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

It was the third watch of the night.

Dali Temple.

Dai Zhou was pondering how to interrogate Fu Yufengzhang.

On the one hand, Buyeo Pungjang was a prince of Baekje, and therefore not subject to the laws of the Tang Dynasty;

On the other hand, Buyeo Uija did not do anything wrong by coming to the main hall.

Moreover, they fought bravely and repelled a group of Turkic troops.

This is why Ashina Simo led his army to surrender.

He was a meritorious official, how can he be punished?

Dai Zhou thought that the Emperor's decision was probably due to his overly close relationship with the Crown Prince.

In addition, Buyeo Pungjang was the son of Buyeo Uija of Baekje, and Baekje was now in close contact with Goguryeo and even attempted to attack Silla.

Just then, a gatekeeper reported to him, "Princess Su Wan has arrived."

Dai Zhou was somewhat surprised. He knew Su Wan was no ordinary woman, so he quickly went out, descended the steps to greet her, and bowed, saying, "Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly, Your Highness the Crown Princess!"

Su Wan returned the greeting politely: "Lord Dai, you are too kind. It was rather abrupt to disturb you so late at night. Please forgive me."

"Please come in, Your Highness!"

After the two entered the hall, they took their seats as host and guest, and servants served tea.

Dai Zhou dismissed his attendants and asked, "What brings the Crown Princess here?"

Su Wan smiled and got straight to the point: "I've come for Fuyu Fengzhang."

"What does the Crown Princess mean?"

"Lord Dai, is Fuyu Fengzhang in your Dali Temple prison?"

"Yes. He was held in a regular prison."

"No torture was used, right?"

"No, Your Majesty, I never advocate the use of torture lightly."

"Could you please ask Lord Dai to provide him with a private cell with a better environment?"

"Can."

"As for the meals, there will be wine and meat at every meal. As for how much it will cost, you can come to my place to pay."

"That's easy to say."

Su Wan picked up her teacup, took a small sip, then placed it back on the table and softly asked, "May I ask, Lord Dai, what crime has Fuyu Fengzhang committed?"

"Baekje was also a vassal state of our Great Tang. Last time, however, Buyeo Pungjang led his army to besiege Chang'an."

From a etiquette standpoint, what he did was against the rules.

Dai Zhou couldn't think of anything else, so he could only bring up this matter.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan sneered: "If that's the case, then the last siege of Chang'an wasn't just by Fuyu Fengzhang, was it? There were also Songtsen Gampo, Murong Shun, Toba Chizi, King Yamabe, and others."

Haven't they committed the same crime?

So, does Lord Dai intend to punish them?

"This—," Dai Zhou thought to himself, Su Wan is truly eloquent; she left him speechless for a moment. "Your Highness, this is only one of the reasons for arresting Fuyu Fengzhang."

Baekje has failed to fulfill its duty as a vassal state, colluding with Goguryeo in an attempt to jointly attack Silla. This is intolerable.

Su Wan stood up, placed her hands in front of her abdomen, and paced back and forth in the hall: "Lord Dai, you are an upright official, you must know very well that it was Fu Yulong and Yeon Gaesomun who were mixed up together, those two scoundrels are no good."

Last time, we found a magic pill that could cure Empress Zhangsun's illness.

However, they said that Consort Ronghua of Goguryeo also suffered from an illness and desperately needed that elixir.

We gave that elixir to Yeon Gaesomun to take back and heal Consort Ronghua, but...

They cured Consort Ronghua's illness.

The two of them went to the Wa (Japanese) country again, and opposed us at every turn.

"Princess Consort, you are too kind-hearted. How could you trust someone like Yeon Gaesomun?"

That kind of person never keeps their word.

"Fuyu Fengzhang and Fuyu Long are not the same."

Fuyu Fengzhang has always been friendly to our Great Tang and extremely loyal to it. His siege of Chang'an was not to attack Chang'an, but to protect the Crown Prince.

The emperor, misled by others, hastily issued an edict to arrest Li Chengqian. This news spread like wildfire, reaching not only the people of the Tang Dynasty but also those of the neighboring countries.

As long as the Emperor doesn't make things difficult for the Crown Prince, I don't think Fuyu Fengzhang would have done this.

and,

After returning to the Emperor, Buyeo Pungjang promised to persuade Buyeo Uija to sever ties with Goguryeo and become a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty.

If that were the case, the eastern part of our Great Tang Dynasty would be much more stable.

In addition, the emperor ordered Li Daozong to lead troops to garrison in Luoyang to wipe out the remaining Turkic forces.

So far, nothing has been gained.

Unexpectedly, over 100,000 Turkic troops suddenly surrounded Luoyang.

At that time, there were only 30,000 troops in Luoyang, and Li Daozong was helpless.

With Luoyang on the verge of falling, Fuyu Fengzhang led his troops and joined forces with the eldest brother of the Shanbei Kingdom to resist a Turkic army.

Thus, they defeated the Turkic army. Wasn't that a meritorious act?

I don't know what the Emperor was thinking. He actually ordered Li Daozong to surround the army brought by Fuyu Fengzhang and even arrested Fuyu Fengzhang and sent him here. Was this appropriate?

To be honest, Dai Zhou also felt that the emperor's actions this time were inappropriate.

However, he couldn't say what he thought out loud; he still had to uphold the emperor's dignity.

"Your Highness, there is no need to worry too much. I will truthfully report these materials and facts to His Majesty."

"That would be perfect."

"Has the Crown Prince returned?"

Su Wan shook her head: "Not yet."

After hearing this, Dai Zhou frowned: "This matter is probably a bit troublesome."

Why do you say that?

"Last time, His Majesty sent Wei Zheng to Luoyang to fetch the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince never returned."

If the Crown Prince disobeys the imperial decree again and refuses to return to Chang'an, it will be difficult to explain in the future.

Su Wan sneered: "Lord Dai, it's not that the Crown Prince doesn't want to come back, but that he can't and dares not come back."

"Oh, why is that?"

"Haven't you heard that the entire city of Chang'an is under martial law?"

"I heard about that. Isn't it to prevent thieves?"

Are there that many thieves around Chang'an?

Isn't that a bit like deceiving yourself?

Not only that, but the imperial guards also included the emperor's personal guards. They probably weren't there to catch thieves, but to catch the crown prince.

I really don't understand what the Emperor means.

"The Emperor must have his reasons for issuing such an edict," Dai Zhou could only say.

"You must take good care of Fuyu Fengzhang. Don't let Fang Yi'ai sneak into the Dali Temple prison and kill someone like last time, and you won't even know it."

Upon hearing Su Wan's words, Dai Zhou blushed and said, "That was an accident, Your Highness. Rest assured, I can guarantee that nothing like this will ever happen again."

"I heard that during the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, there was a famous Minister of Justice named Zhang Shizhi. He was incorruptible and meticulous in judging cases. When it was time to argue for the truth, he would not back down even if the emperor was angry."

Zhang Shizhi's spirit of not fearing the powerful and influential is truly admirable.

I believe that in the near future, your reputation will surpass that of Zhang Shizhi, and you will be remembered throughout history.

Dai Zhou blushed upon hearing this and quickly waved his hand, saying, "Your Highness, you jest. How could I possibly compare to Zhang Shizhi?"

"Lord Dai, you don't need to be so modest. I know a little about your past and I admire you very much."

Otherwise, the Emperor wouldn't have entrusted you with such an important position.

Dai Zhou clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Majesty's grace is boundless. I truly have no way to repay Your Majesty's kindness and favor. I can only devote myself to the cause until my dying breath."

Chong Sheng Palace.

Xu Hui took a hot bath and wore a white, gossamer-thin nightgown, tied around her waist with a pink ribbon.

A charcoal fire was burning in the room, and the temperature gradually rose.

Xu Hui's cheeks gradually turned rosy.

During this time,

When she arrived at Chongwen Academy, she helped the staff there collect, organize, and copy many books.

Among them were many books she had never read before, such as "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Zizhi Tongjian," as well as some foreign classics, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Red and the Black."

It truly broadened her horizons. If she hadn't come to Chongwen Hall and seen it with her own eyes, she would have found it hard to imagine that there were such interesting books in the world. She really loved them.

To alleviate his burden and pressure, Li Shimin sent all the memorials from officials of the fifth rank and below to her for review.

Xu Hui sat down in front of the desk and looked at the mountain of memorials, and couldn't help but sigh.

Because she enjoys reading classics and history, she is quite knowledgeable about historical events, such as the frequent occurrence of women interfering in politics during the Han Dynasty.

At the end of the Western Han Dynasty, Wang Mang, the nephew of Empress Wang Zhengjun, actually usurped the throne, overthrew the Western Han Dynasty, and became emperor himself.

Therefore, Xu Hui did not want to review the memorials.

She felt that this would attract a lot of gossip. Those who knew her would be fine, but those who didn't would think she was a woman with a strong desire for power. What would the civil and military officials think of her?

However, reviewing memorials was a task assigned by Li Shimin.

She had no choice but to do it.

She reviewed each memorial with great care and deliberation, and only after careful consideration would she give a conclusion.

If she encountered any major problems, she would have to consult Li Shimin.

at this time,

Suddenly, there was a creaking sound, and the door opened.

A person walked in from outside. Xu Hui was startled and looked up to see that it was none other than Li Shimin.

Tonight, Li Shimin's face was flushed, he walked unsteadily, and he reeked of alcohol.

Xu Hui knew that the Emperor must have been drinking tonight.

She quickly put down her pen, stood up, and went to help Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, have you drunk a lot of wine?"

"Ah, I did have a few drinks," Li Shimin said, his eyes glazed with drunkenness.

How many cups?

Your Majesty, you have a huge capacity for alcohol. How could a few cups of wine make you like this?

"A few jars would be more like it!" Xu Hui said angrily.

By the lamplight, Li Shimin could see that Xu Hui's long, black, lustrous hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.

A semi-transparent nightgown perfectly accentuated her curvaceous S-shaped figure; her skin was fair and delicate, her neck slender, her large eyes bright and expressive, her nose straight and delicate, and her lips like cherries.

Especially Xu Hui's full, snow-white breasts, which seemed about to burst out, with a deep ravine winding down between the two peaks, its bottom unseen.

Li Shimin was immediately moved.

He reached out and embraced Xu Hui's slender waist, which was just the right size to be grasped in one hand.

Xu Hui lowered her head shyly, let out a soft moan, her body trembled, and then she slumped into Li Shimin's arms: "What are you doing?"

Fueled by alcohol, Li Shimin picked up Xu Hui and carried her to the bedside.

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

Li Shimin gently pulled on the ribbon around Xu Hui's waist, and her nightgown naturally slipped off, revealing her snow-white body.

Xu Hui blushed, looked at Li Shimin with her beautiful eyes, and said softly, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you tonight? You seem very impatient."

Li Shimin didn't say anything, but took off his outer garment, revealing a muscular physique, with chunks of muscle that resembled lumps of iron.

Li Shimin could conquer the world on horseback and govern it on foot; he was robust and burly.

He bent down and lay on top of Xu Hui.

Xu Hui wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed him, and the two made love.

Under the influence of alcohol, Li Shimin was as energetic as a dragon and a tiger.

About half an hour later, Xu Huixiang was drenched in sweat, her face full of satisfaction.

She looked at Li Shimin and asked softly, "Your Majesty, are you happy?"

Li Shimin suddenly felt thirsty: "Quickly, pour me a cup of tea!"

"promise!"

Xu Hui put her pajamas back on and got off the bed.

She walked to the table and poured Li Shimin a cup of green tea.

Li Shimin took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp, feeling much better.

"Your Majesty, I was just reviewing memorials when I came across one by a man named Ma Zhou. He suggested to the court that we should select capable prefects and magistrates to ensure the well-being of the people."

In addition, he proposed specific methods and requirements for selecting officials, which were very detailed and practical.

"I think his memorial is excellent, so I approved it."

Although Li Shimin was still somewhat confused, his mind was very clear.

He took Xu Hui's hand: "My dear consort, you are right. It seems that this Ma Zhou is very opinionated. I will summon him and have a chat with him when I have the chance."

"Your Majesty, it was no easy feat to create the prosperous Zhenguan era."

The selection of grassroots officials is also very important, as they represent the court in conveying messages from top to bottom and in caring for the people.

If problems arise among lower-level officials, it will greatly damage the image of the imperial court in the eyes of the people.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "You're right, you've made great progress!"

"You don't usually like to drink, so why did you drink so much today?" Xu Hui asked, feigning anger.

"I was in a good mood today, so I had a couple more drinks."

"I wonder what happy thing happened to Your Majesty? Could you share it with me and make me happy too?"

Li Shimin held Xu Hui on his lap: "Firstly, the remnants of the Turkic forces are very powerful, and have always been a thorn in the side of the court."

Recently, Ashina Simo of the Turks has surrendered to our Great Tang.

"Really? Your Majesty, this is truly a joyous occasion."

Your Majesty, I offer my congratulations to the Great Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin embraced Xu Hui: "There's one more thing. Our Tang army has surrounded the 1 troops led by Fuyu Fengzhang, and has captured Fuyu Fengzhang, taking him to the Dali Temple for interrogation. Isn't this good news?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui's expression changed slightly: "I believe this matter is inappropriate."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was somewhat displeased and asked, "What's wrong with it?"

"As far as I know, Buyeo Pungjang is quite renowned for his virtue. I've heard that he performed exceptionally well in the battle against the Turks, holding off an army alongside King Sanbee."

That is why our Tang army achieved final victory.

The Turks surrendered because of him. How could Your Majesty arrest such a meritorious official who is also very friendly to the Tang Dynasty? Xu Hui walked to the dressing table and sat down.

"You only know one side of the story, not the other."

I know, of course, that he has made some contributions.

However, don't forget that he is the son of Buyeo Uija. Where did his 10,000 troops come from?

Wasn't it given to him by Buyeo Uija?

Secondly, Baekje and Goguryeo secretly colluded, plotting to attack Silla.

This time, I intend to take this opportunity to give Buyeo Ui-ja a warning.

Nominally, Baekje was a vassal state of our Great Tang Dynasty.

However, Baekje wavered, sometimes sending envoys to Chang'an to pay tribute and offer congratulations, and sometimes not at all.

"Does Buyeo Uija even have any regard for me?"

"Your Majesty believes that you should treat them differently."

Although Buyeo Ui-ja and Buyeo Pung-jang are father and son, they have different personalities.

"I will teach Buyeo Uija a lesson, and besides, it was wrong of Buyeo Pungjang to lead his troops to besiege Chang'an."

"Your Majesty, if you put it that way, then it wasn't just Fuyu Fengzhang who besieged Chang'an."

What about Zanganbu, Tuoba Chici, Murong Shun, and Shanbei Daxiong Wang? If they were to be punished, wouldn't they all be punished?

You can't just punish Fuyu Fengzhang alone.

Li Shimin waved his hand: "My dear consort, you don't need to get involved in this matter. I know what I'm doing."

Xu Hui ran her hand through her hair: "Did you issue an order to put the entire city of Chang'an under martial law?"

"Yes, now there is not only a five-nation coalition between Chang'an and Luoyang, but also the Turkic army. The situation is not optimistic."

"What you did is understandable, but I heard that you have placed your own personal guards in the Imperial Guards. Why is that?"

"Don't you even trust the Imperial Guards?"

Li Shimin thought to himself that Xu Hui stayed in the palace and never went out, but he didn't expect her to be so well-informed about what was happening outside.

Thinking of this, Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about those things, I will take care of them."

However, at that moment, there was a loud bang, the door was kicked open, and a person rushed in from outside and knelt on the ground.

Li Shimin frowned, thinking to himself, "Who is this? How dare they!"

Li Shimin looked down and saw that it was He Lian, Xu Hui's maid.

Xu Hui was startled when she saw that Li Shimin's expression was very unpleasant.

Before Li Shimin could speak, she deliberately scolded him, "You brat, you've been in the palace for a while now, how come you don't know any manners at all?"

"Didn't you see His Majesty and I discussing something?"

"This servant deserves to die," He Lian trembled with fear.

"Because Consort Yan's maid Bai Lu just told me that Consort Yan is crying, making a scene, and threatening to hang herself in the palace, as if she has gone mad. Please, Your Majesty, go and see her immediately."

"Oh, is that so?" Li Shimin couldn't figure out what Consort Yan was up to this time. "Why would she do this?"

Did she take the wrong medicine?

"Then this servant doesn't know. I didn't want to bother you, but this matter is rather urgent."

"I've been waiting outside for a while now. After thinking it over, I've decided I should report this matter to His Majesty."

Xu Hui deliberately raised her voice: "Since there was something wrong, why didn't you report it sooner? If something bad happens, who can take the blame?"

"Yes, yes, but I felt that it wouldn't have been the right time to come in."

Xu Hui blushed, thinking to herself that this girl was quite sensible.

After He Lian finished her report, she bowed and withdrew.

Li Shimin stood with his hands behind his back, very angry: "Ignore her, I'm not going to see her anymore, let her do whatever she wants."

Upon hearing this,

Xu Hui quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. Go and see what's wrong."

Li Shimin sighed: "My dear consort, as you've seen, sometimes it's not that I don't want to go to their places, it's just that it's so annoying."

I have so many state affairs to handle every day, and by evening I'm completely exhausted. It's enough to drive me crazy.

I came here only hoping to relieve stress and relax.

But once you get to their place, it's all just trivial matters all day long.

It's either all the same old trivialities, or it's all about jealousy and rivalry; I'm thoroughly fed up with it all.

Xu Hui could only console her from the side: "Your Majesty, you don't understand women. When a woman does this, it is precisely a sign that she loves you."

They want to get your attention and hope you can spend more time with them.

Li Shimin said irritably, "Even so, we can't just mess around like this."

"Oh dear, Your Majesty, you should go quickly!"

"If anything were to happen to Consort Yan, it would be too late for you to regret it."

Xu Hui then helped Li Shimin put on his clothes.

Li Shimin patted Xu Hui's back: "My beloved concubine, I'll be right back. Wait for me here."

"What are you doing here tonight? You can rest there and take this opportunity to have some fun with Consort Yan."

Do you think I'm twenty years old?

Xu Hui smiled, pursing her lips: "Your Majesty, I find you full of energy and as imposing as ever!"