This made Li Shimin anxious, and he wanted to trade one for one with me.

Then, Li Shimin turned to ask, "What do you all think?"

Fang Xuanling replied decisively, "This plan is excellent!"

Du Ruhui narrowed his eyes and drawled, "Brilliant!"

Li Shimin smiled. His right-hand men all agreed with the strategy, and he himself was extremely eager to see it implemented. Without further hesitation, he decisively said:

"Then give it a try!"

"Hyun-ryeong, Ke-min, you are in charge of providing aid to Silla."

"Minister Cheng, you are in charge of persuading the Silla envoy."

"Zhu Aiqing, you will stay by Cheng Aiqing's side and assist him."

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Cheng Jun, and Zhu Zishe all rose and bowed, saying:

"The ministers obey the order."

At this point, the political discussion was nearing its end, and Li Shimin waved his hand, telling them to go about their own business.

After the four people left, Li Shimin walked to the palace gate, put his hands behind his back, and looked into the distance.

After a long while, he turned around and asked:

"Ananda, what are your thoughts after hearing Cheng Jun's words?"

Standing behind him, Zhang Anan said without hesitation, "This servant thinks it's fortunate that Imperial Censor Cheng is one of our people."

Li Shimin nodded in deep agreement, gazing ahead, and slowly said:

"Yes, that kid Cheng Jun, just by himself and his mouth, is more terrifying than a million-strong Turkic army."

"He should be grateful that he was born in the Tang Dynasty, otherwise, I would have used the entire nation's resources to get rid of him."

…………

After leaving Ganlu Hall and parting ways with Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, Cheng Jun and Zhu Zishe walked together towards the outside of the palace.

Halfway there, Zhu Zishe and Cheng Jun walked side by side. Thinking of what had just happened in Ganlu Hall, they couldn't help but cup their hands in admiration and said:

"Imperial Censor Cheng's words in the Ganlu Hall today have broadened my horizons. I admire Imperial Censor Cheng's profound knowledge."

Cheng Jun smiled, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and said:

"Zhu Shaoqing is too kind."

Zhu Zishe smiled and asked, "His Majesty ordered me to assist you from the side. Whatever you say, I will do as you command. Where are we going next?"

Cheng Jun thought for a moment and said, "I need to go back to the Court of State Ceremonial first; I need to write something."

Zhu Zishe nodded, said nothing more, and followed behind him.

Back at the Court of State Ceremonial, after sitting down in the office, Zhu Zishe summoned a subordinate official and said:

"Go and get the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone."

"promise."

The subordinate responded and quickly brought over writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, placing them on the table in front of Cheng Jun at Zhu Zishe's instruction.

Cheng Jun looked at the blank sheet of paper on the table and shook his head, saying:

One sheet of paper is not enough.

The subordinate official asked curiously, "How many does Imperial Censor Cheng want?"

Cheng Jun said, "Give me a stack."

"promise."

The subordinate official responded and left. Soon after, a stack of papers was delivered.

Cheng Jun picked up the rabbit-hair brush, but instead of starting to write, he looked at Zhu Zishe and said:

"Zhu Shaoqing, take some men to the Imperial Medical Bureau to visit the Silla envoy. If she wakes up, send someone to let me know."

"Okay, I'll go right away!"

After Zhu Zishe left, Cheng Jun lowered his head and began to write, one sheet of paper after another.

After finishing writing on a stack of paper, Cheng Jun put down his pen, exhaled, rubbed his slightly sore wrist, and looked up outside.

It was already noon.

No wonder I felt hungry...

As Cheng Jun was pondering whether or not to eat something, he suddenly noticed an official from the Court of State Ceremonial walking towards him.

"Imperial Censor Cheng, Vice Minister Zhu sent me to report that the Silla envoy has awakened."

"understood."

Cheng Jun nodded slightly in acknowledgment. After the ink on the tiny characters on the paper dried, he carried a stack of papers and headed towards the Imperial Medical Bureau.

The Imperial Medical Bureau, within its grounds.

As soon as Cheng Jun arrived, he saw Jin Deman sitting on the couch, drinking herbal soup.

Zhu Shaoqing and Chao Yuanfang stayed by his side.

Around the sickbed were two maids of the Silla princess.

Seeing Cheng Jun approach, Jin Deman became furious, holding her small bowl and glaring at him angrily.

Why such resentment...? Cheng Jun was stunned, then ignored her and turned to look at Chao Yuanfang, asking:

"Imperial Physician Chao, where is Daoist Sun?"

Chao Yuanfang was observing Jin Deman's complexion when he heard this and said, "She went out to provide free medical consultations."

Cheng Jun nodded slightly, clearly indicating that he had received Li Shimin's permission to go out and provide free medical services. He pointed to Jin Deman and asked:

"Is Your Highness alright?"

Chao Yuanfang said, "I traveled all night and my body is weak. In addition, I was so angry that I fainted. It's nothing serious. I just need to rest for a few days."

Jin Deman handed the small bowl in her hand to the maid, lifted the blanket, and said, "I don't need to rest. I don't have time. I need to set off for Silla immediately."

Cheng Jun asked, puzzled, "Why are you still thinking about going back to Silla?"

Jin Deman's eyes reddened as she said, "I am a princess of Silla. Silla is about to fall, yet I am forced to live a life of ignominy in the Tang Dynasty. How can I face the people who escorted me out of here?"

"No matter what, I will leave the Tang Dynasty today!"

Kim Deok-man, supporting herself on the sickbed, got up and said.

Cheng Jun said, "I have already reported your matter to His Majesty. After my advice, His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty has decided to aid Silla and save you from your dire situation."

"..."

Jin Deman was taken aback by what she heard. She blinked, looked at Cheng Jun for a few seconds, and then silently sat back down.

The next second, she couldn't help but ask suspiciously, "You're not lying to me?"

Cheng Jun was speechless and said, "Would I dare to say something like that?"

Kindeman thought about it and agreed. Only an emperor would dare to say such a thing; a subject wouldn't dare to make such a promise without authorization. But then she felt something was off and asked, "Why would you help me?"

Cheng Jun's expression turned serious, and he said, "Since you've come to the Tang Dynasty, our Emperor has instructed me to be in charge of receiving you. If you have any problems, of course I'll help you."

Jin Deman frowned, sized him up, and said, "But, how you treated me at the Honglu Inn..."

Cheng Jun patiently explained, "Your horses will soon be well-fed and watered, and will return to Chang'an with the best feed. Your carriages will also soon receive the best maintenance before returning."

"Your armor and weapons will soon be delivered to you."

"Your money bags will be full and hanging from your waists today."

"Think about it again, haven't I been good to you?"

"..."

Jin Deman remained silent. She realized that, putting aside Cheng Jun's attempt to force her to stay in Chang'an, everything Cheng Jun did was indeed impeccable.

Cheng Jun continued, "Besides, the reason I'm keeping you here is to save your life."

“You were only sixteen, in the prime of your youth, and you died like this, or were tortured beyond recognition by the people who invaded your country. It is truly a pity.”

"Furthermore, your Silla is a vassal state of our Great Tang. No matter what, our Great Tang will not sit idly by. Therefore, both morally and logically, I will do my best to fight for you and your country."

Cheng Jun looked at her and said, "Your Highness, do you still think there's a problem with me?"

Jin Deman shook his head, stepped off the sickbed, bowed deeply to Cheng Jun, and looked up to say with sincere gratitude, "Thank you, Special Envoy."