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

Princess Gaoyang watched the martial arts competition from the military training ground.

As dusk approached, she noticed everyone was engrossed in watching the martial arts competition and no one paid any attention to her.

She then ran away.

She mounted her horse and hurried to the Royal Inn.

Princess Gaoyang hadn't seen Bianji for some time and missed him dearly.

Whenever Princess Gaoyang thought of the intimate moments she shared with Bianji on the bed, she couldn't help but blush and feel her heart race.

After Princess Gaoyang arrived at the inn, she first took a hot bath.

Then, she dressed herself up in front of the bronze mirror, wearing a semi-transparent nightgown.

This time, Fang Yi'ai was stationed in Luoyang, and the other concubines, princes, princesses and civil and military officials were watching the martial arts examination. This was the perfect opportunity for her to meet with Bianji in secret. How could she miss it?

Not long,

Suddenly, someone climbed in through the window, startling her.

Princess Gaoyang glanced at him and saw that it was not Bianji, but who else could it be?

Bianji was handsome with delicate features, fair skin, sharp facial features, and a slender, upright figure.

Although he was dressed in monk's robes, his charm was still undeniable.

It's often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that's certainly true.

Princess Gaoyang grew more and more enamored with Bianji, finding him dashing and debonair, and asked, "How did you get in through the window?"

Bianji was also amazed by Princess Gaoyang's beauty.

He looked Princess Gaoyang up and down again.

Princess Gaoyang's hair was wet, coiled on top of her head in a bun, and wrapped in a towel.

Wearing a semi-transparent nightgown, her curvaceous body was vaguely outlined.

Princess Gaoyang, perhaps nourished by love, became somewhat more voluptuous.

In particular, her snow-white, full breasts became even more prominent, as if they were about to burst open and cascade down, with a deep cleavage in the middle that seemed bottomless.

Her waist was as slender as a willow, her abdomen was flat, and her full buttocks were round and perky, making Bianji's blood boil.

By this time, Bianji had completely forgotten about the strict rules and regulations of Buddhism.

Unable to contain himself, Bianji suddenly pulled Princess Gaoyang into his arms, kissing and nibbling at her neck.

Princess Gaoyang trembled, let out a soft moan, and collapsed into Bianji's arms, letting Bianji do as he pleased.

While kissing Princess Gaoyang, Bianji slipped his right hand inside her nightgown, where her skin was as smooth as satin.

A moment later, Bianji felt unbearably hot all over.

Immediately afterwards, Bianji picked up Princess Gaoyang and gently placed her on the couch.

Bianji tore off Princess Gaoyang's nightgown, and the two could no longer control themselves, sharing the pleasures of love.

The couch also made rhythmic creaking sounds.

About half an hour later, everything returned to calm.

Princess Gaoyang had a rosy complexion and her face was full of satisfaction.

She gently wiped the sweat from Bianji's forehead and asked, "Did you eat deer antler velvet? You seem much stronger than before."

"This humble monk has taken some medicine," Bianji said, putting his arm around Princess Gaoyang's waist.

"I knew it," Princess Gaoyang rolled her eyes at him, "Who told you to take medicine indiscriminately and ruin your health?"

"Didn't I want you to experience the feeling of being in ecstasy?" Bianji said shamelessly.

Upon hearing this, Princess Gaoyang curled her lip: "If you really want to do that, you should exercise more regularly instead of relying on drugs. You know, every medicine has its side effects. If you keep doing it, you'll end up like that good-for-nothing Fang Yi'ai."

Bianji kissed Princess Gaoyang on the cheek again: "How can this humble monk be the same as him?"

Princess Gaoyang put on her pajamas, tidied her hair, got off the bed, and poured Bianji a cup of hot tea.

Princess Gaoyang parted her lips slightly: "Fang Yi'ai did not participate in this martial arts competition; he was serving as a military supervisor in Luoyang."

"Is that so? If that's the case, then Fang Yi'ai is highly regarded by your father, the Emperor."

"My elder brother, Li Chenggan, is stationed in Luoyang, and my father has appointed Fang Yi'ai as his military supervisor."

Bianji took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. He always felt unbearably thirsty after having sex.

Bianji pulled Princess Gaoyang into his arms again, made her sit on his lap, and stroked her soft, fragrant shoulders with his hand.

"Princess, this martial arts examination is a major event for the Tang Dynasty, and everyone wants to take advantage of it."

Don't you want to do something?

"Huh?" Princess Gaoyang looked completely bewildered. "I'm just a lowly woman, what could I possibly do?"

"You can't say that. There are so many things you can do. Besides serving this humble monk, there are many other things you can do."

Princess Gaoyang poked Bianji's forehead with her right index finger: "Don't be too smug. When Li Chenggan returned from Luoyang, we met. Although he didn't say it explicitly, I felt that he already knew about our relationship."

Upon hearing Princess Gaoyang's words, Bianji's expression became tense, and he couldn't help but ask, "Is what you're saying true? Then, what did Li Chengqian say?"

"He told me to behave myself, not to anger Father Emperor, not to wander off, and not to go to your Great Ci'en Temple to offer incense anymore. Do you think he already knows about what happened between us before?"

"Did he really say that?"

"yes."

Upon hearing this, Bianji could no longer sit still. He put on his monk's robes and got off the bed.

He paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back: "Amitabha, how did Li Chenggan know this?"

"Was it because Qin Ying happened to live next door last time, found out about what was going on between us, and then told Li Chengan about it?"

"It's hard to say."

"It seems that this humble monk is in grave danger."

Princess Gaoyang pursed her lips: "Look how scared you are. Is it really as exaggerated as you say?"

Bianji waved his hand, his face turning bright red: "Princess, I am not exaggerating."

If your father finds out about this, I'll surely die.

You'll probably be fine; after all, you're your father's daughter.

He might not have the heart to harm you, but I'm different.

Princess Gaoyang raised her head: "Based on my understanding of the Crown Prince, even if he knew about what happened between us, he would never tell Father Emperor."

Why did you trust Li Chenggan so much?

"If this gets out, it will be no small matter." Bianji was still uneasy.

"Never mind that, I trust him anyway."

"Perhaps, but this is also a hidden danger, and it could be exposed at any time."

Princess Gaoyang grasped Bianji's hand.

For some reason, Princess Gaoyang was particularly fond of this monk. She thought how wonderful it would be if Bianji could return to secular life so that she could become his wife for a long time, even if they lived a simple life.

Princess Gaoyang is now completely disillusioned with Fang Yi'ai.

Fang Yi'ai was impotent, yet he remained restless and kept a mistress named Qiu Tianjiao outside the marriage.

Princess Gaoyang couldn't understand why Qiu Tianjiao would be willing to be with Fang Yi'ai.

Princess Gaoyang looked at Bianji with her beautiful eyes and asked softly, "Then, what do you think we should do?"

Bianji hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Has Li Ke returned?"

"He's back, and he even participated in the martial arts competition."

He defeated Zhang Shizheng.

"Li Ke is still very capable."

"Yes, Li Ke is highly skilled in martial arts. You should know that Zhang Shizheng is one of the three great assassins."

It's quite remarkable that he was able to defeat Zhang Shizheng.

"Li Yuanjing loves you the most. If we let Li Yuanjing compete for the position of crown prince, we will be safe if he becomes emperor in the future."

Then you will become a founding father of the nation.

He certainly won't treat you unfairly.

Princess Gaoyang frowned upon hearing this and asked, "Do you think there's any hope of Li Yuanjing succeeding in vying for the position of Crown Prince?"

"Yes, there have been instances in history where brothers succeeded each other after the death of their elder brothers."

For example, Boyi Kao was originally the heir to the throne designated by King Wen of Zhou, but he was killed by Su Daji, and Ji Fa succeeded him, becoming King Wu of Zhou.

Emperor Hui of Han, Liu Ying, passed away, and the throne eventually passed to Liu Heng.

During the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, Empress Dowager Dou also requested that after Emperor Jing's death, the throne be passed to her younger brother, Liu Wu.

If Liu Wu hadn't died young, the throne might have belonged to him.

Sun Ce was pursued by his enemies and wounded by an arrow. On his deathbed, he summoned his younger brother Sun Quan to his side and entrusted him with the reins of power.

At that time, Sun Ce did have sons, but he felt that his sons were too young to shoulder responsibilities.

Furthermore, the Xiongnu people also had this custom.

When Chanyu Junchen died, the throne should have been passed to his son, Crown Prince Yuchan.

However, in the end, Junchen Chanyu's younger brother, Yizhixie, became Chanyu;

The same was true for the Turks. After Qimin Khan died, his eldest son Ashina Duoji succeeded him, becoming Shibi Khan.

After Shibi Khan's death, his son Shibobi (Tuli Khan) was still young, so his younger brother Silifushe succeeded him as Chuluo Khan.

After Chuluo Khan died, his younger brother Jieli Khan succeeded him. See, isn't this a classic case of succession from brother to brother?

Princess Gaoyang shook her head: "I think Li Chengqian is kind-hearted and benevolent. If he inherits the throne in the future, he will definitely be tolerant of us."

"Princess, you are mistaken. He may be able to tolerate other things, but this is absolutely impossible, because it concerns the face of your royal family."

However, Li Yuanjing was different, because he originally had no chance of inheriting the throne.

If we help him inherit the throne, he will surely be extremely grateful.

There are some things he won't dwell on.

Besides, he loves you so much, how could he bear to kill you?

"At that time, perhaps this humble monk can even serve as an official in the court, and rise in rank and make a fortune." Bianji envisioned the future.

"What? You stinking monk, you want to be an official and make a fortune?"

Bianji quickly explained, "No, it's not that. We just hope to be with you, Princess."

Then we can ask Li Yuanjing to grant us marriage, so we can be together forever and be husband and wife for a long time.

Princess Gaoyang chuckled upon hearing this: "What kind of sweet dream are you having in broad daylight?"

My engagement with Fang Yi'ai has not yet been dissolved, how could I possibly marry you?

I think differently than you do.

"Oh, Princess, what are your thoughts? Don't you want to be with this humble monk anymore?"

"If that day ever comes, let's run away together and find a secluded place to hide, even if it's deep in the mountains or a deserted island."

We lived a blissful life, working at sunrise and resting at sunset.

Have a whole bunch of kids.

During the day, you go out to work, and I stay home weaving and teaching the children to read. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

"You've been a princess since you were little, pampered and spoiled, with everything done for you. Can you endure that kind of hardship?"

"Yes, I can. As long as I'm with you, I can endure any hardship."

Upon hearing this, Bianji frowned and said indifferently, "Deep mountains and forests and isolated islands are bound to be infested with wolves and jackals. How boring and tedious! It's better to be accompanied by a Buddhist monk and a lamp."

"What did you say?"

Princess Gaoyang raised her hand and slapped him across the face: "Oh, so after all this time, you just want to get promoted and make a fortune, right?"

You've thought about it a lot, and it turns out you don't want to be with me; you're thinking about your own future, right?

I see that you are not pure of the six senses; you still need to cultivate yourself properly.

Bianji felt a burning pain in his cheek.

He covered his cheek with his hand, thinking to himself, "If I were to be completely free of worldly desires, how could I possibly go on a date with you?"

"Princess, why did you suddenly decide to attack?"

Wasn't this humble monk discussing a problem with you?

As long as I can be with you, what do I care about getting promoted or making money?

"Hmph, you men can't be trusted with a single word. You say this now, but you might not say it later."

By then,

Once you have power and status, you'll fall for young and beautiful women and forget about me completely.

Do you think I'm too young to understand men's minds?

Even if others don't say it, just look at my father, the emperor, and you'll know.

When he and Empress Zhangsun first got married, they were inseparable, spending all their time together, which is why they had so many children.

But later, my father gradually changed.

With so many concubines in the harem, he was still not satisfied.

I have a feeling that he might be ruined by a woman in his life.

With so many women in the harem, do they all love him?

In my opinion, there are several people who don't love him, but hate him, like Consort Yin.

"Why is that?" Bianji felt his cheeks starting to swell. "Didn't Consort Yin give birth to Prince Li You for your father?"

"Yes, the reason is very simple, because he killed Consort Yin's father, Master Yin."

"The hatred for killing one's father is irreconcilable!"

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, and just before I came here, I heard that Consort Yin's brother, Yin Hongzhi, had sneaked into the palace to assassinate Father."

"What? He dares to assassinate the Emperor?"

"Fortunately, Su Wan arrived in time and saved Father Emperor, so he was not injured." Princess Gaoyang said, her heart pounding with fear.

"Yin Hongzhi? Isn't he a slave girl from the Imperial Household Department?"

"Yes, that's him."

"I didn't expect Su Wan to know martial arts."

"No, she doesn't know martial arts either, but in that situation, she had no choice but to fight desperately and unexpectedly stab Yin Hongzhi in the buttocks, saving her father."

"Oh dear," Bianji exclaimed, slapping his thigh until it swelled up. "Su Wan got away with it again."

People often say that the most ruthless strategy is to cut off the emperor's food supply, and the greatest merit is to save the emperor. She saved your father, the emperor, and made a great contribution.

Now that Consort Yin's brother has been arrested, could we perhaps make use of him?

"What do you mean by that?" Princess Gaoyang did not understand Bianji's meaning.

Where is Yin Hongzhi right now?

"He has been imprisoned in the Dali Temple prison."

"The Dali Temple?" Bianji frowned. "That Dai Zhou is not easy to talk to. Who wouldn't be afraid when his dark face turns stern?"

You can go to Li Yuanjing and try to find a way to rescue Yin Hongzhi.

If you can rescue Yin Hongzhi, he will definitely be extremely grateful to you.

At that time, you will have one more force.

"A cunning rabbit has three burrows; it's always good to have several escape routes."

Princess Gaoyang hesitated upon hearing this: "Yin Hongzhi dared to assassinate the Emperor, that is a capital offense."

How can I save him?

"Amitabha Buddha, as the Buddha said: Lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot."

Think about why Yin Hongzhi wanted to kill your father, the emperor.

Wasn't it because your imperial grandfather and your father killed his father?

Because of this cause, we have this result today.

This is what they call endless cycles of revenge.

You should know that it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. You should try to accumulate more good karma for your father.

Buddhist teachings say: Repay evil with good.

Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda.

Princess Gaoyang lowered her head and remained silent.

night.

Jiucheng Palace.

The hall and its surroundings were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, red carpets were laid out, and drums and music resounded.

The Jiucheng Palace was filled with a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

All the princes, princesses, concubines, civil and military officials, and candidates who came to take the martial arts exam were excitedly waiting for Li Shimin's arrival.

Not long,

Li Shimin strode steadily to the center of the hall.

The crowd knelt on the ground, shouting, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Li Shimin raised his right hand: "No need for formalities, rise!"

After everyone stood up, they stood with their hands at their sides.

Li Shimin sat in the center.

Everyone noticed that Li Shimin was in high spirits, radiant, and all smiles, as if no assassination attempt had ever occurred.

Li Shimin cleared his throat: "Gentlemen, today is the Lantern Festival and also the day of the martial arts examination. I am very pleased."

Looking back, it has been a long and difficult journey.

Since its founding, our Great Tang Dynasty, through everyone's joint efforts, gradually ushered in the prosperous Zhenguan era.

The people of our Great Tang Dynasty generally had enough to eat and clothes to wear.

On this auspicious Lantern Festival, I have prepared this banquet to gather with you all and celebrate the ever-growing prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

Grand Secretary Fang Xuanling stepped forward and said loudly: "At the end of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang of Sui indulged in extravagance and debauchery, constantly building the Xianren Palace and Tiandu Palace, and digging the Grand Canal, causing countless deaths and injuries among the people of the land."

The common people are in dire straits and have no way to survive.

The retired emperor and His Majesty, deeply concerned for the country and its people, raised an army in Jinyang under extremely difficult circumstances, eventually capturing Chang'an and establishing the Tang Dynasty.

It was the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty who saved the people from suffering.

Therefore, it can be said that the retired emperor and His Majesty have performed immeasurable merits, and the people of the Tang Dynasty are truly blessed to have encountered such a wise and virtuous ruler.

All the civil and military officials echoed, "Yes."

Li Shimin, holding the dragon throne, said: "The ruler is the boat, and the people are the water. Water can carry the boat, but it can also capsize it."

The people are the most important, the ruler is the least important.

Officials of our Great Tang Dynasty must always keep the people in their hearts.

The civil and military officials all said in unison, "Your Majesty is wise! We will remember Your Majesty's teachings!"

Li Shimin continued, "On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, we held a civil service examination, which was quite successful."

Emperor Wen of Sui established the imperial examination system, which was a reform of the examination system and talent selection.

Relatively speaking, it was fairer and more just. Therefore, Emperor Wen of Sui was a remarkable monarch, and we should agree with and acknowledge this. Our civil and military examinations were a supplement to the imperial examination system.

This martial arts examination is of paramount importance to our Great Tang Dynasty.

The saying goes, "An army is raised for a thousand days, but used for only one." Our Great Tang Dynasty cherishes peace and will never proactively invade any country.

However, for the safety of our people in the Tang Dynasty, we must be prepared at all times.

Without a strong military, other countries can bully us however they want, which we absolutely cannot allow.

Therefore, we need to recruit new soldiers regularly and replace some of the older and weaker soldiers.

Therefore, I ordered Zhang Shigui to go to Hedong to recruit soldiers. This matter is now nearing completion. Although the recruited soldiers are not entirely satisfactory, they are still passable.

Zhang Shigui!

"Your subordinate is here. In the future, when you recruit soldiers, you must raise the standards. You must impose restrictions on height, weight, and age."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shigui blushed and panicked, because he knew that it wasn't that he hadn't recruited good soldiers, but rather that he had withheld 30,000 elite troops.

He steadied himself and said, "I've got it."

Li Shimin glanced at him but did not blame him.

Zhang Shigui finally felt relieved.

Li Shimin continued, "The purpose of this martial arts examination is to promote the spirit of martial arts and let the people of our Great Tang know the importance of physical fitness."

At the same time, select a few outstanding individuals to serve as vanguards and generals, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

I heard that today's martial arts competition was of exceptional style and skill, reaching an unprecedented level.

I am very pleased.

Next, Cheng Yaojin gave Li Shimin a detailed report on his performance in the martial arts examination.

After hearing this, Li Shimin nodded repeatedly: "Good, very good, you can continue the competition tomorrow."

At this moment, Li Chenggan stepped forward: "Father, I have something to report."

When Li Shimin met Li Chenggan, he had a lot of questions in his mind.

He also had a lot to say to Li Chenggan, but there were some things he couldn't say in detail in front of everyone.

What do you want to say?

"Your Majesty, I beg you to punish me. I have twice disobeyed your decree. I ask that you punish me." Li Chenggan said sincerely.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin thought to himself, "Good lad, so you know you've disobeyed the imperial decree? I was just about to ask you what happened."

You confessed on your own initiative, but don't think that just because you plead guilty, I will forgive you.

Li Shimin's face darkened, and he called out, "Where is Dai Zhou?"

Upon hearing this, Dai Zhou quickly stepped forward and said, "Your humble servant is here."

"According to the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty, what is the punishment for disobeying an imperial edict?"

"This—." Dai Zhou's tongue circled twice in his mouth, but he couldn't utter a word.

Li Shimin also noticed this and asked, "What? Is there something you can't say? There's no need to beat around the bush. Just say what the crime is."

"Your Majesty," Dai Zhou glanced at Li Chenggan, "according to the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty, disobeying an imperial edict can result in demotion or even execution, depending on the severity of the offense."

However, I believe:

First, Li Chenggan was a first-time offender;

Secondly, Li Chengqian's status was special; he was the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, and he could not be easily punished.

Thirdly, Li Chengqian did not return to Chang'an because he wanted to protect Luoyang and defend the capital. Moreover, he had won a battle and received the surrender of more than 100,000 Turkic troops.

Therefore, I suggest that merits and demerits be considered equal, with neither reward nor punishment.