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

Gongsun Wuda came to see Li Shimin and requested an imperial edict to search the residence of the Duke of Yi.

Li Shimin inquired about Qin Qiong's health.

Gongsun Wuda quickly replied, "Qin Qiong is terminally ill and has become somewhat senile."

He didn't even notice the drool that had dripped from his chest.

Moreover, he no longer recognized me, mistaking me for Cheng Yaojin, Yuchi Gong, and You Junda.

He coughed incessantly and kept vomiting; oh dear, he vomited all over me with tea.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin sighed deeply: "Back in the day, Qin Qiong was the bravest warrior in the army. He was our Tang army's trump card. Whenever I encountered those formidable generals, I would send Qin Qiong to fight them one-on-one."

Moreover, he always managed to pull the other person's head back, never missing a single time.

In this respect, among all the Tang generals, apart from Qin Qiong, almost no one could do it.

Time waits for no one. I never imagined that Qin Qiong, once the bravest warrior in the army, would look like this now. It's truly unbelievable!

Gongsun Wuda comforted Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, we know you are a very sentimental person, and you have deep feelings for Qin Qiong."

However, he was indeed seen by a physician when necessary.

He's getting old, there's nothing you can do about it.

"Why are you searching the Duke of Yi's residence?"

"Your Majesty, one of my men saw the rebel Luo Cheng flee into the Duke of Yi's mansion."

I entered Qin Qiong's study, but did not see Luo Cheng. Instead, I found a jade pendant on the floor with Luo Cheng's name engraved on it.

Therefore, we suspect that Qin Qiong hid Luo Cheng.

According to the regulations of the imperial court, searching the Duke's mansion requires His Majesty's decree.

Therefore, General Chang He sent me to request an imperial edict, asking His Majesty to allow us to search the Duke of Yi's residence.

"You mean Luo Cheng, the Duke of Yue?"

"Yes, if it wasn't him, who else could it be?"

When Li Shimin heard Gongsun Wuda mention Luo Cheng, he was also filled with emotion.

To be fair, the relationship between Li Shimin and Luo Cheng was quite good.

At the time, Wang Shichong of Luoyang was a powerful force that could not be captured after a long siege. It was Luo Cheng who helped Li Shimin defeat Wang Shichong.

On one occasion, Li Shimin was framed by Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji and imprisoned. Just when it seemed he was doomed, Luo Cheng rushed in and rescued him.

From this perspective, Luo Cheng saved Li Shimin's life.

In Li Shimin's opinion, Luo Yi's temperament seemed a bit strange.

After Luo Yi surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, he decided to follow Li Jiancheng.

In fact, after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin did not seek revenge on Luo Yi.

Li Shimin understood that it was normal for everyone to have their own master back then.

Didn't Wei Zheng and Xue Wanche also follow Li Jiancheng?

Li Shimin did not hold it against them and still entrusted them with important responsibilities.

Li Shimin had his own ideas about how to employ people.

Back then, many of Cao Cao's talented subordinates came from the opposing camp.

For example, the strategist Guo Jia was originally a subordinate of Yuan Shao.

Jia Xu originally served under Zhang Xiu.

General Zhang He was originally a subordinate of Yuan Shao.

Many civil and military officials in Liu Bei's camp had also surrendered.

For example, Ma Chao had previously served under Zhang Lu, and Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, Li Yan, and Huang Quan were originally subordinates of Liu Zhang.

Huang Zhong and Wei Yan also surrendered.

The ocean embraces all rivers, accepting no small stream; only then can it become great.

Li Shimin was well-versed in classics and history, and knew that after Liu Bang established the Western Han Dynasty, he slaughtered his meritorious officials, leaving behind a bad reputation.

On this point, he felt that Liu Bang was no match for Qin Shi Huang.

After Qin Shi Huang unified the six kingdoms, his civil and military officials were properly settled. For example, Wang Jian and his son Wang Ben, Meng Tian, ​​Meng Yi, Wei Liao, Li Si, and Feng Quji were all very loyal to the court.

Ying Zheng did not find fault with them or persecute them.

Li Shimin believed that it was abnormal for a new dynasty to be established while slaughtering meritorious officials and veteran generals.

Many civil and military officials have made great contributions to the court, so why must they be killed?

Therefore, Li Shimin would never easily execute any minister.

Li Shimin did not issue an edict to hold Luo Yi accountable.

But then, for some reason, I heard that Luo Yi had died.

Li Shimin was also very surprised.

Because Li Shimin knew that Han Xin's death had caused a huge uproar, and soon after, Peng Yue, Ying Bu, and others rebelled.

Liu Bang personally led troops to quell Ying Bu's rebellion, but was struck by a stray arrow and died soon after.

If Liu Bang hadn't been hit by that arrow, he might not have died so young.

Therefore, Luo Yi's death is no small matter.

Although Li Shimin did not issue an edict to hold him accountable.

But what will the other civil and military officials think?

Li Shimin stared intently at Gongsun Wuda and asked, "Where has Luo Cheng been lately? What has he been doing?"

"After Luo Yi died, Luo Cheng led his men back to Zhuojun, where they became bandits, robbing, killing, burning, kidnapping men and women, and committing all sorts of evil deeds."

Li Shimin was surprised to hear this, because in his impression, Luo Cheng was of noble birth and had the most dislike for thieves, and was unwilling to associate with them.

Back then, Shan Xiongxin was the chief leader of the outlaw gang.

Shan Xiongxin wanted to befriend Luo Cheng, but Luo Cheng ignored him.

How could he possibly become an outlaw? That's quite strange.

"You're saying Luo Cheng did a lot of bad things?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, some people say that after he arrived in Zhuojun, he got drunk and killed officials, seized government offices, committed murder and arson, and even threatened to overthrow the Tang Dynasty."

What are people like this if not traitors?

"Is this really true?" Li Shimin was skeptical.

"Your Majesty, how could I possibly speak so casually about something like this?" At this moment, Gongsun Wuda only wanted to obtain an imperial edict to search the Duke of Yi's mansion.

Gongsun Wuda was resentful because Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, and Luo Cheng were all granted the title of Duke, while he himself was not.

Li Shimin did not intend to issue an order for Chang He and his men to search the Duke of Yi's residence.

Seeing that Li Shimin had no intention of issuing an edict, Gongsun Wuda continued, "Your Majesty, there is one more thing, but I am not sure if I should say it."

"Speak freely."

"Yes, what's strange is that Luo Cheng and Li Chenggan are together, and judging from their words and actions, they seem to have a very close relationship."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's expression immediately changed.

In Li Shimin's view, this was no small matter. Li Chenggan's association with Luo Cheng was suspected of cultivating his own faction.

Luo Cheng was no ordinary man; he was highly respected in the army.

Back in the day, the forty-six friends of Jialiu Tower swore an oath of brotherhood. Wei Zheng was the eldest, Qin Qiong the second, Xu Maogong the third, Cheng Yaojin the fourth, and Shan Xiongxin the fifth.

Luo Cheng was the youngest and ranked last among his siblings.

Their relationship is complex and intertwined; they wield considerable power.

If Li Chenggan and Luo Cheng have a close relationship, this would be a huge hidden danger.

Moreover, according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, princes and members of the royal family were not allowed to have close contact with civil and military officials of the court.

Back in the Han Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Wu, Tian Fen and Liu An, the King of Huainan, maintained close ties.

Tian Fen was the brother of Empress Dowager Wang, making him Emperor Wu's maternal uncle. Emperor Wu promoted him to the position of Chancellor.

Tian Fen actually told Liu An that if there were any changes in the court, he would be willing to support Liu An as the emperor. This was outrageous!

However, by the time Emperor Wu of Han learned of this news, Tian Fen had already died.

Emperor Wu of Han said that if Tian Fen had not died, his entire clan would have been exterminated.

This shows that the close ties between members of the royal family and civil and military officials posed a great threat.

If they collude, they could cause trouble.

Li Shimin was furious when he thought of this. He thought to himself that Li Chenggan was a rebellious son who had actually joined forces with Luo Cheng. What was he planning to do?

Do you mean you're planning to conspire and rebel?

Li Shimin grew increasingly angry as he thought about it, and immediately sat down at his desk, picked up his pen, and drafted an imperial edict authorizing Chang He to search the Duke of Yi's residence.

After Li Shimin finished writing the imperial edict, he was about to hand it to Gongsun Wuda when, unexpectedly, a man walked in from outside and shouted, "Your Majesty, please wait!"

Li Shimin looked up and saw a very fat man walking into the hall. His belly was sticking out so far that he had to support it with both hands, as if he might fall to the ground if he wasn't careful.

Li Shimin recognized the visitor as none other than Duke Lu, Cheng Yaojin.

After the banquet at Jiucheng Palace ended, Cheng Yaojin returned to his residence and sat there soaking his feet.

Cheng Tieniu ran in from outside and said to him, "Father, someone from the Duke of Yi's mansion said that something has happened over there."

Upon hearing this, Old Cheng kicked over the foot basin, spilling the foot-washing water all over the floor, and asked, "What happened to Brother Qin?"

Cheng Tieniu then recounted how Chang He led the Imperial Guards to surround the Duke of Yi's mansion in an attempt to capture Luo Cheng.

Old Cheng was taken aback.

He told Cheng Tieniu to quickly catch a chicken.

Cheng Tieniu asked, puzzled, "Dad, what's the use of catching chickens now?"

"Just do what I tell you to do. Why ask so many questions?"

Old Cheng quickly dressed himself neatly and went to see Li Shimin.

Just then, Li Shimin finished writing the imperial edict and intended to hand it over to Gongsun Wuda.

Old Cheng was highly respected in the court and commanded great influence. Even Li Shimin had to show him deference.

Cheng Yaojin was also a founding hero and was enfeoffed as Duke of Lu.

Cheng Yaojin also had his unique strengths. Whenever the Tang army was on the verge of defeat, as long as Cheng Yaojin was there, they could always turn the tide and defeat the enemy.

Moreover, Li Shimin tried it many times, and it always worked.

Therefore, Cheng Yaojin was a lucky general in Li Shimin's mind, unlike Li Guang.

Back then, Li Guang suffered repeated defeats, so in Emperor Wu of Han's eyes, he was a hapless fellow.

In the end, when Emperor Wu of Han led his troops to attack the Xiongnu, he was unwilling to take Li Guang with him.

Emperor Wu of Han reluctantly agreed after Li Guang pleaded repeatedly.

However, before the army set off, Emperor Wu of Han specifically instructed Wei Qing that if they encountered the main force of the Xiongnu, Li Guang should be diverted and not allowed to engage in battle.

However, Cheng Yaojin was different; he always managed to win with fewer troops and turn defeat into victory.

In terms of martial prowess, he couldn't compare to Qin Qiong. His signature move was the Three and a Half Axe Strikes, which included things like splitting heads, picking teeth from underlings, and cleaning ears. The entire population of the Tang Dynasty knew about these moves.

However, when Cheng Yaojin actually went to the battlefield, he fought very bravely.

He had fought many victories alongside Li Shimin.

For example, he repeatedly achieved military exploits, such as decisively defeating Song Jingang, capturing Dou Jiande alive, and persuading Wang Shichong to surrender.

He also participated in the Xuanwu Gate Incident and made outstanding contributions.

Cheng Yaojin then asked, "Your Majesty, what decree did you just draft?"

Li Shimin smiled and recounted what had happened.

"What! A search of the Duke of Yi's mansion?"

Old Cheng glared at Gongsun Wuda, who was so frightened that he took several steps back, not daring to look Old Cheng in the eye.

"Your Majesty, this decree cannot be issued!"

"Oh, why?"

"Your Majesty, have you forgotten who was by your bedside, protecting you when you were ill?"

"Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong."

"Yes, if it weren't for Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong protecting you, you might have lost your life."

Actually, despite being a rough man, Cheng Yaojin was quite tactful in his speech.

In this situation, Cheng Yaojin did not recount Qin Qiong's past military achievements, as doing so would only annoy Li Shimin.

Therefore, they avoided mentioning the important points and made no mention of Qin Qiong's military achievements in the past, only saying that Qin Qiong stayed by Li Shimin's bedside when he was ill.

If someone isn't someone the emperor trusts implicitly, can they stay in the emperor's bedchamber?

It should be noted that Cao Cao was naturally suspicious, and he always felt that someone would assassinate him while he was sleeping.

So, he kept a knife by his bedside while he slept, and he told others that he dreamed of killing people.

To cover up his lie, he once woke up from a dream and actually killed the person who had served him for a long time.

From then on, no one dared to approach Cao Cao's bedside when he slept.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin felt that what Lao Cheng said wasn't an exaggeration.

In the period following the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin was often in a daze, suffering from insomnia and nightmares, and gradually became thinner. The imperial physicians said that if this continued, it would be unsustainable and the consequences would be severe.

However, even the imperial physicians could not help.

In the end, it was only when Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong kept watch by his bedside every night that Li Shimin could sleep peacefully.

Li Shimin was very grateful for this.

Old Cheng walked to the table, poured himself a cup of tea, then picked up the cup and gulped it down in one go.

He wiped his mouth with his hand: "Your Majesty, back then, you bestowed upon me, Lao Cheng, Luo Cheng, and Qin Qiong, the title of Duke, saying that we could enjoy the privileges of Dukes forever, and that no one was allowed to easily search the Duke's mansion."

Why are you acting so unusually today?

Gongsun Wuda added from the side, "That's because the rebel Luo Cheng is at the Duke of Yi's residence. Qin Qiong and Luo Cheng are cousins, so Qin Qiong hid Luo Cheng. How could they not search him?"

"You're talking nonsense! Which eye of yours saw Luo Cheng enter the Duke of Ji's mansion?" Cheng Yaojin cursed.

"Uh—," Gongsun Wuda was scolded by Lao Cheng, but he didn't dare to talk back. "I didn't see it, but my men did."

"So what if you saw him? There are plenty of people who look like Luo Cheng," Cheng Yaojin glared. "Besides, who said my brother Luo Cheng is a traitor?"

He is the Duke of Yue!

Back then, Qin Qiong, Luo Cheng, and I were all granted the title of Duke by His Majesty. Moreover, Luo Cheng had once saved His Majesty's life. How could he possibly be a traitor?

Then, Lao Cheng recounted the story of how Luo Cheng saved Li Shimin.

"People often say that there is no greater merit than saving the emperor. Although we have made some contributions, we are far inferior to Luo Cheng. He single-handedly saved His Majesty."

Now you're saying Luo Cheng is a traitor? That's outrageous!

Explain yourself clearly today. When did Luo Cheng rebel? How come I didn't know?

If he were to rebel, would he be able to watch the martial arts competition here during the day?

"I'm afraid they've taken advantage of the martial arts examination being held in Chang'an to lead their troops to attack Chang'an, haven't they?"

Li Shimin listened quietly without saying a word.

Although Cheng Yaojin was a rough man, he spoke with great logic and reason.

In truth, Li Shimin did not believe that Luo Cheng would rebel.

Old Cheng asked, "Your Majesty, when was Luo Cheng stripped of his title of Duke of Yue?"

Li Shimin held his head in his hand, feeling somewhat guilty about the matter: "I don't remember clearly either."

"Your Majesty, you can't do this! What crime has Luo Cheng committed? Why strip him of his title?"

"That time, I got drunk, and it was Fang Xuanling who persuaded me to do it."

At this point, under Cheng Yaojin's persistent questioning, Li Shimin had no choice but to shift the blame to Fang Xuanling.

"Hmph, that old man is indeed very clever, but he never puts his mind on the right path. He's always scheming against this person today and that person tomorrow. I, Old Cheng, think he'll get himself into trouble sooner or later."

People should be less calculating and more virtuous.

I, Lao Cheng, have done so many good deeds in my life, but I never talk about them. That's why I, Lao Cheng, eat well and sleep soundly.

There's a saying, isn't there? "If you have a clear conscience, you won't be afraid of ghosts knocking at your door in the middle of the night."

Li Shimin chuckled inwardly, thinking, "You said you wouldn't say it, but now you've said it anyway."

Old Cheng, supporting his stomach with his hand, continued, "Your Majesty, people say you are a wise ruler, but I think you've handled this matter rather poorly. Quickly restore Luo Cheng's title and stop him from wandering around Zhuojun."

Why do we hold military examinations? Isn't it because the imperial court lacks talent?

Luo Cheng's Five-Hook Divine Flying Silver Spear was unmatched in the world; he was a rare military genius.

Aren't Goguryeo and Baekje plotting to attack Silla?

Let Luo Cheng lead the troops to fight against Goguryeo and Baekje. He will surely defeat them soundly and make them run for their lives.

Even if this military examination can select some generals and vanguards, there is still a lack of commanders. It is not easy to find commanders. Who can control those troops?

I think Luo Cheng is quite suitable.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin felt that Cheng Yaojin's words were not without merit.

Luo Cheng enjoyed extremely high prestige in the army. Everyone knew the handsome Luo Cheng with his cold face and sharp spear. With his five-hooked, divine silver spear and the lightning-fast white dragon steed he rode, he was truly a remarkable man.

Cheng Yaojin advised Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, you should quickly abolish the imperial edict you just wrote and rewrite it to restore Luo Cheng's title."

At the same time, he was appointed as deputy marshal and given command of the troops for the expedition.

"So, who do you intend to appoint as the Marshal?"

"Then it's naturally you, Li Chenggan."

Let them lead 10 Turkic troops, plus 5 naval troops, making a total of 15 men. I think that should be enough. If all else fails, I, Old Cheng, will accompany them and serve as their strategist.”

Li Shimin smiled slightly upon hearing this, thinking to himself that his terrible ideas were only good for harming people, and it was probably inappropriate to use them as a strategist.

Li Shimin remained unmoved.

Old Cheng grew impatient and asked, "Your Majesty, why haven't you drafted the imperial edict yet?"

Li Shimin stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying: "As an emperor, the most taboo thing is to change your orders frequently."

"Since I have already stripped Luo Cheng of his title, how can I restore his title of Duke of Yue?"

"You're not going to write it, are you?"

Old Cheng got angry when he heard this. He reached out and pulled the long Japanese sword from Gongsun Wuda's waist, holding it to his own neck: "Your Majesty, will you write it today or not?"

If you don't appoint Luo Cheng as vice marshal for the time being, that's fine too.

However, you must first restore his title, otherwise, I, Old Cheng, will die right before your eyes.

Li Shimin frowned upon seeing this, thinking to himself that Cheng Yaojin had gone too far; this was clearly a rogue act, an attempt to force the emperor to abdicate.

Oh, so you threaten to kill yourself if I don't listen to you? Aren't you just blackmailing me?

I'm not going to write it today, let's see what you do then?

Thinking of this, Li Shimin said to Cheng Yaojin, "I cannot write this edict."

Old Cheng also had a fiery temper. Seeing that Li Shimin was unwilling to draft the imperial edict, he covered his face with his sleeve, held his long Japanese sword to his neck, and with a "plop" sound, blood splattered.

Old Cheng fell to the ground, his large sleeves covering his face, and blood was still gushing out.

When Li Shimin saw this, he panicked as well.

He rushed over, hugged Cheng Yaojin tightly, and cried, "Oh dear, Duke Lu, how could you do such a foolish thing? I was just joking with you!"

"If you truly wish to restore Luo Cheng's title, I will grant it. Why then did you commit suicide?"

As Li Shimin spoke, he remembered Cheng Yaojin's merits and stamped his feet, beating his chest and crying.

Gongsun Wuda panicked. He hadn't expected Cheng Yaojin to have such a fiery temper, actually committing suicide. And, most importantly, he had used his own long Japanese sword.

If Li Shimin were to investigate and accuse him of providing Cheng Yaojin with a weapon, he would be in serious trouble.

At this moment, Li Shimin suddenly heard a familiar voice say in his ear: "Your Majesty, your words are law, and you must not go back on your word."

You promised to restore Luo Cheng's title of Duke of Yue, you can't go back on your word!

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin realized the voice sounded familiar. Looking down, he discovered that Cheng Yaojin was not dead at all.

It turns out that Cheng Yaojin was experienced and came prepared.

He figured that he wouldn't be able to persuade Li Shimin with his silver tongue, so he prepared a packet of chicken blood before he arrived.

In order to make the play seem real, Lao Cheng also put in some effort.

Li Shimin realized that he had fallen for Cheng Yaojin's trick.

Gongsun Wuda was also very surprised. Before this, he had heard that Cheng Yaojin was like a playful old man who loved to joke. Today, he saw that it was indeed true. He was quite an oddball.

However, it takes skill to persuade Li Shimin to change his mind so easily. It seems I should learn more from him in the future.

When Gongsun Wuda saw that Lao Cheng was still alive, he felt relieved.

Wang De brought hot water, and Lao Cheng washed his face and wiped away the bloodstains on his body, returning to his normal appearance.

"Very well, then so be it. I will restore Luo Cheng's title."

As for whether to appoint him as the Grand Commander of the Army, we'll discuss that in the future." Li Shimin also wiped away his tears.

Upon hearing this, Lao Cheng thought to himself that this was quite generous. He couldn't let the bowstring be pulled too taut; if pushed too far, Li Shimin would have a temper too.

Old Cheng chuckled: "Your Majesty, I was just joking with you. Everything will be as you said. But, by the way, what should Luo Cheng's soldiers be called, they should remain as they are."

Li Shimin thought to himself, "How is this doing what I said?"

It's clearly done exactly as you said.

Li Shimin then destroyed the previous imperial edict and wrote a new one.

Gongsun Wuda thought to himself, "This is good! Li Shimin's change of heart is too fast. He just promised to search the Duke of Yi's mansion and arrest Luo Cheng."

At this time, however, Luo Cheng's title of Duke of Yue was restored, which was quite a contrast.

Gongsun Wuda thought about it and realized that it made sense. That's how the officialdom is. It's not surprising that one can rise and fall in the political arena. Today you may be a high-ranking official, but tomorrow you may become a prisoner.

In other words, it's possible that someone might be a commoner today but reinstated to their former position tomorrow.

Sima Yi did the same thing back then; when the Shu army arrived...

Cao Rui panicked.

Because he knew that those members of the imperial clan, such as Cao Zhen and Xiahou Mao, were all just empty names and were actually no match for Zhuge Liang in actual battles.

Left with no other choice, Cao Rui had to reinstate Sima Yi.

After the Shu army was defeated,

Someone from the Cao clan will surely impeach Sima Yi for this or that fault.

No matter how well Sima Yi did, he still had flaws.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Cao Rui stripped Sima Yi of all his official positions and sent him back to his hometown to enjoy his retirement.

After some time, Zhuge Liang heard that Sima Yi had been dismissed from his post, so he led his troops there again.

Even the great generals of Cao Cao's clan were no match for Zhuge Liang.

At this time, the court officials would recommend Sima Yi to Cao Rui for a position.

In this way, Sima Yi rose from a commoner to become the Grand Commander of Pingxi.

Therefore, Sima Yi was already used to such things and had seen them all before.

Throughout history, there have been countless similar stories. For example, Dou Ying experienced many ups and downs throughout his life.

Of course, Li Shimin also had his own considerations in restoring Luo Cheng's title:

First of all, Luo Cheng is indeed a talented person. Not only is he handsome, but he is also a master of martial arts and has first-class military strategy. He is indeed a brilliant commander.

Secondly, if Luo Cheng were allowed to remain a mountain king and bandit in Zhuojun for a long time,

They would become a menace sooner or later. Once his title is restored, he can wholeheartedly serve the court, thus eliminating the threat of thieves.

This adds another valiant general and a force to the court; it's truly a win-win situation!

As for Li Shimin's decision not to immediately appoint Luo Cheng as deputy marshal, it was also to observe his future performance.

After reading the imperial edict, Old Cheng burst into laughter: "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Duke Lu, you must never make such jokes again. My heart is not good," Li Shimin waved his hand. "You have a good relationship with Luo Cheng and Qin Qiong. No matter what, you must unite them to serve the court. You must not cause any trouble."

Old Cheng, supporting his straw-bag-like belly with his hand, said: "Of course, do you need to tell me that?"

"I'm not bragging, but do you think they'd dare disobey me?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin thought that although Cheng Yaojin's words contained some exaggeration, they were basically true.

Old Cheng's prestige in the court is indeed unmatched by ordinary people.

Li Shimin said to Gongsun Wuda: "Let Chang He withdraw his troops. In the future, without my decree, you must not arbitrarily surround any duke's mansion."

Li Shimin's words already contained a hint of reproach.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Wuda could only suppress his anger and reply, "Yes, sir!"