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

Li Chengan was deeply moved: "I am very grateful for your kindness, but I just want to find a place to farm."

"Farming?"

Everyone found it fascinating.

"You are the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, yet you want to go and farm?" Songtsen Gampo asked.

"When Zhang Qian was sent on a mission to the Western Regions, he brought back seeds of many plants, including cucumbers, grapes, and pomegranates."

However, due to constraints from natural conditions, these seeds have not yet been successfully planted.

Now that I have mastered some advanced technology, replanting these seeds will yield ten times or even dozens of times more than before.

"By then, you Tibetans will have whatever you want to eat."

Everyone was delighted to hear this.

Princess Wencheng said, "Your Majesty, I know you are innocent. You are not guilty. It was Li Tai who framed you behind the scenes."

I've already scolded him.

If he does not repent, I will sever all ties with him and cut off our sibling relationship.

My trip to Tibet is also to complete my marriage by imperial decree.

The Emperor and Empress have already granted permission.

Moreover, the Empress gave me a very large dowry, which I never expected.

"When I left Chang'an, I left in a hurry and didn't have any gifts. However, I will make up for it with 100,000 taels of silver later as a token of my appreciation."

Upon hearing this, everyone realized that Li Chengan was truly generous, offering 100,000 taels of silver without hesitation.

"Your Majesty, where did you get so much money?" Princess Wencheng asked in surprise.

"He sold us a batch of wine and made a lot of money," said Jiebina.

"Yeah?

"Jiebina, from now on, you have to get some wine for us Tibetans, so we can earn some pocket money."

"Isn't that just a matter of a word?"

Everyone laughed when they heard this.

Songtsen Gampo arranged for Li Chenggan, Qu Zhili, Jiebina, and Fuyu Fengmei to rest at the inn.

Li Chengan quickly sent a message by carrier pigeon to Lu Zhaolin, instructing him to come to Tibet immediately and to find Su Wan and bring her 100,000 taels of silver.

That night,

Lu Zhaolin arrived riding his invincible general, bringing with him 100,000 taels of silver.

The Invincible General was a giant divine bird, who was very friendly to Li Chenggan.

The invincible general pressed his head against Li Chengqian's face, rubbing it incessantly.

Lu Zhaolin examined Qu Zhili's injuries and was also taken aback.

"Your Highness, the princess has indeed gone through a miscarriage. Fortunately, you discovered it in time. If it had been delayed for two more days, the child might not have survived."

Not only could the child not be saved, but the adults were also in danger.

Li Chengan took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from Qu Zhili's forehead.

Qu Zhili closed her eyes tightly and held Li Chengqian's hand firmly.

Li Chengan said to Lu Zhaolin, "You'd better think of a solution quickly."

"Your Highness, don't worry, my master is quite skilled in this area."

Li Chengan had complete faith in Sun Simiao's medical skills, and the Lu Zhaolin before him had also inherited Sun Simiao's true teachings, not only writing well but also possessing superb medical skills.

Li Chengan felt much relieved after hearing what Lu Zhaolin said.

Lu Zhaolin conducted another detailed diagnosis on Qu Zhili and then prescribed medication.

Li Chengqian personally prepared the medicine.

Then, it was fed to Qu Zhili.

Qu Zhili fell into a deep sleep.

Li Chenggan instructed Fuyu Fengmei to give 100,000 taels of silver to Princess Wencheng, and then met with Lu Zhaolin privately at the guesthouse.

"What's the situation in Chang'an right now?"

Lu Zhaolin washed his hands and stood by with his hands at his sides: "The martial arts exam is over."

Ultimately, He Zongxian was selected as general and Zhang Zhilong as deputy general.

Qibi Heli was the vanguard, and Qibi Shamen was the deputy vanguard.

Li Chengan was surprised and taken aback when he heard this.

Because he knew in his heart that He Zongxian and Zhang Zhilong's martial arts skills were mediocre, so how could they become generals?

It seems I underestimated Zhang Shigui. Zhang Shigui has connections everywhere and immense power.

Did Yeon Gaesomun and Ashina Simo have a martial arts contest?

"They fought each other with real swords, but neither could gain the upper hand."

Some say that Li Tai visited Yeon Gaesomun, Buyeo Ryū, and Inugami Odaka, and it is unknown what agreement was reached between them.

When Li Chengan heard what he said, he felt that the situation was a bit serious. He wondered if Li Tai was going to collude with the three of them.

Those three guys are all scoundrels.

Historically, there have been instances of people colluding with foreign enemies in order to seize the position of crown prince.

Li Chengqian felt a pang of sadness.

He didn't know what was wrong with his father. The original intention of this martial arts examination was to select good generals for the court and promote the spirit of martial arts. Unexpectedly, in the end, all those selected were people with connections.

Here, Li Chengan had to admire Zhang Shigui; he was indeed very capable.

Even though he clearly harbored rebellious intentions, he still managed to make his son-in-law and son generals and deputy generals.

However, it's hard to say. Zhang Shigui's daughter, Lady Zhang, married Li Daozong, who has powerful connections.

The most fatal flaw was that Consort Zhang was deeply favored by Emperor Li Daozong.

Li Daozong always considered the relationship between father-in-law and son-in-law and supported his son-in-law.

Li Chenggan pondered for a moment, then asked again, "So, what measures did Father Emperor take regarding the military actions against Goguryeo and Baekje?"

"Your father appointed Li Tai as commander-in-chief, He Zongxian as general, and Zhang Zhilong as deputy general. After the brothers Qibi Heli and Qibi Shamen capture you and return to Chang'an, they will be appointed as vanguards, leading 50,000 cavalry, 50,000 infantry, and 50,000 naval forces to meet the army of Goguryeo and Baekje."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan's expression turned serious, because he really couldn't compliment Li Tai's military command skills.

He couldn't understand why the court had so many great generals, like Li Jing, Li Ji, and Hou Junji, who were all very capable in battle, and why they were not used.

"Also, what are Father Emperor's plans regarding the selection of a crown prince?"

"Li Tai volunteered to become the crown prince, and he even wrote a guarantee."

What does "guarantee" mean?

"He promised that if your father makes him the crown prince, he will ensure the safety of Li Zhi and the other princes after he becomes emperor."

Furthermore, he stated that if he had any sons in the future, he would kill them, and after his own death, he would pass the throne to Li Zhi.

Li Chengqian shook his head and sneered, "Would Father Emperor believe such nonsense?"

"I heard your father is very happy, saying that Li Tai is very sensible."

Is there anyone in this world who doesn't love his own son but loves his brothers?

I'm afraid that after he inherits the throne, he'll forget all of this.

Lu Zhaolin thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, you're right. I also feel that this matter is a bit strange."

But for some reason, your father actually believed it.

"It seems that Li Tai has become obsessed with seizing the position of crown prince, to the point that he is even willing to kill his own son."

"So, has Father Emperor named him Crown Prince?"

"Not at the moment."

"Then why?"

"Think about it, the Crown Prince is the foundation of the country. Can your father make such a big decision so easily?"

Perhaps in your father's eyes, Li Tai is like Cao Zhi of yesteryear, composing poems and essays.

However, when it comes to governing a country and leading an army, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task.

Li Chengan shook his head: "Li Tai can't compare to Cao Zhi. Cao Zhi's 'Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River' is famous throughout the world."

Famous lines like "Graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a swimming dragon," and "Faintly like light clouds veiling the moon, drifting like swirling snow in the wind," will never be seen again.

Cao Zhi was quick-witted.

In the fifteenth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao built the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.

So he had his sons come up on stage to compose poems. Cao Zhi wrote "Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace" on the spot, with beautiful words that amazed everyone.

After Cao Pi inherited the throne, he was very wary of Cao Zhi and even wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.

Therefore, Cao Pi ordered Cao Zhi to compose a poem within seven steps of the court.

The Seven Steps Poem was completed under those circumstances.

Anyone else would probably be paralyzed with fear, but a talent like him is a once-in-a-century find.

"There's one more thing I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang went to pay their respects to your father, the Emperor, and recommended Li Zhi to be the Crown Prince."

Moreover, your uncle Changsun Wuji's attitude is quite firm.

He said that because Li Zhi was kind, filial and honest, if Li Zhi were made crown prince, the other princes would be spared.

Besides, your uncle praised Li Zhi to the skies.

"Oh, how did he praise Li Zhi?"

"He praised Li Zhi for his exceptional intelligence, saying he possessed the bearing of a dragon and phoenix, and the appearance of the sun and moon, and would be a rare and wise ruler in the future. And he said you are..."

"What are you saying about me? Just say what you have to say, there's no need to hide anything."

He said you appear honest but are treacherous at heart; outwardly you are kind and righteous, but in reality you are full of bad intentions.

They say you are good at manipulating power, ambitious, short-sighted, and lack real talent.

"Saying you're truly unsuitable to be the crown prince, and deposing you, was a wise decision; it should have been done long ago."

"Really? It seems my uncle's summary of me is very accurate and comprehensive."

Mentioning Changsun Wuji brought another wave of sadness to Li Chengqian's heart.

Because Li Chengan didn't know what he had done wrong, his uncle always seemed to look down on him.

He has praised Li Zhi in public on more than one occasion, but he has never praised himself.

During his time as crown prince, Changsun Wuji never offered him any help.

Li Chengan felt that this was not his uncle at all, but clearly his nemesis, who was always tripping him up behind his back.

Furthermore, although Changsun Chong is already engaged to Li Lizhi, he doesn't side with him.

Li Chengan then realized that thinking about it now was pointless.

Now that I'm a prisoner of the imperial court, and my father is still sending people to hunt me down, why bother with all that? Let them do whatever they want.

"Your Highness, now that I've come here, I don't intend to go back."

Why?

You're doing very well in Chang'an. You have positions in the Imperial Medical Academy and the Chongwen Hall in the Eastern Palace, and Father Emperor plans to promote you. Your future is bright.

Lu Zhaolin waved his hand: "It is important for a person to know his own limitations. A bookworm like me is not suited to the officialdom. I am aware of this."

I believe my greatest happiness doesn't come from holding a high official position or accumulating great wealth, but from being able to constantly befriend books and quietly read every day. That is my greatest joy.

"If I can treat ordinary people and relieve their suffering, I will consider it a good deed. As for fame and fortune, I dare not hope for them."

Hearing this, Li Chengan felt a deep sense of admiration. Most people in the world aspire to be officials, and believe the higher the rank, the better.

However, the person in front of me is afraid of becoming an official.

"It would be dangerous for you to stay with me. Besides, I'm already at my wit's end. Even if you come with me, you won't have a good future. Therefore, I suggest you go back to Chang'an."

"Your Highness, please don't send me away. I only wish to stay by your side and serve you faithfully."

Li Chengan grasped Lu Zhaolin's hand and patted him on the shoulder: "Thank you."

In fact, Li Chengqian needed someone like Lu Zhaolin by his side, someone who could write well and was also knowledgeable in medicine—truly a rare find.

"Any news about Su Wan?"

Lu Zhaolin looked around and, seeing no one, whispered, "Your Highness, how can I put it? What happened between you and Qu Zhili was a huge blow to the Crown Princess; she almost went crazy."

I have also heard that the Crown Princess attempted to assassinate you. I hope Your Highness will not hold it against her.

As the saying goes, the deeper the love, the more intense the hate.

Li Chengan put his hands in his sleeves and nodded: "I understand what you mean. I was wrong about that matter. I'm sorry to Su Wan."

How could I blame her?

"I also know that you were poisoned by the Blue Brahma at the time, and you were in a state of unconsciousness."

So, this isn't your fault.

But things have already come to this, and perhaps it's fate.

However, on the other hand, how could someone like you possibly have only one woman in your entire life?

It's only a matter of time before you have other women.

"You and Qu Zhili have a child; the child is a gift from God."

"That's true."

Li Chengan sometimes feels very lucky to have his own child at such a young age.

What's truly admirable is that neither Su Wan nor Qu Zhili looked down on themselves because of their own disqualification.

Many women in this world are very calculating; they will love you very much when you are in power.

When you lose power, they'll kick you aside.

"Your Highness, what are your plans for the future?"

"Now that Princess Wencheng is here, let's talk about it after her wedding."

"This is a dangerous place, we shouldn't stay here any longer. Let's leave as soon as possible."

Li Chenggan scoffed: "What's there to be afraid of? Would Songtsen Gampo possibly harm me?"

"From what I understand, Songtsen Gampo was a pretty good person, and he probably wouldn't take advantage of a weakness."

But as you just said, you are no longer the crown prince, but just a fugitive prisoner.

It will probably be inconvenient for you to stay here.

"Princess Wencheng and I have a very good sibling relationship. How could I leave her on her wedding day?"

I want to witness her marriage to Songtsen Gampo with my own eyes, so that nothing unexpected might happen in the meantime.

Lu Zhaolin could sense Li Chengan's affection for Princess Wencheng.