Bad Commander

Inside the Bad Commander's Hall.

When Li Chengqian saw Qing Nü approaching, he hurriedly rose to his feet and cupped his hands to her. "Greetings, Goddess!"

Xuanzang also stood and paid Qing Nü his respects. "Master!"

Qing Nü waved them off, picked up the tea beside her and took a sip, then seated herself directly in the seat of honor. Slowly, she said, "Don't be so restrained. Sit! I'm not some vicious person—I won't eat you!"

Only then did the two sit down.

"Goddess..."

Li Chengqian looked at Qing Nü and asked, "May I ask... why have you summoned me here today?"

"Whatever it is, I will do my utmost to accomplish it! Please give your orders, Goddess."

As soon as Li Chengqian said this, Qing Nü's gaze settled on him. After a pause, she said, "What a coward."

Li Chengqian froze.

Qing Nü looked at him and said, "Throughout the ages, I don't know how many emperors have stood before me, but you're among the most timid of them all! Why are you so afraid of me?"

"Could it be that I'm some hideous, terrifying monster?"

"I wouldn't dare!"

Li Chengqian hurriedly lowered his head and replied to Qing Nü.

"I merely..."

"I merely fear that I will disappoint the Goddess's expectations. After all, I am not like Father Emperor, with the bearing of dragon and phoenix, and a countenance like the sun."

Only after ascending the throne had he learned what crushing burdens Li Shimin had borne.

Back then, although he had been Crown Prince and had helped Li Shimin shoulder many political affairs, Li Shimin had still stood above him, sheltering him from wind and rain.

But now, there was no one.

Everything depended on himself. This was completely different from assisting in governance back then.

"Yes,