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

After hearing this, Qin Ying thumped his chest loudly: "Your Highness, don't worry, how could you not trust me, Qin Ying, to do things?"

When have I ever caused you trouble? When have I ever failed to do what you asked me to do?

Leave this to me. You all wait for my good news.

Upon hearing this,

Li Chengan shook his head and smiled bitterly, thinking to himself, "You've got it all backwards. I should be asking you which task I entrusted to you that you handled well."

When have you ever not caused me trouble?

Qin Ying said to Su Gui and Xue Rengui, "I'm entrusting His Highness to you two. You must protect him well."

"I'll come back after I've settled things with Songtsen Gampo."

Su Gui smiled and said, "With the two of us protecting Your Highness, there will be no mishap."

Qin Ying left the Yuelai Inn and headed to Chang'an.

Li Chengan watched Qin Ying's departing figure, still feeling a little uneasy.

but,

At this point, it would be most appropriate to entrust this matter to Qin Ying.

Li Chengan looked at Su Gui and asked, "Has anything happened in Chang'an these past two days?"

"I heard that the Emperor has issued two decrees, allowing Consort Yang to reside in Jiucheng Palace."

At the same time, Tuyuhun should be ceded to Li Ke.

Upon hearing this,

Li Chengan was taken aback.

Because he couldn't understand it.

Why did Father Emperor make such a decision?

Li Chenggan gazed out the window: "When Jiucheng Palace was completed, Fang Xuanling made it very clear..."

Only concubines, princes, and princesses who made significant contributions to the court or demonstrated outstanding performance were allowed to reside in Jiucheng Palace.

in other words,

Jiucheng Palace and Wude Hall are somewhat similar.

That's a symbol of status.

but,

What special contributions did Consort Yang make?

"Yes, this matter seems a bit strange. If we're talking about outstanding contributions, your mother's contribution is the most outstanding."

Without your mother's strong support,

Would your father have achieved what he has today?

Let alone becoming emperor, it's hard to say whether he'll live or die.

We risked our lives to reclaim Tuyuhun.

Why did your father give Tuyuhun to Li Ke?

Why not cede Tuyuhun to you, Your Highness?

Li Chenggan waved his hand: "Li Tai originally had 22 states, and with the addition of the Dangxiang, that makes 23 states."

Li Ke governed eight states.

I don't even have a single state under my rule.

It seems that

Consort Yang was very shrewd.

Whether it was moving into Jiucheng Palace or ceding Tuyuhun to Li Ke, neither of these matters was trivial.

Li Ke's status and power were greatly enhanced.

"I heard that your father once praised Li Ke as being similar to himself. Does that mean your father intends to make him the crown prince?" Su Gui asked in return.

Li Chengan gave a bitter smile: "If that's really the case, then I'm willing to hand it over."

"This position of Crown Prince is for whoever wants it. I've had enough of it; it's too tiring."

Xue Rengui straightened his clothes and advised from the side, "Your Highness, you must not have such thoughts."

The crown prince is the foundation of the country; how can we easily give him up?

Even if you don't think about yourself, you should at least think about the people of the world.

We believe that if you successfully inherit the throne in the future, you will surely lead our Tang Dynasty to prosperity and strength.

This made our Tang Dynasty's fame spread far and wide.

If it were any other prince,

That's probably not the case.

Su Gui also said, "Your Highness, Xue Rengui is right."

and,

My sister told me...

Currently, several factions have gradually formed in North Korea and China:

First, a group of ministers led by Fang Xuanling supported Li Tai;

Secondly, it is highly likely that Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang will support Li Zhi in seizing the position of crown prince;

Thirdly, Li Daozong and Li Yuanjing had a very good relationship, and they might use Li Yuanjing to compete for the position of crown prince.

Li Chenggan shook his head and smiled bitterly, thinking that it really was true that the position of crown prince was like a besieged city, with those inside wanting to get out and those outside wanting to squeeze in.

If I hadn't been born into this imperial family...

If they had grown up in an ordinary family, they would have had an incredibly carefree and happy life.

Li Chengan, Su Gui, and Xue Rengui were talking when

Suddenly, the melodious sound of a guzheng came from not far away.

Li Chengqian's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that the assassin Zhang Shizheng was going to assassinate him again?

Sure enough, it didn't take long.

An elderly man stepped in from outside the door.

Li Chengan glanced around and saw that the person who had come was none other than Zhang Shizheng.

Su Gui and Xue Rengui quickly flanked Li Chengqian, standing on either side.

Su Gui pointed with her hand: "Old man, here you are again."

As Su Gui finished speaking, she picked up her spear and was about to step forward to stab Zhang Shizheng.

Zhang Shizheng laughed heartily, put away the guzheng, slung it over his shoulder, and quickly explained:

"Gentlemen, please don't misunderstand. I'm not here today to assassinate His Highness."

I'm here to give you a heads-up.

Li Chengan stepped forward, staring intently at her, and asked, "Zhang Shizheng, what trick are you playing now?"

Zhang Shizheng stroked his beard:

"People may think of me as a ruthless killer, but that's not true. I'm also a person who values ​​feelings and knows how to repay kindness."

Your Highness, no matter what, when we first met at the Jiangdu Inn in Yangzhou,

You treated this old man to a drink.

And they opened a room for me, carrying me inside.

I was just joking with you.

After you placed me on the couch, I pretended to be dead, as if I were about to die.

Seeing this, you went to Yangzhou to fetch a physician for me.

Oh dear, I'm also very touched. My heart is made of flesh and blood, isn't it?

Although I showed you mercy outside Xuanwu Gate and on Zhongnan Mountain

However, I still feel a little guilty.

Li Chengqian glared at Zhang Shizheng and said, "Don't beat around the bush!"

What trick are you trying to pull now?

Just say what you have to say.

"Your Highness, I'm not exaggerating, but touch your head, do you still have one?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan frowned and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Your Highness, I am a little thirsty. May I have a cup of water?" Li Chenggan walked to the table, picked up a teacup, poured a cup of green tea for Zhang Shizheng, and handed it to him.

Zhang Shizheng took the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, wiped his mouth with his hand, and sat down on the chair by the table: "Your Highness, through our several interactions, I have come to deeply feel that you are a kind-hearted prince."

but,

Let me tell you this: your kindness may not be reciprocated with the same kindness.

It's not that I, an old man, enjoy sowing discord here.

Your brother Li Tai is a real scoundrel.

You have repeatedly been tolerant and forgiving of him.

but,

He pressed on relentlessly; he wouldn't rest until he killed you.

To be frank, I also took a lot of money from him.

Along with Ashina Jieshe and Hegan Chengji, the three of us were known among the common people as the three great assassins of the Tang Dynasty.

What we all have in common is that we take other people's money and then do their dirty work.

but,

There are differences among the three of us.

Ashina Jieshe, a member of the Turkic royal family, was single-mindedly focused on how to revive the Turkic people and bring them back to power.

Therefore, he and Li Tai made a deal: if you kill him, (they will do this or that).

Li Tai would then help the Turks restore their kingdom.

Of course,

That's what Li Tai said; whether he can actually do it is another matter.

This matter is not that simple.

You may have heard about it,

Recently, remnants of the Turkic forces have been active near Luoyang.

These are also related to the Ashina clan's association rate.

He Gan Chengji's swordsmanship can be said to be unparalleled in the world, and he rarely encounters an opponent.

To use an inappropriate analogy, who does he resemble?

He might resemble Guo Jie, a great hero during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, or even Lü Bu during the Three Kingdoms period.

Hegan Chengji was a man who betrayed principles for personal gain.

He only cares about money. He'll do anything for whoever pays him the most.

For example,

This situation often occurs.

Zhang San gave He Gan Chengji 10,000 taels of silver to kill Li Si.

Li Si, however, gave Hegan Chengji 15,000 taels of silver.

So,

He Gan Chengji would then turn around and kill Zhang San.

Killing anyone is the same as killing them!

Whoever pays the most, I'll do their bidding.

in addition,

He also has a habit,

Once the money is received...

If someone else offered him more money, he would pocket the money he had initially received.

Therefore,

Among the three assassins,

Aside from the fact that I am somewhat like Jing Ke, being extremely loyal and righteous,

You can figure out the skill levels of the other two yourself.

I don't think it's impossible to win them over.

For example, if Your Highness could offer Hegan Chengji more money, he might just join your ranks.

As for Ashina Jieshe, they are not too difficult to deal with.

You just need to say that you can help him restore the Turkic kingdom.

He might also switch allegiance to His Highness.

I can take care of these things for you.

If Your Highness does not heed our advice...

They arrived quickly.

"By then, even if I wanted to help you, I would be powerless to do so."

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "Old man, you compare yourself to Jing Ke. In that case, you are a loyal and righteous man."

Zhang Shizheng quickly waved his hand: "Your Highness, it's not a matter of loyalty or disloyalty."

but,

After all, I'm already so old, how many more years can I live?

To be honest, I took off my shoes and socks tonight, and I don't know if I'll wear them again tomorrow.

What's the point of fighting for fame and fortune?

Even an ordinary citizen wants to leave behind a good reputation before they die, doesn't that right?

Otherwise, even after you die and are buried, you won't find peace; your grave will be dug up.

Why bother?

Li Chengan chuckled inwardly, thinking to himself that Zhang Shizheng was a strange man, one moment trying to assassinate him, the next coming to tip him off.

"Grandpa Zhang, according to you, Ashina Jieshe and Hegan Chengji will be here soon."

"That's right, they're on their way here."

It's just that my lightness skill is a bit better than theirs, so I arrived a step ahead of them.

Not only that,

This time,

Fang Yi'ai arrived in Luoyang and made contact with them.

Fang Yi'ai might join forces with Zhang Shigui to deal with you.

"Has Li Daozong come?"

"It seems he hasn't come yet."

"Then why?"

"Don't forget, the Emperor's decree for Li Daozong was to eliminate the remaining Turkic forces around Luoyang."

So,

Ashina Jieshe was naturally one of the things he wanted to eliminate.

Li Daozong also did not want to offend Li Tai and Fang Yi'ai.

Li Daozong's ally is Li Yuanjing.

Su Gui couldn't help but ask, "Are you talking about Li Yuanjing, the one who only knows how to refine pills?"

Zhang Shizheng stroked his beard and laughed heartily: "Your Highness, everyone, you've underestimated Li Yuanjing."

People often say that true wisdom often appears as foolishness, and Li Yuanjing was such a person.

Although he was in Chang'an, he remained hidden from view.

No one could have imagined that someone who spent his days refining elixirs was almost as old as Li Chunfeng back then.

However, this is not actually the case.

He was just like Liu Wu back then.

Emperor Jing of Han had a younger brother named Liu Wu, the Prince of Liang, whom Empress Dowager Dou particularly favored.

Empress Dowager Dou repeatedly requested in public that Emperor Jing of Han pass the throne to Liu Wu after his death.

During a banquet, Emperor Jing of Han tried to please Empress Dowager Dou.

He publicly declared that he would pass the throne to Liu Wu after his death.

Although Empress Dowager Dou's nephew, Dou Ying, immediately stood up to express his opposition.

but,

These words have indeed been spoken.

later,

The reason why Liu Wu did not become emperor was...

The main reason is that Liu Wu did not live as long as Emperor Jing of Han.

If Emperor Jing of Han had stood at the front, the throne might have belonged to Liu Wu.

Your father and Li Yuanjing are very different in age; Li Yuanjing is very young.

and,

They spend their days practicing alchemy, understand health preservation, and are in excellent health.

"Your father toils daily for the sake of the country, yet he indulges in wine and women, often staying up all night. How can he possibly outlive Li Yuanjing if things continue like this?"

Li Chengan felt that Zhang Shizheng's words made some sense.

Li Chengan crossed his arms and looked at Zhang Shizheng in front of him.

Zhang Shizheng was thin, but energetic, with particularly bright eyes.

"Old man, you mean that as long as I give you enough money, you can bring Ashina Jieshe and Hegan Chengji to serve under me, is that right?"

Zhang Shizheng laughed and said, "Yes, Your Highness, Ashina Jieshe received 100,000 taels of silver, and Hegan Chengji received at least 200,000 taels of silver."

Upon hearing this, Su Gui angrily retorted, "Old man, are you trying to rob me?"

Do you know how much my monthly salary is?

"It's only ten taels of silver, and a hundred and twenty taels a year. What makes them worth so much money?"

Zhang Shizheng laughed and said, "General Su, you can't say that. That's not how it's calculated."

I believe your martial arts skills are also outstanding; in some ways, you might even be more formidable than them in a one-on-one fight.

Su Gui snorted coldly: "Since you know that the young master is skilled in martial arts, why did you still ask the Crown Prince for so much money?"

Are you trying to profit from this?"

"No, no, no, as I just said, I'm already old and don't know how many more days I have left. What would I do with so much money?"

Don't you know that the most tragic thing in life is dying before you've spent all your money?

We don't do that kind of thing.

"Then explain yourself clearly, why are they worth so much money?"

If we have 30 taels of silver, how many soldiers would we need to recruit?

Zhang Shizheng laughed and said, "You're absolutely right. With so much money, we can indeed build an army."

but,

The potential power of Ashina Jieshe and Hegan Chengji is immeasurable.

Do you think your two hundred men can guarantee the Crown Prince's safety?

If something were to happen to the Crown Prince, could you bear the consequences?

do not forget,

Ashina Jieshe was a member of the Turkic royal family. He and Ashina She'er both belonged to the Turkic royal family and had great appeal and influence in the Turkic community.

If Ashina Jieshelu submits to the Crown Prince, wouldn't the Crown Prince be even more powerful?

Not only that, he can also bring several thousand troops to the Crown Prince.

As for Hegan Chengji, needless to say...

He was one of the top assassins of our Great Tang Dynasty.

His swordsmanship had reached a level of consummate skill.

Even His Highness's mastery of the Perfect Union Sword Technique might not be able to defeat him.

It's important to know that masters are often surrounded by many other masters.

If Hegan Chengji were to submit to Your Highness, he would bring you many top-tier experts.

Upon hearing this, Xue Rengui interjected, "Your Highness, I don't think we should take in Hegan Chengji."

Zhang Shizheng glared at him: "Xue Rengui, what do you mean by that?"

"You just said that Hegan Chengji and Lü Bu are somewhat similar."

At the beginning,

Lü Bu sought refuge with Ding Yuan.

He recognized Ding Yuan as his godfather.

Ding Yuan treated Lü Bu like his own son; he was very good to Lü Bu.

later,

In an effort to win over Lü Bu, Dong Zhuo gifted him the Red Hare horse and some gold and silver.

Lü Bu then killed Ding Yuan and took his head to see Dong Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo believed that with a brave general like Lü Bu, he would be invincible.

Lü Bu was indeed incredibly brave and invincible in battle, sweeping all before him.

With Lü Bu's support, Dong Zhuo became even more arrogant in the court, seizing control of the government, corrupting the harem, and doing whatever he pleased.

The civil and military officials dared to be angry but dared not speak out.

later,

Situ Wang Yun devised a scheme involving multiple interlocking devices, first offering Diao Chan to Lü Bu,

It was then given to Dong Zhuo.

Diao Chan used this opportunity to sow discord between the father and son.

Because of a woman, Lü Bu developed a rift with Dong Zhuo.

finally,

Lü Bu killed Dong Zhuo with a single halberd strike.

If Dong Zhuo hadn't taken Lü Bu in, the later outcome wouldn't have been the same.

Su Gui listened and nodded repeatedly, because he hadn't read many books and knew little about those historical events.

He was still wondering what kind of woman Diao Chan was, that she could bewitch both Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo so completely.

They've actually come to the point where father and son have turned against each other.

Cao Cao gradually unified the north.

Lu Bu was also one of the items eliminated.

Lü Bu was no match for Cao Cao and retreated repeatedly, eventually holed up in the city of Xiapi.

finally,

Lu Bu's subordinates captured him and handed him over to Cao Cao.

Lü Bu was about to surrender to Cao Cao again.

He said that if Cao Cao stayed in the rear, he would fight for Cao Cao and, with his bravery, he would surely be able to defeat the enemy and be invincible. Then, the world would belong to Cao Cao.

then,

Cao Cao was also somewhat tempted and planned to accept Lü Bu's surrender.

Cao Cao asked Liu Bei, who was standing beside him, and Liu Bei reminded Cao Cao, "Have you forgotten what happened between Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?"

Cao Cao then realized what was happening and ordered his men to strangle Lü Bu.

Lü Bu was a treacherous and fickle man who was opportunistic and treacherous.

It is understood that Hegan Chengji and Lü Bu have similar temperaments. Wouldn't it be a hidden danger if such a person were to serve under Your Highness?

Raising a tiger is a recipe for disaster; the consequences will be dire.

What if he reverses his gender in the future?

Your Highness, won't you end up suffering the consequences?

Su Gui listened and said, "Yes, Your Highness, Xue Rengui is right. We cannot accept Hegan Chengji's surrender and spend so much money."

"We have so much money, why don't we build our own army?"

Li Chenggan waved his hand:

"No, I believe what Grandpa Zhang said."

Lü Bu is Lü Bu, and He Gan Chengji is He Gan Chengji; they cannot be treated the same.

I treated him with virtue.

future,

He will definitely change.

I treated him with sincerity, and I believe he would never betray me.

"Your Highness, this is not appropriate," Xue Rengui tried to persuade him further.

Li Chengan, however, was unwilling to listen any further.

Zhang Shizheng laughed and said, "That's right, who can be without flaws?"

"Isn't it enough to admit your mistakes and correct them?"

Li Chengqian looked troubled: "But I don't have that much silver on me."

Zhang Shizheng laughed and said, "Your Highness, it doesn't matter if you can't come up with that much money right now."

You only need to pay 50,000 taels of silver upfront, and the rest will be paid after Ashina Jieshe and Hegan Chengji submit to His Highness.

As for my share, you can give it to me as you see fit.

Su Gui glared at him: "Old Zhang, didn't you just say you didn't care about money?"

Why are you asking for money again now?

"Yes, yes, yes, I certainly can't be like Hegan Chengji, throwing around 200,000 taels of silver."

but,

After all, I am an old man of status.

If I don't take any money, it won't sound good if word gets out.

People will think that I'm an old man, and that top-tier assassins from the Tang Dynasty are worthless.

"Then let's compromise. Fifteen hundred thousand taels will do."

Upon hearing this, Su Gui flew into a rage: "Old Zhang, are you trying to rob me?"

Zhang Shizheng laughed and said, "My price is already 5 taels less than Hegan Chengji's. Consider this as His Highness treating me to a drink, and I'm returning the favor."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself, "This old guy is going around in circles, but he still wants money. No wonder, it's his profession. What do assassins risk their lives for? Who would do it if there's no money?"

Li Chengan nodded: "Okay, we'll do it your way."

Ashina Jieshe received 10 taels of silver, you, sir, receive 15 taels of silver, and Hegan Chengji receives 20 taels of silver.

The total commission was 45 taels of silver.

I'll find a way to give you 50,000 taels of silver first.

"Yes, Your Highness still has credibility."

Li Chengan asked Su Gui, "How much money did you bring?"

"Before I left, my sister gave me two thousand taels of silver," Su Gui replied.

"Two thousand taels of silver?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself, "What good is that?"

Just as Li Chenggan was getting anxious, a virtual panel appeared in front of him, displaying: [Host, you don't need to worry. This system can provide you with loan services. Our interest rate is 0.05%, compounded. Due to your recent good credit, your loan limit has been increased to 500,000 taels of silver.]

Li Chengan knew that Su Wan had saved a lot of money while he was away from Chang'an.

After he returned, he paid off all the money he owed on the system, including the interest.

This is precisely why Li Chengqian's credibility improved.

Li Chengan was also very pleased: "Then give me 5 taels of silver first."

[Host, please wait a moment. This system is preparing the silver.]

A moment later, a bright light flashed, and sure enough, a pile of silver appeared in front of everyone, like a small hill.

Su Gui counted it and found it to be 5 taels of silver.

Su Gui was extremely surprised: "Your Highness, where did you get so much money?"

Li Chengqian laughed and said, "You don't need to worry about that."

Zhang Shizheng did not expect Li Chengan to be so straightforward, and he indeed took out 5 taels of silver.

Zhang Shizheng's hands were trembling slightly: "Your Highness, you are truly a generous person."

"Back then, I threw a flying knife at you."

Li Chenggan waved his hand: "It's nothing, everyone's just serving their own master."

"Leave this matter to me, I will definitely get it done for you."

"Grandpa, then I'll leave it to you."

Zhang Shizheng borrowed a carriage and loaded the silver onto it.

After Zhang Shizheng left,

Su Gui said to Li Chengan, "Your Highness, you've given him so much money, can he really do things for you?"

Li Chengan crossed his arms and said, "To accomplish great things, one must inevitably take some risks. Let me tell you this..."

When someone reaches Zhang Shizheng's age, their word is their bond.

They will definitely keep their promises.

For this,

Xue Rengui also expressed his doubts: "Your Highness, is it really as you say?"

Li Chenggan said confidently, "If you don't believe me, let's wait and see."