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

When Li Shimin heard about the affair between Li Chengan and Princess Qu Zhili of Gaochang, he was furious: "That rebellious son, I will deal with him when I see him."

Wan'er, don't be sad. No matter what, you will always be the Crown Princess appointed by the court. Even if Li Chenggan and Qu Zhili really have a child, it will only be a child born out of wedlock. In the future, if you and Chenggan have a child, it will be a child born out of wedlock.

No one can shake your position.

Su Wan just kept crying, and Xu Hui comforted her gently.

Su Wan then gradually stopped crying.

……

As the saying goes, no secret stays hidden forever. The news of Yin Hongzhi's assassination attempt on Li Shimin quickly reached Consort Yin's ears.

Upon hearing this news, Consort Yin trembled, felt her vision go black, and almost collapsed to the ground.

Just then, Consort Wei arrived.

Consort Yin tearfully recounted the entire incident to Consort Wei.

When Consort Wei heard about it, she was also very surprised.

For a long time, Consort Wei had set up a Buddhist shrine in the palace, where she would strike a wooden fish drum, chant scriptures, and observe a vegetarian diet and recite Buddhist prayers daily.

She didn't want to attend the banquet.

However, Li Shimin said that this banquet was different from previous ones, as it was both the Lantern Festival and the day of the military examination.

I hope Consort Wei can also participate.

Therefore, Consort Wei came to Consort Yin's palace intending to travel with her, but unexpectedly, this incident occurred.

Consort Wei also realized the seriousness of the problem.

She said slowly, "Dai Zhou of the Dali Temple is no ordinary person."

He is comparable to Zhang Shizhi of the Han Dynasty, incorruptible, honest, and unafraid of powerful figures. If this matter were judged according to the laws of our Tang Dynasty, your elder brother Yin Hongzhi would certainly be executed.

Consort Yin panicked and grabbed Consort Wei's sleeve: "Sister, what should I do?"

Consort Wei sighed: "Speaking of which, your brother Yin Hongzhi did indeed go a bit too far in this matter."

Back then, your father destroyed the Li family's ancestral temple, dug up the Li family's ancestral graves, and killed the retired emperor's son.

After the Tang army captured Chang'an, according to common sense, not only would they execute your father, but they would also execute your entire family.

However, the retired emperor showed leniency, only killing your father and then imprisoning your entire family in the inner palace.

Later, the Emperor took a liking to you and brought you into the harem. What a blessing that is!

You and your brother should be grateful, how can you still harbor resentment?

"But how can I not avenge the murder of my father?" Consort Yin asked with resentment in her eyes.

"Girl, how can I possibly say anything to you?"

If you have time, come with me to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures, and listen to what the Buddha has to say.

As the Buddhist saying goes: "Put down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot."

Your brother's excessive anger not only harmed himself but also you.

Although Consort Yin did not entirely agree with what Consort Wei said.

However, she also understood this.

This is not the time to say those things; she needs Consort Wei's help.

So, Consort Yin, after much hesitation, finally spoke: "Consort Wei, you are absolutely right. My brother acted foolishly in a moment of confusion."

However, if my brother dies, I will never live on alone.

Upon hearing Consort Yin's words, Consort Wei quickly advised, "Sister, you mustn't have such extreme thoughts."

You still need to think about your son, Li You.

If you're gone, Li You will be pitiful.

"You should try going to Empress Zhangsun about this. She is kind-hearted, benevolent, and magnanimous; perhaps she can save your brother's life."

Upon hearing this, Consort Yin's eyes lit up.

At this point, she had no more spells to cast and could only try anything as a last resort.

Consort Yin wiped away her tears and asked, "Do you know where Empress Zhangsun is? I'll go find her right now."

"Tonight, the Emperor will host a banquet at Jiucheng Palace to entertain civil and military officials."

At this moment, Empress Zhangsun should have already arrived at Jiucheng Palace.

Let's travel together.

"it is good."

……

Recently, Empress Zhangsun has not been in a very good mood.

She also learned that Li Shimin's order to arrest Li Chengan was escalating, even attracting a five-nation coalition to besiege Chang'an.

Although the five-nation coalition did not launch an attack on Chang'an

However, this sent a bad signal, seemingly setting Li Shimin and his son Li Chenggan against each other.

Li Shimin and Li Chengan were both Empress Zhangsun's most beloved people.

She could hardly imagine what would happen and what the outcome would be if Li Chenggan and his father, the emperor, fell out one day.

Furthermore, Empress Zhangsun also heard that Li Chengqian had twice defied the imperial edict and failed to return to Chang'an as ordered by Emperor Taizong of Tang.

This greatly worried Empress Zhangsun, as disobeying an imperial edict was no small offense.

If this is taken too seriously, it could be a serious offense.

Even if Li Chengqian were to be deposed as crown prince on this basis, it would be perfectly normal.

Furthermore, Empress Zhangsun heard that Li Chengqian and Princess Qu Zhili of Gaochang had become lovers.

Moreover, Qu Zhili was already pregnant, a fact that made Empress Zhangsun both happy, worried, and surprised.

She thought to herself that, putting aside other aspects of this child, he seemed to be no less capable than his father, the Emperor, when it came to women.

Wherever he goes, he is adored by women who are head over heels in love with him.

Speaking of which, Princess Gaochang was quite beautiful; she was a natural beauty.

Moreover, I've heard that the girl is a highly skilled swordswoman.

She and Li Chengan had already mastered the perfect sword technique.

If Qu Zhili could give birth to a son for Li Chenggan, it would be a great joy for the Tang Dynasty, ensuring that the dynasty would have a successor.

However, another problem arises: Li Chengqian's Crown Princess is Su Wan.

Empress Zhangsun was very fond of Su Wan. The girl was not only beautiful, but also intelligent and capable, and a financial expert.

Su Wan's father was Su Dan, a highly respected official who was cautious in his conduct and had never made any mistakes during his many years in office.

Everyone, from top to bottom, praised Su Dan highly, which was one of the reasons why Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun made Su Wan their crown princess.

But now that Li Chengan and Qu Zhili are together, can Su Wan get over this?

Empress Zhangsun, as empress, deeply understood this.

She felt that, as a woman, the most important thing in life was being with the man she loved.

No woman can accept sharing her man with another woman.

This is also why there have been so many women in history who seem both foolish and pitiful.

For example, Consort Li, a concubine of Emperor Jing of Han, is a typical example.

Consort Li was once favored by Emperor Jing of Han, and the two of them gave birth to the eldest son, Liu Rong.

Because Empress Bo had no children, Emperor Jing of Han made Liu Rong the crown prince.

This shows that Emperor Jing of Han intended to make Consort Li his empress.

However, Princess Guantao desired that Emperor Jing of Han have many children, so she continuously sent many women into Emperor Jing's harem.

As a result, Princess Kuriki gradually fell out of favor.

She became extremely jealous and quarreled with Emperor Jing of Han.

As a result, the final outcome was that Liu Rong, the eldest son of the emperor, was deposed from his position as crown prince.

Princess Kuriki was also deposed.

Soon after, Liu Rong was forced to commit suicide in prison by Zhi Du, and Consort Li also died of depression.

To be honest, Empress Zhangsun married Li Shimin when she was thirteen years old, and the couple had a very good relationship.

That's why they had so many children.

Later, Li Shimin also began to take concubines, and for a long time, Empress Zhangsun could not get over that hurdle in her heart.

Although she was already mentally prepared

However, even so, she couldn't accept it.

Later, Empress Zhangsun gradually came to terms with it.

Since she chose to marry the emperor, she couldn't expect him to be devoted to her; that's an indisputable fact.

Empress Zhangsun felt that Su Wan was a sensible and reasonable person, and hoped that Su Wan could let go of her resentment as soon as possible.

Soon, Empress Zhangsun arrived at Jiucheng Palace.

The place was brightly lit and decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, exuding a joyful atmosphere inside and out.

She found that the Jiucheng Palace was built far too opulently.

Empress Zhangsun was a well-versed scholar of history and classics, and she knew a great deal about the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history.

She herself lived a very simple life.

She really found it hard to accept that the palace was built so luxuriously.

No wonder all the concubines, princes, and princesses wanted to move into Jiucheng Palace.

They considered it a symbol of identity and status.

Back then, Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, destroyed the Qin Dynasty in three years and the Chu Dynasty in four years, establishing the Western Han Dynasty.

Xiao He then had Weiyang Palace built to be magnificent and imposing.

After looking at it, Liu Bang said to Xiao He, "Isn't this palace a bit too extravagant?"

Xiao He replied, "If the palace is not magnificent enough, it will be difficult to awe all around."

How absurd is this argument?

From then on, Xiao He set a bad precedent for the Han Dynasty.

The descendants of the Liu family all followed suit, building the palace as magnificent and imposing as possible.

Empress Zhangsun was thinking that the Tang Dynasty had only been established for a short time, and everything needed to be rebuilt; many people still didn't have enough to eat.

Only when the people of the Tang Dynasty are well-fed and clothed can society be stable. Why waste money on these palaces?

A maid led Empress Zhangsun into the inner room to rest.

A charcoal fire burned in the inner room, making it warm and cozy.

After Empress Zhangsun entered the inner chamber, she discovered that it was also a large palace, decorated far too luxuriously, with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an antique charm.

Many of the pillars were made of sandalwood from thousands of miles away.

A single piece of sandalwood is worth far more than a thousand pieces of gold.

Then look at the bed; it's an ivory bed, and the floor is paved with gold bricks.

The tables and chairs were also very exquisite, clearly carefully selected.

Empress Zhangsun, seeing this, felt a wave of dizziness.

She even felt that her ideas might be too outdated, and she couldn't get used to them.

Empress Zhangsun had just taken her seat when a maid entered and announced, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin requests an audience."

Empress Zhangsun's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

Because in Empress Zhangsun's memory, Consort Yin was a rather quiet person who rarely showed her face in the palace and rarely attended or participated in any activities.

Of course, Empress Zhangsun also knew about Consort Yin's background.

Empress Zhangsun knew that her father was the ruthless Yin Shishi from back then.

Empress Zhangsun raised her right hand slightly: "Then quickly call her in!"

"promise!"

The maid agreed and turned to leave.

Not long after, Consort Yin walked gracefully in.

Empress Zhangsun dismissed everyone from the room, leaving only Consort Yin and Empress Zhangsun inside.

Consort Yin knelt down in front of Empress Zhangsun with a thud, weeping like a child.

Empress Zhangsun was also taken aback. She quickly went to Consort Yin, reached out her hands to help her up from the ground, and asked, "Sister, what happened to you?"

Consort Yin dared not conceal the truth and tearfully recounted how Yin Hongzhi had attempted to assassinate Li Shimin.

Empress Zhangsun was also shocked upon hearing this, and her expression changed: "Oh, is that so? Was His Majesty injured?"

"No, because Su Wan arrived just in time, pulled out a dagger and stabbed my brother in the buttocks, thus saving the Emperor."

Empress Zhangsun was quite surprised to hear this and asked, "Are you saying that Crown Princess Su Wan saved the Emperor?"

"yes."

"Thank God," Empress Zhangsun sighed, "it wasn't Su Wan who saved the Emperor, but Su Wan who saved your brother."

"Your Majesty, I know my brother is stubborn; he acted foolishly in a moment of confusion."

"If anything were to happen to my brother, I would not live on alone. I implore the Empress, for the sake of our sisterly bond, to find a way to save my brother's life."

Consort Yin burst into tears again as she spoke.

At this moment, Empress Zhangsun took a white handkerchief from her bosom and handed it to Consort Yin: "Sister, don't cry yet, let me think about it."

Consort Yin took the handkerchief and wiped away her tears. Standing to the side, she looked at Empress Zhangsun with earnest eyes and couldn't help but ask, "Empress, do you think there's any hope for my brother?"

Empress Zhangsun touched her belly with both hands and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying, "In the end, this matter is not your brother's fault, and you could even say it is not your father's fault either. The culprit is Emperor Yang of Sui."

Consort Yin looked puzzled: "Empress, what do you mean by that?"

"It must be said that Emperor Wen of Sui was a very good emperor at managing finances, and he left Emperor Yang of Sui a great and prosperous country."

At that time, the Sui Dynasty had a population of over 900 million and a wealthy treasury.

The grain in the granary was so plentiful that it was piled up outside the granary.

If Emperor Yang of Sui hadn't caused so much trouble, how could the Sui Dynasty have ended after only two generations?

Unfortunately, Emperor Yang of Sui was ambitious and fond of military exploits, and he was also a warmonger.

His only ambition was to surpass Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, to build the Great Wall and imperial highways, to construct Luoyang, Xianren Palace, and Jiangdu Palace, and to excavate the Grand Canal.

His excessive touring cost countless sums of money, and the number of migrant workers and civilians who died or were injured was well over a million.

The people suffered immensely, their resentment boiled over, and with no way to survive, they were forced to launch the Wagang Uprising.

Even so, Emperor Yang of Sui still insisted on his own way and launched three expeditions against Goguryeo.

A million-strong army is no joke; how much manpower, material resources, and financial resources would it take to ensure logistical support?

This plunged the Sui Dynasty into an abyss of no return. It was under these circumstances that the retired emperor and the emperor raised an army in Jinyang and fought their way all the way to Chang'an.

At that time, your father was the garrison commander of Chang'an. Each served their own master, and it was his duty to defend the territory.

Therefore, you can't say your father was wrong; your father was a loyal minister of the Sui Dynasty.

However, your father went too far. He destroyed the Li family's ancestral temple, dug up your family's ancestral graves, and killed the retired emperor's son, Li Zhiyun. Keep in mind that Li Zhiyun was only a teenager at the time.

Do you think the retired emperor wouldn't be heartbroken?

Ultimately, Chang'an fell to the Tang army.

This isn't to say your father lacked ability, but rather that it was an inevitable trend that no one could stop.

After your father was captured alive, the retired emperor had him killed to avenge his son.

This has created enmity between your two families.

Fortunately, someone pleaded for your family, and the Emperor Emeritus, seeing that you and your elder brother were still very young, pardoned you and sent you to the Inner Palace to work as slaves.

Later, the emperor took a liking to you and brought you into the harem.

Speaking of which, you are very blessed.

Therefore, I say that this matter ultimately stems from Emperor Yang of Sui.

Think about it, if Emperor Yang of Sui hadn't been so incompetent and tyrannical, would the retired emperor and the emperor have been able to raise an army in Jinyang?

At that time, the Turks in the north were eyeing the country covetously, and treacherous officials in the court were slandering the retired emperor and the emperor day and night.

Therefore, both the retired emperor and the emperor were taking a risk.

If they continue to stay in Jinyang, death is the only outcome awaiting them.

Therefore, I've said all this in the hope that you will stop resenting the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor; they also have their own difficulties."

Consort Yin was deeply moved after hearing Empress Zhangsun's words.

However, from her perspective, her father's crime did not warrant death.

She even thought it wasn't excessive for her brother to seek revenge on Li Shimin; the hatred for killing one's father is irreconcilable, how could one not seek revenge?

Moreover, there is no doubt that his father did indeed die at the hands of Li Yuan and his son Li Shimin.

However, at this moment, Consort Yin needed Empress Zhangsun's help, and although she thought this in her heart, she could not say it out loud.

"Your Majesty, the past is the past, and there's no use bringing it up now. The most important thing right now is that my brother has been imprisoned in the Dali Temple. Is there any way to get him out?"

Empress Zhangsun's gaze was fixed on the scenery outside the window.

At this moment, many officials and examinees are heading to the banquet hall of Jiucheng Palace.

"Furthermore, Yin Hongzhi killed so many guards; did they die in vain?"

"How much compensation do the deceased deserve? I'm willing to pay double, what do you say?"

Empress Zhangsun naturally understood Consort Yin's feelings, thinking that it was better to resolve enmity than to perpetuate it, and that revenge would only lead to more revenge.

She grabbed Consort Yin's hand: "Sister, no matter what, you can't have thoughts of taking your own life. Prince Li You still needs your care."

What will Lee Yoo-ko do if something happens to you?

"If I die, I will entrust Lee Yoo to you, Empress."

Empress Zhangsun gave a bitter smile: "I can take care of Li You, but I cannot replace you in Li You's heart. After all, you are his biological mother."

Consort Yin knelt before Empress Zhangsun again: "Empress, I beg you, I will do anything as long as you can save my brother."

Empress Zhangsun looked down at Consort Yin: "Sister, get up quickly."

This time, Consort Yin did not stand up, but said with tears in her eyes, "Empress, if you do not agree to save my brother, I will kneel here and not get up."

Empress Zhangsun had no choice but to say, "Get up first, and I will agree to your request."

"Thank you, Empress!" Consort Yin then stood up again.

Empress Zhangsun picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and said, "As far as I know, Dai Zhou of the Dali Temple is very difficult to talk to."

He's a stubborn person, and sometimes even the emperor can't do anything about him.

Of course, how this matter should be handled ultimately depends on the Emperor's attitude.

If the Emperor insists on killing your brother, there's nothing anyone can do.

"Then please ask the Empress to persuade the Emperor."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Alright, let's talk about it after the Emperor arrives."

However, at that moment, Empress Zhangsun suddenly noticed a shadowy figure moving outside the window, peeking out furtively.

Empress Zhangsun asked, "Who is outside the window?"

But the man was incredibly bold; instead of escaping, he broke through the window and entered.

Empress Zhangsun and Consort Yin were both startled.

Empress Zhangsun glanced around and saw an old woman jump in through the window, holding prayer beads in her left hand and a single-pronged vajra in her right.

That old hag was none other than the Blue Rakshasa.

The Blue Rakshasa woman steadied herself and chuckled strangely, "Guanyinbi, Yindefei, I didn't expect you two to be here. This saves me a lot of trouble."

When Consort Yin saw this, she turned pale with fright and kept backing away.

Empress Zhangsun, however, remained calm and composed, asking, "Who are you? What brings you to my court?"

The Rakshasa woman, Lan Po, struck the gold bricks on the ground with her single-pronged pestle: "Guanyinbi, don't you even know who I am?"

Haven't you heard of the Blue Rakshasa woman of Yanqi?

After hearing this, Empress Zhangsun looked Lan Poluosha Nv again and nodded, saying, "So, you are Lan Poluosha Nv. You are really lucky."

Last time, I poisoned your food, but you miraculously escaped and didn't die.

This can be considered a miracle.

"I have never met you before. What grudge do we have against each other? Why would you try to harm me?"

The blue Rakshasa woman, though hunched over, tried her best to straighten her back: "There is indeed no personal grudge between you and me."

However, all along, your Li Tang dynasty has been ambitious, seeking various reasons and pretexts to invade our Western Regions states. To put it bluntly, you are just like the Qin state of the past, using both appeasement and suppression.

For example, Songtsen Gampo of Tibet was won over by Li Chengqian, who then launched a powerful attack against the Tanguts and Tuyuhun.

After dealing with the Dangxiang and Tuyuhun, they started targeting Yanqi.

You always have plenty of reasons to attack other countries, as if you are always right and we are always wrong. This is called "wanting to find fault, you can always find a pretext".

As a citizen of Yanqi, how can I stand by and watch my country be destroyed by your Great Tang?

Don't you Tang people have a saying?

"The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen. Although I am over seventy years old, I have no choice but to step forward in this time of national crisis."

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun understood that this Blue Rakshasa woman had come for Yanqi.

Empress Zhangsun had also heard some of the legendary stories about the Blue Rakshasa woman. Indeed, when the Blue Rakshasa woman spoke, the scars on her face twitched incessantly, making her extremely ugly.

She looked quite terrifying. Out of respect for the elderly, Empress Zhangsun did not speak ill of her. On the contrary, she felt sorry for the Blue Rakshasa.

At this moment, Consort Yin was so frightened that she slumped in her chair, unable to move or speak.

Empress Zhangsun, however, remained calm: "Our Great Tang and Yanqi have always been friendly neighbors. Our relationship can be traced back to the time when Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty."

Zhang Qian was a remarkable figure; he made two missions to the Western Regions, opening up the Silk Road. Yanqi, with its strategically important location on the Silk Road, played a crucial role in this success.

I've heard that Yanqi is famous for its grapes, and its winemaking techniques are also top-notch.

Nowadays, we people of Chang'an are drinking the wine from your Yanqi.

However, even the best wine needs advertising.

Without the Silk Road, would your wine have been able to be sold?

"That's right. Without the Silk Road, our wines could only be produced and sold domestically. It would be almost impossible for them to go abroad," said the Blue Bharadvaja.

"Yes, so you should thank Zhang Qian. It was Zhang Qian who opened up the Silk Road, allowing your wine to sell well in the Western Regions and even in the Eastern countries."

Have you ever calculated how much income wine alone brings to Yanqi each year?

"Indeed, wine is the pillar industry of Yanqi and the main source of tax revenue, with an annual income of at least several million taels of silver." The Blue Rakshasa woman did not hide the truth about this.

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "You are very honest. Let me ask you another question: Does the Longtu Cavalry frequently send troops to harass the borders of our Great Tang?"

Not long ago,

He then sent troops to invade Dunhuang and massacred our city. The number of dead people was more than several thousand.

What reason does Yanqi have to violate the borders of our Great Tang?

Have those people offended you again?

Why are you so cruel?

"This—." The Blue Brahma was speechless, unable to reply.

Empress Zhangsun continued, "You keep saying that our Great Tang Dynasty actively invaded other countries. Is that really the case?"

Now, I can tell you with certainty that our Great Tang Dynasty loves peace and never initiates an invasion of any country.

If you say that we in the Tang Dynasty like to cause trouble, then you are really wrong.

The instigator of this war between our Tang army and Yanqi was Long Tuqizhi. He disregarded the peace treaty signed with our Great Tang and violated the agreements between the Western Regions states, wantonly slaughtering our Tang people, which angered the Emperor, who then launched a military campaign against Yanqi.

Therefore, this matter is not our fault as Tang people; the blame lies solely with the Longtu cavalry themselves.

Hearing this, the blue Rakshasa woman sneered: "Guanyinbi, I didn't expect you to be so eloquent. Of course, you're speaking for your Tang people."

Didn't I just say that?

You always think you're right, and that none of the Western Regions kingdoms are right. Even if we're wrong, aren't the Tanguts and Tuyuhun also wrong?

"Why the Emperor sent troops to attack the Dangxiang and Tuyuhun back then is clear to everyone; justice resides in the hearts of the people."

Now that the Tanguts and Tuyuhuns have submitted to the Tang Dynasty, there's no need to dwell on the past.

However, I have heard that your Yanqi have once again joined forces with Gaochang, allying with the Japanese in the east and causing trouble again. Do you think we are unaware of these petty actions you are engaging in?

Blue Rakshasa woman rolled her eyes, thinking: Who is behind this?

This reveals such confidential information.

She didn't know how to answer for a moment.

Empress Zhangsun stared intently at the Blue Rakshasa woman: "When you were in Luoyang some time ago, were you captured by Li Chenggan?"

Then, Li Chenggan released you, didn't he?

The blue wrathful woman paused for a moment: "That is indeed the case, so what?"

Empress Zhangsun, touching her belly with her right hand, paced back and forth in the hall: "Do you know why Chenggan released you?"

"Oh, why is that? Isn't it because he benefited? I sold him the wine cheaply, and he made a killing."

"You're wrong. Don't even mention wine. If our Tang army arrives, every inch of Yanqi will belong to our Great Tang. What's more, wine?"

The reason Li Chengan released you was because he felt you were old and had endured many hardships in your life, which was truly admirable.

Besides, didn't you promise back then not to cause any more trouble?

"Well, I think I agreed at the time."

"At your age, how can you speak so irresponsibly?"

Is it acceptable to break promises like this?

Have you ever thought that if a person breaks a promise, they will be sent to the eighteenth level of hell after death?

What if you get caught again next time?

"Will anyone still believe what you say?"

The blue Rakshasa woman's face flushed red and then turned pale: "I'm not even eighty years old yet, I'm not old at all."

How could he possibly die?

"I also hope you live to be a hundred years old, but you must accumulate good deeds."

The blue wrathful woman's eyes scanned her surroundings warily, but she did not find anything unusual.

She chuckled strangely: "Guanyinbi, we don't need to say anything more. Anyway, you're all right and we're all wrong."

Do you often bully Consort Yan? Do you curse her son Xiao'er to die?

Why are you so cruel?

Empress Zhangsun was speechless upon hearing this, feeling as if she had been framed.

She stared intently at the blue wrathful woman: "I never expect anything in return for my kindness, nor do I like to dredge up old grievances. However, since you've brought this up today..."

Then we should mention that when Consort Yan first entered the palace, she was quite isolated.

She didn't know much about the etiquette and rules of the palace.

They were also struggling financially and frequently made mistakes.

I felt sorry for her, so I provided her with some material assistance and taught her court etiquette and rules.

"No matter what difficulties she faces, as long as she asks, I will grant her request. As for your claim of cursing Li Xiao, that is utter nonsense."

The Rakshasa woman Lan Po observed the situation and felt that Empress Zhangsun was of noble status and elegant demeanor, so there seemed to be no need for her to lie.

"So, you didn't curse Li Xiao after all."

Empress Zhangsun's face showed grief upon hearing this: "Although Li Xiao is not my biological son, he is still His Majesty's flesh and blood no matter what."

Li Xiao is dead, and I am deeply saddened.

However, Li Xiao's death had already been diagnosed by the imperial physicians as being due to illness, and had nothing to do with anyone else.

As for the outrageous things Consort Yan did later, I understand.

I know she is deeply grieving the loss of her beloved son, which is why her behavior has become somewhat absurd.

At this moment, the Rakshasa woman looked out the window and saw that night had fallen.

"Guanyinbi, I don't have time to chat with you here. Come with me now."

Empress Zhangsun straightened up and puffed out her chest: "I've said everything I needed to say, and explained everything that needed to be explained. Where are you taking me?"

"I will take you hostage to blackmail Li Shimin and Li Chenggan."

First, Li Chenggan has to make up the price difference for the wines I ordered last time;

Secondly, when Li Chengan was in the Japanese kingdom, he killed many of my giant crabs, which I had bought at great expense.

This money must also be used to compensate the old woman;

Furthermore, last time, Li Chenggan led his army to fight against us and killed many of our people. Are we just going to let this go?

He must pay compensation;

Finally, our king said that he would take you back and have Li Shimin exchange 20 cities for you from Yanqi; otherwise, he would kill you.

Empress Zhangsun thought to herself that this Blue Rakshasa woman had quite a few ideas, and they were quite beautiful.

Empress Zhangsun said sternly, "Blue Rakshasa, Li Chenggan and Su Wan have released you. You should be grateful. How can you go back on your promise now?"

And you even said you're asking for a price difference from someone else? Who doesn't know that your wine profits are ridiculously high?

Is the Longtu cavalry out of options and just hoping that you, an old woman, can expand their territory for them?

"I would rather die than go with you."

Upon hearing Empress Zhangsun's words, the Rakshasa woman Lanpo became enraged and said, "Guanyinbi, whether you come with me today or not is not up to you."

As the blue wrathful woman spoke, she stepped forward, ready to attack.

To her surprise, Empress Zhangsun suddenly pulled out a pair of scissors and pointed them at her throat: "Blue Rakshasa, if you take another step forward, I will die right here in front of you."

Lan Po Rakshasa hadn't expected Empress Zhangsun to pull this trick on her, even though the Dragon Cavalry's mission for her was to bring Empress Zhangsun back.

However, she wasn't allowed to kill Empress Zhangsun.

If this leads to someone's death, it will be a very troublesome matter, especially since Empress Zhangsun is pregnant. If something goes wrong, it could mean two lives lost.

"Guanyinbi, don't do anything rash!" In her haste, Lan Poluosha didn't know what to do.

Upon seeing this, Consort Yin trembled with fear.

Because she had heard that this Blue Brahma was skilled in poisoning, capricious, and often killed people without them even realizing it.

If you're not careful, you might get harmed by it.

Therefore, she dared not confront the Blue Rakshasa.

At this moment, the Rakshasa woman said, "Guanyin, if you truly wish to die, I will not stop you. However, let me make this clear: it is not I who will kill you; it is you who wish to die."

If you die, it has nothing to do with me.

Empress Zhangsun chuckled to herself, thinking to herself that this Blue Rakshasa woman was quite old, yet she was still able to argue so cleverly.

at this time,

Suddenly, there was a loud bang, the door was kicked open, and a person rushed in from the outside.

The man was agile and leaped between the Blue Rakshasa and Empress Zhangsun.

The man held the Qinggang sword, drawing a beautiful arc in the air.

Blue Rakshasa immediately felt a powerful sword aura approaching and quickly retreated more than ten feet away.

"Who is it?"

The Blue Bharadvaja's voice was hoarse.

"You old hag, don't you even recognize me?"

The Rakshasa woman looked closely and saw that the person who had barged in was none other than Li Chenggan.

The Blue Rakshasa woman thought to herself, "What a small world!"

Why did it have to come now of all times?

However, having suffered several losses at the hands of Li Chengqian, the Blue Rakshasa was quite insecure.

Last time, in Chang'an, she was injured by Li Chengqian's sword energy and almost lost her life.

This is what they call "once bitten by a snake, twice shy."

"You're ruthless, kid. I'll take my leave now."

Having said this, the Rakshasa woman dared not go through the main entrance and instead jumped out of the window.

Li Chengan went to the window and peered out. The Blue Rakshasa had already disappeared into the night.

Li Chenggan sheathed the Qinggang sword on his back and quickly went to Empress Zhangsun, taking the scissors from her hand: "Mother, you have been frightened. Your son is late in coming to your rescue, please forgive me."

Just now, Empress Zhangsun stood in the hall, sustained by a strong belief and courage.

At that moment, she saw Li Chengan, and suddenly felt weak all over. She sat down in a chair, panting and sweating.

Li Chengqian quickly poured Empress Zhangsun a cup of green tea.

Empress Zhangsun picked up her teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

"Mother, are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, I feel much better," Empress Zhangsun said, her heart still pounding. "I'm alright now."

"I'm glad you're alright."

Li Chengan bowed to Consort Yin again, at which point Consort Yin finally came to her senses.

What she just witnessed terrified her.

She felt she probably wouldn't survive.

Fortunately, Li Chengqian came. If he hadn't, after Lan Poluosha dealt with Empress Zhangsun, she would have been next to deal with her.

"Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities. You've come at the perfect time."

Go quickly and take care of your mother.

Knowing that the mother and son had something to say, Consort Yin bowed to Empress Zhangsun and then turned to leave.

The mother and son were reunited, filled with countless emotions.

Although the mother and son were only separated for a short time, it felt like an eternity.

Empress Zhangsun's eyes were full of affection as she asked, "How did you get here?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the martial arts competition lasted all day today."

Just now, Father Emperor sent Eunuch Wang to inform us that a grand banquet will be held tonight at Jiucheng Palace to entertain all the concubines, princes, princesses, civil and military officials, and those taking the exams.

Your son had just entered Jiucheng Palace when he heard that the Empress Dowager had already arrived there.

Your Majesty, I was worried about your safety, so I came to look for you and happened to witness this incident.

Empress Zhangsun nodded slightly: "It was just a false alarm. The Blue Rakshasa is quite old, so please don't make things difficult for her anymore. Just let her be. As long as she doesn't do anything evil again, that's fine."

"It is easier to change mountains and rivers than to change a person's nature. Your subject is worried that she will bring chaos to Chang'an."