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

Wu Meiniang was helpless and had to drag her exhausted body to the well step by step.

She bent down, dipped the dirty rag into the cold well water, and began to scrub it vigorously.

The well water swayed in the wooden barrel, reflecting her tired but still charming face. However, at this moment, her eyes were full of grievance and unwillingness.

Her hands were already sore from the day's work, but she still rubbed the rag again and again.

Only when the dirt on the rag gradually faded away and the water became turbid did she take out the rag and wring out the water.

Then she laboriously drew a bucket of water. As soon as she lifted the bucket out of the well, the heavy weight made her arms sore.

I just felt severe pain in my waist and back, as if every inch of my bones was screaming with fatigue.

She gritted her teeth, stumbled with the bucket in her hand, and walked towards the gate of Ganye Temple.

Along the way, the water in the bucket kept splashing out with her shaky steps, leaving a long trail of water stains on the ground, just like her messy and bitter mood at the moment.

After finally arriving at the gate of Ganye Temple, Wu Meiniang put down the bucket and took a few breaths.

He picked up the rag and began to wipe the two doors carefully.

Ganye Temple is located in a quiet mountain forest in the western area of ​​Chang'an. It is surrounded by towering ancient trees. The thick tree trunks are like silent guardians, reaching into the sky.

The lush branches and leaves are intertwined, blocking out the sun.

Even the scorching summer sun can only cast a few spots of light through the gaps between the layers of leaves.

Falling on the ground and walls, it makes this place seem even more deserted, exuding a sense of coldness and loneliness.

The nearest Qingluan Market is half an hour's walk away.

There are winding paths and rolling hills in the middle, and few people go there on weekdays.

Only occasionally a few pilgrims or people delivering supplies would pass by, breaking the silence.

The walls of the temple are covered with mosses that are mottled with time. The mosses are like traces left by time. They spread in clumps and pieces on the walls, adding a bit of oldness and vicissitudes to the walls.

The vermilion gate has also lost its former glory. The originally bright color has become dull and the paint on the door has also fallen off a lot.

It seems to be silently telling the stories and hardships that this temple has experienced.

While wiping the gate in front of her, Wu Meiniang looked at the lush forest outside with anticipation.

In her eyes, the forest seemed to be a symbol of freedom at this moment. She longed to dive into it and escape from this place where she was humiliated everywhere.

Unfortunately, she knew in her heart that she couldn't escape from here.

If they could really run away, those old nuns would have run away long ago. After all, who would want to spend the rest of their lives in such a poor and depressing place?

The road outside Ganye Temple is guarded by soldiers.

Even if you are lucky enough to escape, you will still be an illegal resident.

In the Tang Dynasty, it was impossible to live a normal life without a household registration. No place dared to take you in, and everything you did was subject to many restrictions, making it impossible to move forward.

Wu Meiniang knew that there was a small path that led directly to the market.

In fact, that road was not really a road. It was just a small path in the mountains that Li Zhi had walked back and forth many times.

She heard Li Zhi say that.

The weeds on both sides grew very lush, and in some places one even had to bend down to pass through. The road was rugged and bumpy, making it very difficult to walk on.

The purpose was to bypass the guarding soldiers and come to see her secretly.

Wu Meiniang tried to escape from this path countless times, and every time she stood at the entrance of the path.

Looking at the direction that vaguely led to the outside world, her heart seemed to be grabbed by an invisible hand, full of struggle and desire.

But every time, she gave up helplessly!

Roll call is required every day at Ganye Temple, and the old nuns are all keeping a close eye on it. If one person is missing, it’s no small matter.

After all, they are all the emperor's concubines. If they run away, how will the royal family maintain its reputation?

If this is investigated, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Thinking of this, she could only silently continue to wipe the temple door in front of her. Although her hands moved mechanically, her eyes revealed a stubbornness and forbearance.

Li Chengqian and Mr. Qi went on a tour, walking and looking around along the way, and were in high spirits. They didn't realize where they were.

Zhang Xianhuai followed closely behind, his eyes alert, always paying attention to the movements around him, guarding Li Chengqian's safety.

The further they walked, the farther away from the human habitation. The surrounding scenery gradually became quieter, with less noise and prosperity of the city and more natural tranquility.

"Mr. Qi, why are there so few people here? I think the market here is pretty good!"

Li Chengqian looked around curiously and saw a large market town in front of him. There were many shops on both sides of the street. Although it was not as prosperous and bustling as the east and west markets in Chang'an City, it also had its own unique charm.

"Your Majesty, this is also included in the development drawings."

Mr. Qi bowed slightly and answered respectfully.

"In addition to the East and West Markets, there are four major markets in Chang'an today."

As he spoke, he pointed in different directions and patiently introduced them to Li Chengqian.

"Chongrenfang, located in the east of Chang'an City, is a relatively special place."

"It's close to East Market, and its geographical location is quite advantageous. Therefore, it has gradually developed into a gathering place for hotels, restaurants and other service industries."

"At night, it's very lively. Many businessmen from other places who come to Chang'an, students preparing for imperial examinations, etc., choose to stay here."

"It's almost all night long, with bright lights, people coming and going, and all kinds of sounds intertwined. It's very lively."

"Pingkangfang is right next to the East Market and is where most of the brothels in Chang'an are concentrated."

"It was decorated quite elegantly and was a place for scholars and wealthy children to entertain themselves. You could often hear the sounds of stringed instruments and laughter coming from there."

Mr. Qi said with a smile.

Li Chengqian couldn't help but imagine Pingkangfang.

"Anrenfang is a concentration of residences of relatives by marriage, and it holds a special place in the political life of our dynasty."

"The mansions there are all built with great fanfare. Every brick and tile shows status and position. They are all inhabited by royal relatives."

"Shengyefang, where the royal palaces are concentrated, is the prince's district of Chang'an City, where many royal relatives live."

"The buildings in that area are even more solemn and majestic, exuding a royal grandeur. They are also the most troublesome areas to demolish in the future."

Mr. Qi explained in detail, and Li Chengqian listened with great interest, nodding his head constantly, and gained a deeper understanding of the layout of Chang'an City.

"If you have any trouble with the demolition in the future, just come to me."

Li Chengqian also made a promise to Mr. Qi.

Mr. Qi smiled and nodded.

Today's small goal has been achieved!

"Your Majesty, this is Qingluan Market, which is located near Shengye Market."

"It was built based on Shengyefang."

Mr. Qi looked at Li Chengqian and said, his eyes revealing a hint of expectation for the future development of this place.

Li Chengqian understood when he heard what Mr. Qi said.

He nodded slightly.

This is a royal property, so the people who shop here are all relatives.

Future resistance should not be underestimated.

"Your Majesty, I have begun preparing to abolish all the markets in Chang'an City and establish various shopping malls."

Mr. Qi said suddenly, his eyes showing determination.

"The current layout is too chaotic! Management is also very inconvenient. If it were to be converted into a shopping mall with centralized management, it would not only make business more prosperous, but also make shopping and entertainment more convenient for the people."

Li Chengqian nodded in agreement. He felt that what Mr. Qi said made a lot of sense. As the capital of the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an should indeed keep pace with the times and continue to improve and develop.

We should try to catch up with Xianyang as soon as possible!

"Then put it on the agenda as soon as possible. Chang'an is almost developed. Let Fatty Lin prepare and choose a location for the branch of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce to be established as soon as possible."

Li Chengqian gave the order, he was already thinking about the follow-up arrangements of this matter in his mind.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Mr. Qi quickly responded. He knew the importance of this matter and began to think about the specific implementation plan.

Mr. Qi was walking with Li Chengqian when Li Chengqian suddenly stopped.

His eyes were drawn to a road not far away. His brows furrowed slightly as he asked curiously, "Xian Huai, why is that road guarded? What is that place?"

After taking office, Zhang Xianhuai had already investigated every street and alley in Chang'an and was well aware of the situation everywhere.

At this moment, he opened his mouth and said, "Your Majesty! At the end of that road is Ganye Temple. The late emperor and the concubines of the retired emperor are eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures there."

"So there are soldiers and bad guys guarding the intersection. This is also to ensure the safety of the temple and prevent people from entering and leaving at will."

Li Chengqian nodded. He became interested when he heard about Ganye Temple.

The last time Zhinu came to talk to him about it, he just listened casually and didn't take it seriously.

After all, those days were so busy, with all kinds of government affairs, that I forgot about Zhinu's affairs.

Now that Ganye Temple was mentioned again, and it was not far away, Li Chengqian naturally had to go and see it in person.

If for no other reason than to see the empress in history, I have to make this trip.

He was full of curiosity about this legendary woman and wanted to see what she looked like now in Ganye Temple.

Seeing Li Chengqian's face full of interest, Zhang Xianhuai glanced at Mr. Qi with a hint of worry in his eyes, and then reminded him responsibly: "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Qi, it's getting late now. Why don't you come back tomorrow?"

"It's dim in the forest at night, and the roads are difficult to walk on. It would be terrible if something unexpected happened."

Li Chengqian shook his head and said with a smile, "What's there to be afraid of in the dark? Xianhuai, when did you become so timid? With you here, why should Mr. Qi and I be afraid of accidents?"

"With all your skills, can't you protect the two of us?"

His tone revealed his trust in Zhang Xianhuai and his eyes were full of determination. It was obvious that he had made up his mind and was determined to go to Ganye Temple now.

Mr. Qi also patted Zhang Xianhuai on the shoulder and laughed.

Said: "Xian Huai, since His Majesty has said so, let's go. Don't worry, nothing will happen."

His smile also contained a comforting look towards Zhang Xianhuai. After all, Zhang Xianhuai was raised by them together.

Zhang Xianhuai was moved when he saw the trust between the two.

No matter how many dangers there are, I must protect His Majesty and Mr. Qi and never let them suffer any harm.

So, he tightened his grip on the sword at his waist, nodded, and said, "Well, Your Majesty, Mr. Qi, let's just be careful."

After saying that, he took the lead and walked towards the path.