Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Chapter 207 Gaoyang Scandal

The end of the year is approaching, but the entire Tang Dynasty is unable to be enveloped by the upcoming festive atmosphere this year.

Li Chengqian was full of worries.

Although the turbulent situation at the local level has been initially stabilized thanks to the efforts of the court, the serious shortage of officials remains a problem.

The Tang Dynasty is like a huge ship, sailing through the long river of history. Any change and progress must be gradual, and quick success and instant benefits will only backfire.

He looked forward to the early advent of the steam engine.

As long as the roar of the steam engine sounded on the land of the Tang Dynasty, it would drive the vigorous development of all industries and bring a new look to the lives of the people.

By then, the crops in the fields will usher in the joy of a good harvest, the tools in the workshops will be manufactured efficiently, business will prosper, and the people will live and work in peace and contentment, with no worries about food and clothing.

Whenever his thoughts drifted away from the beautiful blueprint for the future, he would think of the people of the Tang Dynasty who were still struggling in poverty and misery at that moment.

Those weather-beaten faces pierced his heart.

They suffered from hunger and cold in their dilapidated huts, the children were half-naked, and the elderly were sick and helpless.

He saw all these scenes when his army returned.

A strong sense of guilt and uneasiness welled up in Li Chengqian's heart. As the Son of Heaven, he failed to let his people live a rich and healthy life. How could he feel at ease?

"Your Majesty! Commander Zhang requests to see you." Zhang Ananda's clear and penetrating voice rang out.

"Let him in!" Li Chengqian came back to his senses from his thoughts.

Zhang Xianhuai walked slowly into the Liangyi Hall with slightly hesitant steps.

He looked as if something was stuck in his throat, wanting to speak but not daring to.

Li Chengqian looked at Zhang Xianhuai's appearance, gently raised his hand to pick up the exquisite teacup on the table, blew away the cool air slightly, and took a sip.

"What's wrong? You're pregnant. You're getting married soon, so why don't you have a happy smile on your face?"

"Your Majesty, something has happened. This matter concerns the reputation of the royal family. I am extremely terrified and have detained all the Jinyiwei who knew about this matter.

Zhang Xianhuai fell to his knees with a plop, his head lowered.

"Everything is at your Majesty's disposal."

Hearing that Zhang Xianhuai had so decisively detained the Jinyiwei, Li Chengqian's heart sank suddenly. He put down his teacup and stared at Zhang Xianhuai.

There was seriousness in his eyes.

"Tell me, Xian Huai, what's going on?"

"Your Majesty, it's about Princess Gaoyang."

Zhang Xianhuai's voice became even lower.

Li Chengqian immediately understood something. This Princess Gaoyang had been spoiled and willful since childhood. Whether she had really plotted rebellion in history is still inconclusive.

But in Li Chengqian's view, the unethical affair between her and the monk Bian Ji must be true.

"Go on."

Li Chengqian pretended not to know, but he was actually relieved inside. He thought something big had happened.

"Your Majesty, Princess Gaoyang is having an affair with a monk from Huichang Temple."

Zhang Xianhuai uttered these words cautiously, his eyes fixed on the ground, not daring to look up and meet Li Chengqian's gaze.

"Xian Huai, what are you afraid of? This isn't my gossip. The royal family's reputation is nothing compared to my governance."

"First, release those Jinyiwei. After they come out, they must be careful with their words and actions and not say anything nonsense."

Each person will be rewarded with one string of cash. That's it. No matter who it is, they must dare to investigate!"

"They have worked hard for me, so should I kill them all just because they heard something they shouldn't have heard?"

"Each of them is the backbone of their family, and each has a family struggling to support them. How easy is it to raise them to adulthood?"

"Besides, it seems that this incident has not caused any substantial harm to the foundation of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Chengqian frowned slightly, his tone carrying some dissatisfaction and blame, but also understanding and tolerance towards his subordinates.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhang Xianhuai felt as if he had been pardoned. Admiration flashed in his eyes, and he secretly admired in his heart that Your Majesty is indeed a wise ruler who cares about the world and is kind and generous!

"Things must be handled properly. I'll change into casual clothes, and you should change as well. Let's go to Gao Yang's mansion together."

Li Chengqian slowly stood up.

"This matter must be handled cleanly and efficiently, and Prime Minister Fang must not be alarmed. He has toiled his entire life for the Tang Dynasty, and now he is in his twilight years. I sincerely hope that he can live a peaceful and tranquil life in his later years."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Li Chengqian turned and walked into the inner room. A moment later, he came out wearing a simple and elegant white robe.

Although it lacks the luxury and majesty of a dragon robe, it has a bit more of an otherworldly free and easy air, like a banished immortal.

Zhang Xianhuai was still wearing his iconic black suit, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, his steps were steady and powerful, and he followed closely behind Li Chengqian.

For Li Chengqian, the tricky part of this matter was not the affair between Princess Gaoyang and Monk Bian Ji itself.

What really gave him a headache was Fang Yiai.

As Fang Xuanling's second son, Fang Yiai should, according to common sense, be the eldest son Fang Yizheng's successor to the Fang family business.

However, Fang Xuanling favored his second son very much. That was why Princess Gaoyang was married to Fang Yiai.

Now that Princess Gaoyang has gotten into such a scandal, the person who is most sad and in a difficult position is Prime Minister Fang.

Fang Xuanling was old and his health was deteriorating. Li Chengqian really couldn't bear to let him suffer a blow because of this incident.

In Gaoyang Mansion, the two vermilion lacquered doors were closed tightly.

Li Chengqian glanced at Zhang Xianhuai, and their eyes met, conveying silent instructions.

Zhang Xianhuai understood what he meant and immediately stepped forward and knocked on the door loudly.