Transmigrated into Li Chengqian, he effortlessly ascended the throne and became emperor.

As the sun set, the golden-red afterglow spread across the entire city of Chang'an, casting a blood-red hue over the majestic imperial palace.

For Li Shimin, the new crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, this day was far from over.

You could even say that the real busyness has only just begun.

According to regulations, once one receives the Crown Prince's seal, one should enter the Eastern Palace.

The road from Taiji Palace to the East Palace was not long, but Li Shimin walked it with exceptional composure.

Because he was holding a soft, cuddly hand.

Today, Li Chengqian wore a miniature version of a red round-necked robe and an exquisite little black gauze hat, looking like a benevolent child from a New Year's painting. He would occasionally steal a glance at Li Shimin.

"Yu Nu, are you tired?"

Li Shimin seemed to notice his son's gaze, slowed his pace, and lowered his head to ask.

"Not tired!" Li Chengqian immediately straightened his back. "Father is a great hero, and if Father isn't tired, then Yu Nu is a little hero, so naturally she's not tired either."

This subtle flattery was perfectly timed.

The smile on Li Shimin's lips instantly spread, and the gloom in his eyes seemed to be dispelled by the child's innocent words.

He reached out and ruffled Li Chengqian's hair, a surge of pride welling up within him: "Good! As expected of my son, Li Shimin! Then let's go with Father to see our new home!"

new home.

That was the Eastern Palace, a place that once belonged to Li Jiancheng.

Just a few days ago, the master here was plotting how to get rid of the King of Qin, but now, the new master is about to ascend to the pinnacle of power by stepping in the shadow of the old master.

"Squeak—"

The heavy palace gates seemed to sigh with an ancient lament.

What comes into view is an extremely spacious square, at the end of which stands the majestic Xiande Hall.

The glazed tiles reflect a magnificent light under the setting sun, and the flying eaves and brackets resemble a phoenix spreading its wings to take flight.

Li Shimin led Li Chengqian across the high threshold.

"Wow--"

Li Chengqian released Li Shimin's hand, and as if stunned by the overwhelming wealth, he ran a few steps, stood at the foot of the white marble steps, looked up at the huge palace pillar, and stammered, "Father! This...this pillar is so big! It's so much thicker than the pillars of our Hongyi Palace! Even a bluebird...even if a bluebird were to eat its fill, it couldn't hug this pillar!"

Li Shimin was originally planning how to install his confidants and eliminate the remaining supporters when he suddenly heard his son's words. He was stunned for a moment, and then burst into a hearty laugh.

"Hahaha! If Qingque heard you making such a fuss about him, she'd probably run to your mother crying and complaining again."

Li Shimin strode forward and scooped Li Chengqian up.

This commanding view allowed Li Chengqian to better appreciate the magnificence of the palace.

Li Chengqian took the opportunity to put his arm around Li Shimin's neck and rub his cheek against his father's slightly stubbled chin.

"Father, is this really our home from now on?" Li Chengqian's eyes widened, his eyelashes fluttering, his voice tinged with a cautious inquiry. "The floor tiles here are so shiny they could reflect a mirror... Father, is this the Crown Prince's palace? It's so magnificent!"

He paused, his tone suddenly becoming incredibly adoring, even bordering on fanaticism: "When Uncle lived here before, Yu Nu never dared to come in; it was always so gloomy. But as soon as Father came, it seemed to brighten up instantly! Like...like the sun moved in!"

"The sun has moved in?" Li Shimin pondered the question, his heart skipping a beat.

Look, even a seven-year-old knows that this place shines brightly because of Li Shimin.

He did nothing wrong.

Li Shimin's lips curled up wildly, and he couldn't suppress it no matter what he did.

He couldn't help but bounce his son in his arms, his tone brimming with pride and smugness: "Of course! The best things in the world will belong to us two in the future. Although the Eastern Palace is large, it's just a drop in the ocean compared to the empire your father will conquer for you."

Li Chengqian looked blissfully overwhelmed by the prospect of being hit on the head with a big pie, clapping his little hands vigorously: "Father is the best! Father is the greatest hero in the world! Does that mean Yu Nu can run around here as she pleases? Roll around on this wide open ground? And even take those beautiful glazed tiles off the ground and make marbles with them?"

Li Shimin's smile froze for a moment, then he burst into laughter, his chest shaking with mirth: "Play! You can play however you want! You are my eldest son, the future master of the Tang Dynasty. You can play with every blade of grass and every tree in this palace however you wish! If tearing down the tiles isn't enough, I'll have someone burn more for you!"

The trusted ministers standing behind—Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and others—had different expressions as they watched the scene unfold.

Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

A loving father and a filial son—this is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty and also for the Changsun family.

Fang Xuanling shook his head slightly, a smile playing on his lips.

This young prince may seem innocent and naive, but every word he says hits the nail on the head. His intelligence is probably no less than that of His Highness at that age.

Li Shimin carried Li Chengqian through the front hall, along the corridor, and into the rear garden.

As the last rays of the setting sun gradually faded, palace lanterns began to light up one by one.

Compared to the solemnity of the front courtyard, the rear garden appears more exquisite and luxurious.

This place was originally where Li Jiancheng enjoyed himself, but now it has become Li Chengqian's playground.

Li Shimin sat down on a folding chair covered with brocade cushions and placed Li Chengqian on his lap.

"Yu Nu," Li Shimin suddenly stopped smiling, his tone becoming somewhat serious, "Do you like it here?"

Li Chengqian blinked, then reached out his small hand, grasped Li Shimin's somewhat rough index finger, and gently shook it.

"As long as he's with his father and mother, Chengqian likes everything."

Li Chengqian tilted his head and looked at Li Shimin, saying earnestly, "Back in Hongyi Palace, although it was crowded, my father would hold Yu Nu while she slept, and she wouldn't be afraid of shadows. This place is very big and beautiful, but if my father isn't here, Yu Nu will still be afraid."

Li Shimin felt a slight tingling in his nose.

Throughout his life, he had witnessed betrayal and slaughter, and had seen fathers and sons turn against each other and brothers kill each other for power.

But the child before him, with his clear, innocent eyes, made him believe that pure family affection still exists in this world.

"Silly child."

Li Shimin grasped the small hand in his own, holding it tightly in his palm. "How could Father not be here? Father promised you that he would protect you for the rest of his life and would never let you suffer any injustice."

"Hmm!" Li Chengqian nodded emphatically, then suddenly seemed to remember something, his eyes lit up, and he pointed to a rockery not far away, saying, "Father, look at that! That rock looks just like the big tortoise we kept at Hongyi Palace!"

Li Shimin looked in the direction he was pointing, and it was indeed a uniquely shaped Taihu stone.

"It looks just like it! It really does!" Li Shimin was in a great mood; everything seemed pleasing to the eye. "I'll have someone bring that turtle over later and keep it in this pond for you!"

"Ah, you're so good!"

Li Chengqian cheered, then leaned over and gave Li Shimin a quick kiss on the cheek.

Li Shimin was completely ecstatic.

In that instant, all the pressure and the intrigues of the court were thrown to the winds.

He felt he was the happiest father in the world.

"Wang De!" Li Shimin shouted, his voice filled with undisguised joy.

Wang De, the personal eunuch who had been waiting in the distance, hurriedly ran over and bowed, saying, "This servant is here."

"Serve the meal! Serve it right here in Lizheng Hall!" Li Shimin waved his hand, exuding an air of grandeur. "Have the imperial kitchen prepare some dishes that Yu Nu likes, that... that sweet and sour spare ribs, and that milk pastry roll, bring them all to me! I'm in a good mood today, and I want to have a proper meal with Yu Nu!"

"Yes, Your Highness." Wang De looked at Li Shimin's mouth, which was almost stretched to his ears, and secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

His Highness the Crown Prince is usually so dignified and imposing, how come he becomes so pathetic in front of the young prince?