My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

"Look at her status, Lizhi is the eldest princess born of the principal wife, more noble than Gaoyang; in terms of affection, Chen Mo saved the lives of the Empress Dowager and us, and gets along better with Lizhi... No matter how you look at it, Lizhi is more suitable than Gaoyang, isn't she?"

Li Chengqian spoke first.

Why would he say that?

There's no other reason than this!

He has read so many Tang Dynasty novels.

Besides being reborn as Li Chengqian's son at Xuanwu Gate, or as Li Shimin's son.

Almost all the other female leads are Li Lizhi.

It really proves what he saw in the comments section: "The main characters come and go, but Li Lizhi remains a constant!"

He had read so many novels about the Tang Dynasty, with different protagonists appearing one after another, but Li Lizhi remained steadfast.

Incredibly sturdy!

Basically, any novel set in the Tang Dynasty will include her.

Of course, some might bring Gao Yang along, but he serves as a negative example.

Moreover, he has a very good relationship with Chen Mo and also with Li Lizhi.

Why should she marry her beloved younger sister to that guy Changsun Chong?

In nine out of ten novels he'd read, Changsun Chong wasn't a good person, and there was one that was particularly wicked!

Besides, Changsun Chong doesn't support him!

Why should he treat Changsun Chong so well?

His uncle, Changsun Wuji, wavered between him and Qingque.

After all, both of them were born to Empress Zhangsun, so he wouldn't lose out no matter which side won.

He was definitely a staunch supporter of me when my leg was fine before.

But once his leg started to limp, he became indecisive.

Li Chengqian used to trust and rely on him a lot, but after these events, he only felt disappointed in Changsun Wuji.

Last but not least, close relatives cannot marry.

Therefore, no matter what, Li Chengqian would not allow Li Lizhi to marry Changsun Chong.

Get out of my way!

What kind of bastard dares to get involved with my little sister!

It would be more appropriate to let Gao Yang marry him!

And they're not related by blood at all!

however,

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Shimin immediately rebuked him.

"Nonsense!"

"Lizhi is already engaged! This matter concerns the decorum of the court, the relationship between me and your uncle as ruler and subject, and the bond between uncle and nephew. How can it be treated lightly?! How can it be changed?!"

"But Father,"

Li Chengqian looked at Li Shimin with a strange expression.

"Close relatives can't marry. I remember Changsun Chong is Lizhi's cousin, right?"

"What? Close relatives can't marry?"

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun were both surprised.

Empress Zhangsun, in particular, suddenly opened her eyes wide, her tone filled with confusion and a hint of barely perceptible tension.

"Chengqian, what... what nonsense are you talking about? Marriage between cousins ​​has always been a beautiful story of strengthening family ties, so how can you say that marriage is forbidden?"

Li Shimin also frowned.

"Chengqian, where did you hear such absurd remarks?"

"The Book of Rites states, 'One should not marry a woman of the same surname.' The Changsun family and your Li family do not share the same surname; marriage between cousins ​​is in accordance with ancient rites and human nature!"

"Did Chen Mo tell you to say that?"

Li Chengqian looked at the two of them and spoke.

"Father, Mother, these words are neither fabricated nor absurd!"

"This is...this is a conclusion reached after countless verifications in later generations!"

Li Chengqian paused, thinking of what he had read in a novel before, and then spoke.

"Later physicians discovered that children born to couples who are too closely related by blood are far more likely to suffer from various congenital diseases, physical disabilities, or mental impairments than children born to couples who are not of common blood!"

"This is not a curse, but... but a hidden danger brought about by our blood ties!"

"In their current parlance, the probability of developing a hereditary disease doubles!"

Then, seeing the doubtful look on Li Shimin's face, he simply spoke up.

"Father, if you don't believe me, you can investigate how many children born from consanguineous marriages are considered normal after we return to Chang'an."

"Are there any children in the palace or the imperial family who are born weak and sickly, or whose words and actions are different from ordinary people and who are difficult to teach?"

Upon hearing this, both Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun's expressions shifted slightly.

Empress Zhangsun's face paled slightly as she murmured.

"If that's really the case... then what about Lizhi and Chong'er..."

Li Shimin frowned even more deeply, his sharp gaze fixed on Li Chengqian.

Are you sure you're telling the truth?

Li Chengqian nodded.

"Of course it's true! If you don't believe me, just go out and ask anyone, or ask a nurse or doctor!"

Li Shimin snorted and walked out on the spot.

I happened to pass by a nurse.

Li Shimin stopped the nurse and asked.

"Can cousins ​​get married?"

The nurse was dumbfounded, looking at Li Shimin as if he were an idiot.

This is the first time someone has asked this question. It's something even a five-year-old knows, yet an adult doesn't know it?

The nurse looked at Li Shimin with a surprised expression.

"You don't want to marry your sister, do you? That won't do! Your dad'll break your legs!"

Li Shimin: ? ? ?

He paused for a moment, then explained.

"It's not me! It's my younger relatives, my cousins, who are planning to get married. I've heard... I've heard that marriage between close relatives is bad for their offspring, so I asked this question."

The nurse noticed that he was well-dressed and had an extraordinary air about him; he spoke in a refined manner yet with an undeniable air of authority.

Although I found this person strange, I still answered quickly out of professionalism.

"Of course it's disadvantageous! Marriage between close relatives, such as first cousins, who are collateral relatives within three generations, is strictly prohibited by law!"

"Is it... prohibited by law?"

Li Shimin caught this key word, his heart skipped a beat again, and he hurriedly asked.

Why?

"Because their children have a much higher chance of inheriting genetic diseases than the average person!"

"Down syndrome, birth defects, various recessive genetic diseases...it's terrifying! We learn about these in our first year of school! It's basic common sense!"

After saying that, the nurse looked at Li Shimin curiously, as if wondering how there could still be people who didn't understand this in this day and age.

The key is that this person has a calm and composed demeanor, and you can tell at a glance that he is not an ordinary person.

Li Shimin stood there, stunned.

In other words, even the government in later generations forbade marriage between close relatives.

In that case, wouldn't Lizhi and Chong'er also be out of luck...?

Seeing that he was still in a daze, the nurse kindly added another sentence.

"Sir, if any of your younger relatives really want to get married through a cousin's marriage, you'd better dissuade them immediately!"

"This is harming the next generation!"

"If your daughter or son has this need, you can also contact our hospital."

The nurse smiled.

"Although it's not as good as orthopedics in Germany, our hospital's orthopedic department is still top-notch!"

Then, she looked at Li Shimin.

"If you have any further questions, you can consult with our hospital's genetics department. You can go there and ask them for details."

After saying that, the nurse, carrying the record board, hurriedly left with an expression that said, "I've never seen anything like this before."

Li Shimin stood there stunned for a long time.

So it turns out... Chengqian's words were true.

This is not an absurd statement, but a truth known to everyone in later generations, and it has even been written into the law!

If I insist on making this happen, wouldn't that be like knowingly pushing Lizhi and Chong'er's children into a pit of fire?

Wouldn't I become a tyrannical ruler who harms his descendants?!

The thought of possibly having a weak and mentally challenged grandchild sent chills down Li Shimin's spine.

He turned around with a solemn expression and walked quickly back to the ward.

Inside the ward, Empress Zhangsun watched anxiously as he returned.

Li Shimin looked at Empress Zhangsun with a complicated expression and said in a deep voice.

"Guanyinbi, I have already consulted the physicians here."

"Marriage between close relatives was indeed forbidden by later laws. His statement... is exactly the same as Chengqian's. The risks to future generations... are extremely high."

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun's face turned ashen, and her last trace of hesitation vanished.

She gripped Li Shimin's hand tightly, her voice trembling with lingering fear.

"Your Majesty! In that case, the marriage between Lizhi and Chong'er must not be allowed!"

"I understand. I will handle this matter appropriately."

Li Shimin nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes.

Not only should Lizhi and Chong'er be removed from their positions, but corresponding regulations should also be promulgated to warn the people against making mistakes!

Seeing Li Shimin deep in thought, Li Chengqian suddenly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Father, since Lizhi can't marry Changsun Chong, why not choose another princess to marry him?"

"Your Majesty, I have a somewhat immature idea—why not let Gaoyang go instead?"

"I believe that the two of them will get along very well!"

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and stroked his beard.

"Chengqian... what you said makes sense!"

Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but speak up upon hearing this.

"But Gao Yang's temperament... and Changsun Chong's, I'm afraid..."

Seeing Empress Zhangsun's expression, Li Chengqian made a serious suggestion.

"Mother, I believe that my sister Gaoyang is straightforward and lively, and she needs a steady and upright gentleman like my cousin Changsun to guide and tolerate her."

He paused, trying not to laugh out loud, revealing a little bit of his chicken foot.

"And Cousin Changsun is a steady and reliable person; perhaps he too will be inspired by Sister Gaoyang's vivacity, adding some fun to his life. This is... a way of complementing each other!"

"Furthermore, just as Father Emperor said before, Princess Gaoyang might very well temper her temper after marriage!"

Li Shimin thought about it again, looked at Li Chengqian's "sincere" face, and then thought about Gao Yang's lawless behavior and Changsun Chong's obedient personality.

Should Gao Yang be given to Changsun Chong?

He could almost foresee the scene of Changsun Wuji running to him, tears streaming down his face, to plead his case...

However, it seems that Gao Yang is the only one who is suitable in terms of both age and status.

Gao Ming is right!

It's not like Gao Yang in his family is incapable of changing!

That's such a good deal for that brat Changsun Chong!

Li Chengqian looked at Li Shimin, who was deep in thought, and silently sighed in his heart.

Brother Chen!

I've done you a huge favor!

It would be a real shame if they didn't treat me to some sweet oranges later!

Meanwhile, far away in Chang'an, Princess Gaoyang, who was in her palace pondering new tricks and preparing to pester her father for more things the next day, suddenly sneezed twice in a row for no apparent reason.

She rubbed her nose and looked out the window suspiciously.

"Who's talking about me, the princess?"

Meanwhile, in Chang'an, Changsun Chong, who was studying diligently with his books but was actually thinking about Li Lizhi absentmindedly, suddenly felt a chill and tightened his robes.

"And who is thinking of me again?"

He looked towards the palace, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Could it be my cousin?"