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

Li Shimin looked at Tuoba Chici, Murong Shun, Da Xiang Shangnang, Fuyu Fengzhang, and the Great King of Shanbei, and said loudly, "Since you are not here to attack Chang'an, then withdraw your troops!"

The men looked at each other, and no one was willing to retreat.

Grand Minister Shangnang clasped his hands in a fist and said, “Your Majesty, I am sorry, I have not yet received the order from our King Songtsen Gampo.”

If he tells me to retreat, I will retreat immediately;

Otherwise, I cannot withdraw my troops.

Li Shimin was furious when he heard this, but he was helpless.

Murong Shun said, "Heavenly Khan, we have all come here with a common wish, which is to meet Li Chenggan."

Could you please ask Li Chengan to come out and meet us? If so, everything will be fine.

"Yes, that's what we all mean."

"Please have the Crown Prince come out to meet us, otherwise we will not withdraw our troops."

"We'll do whatever the Crown Prince asks us to do..."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was so angry that his vision blurred and he almost fainted.

Chang He, who was standing nearby, saw this and quickly helped Li Shimin up.

Li Shimin pushed Chang He's arm away: "No need for help, I can stand on my own!"

Chang He slowly released his grip.

Li Shimin, his left hand gripping the edge of the battlements, his right hand touching his forehead, said, "Alright, in that case, you all wait here."

"I will immediately send someone to summon Chenggan to meet with you."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Li Shimin and Chang He went down from the city wall together.

Li Shimin said to Chang He: "Immediately assemble all the Imperial Guards and concentrate the main force at Xuanwu Gate to prevent any unforeseen events."

However, remember to remain hidden and don't expose yourself easily.

"promise!"

Chang He agreed and immediately took action.

As soon as Li Shimin returned to the Zichen Palace, Wei Zheng hurriedly came out to greet him.

in fact,

Wei Zheng had already found out the general situation.

"Your Majesty, how is it? Have they withdrawn their troops?"

"Uh," Li Shimin choked for a moment, thinking to himself that this old Taoist priest was really annoying, bringing up the most awkward topic as soon as they met. "No."

"In that case, wouldn't His Majesty's prestige be damaged?" Wei Zheng pointed out incisively.

"That's not entirely true."

"What do you mean?"

"Because Murong Shun, Tuoba Chici, Da Xiang Shangnang, and Fuyu Fengzhang came to protect Chang'an,"

"King Yamashiro has come to surrender."

Wei Zheng had some doubts. He felt that it was a bit abnormal that the eldest brother king of the mountain had suddenly surrendered.

"So, has His Majesty accepted King Yamashiro's surrender?"

"Not yet." Li Shimin strode over to the document.

"Your Majesty, is there anything you're worried about?" Wei Zheng took two steps forward to follow.

"This matter needs to be discussed with the civil and military officials. After all, King Yamashiro is a member of the royal family of the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, not an ordinary person."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng thought to himself that if this matter were discussed with the civil and military officials, they would probably all have their own reasons and arguments.

"Your Majesty, Gao Biaoren has sent a letter, which shows that the Crown Prince is extremely loyal to the Tang Dynasty."

Now, with just one word from the Emperor, the 3 troops of the Great King of the Mountain Back will become the army of the Tang Dynasty.

Wasn't this achievement made by the Crown Prince?

Li Shimin poured himself a cup of tea, then picked up the cup and drank it all in one gulp: "That may be true, but I feel that the one who truly submits to the eldest brother of the mountain is not me, but Li Chengqian."

Wei Zheng smiled slightly: "What's the difference?"

"How can that be the same? Those surrendered generals will listen to whomever they submit to."

Wei Zheng chuckled inwardly, thinking that Li Shimin was still a very serious person.

"Since they want to see the Crown Prince, then quickly send someone to invite him back," Wei Zheng suggested.

Where is Li Chenggan now?

He has already arrived in Luoyang.

"Luoyang?" Li Shimin was taken aback. "Isn't Luoyang where Li Daozong was stationed?"

"Yes."

"My dear minister, do you think they will retreat if we recall Li Chengqian?" Li Shimin asked, his hand resting on the document. At this moment, he felt less dizzy.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured."

When Emperor Jing of Han killed Chao Cuo, the allied forces of the seven kingdoms did not withdraw their troops.

But this time is different from that time.

If the Crown Prince returns, he only needs to say a few words to them.

They will definitely retreat.

Please do not have any doubts, Your Majesty.

"Alright, since you are so confident, I will trust you one more time. Please make a trip to Luoyang."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng thought to himself that he had been meddling in other people's business.

This matter is like a hot potato; if not handled properly, it will cause a lot of trouble.

"It's nothing for this humble subject to make the trip, but..."

Firstly, my horsemanship is slow; if it delays us, please do not blame me.

Secondly, after I leave, if anyone speaks ill of you, you must not easily change your mind.

Li Shimin sat in his chair, straightened his back, and gradually calmed down. He thought to himself that this old Taoist priest was becoming more and more cunning, and was now completely shrewd.

However, he couldn't say what he thought out loud.

"My dear minister, you need not worry. I have already understood the situation clearly."

As long as the army of King Yamabe no Ooge is sincerely surrendering to our Great Tang, what else is there to say?

"I will not hold Li Chengqian responsible," Li Shimin declared.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Wei Zheng bowed again. "This humble subject told you long ago..."

This time, Li Chengan went to the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, and the Crown Prince made great contributions. His Majesty should reward him handsomely.

Only with clear rewards and punishments can civil and military officials be truly convinced of their authority.

"Are you trying to curry favor with Li Chengqian?" Li Shimin asked deliberately.

"I am not trying to claim credit for the Crown Prince; this is a fact that cannot be denied by anyone," Wei Zheng said in a loud voice.

"Alright, I'll consider it. If Li Chengqian can make Chang'an withdraw its troops, I'll reward him handsomely."

"Your Majesty, you are right to think that way."

Although Li Chengqian is the crown prince, he is your son.

but,

He also needs recognition and affirmation. It's not that he cares about any rewards or honors; after all, he's still a child.

"I understand."

Wei Zheng pondered for a moment: "Did you issue an imperial edict to Chang He, instructing him to prepare for battle?"

"Yes." Li Shimin nodded.

"Your Majesty, you want to accept their surrender while simultaneously guarding against them. Is this the right thing to do?" Wei Zheng retorted.

"I am not going out of the city to fight them, but to take precautions in case of any unforeseen circumstances."

As the art of war says, "First make yourself invincible, then wait for the enemy to become vulnerable." This is the same principle. Li Shimin did not think there was anything wrong with it.

"Your Majesty does not see it that way. I believe there is a saying in military strategy: 'Use people without suspicion, and do not use those you suspect.' Since Your Majesty has decided to recruit them, you should trust them."

Upon hearing this,

Li Shimin stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the hall. He slowly said, "What you said makes some sense, but when there are many people, their hearts may not be united."

We shouldn't have the heart to harm others, but we must be wary of others. If someone tries to cause trouble, wouldn't we be at a disadvantage?

Wei Zheng stopped there, and seeing that Li Shimin was determined not to listen, he didn't press the matter further: "This matter must be handled discreetly."

If the troops outside the city find out, things will get complicated.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "You don't need to worry, I will give the order."

"Your Majesty, do not forget what I told you. I will be leaving now."

"Okay, go and come back quickly."

......

In the dead of night,

Luoyang

Yuelai Inn.

Su Wan, dressed in her pajamas, entered Li Chengqian's room and closed the door behind her.

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

As the temperature gradually rose, Su Wan's face turned as red as an apple.

She exuded a faint, youthful fragrance, filling the entire room with its aroma.

Su Wan felt that tonight was a rare opportunity.

She and Li Chengan have always been separated for long periods of time.

By the light of the lamp, Li Chengan observed that Su Wan had grown even more beautiful and charming.

As the saying goes, a girl changes a lot as she grows up, becoming more and more beautiful.

"Your Highness, why are you staring at me like that?" Su Wan lowered her head, her cheeks flushed.

Li Chengan withdrew his gaze and cleared his throat: "I find you increasingly charming."

Upon hearing this,

Su Wan suddenly threw herself into Li Chengqian's arms, looking at him with her beautiful eyes, and said softly, "Your Highness, tonight is such a beautiful night, I won't leave."

Li Chenggan could feel Su Wan's rapid heartbeat.

He couldn't help but put his arm around Su Wan's waist, and his right hand slipped inside Su Wan's pajamas.

It must be said that Su Wan's buttocks are large, round, and elastic.

Su Wan let out a soft moan, her body trembled slightly, and she felt completely limp.

She smiled and said, "Your Highness, I've noticed you've changed."

"What has changed?"

"Becoming good or bad!"

"Is there?" Li Chenggan asked deliberately, but his hand did not stop moving.

"have!"

Li Chengan picked up Su Wan and carried her to the bedside.

Then, he gently placed her on the tatami mat.

Su Wan wrapped her arms around Li Chengqian's neck and began kissing his earlobe, whispering in his ear, "Your Highness, I have been waiting for this day for a long time."

Li Chengan, full of youthful vigor, felt his ears burning, his heart pounding, his blood surging, and a strange feeling stirring within him.

Su Wan's breathing became rapid: "Your Highness, I...I'm a little nervous, please be gentle."

Li Chengqian didn't say anything, but reached out to pull at her nightgown.

Su Wan's towering breasts were prominently displayed before him.

Su Wan closed her eyes slightly, quietly waiting for happiness to arrive.

She was imagining Li Chenggan's next move, wondering if it would be unbearable for her.

at this time,

Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and the door was kicked open.

It turned out that Princess Wencheng had arrived.

Princess Wencheng saw Li Chengan lying on top of Su Wan, who was half-naked.

They were so engrossed in their romance that they didn't even lower the curtains, which Princess Wencheng saw clearly.

Princess Wencheng blushed deeply with embarrassment.

She quickly covered her eyes with her hands: "Oh dear, brother and sister-in-law, what are you two doing?"

When Li Chengan saw that it was Princess Wencheng, he felt embarrassed. He quickly jumped off the bed, straightened his clothes, and asked in a pretentious manner, "Xueyan, why did you come in? You didn't even knock before entering."

Su Wan was extremely disappointed. She thought her good time was about to come, but this girl barged in.

If it were anyone else, Su Wan would definitely get angry at him.

However, upon seeing that it was Princess Wencheng, she suppressed her anger.

As Su Wan dressed, she laughed and said, "Princess, what's so strange about this? Didn't you just say that?"

He is your elder brother, and I am your sister-in-law.

"My brother and sister-in-law are reunited after a short separation, and they're a little overwhelmed with emotion. Is there anything wrong with that?"

"Uh," Princess Wencheng hadn't expected Su Wan to be so poised and generous, "Sister-in-law, you're right."

"How far have things progressed between you and Songtsen Gampo? Have you already slept together?" Su Wan asked with a smile.

Princess Wencheng was a little overwhelmed and quickly waved her hands: "No, no, we haven't developed as fast as you."

"How did you find this place so late? You seem to be in a rush. Is something the matter?"

"Of course something's wrong."

Su Wan smoothed her slightly disheveled hair with her hand and asked, "What is it? Tell me."

"That's right, Wei Zheng came. He went to Zhaoren Palace to see the Emperor and happened to run into me."

Su Wan frowned upon hearing this: "What did you say? Wei Zheng is here?"

"Yes."

"What does he want with the Crown Prince in Luoyang?"

"I can't explain it clearly in a short time."

"He's waiting downstairs," Princess Wencheng said, pointing downstairs.

"Let me change my clothes."

Before long, Su Wan had changed her clothes.

Princess Wencheng couldn't help but praise, "Sister-in-law, you look so beautiful in this dress. Not only are men attracted to you, but even I am captivated by you."

Hearing this, Su Wan glanced at Li Chengan and laughed, "What's the use of you being interested? Who knows what he's really thinking?"

Looking at Li Chengan, he seemed to be deep in thought, preoccupied with his own worries, and hadn't heard what Su Wan had said.

Su Wan said to Princess Wencheng, "Quickly invite Wei Zheng in."

"OK."

Princess Wencheng agreed and turned to leave.

Li Chengan also found this matter a bit strange; he couldn't figure out what Wei Zheng could possibly want by rushing to Luoyang to find him.

Not long after, Wei Zheng arrived at Li Chenggan's room.

After exchanging greetings, the four people took their seats as host and guest.

Li Chengan saw that Wei Zheng was travel-worn and covered in sweat.

Su Wan poured Wei Zheng a cup of hot tea: "Lord Wei, please have some tea!"

"Thank you, Your Highness," Wei Zheng said, taking a sip of tea. "Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness"

That's how it is...

Wei Zheng then recounted to everyone what had happened in Chang'an.

Everyone was stunned after hearing this.

Li Chenggan frowned and said, "Teacher, I didn't inform them to come to Chang'an."

"Of course I know about this. The problem now is that the leaders of those five countries demand to see you; otherwise, they are unwilling to withdraw their troops."

Li Chengan was deeply moved: "I know they meant well, thinking something had happened to me, so they rushed to save me."

"You're right, they were indeed worried about you, so they quickly brought their troops over, including Songtsen Gampo."

Songtsen Gampo sent a message by carrier pigeon to Grand Minister Shangnang, ordering him to lead 20,000 cavalrymen to Chang'an at top speed to rescue you.

On the other hand, Songtsen Gampo also went to your father to argue, demanding that he rescind the decree ordering your arrest.