The first rebel of the Tang Dynasty

As the night gets darker, the moonlight fills the earth like flowing water, and the silvery white color embellishes every inch of space. Fang Xuanling stood up quietly and walked steadily to the window. His figure looked taller and taller in the moonlight, as firm as a mountain. He looked through the window toward the quiet night sky.

In the sky, the stars twinkled like countless bright eyes, quietly watching the world. The moon hung high, casting a soft silver glow, adding a touch of mystery and tranquility to the silent night. He took a deep breath, feeling the peaceful and beautiful night, and felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart.

He knew that no matter how tortuous the road ahead was, no matter how unpredictable the outcome, he would stick to his loyalty and beliefs. Throughout his life, he contributed to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. This loyalty and belief have long been deeply imprinted in his heart and become the driving force for him to move forward.

He closed his eyes, as if recalling the past years. Those days of working hard for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, those days of fighting side by side with his companions, all appeared in his mind like a picture scroll. He felt the firm belief and endless courage, as well as the deep pride and glory.

When he opened his eyes again, there was a determined light in them. He knows that no matter what challenges and difficulties he will face in the future, he will face them bravely and move forward unswervingly. He believes that as long as they work together, Datang's tomorrow will be even more glorious.

In the distant palace, Li Shimin was also busy handling state affairs. His figure looked more majestic and solemn under the candlelight, and every move revealed the majesty and determination of the emperor. His heart was filled with expectations and worries about the future of Datang, but he knew that only through continuous efforts could Datang become more prosperous.

Li Shimin really didn't know anything about Fang Xuanling. He was busy dealing with various state affairs and government affairs every day, and had little time to pay attention to other things. Moreover, he always kept a certain distance and caution towards Fang Xuanling. Although he knew that Fang Xuanling was a loyal and capable official, he also knew that the officialdom was full of complexity and variables, and he could not easily trust anyone.

Therefore, even if someone mentioned Fang Xuanling's matter to him, he would just respond lightly without asking or delving into it too much. He didn't want to know too much about Fang Xuanling's private affairs and secrets, because he thought it was not something he should be concerned about as an emperor.

However, as time went by, Li Shimin's estrangement from Fang Xuanling became deeper and deeper. He began to doubt Fang Xuanling's loyalty and motives, and even began to worry that he would pose a threat to the rule of the Tang Dynasty. This kind of estrangement and doubt made Li Shimin's attitude toward Fang Xuanling become increasingly cold and distant.

However, he did not realize that this estrangement and doubt was actually just a kind of insecurity and fear deep in his heart. He was afraid of losing control of the Tang Dynasty and that someone would betray him or challenge his authority. Therefore, he had such estrangement and doubts about Fang Xuanling.

However, Fang Xuanling didn't know all this. He still faithfully performed his duties and contributed to the prosperity of Datang. He did not realize that Li Shimin's attitude and view of him had changed, and he was still as loyal and firm as ever.

In this way, the two of them were busy in their own worlds, but gradually drifted apart. Until one day, a sudden crisis broke the peace and silence.

Over time.

Until one day, the tranquility of Datang was broken by a hurried report. Li Shimin was reviewing the memorial in the imperial study, his brows furrowed, as if he was thinking about national affairs. Suddenly, a guard rushed in and knelt down in a panic.

"Your Majesty, urgent information!" The guard's voice was trembling, as if something important was about to be revealed.

Li Shimin raised his head, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes. He put down the memorial in his hand and asked in a deep voice: "Why are you so panicked?"

The guard took a deep breath, tried to calm down his emotions, and then said: "Your Majesty, the female Tang Dynasty has lost nearly two million people in the past year! The new Tang Dynasty has also lost nearly half a million people!"

This news was like a bolt from the blue, making Li Shimin feel bad. He widened his eyes and looked at the guard in disbelief, feeling a strong uneasiness in his heart. How could the populations of Nutang and Xintang suddenly decrease so much? what on earth is it?

He tried hard to control his emotions and asked in a deep voice: "More than two million people? Is it the natural loss of birth, old age, illness and death?"

The guard shook his head and replied: "No, Your Majesty, they are all young people, mostly women."

Hearing this, Li Shimin's face became even more ugly. Mostly women? what on earth is it? There was a strong uneasiness in his heart, as if something big was about to happen.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the imperial study room, frowning as if he was thinking about countermeasures. Suddenly, he stopped, looked at the guard firmly, and said: "This matter is not trivial and must be thoroughly investigated! Go and call Fang Xuanling, I will ask him personally!"

The guard quickly nodded in agreement, and then quickly retreated to carry out the order. Li Shimin was sitting on the dragon chair in the Imperial Study Room, his hands clenched into fists, as if preparing for the upcoming conversation.

Soon after, Fang Xuanling was urgently summoned into the palace. He felt uneasy along the way, wondering why Li Shimin summoned him so urgently. When he walked into the imperial study room, he saw Li Shimin's serious and heavy face, and felt even more uneasy.

"Your Majesty, what is the important matter for your summons?" Fang Xuanling asked respectfully.

Li Shimin didn't speak, just stared at him coldly. Fang Xuanling's heart tightened and she felt an invisible pressure enveloping herself. He did not dare to show any neglect and quickly lowered his head to wait for Li Shimin's words.

After a while, Li Shimin finally spoke. His voice was low and powerful, as if it carried an unquestionable majesty.

"Fang Xuanling, do you know that Nutang and Xintang have lost a large number of people in the past year?" Li Shimin asked.

Fang Xuanling was shocked, but remained calm on the surface. He replied: "I have heard a little bit about it, but I don't know the details."

Li Shimin sneered and said: "Have you heard anything? There are so many things you don't know! More than two million people have been lost, mostly women. As the prime minister, you don't know anything about it?" Fang Xuanling heard that Li Shimin If so, I already understand a little bit in my heart. He was still speculating on the reasons for this massive population loss, but now that he heard Li Shimin mention Nanzhou and Li Chengqian, he suddenly had a direction in his mind. He took a deep breath, tried his best to calm down the turmoil in his heart, and said slowly: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I really don't know the details of this matter. But please rest assured, your Majesty, I will immediately investigate the matter and report to Your Majesty after finding out the truth."

Li Shimin's face was still solemn. He nodded slightly and said, "I have an idea. Please listen to it." Fang Xuanling quickly raised his hands and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Could it be that these people went to Nanzhou? To Li Chengqian's place?" His words revealed a deep obsession, and he seemed to have some special emotional entanglement with Li Chengqian. .

When Fang Xuanling heard this, he couldn't help but wonder. He looked at Li Shimin in confusion, wondering why His Majesty would suddenly mention Li Chengqian and Nanzhou. He thought for a moment and said tentatively: "Where is the eldest prince? Nanzhou? Your Majesty, why do you think so?"

Li Shimin sighed and said: "I heard that Li Chengqian currently needs a large number of talents for construction in Nanzhou, and he is also actively encouraging population reproduction. Therefore, I believe that he must be involved in this population loss. Go check it out and pay attention to the situation there. "

After hearing this, Fang Xuanling couldn't help but nodded secretly in her heart. He understood that Li Shimin's concerns were not without purpose. As a remote area of ​​the Tang Dynasty, Nanzhou had indeed undergone considerable changes under Li Chengqian's governance in recent years. Moreover, Li Chengqian has always had great demand for population and resources. This population loss may indeed be related to him.

Thinking of this, Fang Xuanling cupped his hands and said: "What your Majesty said is absolutely true. If so, it may indeed be related to Li Chengqian. I will immediately start investigating the situation in Nanzhou and the connection with Li Chengqian."

Hearing this, Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction and said, "Well, you should mainly check his situation. Remember, you must check clearly and don't miss anything."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Fang Xuanling responded respectfully, then turned around and exited the imperial study. He knew in his heart that this mission was both important and sensitive and must be handled with caution. He did not dare to slack off at all, and immediately returned to the mansion, summoning his men to start investigating the matter.

A few days later, in the Chang'an Imperial Palace.

Li Shimin stood in front of the dragon chair, his brows furrowed and his expression solemn. He looked at His Highness's civil and military officials, his heart filled with uneasiness and doubt. The problem of population loss between Nvtang and Xintang shrouded his mind like a fog, making it impossible for him to let go.

He knew that as the king of a country, he must find out the truth as soon as possible and find a solution. Therefore, he ordered his men to investigate the matter in depth and make sure to find out the changes in the matter.

However, as the investigation deepened, they gradually discovered that the matter seemed to be much more complicated than imagined. Nanzhou, that remote and mysterious place, seems to be inextricably linked to this matter. However, Nanzhou was too far away from the Tang Dynasty, and they could not find any useful information at all.

Li Shimin became anxious. He understood that if the truth could not be found out as soon as possible and the problem of population loss could not be solved, the stability and development of Datang would be greatly threatened. So, he summoned Fang Xuanling again, hoping that he could give a satisfactory answer.

After Fang Xuanling entered the palace, Li Shimin eagerly asked him about the progress of the investigation. Fang Xuanling looked embarrassed. He knew that the difficulty of this matter was far beyond ordinary matters. He hesitated and then said: "Your Majesty, I am still investigating this matter in depth, but it is indeed very difficult. Nanzhou is located in a remote area, our manpower is limited, and time is tight, so there has been no substantial progress yet. "

After hearing this, Li Shimin frowned even more tightly. He understood Fang Xuanling's difficulties, but he also knew that he couldn't just sit idly by. He thought for a moment and then said: "Fang Aiqing, I know this matter is difficult to handle, but you must give me an explanation. What is the situation over there in Nanzhou? Is there any movement over Li Chengqian?"

When Fang Xuanling heard this, his heart trembled. He knew that Li Shimin had always paid special attention to Li Chengqian, and was also well aware of what Li Chengqian was doing in Nanzhou. He thought for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, the situation in Nanzhou is indeed complicated. The eldest prince has proclaimed himself king there, and his power has been deeply rooted. Our people went to Nanzhou, and I am afraid they will not be able to enter that land, let alone Found some useful information."

After hearing this, Li Shimin was silent for a moment. He knew that Fang Xuanling was telling the truth. The situation in Nanzhou was indeed complicated, and Li Chengqian was not an easy person to deal with. However, he couldn't just give up. After all, the safety and stability of Datang was his responsibility.

Li Shimin stood in front of the Dragon Throne, his eyes were burning, and his face looked a little solemn. He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to suck the dull atmosphere of the entire palace into his lungs, and then slowly exhaled it, with an unquestionable firmness in his voice: "Fang Aiqing, I know this matter is difficult to handle, but you must do everything possible. We have to find a way to find out the truth. Nanzhou is a place that I have always been worried about. You have to send someone there to conduct an in-depth investigation. You may be able to find something. However, I want to remind you to pay attention to safety and not to alert Li Chengqian. "

Fang Xuanling frowned when he heard this. He knew how difficult this matter was. He lowered his head slightly, thought for a moment and then said: "Your Majesty, I have sent people to Nanzhou, but it is tightly guarded by the eldest prince and our people cannot enter at all. I have tried my best, but I am really helpless."

Li Shimin frowned even more when he heard this. He looked at Fang Xuanling, a trace of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes, but more of helplessness and expectation. He said in a deep voice: "I don't care, you must give me an explanation for this matter. I must understand the situation in Nanzhou clearly. This is my bottom line."

When Fang Xuanling saw this, she smiled bitterly in her heart. He knew Li Shimin's obsession with Nanzhou and Li Chengqian, and also knew the importance of this matter. He took a deep breath and then said: "Your Majesty, I have a plan, I don't know whether to tell it or not."

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "But it doesn't matter."

Fang Xuanling hesitated for a moment, and then said: "I would like to invite General Cheng Yaojin to go to Nanzhou with me. General Cheng is brave and good at fighting and has a high prestige. With him accompanying us, we may be able to enter Nanzhou smoothly and find out the truth."

Li Shimin's eyes sparkled when he heard this. He had always admired Cheng Yaojin's bravery and loyalty, and believed that he was capable of completing this mission. He nodded and said, "Okay, let Zhijie go with us. However, you must pay attention to safety and do not alert Li Chengqian."

Hearing this, Fang Xuanling felt relieved. He knew that with the addition of Cheng Yaojin, the success rate of this mission would be greatly improved. He cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will do my best to find out the truth."

"Okay, let Zhijie join us. Come, let Zhijie enter the palace! I have something to say!" Li Shimin added after hearing this. (End of chapter)