The first rebel of the Tang Dynasty

On this day, the sunlight filtered through the golden roof of the palace and shone on Li Shimin's dignified and profound face. He sat alone in the imperial study, and the surroundings were so silent that only the sound of turning pages could be heard, as if the entire palace was immersed in his contemplation. He raised his head and looked out the window, his eyes penetrating through the layers of palace walls, as if searching for the distant sky.

Fang Xuanling and Cheng Yaojin, the two ministers of the imperial court, have been to Nanzhou for half a month. Their departure seemed to take away part of the vitality of the palace, and also took away a piece of peace in Li Shimin's heart. He looked into the distance, feeling an inexplicable panic in his heart. He knew very well that these two ministers were not only his right-hand assistants, but also his friends and confidants for many years. If something happened to them in Nanzhou, how should he face it?

However, Li Shimin was not worried that Li Chengqian would be detrimental to them. After all, these two ministers had accompanied Li Chengqian since he was a child, and they had a deep relationship. Li Chengqian would definitely not attack them. However, Li Chengqian's men are unknown. If those officials who hold great power and unpredictable thoughts catch Fang Xuanling and Cheng Yaojin, the consequences will be disastrous.

Thinking of this, Li Shimin's mood became heavier. The more worried he became, the more upset he became, as if there was an invisible force pulling on his heartstrings. He stood up suddenly, walked to the window, took a deep breath of fresh air, and tried to calm the turmoil in his heart.

At this time, a eunuch walked in cautiously and stood aside with his head lowered and his hands lowered. Li Shimin turned around, stared at him with burning eyes, and asked in a deep voice: "How is it? Is there any news about Zhijie and them?" There were fine beads of sweat on the eunuch's forehead, and he replied in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty ,not yet!"

When Li Shimin heard this, his brows furrowed and a trace of anger flashed in his eyes. He raised his voice and shouted: "Go and have a look again! I want you to have news about them in the evening, you know?" The eunuch was so frightened that he trembled all over, nodded in agreement, and then hurriedly retreated.

However, getting angry doesn't solve the problem. Li Shimin knew this, but he couldn't control his emotions. He was burning with anxiety, but there was nothing he could do. He knew that it was not easy to get information about Fang Xuanling and Cheng Yaojin. If they do get into trouble, it's already too late.

He slumped back to his desk, resting his forehead on his hands, closing his eyes tightly, and fell into deep thought. Every detail, every battle side by side, quickly circulated in his mind like a revolving lantern. Those laughters and difficult moments we spent together are clearly visible as if they were just yesterday.

Fang Xuanling's wisdom and depth can always point him in the right direction at critical moments; Cheng Yaojin's bravery and loyalty have blocked fatal attacks for him countless times. Their wisdom, courage and loyalty have always been the strength he relies on most. However, now they are in danger, their life or death is uncertain, how can he feel at ease?

His brows were furrowed, and there were tears in the corners of his eyes. He knew that all of this was caused by him. He sent them to Nanzhou to find out some things and to consolidate his power. However, he did not expect that this trip would put them in such a dangerous situation.

He was filled with self-blame and regret, but at this moment, worry and anxiety were of no use. He must calm down and find a way to solve the problem at hand. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down his emotions and regain his composure.

At this moment, someone walked up to him gently. His head jerked up, anger flashing in his eyes. He shouted: "Get out, I will let you out!" His voice echoed in the empty imperial study room, which seemed extremely harsh.

However, the voice did not disappear because of this, but became softer. He turned around and saw that it was Queen Changsun. She walked gently to his side and whispered: "Your Majesty!"

When Li Shimin saw it was her, the anger in his heart calmed down a little. His voice also became much softer: "Why are you here?"

Empress Changsun looked at him with concern in her eyes: "I heard that the whereabouts of Zhijie and the others are unknown, so I came here to ask."

Li Shimin sighed and waved his hand: "Forget it, I have sent people to check, so you don't have to worry."

Empress Changsun looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, I have something to say, I don't know whether to say it or not."

Li Shimin looked at her and nodded: "What are you talking about?"

Empress Changsun took a deep breath, and then said: "Why don't you let Min'er investigate? Their Shengtang Group will definitely be able to find out the whereabouts of the two of them."

Li Shimin frowned when he heard this. He knew in his heart that the Shengtang Group's intelligence capabilities were indeed powerful, but they did not want the Shengtang Group to get too involved in court affairs. Moreover, this matter was related to the stability of his power, and he did not want too many people to know about it.

He hesitated for a moment, and then said: "I will think about this matter..."

Empress Changsun looked at him and said with some dissatisfaction: "Your Majesty, I think it's okay. The Shengtang Group's intelligence capabilities are so strong, they will definitely be able to find the whereabouts of Zhijie and the others soon."

Li Shimin looked at her with some contradictions in his heart. He really wanted to find Fang Xuanling and Cheng Yaojin as soon as possible, but he didn't want the Shengtang Group to get too involved. He sighed and said: "Forget it, I don't want to trouble them. And not everyone can know about this matter. This matter is very important, and it is best to keep it secret!"

Empress Changsun looked at him, a little angry: "Your Majesty, what you did is wrong. If the Shengtang Group wanted to know what you did, they would have known it long ago."

When Li Shimin heard this, his whole body seemed to be blown by a sudden cold wind, and his body trembled unconsciously. A trace of shock flashed across his eyes, as if Queen Changsun's words had struck a secret corner deep in his heart. He really didn't consider this. The Shengtang Group's intelligence capabilities were so powerful that they could penetrate into almost every corner of the Tang Empire. If they really wanted to know what they were doing, they probably wouldn't be able to keep even a shred of secrets.

His brows were furrowed and he fell into deep contemplation. His hands were clasped together unconsciously, as if he wanted to find some comfort and strength in this way. His eyes wandered around the study room, seeming to be searching for some kind of answer or revelation.

Queen Changsun couldn't help but feel nervous as she looked at him. She knew that her husband was a wise and mighty emperor, but he was also an emotional person who was easily influenced by emotions. She walked gently to him, held his hand, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I know what you are thinking. However, we cannot refuse to accept the truth out of fear. If Shengtang Group really knows the whereabouts of the two of them, , then we may be able to find them faster and get them back safely.”

Li Shimin raised his head and looked at the gentle but firm eyes of Queen Changsun. The hesitation and uneasiness in his heart seemed to calm down a little. He took a deep breath, tried to calm down his emotions, and then said: "You are right, I cannot refuse to accept the truth because of fear. However, I cannot easily hand over this matter to Shengtang Group. After all, this is It is an internal matter within our court, and if outsiders are allowed to intervene, it may cause unnecessary trouble. "

Queen Changsun nodded to express her understanding. She knew that her husband was a principled and bottom-line man who would not easily leave court matters to outsiders. However, she also knows that sometimes some compromises and concessions must be made for the sake of the overall situation.

She thought for a while and then said: "Your Majesty, maybe we can find an intermediary who can let Shengtang Group help us find the whereabouts of the two of them without letting them directly interfere with the court's affairs."

When Li Shimin heard this, a light flashed in his eyes. He nodded, thinking it was a good idea. He thought for a moment and then said: "You are right, we can find an intermediary. However, this person must be reliable and cannot reveal any secrets." Empress Changsun looked at him, with trust shining in her eyes, like the night sky The brightest star in the world, warm and firm. She opened her red lips lightly, and her voice was soft and powerful: "Your Majesty is wise, I believe you will be able to find a suitable candidate." Her words were full of trust and dependence on Li Shimin, as if no matter what difficulties she encountered, as long as she had With him here, everything can be solved.

However, trust is trust, and the problem is still before us. Queen Changsun frowned slightly, thinking about what to do next. She asked softly: "Who should I look for?" This question seemed to be a difficult problem hanging in the minds of the two of them.

Li Shimin also fell into deep thought. He murmured to himself: "Who are you looking for?" His eyes wandered around the study room, seeming to be looking for clues to the answer. His brows were furrowed and his expression was solemn. It was obvious that this issue was very difficult for him.

Empress Changsun was also silently calculating possible candidates in her heart. She knew the person needed to be both reliable and up to the task. However, there are not many people in the court who can be trusted, and even fewer who are qualified for this task.

Just as the two of them were deep in thought, Li Shimin's eyes suddenly lit up, and he seemed to have thought of a wonderful solution. He raised his head suddenly, with firmness and expectation in his eyes, looked at Queen Changsun and said, "Let Yun'er ask!"

Queen Changsun was slightly startled when she heard this. Her beautiful brows furrowed slightly, as if she was thinking about the feasibility of this proposal. She asked with some uncertainty: "Your Majesty, is it really okay for us to keep bothering him?" There was a trace of worry and hesitation in her voice, and she was obviously worried about this decision.

However, Li Shimin seemed unconcerned. He waved his hand and said, "Why is it bad? He is my son. Let him do something, what's the matter?" There was an unquestionable firmness in his tone, and he was obviously concerned about This decision is made with confidence.

When Li Shimin said this, Empress Changsun suddenly fell into deep thought and didn't know how to reply. She lowered her head slightly and her eyes wandered back and forth on the ground, seeming to be looking for the right words to properly handle the matter. She knew that once Li Shimin made a decision, it would be difficult to change it, and she could only try her best to do the follow-up work.

"Is this so? Your Majesty!" Empress Changsun said softly, with a hint of helplessness and worry in her tone. She raised her head and looked at Li Shimin, hoping that he would understand her concerns.

Li Shimin frowned slightly when he saw this. He knew that Queen Changsun might not agree with this decision, but he also had his own considerations. He said in a deep voice: "Of course, he has to do this, do you understand?" His tone was firm and unquestionable, obviously full of confidence in this decision.

After hearing Li Shimin's words, Empress Changsun felt helpless. She understood that Li Shimin's decision was irreversible, and she could only do her best to support him. So, she nodded slightly, recognizing Li Shimin's words.

She knew that Li Yun, as Li Shimin's son, had unshirkable responsibilities and obligations. Although this task may bring him some trouble and distress, he must also face it and complete it. Empress Changsun could only pray silently in her heart, hoping that he could successfully complete the task, and at the same time, she also hoped that he could protect herself.

At this time, Li Yun was immersed in the world of architectural research. He had no idea that Li Shimin, who was far away in the palace, had once again set his sights on him. He studied the drawings intently, his fingers gently sliding over the drawings, sometimes thinking, sometimes nodding, seeming to be very satisfied with a certain design.

Li Shimin, who was far away in the palace, had already picked up the phone and dialed Li Yun's number. When the phone rang, Li Yun glanced at the caller ID. The dazzling word "Father" made him frown. He didn't want to take the call, but he had to. There was a sense of helplessness and depression in his heart, as if he had a premonition of the coming trouble.

At this time, Li Yun came up with the idea of ​​going to Li Min's place. He felt that since he was no longer the head of the science and technology department, he should be less likely to be called upon by Li Shimin. However, the reality was much crueler than he imagined. Not only did Li Shimin not call him less, but he came to him more frequently than before. This made him feel very depressed and helpless.

The phone kept ringing, urging him to make a decision. Li Yun took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and asked as calmly as possible: "Father, are you looking for me?"

Li Shimin's voice came from the other end of the phone, short and direct: "Yes, I have something to do with you!"

Li Yun's heart tightened and he asked, "Father, what's the matter?"

Li Shimin said without mincing words: "Go and ask the Shengtang Group and ask them to find out the whereabouts of Zhijie and Fang Xuanling."

When Li Yun heard this, he suddenly felt dizzy. He asked doubtfully: "Father, aren't they in Chang'an?"

Li Shimin replied: "They went to Nanzhou and took a boat. I want you to check it out and give me the news later. That's it!" After saying that, Li Shimin hung up the phone without hesitation.

The busy signal from the other end of the phone made Li Yun feel even heavier. He stood there blankly, looking at the phone in his hand, his face full of helplessness and depression. He knew that this was another task assigned to him by his father Li Shimin, and it did not seem simple.

Li Yun gently rubbed his brow, trying to relieve the irritability in his heart. He knew that as a prince, he had the responsibility and obligation to complete the tasks assigned by his father, although he did not like the feeling of being called frequently. However, he also knows that escaping is not the answer, he can only face it.

He took a deep breath, put down the phone, walked to the desk and sat down. He began to think about how to complete this difficult task.

He was very depressed at this time.

But what can he do?

We can only follow Li Shimin's wishes. (End of chapter)