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

In the late summer of the ninth year of the Wude era, the newly renovated Eastern Palace was adorned with red decorations, and joy filled the air.

This day marked the grand ceremony held by Li Shimin to bestow the title of Crown Princess upon his first wife, Empress Zhangsun.

The bells and drums in front of Xiande Hall resounded, their deep sound waves spreading outwards, as if to shatter the lingering gloom within the palace walls.

Several officials dressed in vermilion robes lined up on both sides, and a long red carpet stretched from the palace gate all the way to the highest step of the main hall.

Li Shimin wore a bright yellow imperial crown with dragon patterns, a traveler's hat, and a pair of jade sashes at his waist, his posture upright and tall like a pine tree.

Instead of sitting in his usual high seat, he stood at the edge of the steps of the main hall, his gaze fixed intently on the end of the red carpet.

There, Empress Zhangsun was slowly walking towards them.

She was not wearing her usual noblewoman's dress today, but a specially made yu-zhai, with colorful pheasants embroidered on the dark blue fabric, and gold trim on the collar and cuffs, adorned with intricate cloud and mist patterns made of pearls.

The golden crown of flowers on her head shone brightly, and her flowing hair swayed gently with her steps, exuding both the majesty of an empress and the gentle grace of a woman.

Seeing this, Li Shimin's Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

As Empress Zhangsun stepped onto the last step, about to perform the proper kneeling ceremony, Li Shimin suddenly stepped forward and, in full view of everyone, reached out his hands and steadily supported her arms.

The official in charge of ceremonies was so startled that he almost dropped his tablet. He was about to shout "This is against etiquette!" but Li Shimin's sharp gaze forced him to stop.

"Guanyinbi".

Li Shimin's voice was deep and mellow, only the two of them could hear it, "This bow is waived. Today, this Eastern Palace is our home, not the court."

Empress Zhangsun tilted her head slightly, looking at the spirited man before her. Her eyes sparkled, and a thousand words were transformed into a gentle smile.

She grasped Li Shimin's broad hand in return, and gently hooked her fingertips across his palm.

"Since you say so, Erlang, then I will respectfully comply."

Li Shimin held Empress Zhangsun's hand tightly, and led her to turn around and face the civil and military officials.

At that moment, the sunlight broke through the clouds and shone on the two of them, the golden light intertwining with their red makeup, like a peerless painting.

The official in charge of ceremonies read aloud the prepared edict in a trembling voice, the language ornate and full of praise.

But everyone present could see that no amount of flowery language could compare to the shock of His Highness the Crown Prince's tightly clasped fingers.

……

After the grand investiture ceremony, the Eastern Palace did not fall silent; instead, it was brewing an even more astonishing storm.

Three days later, at the Taiji Hall.

Although Li Shimin was already the crown prince, the nominal master of the Taiji Palace was still Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan.

The atmosphere at today's court assembly was unusually strange.

Li Yuan sat on the high dragon throne, his expression inscrutable.

Li Shimin, standing beneath the steps, appeared calm and composed, holding a memorial in his hands, his voice clear and resonant throughout the hall.

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that the Crown Prince be established and the foundation of the nation be secured. My eldest son, Chengqian, is intelligent, kind, filial, and virtuous, and is deeply loved by the people. Although I am now the Crown Prince, Chengqian is the eldest son of the legitimate wife. According to the patriarchal system and rites, his status should be established as soon as possible to reassure the hearts of the people."

Li Yuan's cloudy eyes darted around, and his voice was hoarse: "What does Erlang intend to do? Confer a title of king upon him."

"No." Li Shimin raised his head. "Your subject begs Your Majesty to issue an edict to appoint Chengqian as the Crown Prince."

These words caused an uproar throughout the court.

"The Crown Prince?"

"This... His Majesty is still alive, and the Crown Prince is in his prime. Why the rush to establish a grandson as heir apparent?"

The courtiers whispered among themselves and looked at each other in bewilderment.

It is important to understand that the title of Imperial Grandson carries immense weight, meaning that Li Chengqian is not only the heir to the throne but also the third-generation successor to the throne personally recognized by Li Yuan, thus bypassing all uncertainties.

This is Li Shimin telling everyone that his son is the future emperor, and no one should have any ulterior motives, including his other sons!

Li Yuan's fingers gripped the armrests of the dragon throne so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Li Shimin was paving the way for that child, and also asking him for the final legitimacy.

For a long time, the hall was deathly silent.

Finally, Li Yuan dejectedly released his grip, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

"allow."

……

East Palace, side hall of Lizheng Hall.

Li Chengqian was surrounded by a group of palace maids from the Imperial Wardrobe, like a puppet.

"Your Highness, raise your hand higher."

"Your Highness, this jade pendant should be hung on the left side."

"Your Highness, don't move it. If this crown is crooked, it won't look majestic."

Li Chengqian looked at himself in the bronze mirror.

He was dressed in a miniature version of a prince's crimson robe, with a jade belt around his waist and black leather boots on his feet.

That face, which originally had a bit of baby fat, now exuded a noble and aloof air unique to royalty, accentuated by the magnificent attire.

"Your Highness, the auspicious time has arrived." Wang De's high-pitched yet respectful voice rang out from outside the door.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath, straightened his back, and slightly raised the corners of his mouth, forming a curve that perfectly conformed to royal etiquette.

"Let's go, don't keep Father and Grandfather waiting."

……

Taiji Hall Square.

Under the blazing sun, banners fluttered in the wind.

When Li Chengqian's small figure appeared at the end of the white marble steps, the once noisy square instantly fell silent.

Countless eyes were fixed on the seven-year-old child, but Li Chengqian showed no signs of stage fright.

He kept his eyes straight ahead and walked with a steady gait.

Upon reaching the foot of the steps, he lifted his robes and respectfully performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony.

The movements were fluid and flawless, without a single mistake.

"Grandson Chengqian pays respects to his Imperial Grandfather and Father."

The innocent yet clear voices of children echoed in front of the main hall, reaching the ears of everyone clearly.

Li Yuan looked at his grandson kneeling below, and the complex coldness in his eyes subsided slightly.

After all, he is her own grandson. His fair complexion and refined manners are indeed endearing.

"Proclaim the imperial decree," Li Yuan waved his hand.

After the long, obscure string of parallel prose was read aloud, Li Shimin personally descended the steps, holding in his hands the golden seal and official seal symbolizing his status as the Crown Prince.

He walked up to Li Chengqian, squatted down, and lowered himself to his son's eye level.

"Jade slave."

Li Shimin's voice was a little hoarse as he placed the heavy golden seal into Li Chengqian's small hand, his large hand enveloping his son's small hand. "Is this seal heavy?"

Li Chengqian blinked, not answering with the high-sounding "not for the sake of the country," but instead wrinkled his nose slightly and muttered softly:

"Heavy. Father, this gold nugget is heavier than my inkstone for practicing calligraphy. It makes my hand ache."

Li Shimin was taken aback, then burst into a hearty laugh, which made the ears of the surrounding officials ring.

"Hahaha! Good! If it feels heavy, that's right!"

Li Shimin suddenly stood up, but instead of letting go, he lifted Li Chengqian up from the ground and held him high in the air.

This action is completely against etiquette. This is a grand investiture ceremony, and the Crown Prince should stand solemnly to express his gratitude. How can he be picked up like a baby?

But Li Shimin didn't care.

He held his son, turned to face the civil and military officials, and to the vast expanse of rivers and mountains.

"Watch!"

Li Shimin's voice was filled with an overbearing, domineering aura: "This empire may be heavy, but with your father supporting you, you just need to grow up!"

Li Chengqian was caught off guard and lifted high into the air, his view suddenly opening up.

He saw the majestic palace in the distance, the mass of kneeling ministers below, and a bead of sweat sliding down Li Shimin's temple.

Li Chengqian reached out his small hand, gently wrapped it around Li Shimin's neck, and gave that majestic face a loud "smack" kiss.

"Father is the best! Chengqian will definitely eat well from now on, grow up quickly, and help Father carry this golden nugget!"

Li Shimin's eyes reddened slightly. He slapped his son's bottom hard and scolded with a laugh, "You brat, you're covered in drool!"

But amidst the scolding, anyone could hear the overflowing doting affection.

Upon seeing this, Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and the others below exchanged smiles, feeling reassured.

With the crown prince now in power, and the father and son living in harmony, the Tang Dynasty is secure.