My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Chapter 62 The Folding Fan Prince

As Princess Chizun had predicted, news arrived the next morning that Grand Minister Shangnang had led five hundred armored soldiers in a fierce battle against Prince Supi, suffering heavy casualties. In the end, Grand Minister Shangnang escaped with about a hundred men.

The reason was that while they were fighting, Prince Supi's reinforcements arrived, and judging from their attire, they were the army of Tuyuhun.

Songtsen Gampo was greatly surprised.

Princess Chizun complained to him, "People often say that impulsiveness is the devil. I told you not to be impulsive, but you wouldn't listen. So many people have died and been injured. Isn't that your fault?"

"You're right, I regret it now too," Songtsen Gampo said with a look of shame.

"When we are in a state of extreme grief, it is best not to make any decisions, because in that situation, the decisions made are very likely to be wrong."

"What do you think I should do?"

Princess Bhrikuti glanced at the sorrowful Songtsen Gampo and said, "From my observation, although the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is young, he is no ordinary person. You might as well humbly seek his advice."

"Can he help me get revenge?"

How do you know it won't work if you don't even try?

"Alright, as you say."

Therefore, Songtsen Gampo personally visited Li Chengqian at the post station.

After the two exchanged greetings, Li Chengqian dismissed the others.

The two took their seats as host and guest, respectively.

"I have come to ask Your Highness for help," Songtsen Gampo said bluntly.

"Please speak, and I will help if it is something I can do," Li Chengqian said firmly.

Songtsen Gampo then recounted the failed attempt to assassinate Prince Supi the previous night.

Li Chengqian sighed deeply upon hearing this.

"It's all my fault for being too careless. I never expected that Prince Supi had been plotting this for so long."

"I've heard that Your Highness is incredibly wise and powerful; yesterday you personally killed a gigantic Ganges shark. It's simply unbelievable!"

"That was just luck."

"I have also heard that Your Highness personally designed crossbows and arrows, which are extremely powerful."

Li Chengqian took out a crossbow and arrows and handed them to Songtsen Gampo to look at: "I used this crossbow to shoot that Ganges shark."

After seeing it, Songtsen Gampo praised it highly: "Your Highness, you are truly remarkable! This combination of crossbow and arrow is far more powerful than ordinary crossbow bolts."

"It's alright, but I'm not entirely satisfied with it. I'll reconsider and make improvements after I return to Chang'an."

"What, are you in such a hurry to leave?"

"I have come in a hurry this time, and time is tight. There are still several countries I haven't visited. I plan to leave tomorrow," Li Chengqian said intentionally.

When Songtsen Gampo heard that he was leaving the next day, he earnestly tried to persuade him to stay, saying, "My father's death has not yet been avenged. Please lend me your help, Your Highness."

"This—." Li Chengqian looked troubled.

Because this was an internal conflict within Tibet, Li Chengqian felt it was somewhat inconvenient to intervene.

"If Your Highness can help me avenge my father, I will definitely visit the Heavenly Khan in Chang'an after I quell the internal strife. From then on, I will pay tribute every year. If the Tang Dynasty needs anything, just say the word, and I will go through fire and water without hesitation." Songtsen Gampo spoke earnestly.

Seeing his sincere attitude, Li Chengqian said, "How about this, please go back first, and I will give this matter time to think it over."

"OK."

After Songtsen Gampo left, Li Chengqian summoned everyone to discuss the matter.

Upon hearing this, everyone started discussing it amongst themselves.

Some people say we should help Songtsen Gampo, while others say we shouldn't.

Du Zhenglun strode around, shaking his head and saying, "Your Highness, based on my experience, nomadic peoples are the least trustworthy. They are often opportunistic and fickle. When they need us, we'll do anything, even make them kneel down."

However, once they have grown powerful enough, they forget the previous friendship and turn against us.

Both the Xiongnu and the Turks were like this in the past.

Besides, this is their internal matter; it's best if we don't interfere.

Su Wan shook her head and slowly said, "You're only half right."

I believe we need to address each situation specifically.

First of all, the Tibetan social production mode was different from that of the Turks. It was a combination of farming and nomadic life. In terms of crops, there were wheat, buckwheat and barley, etc.

The livestock they grazed included camels, horses, cattle, and sheep. In addition, Tibet had handicrafts; their iron smelting technology was already quite advanced.

Therefore, their weapons were extremely sharp, while their armor and shields were exceptionally sturdy, which was one of the reasons why their army was so powerful.

In addition to these, there were glue making, wool weaving, and charcoal making;

Therefore, in terms of their mode of production, they are different from purely nomadic peoples;

Secondly, Songtsen Gampo was different from other nomadic leaders. He was highly cultured, knew etiquette, and was grateful.

Our mission is to unite Tibet so that we can concentrate our forces against Tuyuhun. Therefore, helping Songtsen Gampo deal with Prince Supi is not just an internal matter for Tibet.

If we can help Songtsen Gampo avenge his father's death, I think Songtsen Gampo will never forget this kindness.

Moreover, Prince Supi is in league with the Tuyuhun. If we deal with Prince Supi, it will be like killing two birds with one stone.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian nodded: "Wan'er is right. We cannot simply consider this a problem of Tibet's internal affairs. We need to help Songtsen Gampo."

Songtsen Gampo is a man of honor and loyalty. If we help him accomplish this, I believe that during Songtsen Gampo's lifetime, Tibet will not confront the Tang Dynasty, and he is only fifteen years old this year.

In other words, as long as we accomplish this, Tibet and the Tang Dynasty will coexist peacefully for the next few decades.

Everyone agreed.

But then another problem arises: how can we help Songtsen Gampo avenge his father?

Everyone shook their heads, at a loss for what to do.

Su Wan's eyes darted around: "Your Highness, I have gleaned some information from the people at the inn. In my opinion, we might as well do this."

in the afternoon.

Tibet Museum.

Longfeng Chengxiang Gold and Silver Jewelry Store.

A luxurious horse-drawn carriage appeared in front of the jewelry store.

At this moment, two young men, handsome and dressed in fine clothes, got out of the car.

The young man walking in front carried a folding fan, followed by a pretty young woman. The two of them slowly entered the jewelry store.

When the jewelry store owner, Su Pi Fugui, saw customers enter, he quickly came over to greet them: "May I ask if you two need anything?"

The young man with the folding fan exuded an air of extraordinary refinement: "Are you the manager here?"

"Yes." Su Pi Fugui had been in business for many years, and seeing them dressed in silk and satin, he knew they were not ordinary people.

"I'd like to discuss a business deal with you."

"sure."

"This is my younger sister. She's getting married next month. As her older brother, I don't have much to give her, so I'm planning to buy her a dowry, which naturally includes gold and silver jewelry."

"Your little sister is absolutely stunningly beautiful," Su Pi Fugui said, seizing the opportunity to flatter the Folding Fan Prince.

To everyone's surprise, the young master with the folding fan found fault: "Are you saying she's pretty, and I'm not?"

Upon hearing this, Su Pi Fugui grinned and said, "Young master, you've misunderstood. I didn't mean that at all."

You are also incredibly handsome and charming, loved by everyone, and admired by all.

Upon hearing this, the young master with the folding fan chuckled, revealing his neat and white teeth: "Shopkeeper, you know how to talk."

Are you guaranteeing that the gold and silver jewelry here is genuine, of good quality, and reasonably priced?

"Of course! We've been operating here for over twenty years. We're the largest gold and silver jewelry store in the Tibet Museum. If we weren't, would we still be able to stand here?"

The young master with the folding fan nodded: "What you said seems to make some sense. Well then, bring over some gold and silver jewelry and let me take a look. Pick the best one."

"Okay, please wait a moment."

Before long, Su Pi showed them the most expensive bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry, because the more expensive the jewelry, the greater the profit.

The young man with the folding fan asked, "Little sister, are you satisfied with these?"

"Not bad." The girl nodded.

"If you like, then I, your foolish brother, will buy you 100,000 taels of silver."

"Can."

"How much?" Su Pi Fugui thought he had misheard, because in all his years in the jewelry business, he had never encountered such a large client.

The young master with the folding fan waved his fan and said slowly, "Shopkeeper, I want to buy 100,000 taels of silver worth of gold and silver jewelry as a dowry for my little sister."

I only have one younger sister, and she's only gotten married once. Honestly, I feel ashamed to admit she got married.

Su Pi Fugui found it intriguing and wondered if his little sister wanted to get married several more times.

"However, we don't have that many items in our store right now. We need three days to get them from somewhere else."

"Oh, that's alright. My sister's wedding is still a while away, we can wait a few days."

"However, since you've placed such a large order, you'll need to pay a deposit," Su Pi Fu Gui said with an awkward smile.

"I understand this rule. How about I leave this here as collateral?" the young master with the folding fan said, taking a crown from his robes and placing it on the table.

Su Pi Fugui was an expert; his eyes lit up the moment he saw the crown, recognizing it as a priceless treasure. He quickly replied, "Of course, you can have it."

"I'll leave this crown with you as collateral for now. Keep it safe. I'll come back to pick it up in a couple of days."

"Please rest assured, I will take good care of it."

"How about this, we'll stay at the Ruyi Inn on the main street ahead. We'll come back to pick up the goods in three days. What do you think?"

"Okay. It's a deal."

After both parties completed the paperwork, the young man with the folding fan and the young woman left the jewelry store.

Su Pifugui's face lit up with joy, because if this deal went through, he would earn at least half the money.

Su Pi Fugui thought about the matter again from beginning to end and felt that something seemed amiss, but he didn't know what the problem was.

He recounted the incident to his wife.

His wife was also quite surprised when she heard this: "Bring me that crown so I can see it."

So Su Pi Fu Gui took out the crown.

His wife was fine until she saw the crown, and she was shocked: "Isn't this the crown of your nephew, Prince Supi?"

How did it end up in your hands? What will happen if Prince Supi finds out?

It turns out that Supi Fugui was the cousin of Prince Supi, and he had been running a jewelry store here for many years, relying on his nephew's influence.

Of course, he would share his profits with Prince Supi.

"Yes, what's going on?" Su Pi Fugui was completely bewildered.

"Take this crown and go see Prince Supi immediately, and explain the situation to him."

"Okay, I'll go right now!"

Therefore, Supi Fugui dared not delay and quickly took the crown into the palace, where he met Prince Supi and explained the situation to him.

Upon hearing this, Prince Supi's expression changed.

He was distressed about losing the crown, because it was so valuable, and he never expected to get it back.

In his delight, he asked, "Where are those two people now?"

"It's at Ruyi Inn," Su Pi Fugui said.

"Alright, those two must be thieves. Let's not alert them yet. I'll lead men to capture them tonight."

"My dear nephew, is this the right thing to do? Wouldn't that ruin my business?"

"Uncle, you're dreaming. Where would you find such a customer? Those two are just swindlers." Prince Supi said, putting the crown back on his head.

night.

Supi Fugui led the way, followed by Prince Supi with ten guards, as they hurried to Ruyi Inn.

However, to their surprise, when they arrived at Ruyi Inn, Su Gui, Fatong, Mujishe, Fengjishe, and Shuijishe rushed up and captured them all.

The young master with the folding fan tapped Su Pi Fugui on the head with his fan and said with a smile, "You really don't know what's good for you. I wanted to do business with you, but you brought people to arrest us."

"Young master, spare my life!" Su Pi Fugui kowtowed repeatedly in fear.

"Wan'er, stop teasing him." Li Chengqian emerged from behind the screen.

It turned out that the young man with the folding fan was actually Su Wan in disguise, and the pretty girl was Xue'er. The two of them performed that play, which attracted Prince Su Pi.

Everyone admired Su Wan.

If we were to lead our army to forcibly attack Zangbo, countless people would die, and we might not even be able to capture Prince Supi.

Su Wan only used a little trick, and Prince Su Pi walked right into her trap.

Li Chengqian looked at Prince Supi and asked, "Did you kill Songtsen Gampo's father?"

Prince Supi knew his scheme had been exposed and that denying it was futile: "So what if I am? Who are you?"

"I am Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince of the Great Tang Dynasty."

"Heavens! Chang'an is thousands of miles away, did you fall from the sky?"

"I heard that Songtsen Gampo's father treated you very well, giving you such a precious crown."

At this moment, Su Wan walked up to Prince Su Pi and took off the crown again: "How can someone like you wear such an expensive crown?"

Prince Supi said, "Nangri Songtsen has appointed new nobles and forgotten all the benefits we old nobles once enjoyed. Our interests have been severely damaged, so naturally I must kill him."

"You people, with your interests slightly harmed, dare to rebel and even kill the Zanpu! This is outrageous! Take them all away!"

the next morning.

Li Chengqian handed over Prince Supi and his men to Songtsen Gampo.

Songtsen Gampo was extremely astonished and, at the same time, incredibly grateful: "Your Highness, do you have divine assistance? How could you capture Prince Supi in such a short time without an army?"

Li Chengqian then recounted the entire incident.

"I never expected that this Miss Su Wan would possess such strategic acumen; she is truly admirable."

Su Wan smiled and said, "This is nothing but a trivial skill, not worth mentioning."

"This young lady is truly a woman who rivals any man!"

"Don't forget what you promised His Highness. Here's an agreement; sign it first." Su Wan said, taking out an agreement from her bosom that the two countries would coexist peacefully and not invade each other.

"Of course," Songtsen Gampo said, and was about to sign the agreement.

Just then, Princess Chizun arrived and said, "Wait, don't sign yet."

Songtsen Gampo put down his pen again: "Why are you here?"

Princess Chizun said, "We are grateful to the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty for helping us catch the murderer. However, the signing of the agreement is of great importance. First of all, you must carefully read every single clause and clause in it."

Secondly, you must discuss this matter with the ministers. You can't make the decision alone; if anything goes wrong, won't the ministers blame you in the future?

Songtsen Gampo agreed with her, and said to Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, please rest at the guesthouse first. I will discuss this with my ministers before making a decision."

"Alright, it's good that you two discuss it."

So Li Chengqian, Su Wan, and the others returned to the guesthouse.

Su Wan said irritably, "What does that Princess Chizun mean? If she doesn't come, Songtsen Gampo will sign the agreement, and our mission to Tibet will be a complete success."

Li Chengqian said, "Don't be angry. This isn't something to rush. Wouldn't it be better if they discussed it before signing?"

"A long night is full of dreams, and delays can lead to changes. Many things change once they are put off."

"Probably not. Songtsen Gampo was a man of his word."

"He is a man of his word, but Princess Chizun may not be so."

At this moment, Du Zhenglun came over again: "Your Highness, am I right? This is how barbarian lands are. You risked your lives yesterday to capture the murderer in Tibet. After they used us, they changed immediately."

Princess Bhrikuti and Songtsen Gampo were husband and wife; who knows if this was just a charade put on by the two of them?

Su Wan smiled and said, "Not necessarily! I always felt that Princess Chizun wasn't a good person."

Li Chengqian said, "You're overthinking it. I don't think Songtsen Gampo is that kind of person."

"Your Highness, you are honest, but you always think too highly of others."

There's a saying: "One should not have the heart to harm others, but one must have the heart to guard against others."

"I think we should do this: I'll have Su Gui find out what they're talking about later."

"You always have the best ideas. Okay, let's do it your way."

"Su Gui, come here!" Su Wan called out.

"Sister, what's wrong?" Su Gui asked as she came over.

"I'm giving you a special task," Su Wan whispered in his ear.

"clear."