"Let the singing and dancing begin!"

As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, the melodious sound of the zither and lute immediately diminished, and was replaced by the sound of war drums that gradually rose from low and soothing to high and rapid.

The knowledgeable envoy immediately knew what the next piece of music was.

This piece of music is none other than the Great Tang Dynasty military song – the Qin King's Battle Song!

The "Qin Wang Po Zhen Yue" (Music of the King of Qin Breaking the Enemy's Formation) was originally a song of praise sung by Li Shimin's soldiers after he defeated Liu Wuzhou and stabilized the newly established Tang Dynasty. The song was based on an ancient melody with newly written lyrics.

After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he decided to compose and choreograph new music and dance to commemorate his past achievements.

To show his importance, Li Shimin personally painted the "Breaking the Battle Formation with Music and Dance" and ordered Wei Zheng, Yu Shinan, Li Baiyao, Chu Liang and others to rewrite the lyrics based on their own life's combat experiences.

Furthermore, elements such as dance and drumming were added, making it a sensational large-scale song and dance drama.

As the drums and music began, groups of dancers dressed in armor and holding various weapons made their orderly entrance, forming a square with its wings spread out in front of the vast Taiji Hall square, resembling a battle formation.

After the drumming stopped, the music immediately became soothing and mournful. The dancers split into two groups, each carrying out a different mission: assassination, a surprise attack, or flanking maneuver, showcasing the cruelty of the battlefield.

Immediately afterwards, the music suddenly soared, and a dancer dressed in silver armor, wielding a golden lance, suddenly charged out from behind the crowd, killing the enemy leader with a single thrust!

This move imitates the first battle that laid the foundation for the Tang Dynasty: the campaign against Liu Wuzhou!

Then a burst of cheerful music began, and as the group of songstresses danced joyfully, they sang "Breaking the Formation Song" in unison!

"Having received the decree from the emperor, we marched together to punish the rebellious minister. We sang songs of victory and celebrated the peace of the people."

"The imperial winds sweep across the four seas, and the virtuous waters have remained clear for a thousand years; no more military uniforms are needed, for today we announce our victory."

"Our sage ruler has ushered in a prosperous era, and his loyal subjects have followed his great plans; behold, after the end of the war, a peaceful autumn has arrived."

After these few lines of poetry were sung, the drums sounded again, signaling the start of another fierce battle...

The entire piece lasted for more than half an hour. During that time, not only was there no whispering, but no one even farted or picked their ears. Officials both inside and outside the Tang Dynasty were all focused and attentively enjoying the Qin King's Battle Music.

Firstly, the art value of the "Breaking the Formation" music is very high. Whether it is the music, the dance, or the story it contains, it is an epoch-making performance.

Secondly, Po Zhen Le's political status is too high. Anyone who dares to show disdain or contempt will probably be dragged out and beheaded immediately!

Li Shimin watched very attentively, even becoming quite engrossed.

After all, every scene in it was based on his personal experience on the battlefield.

But the music eventually ends, and the people die without anyone knowing.

Many of his comrades who had fought alongside him in the past had already passed away before him, adding a touch of sorrow to his heart...

As Li Shimin read to the end, tears welled up in his eyes without him even realizing it. In a daze, he seemed to see the voices and smiles of Li Xiaogong, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, Duan Zhixuan, Qututong, Yin Kaishan, Chai Shao, Hou Junji, Qin Qiong, and others appear before his eyes.

He tried to reach out and grab, but all he grasped was endless loneliness and regret.

Li Shimin left in a somber mood. But once outside the main hall, walking through the empty palace, he felt lost and didn't know where to go.

Just as he was feeling lost, he saw a little girl with a mouth full of ghee running happily toward him.

"Dad, Dad, is there any more of that pastry? I haven't had enough!"

As Li Shimin watched the rhinoceros galloping towards him, his mind returned to normal, and his mood instantly brightened.

Although I will eventually die, my bloodline will carry my glory and continue to protect this world for me!

When Li Shimin thought of this, his face was filled with a loving smile when he looked at the ox again.

"You little glutton, you didn't eat all of my birthday gifts, did you?"

"Dad, the pastries are so delicious! I've never tasted such delicious pastries before!"

"Father, could you ask the person who delivered the pastries to send you some more?"

Li Shimin smiled upon hearing this.

"I'm afraid not..."

"This person is very busy. Every day, he not only has to read and practice calligraphy, but also practice horseback riding and archery. How could he have time to make pastries for you, this little glutton?"

Upon hearing this, Si Zi's eyes lit up.

"Father, you're saying this was made by my nephew?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin neither agreed nor disagreed, but simply laughed heartily.

Upon seeing this, Si Zi immediately grabbed Li Shimin's arm and shook it.

"Father, your daughter misses her nephew. Shall we take some time these next couple of days to go and see him?"

Li Shimin shook his head upon hearing this.

"I'm not going!"

"I've been very busy lately and simply can't find the time."

"As for you, are you sure you miss the child, or the pastries the child made?"

"My daughter wants it too!"

"whee!"