The first rebel of the Tang Dynasty

Li Shimin sat on the dragon chair, his eyes deep and focused, like stars in the night sky, shining with sharp light. His gaze fell on Fang Xuanling through the palace gates, as if he wanted to see through his heart. Fang Xuanling, the think tank who had always been by his side and assisted him in creating the prosperous Tang Dynasty, made him feel a little strange at this moment.

Fang Xuanling stood with His Highness, tall and straight, elegant in temperament. There was a faint smile on his face, but there was deep worry hidden in that smile. He knew that Li Shimin's eyes were full of doubts and confusion at this moment, as if he wanted to see through him. He couldn't help but secretly sigh, Li Shimin misunderstood him as Wei Zheng.

Li Shimin suddenly spoke, with a hint of displeasure in his voice: "Fang Xuanling, you are not the same as Wei Zheng, are you?" His tone was full of doubts, as if he wanted to completely analyze Fang Xuanling's inner world.

Fang Xuanling was shocked. He knew that Li Shimin had misunderstood him. He quickly bowed and saluted, and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, although I and Mr. Wei Zheng both serve your Majesty, their personalities and ways of doing things are completely different. Mr. Wei Zheng speaks out and dares to give advice, while I pay more attention to strategy and planning. What your Majesty said I will do my best to complete the tasks entrusted to me, and I will never slack off in the slightest.”

Li Shimin frowned slightly after hearing Fang Xuanling's answer. He knew in his heart that what Fang Xuanling said was not false. However, he was still dissatisfied with Fang Xuanling's attitude. After all, Wei Zheng had been evading the things he had explained in the later stages, and now Fang Xuanling looked the same as him. This made him start to worry that his close ministers were leaving him one by one. What should he do?

Fang Xuanling saw Li Shimin's worry, and he felt helpless in his heart. In fact, he had never thought of rejecting Li Shimin. However, this time things were so difficult that it was almost an impossible task for him. He was worried that his ability was not enough, so he refused Li Shimin's request.

He took a deep breath, bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, I am well aware of the importance of this matter and understand your Majesty's expectations. However, my ability is really limited and I am afraid I will not be able to do the job. I would also like to ask your Majesty to choose someone wiser. I am willing to do it for you." Your Majesty will serve you, but please think twice about this matter."

After hearing Fang Xuanling's words, Li Shimin couldn't help but feel disappointed. He knew Fang Xuanling's character and abilities, and he also knew that he was not someone who would shirk easily. However, he still couldn't accept Fang Xuanling's rejection. After all, he had always regarded Fang Xuanling as his right-hand man, but now he was about to lose his support at a critical moment.

He was silent for a while, and then slowly said: "Fang Xuanling, do you know what I expect from you? You have always been my right-hand man, and my trust and reliance on you are unparalleled. Now you refuse me What should I do with my request?”

After hearing Li Shimin's words, Fang Xuanling felt moved in her heart. He knows Li Shimin's expectations and trust in him, and also understands his responsibilities and obligations. However, he still insisted on his decision: "Your Majesty, I know my responsibilities and obligations. However, I also know that my abilities are limited. If I do this reluctantly, I am afraid it will only bring more trouble to Your Majesty. and trouble. Your Majesty, please enlighten me.”

Li Shimin felt helpless after hearing Fang Xuanling's words. He knew that Fang Xuanling was telling the truth and understood his difficulties. However, he still couldn't accept this reality. He was silent for a while, then waved his hand and said: "That's all, I'll think about this again. You can step back first."

After listening to Li Shimin's words, Fang Xuanling felt as if the tension and pressure in his heart were gently blown away by a spring breeze, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He understood that he had done his best with his explanation and persistence, and although Li Shimin did not express his position directly, he did not force him again. He knows that his decision has been respected and understood to a certain extent.

He lowered his head, bowed deeply, and said respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave." There was a hint of relief in his voice, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

Then, he turned around and exited the hall calmly. His back looked more determined and steady in the afterglow of the setting sun, like a mountain, standing there quietly.

Li Shimin watched Fang Xuanling leave, and he couldn't help but feel a burst of complicated emotions in his heart. He looked at the figure gradually moving away, feeling both loss and understanding in his heart. He knew that Fang Xuanling's decision was not an easy one, and he also had his own difficulties and considerations.

He sighed softly, and couldn't help but recall every detail of his work with Fang Xuanling. Those days and nights, they planned national affairs together, faced challenges together, and shared the joy of success together. Now, Fang Xuanling chose to refuse at this critical moment, which made him feel a pity.

He thought that maybe his heart was too big and he wanted too much. What he wanted was not only a loyal minister, but also a right-hand man who could jointly create the prosperous age of the Tang Dynasty with him. However, he also understands that everyone has their own limits and choices. He couldn't force Fang Xuanling to do something he didn't want to do, nor could he ignore his feelings because of his own expectations.

Just when Li Shimin was deep in thought, Queen Changsun walked in gently. When she saw Li Shimin's sad face, she couldn't help but feel worried. She walked to Li Shimin and asked softly: "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you? I seem to be unhappy with you."

Li Shimin raised his head, glanced at Empress Changsun, and then sighed and said, "Yes, I am not happy."

After hearing this, Queen Changsun became even more worried. She knew that Li Shimin was a deep-minded person and would not show his emotions easily. However, today he expressed his unhappiness so frankly, which made her feel nervous.

She quickly asked: "What's wrong?"

Li Shimin was silent for a while, and then said slowly: "Fang Xuanling's matter!"

When Queen Changsun heard this, she suddenly understood something in her heart. She knew that Fang Xuanling was Li Shimin's important adviser and had always been deeply trusted and relied upon by him. Now that she heard Li Shimin mention Fang Xuanling, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret and worry.

She asked: "What's wrong with Fang Xuanling?"

Li Shimin said nothing and just continued to sigh. There was a trace of confusion and helplessness in his eyes, as if he was thinking about some difficult decision.

Queen Changsun couldn't help but feel distressed when she looked at Li Shimin's appearance. She knew that Li Shimin was a monarch with great ambitions. He wanted not only a stable dynasty, but also a prosperous and powerful country. However, the reality is often not satisfactory, and there are always some difficulties and challenges in front of him.

She gently held Li Shimin's hand and said softly: "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. Although Lord Fang Xuanling rejected your request, he has always been loyal to you. Maybe he has his own considerations. and difficulties, we should understand him.”

After hearing Queen Changsun's words, Li Shimin couldn't help but feel a warm current in his heart. He turned to look at Queen Changsun, with a hint of gratitude and comfort in his eyes. He knew that he had such a virtuous and virtuous queen supporting him, which made him feel extremely lucky and relieved.

He nodded gently and said, "You are right, I should understand him. However, I still want to take a gamble." After hearing this, Queen Changsun couldn't help being surprised. She knew that Li Shimin was a man of firm belief and determination, but she didn't expect that he would want to take a risk at this time.

She looked at Li Shimin's eyes and knew that he had made up his mind. So, she didn't say anything more, just silently supported him, hoping that he could realize his wish.

Li Shimin held Queen Changsun's hand tightly, his eyes shining with determination and persistence. He understood that the prosperous Tang Dynasty he wanted to create would not be smooth sailing, and would always encounter various challenges and difficulties. However, he never backed down or gave up on his dream.

He took a deep breath and said slowly: "Queen, I know that Fang Xuanling's decision made me a little disappointed, but I will not give up because of this. I want to make a bet, and I am betting on the future of Datang. This is my ambition.”

After hearing Li Shimin's words, Empress Changsun couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration in her heart. She knew that Li Shimin was a monarch with great ambitions. He wanted not only a stable dynasty, but also a prosperous country. She gently held Li Shimin's hand and gave him firm support.

Li Shimin continued: "I know that Fang Xuanling has his own considerations and difficulties. However, I also believe that as long as I persist, I will be able to find more talents to assist me. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty requires everyone's efforts Work together.”

Queen Changsun nodded in agreement. She knew that Li Shimin was a far-sighted monarch who could clearly see future trends and seize opportunities. She believes that under the leadership of Li Shimin, Datang will be able to usher in a more glorious tomorrow.

The two looked at each other and smiled, as if all their worries and worries disappeared at this moment. They know that no matter how many difficulties and challenges lie ahead, as long as they work together, they will be able to overcome everything.

Li Shimin stood up and looked firmly into the distance. He knows that he still has a long way to go, but as long as he has a dream in his heart and strength under his feet, he will be able to reach the end. He took a deep breath, as if to suck all the courage and determination into his lungs, and then strode out of the palace.

Queen Changsun looked at Li Shimin's back, her heart filled with admiration and expectation. She knew that her husband was a monarch with great dreams and that he would lead the Tang Dynasty to a more glorious future. She prayed silently, hoping that Li Shimin would go well and realize his dream.

At this time, Fang Xuanling had returned to his mansion. He sat quietly in the study, thinking about everything in the hall just now. He knew that his decision might disappoint Li Shimin, but he also believed that Li Shimin would understand his difficulties.

He sighed softly, then picked up the pen and began to write the memorial. He knew that although he could not personally complete the tasks assigned by Li Shimin, he could contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty through memorials.

The night was like ink, gradually covering Chang'an City. The moonlight was like water, shining on Fang Xuanling's study, adding a touch of soft silvery white to this silent space. In the study, the lights were bright, illuminating the entire space and also illuminating Fang Xuanling's focused and determined face.

Fang Xuanling was sitting at the desk, holding a delicate brush tightly in his hand. His eyes were focused and deep, as if he wanted to pour all his wisdom and talent into this memorial. His writing is smooth and powerful, every word embodies his hard work and sweat, and every sentence expresses his loyalty and contribution.

He knew that this memorial was not just an ordinary official document, it was a symbol of his loyalty and contribution to the Tang Dynasty, and a reflection of his respect and reward for Li Shimin. He wanted to tell Li Shimin through this memorial that although he did not personally complete the tasks assigned to him, his heart was always closely connected with Datang and Li Shimin.

The scenes in the hall today were deeply imprinted on Fang Xuanling's heart like a brand. He understood that his performance was a bit abnormal, which caused Li Shimin to misunderstand. This made him feel guilty and self-blame. He knew that as Li Shimin's important adviser, he should always stay awake and calm and contribute his strength to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

However, faced with the task assigned by Li Shimin, he hesitated. He fully understands the importance of this task and understands his responsibilities and obligations. However, he also knows his abilities and limitations. He was afraid that he would not be qualified for this task and would bring unnecessary trouble and distress to Datang. So, he chose to refuse.

However, he also knew that his decision might make Li Shimin disappointed and dissatisfied. He didn't want this, he hoped to get Li Shimin's understanding and support. Therefore, he decided to express his feelings and thoughts through this memorial.

In the process of writing vigorously, Fang Xuanling's thoughts kept emerging like a fountain. He recalled every detail of his work with Li Shimin, as well as the glory and future of Datang. His heart was filled with love for Datang and respect for Li Shimin. He believes that as long as they work together, Datang will be able to usher in a more glorious tomorrow.

Time passed quietly, and the night became darker and darker. But Fang Xuanling was not tired at all. He was still immersed in his own thoughts and creations. He knew that this memorial was not just a written expression, but also a true reflection of his heart. He hoped that Li Shimin could read his mind and understand his decision.

Finally, under the moonlight, Fang Xuanling completed the memorial. He gently put down the brush and breathed a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off him. He knew that he had tried his best, and he could only wait for Li Shimin's response.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the quiet night sky. He knew that no matter what the outcome, he would stick to his loyalty and beliefs and contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

In the distant palace, Li Shimin was also busy handling state affairs.

He didn't know anything about Fang Xuanling.

And don't want to know.

Because he had some estrangement from Fang Xuanling. (End of chapter)