The Idle Man of Zhenguan Intercepts Wu Zetian at the Start

Since this bow was bestowed upon him by the old immortal in a dream, Li Er couldn't say anything more. Just as Yuan Shi had said, when Zhi Jie presented this bow, his first thought was to have it secretly produced by the Crossbow Bureau so that when the time was right, it could equip the entire army for the expedition against Goguryeo. However, Changsun Dan certainly couldn't use this bow anymore. Since he couldn't be punished, he had to reward him with something, otherwise it would seem like he had forcibly taken it from him. Li Er drank a bowl of wine, his spirits high:

"Although you, young man, are teaching the bow on behalf of Yuan Shi, I don't want it for nothing. Tell me, what do you want?"

Changsun Dan thought that with the snow disaster in Youzhou, Li Er had probably emptied the imperial treasury. As long as Li Er didn't cause him trouble, that was better than anything else. Still preoccupied with the case of the Hu people riding horses, he replied calmly:

"Your Majesty's grace has granted me a fief of five hundred mu and a permanent estate of one thousand mu. Now my winery is profitable, and I am quite wealthy. If Your Majesty wishes to reward me, please have the Crown Prince inform me of the families of the seven people who died unjustly in the horse racing case. The deceased were all poor people, and their livelihoods depended on my winery. They died innocently because of my winery. The Immortal Master once said that one should bear the debt and the consequences. I am willing to shoulder their burdens and use this merit to repent for my mistakes, resolve the grievances, and beg for forgiveness from the departed souls."

Upon hearing Changsun Dan's words, Li Er's eyes twitched slightly. The boy's words sounded grand and righteous, but in reality, he was accusing Li Er of disregarding the lives of innocent people. Throughout history, murderers have been punished with their lives. These few barbarians who rode horses have all been brought to justice, which is enough to comfort their souls. The government will also reduce taxes for the living as appropriate. It can be said that they have done everything they could to be benevolent. Li Er was immediately displeased, his face darkened, and he was about to lash out!

At this critical moment, Changsun Dan remained resolute. After all, these were seven lives, and not to mention the fates of countless others they represented. While he himself could accept it calmly, Li Er could not. He was the emperor, and his will determined the fate of all the people of the Tang Dynasty. He still stubbornly insisted:

"Your Majesty, I humbly request your permission!"

Li Er was almost amused by his outburst. Usually, this kid would act like a coward when he made a mistake, but now that he had directly defied the emperor, he was incredibly stubborn. He sneered a few times and said a few more words:

"Good, very good, you're doing great!"

Li Chengqian had always been subservient to Emperor Taizong (Li Er). Now, seeing his younger brother Dandi still standing tall under their father's might, he felt both envy and a sense of eager anticipation.

"Your Majesty, I believe your brother Dan is right. I beg Your Majesty's permission!"

Seeing that things were not going well, Empress Zhangsun quickly tugged at Li Er's sleeve:

"Erlang, it's rare to see such kind-hearted children, and besides, Dan'er is also protecting the people of the Tang Dynasty..."

Li Shimin was taken aback by Li Chengqian's antics. Had this kid gotten himself into a frenzy? He asked coldly:

"Chengqian, you really think that brat Dan is right!"

Li Chengqian was always submissive, accepting whatever his father, the emperor, said, regardless of right or wrong. He would lower his head and endure beatings and scoldings. But now, having drunk some wine and provoked by Changsun Dan, he steeled himself. Since he was going to be beaten and scolded anyway, he might as well endure it more readily and raised his head to reply:

"Your subject believes that if the people of the world are peaceful and prosperous, what does the face of the imperial family matter? Besides, Brother Dan is not an ordinary person. He has received the emperor's favor, so he should act in accordance with the emperor's virtue. The people of the world will only be grateful to Father Emperor for his benevolence!"

Changsun Dan was surprised that Li Chengqian would say such a thing. According to historical records, he was only known to be kind but not very bright and easily misled. Now it seems that he is very clear-headed. If Li Er (Emperor Taizong of Tang) had not driven him crazy, history would have had another wise ruler!

Changsun Danzhong looked at Li Chengqian more carefully. He looked more like Empress Changsun. He was handsome and upright, but in the past he always looked timid and hesitant, which covered up his youthful spirit. But now his eyes were firm and his temperament had changed. He vaguely had three parts of Li Er's aura.

Empress Zhangsun noticed Li Chengqian's changes and felt a sense of relief. She had always thought her son was weak and worried that he would be frightened by Erlang. However, since Dan'er was released from prison, her son had become more and more different and resembled Erlang more and more. She felt extremely gratified, knowing that even if Erlang was angry, he would not really do anything to the two children. She smiled and simply sat down to the side without saying a word.

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Shimin couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was a pity that none of the old fogies in the court were there. Look, this is my son, Li Shimin! How can you compare? What kind of disobedience to the emperor is this from Changsun Dan? He is the cornerstone of Qian'er's growth!

He took another big gulp of wine, but there was no one to share his joy with. He turned to look at Wang Youde and realized that his whole body was itching. He needed the old man to scratch him!

Wang Youde's heart was also pounding with anxiety, but having served Li Shimin for many years, he knew what His Majesty longed for most. The Crown Prince's audience today was something His Majesty had waited for for many years! His old face was creased with deep wrinkles as he bowed and smiled:

"The more this old servant looks at the Crown Prince, the more he reminds me of His Majesty when he was still in the Prince of Qin's residence—heroic, wise, benevolent, and insightful. If Lord Wei and the others were here now, they would surely beat their chests and shout with joy, 'Your Highness is truly wise!'"

Wang Youde's words were like a precise scratch on a ticklish spot—a little painful, but surprisingly satisfying! Li Shimin deliberately put on a stern face:

"Old man, you actually think Chengqian is right?"

Wang Youde smiled and took a step back while holding the whisk:

"This old servant is ignorant of politics, but I have watched His Highness the Crown Prince grow up. It is a blessing for the people of the Tang Dynasty to have such a crown prince."

Li Shimin finally couldn't help but burst into laughter! What he wanted was never for Chengqian to be afraid of him; what he wanted was for this future ruler to have more of an imperial aura!

What a wise and magnanimous man! He has the wisdom and magnanimity to act in accordance with the emperor's virtues after receiving the emperor's favor. Given time, why should we worry that the Tang Dynasty will not shine for another hundred years?

Li Shimin slapped the dragon table:

"Granted!"

Changsun Dan looked at Li Er and saw that he no longer had the demeanor of an emperor. He was more like an old father who had heard that his son had been admitted to Tsinghua University on a construction site. He was extremely excited, but he couldn't find anyone to brag to, so he pretended to be calm.

"However, Chengqian is right. It is your duty to receive the emperor's salary and bear the emperor's responsibilities. I once granted you permission to command one hundred armored soldiers, and now I will reward you with one hundred sets of armor and equipment. I will have the Armory deliver them to your residence in a few days!"

Changsun Dan quickly got up to express his gratitude. This was an unexpected joy. Seeing that Wang Fangyi's injury had healed, the hundred armored soldiers should be ready to be assembled. He just didn't know where to buy the armor. If he made it himself, he was afraid that Li Er would accuse him. If Li Er gave him the whole set, he could at least have a bow and arrow and a sword!

Seeing Changsun Dan's smug, nouveau riche demeanor, Li Shimin felt a sense of pride. "You think it's worth it? I think it's worth it too!"

Changsun Dan suddenly remembered that Fang Yi'ai could wander around Chang'an at night, and the Empress's illness could flare up at any time. He himself was also traveling between the Plum Garden and the military camp. If he had a pass, it would be much more convenient. He bowed and said:

"I have another request, Your Majesty. I would like to ask for a pass that allows me to travel through Chang'an at night."

Li Er frowned slightly, then understood Changsun Dan's meaning, and waved his hand:

"You can discuss this matter with the Crown Prince!"

Empress Changsun was delighted; Li Er had been far too lenient this time. However, Empress Changsun's expression subtly shifted.

"Although the Imperial Guards patrol the streets of Chang'an, it's also common for江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) figures to roam freely. It's too dangerous for Dan'er to go out alone..."