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

Xu Hui crossed her arms and walked to the window.

Her gaze drifted to the window; the night view of Chang'an was still quite beautiful.

"Your Majesty, I truly admire your ability to recognize and employ talent, and your skill in managing those civil and military officials."

For example, people like Wei Zheng, Li Jing, and Li Ji were both capable and very loyal.

but,

When it comes to judging women, you probably aren't that accurate.

When Jiucheng Palace was completed, Fang Xuanling announced in public that any prince, princess, or concubine who wanted to live in Jiucheng Palace had to have outstanding contributions and excellent performance.

Many people wanted to stay at Jiucheng Palace, but you refused them all.

but,

Consort Yang said something to you, and you agreed.

This shows that Consort Yang was no ordinary person.

"Do you perhaps wish to stay at Jiucheng Palace?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hui quickly waved her hand: "You misunderstood. Although Jiucheng Palace was built very magnificently, luxuriously, and grandly..."

but,

Your Majesty has absolutely no intention of moving into Jiucheng Palace.

What virtue or ability do I possess to be qualified to reside in Jiucheng Palace?

If I were to move into Jiucheng Palace, it would surely cause a huge uproar. Who knows what the other concubines in the palace would say about me behind my back.

Li Shimin took a sip, then placed the teacup on the table: "No matter what, I feel I owe Consort Yang a debt."

Her father is dead; she's a pitiful person.

"Your Majesty, you are so kind-hearted. Although Yang Guang's death was somewhat ignominious, how did such an outcome ultimately come about?"

Wasn't Yang Guang reaping what he sowed?

So, he has no one to blame but himself for his own problems.

Li Shimin did not deny Xu Hui's viewpoint.

He also felt that Yang Guang bore the main responsibility for the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.

Xu Hui continued, "After you took Yang Shufei in,

Has she made any outstanding contributions to you?

For example,

Did she appease the remaining Sui dynasty officials or persuade some generals to surrender?

Or perhaps it could help ease the various conflicts between officials of the Tang and Sui dynasties?

After thinking for a moment, Li Shimin shook his head: "No, not at all."

"Yes, she didn't do anything for you."

Her greatest contribution was giving you two sons.

However, I've heard people say that she's always thinking about avenging her father.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin laughed and said, "His father was killed by Yuwen Huaji, not by me."

How could she possibly blame me?

Even if she wanted revenge,

Shouldn't they go and seek revenge on Yuwen Huaji?

"Wasn't Yuwen Huaji killed by Dou Jiande?"

"Yes, Yuwen Huaji's actions were unpopular, and Dou Jiande killed Yuwen Huaji."

"Your Majesty, I am merely reminding you that perhaps what I said is not entirely correct."

However, I hope you will take what I have said to heart.

And then there's Consort Yan, who has been in a semi-mad state ever since Li Xiao's untimely death.

You might say she's normal, but she's not entirely normal either;

You say she's not quite normal, but she's very thoughtful and can come up with all sorts of ideas. Moreover, she's in cahoots with the Blue Brahma from the Western Regions.

That blue wrathful woman was ruthless and cruel; she was a master of poisons.