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

Chapter 65 Gao Yangxiang was drenched in sweat, and Su Wan was furious.

night.

At Fang Yi'ai's residence.

Qiu Tianjiao cried.

No matter how Fang Yi'ai tried to coax her, he couldn't.

"Please stop crying, okay?" Fang Yi'ai didn't know what to say.

"You are such a heartless person."

What did you and I say back then?

"I--."

"You said you would only love me in this life, and you even said you would tell your father about us and get his approval. But now you're engaged to Princess Gaoyang. What's going on?" Qiu Tianjiao said, crying.

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai was at a loss for words: "That was just playing along."

You're lying.

It's true, you're the only one in my heart.

However, the Emperor and the Prince of Yue have made the decision on this matter. Do you think I could refuse?

If that were the case, would I even be alive?

"So, you were forced?"

"That's true, but what can we do now? Can we just call off the engagement?"

"This!" Qiu Tianjiao thought for a moment, "I'm afraid that won't work."

"Yes, the emperor's daughter, who would dare to break off the engagement? Actually, you don't know, that Princess Gaoyang is fierce and domineering, I don't like her at all. This is just a political transaction. The person I love most is still you. That's why I bought you another jade bracelet, worth a thousand gold pieces."

As Fang Yi'ai finished speaking, he took out a jade bracelet from his bosom, which was indeed very exquisite.

Qiu Tianjiao took it in her hand: "You mean you're trying to get rid of me with this jade bracelet?"

"I didn't mean that at all. It was just a token of my appreciation."

"Alright, at least you have a conscience." Qiu Tianjiao's expression softened slightly.

Fang Yi'ai breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this hurdle was finally over: "It's getting late, let's go to bed and rest early."

Qiu Tianjiao rolled her eyes at him: "Is this all you've got?"

"Is this all you think about every day? Nothing else?"

Fang Yi'ai chuckled and said, "Aren't all men like that?"

"No way, other men can get it up, but you can?"

Why do you always lie to me? Do those medications even work?

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai said angrily, "It's all Qin Yong's fault."

"I've discovered that you're really unreasonable. People are trying to help you get treatment, how can you say such things? They told you not to drink alcohol or get close to women for a month."

But how did you do it?

You've had your fill of drinking and womanizing, how dare you speak of him like that?

"Those physicians were incompetent and always liked to find excuses for themselves, this and that, to cover up their incompetence."

What's the point of a man's life if he doesn't drink or have sex for a month?

What is the purpose of a man's life?

Qiu Tianjiao gave him a hard tap on the forehead: "So, is that all you aspire to?"

"Isn't the point of a man's life to enjoy it?"

"Life is meant to be enjoyed, but you still have to do something."

Are you just going to live your whole life in a daze?

Do you have any good suggestions?

"What I mean is, you can't keep going like this and giving up."

"Then what do you suggest I do?"

Qiu Tianjiao said with exasperation, "Haven't you heard that Li Tai is now surrounded?"

"I've heard about that too."

"That Li Tai is your master, shouldn't you show some appreciation?"

"I can't help with this either; I don't have any troops under my command."

"You don't have an army, but don't you have some strength?"

Don't you have hundreds of servants?

"If you organize them, wouldn't they become a force as well?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi'ai blinked and said, "What you say makes sense, but it seems like sending this small force won't solve anything."

"You're wrong. The imperial court has already dispatched Hou Junji and Li Daliang with 10,000 cavalrymen straight to Tuyuhun. Your purpose is simply to stand by and cheer. All you need to do is show some support."

"You really are my strategist! What you said makes sense, and it seems like we can give it a try. However, the journey is long, so you'll have to come with me."

"You're such a spineless person. Your trip will only take about a month, and you can't stand not seeing me?"

"I can't live without you for even a day."

"If that's the case, what if Princess Gaoyang found out? Would she not have any objections?"

"Probably not, I have a feeling her heart isn't with me."

"What do you mean? If her heart isn't with you, then with whom could it be?"

morning.

Daxingshan Temple.

The hall was filled with incense smoke, and people came and went in an endless stream, many of them burning incense and praying for peace.

Today, Princess Gaoyang also came to offer incense.

Her attitude was very devout.

After she finished offering incense, she went to the Buddhist hall.

A monk was chanting sutras in the Buddhist hall.

That monk was none other than Bianji.

Princess Gaoyang came up behind him and hugged him from behind.

Bianji's body also trembled.

If he used to be a little reserved, things are different now.

Ever since Princess Gaoyang left Daxingshan Temple, he has been thinking about her constantly.

In his view, the idea that emptiness is form and form is emptiness is pure nonsense; this is clearly something that truly exists.

Who says women are tigers? Women are gentle and tender, which man wouldn't love them?

He smelled the fragrance emanating from Princess Gaoyang, which was refreshing and delightful.

He didn't care about anything else, stood up, and first hugged Princess Gaoyang in his arms, showing her affection for a while.

Then, he closed the door of the Buddhist hall. Bianji was also bold and took off Princess Gaoyang's clothes one by one. Princess Gaoyang had a slender neck, fair skin, and an alluring figure.

Princess Gaoyang looked at him with her beautiful eyes, her gaze captivating and mesmerizing.

Bianji took off his own cassock, and the two could no longer control themselves. They embraced each other, like dry wood meeting a raging fire, and consummated their union right there in the Buddhist hall.

After their lovemaking, Princess Gaoyang and Bianji were both panting and drenched in sweat.

After Princess Gaoyang finished dressing, she said softly, "There is something I need to tell you."

"Princess, what is it?"

"I'm already engaged."

Upon hearing this, Bianji felt a wave of dizziness: "What did you say?"

"This matter was decided by my father and the Prince of Yue; I had no choice in the matter."

"Who is the other party?"

"He was Fang Xuanling's second son, Fang Yi'ai."

Bianji had also heard of Fang Yi'ai's name.

Bianji, like a defeated rooster, let out a long sigh: "So, what are we going to do from now on?"

Princess Gaoyang cupped his face in her hands and said, "Our affair is something that cannot be made public; it can only be done secretly. If Father finds out about this, you will surely die."

Aren't you afraid of dying?

"What is death to me if I can be with you?"

Princess Gaoyang was also moved when she heard this: "This time, Fang Yi'ai went to Tuyuhun, so I came to see you. After he returns, I will not be able to see you again."

"We'll probably be getting married soon."

Bianji knew that there was no future for him and Princess Gaoyang, but he was still very saddened to hear this.

He held Princess Gaoyang in his arms: "I don't ask for anything, I just want to be with you. Only when I'm with you can I experience the joy of being a man."

Princess Gaoyang smiled: "Are you telling the truth? Are you really happy with me?"

"Of course, I swear to God."

"Then that's not necessary. I'll come to see you whenever I have the chance."

However, you must not act rashly. If someone finds out, it will be terrible. Even if I wanted to protect you, I would probably be powerless to do so.

"But what if I don't see you for a long time? I'll miss you."

"Then you'll have to put up with it."

"I'm afraid I won't be able to endure it."

Princess Gaoyang chuckled upon hearing this and said, "Monks are supposed to abstain from women their whole lives, okay? How do other women manage to endure that?"

"That's different, because they've never experienced the pleasure between men and women. It's like someone who has never eaten meat; they don't know what meat tastes like. So, they can eat vegetarian food without worry. But once they've tasted meat and alcohol, they can't stand eating vegetarian food anymore."

"So, you've also tasted the flavors of wine and meat?"

"Just once in a while."

Princess Gaoyang pointed at his forehead and said, "You really are a frivolous monk, greedy for both wine and women."

"If I didn't get close to women, would you like me?" Bianji said with a smirk.

"That's true, no woman likes a blockhead."

"I am different from those monks. They have no enlightenment and are just ordinary people, while I live a life of wine and meat, but keep Buddha in my heart."

"Don't give me that. I think your daily chanting is all fake; you're just putting on an act. Who knows where your heart is really?"

"My heart is with you. If you don't believe me, touch it." Bianji said, placing Princess Gaoyang's hand on his heart.

"Stop being so glib. People say men are good at sweet talk, but I never thought you, you stinky monk, could do it too."

Bianji smiled and said, "I want to ask you a question."

"What's the problem?"

"I've heard that the King of Yue and the Crown Prince are fighting tooth and nail for the position. Is that true?"

"The less you know about these palace affairs, the better. The more you know, the more disadvantageous it will be for you." Princess Gaoyang's expression became serious.

"So, whose side are you on?"

"Although the marriage between me and Fang Yi'ai was proposed by the King of Yue, they are both my elder brothers, and I hope they can live in harmony and never go to war."

"I think the King of Yue is benevolent and generous. Moreover, he is favored by your father and holds real power. He will surely defeat the Crown Prince and become the new Crown Prince in the future."

"Don't speak carelessly, for words can bring disaster."

You may not know this, but this time, Li Tai has been surrounded by the Tuyuhun army, and his fate is currently unknown.

Upon hearing this, Bianji was shocked: "Really? Is that so?"

"Yes, Father is also very worried about this. Although troops have been sent to provide support, the outcome is uncertain."

"Alright, Fatong is back now, I'll take you to see him."

His secular name was Murong Nuohebo, and he was the grandson of Tuyuhun Fuyun Khan. Perhaps he could find a way to save them.

Princess Gaoyang thought this was indeed a good idea and nodded, saying, "Alright."

So Bianji led Princess Gaoyang to see Fatong.

After exchanging greetings, Fatong put his palms together and said, "Amitabha, I am now a monk and no longer concern myself with worldly affairs."

Princess Gaoyang said, "You Buddhists have a saying that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda, let alone with so many soldiers."

Do you want the Tuyuhun to go to war with the Tang army?

"This—," Fatong sighed, "I'm afraid even if I say something, it will be of no use."

"If writing a letter could avert a disaster, wouldn't that be an act of immense merit?"

Fatong looked westward and said, "Excellent, excellent. I will give you my answer tomorrow."

night.

The Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian is chatting with Su Wan.

Su Wan said, "Look at what bad things Li Tai has done while you were away from home. He first bribed and won over some officials, and he also placed his own people in important positions."

Now, he has married Princess Gaoyang to Fang Yi'ai.

I did tell you something.

"What is it?"

"It's said that Fang Yi'ai is impotent. If that's true, wouldn't that be harming Princess Gaoyang?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian frowned: "Who told you this? Is the information reliable?"

"That's what everyone says, so it can't be wrong."

This is a matter of utmost importance, concerning Princess Gaoyang's lifelong happiness.

Li Chengqian was also getting restless: "Does Li Tai know about this?"

"I don't know about that, but I do know that he has so many eyes and ears in Chang'an, I think he should know that too."

"In that case, what he did was really wrong."

Does this mean Princess Gaoyang is destined to live a life of widowhood?

"But they're already engaged. Can that be changed?"

"Then I'm afraid it can't be changed any further," Li Chengqian said, crossing his arms. "So, can this illness still be cured?"

"I've heard that Li Tai has a physician named Qin Yong. His medical skills are quite good, but he has made a request: Fang Yi'ai must abstain from alcohol and women for a month. Can he keep that promise? I doubt it!"

"As long as his illness can be cured, it doesn't matter."

"Li Tai tasted the sweetness of this trick, so he thought of marrying Princess Changle to Changsun Chong."

What kind of person is Changsun Chong? He indulges in eating, drinking, gambling, and whoring—he does everything imaginable.

If Li Lizhi were to marry him, it would be a truly chaotic matchmaking.

Li Chengqian also heard about this: "Li Ke is firmly against it."

"You mean the King of Shu, the Grand General of Yi Province?"

"Yes."

"I think that among you brothers, besides you, the most wise and powerful is this King of Shu."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "You're right. Li Ke is not only outstanding in martial arts, but also well-read."

However, he and Changsun Chong did not get along.

Changsun Chong went to ask Li Ke for a piece of land in the south of the city, but Li Ke refused.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan sneered: "This Changsun Chong is too arrogant. How dare a subject ask the prince for land?"

I heard that during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Chancellor Tian Fen asked Dou Ying for land. On the one hand, Dou Ying was the chancellor, and on the other hand, Tian Fen had done Dou Ying a favor. Dou Ying's son had committed a capital crime, and it was Tian Fen who saved him. That's why he dared to ask Dou Ying for land. On what grounds did Changsun Chong do this?

Li Ke was right not to give him the land. If it were me, I wouldn't have given it to him either.

"Changsun Chong is insignificant, but his father is my maternal uncle, Changsun Wuji. This matter is not easy to handle."

"What do you mean? Are your father and Li Tai really going to marry Li Lizhi to Changsun Chong?"

"We don't know yet, but this isn't something I can decide."

Su Wan sighed: "Li Lizhi is different from Princess Gaoyang. Princess Gaoyang is feisty and strong-willed, and she won't suffer any losses. However, Li Lizhi is gentle. If she marries Changsun Chong, I don't think she will be happy."

In the end, it was all Li Tai's doing.

He would use any means necessary to win over Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji; he was practically unscrupulous.

Does he really want to be the crown prince that badly?

"To be honest, if I could, I would truly like to pass the crown prince position to him."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan was greatly surprised: "Your Highness, let me tell you, you must not have such thoughts. If you give the position of Crown Prince to Li Tai, and he becomes emperor one day, not only will you not be able to live as a good person, but you will not be able to live either. Do you believe me?"

Even now, you still can't figure out who Li Tai is?

Where would they find any trace of brotherly affection?

Don't be so naive; he won't show any mercy.

"Will that really happen?"

"Definitely, especially you, since you were once the crown prince, he cares even more about that."

Do you know why Emperor Jing of Han forced Liu Rong to commit suicide?

"Why is that?"

"A group of ministers, led by Zhou Yafu, gathered around Liu Rong, hoping that Liu Rong would become the crown prince."

If Emperor Jing of Han were to pass away one day, think about it: Liu Che would still be young then. Would he be able to defeat Liu Rong?

Therefore, Emperor Jing of Han went all the way, not only forcing Liu Rong to commit suicide, but also finding a pretext to force Zhou Yafu to his death as well.

"Now that you mention it, Emperor Jing of Han was quite ruthless."

"Emperor Jing of Han was a very rational emperor, but if Li Tai had become emperor, he would have been even more ruthless than Emperor Jing of Han."

Neither you nor Weishan will survive. In other words, if you relinquish the position of crown prince, you will not only endanger your own life but also Weishan's.

As they were talking, Yunjuan reported, "The monk Fatong requests an audience."

"Why is he here?" Li Chengqian was also taken aback. "Tell him to come in."

"promise!"

Yunjuan agreed and turned to leave.

Not long after, Fatong walked in from outside.

The law is profound, and so is the way of propriety.

Li Chengqian said, "No need for formalities. What brings you here to see me?"

"This—." Fatong felt a little awkward speaking when he saw Su Wan there.

"Just say what you have to say, don't hold back."

"promise."

So Fatong recounted how Princess Gaoyang had come to see him.

"Princess Gaoyang went to see you?" Li Chengqian was a little surprised to hear this.

"Yes, that's why I've come to ask if I should write a letter to my father to persuade King Tianzhu to withdraw his troops."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan said, "Your Highness, Li Tai is too wicked. He always tries to harm you. This time, don't save him. Let him fend for himself."

Li Chengqian stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, pondering the matter in his mind.

If Fatong had written to Murong Shun, the matter might have been resolved. However, Su Wan's words were not without merit.

After thinking it over, Li Chengqian finally said, "Alright, please write a letter to your father, and I will send someone to deliver it to him later."

"Yes!" Fatong replied.

Su Wan said, "Your Highness, why are you doing this? Li Tai is going to kill you."

"I told the Empress Dowager that he is allowed to be unrighteous, but I am not. Besides, there are still 2,500 soldiers left. Can I just stand by and watch them die?"

"You're incredibly foolish and utterly pedantic," Su Wan said angrily before storming off.

Li Chengqian ordered Yunjuan to prepare writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone for Fatong.

Fatong wrote a letter and had Li Chengqian read it again.

Li Chengqian felt there was nothing wrong with it. At the same time, he wrote a letter to Ashina She'er, ordering him to provide support from the side.

Li Chengqian then asked Fatong, "How did Princess Gaoyang come to know you?"

"Princess Gaoyang once visited Daxingshan Temple to burn incense and had a brief encounter with this humble monk."

Here, Fatong was quite considerate and did not mention Bianji's name.

Because Fatong wasn't stupid either, he also felt that Bianji might have something going on with Princess Gaoyang.

This matter must never be revealed. If it were to reach the Emperor's ears, Bianji would surely be executed.