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

The bedroom of Consort Yan.

Sure enough, a white silk ribbon was hanging from the roof beam, with a loop tied at the bottom.

Consort Yan stood on a stool, tiptoed, and craned her neck.

He gripped the sheath with both hands, as if he wanted to put his head inside.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, she turned around and said to her two maids, Bailu and Shuangjiang, "You two keep watch outside for me."

If His Majesty arrives, inform me immediately.

"Understood, Master," the two replied with smiles.

"Is the chili water ready?" Consort Yan asked again, a little unsure of what was going on.

"Ready."

After a while, Consort Yan became a little impatient: "Bai Lu, have you sent a message to His Majesty? Why has it been so long and His Majesty still hasn't come?"

Does that mean my life or death is of no importance to him?

"I've delivered it," Bai Lu quickly explained.

"Who did you speak to? Did you report it to His Majesty in person?"

"No, I was talking to He Lian."

"So you didn't see His Majesty?" Consort Yan said irritably.

"yes."

"Why don't you tell His Majesty yourself?" Consort Yan seemed somewhat displeased.

"My lord, you may not know this, but when I first arrived at Chong Sheng Palace..."

He Lian stopped the maid, saying she couldn't go in and that the maid should wait outside.

The maid asked why.

He Lian pulled me aside and made me put my ear to the window.

"What did you hear?" Consort Yan asked, somewhat puzzled.

"So, I did as she said, I heard... I heard..."

"What did you hear? Tell me quickly!"

"My lady, how can I put it? The dragon bed was making a rhythmic 'creaking' sound. Oh dear, it's so embarrassing!" Bai Lu said, covering her face with her hands.

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan suddenly realized: "You mean the Emperor and Xu Hui are doing... you know... in bed?"

"you do not say.

Your Majesty, in that situation, the Emperor was in high spirits, how could I possibly go in and disturb him?

If I were to go in, wouldn't that spoil His Majesty's mood?

"What if the Emperor gets angry? Wouldn't I suffer a terrible fate?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan's heart pounded with anger, and her face flushed crimson: "How long has it been since the Emperor last visited our palace?"

"Oh dear, I can't remember, it seems like it's been a long time. It seems like I haven't been here since that jade seal was found last time."

"The Emperor tells me he has too many things to do all day long, he's too busy to spend time with me, let alone have any fun."

But why does he have time to be with Xu Hui?

Are you not busy anymore?

Xu Hui is such a vixen; she has endless tricks up her sleeve in bed.

She's such a glutton! We feed her every day, but she's never full.

The Emperor dotes on her alone; it infuriates me!

"Am I not as pretty as her?" Consort Yan said, her teeth clenched with hatred and her eyes blazing with fury.

"Master, don't think so much. At least you still have your son Li Zhen. In this respect, you are better than her."

Although the Emperor often stayed overnight at Chong Sheng Palace,

However, so far, Xu Hui's belly has not shown any signs of pregnancy. If she cannot give birth to a prince, there's no point in trying anymore. We should wait until later...

Her beauty will gradually fade with age, and by then, the Emperor will grow tired of her.

After hearing Bai Lu's words, Consort Yan felt somewhat more at ease: "But Xu Hui is still young. When she gets old, won't I also get old?"

Besides, she's been blessed with the Emperor's favor; she'll only grow younger.

"As the saying goes, a mother's worth is determined by her son. Even if she can stay young forever, she still can't compare to you without children."

"What angered me even more was that the Emperor actually let Xu Hui review the memorials of a fifth-rank official. What does a mere young girl like her know about national affairs?"

"How could the Emperor be so foolish as to entrust such an important matter to her? How much power must she wield?"

Bai Lu said, "Consort Yan, you are wrong. Xu Hui is indeed quite capable in this regard."

I've heard that the memorials she reviews often receive praise from the Emperor, and there's nothing wrong with them.

"In my opinion, the emperor is blinded by greed. When he likes a woman, even her farts smell sweet."

"How could he possibly distinguish right from wrong?" Consort Yan said indignantly.

Upon hearing this, Bai Lu chuckled and said, "My lady, it seems you know the Emperor quite well."

Just then, Shuangjiang ran in from outside and whispered, "Master, get ready quickly, the Emperor is here!"

Consort Yan also became nervous and quickly asked, "How far is His Majesty from here?"

"Less than a hundred steps."

Why didn't you say so sooner!

In the chaos, Consort Yan stuck her head into the sheath.

Then, with a heavy heart, he kicked the stool away from his feet.

The white silk made a "squeaking" sound as it tightened even more, until her eyes rolled back and her legs kicked wildly.

Bai Lu panicked too: "Master told you to act, why are you doing it for real?"

now,

Li Shimin strode in from outside.

As soon as he entered the room, he saw Consort Yan hanging from the roof beam.

He was terrified and rushed to Consort Yan's side, grabbing her legs with both hands. Then, turning to Bailu and Shuangjiang, who were lying on the ground, he said, "What are you two standing there for? Come and help!"

"promise!"

Bai Lu brought over a wooden ladder that she had prepared beforehand, climbed up the ladder, and cut the white silk with scissors.

Li Shimin carried Consort Yan to the couch with both hands.

at this time,

Consort Yan had been strangled to death.

Li Shimin tore off the white silk ribbon around her neck.

They pounded her chest, patted her back, and pinched her philtrum. After a long time of this, Consort Yan finally caught her breath.

When Consort Yan saw Li Shimin, she burst into tears, but it was all bark and no bite: "Your Majesty, I thought I would never see you again."

Li Shimin noticed a deep purple mark on Consort Yan's neck, indicating she had been strangled: "My beloved consort, what happened to you?"

How could you do such a foolish thing? If there's something bothering you, if you've been wronged, tell me, and I will definitely stand up for you.

Bailu and Shuangjiang, who were standing nearby, wanted to laugh but dared not.

Bai Lu quickly poured a cup of green tea and handed it to Consort Yan.

Consort Yan drank it all in one gulp and felt much better.

Bai Lu took the teacup and left with Shuang Jiang.

Consort Yan wiped the water from the corner of her mouth with her hand: "Your Majesty, I don't want to live anymore."

As Consort Yan finished speaking, taking advantage of Li Shimin's inattention, she smeared a little chili water on the corner of her eye.

Then the tears streamed down my face.

Li Shimin frowned: "My dear consort, why is this? You were perfectly fine just a few days ago."

Why would I suddenly have such a thought?

This is truly beyond my comprehension.

Consort Yan touched her neck and thought to herself that it really hurt; she had almost strangled herself to death.

"Your Majesty, my life is so miserable."

I have lacked love since I was a child. Now that I am older, I hope to marry Your Majesty and come to this palace to receive Your Majesty's favor.

In the beginning, Your Majesty treated me well.

That's why we had Li Zhen and Li Xiao.

However, fate is cruel. Someone cursed Xiao'er behind his back, using witchcraft to kill him at a young age.

My heart is breaking.

At that time, I really wanted to go with him.

However, on second thought, if I really die, what will happen to our Zhen'er?

Therefore, I have been living a life of ignominy, but now Your Majesty's heart has changed. Perhaps it is because I am getting older and my appearance cannot compare with those young girls, so Your Majesty no longer loves me as much as before.

Think about how long it's been since you last visited me.

Every time I invite you here, you always tell me that you are too busy with government affairs and have no time.

"Then, may I ask you, where did you go just now?"

"This—." Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was speechless for a moment, and felt a little guilty, as if he had been a little harsh on Consort Yan.

Li Shimin stroked her head and said, "I know that Xiao'er died young, which has been a great blow to you."

However, I must clarify to you again: Xiao'er's death was not due to someone cursing him behind his back. According to the diagnosis of the Imperial Hospital, he died of illness.

Therefore, you don't need to resent others.

Stimulated by the chili water, Consort Yan couldn't stop the tears from flowing: "Your Majesty, I understand, but you won't listen to anything I say now."

You've been bewitched by that vixen.

I heard that you have handed over the power to review memorials from fifth-rank officials to Xu Hui. Is this appropriate?

In terms of age, I am slightly older than Xu Hui;

In terms of seniority, Xu Hui had only been in the palace for a short time.

"If Xu Hui can review memorials, then can't I also review memorials?"

Li Shimin's expression changed slightly. He stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the hall. He slowly said, "My dear consort, everyone has their strengths. People's abilities vary, and age has little to do with anything."

If we're talking about other things, Xu Hui might not be as good as you.

However, when it comes to handling government affairs, you really can't compare to them.

"If you truly have the talent, I would be happy to send you memorials for your review."

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan blushed: "Your Majesty, even if my ability to handle state affairs is not as good as Xu Hui's, you don't need to send memorials to a woman to handle."

Women are forbidden from interfering in politics; this is an ancestral precept. Wouldn't it be better to send your memorial to King Li Tai of Yue for his review?

Li Shimin shook his head: "Qingque still has many things to do. He's busy with his duties as a vassal king and compiling the 'Kuodi Zhi' (Records of the Land). That's enough to keep him busy."

Let's talk about it after he finishes compiling the "Kuodi Zhi".

Actually, what he should be doing most right now is reading more books and strengthening his studies; not reading enough won't do him any good.

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan thought there was no need to dwell on the matter any longer, as doing so would only displease Li Shimin.

Consort Yan sat up straight and changed the subject: "Your Majesty, Zhen'er also participated in the last civil service examination."

Many ministers read the poem written by Zhen'er, and they all praised it for its beautiful language and profound meaning.

But why did Li Chenggan get second place while Zhen'er didn't?

Is it because the grading was unfair?

Among the examiners was Su Dan, Li Chengqian's father-in-law.

Needless to say, Su Dan naturally sided with Li Chenggan.

Therefore, Li Chengan was able to achieve second place. And then there was that old Taoist priest, Wei Zheng...

Wei Zheng was one of Li Chengqian's teachers, not to mention that Wei Zheng was on Li Chengqian's side.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin frowned, thinking to himself that he had just expected that as soon as he arrived here, Consort Yan would definitely say some nonsensical things to him.

Li Shimin waved his hand to interrupt Consort Yan: "My dear consort, you are wrong again. Among those examiners, Su Dan gave Li Chengqian the lowest score."

On the contrary, he gave Li Zhen a higher score than Li Chenggan.

How can you say that Su Dan is biased towards Li Chenggan?

Consort Yan hadn't expected this outcome: "Oh, Your Majesty, is what you're saying true?"

"My beloved consort, how could I possibly lie to you?"

That's certainly true.

"So, the Crown Prince really is talented?" Consort Yan said this, but in her heart she was not convinced.

"Putting everything else aside, just take his poem for example, it is indeed quite well written."

I have also read it. Although the language is not particularly ornate, it is practical and feasible, possessing strong practical value.

"Then why didn't Li Tai get a ranking?"

Li Tai's articles are well-written; everyone in Chang'an knows that.

Li Shimin nodded: "That time, Li Tai did indeed suffer a loss."

Because that day, he had diarrhea and kept going to the toilet, which affected his performance.

"No way! I've heard that the reason the King of Yue had an upset stomach was because Xue'er put a laxative in his tea."

That's why he gets diarrhea.

"Is that so?" Li Shimin was somewhat surprised.

"Your Majesty, you must investigate this thoroughly. Once you find out, beat that vile servant Xue'er to death!" Consort Yan said with resentment in her eyes.

Li Shimin waved his hand: "Even if Xue'er really did it, she doesn't deserve to die!"

How could you take someone's life over something so trivial?

If that were the case, how would the civil and military officials and the people of the land view me?

Does that mean you think I'm a tyrant?

"Has Li Chenggan made a lot of mistakes recently?"

He dares to disobey imperial orders repeatedly. If this continues, what use are your imperial edicts?

and,

Li Chengan has now grown powerful; who knows what underhanded tactics he's used to command and mobilize thousands of troops.

It's not that I, Your Majesty, am saying anything that might sow discord.

In this way, you are in Chang'an and he is in Luoyang, doesn't that mean the Tang Dynasty has two political centers?

So, who really calls the shots in the Tang Dynasty?

Has your imperial power been usurped?

This is a pointed question, and objectively speaking, it is very malicious for Consort Yan to say such things.

"My dear consort, as for the Crown Prince's matter, you need not worry about it."

"I know what I'm doing." Li Shimin's tone was calm.

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan thought to herself that Li Shimin was not easily fooled. He seemed to have had a little to drink, but he was not yet confused.

At this moment, Li Shimin took out a white handkerchief and handed it to Consort Yan.

Consort Yan took the handkerchief and wiped away her tears: "Your Majesty, have you allowed Consort Yang to reside in Jiucheng Palace?"

Li Shimin nodded: "That is indeed the case."

"Then why is that? Since Consort Yang can live in Jiucheng Palace, then can I also move in there?"

"This—," Li Shimin paused, "this matter is a bit difficult to handle."

Why?

"When Jiucheng Palace was completed, Grand Secretary Fang Xuanling made it very clear at the completion ceremony that princes, princesses, and concubines in the harem had to have outstanding performance and remarkable contributions if they wanted to live in Jiucheng Palace."

What outstanding performance have you achieved?

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan blushed, unsure how to reply: "Your Majesty, I truly have no outstanding performance or remarkable contributions."

My greatest contribution was probably giving birth to two princes for you. I don't know if that counts as a contribution.

Of course, now, Xiao'er has died young.

However, on the other hand, even if I haven't done anything special, what outstanding things has Consort Yang done?

Li Shimin originally wanted to say that Jiucheng Palace was formerly Renshou Palace.

Renshou Palace was originally the residence of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, who was the grandfather of Consort Yang. So, Consort Yang moved in there.

Later, after being reminded by ministers such as Wei Zheng, Li Shimin felt that this explanation was indeed somewhat inappropriate.

Regardless, now that we've already agreed to let Consort Yang move in, can we really ask her to leave?

Li Shimin pondered for a moment: "It's not for any other reason than that Consort Yang made many contributions during the founding of the Tang Dynasty."

She made significant contributions to uniting and stabilizing Yang Guang's former subordinates and the Yang family during major events.

Li Shimin's statement was not unreasonable, and it was one of the main reasons why he wanted to take Consort Yang as his concubine. Of course, Consort Yang was indeed very beautiful.

"Alright, Your Majesty, whatever you say is right, and I will not argue with you."

According to this logic, Consort Yang has made contributions, but does that mean I have no merit at all?

"I also want to move to Jiucheng Palace. If you don't agree, I'll kill myself!"

As Consort Yan finished speaking, she pulled out a pair of scissors from under her pillow and pointed them at her own neck.

When Li Shimin saw this, he thought to himself that this woman was really crazy and was capable of doing anything. It was just a matter of changing places to live, so why was she taking it so seriously?

Li Shimin raised his hands, trying to stop her: "My dear consort, don't be impulsive. Put the scissors down quickly. They are very sharp."

Upon hearing Li Shimin's words, Consort Yan pressed the sharp end of the scissors against her own throat, pressing it even harder until blood seeped from her neck: "Your Majesty, I've had enough of living anyway, just give me a straight answer, yes or no?"

Li Shimin wanted to take her scissors, but he didn't dare.

Because he was afraid that doing so would hurt Consort Yan.

Li Shimin had no choice but to nod in agreement: "Alright, alright, I agree."

"Do you feel forced when you say that?"

"If that's the case, then I won't stay here; I'd rather die in front of you."

Li Shimin sighed: "My beloved concubine, I will not force you. I am willing to invite you to live in Jiucheng Palace. You have made great contributions."

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan's expression softened slightly, and she asked, "Your Majesty, when you ordered Consort Yang to move to Jiucheng Palace, did you issue a special imperial edict?"

"Yes."

"In that case, Your Majesty, please issue a decree to me. Words are not enough; otherwise, the civil and military officials and other concubines might gossip about it."

"Alright, alright, I'll draft an edict for you right away."

Consort Yan asked Bai Lu to bring the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper).

Li Shimin quickly typed out an imperial edict and handed it to Consort Yan.

Consort Yan received the imperial edict, examined it carefully, and after confirming that it was correct, she smiled through her tears and said softly, "Your Majesty, I hope you can understand my feelings. I have no other intentions; it's just that I love you so much."

In reality, Li Shimin was very annoyed.

However, he restrained himself and tried his best to keep his tone calm: "My beloved concubine, you must not try to kill yourself again. If there is anything, communicate with me properly. How can you do something foolish?"

"I understand," Consort Yan looked at Li Shimin with longing in her beautiful eyes. "Your Majesty, it's getting late. You may rest here with me tonight."

"No need. I have already arranged for Wei Zhen to wait for me at the Zichen Palace. I will go there now. You should get some rest."

"Oh, Your Majesty, are you angry?"

"No, that's all. I'm leaving now." After saying that, Li Shimin strode away from Consort Yan's palace.

morning.

Lizheng Hall.

Empress Zhangsun got up early, washed up, and strolled slowly in the courtyard.

Recently, Empress Zhangsun became pregnant again.

The legendary physician Sun Simiao once told her that she should take walks when she had free time, as it would be beneficial for her recovery and the growth of the fetus.

Empress Zhangsun touched her belly, lost in thought.

She thought about how she had married Li Shimin when she was only thirteen years old.

At that time, Li Shimin was sixteen years old. Fortunately, the two of them supported each other through thick and thin and treated each other with utmost respect.

Since she married Li Shimin, he has doted on her, and it is precisely because of this that...

That's why she gave birth to several children for Li Shisheng in succession.

This is their seventh child.

This made many concubines extremely envious and jealous.

Empress Zhangsun herself did not understand whether this was an honor or a disaster for her.

Childbirth is like passing through the gates of hell for a woman; with luck, she might make it through.

If you're unlucky, it's all over. Throughout history, countless women have died because of childbirth.

Empress Zhangsun counted on her fingers and realized that she had already passed six trials, which she considered to be a stroke of good luck.

Of course, there were several times when he was saved by Sun Simiao.

If it weren't for Sun Simiao, I would probably be dead long ago.

However, childbirth is also a very draining experience for women.

Because she had already given birth to six children, her health had deteriorated.

Empress Zhangsun felt that her energy was not as good as before.

There was something she also found quite strange.

Logically speaking, Xu Hui had been in the palace for some time.

Moreover, Li Shimin visited Xu Hui the most times, yet Xu Hui's belly showed no signs of swelling.

As for herself, she had just recovered from a serious illness, and it seemed that she had only been with the Emperor once, yet she had become pregnant. It seemed that she was quite lucky.

Sometimes, luck plays a part in these things. I hope Xu Hui won't be like Chen Ajiao, unable to have children.

If that were truly the case, it would be a tragedy for Xu Hui her entire life. She was deeply favored by the Emperor, yet she could not bear him a son or daughter.

It is very pitiful for a woman to be unable to give birth and to have no children in her entire life.

She asked Cai Xiang, Li Lizhi, Princess Chengyang, and others, but they all said they didn't know.

However, Empress Zhangsun also heard some news, such as the siege of Chang'an by the five-nation coalition, the sudden siege of Luoyang by the remnants of the Turkic forces, Ashina Simo's surrender to the Tang Dynasty, and the martial law being imposed on Chang'an.

Just then, Su Wan walked in from outside, carrying a food box in her hand.

She gracefully curtsied and smiled at Empress Zhangsun, saying, "Wan'er greets the Empress."

Empress Zhangsun was overjoyed to see that it was Su Wan who had arrived.

She stepped forward and took Su Wan's hand, asking involuntarily, "What's in that food box? It smells so good!"

"Your Majesty, in my spare time, I consulted Consort Xu and learned a couple of cooking techniques. Now that you are pregnant, it's fitting that you take some tonics."

I steamed a sea bass for you; sea bass soup is said to have a calming effect on the fetus.

Su Wan and Empress Zhangsun entered the hall together.

She placed the food box on the table and then brought out the bowl of steamed sea bass soup.

Empress Zhangsun glanced at the soup and saw that it looked and smelled delicious, making one's mouth water: "Wan'er, you are so thoughtful."

This soup is even more delicious than anything made in the imperial kitchen.

Su Wan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, the soup is still hot. Please eat it while it's hot."

Empress Zhangsun sat down at the table.

She didn't stand on ceremony and ate the bowl of sea bass soup.

After she finished eating, Empress Zhangsun's complexion became rosy, and a little sweat appeared on her forehead.

Su Wan praised, "Your Majesty, you look radiant! It seems your recovery is progressing well."

This is a blessing for His Majesty, and a blessing for the Tang Dynasty!

Empress Zhangsun grasped Su Wan's hand again: "Wan'er, thanks to you for bringing me the Snow Lingzhi from Liujia Mountain."

"Without the Snow Spirit Mushroom, even with Sun Simiao's great abilities, he couldn't have saved me."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan looked ashamed and said, "Actually, there was a little incident in between."

"Oh, what is it?"

"Actually, Sun Simiao had a magic pill that could cure your illness."

We planned to retrieve that elixir and give it to you, but we unexpectedly ran into Yeon Gaesomun and Buyeo Yong.

Yeon Gaesomun said that Consort Ronghua of Goguryeo was suffering from a terminal illness and needed this elixir to save her life.

We are in a dilemma.

In the end, we gave the pill to Yeon Gaesomun so he could take it back to save Consort Ronghua.

Therefore, your condition was delayed. Fortunately, you found the Snow Lingzhi mushroom; otherwise, it's hard to imagine what the consequences would have been.

To everyone's surprise, Empress Zhangsun smiled happily after hearing this: "Wan'er, you're right, you have a great sense of the big picture."

I've also heard of Consort Ronghua of Goguryeo; she was a woman with a tragic fate. Your actions have eased tensions between the Tang Dynasty and Goguryeo.

This is a very important matter; you don't need to feel guilty about it.

Besides, isn't my health quite good right now?

Perhaps this is what they mean by "good deeds bring good rewards."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan felt even more admiration for Empress Zhangsun.

Su Wan thought to herself, no wonder people say that Empress Zhangsun is a wise and virtuous person. It is true. Who else but Empress Zhangsun could have such a broad mind?

Su Wan sighed as she thought of this: "But Yeon Gaesomun is a scoundrel."

We gave him the elixir, and he took it back and cured Consort Ronghua's illness.

However, he did not keep any of the promises he made to us.

Not only that, they even followed us to the Japanese kingdom and tried to stop us from picking snow lingzhi mushrooms.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince and Qu Zhili were the first to reach Mount Liujia.

Finally, they harvested the snow lingzhi.

Empress Zhangsun waved her hand and laughed, "Those are all things of the past, why bring them up again?"

I believe that good and evil will eventually be rewarded; it's not that they won't be punished, it's just that their time hasn't come yet.

However, you and Chenggan can no longer do such risky things in the future. What if something happens to you?

By the way, what about the branch?

What has he been busy with lately? Why hasn't he come to pay his respects to me?