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

Li Chenggan originally thought that Hegan Chengji and Ashina Jieshe were going to assassinate him again.

Unexpectedly, the three assassins bowed to him at the same time.

The once arrogant and domineering Hegan Chengji became respectful: "Your Highness, Zhang Shizheng has already told us that we are willing to pledge our loyalty to Your Highness."

Li Chenggan still found it hard to accept the 180-degree turn of the three assassins.

He thought to himself, "No wonder people often say that money can make the devil turn the millstone; it seems that this is really true."

Li Chengan raised his right hand: "No need for formalities. The arrival of the three of you is like Wei Zi leaving Yin and Han Xin returning to Han. This is a fortunate event."

Qin Ying was also stunned and asked, "These three are ruthless killers, are they really going to submit to Your Highness?"

"We swear to serve Your Highness to the death!" Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe said in unison.

Although Qin Ying didn't understand what was going on,

However, judging from their expressions, they didn't seem to be faking it.

"In that case, Your Highness, let's not say any more. Zhang Shigui's troops are about to attack."

Let's quickly prepare to fight!

"No!" Li Chengan waved his hand. "Zhang Shigui's army is also our Tang army, therefore, it cannot be killed arbitrarily."

You only need to hold your ground and prevent them from advancing; do not harm them.

It must be said that Li Chenggan considered issues very deeply.

Whether it was the Imperial Guards or the Tang army brought by Zhang Shigui, they were all armies of the Tang Dynasty.

If someone dies, it will not only be a loss for the Tang army, but Li Chengan will also be held responsible when the court inquires about the matter in the future.

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying blinked and said, "Your Highness, are you confused? If we don't kill them, they'll kill us."

"That won't do! Not a single one of Zhang Shigui's soldiers can be killed."

Seeing that Li Chenggan had already given the order, the crowd had no choice but to do as he said.

However, this battle is indeed not easy to fight.

Because the soldiers Zhang Shigui brought from Hedong were all strong and capable men he had carefully selected.

Each of them was a formidable fighter, and they obeyed Zhang Shigui's orders without question, regardless of whether you were a prince or a duke.

They did whatever Zhang Shigui told them to do, which was one of the main reasons why Zhang Shigui was able to win battles.

Su Gui and Qin Ying stood tightly in front of Li Chengqian,

Su Gui was so anxious that she was covered in sweat.

He wanted to order his 200 Imperial Guards to fight the enemy.

but,

Li Chengan did not allow it.

Therefore, the Imperial Guards under Su Gui had no choice but to erect their shields, forming a wall to protect Li Chenggan.

Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe led the way, moving left and right, blocking the way back and forth.

These people are ruthless killers!

but,

Because Li Chengan had given prior instructions not to kill Zhang Shigui's soldiers.

They had no choice but to deal with it carefully.

Sometimes they would knock Zhang Shigui's soldiers to the ground, making them suffer, or they would simply take away their bows, arrows, and weapons.

However, even though the three assassins were exceptionally skilled,

However, the enemy's army was simply too large.

A moment later,

Zhang Shizheng was exhausted, covered in sweat and panting heavily.

He said to Li Chengan, "Your Highness, I can't hold on much longer, I'm about to throw my flying knives!"

"Old man, the soldiers under Zhang Shigui have all made outstanding contributions in battle and are the elite of our Tang army."

If I harm them, I will not be able to bear the consequences if my father asks about it in the future.

"However, knowing that you gave such an order, they became even more emboldened and charged forward with all their might."

How can we possibly hold out?

"Let's hold out for a while, we'll see."

Li Chengan was also very anxious.

at this time,

There was a commotion behind Zhang Shigui's army, and no one knew what was going on.

Li Chengan stood on high ground, looking around.

A man dressed in white, riding a white horse, charged into Zhang Shigui's ranks, knocking several soldiers to the ground.

but,

The man in white did not use his full strength.

The man charged into Zhang Shigui's army, fighting his way through like a tiger among sheep, as if he were in an empty field.

In an instant,

He had already knocked over hundreds of soldiers to the ground.

Seeing his ferocity, the soldiers were terrified and tried to avoid him at all costs.

Li Chengan looked closely and realized that the person who had come was none other than Xue Rengui.

It turned out that Xue Rengui had retrieved the halberd from the old-established blacksmith shop.

That halberd weighs three hundred jin (approximately 150 kg), and most people simply can't lift it.

but,

In Xue Rengui's hands, however, it was used with ease and freedom, as if it were effortless.

How could Zhang Shigui's soldiers possibly withstand the attack?

Fortunately, Xue Rengui only touched on the point briefly.

Otherwise, who knows how many people would have died.

Li Chengan had heard that Xiang Yu in history had once killed thousands of people single-handedly.

And then there was Liu Yu, whose imposing presence was like a tiger swallowing ten thousand miles, who also single-handedly killed and wounded hundreds of people.

Originally, Li Chenggan was unwilling to believe it.

Now it seems that those were all true.

Xue Rengui was no less capable than Xiang Yu or Liu Yu.

Zhang Shigui saw this and was anxious, wondering who that young general in white robes was.

Holding a lance, he shouted, "Get out of the way, everyone! I'll take him on!"

Zhang Shigui can be considered one of the top generals of the Tang Dynasty.

The spear in his hand was the same weapon used by Huo Qubing in the past.

That was a treasure.

As they drew closer, Zhang Shigui recognized the young general in white before him as Xue Rengui.

He truly hadn't expected that Xue Rengui, whom he had rejected twice, would appear here to join the army: "Xue Rengui, it's you! Why don't you dismount and surrender now that you've seen this general?"

Xue Rengui stopped his attack and sneered, "Zhang Shigui, you actually dared to lead troops to besiege the Crown Prince? Do you intend to rebel?"

"Nonsense! Do I need your interference in my affairs? Who do you think you are?" Zhang Shigui felt he was losing face. "You little brat, you're asking for it!"

Zhang Shigui and Xue Rengui got into a fight over a disagreement.

Zhang Shigui, though old, was still vigorous and fought with increasing courage;

Xue Rengui was like a newborn calf that was not afraid of tigers; he showed no fear in the face of famous generals.

These two are truly evenly matched, like two equally talented individuals.

The two fought for about ten rounds without a clear winner.

at this time,

Someone nearby shouted, "Stop fighting! An imperial edict has arrived!"

Li Chengan looked up and saw two horses approaching, with two people sitting on their backs, a man and a woman.

Su Wan was walking in front.

Following behind Su Wan was Fang Yi'ai.

original,

Su Wan and Princess Wencheng met with Li Daozong. After explaining their purpose, Su Wan asked Li Daozong, "Where has the Crown Prince gone?"

Li Daozong said, "They should be at the Yuelai Inn. Zhang Shigui just left. If you go after them now, you should still be able to catch up."

then,

Su Wan left Li Daozong behind and rode off with Fang Yi'ai on a fast horse to catch up.

Halfway there,

Su Wan said to Fang Yi'ai, "You've really got some nerve, daring to forge an imperial edict."

Who gave you such audacity?

"Your Highness, I have no choice but to say this," Fang Yi'ai said helplessly.

Su Wan nodded, her eyes fixed intently on Fang Yi'ai: "I don't like bringing up the past."

but,

Since you've brought this up, we should have a word in mind.

I'm asking you, are you absolutely determined to work for Li Tai?

"Well, I wouldn't say I was working for the King of Yue; I was just fulfilling my duties," Fang Yi'ai said, trying to downplay the issue.

Upon hearing this,

Su Wan pursed her lips: "Really?"

Last time, the Emperor ordered Chang He to arrest Chengxin and Wei Lingfu.

Unexpectedly, they captured two thieves who looked like Chengxin and Weilingfu.

later,

They were imprisoned in the Dali Temple jail.

And you actually dared to sneak into the Dali Temple's prison and poison them both to death. Who gave you permission to do that?

Did Li Tai instruct you to do this?

Su Wan hit the nail on the head.

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai thought to himself that Su Wan was truly remarkable, having seen through him at a glance.

but,

Even so, he couldn't admit that he was working for Li Tai.

Because if that were the case, wouldn't it be too obvious?

"Princess Consort, no matter what, I have to thank you."

If you hadn't spoken well of me to the Emperor,

My head has probably been moved.

"You've got some self-awareness, kid," Su Wan paused, "I have a question for you."

"What's the problem?"

"Have you slept with Princess Gaoyang so far?"

"I—." Fang Yi'ai felt extremely embarrassed upon hearing this.

"Did you have sex or not? Tell me."

"No," Fang Yi'ai had no choice but to tell the truth.

"Well then, let me tell you, this is very dangerous." Su Wan slowed down the speed of her horse.

"What do you mean?"

Princess Gaoyang was incredibly beautiful and so young.

You've been married for so long, yet she hasn't received any love or care. How can that be acceptable?

No woman wants to live the life of a widow.

but,

"I heard you have a woman named Qiu Tianjiao in the south of the city, is that right?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai thought to himself that Su Wan knew everything about his affairs.

Now that she already knows, there's no need to hide it: "Yes, I do have a close friend named Qiu Tianjiao."

"Did anything happen between you and her?"

Have you and she already slept together?

"No, not at all!"

Su Wan chuckled upon hearing this: "You're really something, aren't you? What are you keeping her for? Just as a pretty face?"

"Uh—." Fang Yi'ai wiped the sweat from his forehead, unsure how to answer.

"Let me tell you, there's no illness in this world that the legendary physician Sun Simiao can't cure. Did you know that Sun Simiao is my good friend?"

"Who doesn't know Sun Simiao?"

"I can ask him to treat that kind of illness for you."

Fang Yi'ai had long heard of Sun Simiao's superb medical skills and miraculous healing abilities.

On several occasions, Empress Zhangsun nearly died, and it was Sun Simiao who cured her.

"Your Highness, are you telling the truth?"

Many physicians have tried to treat me before, but none of them were very effective.” Fang Yi’ai was skeptical.

"When have I ever lied to you? Those medical officers, including the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital, can't compare to Sun Simiao."

Zhang Baozang is amazing, isn't he?

He only knows how to treat dysentery; Sun Simiao could cure any disease.

in fact,

You don't need to consult Sun Simiao for your illness.

Because Lu Zhaolin, a disciple of Sun Simiao, can also cure your illness.

"Lu Zhaolin? Is that the great scholar?"

"Yes, he tied for third place with Xu Jieyu in this written exam, which is quite remarkable," Su Wan praised.

Is Lu Zhaolin really that amazing?

"Of course, that's incredibly powerful."

You should know that Qiu Tianjiao will leave you sooner or later.

Because there's no official status between you two.

"If it weren't for the fact that your father is the Grand Secretary and your family is wealthy and powerful, she probably would have left you long ago," Su Wan analyzed.

"No, Qiu Tianjiao loves me very much, she won't leave me," Fang Yi'ai argued.

Have you ever seen a palace maid genuinely fall in love with a eunuch?

"this--."

"Although you and Princess Gaoyang already have the status of husband and wife,

but,

If you two haven't had sex for a long time, something's bound to happen sooner or later.

You should know that adultery can lead to death.

Also, have you been paying attention to Princess Gaoyang? Do you think her recent behavior is normal?

Reminded by Su Wan, Fang Yi'ai looked up, thought for a moment, and said:

"It seems like she's taken to dressing up lately."

Moreover, by controlling my diet and almost completely avoiding greasy food, I've lost some weight and look even better than before.

"Yeah?"

Su Wan nodded slightly. "If a woman starts to enjoy dressing up, it often means she's having an affair."

Is this possible?

I don't think Princess Gaoyang is that kind of person.

You're right, Princess Gaoyang is definitely not that kind of person.

However, people are often forced into it.

When people are pushed to the limit, they're capable of anything.

After listening, Fang Yi'ai blinked and asked, "Then tell me, what should I do?"

Su Wan lowered her head and thought for a moment, then said, "I heard that the Crown Prince is at the Yuelai Inn. Zhang Shigui led 2000 men to capture the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince is in great danger."

The reason Zhang Shigui dared to treat the crown prince this way was...

It was because you forged that imperial edict; otherwise, Zhang Shigui wouldn't have had the audacity.

Wait a moment,

When we arrive at the Yuelai Inn, if you encounter Zhang Shigui, just say this to him.

Fang Yi'ai looked troubled.

"Princess Consort, you're not joking with me, are you?"

"Can Sun Simiao and his disciple Lu Zhaolin really cure my illness?"

"Don't worry, you don't even believe what I say?"

"But what if the Emperor blames us?"

"What are you afraid of? I'll cover for you." Su Wan said confidently.

"Alright, it's a deal then."

that's it,

Su Wan and Fang Yi'ai rode quickly to the Yuelai Inn.

Just then, the two armies were engaged in battle, and Zhang Shigui fought a great battle against Xue Rengui.

Zhang Shigui thought to himself that Xue Rengui was just an unknown nobody who wanted to join the army, but he hadn't accepted him. He never expected that someone who hadn't even become a common soldier would be so capable.

Xue Rengui was even more furious, thinking to himself, "Why is my life so miserable?"

Zhang Shigui absolutely refused to allow Zhang Shigui to join the army.

Zhang Shigui and Xue Rengui were engaged in a fierce battle.

Fang Yi'ai shouted loudly, "The imperial edict has arrived!"

Upon hearing that the imperial edict had arrived, everyone immediately stopped fighting.

Xue Rengui feinted and jumped out of the circle.

Everyone knelt on the ground.

Fang Yi'ai cleared his throat: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: the previous order to arrest Li Chengqian is hereby rescinded."

Zhang Shigui abandoned his post without imperial decree and came to Luoyang on his own. I should have punished him, but considering his past merits, I will not pursue the matter further.

"Everyone should protect Crown Prince Li Chengqian and escort him back to Chang'an immediately, where he will reside in the Eastern Palace. He must not linger or play outside."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

Although Zhang Shigui was somewhat skeptical of the imperial edict Fang Yi'ai had described,

but,

He couldn't doubt it.

Because if he doubts this imperial edict, wouldn't that be tantamount to denying the previous imperial edict?

Zhang Shigui then thought that it would be good enough if the emperor would not hold him accountable for dereliction of duty.

Zhang Shigui bowed from horseback: "Your Highness, we are acting under imperial orders and have offended you greatly."

I hope Your Highness will not take offense.

People often say that old people are cunning and old horses are slippery, and that's the point.

Zhang Shigui is cunning and shrewd; he left himself a way out.

Li Chengan, being who he was, naturally understood his meaning.

Li Chengan returned the courtesy: "General Zhang is loyal to the court and deserves praise. I will not blame you. After you arrive in Chang'an, I will invite you for a drink."

"Okay, I'll be waiting. See you later! Let's go!"

Zhang Shigui and his four sons led their two thousand men away.

Because Li Chengqian had given an order not to harm the Tang army.

Therefore, Zhang Shigui's two thousand men were spared.

Those who were originally staying at the Yuelai Inn heard that the army had withdrawn and that the Crown Prince was here.

Some daring individuals opened the door and ran out to admire Li Chengqian's demeanor.

The onlookers were very excited when they saw Li Chenggan. They prostrated themselves on the ground, and some even shouted "Long live the Crown Prince!"

Li Chenggan waved to them frequently.

After everyone had left,

Li Chengan ordered Su Gui to lead 200 imperial guards to stand watch outside, and added two more guards to the gate.

Li Chenggan hosted a banquet for Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, Ashina Jieshe, Xue Rengui, and others to calm their nerves.

Li Chengan sat in the center, with Su Wan sitting beside him.

Seated on the left are Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe, the three great assassins;

Sitting on the right are Fang Yi'ai, Qin Ying, and Xue Rengui.

Each of them had a square table in front of them, which was laden with wine and meat.

Li Chengan raised his wine cup: "Gentlemen, first of all, I am very grateful to you all. Without your life-risking rescue, I would probably have become a ghost under Zhang Shigui's spear."

Secondly, I am very pleased that Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe have abandoned their evil ways and come to serve under me.

Thirdly, I had a chance encounter with Xue Rengui in the Zhongnan Mountains, and we hit it off immediately.

At the same time, Xue Rengui obtaining the white jade horse and the halberd is also something to celebrate.

Today, I am gathered here with you all in joyful celebration. Please drink this cup to the brim!

Everyone raised their glasses and said in unison, "To Your Highness!"

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Su Wan looked at Li Chenggan with her beautiful eyes and said reproachfully, "Your Highness, you came to Luoyang without even saying hello."

What if something happens?

Upon hearing this,

Li Chengan laughed heartily: "With everyone's protection, what could possibly happen to me?"

"Look, I'm perfectly fine now, aren't I?"

"Don't give me that. It'll be too late if something happens."

"If it weren't for Fang Yi'ai's decree today, it's hard to say what the final outcome would have been." Su Wan's tone was slightly resentful.

Li Chenggan felt that what Su Wan said was basically true.

He stared intently at Fang Yi'ai: "Tell me, did Father really issue that decree?"

in fact,

At the urging of Empress Zhangsun, Li Shimin did indeed rescind the imperial edict.

However, it's not as Fang Yi'ai said.

It was Fang Yi'ai who modified Li Shimin's decree.

However, only he and Su Wan knew about this, and Fang Yi'ai couldn't say in front of everyone that he had changed the emperor's decree.

He could only smile and say, "Yes, His Majesty did indeed issue such an edict. Your Highness, you should return to Chang'an as soon as possible and take up residence in the Eastern Palace!"