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

Li Shimin seemed a little uneasy, after all, taking a concubine would also be a kind of harm to Empress Zhangsun.

Empress Zhangsun seemed unaware of the change in Li Shimin's expression and continued, "Fortunately, not long after Consort Yin entered the palace, she gave birth to a prince, Li You, for Your Majesty."

The child is healthy, intelligent, adorable, and lively. As the saying goes, "Even if you don't care about the monk, you should care about the Buddha." For the sake of Consort Yin, let's pardon Yin Hongzhi.

However, to Empress Zhangsun's surprise, Li Shimin was furious upon hearing this: "Precisely because Yin Hongzhi is Consort Yin's brother, I am even more determined to kill him!"

How did Consort Yin discipline her clansmen?

If it weren't for our marital bond, I would have killed Consort Yin as well.

Even if the rest of the Yin family isn't killed, Yin Hongzhi is absolutely unforgivable and must be killed!

Empress Zhangsun rarely saw Li Shimin so angry, which was quite frightening to witness.

Li Shimin continued, "Women are not allowed to interfere in politics. You yourself said this. Why are you jumping out to say these things today?"

Did Consort Yin give you some kind of benefit?

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun took two steps back, swayed three times, and almost fell over.

Empress Zhangsun, pale-faced and clutching her chest, sat down in a chair by the table: "Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand. I just feel that if you kill Yin Hongzhi, Consort Yin will be heartbroken, and there's a high chance something bad will happen to her."

If that's the case, what will Li You do then?

"Alright, I have no intention of punishing Consort Yin, but if she really wants to die, then so be it," Li Shimin said indifferently.

Empress Zhangsun, seeing that Li Shimin had already gone this far, could no longer say anything more.

Continuing to say this will only make Li Shimin more disgusted.

Empress Zhangsun steadied herself: "Your Majesty, since that's the case, then let's pretend I said nothing."

"I originally planned to attend the banquet at Jiucheng Palace, but I feel a little unwell, so I will not go."

Li Shimin's anger had not subsided.

However, at this moment, he also realized that he might have been too excited just now.

He stepped forward to help Empress Zhangsun, but she flicked her sleeve and shook off Li Shimin's hand, saying, "Your Majesty, I don't need your help."

Li Shimin stood there stunned for a long time, unable to come to his senses.

He wondered if he had said something wrong again. Did he think Yin Hongzhi shouldn't have been killed?

……

Su Wan's assassination attempt on Li Chenggan failed, and she felt terrible. At this moment, she was filled with regret.

She wondered why, in a moment of impulse, she had done something so foolish when she clearly loved Li Chenggan so deeply.

Fortunately, Li Chenggan discovered it in time. If Li Chenggan had not noticed, would this dagger have really ended his life?

If anything were to happen to Li Chenggan, would I still be able to survive?

Su Wan had a bad feeling that something was going to happen tonight.

However, she had no idea what would happen.

At this moment, she saw more than a dozen eunuchs carrying four large boxes, and the one leading them was none other than Cai Xiang.

Su Wan went up to her and asked, "Cai Xiang, what are you doing?"

Upon seeing Su Wan there, Cai Xiang quickly stepped forward and bowed: "Your Highness, we are here on the Empress's orders to deliver some Yuanxiao (sweet rice balls) as gifts for the Emperor to distribute to his civil and military officials for the Lantern Festival."

"Lantern Festival?" Su Wan asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Yes."

Who made the glutinous rice balls for the Lantern Festival?

"It was made by the Empress and Consort Xu."

"Really? Put the box down first, take out the Yuanxiao (sweet rice balls), and let me see them."

Cai Xiang asked, puzzled, "Your Highness, is there some problem with this?"

"I'm not sure if there's a problem right now."

"Don't you trust Empress Zhangsun and Consort Xu?"

"No, but today, the Jiucheng Palace is filled with the elites of the Tang Dynasty, so these foods cannot have any problems."

Cai Xiang dared not say more, so she put all four large boxes on the ground, then opened one of the boxes and took out a brocade box from it.

The box was very beautiful. Su Wan opened the brocade box and found that the glutinous rice balls inside were crystal clear and had a fragrant aroma that made one's mouth water.

Su Wan asked Cai Xiang, "Have you checked all these glutinous rice balls?"

"No, Empress Zhangsun and Consort Xu made them themselves, so why bother checking?"

"That being said, we should still be careful. You wait here, I'll be there in a bit."

"promise."

A gust of cold wind blew by, and Cai Xiang shivered from the cold.

……

At this moment, the hall was very lively, and the lantern riddle guessing activity was coming to an end.

Li Chengan had some grapes and fine wine brought out for everyone to share.

It must be said that the winemaking process of Yanqi wine is indeed first-class.

The wine not only tasted pure and sweet, but it also made you want to drink more.

Taking this opportunity, Jie Bina introduced the wine to everyone: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the wine produced in Yanqi. Today, we have gathered elites from the Western Regions, the Eastern Kingdoms, and the Tang Dynasty. Please enjoy it. If you find the wine delicious, please let me know."

"Here are two jars for each of you to take home and drink, it's free."

Some people have drunk wine, while many others haven't, but have only heard that it's delicious. Today, they can finally drink as much as they want, since it's free anyway.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Many people were so drunk they were staggering, and some generals took off their helmets and armor, exposing their thick chest hair.

Zhang Zhilong had also drunk a few extra cups. He usually looked like a normal person, but now he was completely unrecognizable.

Whenever he thought about how Qin Ying almost beat him to death, he felt furious. He would not be a gentleman if he did not avenge this.

He simply did not believe that Qin Ying would dare to kill people indiscriminately just because he was holding the emperor's sword.

Zhang Zhilong, carrying a wine jar in his left hand, swayed as he approached Li Chengqian.

"Li Chenggan, I heard that you have a huge capacity for drinking. Once, you had a drinking contest with Princess Buyeo Pungmi in Baekje and drank eighteen bowls of wine in one go. I'm not convinced. How about we have a contest?"

Let's each get a jar of wine and see who can finish it first.

The first person to finish drinking wins, and the last person to finish drinking loses.

If you lose, you can forget about being the crown prince.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan frowned, thinking to himself that this kid had really drunk too much cat urine and was just looking for trouble.

Li Chengan waved his hand: "I can't hold my liquor; that's just a rumor, you don't need to take it seriously!"

"No way, you have to compete today, whether you like it or not!"

Li Chenggan felt today was a joyous day and didn't want to cause trouble.

But this kid is really taking advantage of my kindness.

Li Chengan then said, "If I don't challenge you to a drinking contest, what should I do?"

Zhang Zhilong sneered, "Li Chengan, don't think you're so great just because you're the crown prince."

I have evidence of everything you've done.

For example, when you were in the Japanese kingdom, you seduced Queen Seondeok.

I heard that Kim Deok-man is very beautiful.

You then used your good looks to deceive the young girl, making her completely subservient to you.

Do you think I don't know what you're thinking?

You want to bribe her, hoping that Silla will become your private property, and that Kim Deok-man will do whatever you tell her to do.

What you're doing is cultivating your own faction and power.

This isn't the first time you've done something like this.

For example, even the Great King Yamabe was deceived by you.

He was originally a prince of the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, the heir to the throne.

You saved King Shuming and King Shanbei, doing good deeds on both sides.

Then, they manipulate and sow discord among themselves.

King Yamashiro has forgotten his roots and surrendered to you, but you hypocritically declined.

Even though you secretly want to accept their surrender, you pretend to be indifferent.

You are too hypocritical, and you are too scheming.

You've messed with all of us here.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan's expression changed slightly: "Zhang Zhilong, you've had too much to drink. Please don't discuss national affairs or politics here."

"I already said it, so what?"

You can only fool those who don't know the inside story. Can you fool me?

Today I will not only speak, but I will expose all your schemes. You have been secretly accumulating power, attempting to achieve your ulterior motives.

However, no one expected that someone would suddenly leap over like a fierce tiger.

Li Chengan quickly shouted, "Zhang Zhilong, get out of the way!"

Before Li Chengqian could finish speaking, there was a "thud" sound, and Qin Ying pierced Zhang Zhilong's left arm with her sword.

"Damn it, I missed!"

Immediately afterwards, Qin Ying pulled his sword back, and blood spurted out.

"Bang!"

The wine jar in Zhang Zhilong's hand fell to the ground and shattered, spilling wine all over the floor.

"Ouch, that hurts so much!"

"Qin Ying, you damn brat, you dare to assassinate me!"

Qin Ying, his face contorted with rage, declared, "I am here to supervise the army on the Emperor's orders."

The Emperor and Consort Xu have made it very clear that today's banquet is for drinking only, not for discussing state affairs. If you dare to spout nonsense here, I will kill you!

As Qin Ying spoke, she swung her sword again.

Seeing that his eldest son was about to suffer, Zhang Shigui quickly ordered his three brothers, Zhang Zhihu, Zhang Zhibiao, and Zhang Zhibao, to rush forward and hug Qin Ying.

Chaos erupted in the hall.

Zhang Zhilong was also stunned.

He hadn't expected Qin Ying to be so bluffing, actually daring to attack him.

Li Chengan said to Qin Ying, "You don't need to take it seriously. Zhang Zhilong and I were just joking around. It doesn't count as discussing state affairs."

"He dared to slander His Highness in public and sow discord between His Highness and the Queen of Silla and King Sanbeong. These are all matters of state and politics," Qin Ying said, still relentlessly, sword in hand. "This brat actually dared to defy the imperial decree. If we don't teach him a lesson, he'll think the Emperor's orders are just empty words."

Li Chengan chuckled to himself upon hearing this.

Li Chengan called out, "Where is Lu Zhaolin?"

Lu Zhaolin trotted over, carrying a small medicine box, and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, please give your orders."

"You should take a look at Zhang Zhilong right away."

"promise!"

Lu Zhaolin opened the first-aid kit and examined Zhang Zhilong's wound: "You're really lucky!"

Zhang Zhilong grinned, thinking to himself, "I was almost killed by Qin Ying, and this is what you call good luck?"

"He didn't sever your meridians; you only suffered a superficial injury. You'll recover after a period of rest."

However, I'm out of anesthetic here, so you'll have to bear with it.

Zhang Zhilong thought to himself that he was really unlucky to have met this Lu Zhaolin, who wasn't even a professional doctor.

Lu Zhaolin began treating the wound.

Zhang Zhilong was in so much pain that he grimaced, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans rolled down his forehead.

Zhang Zhilong thought to himself, "Qin Ying, you better remember this. This debt will be settled sooner or later."

at this time

Ashina Jieshe took out a box of glutinous rice balls. Because his lightness skill was extremely high, being good at lightness skill was often equated with being a master thief. Besides, stealing some food didn't count as stealing.

It turned out that Cai Xiang and the other eunuchs felt it was too cold outside, so they carried the four boxes inside.

Cai Xiang also wondered if Su Wan was being too paranoid.

How could there be a problem with the glutinous rice balls made by Empress Zhangsun and Consort Xu?

Therefore, Cai Xiang didn't take Su Wan's words to heart.

Cai Xiang and the other eunuchs were all focused on Zhang Zhilong and Qin Ying, and no one paid any attention to Ashina Jieshe.

Ashina Jieshe thought the glutinous rice balls were both beautiful and exquisite.

He put the glutinous rice ball in his mouth and took a bite.

Suddenly, someone outside the door shouted, "You can't eat those glutinous rice balls, spit them out right now!"

Ashina Jieshe was startled and spat the glutinous rice ball onto the ground.

Everyone glanced at the door and saw a stunningly beautiful woman walk in.

The stunning beauty was none other than Su Wan.

Su Wan was also holding a small black dog on a leash.

Ashina Jieshe met Su Wan, but he was still a little nervous because he had been beaten by Su Wan before.

He asked cautiously, "Your Highness, is there something wrong with these glutinous rice balls? Why can't we eat them?"

To be honest, Su Wan didn't have a good impression of Ashina Jieshe.

Once, Ashina Jieshe was peeping at Xue'er while she was bathing, and Qin Ying happened to catch him in the act.

Qin Ying picked up a brick and smashed it into his leg, nearly breaking his leg.

When Su Wan found out about this, she slapped Ashina Jieshe twice across the face, almost knocking out his molars.

Su Wan ignored him, only glancing at Li Chenggan.

When Li Chengan saw Su Wan again, he was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

"Everyone, I have a silver needle here, which was given to me by Sun Simiao. He said that it can detect poison in food."

"If the food is poisonous, stick one end of this silver needle into it, and it will quickly turn blackish-purple," Su Wan said, taking a silver needle from her bosom.

Then, he stuck the end of the silver needle into the glutinous rice ball that had fallen to the ground.

A moment later, the silver needle indeed turned blackish-purple.

"The Lantern Festival dumplings are poisonous?" Cai Xiang pointed at the silver needle, her expression changing.

"Most likely."

"Your Highness, this poison wasn't administered by me."

"I know, of course I believe you," Su Wan said, then paused and said to Cai Xiang, "Keep an eye on these glutinous rice balls, don't open them, and don't give them to anyone."

"I...I understand," Cai Xiang said, her voice trembling with fear. "It wasn't us who gave it to Ashina Jieshe. He thought the brocade box was pretty and took it himself when we weren't looking."

Of course, stealing a little food doesn't count as stealing.

This time, Su Wan threw the glutinous rice ball on the ground, and the little black dog saw it and went over to eat it.

A moment later,

The little black dog convulsed, foamed at the mouth, and bled from its seven orifices before dying.

Another commotion erupted in the hall, with people saying, "These glutinous rice balls are definitely poisonous."

"Who poisoned the Lantern Festival dumplings?"

"Who's so ruthless as to try and wipe us all out?"

"Xu Jieyu, do you mean you want to poison us all?"

At this moment, Xu Hui was also a little flustered, because she didn't know how the glutinous rice balls she made by hand could be poisoned.

She quickly said, "Everyone, don't misunderstand. I made these glutinous rice balls with Empress Zhangsun, but we absolutely did not poison them."

"If you didn't poison it, why did the little black dog die?" Yeon Gaesomun retorted.

"I don't know either."

"No wonder people say that the most poisonous heart is a woman's. It seems that it is indeed true. Everyone, let's go together and catch that woman." Yeon Gaesomun tried to fan the flames.

Seeing that something was about to happen in the hall, Su Wan raised her right hand: "Everyone, please calm down and listen to me!"

For some reason, Su Wan's voice, though not loud, carried an undeniable power.

In an instant, the hall fell silent again.

Su Wan continued, "I can guarantee that Empress Zhangsun and Consort Xu would absolutely not poison the Lantern Festival dumplings."

Now, let Lu Zhaolin, the apprentice of the legendary physician Sun Simiao, examine this to determine what kind of poison it is.

Lu Zhaolin carried a small medicine box to the little black dog, took out his tools, squatted down, and tested the dog's saliva and blood.

After a while, Lu Zhaolin finished washing his hands and loudly announced to everyone: "Gentlemen, after a thorough examination, I would like to report to you that this poison has very special properties; it is extremely toxic and not found in the Central Plains."

It comes from the Western Regions and is called "Seven Steps to Death," meaning that a person poisoned by this poison will collapse and die before they can take seven steps.

Therefore, we can conclude that the person who poisoned the food came from the Western Regions.

At that moment, a strange, chuckling sound came from outside the door.

Immediately afterwards, an old witch dressed in green stepped in.

She held prayer beads in her left hand and a vajra in her right, exuding an eerie aura.

It gives you goosebumps.

Li Chengan glanced around and saw that the person who had come was none other than the Blue Bharadvaja.

Then, the blue Rakshasa woman said in a strange tone, "Everyone is here."

Honestly, you guys are really something. It's the Lantern Festival today, and you didn't even invite this old man over for a drink.

Are the Emperor and Empress really that stingy, caring so much about a jar of wine?

Su Wan looked at the Blue Rakshasa woman and felt nauseous: "If you want to drink, you can come openly and honestly. There's no need to be so sneaky. I don't know where you suddenly appeared from, you're like a ghost."

The blue wrathful woman raised her eyebrows slightly: "You little brat, how dare you speak to an old woman like me?"

I'm an old man who loves to joke around. It would be so boring to drink in a serious manner.

Now that I'm here, I should bring everyone something unexpected or a pleasant surprise.

Li Chengan had dealt with the Blue Bharadvaja more than once.

He knew that this old hag was ruthless, cunning, and had repeatedly opposed him. Back in Yanqi, just as the Tang army was about to win,

Unexpectedly, this Blue Brahma woman had trained a giant centipede.

She pushed out the centipede, which towered into the clouds and could devour iron carts. If Li Chenggan hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would hardly have believed that such a monster existed in the world.

Later, the demon Lan Po Rakshasa came to Chang'an and committed numerous crimes, including stealing the imperial seal and poisoning the food of Empress Zhangsun and Xu Hui.

On one occasion, Lan Po Luosha was captured by Li Chenggan and Qu Zhili. She was injured by Li Chenggan's sword energy and fled to Zhongnan Mountain, where she forced Sun Simiao to treat her wounds.

Unexpectedly, Sun Simiao said, "Even if you kill me, I will not heal your wounds."

This enraged the Blue Rakshasa woman, who then decided to poison Sun Simiao.

Just then, Li Chengan, Qin Ying, and others arrived in time, startling away the Blue Rakshasa woman.

Unexpectedly, Li Chengan encountered her again when he was sent as an envoy to the Wa (Japanese) country.

The injured Rakshasa woman went to the Kingdom of Wa (Japan), where someone finally healed her wounds.

She once fought Li Chengan and Qu Zhili on Mount Liujia using giant scorpions. In a fit of rage, Li Chengan killed all the giant scorpions she had raised.

However, one fish escaped the net and bit Qu Zhili.

Qu Zhili was poisoned and almost died, but fortunately she found the Snow Lingzhi and was saved.

Not long ago,

When the Rakshasa woman Lan Po arrived in Luoyang, she poisoned Li Chenggan with a yin-yang sexual intercourse incense, attempting to kill him.

As a result, it actually led to a happy marriage between Li Chenggan and Qu Zhili.

Xue Rengui captured the Blue Rakshasa woman and handed her over to Li Chengan for disposal.

The crowd persuaded him to kill him to prevent future trouble.

However, Li Chengan considered her advanced age and believed that even the most hateful person must have a pitiable side, so he couldn't bring himself to harm her.

The Rakshasa woman made a written promise that she would not do evil again.

Li Chengan released her again, hoping that she could turn over a new leaf, start anew, and enjoy her later years in peace.

To Li Chengqian's surprise, the Blue Rakshasa woman poisoned Fuyu Fengzhang as soon as she arrived in Chang'an, torturing him to the point of near death.

Fortunately, Lu Zhaolin arrived in time and saved Fuyu Fengzhang's life.

When one of her schemes failed, the Rakshasa woman came up with another wicked plan.

Because she knew that everyone would trust Empress Zhangsun and Xu Hui, and no one would expect that the Lantern Festival dumplings prepared by Empress Zhangsun and Xu Hui would be poisoned.

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun had gone to Jiucheng Palace, the demon Lan Po Rakshasa sneaked into Lizheng Hall and poisoned the Lantern Festival dumplings.

Just then, Empress Zhangsun had Caixiang and some eunuchs bring over the Lantern Festival dumplings.

All of this was part of Blue Brahma's scheme. Everything was going smoothly, and it seemed that Blue Brahma's plot was about to succeed, but then she encountered Su Wan.

The blue Rakshasa woman stared at Su Wan with her strange eyes: "Crown Princess, you little vixen, you're really quite beautiful. No wonder Li Chengqian is so infatuated with you."

With your pretty face, not only men would like it, but even I, an old woman, would find it very pleasing.

But do you know what?

Li Chengan and Qu Zhili are already together and have a child. What's the point of you being the Crown Princess?

One sentence perfectly captured Su Wan's deepest pain.

Su Wan looked at Li Chenggan, tears welling up in her eyes, almost spilling over.

"You little brat, instead of selling your wine properly at the Su family supermarket, you've come here to cause trouble and ruin my important business."

You suffer just as much as I do; I know that all too well.

Back when I was young, the man I loved ran off with another woman.

"How about this? I'll send you to the Western Paradise now, so you can enjoy life there."

The Blue Rakshasa was truly ruthless; as she spoke, she swung her single-pronged pestle and struck Su Wan's temple.

Su Wan was a weak woman, powerless and completely unskilled in martial arts.

She watched as the single-pronged pestle smashed down on her head, but she didn't know how to dodge it.

Terrified, she closed her eyes and waited there to die.

In fact, at that moment, she did have a suicidal urge.

In my ears, I heard a muffled "bang," a sound as if a single pestle had struck me.

Su Wan opened her eyes and saw someone appear in front of her, taking the blow for her.

That man was Li Chenggan.

Originally, Li Chenggan was relatively close to Su Wan.

In desperation, Li Chengan had no time to take any other measures, so he had no choice but to place his body between the Blue Bodhi Rakshasa and Su Wan.

The single-pronged pestle struck Li Chengqian's left shoulder.

Li Chengan staggered back two steps before regaining his balance.

Li Chengan felt a heart-wrenching pain, so intense that he grimaced and sweat beaded on his forehead.

Su Wan was startled and quickly grabbed Li Chengqian's hand, asking with concern, "Your Highness, how are you feeling?"

Li Chengan gave a bitter laugh: "He's not going to die yet!"

If it were anyone else, being struck by this single-edged pestle would result in serious injury, if not death.

However, Li Chenggan was wearing crocodile armor, which made him impervious to swords and spears.

Without the protection of soft armor, his shoulder blades would have been shattered.

at this time,

Qin Ying and Qu Zhili, both wielding swords, charged towards the Blue Rakshasa.

On Zhongnan Mountain, Qin Ying was also poisoned by the Blue Rakshasa woman and hated her to the core.

On Mount Rokkyo, Qu Zhili was bitten by a giant scorpion and almost died, which brought back both old and new grudges.

Qu Zhili is not like Su Wan; she doesn't care about personal relationships.

She was a cold person to begin with.

It should be noted that Qu Zhili and Li Chengan have mastered the Perfect Union Sword Technique, a technique that is unparalleled in the world and currently virtually unbreakable.

If Li Chengan and Qu Zhili join forces, they can withstand an army of thousands.

A sword came flying.

Lan Po Rakshasa was unable to dodge in time and was injured on her left cheek by Qu Zhili's sword energy, which immediately split open and caused blood to flow.

That face was already incredibly ugly, but now it became even more grotesque and terrifying, making it even more unbearable to look at.

The blue Rakshasa woman cried out in pain, "Ouch! My face!"

Qu Zhili said coldly, "Old hag, do you still have any shame?"

You dare to lay a hand on the Crown Prince and Crown Princess? You're incredibly audacious!

Today I will take your life.

"Qu Zhili, you can't treat me like this! You should know that your Gaochang and our Yanqi have formed an alliance, and even your father treats me with deference." The Blue Rakshasa woman covered the wound on her face with her left hand.

"Pah! Who's allied with you?"

"My father is my father, and I am me. You shall die!" Qu Zhili said, launching another "Immortal's Guidance" move.

Seeing that Qu Zhili was not someone to be trifled with, the blue Rakshasa woman was so frightened that she fled through the window.

"You old hag, stop right there!" Qu Zhili was not about to let her go. She chased after her.

Worried that something might happen to Qu Zhili, Li Chengan shouted, "Stop chasing her! Let her go!"

The blue wrathful woman was thus spared from death.

Qu Zhili turned around and sheathed her sword.

Her dashing and heroic figure was captivating to behold.

Qu Zhili approached Li Chengqian: "Your Highness, how could you be so foolish? Are your bones broken?"

"I don't know either."

Lu Zhaolin quickly came over, tore open Li Chengqian's clothes, and examined his body.

In good condition.

Qu Zhili scolded him, "That was so dangerous! If it were me, would you have shielded me from that blow with your body?"

"This—." Li Chenggan thought to himself, where did all these assumptions come from?

"Why are you hesitating? I knew you wouldn't protect me, right?" Qu Zhili seemed a little unhappy.

Jiebina was also startled.

She brought over a bowl of wine and gently smeared it on Li Chengqian's left shoulder with her hand.

Li Chengan immediately felt a cool sensation, and his left shoulder didn't seem to hurt as much anymore.

Li Chengan flexed his left hip and asked, "What happened?"

Jiebina explained to him, "Our wine is not only drinkable, but it also has anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing effects, especially effective for bruises and sprains."

Everyone who heard this was amazed.

Seeing that Qu Zhili and Jiebina were showing extra concern for Li Chenggan, Su Wan felt a surge of jealousy. She thought to herself, "Li Chenggan, you said you were devoted to me, but look, here comes another one, Jiebina."

Prior to this, Su Wan had heard Qin Ying say that he liked Jiebina, so she intended to match Qin Ying and Jiebina up.

However, at this moment, Su Wan observed that Jie Bina's mind was not on Qin Ying at all.

Qin Ying felt uneasy seeing the intimate behavior between Jie Bina and Li Chenggan.

"Leave the rough work like applying wine to me, you can go and rest over there."

As Qin Ying spoke, she took the bowl of wine from Jiebina's hand and began to apply it to Li Chengqian's shoulder, mimicking the method she had used.

Everyone who saw this couldn't help but laugh, thinking that this clumsy person, with fingers as stiff as iron bars, was not suited to do such a thing.

Immediately, Li Chenggan ordered all the Yuanxiao (sweet rice balls) to be destroyed.

Having just finished dealing with this matter, Sun Fujia rushed in in a panic.

He first bowed to Li Chenggan, and then came to Dai Zhou.

He pulled Dai Zhou aside and whispered, "Lord Dai, something terrible has happened."

Upon hearing this, Dai Zhou's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "What happened?"

"Yin Hongzhi was abducted from the Dali Temple prison."

"What? Such a thing?" Dai Zhou's head was buzzing. He thought to himself, "These are truly turbulent times. One thing after another has happened at the Dali Temple."

Some time ago, that kid Fang Yi'ai sneaked into the Dali Temple prison and poisoned the two thieves who looked like Chengxin and Wei Lingfu.

Li Shimin was furious about this.

Today, Yin Hongzhi has been kidnapped again. What should we do if the Emperor blames us?

Sun Fujia looked worried: "Lord Dai, you're still drinking here. Hurry up and come back with me. The Dali Temple is in complete chaos."

Dai Zhou calmed himself down and said, "Let me report this matter to the Crown Prince, and then we will make a decision."

Sun Fujia felt that what he said made sense.

So Dai Zhou came to Li Chengqian and briefly recounted how Yin Hongzhi had been kidnapped.

Li Chenggan was also somewhat surprised.

He had also heard about Yin Hongzhi's assassination attempt on his father, which was no small matter.

Throughout history, how many people have dared to assassinate the emperor? Were they courting death?

If the facts are true and the crime is established, not only should the assassin be executed, but his entire clan should also be implicated.

If things like this get out, it won't sound good.

Back then, Qin Shi Huang implemented a tyrannical rule, and the people suffered unbearably, filled with resentment.

Zhang Liang once attempted to assassinate Ying Zheng at Bolangsha.

Jing Ke later attempted to assassinate Ying Zheng.

In other words, the assassination of an emperor is a bad omen, meaning that the emperor was unpopular and was seen as a tyrant.

Yin Hongzhi was no ordinary commoner; he was the elder brother of Consort Yin, and their relationship was complex.

If Yin Hongzhi escapes, the Emperor will surely be furious, and then even more people will be implicated.

Li Chengan said to Dai Zhou: "Immediately seal off all the gates of Chang'an and search for Yin Hongzhi with all our might. We must bring him back."

"Your Highness is absolutely right. I will take care of it immediately." After saying this, Dai Zhou left Jiucheng Palace with Sun Fujia.

……

It was the third watch of the night.

The Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian dragged his weary body back to the Eastern Palace.

When the maids Yunjuan and Xiaoyue saw Li Chenggan return safely, they cheered with joy.

The two women surrounded Li Chenggan, asking him all sorts of questions and showing concern for his well-being.

Li Chengan then briefly recounted what had happened.

Yunjuan and Xiaoyue were also deeply saddened upon hearing this.

"Your Highness, you're incredibly lucky to be alive. We're so glad you're back. We were so worried about you," Yun Juan said playfully.

Xiaoyue looked at Li Chenggan with her beautiful eyes and said softly, "Your Highness, you've lost quite a bit of weight recently."

"Is there?"

"Yes, is it because you've had too many women around you lately, and it's tiring?"

Li Chengan was speechless after hearing this.

He sat in that versatile wheelchair, with Yun Juan standing behind him, massaging his shoulders.

Xiaoyue bent down and massaged his legs.

Before he knew it, Li Chengan noticed that Xiaoyue had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her black hair was tied into two small braids, her skin was fair, her neck was slender, and her breasts were full and white, as if they were about to spill out.

Xiaoyue would occasionally tug at her chest, seemingly intentionally showing off her impressive assets.

Li Chengan closed his eyes slightly, fully enjoying this moment of peace.

Sometimes, he felt tired. Physical fatigue was secondary; the most important thing was that he felt mentally exhausted. There were still many things he hadn't figured out.

at this time,

A Buddhist chant could be heard coming from outside the temple gate: "Amitabha, well said, well said!"

Upon hearing it, Li Chengan recognized the voice as so familiar, as if it were the voice of Master Xuanzang.

He quickly stood up and said to Yunjuan and Xiaoyue, "Quickly put away this versatile wheelchair, I need to go and welcome Master Xuanzang."

Xiaoyue pouted: "Master Xuanzang really came at the worst possible time. Couldn't you have enjoyed yourself a little longer?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan's face darkened: "Don't talk nonsense! Who is Master Xuanzang?"

He was the Emperor's younger brother and the Emperor's most respected guest.

His coming to the Eastern Palace is a blessing for us, understand?

"Okay, okay, you're right, alright?" Xiaoyue made a face at Li Chenggan, and then she and Yunjuan ran away laughing.

Li Chengan thought to himself: Youth is truly wonderful; young people know no sorrow.

In reality, he wasn't that old, but he seemed much older than Yunjuan and Xiaoyue.

Li Chengan straightened his clothes and stepped outside the palace gate, where he indeed saw Master Xuanzang standing there happily.

Li Chengan quickly bowed and greeted him: "Master, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Xuanzang clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, thanks to Your Highness's blessing, this humble monk is well."

Li Chengan invited Master Xuanzang into the hall and personally poured him a bowl of green tea.

Li Chengan regarded Xuanzang as his teacher and was extremely respectful: "Master, I was just about to visit you."

"Oh, is that really so? It seems we're on the same wavelength."

Li Chengqian glanced at Xuanzang and noticed his somewhat unnatural expression. He asked, "Master, you've come here not just to see me, but perhaps for some other reason?"

"Amitabha," Xuanzang said, pressing his palms together, "Do you still remember my disciple, Bianji?"

"Bianji?" Li Chengan naturally remembered Bianji. "Your disciple was very handsome and was your favorite student. His calligraphy was also first-rate. You arranged for him to copy some scriptures and such."

Xuanzang picked up his teacup, gently blew on the tea leaves floating on it, and said with a somber expression, "Even this humble monk has his failures."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan felt that Master Xuanzang was no ordinary person. It was extremely rare for someone of his stature to admit his mistakes.

Li Chengan felt that Xuanzang's words had a hidden meaning, and asked, "Master, what do you mean by that?"

In my eyes, you are like a god; how could you possibly fail?

Xuanzang took a small sip, then put down the teacup and sighed: "You know, among all the people in the world, so many want to become my disciples, yet I have not accepted any."

As a result, he took on several apprentices, but failed to teach them well.

Now it seems none of them can satisfy this humble monk, especially Bianji, whose six senses are not pure, who is attached to worldly desires, and who has caused this humble monk much worry.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself that Master Xuanzang was indeed remarkable, as he had seen through Bianji's flaws.

In fact, Li Chenggan had heard some things about the affair between Bianji and Princess Gaoyang.

On several occasions, Li Chenggan had explicitly or implicitly reminded Princess Gaoyang to remain calm and restrained.

However, Princess Gaoyang clearly did not heed his words.

If this matter is confirmed, what will be the consequences if it reaches the Emperor?

Not only will Bianji not survive, but even Gaoyang probably won't survive. The Emperor will be so angry he'll die.

But who can really explain things between men and women?

"Has Bianji been acting strangely lately?" Li Chenggan asked.

"Amitabha Buddha, Daozhao told this humble monk that Bianji sometimes wasn't in the temple copying scriptures, but instead came to stroll around Chang'an city."

This is not something I asked him to do.

What is he doing in Chang'an?

What is there here that he cares about?

Because of this matter, I have postponed my plan to travel to the Western Regions again and again.

This humble monk hopes nothing bad will happen to the temple before my departure.

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggan thought to himself that Master Xuanzang's consideration of issues was truly profound and far-sighted.

"Master, aren't you overthinking this?"

There might not have been anything wrong in the first place.

Xuanzang smiled slightly: "Your Highness, you are right. Perhaps I was overthinking it."

Li Chengan stood up and paced back and forth in the hall: "Master, I am also very troubled right now. There are some things that are not what I want, and even the opposite of what I want. I would like to ask you for advice."

"Oh, what's bothering you? Tell me about it."