Imperial henchmen? Never been struck by the sword of the Six Doors (a secret police agency).

The ministers looked at King Wu and the Heavenly Sword before them and felt a pang of sympathy.

Even though he's a Martial Venerable, why is his personality still like this?

Although the Prince Wu's mansion was bustling, it was unusually peaceful.

The Nightmare Palace is deceiving the Queen of Silla about merging into the dynasty.

The Four Guardians travel throughout the world in order to make up for their own shortcomings in martial arts and advance to the Martial Venerable level.

Among them, Yan Sansi might be the fastest.

Of course, it could also be Jiao Quanyi's intention.

Shaolin Temple maintained close ties with other smaller temples, and its connection with Bodhi Monastery also deepened.

Inside the Prince An's residence, Li Junsu, unusually, did not go into seclusion but instead earnestly taught martial arts to Lü Yiru and others.

Even Prince An could feel that the Great Qian Dynasty had finally ushered in a long-awaited period of peace.

It wasn't like it was back in Bianyun City; the surface was calm, but undercurrents were surging beneath.

It was a genuine silence.

Time flies, and years pass by.

......

Another three months passed, and the Liangyi Hall...

Currently, it is unusual to see any ministers here.

The expansion and renovation of the imperial city had reached a fever pitch, with ministers rushing to the front lines like soldiers on a battlefield.

Of course, there were some ulterior motives involved, such as how to take this opportunity to be lazy.

The emperor had worked with his ministers for so many years, how could he not see through their little schemes?

However, seeing that the end of the year was approaching, he let them go.

"Snowing."

The exclamations of the palace maids outside made the emperor, who was reviewing memorials, slightly shift his gaze.

Snowflakes, white as snow, slowly fell outside the palace.

"Prepare plenty of warm clothes for the palace servants, and don't be shy about using braziers, make sure there are enough."

The emperor watched the snowflakes fall slowly outside and gave instructions to the attendants beside him.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The attendant bowed and withdrew.

At first, they were surprised, even flattered, but over the years, they have become accustomed to this warmth.

Another year has passed.

The emperor put down his writing brush, his eyes momentarily glazed over.

It is said that people like to reminisce about the past when they get old, but he is only in his thirties, so why does he like to reminisce about the past so much?

He still remembers the first time he and Lady Changsun saw snow.

Back then, snow was nothing special.

What's strange is perhaps the people around you.

He took Changsun's hand and looked at the snow with her, telling himself that he must cherish and protect her.

At this time, Li Bai had not yet written the lines such as "The boy rides a bamboo horse, playing with green plums around the bed."

But the emperor had a feeling in his heart long ago, and he even felt a little regretful that he had met Lady Changsun so late.

That year, he was only eleven years old, while Lady Changsun was nine.

Everyone knows they got married early, but in reality, the two families had already been seeing each other quite a few times before the marriage.

A chilly wind swept in from outside the palace, bringing the emperor back to his senses.

The emperor lowered his head slightly, looked at the memorial in his hand, and suddenly smiled.

"I'm not young anymore."

"So is she."

The emperor thought of Empress Zhangsun and occasionally revealed his longing for the beautiful scenery of the Great Qian River and Mountains.

If given the chance, shouldn't he... take her to see him?

“Summon Chengqian.”

The emperor gave instructions to those outside the palace.

We cannot simply hand over official duties to Chengqian when it is time to go to war.

It's time to let him gradually take over, so that he can go to war with peace of mind.

As he gradually handed over official duties to Chengqian, he also needed to take some time to go into seclusion.

"Before going into seclusion, let's take her to the countryside for a spring outing."

"It's been a long time since I went on a spring outing with her."

The emperor's hand touched the wolf-hair brush again, and a rare sense of languor rose in his heart.

Often, one person can change a lot.

If Empress Zhangsun were to die young, the emperor would feel a void in his heart.

This leads him to transfer some of the love he had for his deceased wife to his children.

For example, the emperor would even hold the concubine Si Zi while reviewing memorials.

The early death of the prince was undoubtedly a devastating blow to the emperor, so Prince Tai behaved well enough to easily gain the emperor's favor.

This forced Chengqian in history to resort to rebellious acts, such as making outrageous statements about paying tribute to the Khanate, to attract the emperor's attention.

Young people often know how to act in ways that hurt both themselves and others, whether in matters of love or family.

At present, Empress Zhangsun is in good health, which will undoubtedly make the emperor cherish every day he spends with her even more.

......

Wude Hall

As for the emperor, he planned to gradually decentralize power.

This was undoubtedly a great thing for the crown princes of all dynasties.

Of all the emperors throughout history, only Emperor Ming has received the same treatment as Chengqian at this moment.

The same happy family.

But upon receiving this news, Chengqian's eyes were filled with terror.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence at the Liangyi Palace."

The servant's voice rang out again from outside the door.

Chengqian's face turned pale. He felt as if he were Zhao Kuo, and the voices outside were those of a butcher.

What did the Emperor want him to do at the Liangyi Hall?

No matter what I do, it doesn't feel like it will be a good thing.

As the servant's voice rang out again, Chengqian had no choice but to grit his teeth and stand up.

Everyone's already outside. If the little immortal master makes a move later, he'll be even more unlucky.

......

Liangyi Hall

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

The emperor snapped out of his reverie when the servant's respectful voice rang out.

If the other ministers were present, their jaws would drop.

The emperor was just thinking about where he would like to take Lady Changsun on a spring outing.

As a result, he hasn't touched a single penny since the snow started.

This shocked the ministers as much as if the military genius Li Jing had suddenly taken off his helmet and told them that she was actually Lady Changsun disguised as a man.

This kind of shock is more astonishing than the sky collapsing.

"Father."

As Chengqian entered the hall, he was about to perform the rites.

"come over."

The emperor waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities, and then smiled and beckoned him to come up.

Upon hearing this, Chengqian stepped forward and moved slowly, step by step, until he reached the table.

He was extremely resistant to the position where his father sat.

Sometimes he would wonder why Prince Tai wasn't the eldest brother.

The emperor looked at Chengqian with a smile in his eyes.

Chengqian actually looks a lot like him, but his eyebrows and eyes have the gentleness of Empress Zhangsun.

This undoubtedly made the emperor like him even more.

For couples who genuinely love each other, why are children the crystallization of that love?

Because a child is half like oneself and half like one's lover, the child is not only a treasure but also a testament to one's worth.

The stamp on the certificate is called love.

"What, are you afraid I'll hit you?"

The emperor watched Chengqian slowly move along and couldn't help but chuckle.

Chengqian quickly shook his head and walked to the emperor's side.

He would rather his father beat him than accept the throne; anything was negotiable.

"In today's world, commerce is booming."

"Chu Suiliang suggested reducing customs and market taxes. What's your opinion?"

The emperor handed the memorial to Chengqian and asked with a light laugh.

Chengqian's hand trembled as he took the memorial.

No, ask him?

Chengqian opened his mouth and was about to spout nonsense.

He immediately realized that his father might be planning to gradually delegate the regency to him.

After Father Emperor returns, will he still be the emperor?

What if he takes his mother and goes off to have a good time?

Chengqian immediately wanted to say something nonsensical to prove that his abilities were not yet at a level that could put the emperor at ease.

But Chengqian saw the expectant look in the emperor's eyes and thought of his mother's expectations for him.

Chengqian opened his mouth and remained silent for a long time.

“Father... I think it’s acceptable. Chu Suiliang’s move is intended to reduce the burden on the people.”

"Our dynasty is very stable now. The equal distribution of land, the tax system, and the military system allow the country to function perfectly."

“You pursue the goal of bringing peace and tranquility to the people and enriching them, but now that the Great Qian is becoming increasingly prosperous, I feel that some aspects need to be changed.”

"Of course, the focus is on those caravans that originally belonged to foreign countries."

"Perhaps it can also be used on powerful local families."

“I think we can register households without distinguishing between residents and guests, and classify people by their current residence; and classify people by their wealth without distinguishing between adults.”

"The more you earn, the more you pay."

"Harvests are conducted every six months, once in June and once in November."

"The only difficulty with my idea is the dynasty's control over it."

"But with the constables from the Six Doors around, it should be possible to get it done."

"For the original common people, the tax should still be levied according to the number of males and females."

“Surplus taxes can be invested in the construction of the dynasty, or taxes can be reduced or exempted so that the people can live in peace and prosperity.”

"Wealth is taken from merchants and stored among the people."

"Father...this is what I think."

After Chengqian finished speaking, he lowered his head.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Chengqian could feel the emperor beside him stand up abruptly.

"good."

The emperor patted Chengqian on the shoulder. These two short words made Chengqian raise his head and a smile appear on his lips.

However, Chengqian remembered what he had just said, and his smile faded again.

He couldn't bear to disappoint his father, so he ended up working like a slave.

Is it worth it?

"Go back and rest for a day."

The emperor put down the memorial and walked out of the Liangyi Hall.

Upon hearing this, Chengqian's eyes flashed with wild joy.

"Tomorrow, work with me on official business."

The emperor's next words almost made Chengqian kneel down.

The thing I feared most still happened.

Before Chengqian could answer, the emperor had already left.

......

Li Zhengdian

When the emperor returned to the Lizheng Hall, only a beautiful figure stood by the window, tending to the flowers.

The woman was dressed in bright red, with no extra jewelry on her head.

A person standing simply by the window is more beautiful and captivating than the flowers in front of them.

When the palace maids standing outside the palace saw the emperor, they were about to bow in greeting.

The emperor waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities, and then tiptoed into the main hall.

As Changsun looked at the flowers in front of her, a happy smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

Meanwhile, she was thinking about what dishes to prepare for tonight.

"Should we prepare some wine for him?"

Empress Zhangsun thought that the emperor was pestering her every day, and she couldn't take it anymore.

How about we get him drunk?

While she was thinking, she suddenly felt herself being hugged.

She was somewhat surprised to smell the familiar scent, but her body responded faster than her mind.

Changsun twisted her body, found a comfortable position, and lazily leaned against her lover.

"Your Majesty, have the court affairs been concluded for today?"

Looking at the wind and snow outside the window, Lady Changsun asked with a smile.

"How can you be so unromantic? We're enjoying the snow together, and all you ask me is about work?"

The emperor looked out the window at the wind and snow and was amused.

"Those in positions of authority should fulfill their responsibilities."

"Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, you are naturally responsible for the people of the world."

Empress Zhangsun nuzzled the emperor's chin with her head, her tone gentle but her words very serious.

She also wanted to enjoy life with him, but her responsibilities wouldn't allow it.

"Today, Chengqian..."

Knowing his beloved's style, the emperor changed the subject and began to talk about the day's events.

"Was this Chengqian's idea?"

Empress Changsun was somewhat pleasantly surprised. This method naturally had its flaws, but considering Chengqian's lack of experience in court politics, it was quite remarkable that he could come up with such a solution.

"Ah."

"When the time comes, I will gradually hand over the affairs of state to him."

"Once he's able to shoulder important responsibilities, I'll take you out for a walk."

The emperor kissed the top of the head of the person in his arms, his eyes tender.

"it is good."

Lady Changsun turned slightly to the side, nuzzled her cheek against her lover's chest, and softened her tone.

"I plan to go into seclusion after this. Before that, I plan to take you on a spring outing."

"Where do you want to go?"

"Western Regions."

"?"

The emperor was stunned for a moment.

"Just like the changes at the North Gate back then."

Lady Changsun took her husband's hand and intertwined their fingers.

"Hahaha!"

The emperor suddenly laughed.

"it is good."

The emperor took her hand in return and kissed her forehead.

......

Sunset

In the study of Prince An's residence

Li Junsu was reviewing official documents when the door was pushed open, and Bai Xingling entered the study.

"It seems that the emperor is gradually handing over the affairs to Chengqian."

Bai Xingling looked at Li Junsu, thinking about how Jian Chan and Li Su had mocked Chengqian that afternoon, and shook her head with a smile.

"Ah."

Upon hearing this, Li Junsu nodded and turned his gaze back to the official document.

"Aren't you surprised?"

Bai Xingling was somewhat surprised.

"Not surprisingly."

Li Junsu shook his head slightly.

He wasn't surprised at all; historically, emperors only devoted themselves more to state affairs and seemed to hold onto power tightly after the early death of Empress Zhangsun.

However, he was not like Emperor Wu, who was obsessed with power. Chengqian himself had served as regent twice.

A person obsessed with power will ultimately not choose to personally lead an expedition against Goguryeo.

At that time, it was the emperor's own whims.

It was also General Tian Ce's last dance.

The emperor himself said it was to eliminate a threat to Li Zhi, but if something unexpected happened during his personal campaign, Li Zhi would be in danger.

The emperor cannot personally lead a military campaign.

Afterwards, Wei Feng returned to the court and said that he should have listened to Wei Zheng's advice and should not have personally led the expedition.

This is how the emperor's identity returned, bringing him back to reality from his willfulness.

Li Junsu was not surprised that the emperor was considering abdicating, given that Empress Zhangsun was currently in good health.

The ability to treat meritorious officials well stems not only from youth but also from compassion.

"How is the situation in the Western Regions?"

Li Junsu then thought of poison and asked with great interest.

"It's...very bloody over there."

Bai Xingling hesitated for a long time before speaking softly.

......

Western Regions, Sacred Mountain

The Western Barbarian royal family was once again brought to the sacred pool.

"cut."

Seeing their terrified eyes, Mao Du waved his hand.

This is already the third batch.

He discovered that although the amount of ley lines obtained by beheading these barbarians was not much, their purity was the key.

Although I don't know the reason, as long as I can make money, that's enough.