li Chengqian coughed, deliberately making his voice sound very rough: "General, it's not for any other reason than that this humble monk has contracted a strange illness. My face is covered in red spots that itch terribly. Even if you scratch your entire face raw, you still can't stop the itching."

Moreover, this disease is highly contagious!

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Wuda took two steps back and asked in surprise, "Oh, there's such a strange disease?"

"Yes, it's said that people who get this disease will eventually die from complete body decay!"

"Take off your mask now and let me see who you are."

Li Chenggan felt another surge of tension, but at this point, he had no choice but to remove his mask.

then,

He gritted his teeth and took off the mask.

When Gongsun Wuda looked at Li Chengqian's face, good heavens, it looked like it was rotting, and it even smelled bad.

"Then quickly put on your mask and get away from me." Gongsun Wuda said, covering his mouth and nose with his hand and taking three steps back.

Because he didn't want to get infected either.

It turned out that Li Chenggan had smeared an egg on his face.

"Master Xuanzang, the higher-ups have issued an order to close all city gates and prohibit anyone from leaving the city."

However, on the other hand, given your special status, you are allowed to leave.

"But those two won't do!" Gongsun Wuda said, pointing at Li Chenggan and Daozhao.

"Amitabha Buddha, thank you General Gongsun."

My newly accepted disciple has contracted this infectious disease; it's very serious and he urgently needs treatment. None of the doctors in the city can cure it.

The poor monk took him out of the city to Zhongnan Mountain to find Sun Simiao to treat him.

I didn't mean anything by it, I just hope you can do me a favor.

"No, if I let you all go, I'll be in deep trouble if my superiors blame me," Gongsun Wuda immediately refused. "Master Xuanzang, if you say anything more, you won't be allowed to leave the city either."

After all, no one's life comes from a sudden storm. What if something happens?

Just then, someone shouted, "Thief! That man up ahead is a womanizer! Stop him!"

The voice just fell,

A figure flashed past Gongsun Wuda, and the person following behind him was none other than Qin Ying.

Li Chengan wanted to call out to Qin Ying, but then he thought better of it; he shouldn't call out now.

Because if we called out to Qin Ying, wouldn't we give ourselves away?

Qin Ying then approached Gongsun Wuda and said, "General Gongsun, it's good that you're here. That man over there is a womanizer. Quickly, catch him!"

Gongsun Wuda, a general of integrity, despised philanderers and asked, "Are you Qin Ying, the grandson of Qin Shubao?"

"Exactly, he's thin, I'm fat, I can't outrun him, hurry up and catch him for me." Qin Ying said, pointing to the dark figure in front of her.

Due to the urgency of the situation, Gongsun Wuda didn't have time to think and led his men and Qin Ying in pursuit.

Li Chengan, Master Xuanzang, and Daozhao took advantage of the chaos to leave Chang'an.

When Chang He arrived at the Eastern Palace, he did not find Li Chenggan. He had no choice but to return to the Zichen Hall in a huff and report to Li Shimin: "When I arrived at the Eastern Palace, Li Chenggan had already left."

"What? Who let Li Chenggan go out?" Li Shimin asked.

"I am unaware of such matters."

"How absurd!"

"I have already made it very clear that Li Chengqian is not allowed to leave the Eastern Palace. He is required to stay in the Eastern Palace and reflect on his mistakes. Don't forget, he is still serving his sentence," Li Shimin said, becoming increasingly angry. "Arrest all the eunuchs and maids in the Eastern Palace and execute them!"

Upon hearing this, Chang He immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

I think it's no wonder those palace maids and eunuchs are like this.

Your Majesty, please consider this: Li Chengqian is, after all, the Crown Prince. If he wants to go out, who dares to stop him?

Li Shimin also felt that Chang He's words made some sense.

Now, a voice is gradually spreading in Chang'an, claiming that he is a tyrant.

In fact, the difference between a tyrant and a wise ruler is only one word.

Historically infamous tyrants, such as Jie of Xia and King Zhou of Shang,

But in the end, they all lost their kingdoms. Should I follow in the footsteps of King Zhou of Shang?

Thinking of this, Li Shimin said to everyone, "It's getting late, you should all go back and rest first, we'll talk about it after we capture Li Chenggan."

Seeing this, the ministers had no choice but to disperse.