My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

Meanwhile, in the Tang Dynasty imperial palace, the atmosphere was somber.

After Li Shimin left with Empress Zhangsun.

The entire palace was plunged into unprecedented tension and panic.

The emperor is not here, the empress is not here, the crown prince is not here...

Not only that, the palace guards also heavily sealed off the palace, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving.

The official statement was that the Empress had suddenly fallen ill and needed to rest, and that court assemblies would be temporarily suspended, but the oppressive atmosphere inside the palace was almost suffocating.

"Your Majesty! You're back!"

One of the guards standing at the entrance of the palace was the first to spot it.

"His Majesty!"

"It's Your Majesty!"

"His Majesty is back!"

Exclamations and the sounds of armor clashing and kneeling rose and fell.

Soon, Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling, having received the news, practically rushed over.

"His Majesty!"

Changsun Wuji rushed forward and, seeing that Li Shimin was safe and sound, his eyes instantly reddened, and his beard trembled with excitement.

"You...you're finally back! Her Majesty the Empress, the Crown Prince, the Princess, and the others...?"

Although Fang Xuanling was somewhat restrained, he was not too surprised, since he knew of the existence of the inn.

Li Shimin glanced at Changsun Wuji, looked at the anxiety on his face, and pondered for a moment.

"The Empress, Chengqian, Lizhi, and Sizi are all safe and sound, but the Empress and Chengqian need to rest and recuperate in one place for a while."

As Li Shimin finished speaking, he turned his gaze to the guard beside him.

"By imperial decree, the palace restrictions are lifted, and everything shall return to normal."

Li Shimin paused, his eyes instantly turning icy cold as he swept them over everyone present.

"However, what you have seen and heard in the palace today is not to be circulated outside the palace by anyone. Anyone who violates this rule will be punished for treason!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

Everyone solemnly agreed.

Li Shimin watched the busy crowd and fell into deep thought.

Although Guanyinbi was out of danger, he was still slightly uneasy because he hadn't seen her wake up.

What if Guanyinbi wakes up and there's no one to keep her company?

Gao Ming has a limp and will probably need someone to take care of him!

Who will take care of Guanyinbi then!

and……

Li Shimin was somewhat irritable.

I hope Gao Ming's leg is alright!

This is the perfect time to put him in charge of the country and give him some experience!

Then I can go to the hospital to keep Guanyinbi company!

Eh!

How can this kid be so useless!

I've been in the hospital for so many days, and my leg still isn't better!

Li Shimin thought for a moment, then sighed.

Thinking about it this way, it seems that apart from Gao Ming, there really isn't anyone else who can be used!

Suddenly, he remembered someone and gestured to his attendant beside him.

"Where is the King of Wei?"

The attendant pondered for a moment before replying.

"Your Majesty, you previously granted Prince Wei permission to take up his fief. To fulfill his filial duty, Prince Wei wished to present the completed 'Kuo Di Zhi' to you before taking up his fief."

"Upon hearing of Her Majesty the Empress's serious illness, I made a special trip to the White Horse Temple to copy scriptures and pray for her well-being."

"Qingque is quite thoughtful."

Li Shimin spoke calmly, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

He thought for a moment, then his eyes flickered.

Perhaps... we could let Qingque go up and take over.

As for the tasks, just leave them to Changsun Wuji and the others to handle!

The bluebird is a perfect mascot.

Li Shimin thought to himself and said to his attendant beside him.

"Summon Prince Li Tai of Wei to come to the palace to see me."

"As you command!"

Not long after, an announcement came from outside the palace.

"Your Majesty, Prince Wei has arrived."

"Announce."

Li Tai appeared at the entrance of the palace.

He was dressed in a prince's everyday clothes, his figure appearing somewhat bloated due to obesity, but his steps were steady, his face respectful, and even carrying a touch of just the right amount of sorrow due to his mother's serious illness.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Li Tai quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Li Shimin did not ask him to get up, but simply tapped the armrest lightly with his fingers.

The air inside the hall seemed to freeze for a moment.

"Bluebird,"

When Li Shimin spoke, his voice betrayed no emotion.

"Your mother is recuperating in exile and will not be able to return for some time. State affairs are numerous and complicated. I wish to go and take care of your mother, but state affairs still need to be handled by someone, and I fear there may be oversights."

Li Tai lowered his head, his eyes flickered slightly, and he had already guessed a few things in his mind.

"Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night, and I regret that I cannot share your burdens."

"Um,"

Li Shimin responded and finally spoke.

"I have decided that you will temporarily assume the responsibility of regent and handle daily government affairs. In case of any important matters, you must report to me immediately and must not act arbitrarily."

Despite having anticipated it, Li Tai's heart still skipped a beat when he heard his father appoint him as regent.

He suppressed his excitement and touched the ground with his head.

"Your Majesty, I am but a humble subject, and fear I may fail to live up to your trust! However, since Your Majesty has given your command, I will do my utmost, diligently and conscientiously, to handle my duties with utmost care and diligence, and I will certainly not slacken in the slightest, so as not to betray Your Majesty's trust!"

The words were well-chosen, and the attitude was sufficiently humble.

Li Shimin looked at him, his tone turning cold.

"Qingque, remember your role. As regent, you are temporarily handling state affairs on behalf of me and the Crown Prince. You must remain steadfast in your duties and act impartially. If you misbehave or harbor any improper thoughts..."

Li Tai, who was lying on the ground, trembled slightly and quickly said.

"Your subject understands! Your subject will never forget! You will certainly fulfill your duties as a subject and brother, and follow the lead of your father and elder brother, the Crown Prince!"

That would be best.

Li Shimin gave him a deep look.

"Rise. I will later order the Secretariat to draft an edict to inform the court. You should begin to familiarize yourself with government affairs immediately. If there is anything you do not understand, you may consult Chancellor Fang, Minister of Works Changsun, and others."

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

Li Tai then stood up, his hands at his sides, his posture still extremely respectful.

Li Shimin waved his hand.

Li Tai left the Liangyi Hall with a wide grin that stretched almost to his ears.

But he endured it until he returned to the prince's carriage, at which point he suddenly clenched his fist.

Regent!

My father appointed me to oversee the country!

What does this tell us?

This proves that my efforts, Li Tai, have paid off!

What does my brother have left to fight me with?

Li Tai deliberately ignored Li Shimin's final warning, taking it entirely as a sign of Li Shimin's care.

……

Meanwhile, in the Liangyi Hall, Li Shimin did not stop, but continued to summon people.

"Summon Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, Cheng Yaojin, and Yuchi Jingde."

Not long after, an eunuch led a group of important court officials over.

After everyone paid their respects, Li Shimin didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"I have appointed Prince Wei, Tai, to temporarily assume the responsibility of overseeing the state."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

Li Shimin nodded, just about to speak.

Suddenly, a loud voice rang out.

"Your Majesty! Your subject, Wei Zheng, is willing to die for this cause!!!"