Tang Dynasty: Taking the Empress Dowager to a brothel, Father Emperor, what a coincidence!

Upon hearing Li Gang's words, Li Shimin wondered if there was something wrong with his ears.

"Minister Li, what...what did you say?"

Li Shimin asked somewhat uncertainly.

Li Gang raised his head and said:

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you rescind your decree. I will not resign. I will go to the Prince of Yue's residence to instruct His Highness."

Li Shimin heard it clearly this time.

Countless question marks popped into his head.

Wasn't this old man so angered by the Crown Prince that he vomited blood and even took off his official hat?

Why is he acting like he's on drugs today? Not only did he want to come back, but he also volunteered to teach Qingque.

Before Li Shimin could even ask a question, Changsun Wuji, who was standing in front, couldn't stand still.

Changsun Wuji was also puzzled when he heard Li Gang's request.

Once Li Gang has made up his mind about something, not even eight horses can pull him back.

Why the sudden decision to teach Qingque today? There's definitely something fishy going on.

Qingque is a crucial bargaining chip in his hands; he absolutely cannot let this old man interfere.

"Lord Li, isn't that a bit too frivolous of you to say?"

Changsun Wuji looked at Li Gang with a forced smile.

"The imperial court has its own laws and regulations. How can you submit a resignation letter as you please, or have it withdrawn as you please?"

"If all the officials in the court treated the Taiji Hall like a marketplace, where would His Majesty's authority be? Where would the laws of the Tang Dynasty be?"

It would have been better if Changsun Wuji hadn't jumped out; once he did, Li Gang's anger immediately became uncontrollable.

"Who's barking here? Oh, it's the Duke of Qi!"

Changsun Wuji was taken aback: "Lord Li, you are being presumptuous."

"Insolence? I'll show you what true insolence is."

Li Gang poked Changsun Wuji's nose with one finger:

"I am a veteran of three reigns, having taught the Crown Prince and assisted the Retired Emperor. I am submitting my resignation because I am of limited talent and learning and fear misleading the younger generation."

"I withdrew my resignation because I suddenly realized that there are even more shameless and treacherous villains in this court than I am, who are even more capable of misleading the younger generation."

Changsun Wuji roared in anger:

"You...you're spouting nonsense."

"Do I need to make false accusations? I am referring to you, Changsun Wuji."

"The rare copy of the Spring and Autumn Annals that you gave me, I studied it late into the night last night and learned quite a bit from it."

That book speaks of profound truths in simple words, and it speaks of how treacherous officials and villains deserve to be punished by everyone.

"Duke of Qi, what are you trying to remind me of by sending me this book? Or are you trying to cover something up?"

Changsun Wuji's heart skipped a beat.

He used that set of "Spring and Autumn Annals" to curry favor with Li Gang and, incidentally, to sow discord among the crown prince.

How come this old man is now using this book to turn around and bite me?

"Li Gang! Stop making trouble. I gave you the ancient books only out of respect for your scholarship."

Changsun Wuji quickly offered an explanation.

"Respect my learning? Bah!"

Li Gang spat on the ground.

"What filthy thoughts are you harboring, Changsun Wuji? Do you really think everyone in the world is blind?"

You went to the Eastern Palace to show off your power, and then you turned around and came to my old mansion to stir up trouble.

What? This crown prince of the Tang Dynasty is someone your Changsun family can just manipulate at will?

Do you, Changsun Wuji, think you can sow discord among the princes of this land?

"You...you're talking nonsense."

Changsun Wuji was so frightened that his hands were trembling.

"Your Majesty! Li Gang is slandering the current Duke."

Sitting on the throne, Li Shimin watched Changsun Wuji suffer a setback, and a secret sense of satisfaction rose within him.

However, we still have to say the polite words.

"Ahem!"

Li Shimin cleared his throat.

"Grand Tutor, watch your words."

Li Gang continued speaking, disregarding everything else:

"Your Majesty! This old minister is not insane. It is those who think they can control everything that are insane."

Li Gang turned around, cupped his hands in a respectful bow to Li Shimin, and said:

"The Duke of Qi keeps talking about the laws and regulations of the court. Then this old minister would like to ask the Duke of Qi, what kind of law is it in accordance with that you privately associate with the princes and make irresponsible remarks about the Crown Prince?"

"As a member of the imperial family, you've extended your influence so far that you're practically wearing down the threshold of the Prince of Yue's residence. What kind of rule does that follow?"

Li Gang became more and more excited as he spoke.

"I'm making this clear today. Even if it costs me my life, I will go to the Prince of Yue's residence."

"I'd like to see who dares to use those underhanded and dirty tricks on His Highness the King of Yue as long as I'm alive."

Changsun Wuji was completely dumbfounded at this moment.

Li Gang's words were tantamount to a direct declaration of war.

Moreover, it was done in the name of protecting the King of Yue.

If he tries to stop him again, it means he's guilty and admits he has designs on the King of Yue.

If he hadn't stopped them, and they had stuffed this stinky, hard stone into the Yue King's mansion, how would Qingque have lived her life from then on?

How could Changsun Wuji still contact Qingque privately?

Li Shimin quickly smoothed things over:

"Alright, alright! What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket in the main hall?"

"The Grand Tutor has worked tirelessly for the country with utmost sincerity, which greatly pleases me."

Since the Grand Tutor is willing to teach Qingque, that is Qingque's good fortune. Therefore, I will not accept this resignation."

Li Shimin made the final decision without giving Changsun Wuji a chance to object.

"Issue the imperial decree! Former Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Li Gang, is a man of profound learning and high moral character."

Effective immediately, the Grand Tutor is transferred to the Prince of Yue's residence to exclusively instruct Prince Li Tai! The Prince of Yue should treat him with the respect due to a teacher; if he disobeys, the Grand Tutor may take the ruler and punish him on my behalf!

Li Gang knelt down and kowtowed, saying:

"This old minister accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude. This old minister will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust and properly instruct His Highness the Prince of Yue."

Changsun Wuji's vision went black, and he almost lost his balance. The little eunuch next to him quickly helped him up.

It’s over.

Qingque is finished.