The first rebel of the Tang Dynasty

Cheng Yaojin stood in front of the majestic palace, his rough face full of confusion and confusion. Since he returned from Tubo after a long journey, he has rarely had the opportunity to see Li Shimin again. At that time, Li Shimin always said that he was too tired and needed a rest, so Cheng Yaojin wisely retreated and stopped disturbing him.

However, today, he was urgently summoned to the palace. This sudden summons made him feel an indescribable panic. He couldn't help but start to wonder, what exactly did Li Shimin want to find him for?

Cheng Yaojin followed the palace people through the deep palace gates. The sound of silk and bamboo in the distance came to his ears, intertwined with the whispers of the palace people nearby, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. He looked around and saw that the palace walls were towering and resplendent, and every part showed the majesty and dignity of the royal family.

As he got closer, the anxiety in his heart became stronger. He had heard that Li Shimin and Fang Xuanling seemed to be plotting something big recently. Now that he was summoned, could it be related to that matter? Cheng Yaojin took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner panic, but the uneasy feeling was like a fire, burning in his chest.

In the breezy afternoon, Cheng Yaojin finally arrived in front of Li Shimin's solemn and mysterious imperial study. At this moment, the palace seems to be immersed in a solemn and solemn atmosphere. Every piece of bluestone and every piece of glazed tile seems to tell the vicissitudes and glory of history.

The palace man slowly opened the heavy vermilion wooden door of the imperial study room. With a long creaking sound, the scene in the study room gradually unfolded before Cheng Yaojin's eyes. A calm and majestic breath rushed towards his face, as if there was an invisible force suppressing people's breathing. The furnishings in the study are simple yet elegant. The bookshelves are filled with all kinds of classics, and the pens, inks, papers and inkstones are arranged in an orderly manner, showing the rigor and taste of the owner.

Cheng Yaojin lowered his head and walked into the study, taking every step carefully for fear of breaking the solemn atmosphere. His eyes fell on the figure sitting upright in front of the desk - it was Li Shimin, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty. At this moment, Li Shimin frowned, seeming to be thinking about something important. Although his face has been eroded by the wind and frost of time, his deep eyes still shine with wisdom.

"Cheng Yaojin, you're here." Li Shimin raised his head and looked at him with burning eyes. Although his voice was not high, it had an unquestionable majesty. Cheng Yaojin's heart trembled, and he quickly stepped forward and saluted: "I will see you at last, Your Majesty." There was a hint of respect and fear in his voice. After all, the person standing in front of him was the supreme ruler of the entire Tang Empire.

In the process of saluting, Cheng Yaojin's eyes inadvertently swept across the corner of the study, and unexpectedly discovered a familiar figure - Fang Xuanling was also there. He couldn't help but feel doubts in his heart. Fang Xuanling was an important minister in the court. He must have something important to do here. And when Li Shimin asked him to come over, there must be something important for him to do.

Cheng Yaojin secretly guessed in his heart, and at the same time he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. He knew that Fang Xuanling had long been known for his resourcefulness and had a pivotal position in the court. And the relationship between him and himself, although seemingly harmonious, was inevitably a bit subtle in private. Now that Fang Xuanling appeared here, Cheng Yaojin couldn't help but worry that he was doing some tricks, or even digging a hole for himself to jump into.

Li Shimin looked at Cheng Yaojin's complicated expression and felt like a mirror in his heart. He was well aware of the subtle relationship between Cheng Yaojin and Fang Xuanling, and also understood Cheng Yaojin's anxiety and uneasiness at the moment. But he didn't point it out directly. Instead, he waved his hand to indicate that Cheng Yaojin would be exempted from the courtesy. He looked at Cheng Yaojin carefully, a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

At this moment, the study room seemed to have become a frozen picture. The subtle relationship between Li Shimin, Cheng Yaojin, and Fang Xuanling, as well as the upcoming unknown events, are all vividly displayed in this picture. All of this will become an indispensable part of the history of the Tang Dynasty and will be praised and remembered by future generations.

In the study room, the atmosphere became increasingly solemn. Li Shimin's eyes lingered on Cheng Yaojin, seeming to be looking for something. Cheng Yaojin, on the other hand, lowered his head and tried not to look at Fang Xuanling, for fear that his eyes would reveal any inappropriate emotions. Fang Xuanling stood quietly aside, with his hands behind his back and an enigmatic smile on his face, as if everything was under his control.

Zhijie, I have not been able to talk to you in detail since you returned from Tubo. During this period of time, I have accumulated many words in my heart, but I don’t know where to start. At this moment, you and I are alone, which is a good time for a heart-to-heart talk. I know you have worked hard, but there is something important that you need to do right now. "Li Shimin spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful, as if he was describing a heavy period of history.

Cheng Yaojin's heart tightened when he heard Li Shimin's words. He knew very well that as a loyal minister of the Tang Dynasty, his fate was always closely linked to the rise and fall of the country. Every call from the emperor may mean a new journey or a major mission. He looked up at Li Shimin. There seemed to be endless wisdom and determination hidden in those deep eyes.

"Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?" Cheng Yaojin asked, with a hint of nervousness and expectation in his voice.

Li Shimin smiled slightly and turned to Fang Xuanling beside him: "Let Fang Xuanling talk to you about this!"

Fang Xuanling's heart was in doubt at this moment, but then she calmed down. He had long expected that Li Shimin would let him explain all this to Cheng Yaojin. After all, it was his idea to let Cheng Yaojin enter the palace. He took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and prepared to speak.

Cheng Yaojin looked at Fang Xuanling and couldn't help but feel doubtful. What the hell is this guy doing? Every time Fang Xuanling appears in front of him, he always brings something puzzling. But no matter what, Cheng Yaojin knew that he had to take Fang Xuanling's next words seriously.

After a few breaths, Fang Xuanling finally spoke: "General Cheng, it is like this, because the population of Nv Tang and Xin Tang has been seriously lost in recent times, and probably millions of people have left these two places."

When Cheng Yaojin heard this, his brows furrowed, like a dark cloud pressing over his head, making people breathless. He knows very well that population loss is undoubtedly a gnawing pain for a country, and its seriousness is self-evident. This not only means a reduction in the country's labor force, but may also trigger economic recession and social unrest, just like throwing a huge boulder into a calm lake and causing thousands of waves.

He stared at Fang Xuanling with wide eyes, trying to read some clues from his deep eyes. However, Fang Xuanling's face was calm, as if it were a bottomless lake, making it difficult to fathom.

"So? What exactly do you want to say?" There was a hint of urgency in Cheng Yaojin's voice, like a child eager to get an answer. His brows frowned even more tightly, as if he could pinch a fly.

Fang Xuanling took a deep breath, as if to suck all the doubts and confusion into his belly, and then slowly exhaled: "Your Majesty believes that this matter is closely related to Nanzhou, so he wants to send us to investigate."

"Nanzhou? Where is the eldest prince?" Cheng Yaojin's eyes widened with a look of disbelief on his face. He never imagined that this matter was related to Li Chengqian. In his impression, although Li Chengqian was a bit arrogant, he would not do anything so harmful to the country.

However, the facts were in front of him, and he could not tolerate disbelief. There was a strong uneasiness in his heart, as if a storm was coming. "Fang Xuanling, if you have anything to say, just say it, don't hesitate!" Cheng Yaojin said impatiently. His mood at the moment seemed to be entangled in a mess, and he was eager to find an exit.

Li Shimin also spoke at this time, his voice was calm and powerful: "Zhijie, don't be anxious, let Fang Xuanling speak slowly." His words were full of comfort, as if a spring breeze was blowing, letting Cheng Yao Jin's mood calmed down a little.

Cheng Yaojin nodded and tried to calm down his mood. He knew that he couldn't mess up his position at this time. As a general of the Tang Dynasty, he must remain calm and rational in order to face the next challenge.

Seeing this, Fang Xuanling continued: "We originally wanted to go to Nanzhou to investigate in person, but the eldest prince's place is tightly guarded, and it is not easy for us to get in. Therefore, His Majesty decided to send you to Nanzhou to investigate this matter in person ”

"Me?" Cheng Yaojin pointed to his nose, unable to believe his ears. He didn't expect that Li Shimin would send himself to deal with such a difficult matter. In his impression, although he was brave and good at fighting, investigating such complicated matters was not his strength.

Li Shimin looked at Cheng Yaojin, with a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Yes, Zhijie. I believe in your ability and your loyalty. I am very relieved to leave this matter to you."

Cheng Yaojin took a deep breath, feeling a surge of pride in his heart. He knew that this was Li Shimin's trust and trust in him, and he could not live up to it. So, he knelt on the ground, clasped his hands in his fists, and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Nanzhou to investigate this matter, and I will definitely live up to your Majesty's trust!"

However, he still had another thought in his mind, which was to bring Fang Xuanling with him. He was well aware of Fang Xuanling's wisdom and strategy. With him by his side, he would be able to find out the truth faster. So, he raised his head, looked at Fang Xuanling and said, "But I boldly request that Fang Xuanling go with me. With him here, I will be able to find out the matter faster!"

When Fang Xuanling heard this, a look of surprise appeared on his face. He didn't expect Cheng Yaojin to make such a request, but he quickly regained his composure and said with a faint smile: "General Cheng's words are reasonable. If you have my help, you will get twice the result with half the effort."

Li Shimin looked at the two of them, a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. That gaze was like a sword honed over the years, shining with sharpness and wisdom. He knew very well that the stability of the Tang Dynasty could not be separated from these loyal and capable ministers. Cheng Yaojin is brave and good at fighting, and Fang Xuanling is resourceful. Their combination is undoubtedly the best candidate for this investigation.

However, Fang Xuanling refused in her heart. He didn't want to go to Nanzhou, where the situation was complicated, full of unknowns and dangers. He originally thought that Li Shimin would send others, while he could stay in the capital and continue to assist the emperor in handling government affairs. But he didn't expect that Li Shimin would name him and ask him to go with Cheng Yaojin. This caught him off guard, and he felt an inexplicable irritation in his heart.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm down his emotions. He knew that as a minister of the Tang Dynasty, he could not easily refuse the emperor's order. However, he didn't want to just head to Nanzhou in a daze. So, he spoke, with a hint of hesitation and struggle in his voice: "Your Majesty, I... I'm afraid I won't be qualified for this mission."

Li Shimin frowned slightly when he heard this. He looked at Fang Xuanling, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "Oh? Why did Fang Qing say this?"

Fang Xuanling took a deep breath and continued: "Your Majesty, I am old and my health is not as good as before. Nanzhou is a long way away and the situation is complicated. I am worried that I will not be qualified for this investigation task. Please choose another Gaoming, I am willing to serve His Majesty in the capital."

After Li Shimin heard this, he was silent for a moment. He was well aware of Fang Xuanling's talents and abilities, but he also understood his concerns and worries. However, the importance of this investigation mission is no small matter, and he must ensure that the people sent are qualified. So, he slowly said: "Fang Qing, I can understand your concerns. But this investigation is related to the stability and prosperity of the country and is extraordinary. I believe that your wisdom and experience can provide great help for this investigation. Help. As for your health, I will arrange for an imperial doctor to accompany you to ensure your health. You and Zhijie will definitely be able to find out the truth and relieve my worries."

After hearing Li Shimin's words, Fang Xuanling felt helpless. He knew that he could no longer refuse this mission. He could only nod in agreement, but his heart was filled with worry and uneasiness about the unknown journey.

Cheng Yaojin looked at Fang Xuanling, his tiger eyes shining with determination. He was well aware of Fang Xuanling's wisdom and strategy, but at the same time he also felt Fang Xuanling's inner reluctance. Cheng Yaojin understood in his heart that Fang Xuanling did not want to go to Nanzhou, but the emperor's order had been issued, and as ministers, they had no choice but to obey the order.

He patted Fang Xuanling's shoulder gently, his voice revealing firmness and comfort: "Master Fang, don't worry. As long as I'm here, I will keep you safe. Let's go to Nanzhou together to find out the matter and do it for everyone." Contributing to Tang’s prosperity and stability.”

When Fang Xuanling heard this, he felt puzzled. He frowned slightly, looking at Cheng Yaojin's serious expression, and couldn't help feeling helpless. He thought to himself: "Well, you Cheng Yaojin, you know clearly that I don't want to go to Nanzhou, but you still say so on purpose. You didn't want to go yourself, so you came with me, and now you let me face this unknown risk together. It's really It feels like I want to rush everyone together.”

However, once the words were spoken, Fang Xuanling could not take them back. He knew he could say no more words of rejection. So, he had to take a deep breath, try to calm down his emotions, and said slowly: "I will do my best."

Cheng Yaojin looked at the change in Fang Xuanling's expression and understood something in his heart. He knew that Fang Xuanling agreed out of helplessness, but he also believed that Fang Xuanling would definitely use her wisdom and talents when facing difficulties. He nodded and said: "Okay, then we will go to Nanzhou together to find out the truth and contribute our strength to the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin couldn't help but nodded when he saw the two of them like this.

"Okay, okay! Very good!" (End of this chapter)