Tang Dynasty: Saving Lives and Helping Others, Li Lizhi Falls for Him

After seeing Qin Qiong and his party off, Shen Chang'an returned to the main room to pack up the teacups and medicine box.

He was still savoring the effects of the Rejuvenation Pill.

Qin Qiong's reaction after taking the medicine was even better than he had expected, and it was not much different from the legendary elixir.

Even he himself was somewhat surprised by the result.

"The Rejuvenating Pill is indeed remarkably effective for old injuries and accumulated fatigue."

Shen Chang'an wiped the silver needles clean and put them into the needle box, pondering to himself, "If I could refine a Qi-Nourishing Pill, wouldn't it be even more helpful for cultivation?"

He entered the spiritual plant space and squatted down beside the herb garden to check the growth of the nourishing grass.

The seeds of the Peiyuan Grass have sprouted, with tender green shoots breaking through the soil and dewdrops from the spiritual rain still clinging to the leaves.

According to the flow of time in space, and with the nourishment of the Spirit Rain Technique, it will take about two or three months to grow. At that time, he can pick the Nourishing Essence Grass and try to refine the Nourishing Essence Pill.

"And there are also Qi-restoring pills."

Shen Chang'an brought up Qin Qiong's mission progress from the system panel. "Once Qin Qiong is fully recovered, we'll have the recipe for the Qi-restoring pill. At that time, the Spirit-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Clearing Flower will finally have a use."

He stood up, looked at the lush spiritual plants in the space, and felt a sense of fulfillment welling up in his heart.

Rejuvenating Grass, Blood-Coagulating Flower, Spirit-Gathering Grass, Heart-Cleansing Flower, Soul-Nourishing Grass, Spirit Ginseng, Purple Lingzhi... He accumulated these spiritual plants step by step.

It took almost a year for the garden to grow from just a few plants to a lush, green space.

"I've successfully navigated the path of alchemy."

Shen Chang'an exited the space and sat cross-legged in the quiet room. "Next, I need to accumulate experience and refine both the Qi-Nourishing Pill and the Qi-Returning Pill. At that time, my cultivation speed will be much faster."

"If all else fails, we can exchange for a magic alchemy furnace to increase the success rate of alchemy!"

With that thought in mind, Shen Chang'an closed his eyes and began his cultivation for the night.

……

After returning from Jishiju, Li Chengqian did not go back to the East Palace to change his clothes, but went straight to Ganlu Hall.

"Father, I have important matters to report."

He paid his respects outside the hall and, after receiving permission, strode into the hall.

Li Shimin was reviewing memorials when he saw the man's solemn expression, so he put down his vermilion brush.

"What is it?"

Li Chengqian recounted in detail what had happened at Jishiju that day.

"Mr. Shen gave General Qin a pill, about the size of a little fingertip, dark brown, with a very strong medicinal smell."

"After General Qin took it, in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, his complexion changed from sallow to rosy, and his hunched back straightened up."

"He stood up and took a few steps, his steps steady, a stark contrast to the way he had gone in lying down a few days ago."

Li Shimin's hand paused slightly, and his gaze froze.

"You mean... one pill was enough to make Qin Qiong stand up?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes, and Qin Huaidao was also present."

Li Chengqian said solemnly, "General Qin himself said that the pain from decades of old injuries melted away in that warmth. When he left, he walked with the stride of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, not at all like a patient."

Li Shimin remained silent for a moment.

"What did Shen Chang'an say?"

"Mr. Shen said that the medicine is called 'Rejuvenation Pill,' which he made himself and has a miraculous effect on old injuries and overwork."

He also said that after the medicine is fully absorbed, General Qin's old wounds will be more than 80% healed, and taking another pill will completely cure him.

Li Chengqian paused for a moment, then continued, "He also said that General Qin suffered too much damage in his early years and his vital energy could not be fully replenished, but his lifespan could reach seventy years old."

Li Shimin tapped his fingers lightly on the imperial desk, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

Such a miraculous effect from just one pill.

If such a thing could be used on him, he would achieve immortality...

The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed it.

"Chengqian, do you think that pill... is an evil spell?" Li Shimin asked slowly.

Li Chengqian shook his head: "Your subject also had this doubt at first, but General Qin is a veteran of the battlefield, and his sense of his body is clearer than anyone else's."

"He said he felt no discomfort at all; on the contrary, he felt energetic all over. If he were overworking his body, he would definitely feel it."

Li Shimin nodded and did not ask any further questions.

"Alright, you can go back and rest now. As for this matter, let's start with reading, beginning with cola novels... I understand."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave."

Li Chengqian left the Ganlu Hall, leaving Li Shimin alone.

Li Shimin sat behind his desk for a long time without moving.

Two thoughts were locked in a fierce battle in his mind.

One is greed.

If such pills could be used to treat soldiers, how many people could be saved? If the formula could be collected by the imperial court and made into pills by the Imperial Medical Academy…

If Shen Chang'an has this kind of pill, does he have any other pills?

But another thought quickly came over me.

Shen Chang'an is no ordinary person. Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang are right; this person cannot be forced.

Moreover, Shen Chang'an had done a great favor for the Li family.

The Empress's illness was cured by Shen Chang'an.

The Crown Prince's spleen and kidney deficiencies were cured by Shen Chang'an.

Chang Le's frail health was also cured by Shen Chang'an.

Even his own liver yang hyperactivity was caused by Shen Chang'an's prescription and acupuncture techniques.

Not to mention those high-yield crops—corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes—if they were truly promoted, they would save the lives of countless people.

"If I were to harm him, wouldn't that be repaying kindness with enmity?"

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

Li Shimin stood up and paced back and forth in the hall.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

Cola Novels always has a story waiting for you to open.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

Readers are hotly debating: What exactly happened? Join the discussion at Cola Novels.

"If I were to harm him, wouldn't that be repaying kindness with enmity?"

Li Shimin stood up and paced back and forth in the hall.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

Li Shimin stood up and paced back and forth in the hall.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.

Li Shimin stood up and paced back and forth in the hall.

He then recalled Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang's instructions—

"Shen Chang'an's strength far surpasses that of the two of us. Even if we mobilize a large army to surround him, we may not be able to subdue him. If we push him too far and he escapes, or even turns against us, it will be Your Majesty who will be in danger."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

Li Shimin stopped and let out a long sigh.

"That's enough."

He sat back down at his desk, picked up the tea that had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

He suppressed his greedy thoughts.

……

The following morning, Li Shimin met with Empress Zhangsun in the Ganlu Hall.

"Guanyinbi, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Empress Zhangsun dismissed the attendants and said softly, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Li Shimin recounted what Li Chengqian had reported, and then recounted his struggles from the previous night.

"I have thought about this for a long time. Shen Chang'an cannot be touched."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, his voice tinged with weariness, "He has been kind to my family and has rendered meritorious service to the people. If I were to lay a hand on him, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Empress Zhangsun held his hand and whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

"But I cannot leave him unattended outside the city."

Li Shimin then changed the subject, "Such a person must either be used by me, or... at least cannot be my enemy."

"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Win him over." Li Shimin's gaze was firm. "Give him a title, bestow rewards upon him, and tie him to the royal family."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Mr. Shen is not interested in fame or fortune. His Majesty wanted to bestow titles upon him before, but he declined. He may not care about titles and rewards."

"Then I'll give him one he can't refuse." Li Shimin's lips curled slightly upward. "I'll bestow a marriage upon him."

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback: "A marriage bestowed? A marriage bestowed upon whom?"

"Changle," Li Shimin looked into her eyes, "My daughter, the eldest princess of the Tang Dynasty, is it not a mismatch for her to be with Shen Chang'an?"

Empress Zhangsun remained silent.

She knew that His Majesty had been worried about Lizhi's marriage.

The previous engagement with Changsun Chong was canceled, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court.

If Lizhi could be married to Shen Chang'an... Shen Chang'an's character, talent, and medical skills are all top-notch.

It's not a bad thing for my daughter to marry him.

"Erlang, what about Chang Le..." Empress Zhangsun hesitated.

"I will talk to her," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Besides, I will not bestow the marriage now. I will observe for a period of time, wait until the grain harvest on the imperial estate is complete, and wait until Shen Chang'an has made some contributions. Then I will bring it up in a proper and legitimate manner."

Empress Zhangsun nodded: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough."

Li Shimin gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance.

Shen Chang'an, I will not mistreat you.

Don't disappoint me either.