Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

The next morning, soft sunlight like golden threads filtered through the gaps between the lush branches and leaves, dotting the exquisite courtyard of the imperial palace.

The breeze blows gently, caressing every inch of the land, bringing the fragrance of the flowers blooming in the imperial garden, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Li Chengqian was wearing a bright yellow casual suit and a jade belt embroidered with a golden dragon around his waist. The gems inlaid on the jade belt sparkled brightly in the sunlight.

He was practicing Tai Chi in the garden with a nimble posture. Every movement was as smooth as flowing water. There was a king's air in his calmness. His focused expression seemed as if nothing in the world could disturb him.

Not long after, Fang Xuanling and Mr. Qi arrived almost at the same time.

Fang Xuanling was tall and slender, with a thin face that exuded an air of elegance, and his deep eyes sparkled with wisdom.

He was dressed in a dark court robe, the delicate patterns on which showed his identity and status.

With every step she took, her clothes fluttered slightly, giving her a sense of immortal charm.

Mr. Qi was a bit plump, with a round face, and wore a gorgeous high crown on his head, the accessories on the crown sparkling in the sun.

The colorful and gorgeous clothes he wore exuded nobility. His eyes were always shrewd and capable, and there was often a faint smile on the corners of his mouth.

The two met at the carved archway of the Imperial Garden and were both stunned.

Fang Xuanling paused, his expression gentle and humble as always. He waved his hand politely, a friendly smile on his face, and spoke first, "Grand Master Qi, good morning! What a coincidence! Do you also have something to do with His Majesty?"

His voice was low and mellow, like the melodious sound of an ancient bell, echoing in the air.

Mr. Qi nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Fang Xuanling for a moment before he responded, "Is Prime Minister Fang also concerned?"

His words were concise but polite. Fang Xuanling smiled and said, "It seems we are destined to meet. Let's go and see His Majesty together."

The two of them walked one after the other along the winding gravel path to the back garden.

The flowers and plants on both sides of the stone road were neatly trimmed, and the colorful flowers bloomed, as if welcoming the two important officials of the court.

The young eunuch Chunxi saw them coming and was about to go in to report them, but Li Chengqian saw them from a distance. His eyes were sharp, but with a hint of gentleness. He shook his hand and said softly, "Chunxi, please leave. There is no need to report. I have seen everything."

Chunxi, dressed in a blue-gray eunuch's uniform and a black cap, quickly and respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty," when he heard the order from His Majesty.

His voice was shrill and nervous. Li Chengqian waved his hand again and said, "Alright, all of you leave."

Then, the eunuchs bowed and retreated in an orderly manner. They walked lightly and did not dare to make any sound.

As soon as Fang Xuanling and Mr. Qi arrived in front of Li Chengqian, they bowed respectfully.

Fang Xuanling lifted the sleeves of his court robe, bowed slightly, and shouted, "Your Majesty."

Mr. Qi also saluted solemnly. His movements were meticulous and showed his respect for the emperor.

Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Alright, no need to be polite, please sit down."

After the two stood up and slowly walked to a nearby stone bench to sit down, Li Chengqian looked at them carefully, his eyes full of inquiry, and said, "You two agreed to come see me so early in the morning. Is there something important?"

Fang Xuanling responded, "Your Majesty, I did not come with Grand Tutor Qi. It's just that we happened to meet at the gate of the Imperial Garden. I imagine Grand Tutor Qi also has something important to report."

As he spoke, he bowed slightly, his eyes always on Li Chengqian.

Mr. Qi bowed to Li Chengqian. He was wearing an emerald green jade ring on his hand, which was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.

"Your Majesty, I have nothing important to report. I just returned from Xianyang yesterday. I have already prepared your betrothal gifts. Each one has been carefully selected, from silks and satins to gold, silver, and jewelry, all of which are of the finest quality. I just wonder if we should choose an auspicious day to deliver them to Lord Su's family?"

Li Chengqian lowered his head, frowning slightly. His fingers tapped lightly on the stone table. After a moment's thought, he said, "We really need to pick an auspicious day to send it over."

He paused, then continued, "Grand Master Qi, you can do whatever you want. You don't need to tell me after you've delivered the gifts. Just tell Minister Fang. Minister Fang, wait until Grand Master Qi has delivered the betrothal gifts. Then you can choose the date for the wedding."

Li Chengqian's eyes grew deeper, filled with longing, and he continued, "As for the expense, let's make it a grand affair."

"After all, it is my marriage. This is a matter of the royal family's reputation, and it will also make the people more confident in the court."

Just do it according to the standard of 10 million coins, and bless the people of Chang'an for me."

"The people have suffered hardship for long enough. I hope this marriage can bring them some joy and allow them to feel the grace of the royal family."

Hearing Li Chengqian's words, Fang Xuanling was also slightly touched. A touch of emotion flashed in his eyes, and he couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty is merciful."

Li Chengqian looked at Fang Xuanling and asked, "Prime Minister Fang, is there something important that you came to see me about?"

Fang Xuanling nodded, his expression becoming serious. He sat up straight and said, "Your Majesty, I came to see you because I have something important to discuss with you."

"General Li Jing's expedition needs to be finalized as soon as possible. After all, Tibet is a long journey, the geography is complex, and there are many preparations to be made, and the costs still need to be calculated."

"Your Majesty, do you wish to reduce or waive the expenses incurred in sending General Li Jing on this expedition?"

"If the cost is similar to the cost of conquering the Xueyantuo, wouldn't it be too huge?"

"I am worried that Your Majesty's private funds will not be able to support such a huge expenditure. Now that there are 20 million yuan in the national treasury, it can help Your Majesty relieve some of the pressure."

Fang Xuanling spoke sincerely, his eyes full of worry. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his hands were unconsciously clenched.

Li Chengqian frowned and looked serious. After thinking about it seriously, he refuted Fang Xuanling's opinion.

"Prime Minister Fang, Tubo is stronger than the Xueyantuo. Their cavalry is brave and skilled in battle, and they have the advantage of terrain. We must not take this expedition lightly."

"It's fine if we haven't increased military spending, but why are we cutting it? I remember there are still 80,000 infantrymen in the Longyou region. Those soldiers are all battle-hardened. While their equipment isn't the best, their morale is high and their actions are sophisticated."

We also have 3,000 light cavalry, their horses are fat and strong, and their riders are skilled riders, enough to fight against Tubo."

"Transfer another 30,000 Shenwu troops from Chang'an. These Shenwu troops are my elite divisions, well-trained and strictly disciplined."

"Another 100,000 infantrymen will be dispatched from Guannei Road. Although these infantrymen come from different places, they are all carefully selected."

"In this way, we can form a fighting force."

"As for military spending, let's increase it to 70 million coins. If it's not enough, we can add more."

"Minister Fang, please ask the Ministry of Revenue to issue a regulation and calculate all the areas where money is spent."

"If there's not enough food, send people out to buy military rations. Make sure the soldiers have enough."

"Remember, don't compromise, and do everything according to the best configuration. The war with Tubo is related to the reputation of our Tang Dynasty, and we cannot afford to lose it."

Hearing Li Chengqian's solemn instructions, Fang Xuanling nodded solemnly, and passion rekindled in his eyes.

"I will have the Ministry of War produce a battle plan as soon as possible, and the Ministry of Revenue issue a budget for military expenditures."

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "There's no need to bother with the Ministry of War."

"They don't have the ability to come up with a battle plan for Li Jing."

"Li Jing has experienced hundreds of battles and is well versed in military tactics. He is the military god of the Tang Dynasty."

"Let him fight however he wants. No one is allowed to tell him what to do. As long as he can win, anything is fine."

At this moment, the sunlight shines on them, reflecting their determined figures, as if adding a bit of solemnity to this discussion about the fate of the Tang Dynasty, and also foreshadowing that the Tang Dynasty is about to embark on a magnificent journey.