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

Chapter 45 Su Wan celebrates her birthday, Fang Yi'ai meets Princess Gaoyang for the first time

the next morning.

Li Chengqian was exercising when Du Zhenglun arrived.

"Your Highness, what brings you here?" Du Zhenglun asked.

Li Chengqian stopped, wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked at him, and smiled, "Is the wound on your buttocks healed?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. It was just a minor injury, nothing to worry about. It's healed long ago."

Li Chengqian took out a brocade box from the document drawer and handed it to Du Zhenglun, saying in a low voice, "This is deer antler velvet, which is very precious. I specially asked someone to get you a box. Take it back and nourish yourself properly. It will surely make you vigorous and able to conquer your concubine Chunyan."

Du Zhenglun took the document and, deeply moved, prostrated himself on the ground, kowtowing: "Your Highness, this humble subject thanks you so much! You truly understand me. How can this humble subject ever repay you?"

Li Chengqian was both amused and annoyed by his appearance. He thought to himself, "This man is really something. Even if I rewarded him with a thousand taels of silver, I would never have seen him so excited."

Li Chengqian helped him up with both hands: "You don't need to be so polite. I know you've always been very good to me. Apart from liking to tattle in front of Father Emperor, you have no other faults."

"Uh!" Upon hearing this, Du Zhenglun realized that even the Crown Prince knew about his misdeeds. "Your Highness, I do not deny that I spoke ill of you to the Emperor, but it was all for your own good. Please investigate!"

"I understand that your intentions are good, and I don't blame you. However, wouldn't it be better if we discussed things face-to-face in the future?"

"Your Highness is absolutely right."

"I have invited you here today because there is something I want to discuss with you."

"Please give your orders, Your Highness. No matter what it is, as long as it is within my power, I will not hesitate to do it, even if it means going through fire and water."

"Well done, you're a real man!"

"I intend for you to go to Xue Yantuo's tribe, find Ashina She'er, and then explain some things to him."

"Huh? Xue Yantuo's tribe?"

Du Zhenglun's face turned green, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

Li Chengqian looked at him and asked, "What, you're not willing?"

"That's not it," Du Zhenglun said with a bitter face. "I've heard that the Xue Yantuo tribe is still uncivilized, extremely barbaric, and unpredictable. If I go there, I'm afraid I'll never come back. Tell me, what use would I have for this deer penis?"

Li Chengqian was both amused and exasperated: "Just now you were confidently telling me that you would go through fire and water without hesitation, and before you've even finished speaking, you've changed your tune like this."

"Because that place is more terrifying than a mountain of knives."

"Master Zuo, rest assured, since I have sent you, I will ensure your safe return. How could I bear to let you die?"

"Is Your Highness speaking from the heart? Could it be that you hold a grudge against me because I submitted a memorial impeaching you to your father?" Du Zhenglun was still worried.

"Look at what you're saying, do you think I'm such a petty person?"

"That's true. Your Highness has studied the classics and must be kind-hearted to do such a thing. So, what exactly happened? Please tell me in detail, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian did not hide anything and told Du Zhenglun about his idea of ​​forming an army.

"Your Highness is far-sighted and has planned ahead. You will surely ascend to the throne and achieve unparalleled feats in the future."

However, I have another suggestion.

Tell me about it.

"Things that are easily obtained will certainly not be cherished, and besides, I am well aware that the Crown Prince's funds are particularly tight."

If we give money to Ashina Sher so easily, he might feel that the money came too easily, and thus develop a wasteful habit.

In the third year of the Chuping era, Cao Cao accepted the surrender of more than 300,000 Yellow Turban rebels and formed the Qingzhou Army.

Later, Cao Cao occupied Yanzhou and implemented the military-agricultural colony system, allowing the Qingzhou soldiers to cultivate land and become self-sufficient.

Therefore, I suggest that Your Highness allow Ashina She'er to cultivate land locally, so that they will have their own income and it will also save us a great deal of money.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "Alright, tell Ashina She'er this when you see him."

"promise!"

morning.

Chang He had a concubine named Bai Mudan, who was young and beautiful and deeply loved by Chang He.

Today is Bai Mudan's birthday, but it's almost noon and no one has come to congratulate her.

Bai Mudan was very unhappy and began to berate Chang Helai: "You are the commander of the Imperial Guards, which is not a small rank, but you always like to brag about how well you're doing. I just don't understand, today is my birthday, and you've spread the word, so why hasn't a single person come to wish me a happy birthday?"

Upon hearing this, Chang He's face flushed red and then turned pale, and he was speechless.

"What kind of life have you lived? I'm ashamed of you."

"If that's the case, then we can't live together anymore. Waaah..." Bai Mudan became more and more heartbroken as she spoke, and she burst into tears.

This really worried Chang He.

He waved his hands, trembling, "My little darling, please stop crying!"

"Tell me, what's the point of celebrating a birthday with just the two of us? You look all grown up, but you're just a spineless coward."

With Chang He among the Imperial Guards, who wouldn't be afraid of him?

However, in front of his concubine, he didn't dare utter a single word.

Just when he was at his wit's end, a soldier ran up to him and reported, "Su Gui and Su Wan have come to offer their birthday wishes, and they've brought a whole cart full of good things, like silks and satins, rouge and all sorts of other things."

"Really?" Chang He was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Bai Mudan stopped crying, took out a handkerchief, and wiped away her tears.

The couple quickly went out to greet them.

Su Gui bowed respectfully: "General, Madam, I heard it's your birthday today, so I've prepared a small gift to offer my congratulations. I wish you a long and healthy life, and that you grow younger and more beautiful every day!"

Su Wan also smiled and said, "General Chang is so lucky to have married such a beautiful wife."

Because Su Gui's position was too low, Chang He didn't tell him about it. He didn't expect the two siblings to come together.

Of course, Chang He also knew that their father, Secretary Su Dan, held a prominent position in the court, but Lord Su was usually very low-key.

Chang He and Bai Mudan were both very happy.

Bai Mudan smiled broadly: "This must be Su Wan, right? Everyone knows you are the most beautiful woman in Chang'an. Compared to you, I am like a crow compared to a phoenix, there is no way we can compare."

"Sister, you're joking. If you ask me, even the legendary Xi Shi, Diao Chan, and Wang Zhaojun can't compare to you. How can your figure be so good, and your skin so fair and tender?"

How exactly do you maintain your youthful appearance?

Upon hearing this, Bai Mudan became interested. She took Su Wan's arm and pulled her aside, whispering, "I have some experience in this area. Women need love to nourish them. Let me tell you, Chang He is still in good health, but he might be quite active every night..."

Bai Mudan spoke her mind, making Su Wan blush and burst into laughter: "No wonder your skin is so good, sister! So that's the secret!"

The news that Su Wan and her brother Su Gui had come to wish Bai Mudan a happy birthday spread quickly.

Around noon, many more generals and officials came to offer their congratulations.

Bai Mudan was so happy she couldn't stop smiling.

That evening, Bai Mudan invited Su Wan to stay at her residence and insisted on becoming sworn sisters with her.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Su Wan agreed.

"Let's sleep together tonight, and we sisters can have a good chat," Bai Mudan said to Su Wan.

Su Wan said in a low voice, "Wouldn't that delay your good time with General Chang?"

"He can forget about it tonight. That's how men are. If you give in to them every day, they won't appreciate it and might even cheat on you."

"It seems you have a knack for winning over men."

"Of course! If you want a man to be devoted to you, you have to put in some effort. Being too cold to them won't work, and being too nice won't work either. By the way, girl, do you have someone you like?"

"I...I'm still young, I don't have it yet."

"You should find a man early, otherwise all the good ones will be taken, and you'll only be able to pick the ones that others have left."

Su Wan smiled and said, "What you said makes some sense."

"Tonight, I'll tell you properly how to win a man's heart..."

Later, Chang He said to Su Gui, "You have performed well recently. I have wanted to promote you for a long time, but because you have not been in the Imperial Guard for long, I was afraid that others would have objections, so I have not said anything."

From this moment on, you are the Commandant of the Vanguard, and for now, you will be in command of two hundred men.

The Pei Rong Xiaowei was the lowest-ranking officer in the Imperial Guard, from the ninth rank. Above that was the Renyong Xiaowei, a ninth-rank officer; the Yuwu Xiaowei, an eighth-rank officer; and the Xuanjie Xiaowei, an eighth-rank officer. However, no matter what, Su Gui was considered to be a person of rank.

Su Gui thought to herself, "If I hadn't come to celebrate your concubine's birthday, you probably wouldn't have said that."

Of course, he thought this in his heart, but he couldn't say it aloud: "Thank you for your guidance, General."

"Yes, keep up the good work, you'll have a bright future ahead of you."

morning.

Fang Xuanling's residence.

Fang Yi'ai gradually opened his eyes, and his vision gradually became clear.

Qiu Tianjiao stood by the bedside, tears welling in her eyes: "My lord, you've finally woken up."

Fang Yi'ai felt as if she had just taken a nap, her head still spinning: "Quickly help me sit up."

Qiu Tianjiao quickly helped him up and asked with concern, "How are you feeling?"

"It's okay, but I feel a little panicked."

"Do you know? You've been unconscious for over ten days. I thought you'd never wake up again."

"Did I sleep for that long?"

"Yes."

"Have you always been the one taking care of me?"

"Who else could it be but me?"

Fang Yi'ai held her hand and said emotionally, "You are the best person in the world to me. After a while, I will tell my father about us and try to get his approval. Then, I will marry you."

"It's good, but is your penis normal now?" Qiu Tianjiao asked bluntly.

"Uh—," Fang Yi'ai blushed, "I think it shouldn't be a big problem, it will get better slowly."

"Maybe this is my fate in this life. You know, we've been through so much, how can I possibly marry someone else?"

Even if you never get better, I'll accept it.

I hope you won't forget what you said today.

"Don't worry, I, Fang Yi'ai, am a man of honor and loyalty. A man's word is his bond."

"What would you like to eat? I'll make it for you."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai also felt hungry: "Then make me a bowl of bird's nest soup."

"Okay, then you be a good boy and I'll make it for you right away."

"Thank you, daughter-in-law."

"You're just being cheeky. Who's your wife?"

At the Yue King's residence.

Fang Yi'ai was deeply moved when he learned that Li Tai had brought people to treat his illness.

He heard that Li Tai had returned and came with generous gifts to express his gratitude.

Fang Yi'ai entered the hall, where a servant served him tea and told him, "His Majesty has gone to the warehouse and will be back soon. Please sit for a moment."

"OK."

Fang Yi'ai held a teacup in his hand, looking at the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall.

He was a military man who didn't like reading and knew nothing about calligraphy.

At that moment, a beautiful girl walked in from outside the door.

This girl was none other than Princess Gaoyang.

Princess Gaoyang was furious because Li Tai had set a trap for Li Chengqian at Daxingshan Temple.

Therefore, we need to have a discussion with him.

Unexpectedly, Li Tai was not there. As soon as she entered, she saw a very handsome young man who seemed to be admiring the calligraphy and paintings.

She stepped forward and asked, "Excuse me, sir, who are you?"

Fang Yi'ai turned around and saw a young, beautiful girl with fair skin standing in front of him. She was perfect in terms of height, figure, and face. Her big eyes were clear and bright, and she had a lot of charm when she looked back.

He quickly put down his teacup and bowed, saying, "Miss, I am Fang Yi'ai, and I greet you."

"So, you are the second son of Lord Fang's family?" Princess Gaoyang was also very surprised; she hadn't expected to see Fang Yi'ai here.

"What, you've heard of me?"

"Yes."

"May I ask who you are, young lady?"

"I am Princess Gaoyang."

Fang Yi'ai had heard of Princess Gaoyang, but he never expected her to be so beautiful.

"So you are Princess Gaoyang. It's true what they say, seeing you in person is worse than hearing about you."

He always had to act refined in front of Princess Gaoyang.

Princess Gaoyang smiled: "Young master is too kind. You're here admiring the King of Yue's calligraphy. Are you also interested in calligraphy?"

Fang Yiai thought to himself, "I'm only interested in women and money. What's there to be interested in? There are so many words on it that I don't even recognize."

However, he thought again that since Princess Gaoyang had asked, it meant she was very interested in it. If he told the truth, he would probably be ridiculed.

Thinking of this, he smiled and said, "Yes, although the King of Yue is young, his calligraphy skills are quite profound. In the entire city of Chang'an, few people can compare with him."

Take this "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion" as an example; it is Wang Meizhi's representative work.

Princess Gaoyang frowned: "Who did you just say was the author of this article?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai thought to himself, "Oh no, could it be that I misunderstood the character '羲'?"

"Oh, isn't that Wang Xianzhi's father, the Sage of Calligraphy?"

He wasn't entirely wrong in saying that. Wang Xianzhi was Wang Xizhi's seventh son, and the two of them were collectively known as the "Two Wangs".

In addition, they, father and son, were ranked among the "Four Worthies" along with Zhang Zhi and Zhong Yao.

"Yes, this is Wang Xizhi's masterpiece."

"Look at him, his brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, flowing like clouds and water..."

After hearing his words, Princess Gaoyang truly believed that he was a learned person who understood calligraphy.

She thought about it and realized it made sense. Fang Yi'ai was Fang Xuanling's son, and Fang Xuanling was incredibly learned, knowledgeable in both ancient and modern times. His father had ordered him to compile the national history, to be the chief editor of the Book of Jin, and to work with Changsun Wuji on the Zhenguan Code. With such a learned man, his son couldn't be much less so.

In fact, Princess Gaoyang was wrong this time. Fang Yi'ai usually liked to practice martial arts and had no interest in literature, calligraphy, poetry and songs.

"Then, may I ask, sir, what brings you here to see the King of Yue?"

"Oh, it's like this. Some time ago, I was unwell and fell into a coma. It was the King of Yue who personally led the physician to treat me. I was deeply moved and have come here today to express my gratitude."

"I see. So how did you get sick? What kind of illness did you have?" Princess Gaoyang stared at him with wide eyes.

"This—," Fang Yi'ai thought he couldn't very well tell Princess Gaoyang that he was impotent and had taken medicine haphazardly in his desperation. "Oh, it's nothing, probably just a cold."

"Can a simple cold really be this serious? To the point of unconsciousness?"

"Uh," Fang Yi'ai thought, "This Princess Gaoyang is really troublesome, she likes to pry into everything. "It's also possible that she ate something unhygienic."

"Alright, so you have a good relationship with the King of Yue. So, what kind of person do you think the King of Yue is?"

Fang Yi'ai thought that Princess Gaoyang was the younger sister of the King of Yue, and they looked to be about the same age. However, he never expected her to be so beautiful. If he could marry such a princess, his future would be limitless.

Thinking of this, he said, "King Yue is young and promising, exceptionally intelligent, well-read, and loyal. He is a rare talent in history."

Princess Gaoyang crossed her arms, lowered her head, and paced back and forth: "What you said is a bit of an exaggeration."

"In my opinion, King Yue has more than just the above-mentioned merits. Take, for example, the compilation of the 'Kuodi Zhi' (Records of the Land). What an enormous and tedious project that was! Its difficulty even exceeded that of compiling the 'Records of the Grand Historian.' Without sufficient knowledge and profound cultural background, how could he have accomplished such a task?"

Princess Gaoyang found his words somewhat reasonable: "Then, who do you think is more talented, the King of Yue or the Crown Prince?"

"Then it is naturally Yue—," Fang Yi'ai originally wanted to say that the King of Yue was more talented, but then he thought that Princess Gaoyang was the King of Yue's sister and also the Crown Prince's sister, so it was better to be cautious when speaking in front of Princess Gaoyang. "I think that both of them are very outstanding and each has their own strengths."

Although there is no record of the Crown Prince compiling any books, his teachers, such as Kong Yingda, Lu Deming, and Wei Zheng, were all highly talented individuals. Given the Crown Prince's diligence in his studies and the guidance of these renowned teachers, his scholarship must be exceptional.

"If that's the case, then I heard that the Emperor appointed your father as the Crown Prince's tutor, but he declined. What was the reason for that? Did your father think the Crown Prince was dull-witted?"

"Well," Fang Yi'ai sensed that Princess Gaoyang's question was sharp and difficult to answer, but since it was their first meeting, he couldn't not answer. "Your Highness misunderstands. How could my father have such thoughts? It's just that his health is not as good as before, and he has to deal with a lot of government affairs, compiling the Book of Jin and the Zhenguan Code. He simply doesn't have the energy for it."

"Alright, I'll take what you said as true."

"Both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yue are my elder brothers. I hope that you and your father will treat them impartially and fairly."

"That's natural."

It is truly fate that I have the opportunity to meet the princess here today.

"I have a question I'd like to ask the princess, if that's alright."

"What's the problem?"