If I traveled back to the Tang Dynasty, all I really wanted to be was a carefree prince.

After leaving the side hall, Li Shimin did not return to Ganlu Hall, but went straight to the Imperial Study.

He sat behind the imperial desk, silent for a long time. The memorials on the desk were piled up like a small mountain, but he didn't approve a single one. The scene he had just witnessed outside the side hall kept replaying in his mind—Li Ke lying on the couch, his face as pale as paper, blood still seeping from the wound on his forehead.

That was his son.

His son, Li Shimin's son, nearly drowned in the Taiye Pond in the Tang Dynasty palace.

"Summon the head of the Hundred Cavalry Division," he suddenly said.

The eunuch beside him paused for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, it is already past dusk—"

"I ordered the head of the Hundred Cavalry Division to be summoned."

The eunuch dared not say another word and quickly withdrew to convey the imperial decree.

The head of the Hundred Cavalry Division arrived quickly. His surname was Liu, he was in his early forties, and had an ordinary appearance—the kind of person you wouldn't notice if you threw him into a crowd—which was the biggest advantage in this line of work.

"Your Majesty," said Chief Clerk Liu, kneeling on the ground.

"Investigate the matter of the Prince of Shu falling into the water." Li Shimin's voice was as cold as ice. "I want to find out clearly—was it an accident, or was someone sabotaging it?"

"I obey your decree."

"Furthermore," Li Shimin paused, "all the eunuchs and palace maids who were originally serving the Prince of Shu will be replaced. Have Li An lead people to serve him. From today onwards, I will be aware of everything that happens around the Prince of Shu, no matter how small."

"Yes."

After Liu, the head steward, left, Li Shimin sat alone behind the dragon desk, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, making a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound.

He recalled Li Ke as a child—that tiny, soft-spoken boy who toddled up to him, looking up and calling him "Father." It was Consort Yang who carried him there; she stood to the side, head bowed, not daring to look at him.

Consort Yang never dared to look him in the eye.

She was a princess of the previous dynasty, the daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui. She was a spoil of war, a pawn used to appease the remnants of the former dynasty, and a symbol of Li Shimin's magnanimity. Although he treated her not badly, he wasn't particularly kind either. He gave her two sons and the title of concubine, but he never asked her—are you doing well?

Today, when Li Ke fell into the water and lost consciousness, Consort Yang knelt before his bed, weeping uncontrollably.

Li Shimin suddenly felt that he owed this mother and son a great deal.

The Hundred Riders moved very quickly.

That night, all four guards on duty by Taiye Pond were taken away for interrogation. The two eunuchs and three palace maids who originally served Li Ke were also replaced on the grounds of "poor service." The new people sent were all carefully selected by the Hundred Cavalry Division. The leading eunuch was named Li An, who was over forty years old, with a fair complexion and no beard, and his eyes were as shrewd as an eagle's.

Li An stood at the entrance of the side hall and respectfully bowed to Consort Yang: "Your Majesty, His Majesty has ordered that from today onwards, this servant will lead the others to serve His Highness the Prince of Shu."

Consort Yang glanced at him, a vague unease creeping into her heart. She knew what this meant—His Majesty suspected this wasn't an accident. But she didn't ask further, simply nodding, "Thank you for your hard work."

"Your Highness is too kind. I stayed by His Highness's side until he recovered."

Li An did not enter the palace, but stood guard outside the door. His gaze swept over everyone in the corridor—passing palace maids, eunuchs delivering medicine, patrolling guards—no one's expression, movement, or eye could escape his eyes.

The next morning, the door to the side hall was gently pushed open.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian walked in.

He is eleven years old this year, the same age as Li Ke, but born a little earlier, so he is the older brother. He is tall and slender, with delicate features, and a composure between his brows that is beyond his years.

"Second brother," Li Chengqian said, approaching the bedside, his voice filled with concern, "Are you feeling better?"

Li Ke was drinking his medicine. He looked up and saw Li Chengqian's face—a young, handsome face filled with genuine worry.

This is the future deposed crown prince. Li Chengqian, who was instigated by Hou Junji, suppressed by Changsun Wuji, and ultimately deposed for treason.

But at this moment, he was just Li Ke's older brother. An eleven-year-old boy came to visit his younger brother who had fallen into the water and was injured.

"Brother, I'm much better." Li Ke put down the medicine bowl, smiled slightly, and said, "Why are you here? Don't you have to study?"

"The master has been given half a day off." Li Chengqian sat down beside the couch and carefully examined Li Ke's complexion. "You still look very unwell. What did the imperial physician say?"

"A few days of rest will do the trick."

Li Chengqian nodded, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly said, "Third brother, I heard about you falling into the water. In the future, when you go out, take a few more people with you. The water at Taiye Pond is very deep; it's too dangerous for you to go flower viewing alone."

His tone was calm, but Li Ke understood the meaning behind it—his elder brother was reminding him that this matter was not simple.

"I understand, brother," Li Ke said earnestly. "Thank you for your concern, brother."

Li Chengqian smiled and patted his shoulder: "You're my brother, who else would I care about if not you? Take good care of yourself and get better. When you're better, I'll take you to the East Palace to see my new Akhal-Teke horse."

"it is good."

Li Chengqian sat for a while longer, telling some amusing stories about the Eastern Palace, which made Li Ke laugh several times. Before leaving, he took a small cloth bag from his sleeve and stuffed it into Li Ke's hand.

"What is this?"

"These medicinal herbs are from the Western Regions. They're said to have miraculous effects on wound healing. I had someone get them for me. Have the imperial physician see if they're suitable for use."

Li Ke held the small cloth bag, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

"Thank you, brother."

"We're brothers, no need for thanks." Li Chengqian stood up, walked to the door, then suddenly turned back, "Third brother."

"Um?"

"If anything happens in the future, tell your older brother. Don't bear it all alone."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Li Ke watched his retreating figure, gripping the cloth bag in his hand even tighter.

Not long after Li Chengqian left, another person arrived.

Prince Wei, Li Tai, is ten years old this year, one year younger than Li Ke. He is chubby and walks with an air of authority. He is the fourth son of Li Shimin, born to Empress Zhangsun. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and was deeply loved by Li Shimin.

"Third Brother." Li Tai walked in and gave a proper bow. "I heard you fell into the water, so I came to see you."

His tone was polite, but Li Ke could tell that there was a distance beneath the politeness. Li Tai and he had never been close, not because they were enemies, but because... Li Tai was too smart, smart enough to know what Li Ke's existence meant to him.

"Fourth brother, thank you for coming to see me," Li Ke said gently. "Please sit down."

Li Tai sat down in the chair, his gaze sweeping over Li Ke's face as if assessing the severity of his condition.

"Third Brother is a lucky man, and Heaven will surely protect him," Li Tai said. "Father has already ordered a thorough investigation into this matter."

"Is that so?" Li Ke's expression remained unchanged. "That's good. After all, something happened in the palace. Once it's been investigated thoroughly, everyone will be at ease."

Li Tai nodded slightly, sat for a while longer, exchanged a few polite words, and then got up to take his leave.

Li Ke watched his retreating figure without saying a word.

In the afternoon, a chubby-faced boy ran in.

Prince Li Yin of Shu, Li Ke's younger brother from the same mother, is also nine years old this year. He is two years younger than Li Ke, has a lively personality, and is usually fearless, but at this moment his eyes are red, obviously he has been crying.

"Third Brother!" Li Yin rushed to the bedside, grabbing Li Ke's hand. "You scared me to death! Mother cried all night last night..."

Li Ke patted his head, his heart softening. "Third brother is alright. Don't cry. What's there to cry about, a real man?"

"I didn't cry!" Li Yin wiped away her tears and said stubbornly.

Li Ke smiled. This was his own younger brother, their sibling from the same mother. In this deep palace, they were the closest of relatives.

"Yin'er, be good, study hard, and don't worry your mother," Li Ke said. "When your third brother gets better, I'll teach you how to ride a horse."

"Really?" Li Yin's eyes lit up immediately.

"real."

Li Yin jumped for joy, and when her wet nurse pulled her away, she looked back several times with reluctance.

After Li Yin left, several princes arrived—Prince Yue, Li Zhen, Prince Jiang, Li Yun, and others. Some were genuinely concerned, while others were merely following orders. Li Ke responded to each of them with indifference.

As evening approached, a girl of about eight or nine years old walked in.

She wore a light blue dress, her hair styled in double buns, and had a delicate face and dignified manners. At such a young age, she already possessed the air of a well-bred young lady.

Princess Changle, Li Lizhi, is the fifth daughter of Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin), and his eldest legitimate daughter. She is nine years old this year. She was born to Empress Zhangsun and was intelligent from a young age, deeply loved by her parents.

"Third Brother." Li Lizhi walked to the bedside, carefully examined Li Ke's face, and frowned. "You look terrible. What did the imperial physician say?"

Her tone didn't sound like that of a nine-year-old sister; it sounded more like that of a little adult.

"A few days of rest will do the trick." Li Ke smiled slightly. "What brings you here, little sister? Don't you need to learn needlework?"

"The master is on holiday." Li Lizhi sat down by the couch, took out a sachet from her sleeve, and handed it to him. "This is a calming sachet I made. You can put it by your pillow and sleep better."

Li Ke took it and smelled a faint medicinal fragrance. Although the stitching of the sachet was not exquisite, each stitch was carefully made, showing that it had been put into the work.

"Thank you, little sister," he said.

Li Lizhi shook her head and looked at him earnestly: "Third Brother, you have to be more careful in the future. I'll go with you to Taiye Pond next time, don't go alone."

Looking at her earnest little face, Li Ke felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

"Okay," he said. "I'll invite you to come with me next time."

Li Lizhi nodded in satisfaction, sat for a while longer, told some interesting stories about the palace, and then got up to take her leave.

As she reached the door, she suddenly turned back: "Third Brother, Mother said she'll come to see you later. Don't worry, just focus on getting better."

"understood."

After dark, the door to the side hall was gently pushed open.

Empress Zhangsun entered. Her steps were light, but each step carried an undeniable air of authority.

Li Ke hurriedly tried to get up and pay his respects, but Empress Zhangsun stopped him.

"Lie down, don't move." Her voice was gentle yet firm.

She sat down by the couch, reached out to touch Li Ke's forehead, looked at his face, and frowned slightly.

"You still look so pale. Have you taken the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician?"

"I drank it," Li Ke replied obediently.

Empress Zhangsun nodded, remained silent for a while, and then suddenly said, "Ke'er, you have been wronged."

The words were spoken softly, but Li Ke sensed their weight.

"Mother..." Li Ke didn't know what to say.

"You don't need to say anything." Empress Zhangsun held his hand, her gaze gentle yet firm. "You only need to remember one thing—you are a prince of the Tang Dynasty, His Majesty's flesh and blood, and my son. Anyone who wants to harm you will have to get past me first."

Li Ke's heart skipped a beat.

He looked at the woman before him—her face was exquisite, her demeanor dignified, and there was a reassuring strength in her eyes. She was the mistress of the six palaces, Li Shimin's most trusted companion, and the legal mother of all the princes.

She is also Empress Zhangsun, recorded in historical texts, who died in the tenth year of the Zhenguan era at the young age of thirty-six. She suffered from chronic illness and required medication year-round.

Six years to go.

"Mother," Li Ke grasped her hand in return, looking at her earnestly, "you must also take care of yourself. Your illness is prone to flare-ups in autumn and winter. You should pay attention to keeping warm, avoiding overexertion, and getting plenty of rest."

Empress Zhangsun paused for a moment, then smiled.

"You're starting to worry about me now." She reached out and gently pinched his cheek. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

"I'm not just being polite." Li Ke's tone was serious, unlike that of an eleven-year-old child. "Mother, your health isn't very good. If you continue to overwork yourself like this, you'll have serious problems sooner or later."

Looking at his earnest little face, Empress Zhangsun suddenly felt a surge of indescribable emotion. This child had just returned from the brink of death, yet he neither cried nor complained; instead, he was worried about her health.

"Okay," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I promise you, I'll take good care of myself."

"Pinky promise." Li Ke extended his little finger.

Empress Zhangsun was amused by him and extended her little finger, hooking it with his.

"Pinky promise, a hundred years from now," Li Ke said in a serious tone.

Empress Zhangsun laughed out loud, but her eyes reddened.

She stood up, tucked the blanket around him, and whispered, "Sleep well. I'll come see you another day."

"Take care, Your Majesty."

Empress Zhangsun walked to the door, then suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Ke'er."

"exist."

"Who taught you to say those things today?"

Li Ke smiled slightly: "No one taught me. I figured it out myself. After falling into the water, I thought about it for a long time and realized a truth—the most important thing in life is not what you fight for, but that the people you care about are by your side and are all well."

Empress Zhangsun looked at him for a long time.

Then she laughed.

"You've grown up," she said. "Get some rest."

The door closed.

Late at night.

The side hall quieted down, with only the occasional crackling of the candlelight.

Consort Yang sat under the lamp in the outer hall, holding a half-finished garment in her hand, sewing it stitch by stitch. It was a spring robe for Li Ke.

Her eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and her fingers had been pricked with needles several times, but she refused to go to sleep. She was afraid that something might happen to her son at night, and she would be alone with him.

Li Ke lay on the couch, listening to the faint sounds of needlework coming from the outer hall, feeling a sense of peace in his heart.

There were a lot of people here today.

His eldest brother, Chengqian, was the same age as him, only a few months older, but cared for him like a true older brother. His fourth brother, Li Tai, though distant, at least came. His younger brother, Li Yin, a chubby-cheeked boy, cried until his eyes were red. His younger sister, Lizhi, was only nine years old but already knew how to take care of others. And then there was his stepmother, Empress Zhangsun, the woman who would personally come to visit him late at night.

Everyone came with concern, and everyone warmed his heart.

He recalled his past life—that solitary ICU doctor, without siblings, whose parents died early, and whose colleagues were only colleagues. He thought he was used to loneliness.

But today, surrounded by a group of people—some called him "Third Brother," some called him "Third Brother," and some called him "Third Brother"—he realized what it felt like to have family.

Like a stove in winter, like the eaves on a rainy day, like a hand reaching out when you're drowning.

Li Ke turned his head and looked towards the outer hall. Consort Yang was still sewing clothes under the lamp, her profile appearing exceptionally gentle in the candlelight.

"Mother," he called softly.

Consort Yang immediately put down her clothes and went to the bedside: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No." Li Ke held her hand. "You should go to sleep early too."

Consort Yang smiled and patted his head: "Mother isn't sleepy. You go to sleep, Mother will stay here and watch over you."

Li Ke didn't say anything more. He simply held her hand and slowly closed his eyes.

Just before falling asleep, he silently said to himself—

In this lifetime, I will not let anyone hurt you.

Not a single one.

Outside the window, the moon had risen to its highest point, and its cool light shone into the side hall, illuminating the mother and son.

Consort Yang looked down at her son's peaceful sleeping face, and tears silently streamed down her face.

Her Ke'er has changed. She's become more sensible and mature.

She didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

But she knew one thing—her Ke'er was still alive.

This is enough.