The next day, Qin Mubai rewrote the memorial that had taken a few days to complete with a yellow silk monograph. It was thick and stacked like a book. Afterwards, the Governor’s Mansion’s special envoy, Quick Horse, presented it to Chang’an.

Qin Mubai stood by the window on the second floor of the Governor’s Mansion and watched as the four envoys rushed out of Lanzhou City and headed east. He thought to himself, “Right now, the world is bustling with undercurrents. Whether it is a smooth passage or a trigger, they are actually only on the first line.” I hope that my memorial will come to Chang’an and stop all the disturbances in front of me, so that the Great Tang can return to peace and enjoy the fruits of the post-war peace.

“Although I have never felt that I, Qin, am great, nor have I ever thought of being a savior or a great hero, I do not want to see the fruits of my hard work with my father and all the soldiers destroyed in front of me!” Qin Mubai took a deep breath and smiled. “I traveled a thousand years to the Great Tang and fell in love with this era and country. I also have someone who loves me and loved me deeply. I don’t want the Great Tang to suffer any losses because of me, nor do I want my friends and relatives to suffer any calamities.”

“It’s over! It’s time to end everything! I’ve done everything I wanted to do. Just when you all thought that I, Qin Mubai, was about to be arrogant and arrogant, I voluntarily gave up everything in my hands.” The smile on Qin Mubai’s face became more relaxed and indifferent. “Many people may have overlooked one thing-the ultimate goal of war is actually peace, not promotion. The successive wars have created my reputation and power, but this is not what I want. Only those who had been on the battlefield and experienced slaughter would truly care about the fragility and value of their lives. A skill that could wither ten thousand bones! –The riches and honors that are heaped with blood and life are unbearable; Unless I’m ignorant of my conscience, why would I cling to it? ”

“I have killed too many people these past few years. If I have the chance, I would like to go to the Protector’s Celestial Temple in the Imperial City of Chang’an. Master Qing Shan, please help me explain the confusion … Concubine Yin De and Ling’er, I wonder how they are now.”

…

The night was already vast, and in the Penglai Palace of the Great Brightness Palace, the palace lanterns were silent for a long time.

Imperial Concubine Yin De and her daughter were all haggard as they waited on Li Shimin’s bed. Both of them looked at Li Shimin, who was quietly lying on the couch, and their eyebrows furrowed.

“Mother, it’s late at night. Go rest!” Princess Gaoyang whispered, “Father, I’ll take care of this place. When dawn comes, mother will come and take a rest for me.”

Imperial Concubine Yin De sighed softly and stood up to leave.

The attendants, Gong E and the eunuchs, also changed shifts, adding lamp oil to the room to do some chores, all of them gently not daring to make a sound. After a while, the two imperial physicians came to check on Li Shimin’s condition. After boiling the medicine, they put it down and retreated.

Princess Gaoyang felt a wave of sadness when she saw the father of the hero of the past, the peerless Dragon Might Spring, who was now so sick and haggard. The palace maids were prepared to serve Li Shimin to take the medicine. Princess Gaoyang was upset when she saw her father being “tormented” by them, so she rejected them and the eunuchs from the room and personally came to feed them.

After some effort, Princess Gaoyang finally helped Li Shimin up, pillowed a large pillow on his back, and fed him medicine spoonfully. Li Shimin was still unconscious and had difficulty swallowing. The potion was dripping all over his body. Princess Gaoyang secretly scolded him for being useless and being sad again. Tears fell down his cheeks.

After finishing the medicine, Princess Gaoyang helped Li Shimin to lie down. She was tired and sleepy. She held Li Shimin’s hand and lay beside him. She was so unconscious that she fell asleep.

Half asleep and half awake, Princess Gaoyang felt something touching her head. At first, she didn’t understand and said in a daze, “Mother, don’t touch me. I’m going to sleep …”

“Ling’er, it’s hard for you” A voice could be heard faintly.

Princess Gaoyang’s entire body trembled as she opened her eyes. Li Shimin was looking at her with a sickly and tired expression. A smile was still hanging on her pale face. A large hand was raised. It must be him who touched Princess Gaoyang’s head just now.

“Royal Father, you’re awake!” Princess Gaoyang threw herself into Li Shimin’s arms and cried with joy!

“Yes” Li Shimin gently stroked Princess Gaoyang’s head and sighed.

Princess Gaoyang was overjoyed again, “Father, can you speak now?!”

Li Shimin gently patted Princess Gaoyang’s head. The smile on his face was only benevolent.

“Royal Father!” Princess Gaoyang choked up, “I’ll immediately tell Mother Concubine this good news!”

“No need.” Li Shimin gently stroked Princess Gaoyang’s face and wiped away the tears on her face. With great difficulty, he whispered, “It’s late at night. Your mother is asleep. It’s been hard on you all these days, so let her rest easy!”

“En!” Princess Gaoyang nodded heavily, tears streaming down her face.

“Did a lot of things happen during the past few days when I was unconscious?” Li Shimin asked.

Princess Gaoyang wiped away her tears as she tucked Li Shimin in the blanket and said, “Father, you just woke up. Don’t ask about this anymore. You should recover from your illness!”

“It doesn’t matter. Tell me about it!” Li Shimin smiled and said, “I am already a person who has already passed through the Gate of Hell. What is there to worry about?”

Princess Gaoyang hesitated for a moment. Seeing Li Shimin’s resolute attitude, she nodded helplessly, “Alright!”

Thus, Princess Gaoyang told Li Shimin the details of the investigation into Li Ke’s assassination, the suicide of Wei Ting, the disappearance of Li Zhi from King Jin, and the Qin brothers’ self-incrimination.

While speaking, Princess Gaoyang observed Li Shimin’s expression. Seeing that his emotions were stable and normal, he dared to continue cautiously.

After hearing this, Li Shimin’s reaction was indeed calm. He nodded his head and said, “Even though I’m unconscious, I know more or less about these things. Even if I don’t know, it’s mostly within my expectations. Ling’er, you didn’t tell me anything important, did you?”

Princess Gaoyang bit her lips and said, “Father, I don’t want to say anything!”

“Don’t you want to say anything about Mubai?”

“Father … you already know?” Princess Gaoyang asked in surprise.

Li Shimin smiled noncommittally, “How could so many things not involve your beloved son? Ling’er, are you worried that you won’t tell me?”

“Royal Father!” Princess Gaoyang suddenly said excitedly, “Don’t tell me you believe that Mubai will rebel?! I don’t want to talk about such a false and alarmist thing!”

“Did I say’believe ‘?” Li Shimin smiled indifferently. “If I don’t trust him, I won’t hand over half of the Tang Empire and most of the troops to him.”

‘”Then you …” Princess Gaoyang said halfway through. She felt that her tone was too fierce, so she said softly, “Then why did Father Emperor ask Li Jingtong to transfer his troops to the capital and take strict precautions against Kansai?”

“Ling’er, everything is not as simple as you think.” Li Shimin lightly knitted his brows and said, “I am sick, and the country has no owner.” This is an extraordinary time. Even my son has someone who dares to assassinate him. Who can guarantee that no one will cause trouble in Chang’an at this time? “I asked Li Jing to strengthen the defenses of the capital’s military forces. This is an emergency plan. It is for the sake of the safety of our Great Tang Imperial Capital and the stability of the government and the public, not for the sake of Kansai.”

When Princess Gaoyang heard this, this explanation was reasonable. But when she remembered the rumors that the Mubai of Kansai Qin was about to rebel, she couldn’t get rid of the knot in her heart.

Li Shimin saw her worried expression and smiled, “Ling’er, how have I treated Mubai for so many years? Don’t you understand that others don’t know?”

Princess Gaoyang nodded gently. “Father treats Mubai as if he were his own son …”

“That’s right! I’ve fantasized more than once. If only Mubai was my biological son.” At this point, Li Shimin raised his hand and gently tapped his thigh. He sighed and said, “What a pity! Even though my son-in-law has won by half, there is still a gap between us. In addition to this estrangement between the monarchs and subjects … I can trust Mubai, but Mubai can’t trust me!”

“Why did Father Emperor say that?” Princess Gaoyang frowned in displeasure. “Mubai is loyal to the Great Tang and Father Emperor. He has never been unfaithful!”

Li Shimin smiled a little dejectedly. “Then I sent Chu Suiliang to Lanzhou to pick up your husband and wife. Why are you the only one who came and Mubai will be in the future? Furthermore, you only came alone and didn’t bring your daughter here. Your mother and I just want to see you and your newborn granddaughter. Isn’t that normal as a parent?”

Princess Gaoyang knew that she was in the wrong. She bit her lips and pondered for a while, then said, “Mubai had already led the army on an expedition. Little Di’er … was just born, so she couldn’t bear to travel. Didn’t the Emperor already explain it to her father?”

Li Shimin chuckled, “Ling’er, you know what you’re thinking in your heart. I know my own daughter well, so why bother arguing?”

Princess Gaoyang gritted her teeth and knew that she could not deceive him. She simply said, “Yes! At that time, I was worried that someone in the Imperial Court would fear that Lord Gao Zhen of the Mubai Skill would cut off his military power to the detriment of him! I was also worried that I would be able to return to Mubai after coming to Chang’an this time, so …”

“When Ling’er said’there is someone in the court ‘, did that person mean me?” Li Shimin closed his eyes and smiled bitterly. He whispered, “I know that Mubai has always been smart. He must have expected it, so he took the lead to lead the army. As for you … after you and Fang Yiai got married, I am far inferior to Qin Mubai in your heart, am I right?”

Princess Gaoyang was stunned, speechless, and silent.

“Ling’er, you and Mubai have misunderstood me.” Li Shimin opened his eyes and looked at Princess Gaoyang sadly. “I called you back because I and your mother miss you. Second, I really don’t want Mubai to personally invade the Western Regions. There’s another reason, but it’s actually the most important. Have you ever thought about it?”

“Wait!” Princess Gaoyang’s eyes lit up as she interrupted Li Shimin and said, “Father, why didn’t you allow Mubai to personally invade the Western Regions?”

“He is very tired after defeating Tibet. He has contributed enough.” Li Shimin did not conceal it and said frankly, “It is not necessarily a bad thing to give some credit to subordinates like Su Dingfang and Xue Rengui. Ling’er, it is not that I am worried about Mubai Gong Gao Zhen, nor am I worried that Mubai will support his troops and will not lose his life. I am thinking about your future!”

“What, what do you mean?” Princess Gaoyang was confused for a moment and asked.

Li Shimin smiled bitterly and shook his head, “Ling’er, think about it. I’m still alive now. No matter how good Mubai is, I don’t need to worry.” Just like that, I have never been afraid to suppress any of the founding heroes. However, once Zhen Long Yu returns to the heavens, no matter which prince takes over the throne, with Mu Bai’s merits and reputation, who can suppress him? And which official could compare with him in terms of weighing and restricting? … No matter which generation, officials who ruled the country by themselves would not have a good ending. This has nothing to do with whether a monarch is wise or virtuous! ”

Princess Gaoyang was stunned and asked in shock, “Then what should we do now that Mubai has already calmed down the Western Regions?”

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, “Don’t worry, there’s always a way to solve the problem. Didn’t I die yet?”

“Father … don’t say such words!” Hearing this, Princess Gaoyang felt very uncomfortable.

“Actually, the other reason I want you to return to Chang’an is also the most important. That is …” Li Shimin frowned and looked at Princess Gaoyang earnestly. “I want to ask Mubai about the matter of establishing a reserve. Ask him about Mubai’s clear attitude!”

Princess Gaoyang was shocked again!

“Royal Father … Why should I ask Mubai about such a thing?”

“How can I not ask?” Li Shimin asked back, and then answered himself, “I have observed the government and the public, and the ministers and generals who came with me to establish the state. There are only a few left who are old and dead.” Those who are still alive are already old, and once we have a funeral, they won’t be able to live for a few more years. Among the rising stars of the younger generation in both the government and the public, Mu Bai was undoubtedly the strongest, the most creditable, and the most prestigious. I want him to be my right hand man to assist the new ruler that I have chosen. Therefore, this new monarch must first be approved by Mu Bai. However, Mu Bai’s approval alone was not enough, and it was also acknowledged by the other important officials. If there is a difference between the two sides, I will have to spend my life trying to reconcile them-is that not right? At the same time, this is also the reason why I called Mubai back to the court in advance-he can’t monopolize too many military merits by himself, causing no one in the government or the public to be able to contend against him in the future. “I am thinking about his long-term future!”

‘”Royal Father!” Princess Gaoyang heard all of this and suddenly understood. She threw herself into Li Shimin’s arms and cried bitterly, “So you’ve put in so much effort. We’ve all misunderstood you!”

“Ah! … Everyone is a good Dao Monarch. Who would have thought that becoming a Monarch is not easy?” Li Shimin gently stroked Princess Gaoyang’s face and said leisurely, “Your heart is like iron. Sometimes, you really have to face coldly and refuse to recognize your six relatives.” But I want to be both a good emperor and a good father. “You and Mubai, as well as your Crown Prince, Third Brother, King Wu, Fourth Brother, King Wei, and Ninth Brother, King Jin, do not understand my good intentions as a father!”

“Royal Father, I understand now!” Princess Gaoyang couldn’t help but cry, “Father loves me like a mountain! Like a mountain!”