Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

Inside the vast Taiji Hall, candlelight flickered. Xianglan took a set of chess pieces from a palace maid and gently placed it in front of Li Longji.

She looked up and said softly, "Your Majesty, would you like to play a game of chess tonight and try to relax?"

Li Longji nodded wearily. "Very good. Playing chess with Xianglan always helps me forget my worries."

As the chess pieces were placed, the communication between the two became increasingly intimate without them realizing it, and the entire Taiji Hall became warm and peaceful.

"Your Majesty, you always seem to be worried about something?" Xianglan asked casually.

Li Longji sighed softly, "Since the An Lushan Rebellion, many things have become beyond my complete control, and there is too much uncertainty in the court."

Xianglan smiled slightly and, looking at the chessboard, advised, "His Majesty has always been wise. Just proceed step by step, and you will find a solution."

As the lingering music filled the air, Li Longji turned his head and glanced at Xianglan, saying, "Xianglan, you are truly a good friend."

"Your Majesty flatters me. Xianglan is merely a minor servant." Xianglan smiled and responded softly.

As the night deepened, Li Longji's expression gradually softened.

Xianglan tactfully got up to take her leave, allowing Li Longji to rest for a while.

Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince's residence, Li Heng was focused on military planning, calmly dealing with complex intelligence from all sides.

"Your Highness, good news has arrived from the front. The enemy has begun to tighten their defenses at the front." Gao Shi pushed open the door and hurried in to report.

Li Heng raised his head slightly, his tone devoid of joy, "This shows that they are beginning to be wary."

Gao Shi nodded to indicate that he understood, and then said, "The scouts have also discovered that the enemy is gathering reinforcements, and it is expected that they will not launch another attack in the short term."

Li Heng pondered for a moment, then tapped the table. "It seems that An Lushan is also trying to stabilize the situation. We should take advantage of this respite."

"Why doesn't Your Highness take this opportunity to consolidate local forces and further strengthen the defenses?" Gao Shi suggested, his eyes revealing a hint of anticipation for a counterattack.

“It can be included in the plan, but what’s more important is how to get internal and external forces working together,” Li Heng said calmly.

at the same time.

Li Mao is also making adjustments to the new personnel appointments, because every step from now on is of great importance.

"Afu, have the arrangements for this meeting been finalized?" Li Mao asked in his study.

"Your Highness, everything is ready, and we are just waiting for the official order," Afu replied immediately.

"Okay." A barely perceptible smile appeared on Li Mao's lips.

At this critical juncture, General Feng entered the study, bringing the latest news: "Your Highness, this is the latest intelligence. Although An Lushan has retreated, internal divisions have begun to emerge, which may be a good time to strike."

Li Mao tapped the table lightly and squinted, saying, "Internal division and external alliance? This is a good opportunity."

General Feng nodded slightly. "If we can launch an attack at this time, we might be able to take advantage of the situation and advance."

“That’s right.” Li Mao nodded in agreement. “However, we still need to proceed with caution to ensure we maintain the initiative.”

Just then, there was another knock on the door.

Afu said softly, "Your Highness, the messenger you requested has arrived."

Li Mao's smile deepened. He gestured slightly to General Feng to wait a moment, then said to Afu, "Please invite him in."

As the door was pushed open, a stern-looking figure walked in.

"You shall stand down on guard. No one shall disturb us without my permission."

"As ordered."

After saying that, Afu and Feng left, leaving Li Mao with private space.

……

The morning sun is just beginning to rise.

Inside the Taiji Hall, Li Longji walked slowly to the front of the hall, squinting slightly as if basking in the warmth of the sunlight.

"Your Majesty, the morning light is exceptionally bright today," Xianglan said softly from beside him.

Li Longji smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Under the morning light, things seem clear. Unfortunately, some things cannot be understood without careful observation."

Just then, a palace attendant came to report, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."

Li Longji turned around and said, "Let him in."

Li Heng entered the hall, bowed, and went straight to the point, "Father, we received an urgent report last night that An Lushan's troops are showing signs of retreating. Should we take advantage of this and pursue them?"

After a moment's thought, Li Longji said with a solemn expression, "If An Lushan has already retreated, he must have further plans. We must not act rashly."

"Yes, Father," Li Heng replied respectfully. "However, we also need to formulate corresponding strategies and strengthen our defenses to guard against unforeseen circumstances."

Seeing this, Xianglan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, in such turbulent times, seeking victory through stability is indeed a wise move on the part of His Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Longji smiled with satisfaction, "Xianglan is right. Heng'er, you must be careful when deploying troops and make sure to cooperate with the local military forces."

"Yes, Father, I will strengthen ties with the local authorities to ensure the defenses are secure." Li Heng nodded firmly.

at the same time.

At the Prince Shou's residence, Li Mao was making preparations in earnest.

"Your Highness, we have successfully transmitted the message that An Lushan's retreat may cause chaos in the region," Afu reported.

Li Mao nodded slightly. "Very good. This situation presents us with a new opportunity."

"Your Highness, should we investigate further about where An Lushan retreated to?" General Feng asked from the side.

“Of course, we must ensure that every step is in line with our plan.” Li Mao was thoughtful and his expression was stern. “In particular, our relationship with local powerful families must not be disrupted.”

Afu nodded in agreement, "I will send someone to keep a close eye on things, and report back immediately if there are any changes."

Just then, a secret envoy quietly entered and handed a confidential document to Li Mao.

"Your Highness, this is further intelligence from the front lines," the envoy said in a low voice.

Li Mao unfolded the document, his gaze sweeping over it. "It seems we need to act quickly."

at the same time.

An Lushan adjusted his strategies in seclusion, determined to make a comeback.

"General, several local lords have expressed their willingness to help us. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate our strength," An Sishun reported with a hint of pride.

"Good!" An Lushan praised. "We must make full use of this favorable situation and regroup our strength."

An Sishun continued, "However, the enemy's reconnaissance is becoming increasingly thorough, and we need to be cautious in our response."

“That’s true. The external situation is always unpredictable, so we need to have multiple plans in reserve to keep things calm amidst all the crises,” An Lushan said thoughtfully.

At this time, inside the Crown Prince's residence, Li Heng once again summoned his confidants to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Highness, although An Lushan has temporarily retreated, his forces are not yet wiped out. Could we take this opportunity to conduct diplomacy and fundamentally weaken the enemy's support?" the advisor suggested.

Li Heng nodded slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes. "That's exactly the idea. We need to apply double pressure at the same time to completely control the situation."

Gao Shi added, "Your Highness, An Lushan is a formidable opponent, and we cannot afford to be careless."

“Of course. Everything should be done step by step.” Li Heng’s voice was firm and resolute.

Prince Shou's Mansion

"Your Highness, the military equipment adjustments are nearing completion, and our troops are ready to depart at any time," Afu reported.

"Alright. Now let's see how An Lushan makes his move." Li Mao smiled, his mind already racing.

General Feng then asked, "Your Highness, what do you predict An Lushan will do?"

“It’s not hard to guess,” Li Mao said softly. “He will definitely regroup his troops in a strategic location and wait for a better opportunity.”

"It seems he's not as simple as he appears," General Feng remarked thoughtfully.

“Of course it’s not simple,” Li Mao pondered. “Perhaps we should take the initiative to do something while he is still in hiding.”

Just then, a secret agent quietly appeared in front of Li Mao and whispered a few words to him.