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

Why do you speak of the Crown Prince like that?

"Li Chengqian was originally the crown prince and would inherit the throne sooner or later, so why would he need to rebel?" Fang Yizhi retorted.

"Foolish, naive!"

"You're being foolish. Do you even know what the consequences would be if Li Chengqian became emperor?"

Fang Xuanling paused deliberately at this point, "I'm afraid none of us here will survive. Throughout history, there have been many who became crown princes but did not inherit the throne."

Aren't Yang Yong and Li Jiancheng the same?

"Yang Yong and Li Jiancheng are both incompetent; how can they compare to the Crown Prince?"

"That's not entirely true. Speaking of Li Jiancheng, I, as his father, must say a few words in his defense."

Li Jiancheng also played a crucial role in the uprising in Jinyang.

He was very brave in commanding battles and had made outstanding achievements, including the capture of Xihe and the Battle of Huoyi. To be honest, Li Jiancheng was also very strict in disciplining his troops.

He was able to share weal and woe with his soldiers, eating and living together, and he had no airs of authority.

Moreover, he captured the city in just nine days, beheaded the chief general Gao Deru, stabilized the morale of the Tang army, and laid a solid foundation for the Tang army's subsequent advance into Guanzhong.

The Battle of Huoyi was not easy. That old man Song was very cunning. He built deep trenches and high walls and held firm without engaging in battle.

The soldiers cursed him until their throats were hoarse, but he just acted like a coward, hiding his head and refusing to come out even if it meant death!

Li Jiancheng knew that a protracted war would be extremely disadvantageous to his side, and after careful consideration, he...

He then proposed the strategy of "luring the enemy out of the city and attacking them from both sides," which once again resulted in a major defeat for the Sui army.

During the Tang army's campaign to capture Chang'an, Li Jiancheng led the left wing to attack the east.

At that time, he had a general named Lei Yongji, who was very brave and fought desperately, and was the first to scale the city walls.

This is why Chang'an was captured in a very short time. Without Li Jiancheng, it would have been almost impossible to capture Chang'an in such a short time.

If we cannot conquer Chang'an, how can there be a Tang Dynasty?

Next, he quelled the rebellion of the Qi Hu.

Later, Liu Heita colluded with the Turks to attack the Tang army. At that time, everyone was terrified because they all knew that Liu Heita was not someone to be trifled with.

Li Jiancheng consulted Wei Zheng for advice, and Wei Zheng said, "The ringleader must be eliminated, and the rest of the gang should not be questioned."

Li Jiancheng adopted Wei Zheng's advice, quickly disintegrated the rebel army, captured Liu Heita, and completely pacified Shandong, Hebei, and other regions.

Moreover, he repeatedly defended against and repelled the Turkic invasions, relieving Li Shimin of any worries about his rear during his eastern expedition.

Did you see that? Li Jiancheng was not incompetent; it's just that because he was the crown prince,

Therefore, he had to stay in Chang'an, which to some extent provided Li Shimin with an opportunity to make achievements.

Objectively speaking, during Li Jiancheng's time in Chang'an, he handled government affairs relatively well and did not make any major mistakes.

"People say that Li Jiancheng had an ambiguous relationship with Consort Zhang and Consort Yin. Isn't it right that he was punished?" Fang Yizhi asked.

"Nonsense, that's just slander and defamation. How can you believe it?" Fang Xuanling was not satisfied with Fang Yizhi's performance.

"Since ancient times, the victor is king and the loser is a bandit; history is written by the victors."

Because Li Shimin launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident and won.

If Li Jiancheng had become emperor, things would have been a completely different story.

"Wasn't it you who devised the plan for the Xuanwu Gate Incident on behalf of the Emperor?" Fang Yizhi couldn't help but ask.

"Well, given the circumstances at the time, I was merely going with the flow. With Changsun Wuji and Gao Shilian around, and everyone else wanting to do it, how could I object?"

As everyone knows, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji died at the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Li Shimin emerged as the ultimate winner, but the causes and consequences of the Xuanwu Gate Incident are open to interpretation.

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and continued, "Therefore, you must see Li Chengqian's true colors."

Becoming the crown prince does not guarantee that one will not rebel. Throughout history, there have been many crown princes who rebelled.

When his power becomes strong enough, even if he doesn't want to rebel, he can't.

By then, he won't have a choice.

Li Chengqian's strength is developing very quickly.

He's very audacious; recently, he's disobeyed imperial orders twice already.

Logically, the emperor should have punished him, but under the protection of Wei Zheng and Empress Zhangsun, the emperor not only pardoned him but also gave him Luoyang.

What do you think this indicates? What signal does it send?

Previously, Li Chengqian did not have his own territory.

While he was in the Eastern Palace, his every move was under the Emperor's surveillance.

Now that he is stationed in Luoyang, far from the emperor's reach, it's not so convenient for the emperor to control him even if he wanted to.

Luoyang is different from other cities; it is also an ancient capital.

After Emperor Yang of Sui's renovations, Luoyang was no less impressive than Chang'an.

Wei Zheng was very biased. He suggested to the emperor that Li Chengqian and he, like Yang Zhao and Emperor Yang of Sui, govern the country separately, one in Chang'an and the other in Luoyang.

This idea is actually a rigid application and is wrong.

Are Li Chengan and Yang Zhao the same?

Yang Zhao was absolutely loyal to the court, served Emperor Yang of Sui, and was extremely filial.

Yang Zhao was a famous and wise crown prince in history.

This is a widely accepted view.

Li Tai had, of course, heard of Yang Zhao.

At this moment, upon hearing Fang Xuanling mention Yang Zhao, he became curious and asked, "Your Excellency, is Yang Zhao very fat?"

"Yes." Fang Xuanling nodded.

"So, if we compare him and Xiao Wang, who is fatter?" Li Tai had been bothered by this for a long time.

"Do you want to tell the truth?"

"Of course I have to tell the truth."

According to records, Yang Zhao was not as fat as you!

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's expression changed slightly: "It is said that Yang Zhao went to Luoyang to pay his respects to Emperor Yang of Sui and requested to stay in Luoyang."

Emperor Yang of Sui forbade it, so he prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed until he died. Is that the story?

"It seems so. Yang Zhao was indeed one of the crown princes in history who died unjustly."

It is estimated that his obesity has led to heart or brain disease.

Traditional Chinese medicine says that obesity is a sign of physical weakness.

Li Tai, supporting his belly with his hand, asked, "Does this mean that Little Wang will also have a short lifespan like Yang Zhao?"

"Your Majesty, you're overthinking it! Although you've gained a little weight, you have great energy and spirit. You just need to strengthen your training in the future."

Li Tai nodded: "You're right."

However, the most crucial problem is that I gain weight even from drinking cold water.

Fortunately, Xue'er gave me a laxative during the last written exam, which helped me lose a lot of weight.

In that case, I must thank Miss Xue'er.

Fang Xuanling was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this: "That Miss Xue'er is just as cunning as her mistress Su Wan. You'd better stay away from them in the future."

"You're right, Xue'er is indeed no pushover," Li Tai said, his teeth itching with hatred. "The martial arts exam starts tomorrow. How can we take this opportunity to wipe out Li Chenggan's men in one fell swoop?"

Moreover, it must be done discreetly and without anyone noticing, and it must also be plausible and reasonable.

Fang Xuanling smiled slightly, appearing quite confident: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I have already made arrangements for you."

"That's great! With you saying that, Xiao Wang can rest assured!"

……

It was the third watch of the night.

Chong Sheng Palace.

Li Shimin finished up his work and arrived at this place.

Recently, the Queen became pregnant and is experiencing some discomfort.

Therefore, besides his routine visits to Empress Zhangsun, Li Shimin came here more often.

Xu Hui had just finished showering and was sitting in front of her dressing table, wearing a sheer nightgown as thin as a cicada's wing, applying makeup.

Xu Hui felt that women should take some time to dress themselves up and live a more refined life, because only refined women can more easily touch a man's heart.

Throughout history, what man has not been attracted to young and beautiful women?

By the light of the lamp, Li Shimin observed that Xu Hui's jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, smooth and silky.

Xu Hui's figure became increasingly slender, with a prominent bust and buttocks, and a straight back. Her nightgown was as thin as a cicada's wing, and through it, one could vaguely see her slender waist, which resembled a willow branch, and her full, round buttocks, which were large and perky.

Li Shimin sat down opposite her and took the eyebrow pencil from her hand: "My beloved concubine, come, let me draw your eyebrows."

Xu Hui looked at Li Shimin with her beautiful eyes: "Your Majesty, you conquer the world, with your swords and horses, your might as well be as fierce as a tiger, yet you also draw eyebrows for women?"

Li Shimin smiled slightly: "I didn't know how to do it before, but I learned a little for your sake."

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui chuckled and said, "I didn't expect you to be such a thoughtful person."

Li Shimin carefully drew Xu Hui's eyebrows.

A moment later,

Li Shimin handed the bronze mirror on the dressing table to Xu Hui.

Xu Hui looked at herself in the bronze mirror from left to right and found that Li Shimin's eyebrow-drawing skills were indeed at a professional level.

"Your Majesty, your eyebrows are drawn better than mine. Next time, I'll leave the eyebrow drawing to you," Xu Hui praised.

Li Shimin embraced Xu Hui and began to nibble and kiss her neck.

Xu Hui let out a soft moan, her body trembling slightly. She felt weak and powerless all over, and asked in a soft voice, "Your Majesty, what do you want to do now?"

"Come, serve me until I retire for the night." Li Shimin's tone brooked no argument.

Xu Hui gently pushed Li Shimin away: "Your Majesty, I have told you this many times."

In your spare time, spend more time with Empress Zhangsun and the other concubines. Don't always come to my place, otherwise the other concubines will gossip about me behind my back.

"Their talking about you behind your back means they're jealous, and I'm going to make them jealous."

Li Shimin supported Xu Hui's waist with his left hand and hugged her legs with his right hand. With a little effort, he lifted Xu Hui up and walked towards the bed.

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

Xu Hui blushed deeply: "What's wrong with you lately? You seem ten years younger and full of energy."

"Is that so?" Li Shimin asked with a smile.

"Yes, I feel like you're even more capable than the young man!"

"Then you shall serve me well."

Li Shimin reached out and pulled open the ribbon around Xu Hui's waist, and Xu Hui's nightgown immediately fell off, revealing her proud figure, as white as jade.

Xu Hui's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. She gently stroked Li Shimin's firm chest, her heart pounding wildly.

Li Shimin was an emperor who rose through the ranks on horseback; his muscles were like blocks of iron, one after another.

It's possible that because Li Shimin had Han Chinese blood in one half and Xianbei blood in the other half, his body was more robust.

Li Shimin bent down, his movements very gentle.

Xu Hui's eyes were alluring: "Your Majesty, please be gentle, I'm scared...!"

Li Shimin laughed heartily.

Then, Xu Hui wrapped her arms around Li Shimin's neck, closed her eyes, and fully enjoyed the pleasure that made her feel both shy and eager.

About half an hour later, sweat was dripping from Li Shimin's forehead, face, and back.

Xu Hui's face was flushed, and she was panting heavily.

Xu Hui's face was full of satisfaction. She parted her lips slightly and asked, "Your Majesty, did you take any elixirs?"

"No, what medicine do you need?"

"You seem much more energetic than before."

Recently, I heard that Fuyu Fengzhang was poisoned by a poison from the Western Regions called Yin-Yang Intercourse Smoke. After a man is poisoned by this poison, he must have sex with a woman, otherwise his life will be in danger.

However, men who are poisoned by that kind of poison also become extremely vigorous. Therefore, I was a little worried just now.

"Oh? Is that so? And who spread that poison?"

"I heard she's an old witch named Lan Po Rakshasa."

"It's her again," Li Shimin said, getting off the bed and walking to the table to pour himself a cup of tea.

He picked up his teacup and downed it in one gulp.

In fact, Li Shimin himself did not know why he felt extremely thirsty after each time he finished. "I thought she was old and did not investigate her crimes, but I did not expect that she was still active in the Chang'an area."

"Your Majesty, are you aware that the Crown Prince was also poisoned by this poison?"

Oh, I haven't heard of that. But Your Majesty, you don't need to worry. The Crown Prince was very lucky. That night,

She met Princess Qu Zhili of Gaochang, who was very beautiful and gentle. Because of her presence, the crown prince remained safe and sound.

I've heard that Qu Zhili is pregnant with the Crown Prince's child.

"Nonsense! Gaochang is not at peace."

Previously, when the King of Gaochang came to Chang'an, it was merely a formality; in reality, he secretly carried out many underhanded actions.

Does he think I don't know?

Throughout history, Gaochang has harbored divided loyalties towards both the Sui and Tang dynasties, wavering between them.

Sooner or later, I will settle this score with them.

How could Cheng Gan have a child with Qu Zhili?

Li Shimin then brought up the boxing match.

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, Qu Zhili is still quite good no matter what."

Last time, she almost lost her life in Liujia Mountain while searching for the Snow Lingzhi for Empress Zhangsun. She also deeply loves the Crown Prince.

Li Shimin wiped the sweat from his forehead: "However, this matter is a bit troublesome."

If that child is born, he will be the eldest grandson of the emperor.

However, his maternal grandfather is the King of Gaochang, so how can I make him the Crown Prince?

Back then, Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, murdered his own grandson to seize the throne.

This serves as a cautionary tale, and we must heed it!

Besides, Chengqian's Crown Princess is Su Wan, and Qu Zhili is not the Crown Princess.

After listening, Xu Hui thought about it and realized that the matter seemed a bit complicated.

However, there's no use saying so much now. We can only take it one step at a time and see what happens after the child is born.

"My beloved concubine, how have you been doing at Chongwen Academy lately?" Li Shimin asked with great concern.

"It's alright. The people over there are not only very knowledgeable, but also very virtuous. I have benefited greatly from being with them."

As Xu Hui finished speaking, she picked up the clothes and put them on.

"You've worked hard reviewing the memorials for me."

"Your Majesty, I was just about to tell you this. It's not troublesome for me at all."

I've heard the other concubines are already gossiping about this behind my back, saying that I'm too power-hungry and review memorials haphazardly.

Therefore, Your Majesty should reclaim the power to review memorials, or transfer it to someone else.

This is something I truly cannot do; moreover, my energy is limited, and I cannot handle it.

"I'm already busy enough with things at Chongwen Academy."

Li Shimin frowned: "Reviewing memorials is not something anyone can do. The slightest negligence could lead to serious consequences."

Xu Hui rubbed her hair with both hands: "Women have always been forbidden from interfering in politics. This is an ancient precept. I'm afraid that someone will bring this up in front of His Majesty in the future."

Your Majesty, please send the memorial to Li Chenggan for review.

Can't it?

Now that you are stationed in Chang'an, and he is in Luoyang, all the memorials from officials east of Luoyang should be sent to Li Chenggan for review and approval.

The memorials from officials west of Luoyang are all reviewed by His Majesty personally. Wouldn't this reduce His Majesty's workload by half?

Your Majesty, I truly cannot continue reviewing these documents. Please grant me permission.

Li Shimin thought about it and felt that Xu Hui's words made sense: "Then let's do this: give all the memorials from officials of the fifth rank and below in the region east of Luoyang to Li Chenggan for review, and I will conduct random checks from time to time."

You don't need to review memorials for now.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Hearing Li Shimin say this, Xu Hui sighed deeply, thinking that she had finally gotten her leg out of trouble.

However, she also greatly admired Li Shimin's shrewdness, which allowed him to avoid risks and subtly reduce Li Chengqian's power.

Li Shimin put on his outer robe: "Consort Yang and Consort Yan have both moved to Jiucheng Palace. Do you want to move there too?"

Xu Hui quickly waved her hand: "No, no, no, I know that Jiucheng Palace has just been renovated. It is magnificent and grand. All the concubines, princes and princesses consider it an honor to live in Jiucheng Palace."

Because it is a symbol of identity and status.

However, since I entered the palace, I have not made any outstanding contributions or demonstrated any remarkable abilities.

I do not believe I am qualified to live in Jiucheng Palace.

"I'm quite content living here."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, thinking to himself that Xu Hui's insight was indeed different from that of Consort Yan and Consort Yang.

Strictly speaking, neither of them meets the requirements.

But, I just happen to want to stay at Jiucheng Palace.

Since entering the palace, Xu Hui has managed the Shangfu Bureau, assisted the Chongwen Hall in organizing numerous books and classics, and helped the Empress coordinate and manage the inner palace. Her performance has been quite outstanding.

Li Shimin saw all of this and wanted to elevate her by letting her live in Jiucheng Palace, but she was unwilling.

It seems that people really are different.