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

Once the ice was made, it was first supplied to the royal palace.

Li Shimin issued an imperial edict that ice for each palace be allocated according to rank—the Empress, the four imperial concubines, princes and princesses, and the heads of various palaces would be supplied as needed. Of course, these were all sent secretly, without being recorded or made public. To the outside world, it was only said that it was a tribute from Cheng Yaojin, and no one could say anything about it.

Summer at Taiji Palace suddenly became less unbearable.

An ice mirror was placed in the Ganlu Hall, and a cool breeze wafted out, so Li Shimin no longer broke into a sweat while reviewing memorials. The Lizheng Hall was also cooler, and Empress Zhangsun sat by the window, a book in her hand, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. The concubines in each palace were also given ice, though not much, but better than nothing.

The biggest beneficiary was Da'an Palace.

The palace where Li Yuan lived was dilapidated and poorly ventilated, becoming as hot as a sauna in the summer. In previous years, the old man would lose his appetite and sleep due to the heat at this time, and he would become extremely thin. This year was different—Cheng Yaojin sent several carts of ice over, and ice glasses were placed in every room of the Da'an Palace.

Li Yuan sat in the hall and, unusually, felt a cool breeze.

"Why is there so much ice this year?" he asked Zhang De.

Zhang De was an old retainer of Li Yuan, having served him for decades, and was known for his eloquence. He said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this was all specially prepared for you by His Majesty. His Majesty said that it's hot, and His Majesty shouldn't let Your Majesty suffer."

Li Yuan remained silent for a while.

He knew this wasn't the truth. Li Shimin wouldn't forget to send him ice, but there hadn't been this much in previous years. This year's ice arrived early and in large quantities, clearly indicating a new source.

"That child Shimin..." Li Yuan said softly, without continuing.

Zhang De knew the Emperor Emeritus was pleased, but he didn't say it. He replaced Li Yuan's bowl with a freshly made ice cream, stepped aside, and said no more.

Li Yuan took a bite of the ice cream; it was cool and sweet.

He recalled something from many years ago. Back then, Shimin was still a child, and the summers were hot. He had ice delivered to the children. Shimin was small and didn't get much ice, but he never complained and saved his ice for his older brother. Li Jiancheng laughed at him for being silly, but he didn't say anything, just smiled.

That child, from a young age, knew how to consider others. But in the end... was it really him who was wrong?

Li Yuan took another bite of ice cream and said nothing more. The cicadas outside the window chirped louder and louder, but it was very cool inside the hall. He leaned back in his chair and slowly closed his eyes.

On this day, Li Ke went to the Lizheng Hall.

Empress Zhangsun was reading by the window when she saw him enter. She put down her book and smiled slightly.

"Ke'er is here? Please have a seat."

Li Ke bowed and sat down next to Empress Zhangsun. He glanced at the furnishings in the hall—an ice mirror sat in the corner, exuding a cool breeze, making it much cooler than outside.

"Mother, how have you been feeling lately?" Li Ke asked.

Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "The same as always. It's been a bit stuffy since summer started, and I'm having some trouble breathing, but it's nothing serious."

Li Ke frowned. Empress Zhangsun's illness was his greatest worry. Historical records state that she died in the tenth year of the Zhenguan era, at the young age of thirty-six. Now it was the fourth year of the Zhenguan era, six years to go. Six years is neither a long nor a short time.

"Mother, let me take your pulse," Li Ke said.

Empress Zhangsun glanced at him and laughed: "How long have you been learning, and you dare to take my pulse?"

"I've been studying for a few months," Li Ke said earnestly. "Mother, let me give it a try."

Empress Zhangsun looked at his earnest little face and felt a surge of emotion. This child seemed like a different person after falling into the water—sensible, composed, and caring. She reached out and placed her hand on the table.

Li Ke extended three fingers and placed them on Empress Zhangsun's wrist.

He closed his eyes, feeling the pulse throbbing through his fingertips. The pulse was floating and weak, a sign of qi deficiency. The cun pulse was particularly weak, indicating insufficient lung qi. His breathing was coarse, with occasional wheezing—typical characteristics of qi deficiency.

He had Empress Zhangsun switch hands and examined her for a while longer.

Then he opened his eyes.

"Mother," he said, "the root of your illness lies in your lungs. The lungs govern qi and respiration. You may have been exposed to cold when you were young, which damaged your lung qi. In addition, you have been overworked in recent years, resulting in deficiency of both qi and blood. Therefore, you are prone to illness whenever the seasons change or when it gets hot."

Empress Zhangsun looked at him with surprise in her eyes.

"How...how did you know?"

"It's what the book says." Li Ke smiled. "The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic says, 'The lungs govern qi and control respiration.' The Empress Dowager's pulse is floating and weak, especially the cun pulse, which is a manifestation of insufficient lung qi."

Empress Zhangsun was silent for a moment, then smiled.

“You explained it even more clearly than the imperial physician,” she said. “The imperial physician only said ‘Qi deficiency should be treated with tonification,’ but he never mentioned that the root cause was in the lungs.”

Li Ke pulled out two sheets of paper from his sleeve, on which were densely written two prescriptions. He had spent several days consulting the "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" and "Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold," combining them with his knowledge of modern medicine, and carefully considering them before finally deciding on them.

"Mother, I have written two prescriptions." He handed over the papers.

Empress Zhangsun took it and glanced at it.

The first sheet of paper reads "Qi-Boosting and Foundation-Strengthening Decoction":

Ginseng 3 qian, Astragalus 5 qian, Atractylodes macrocephala 3 qian, Poria cocos 3 qian, Prepared licorice root 2 qian, Angelica sinensis 3 qian, Ophiopogon japonicus 3 qian, Schisandra chinensis 2 qian, Tangerine peel 2 qian, Fresh ginger 3 slices, Jujube 5 pieces.

Li Ke pointed to the prescription and explained it line by line: "Your Majesty, this is a prescription that addresses the root cause. Ginseng greatly replenishes vital energy, astragalus tonifies the lungs and strengthens the exterior, atractylodes macrocephala and poria cocos invigorate the spleen and replenish qi, angelica sinensis nourishes blood, ophiopogon japonicus and schisandra chinensis nourish yin and astringe the lungs, tangerine peel regulates qi, and licorice, ginger, and jujube harmonize the other herbs. This prescription replenishes qi and nourishes yin, strengthening the foundation and cultivating vitality. Long-term use will gradually rebuild Your Majesty's foundation."

Empress Zhangsun nodded and then looked at the second piece of paper.

The second sheet of paper reads "Lung-Clearing and Asthma-Relieving Decoction":

Ephedra 1 qian, Apricot kernel 3 qian, Gypsum 5 qian, Licorice 2 qian, Mulberry bark 3 qian, Scutellaria baicalensis 3 qian, Trichosanthes peel 3 qian.

"This is a symptomatic treatment," Li Ke said. "If the Empress Dowager feels chest tightness or shortness of breath, use this prescription. Ephedra relieves lung congestion and asthma, apricot kernel lowers qi and stops coughing, gypsum clears lung heat, mulberry bark and scutellaria clear lung heat and resolve phlegm, and trichosanthes peel soothes the chest and regulates qi. This prescription should not be taken regularly; it should only be used when the illness flares up."

Empress Zhangsun looked at the two prescriptions and remained silent for a while.

"Ke'er," she looked up, "can these two prescriptions... cure the disease completely?"

Li Ke remained silent for a moment.

He recalled his medical knowledge from his previous life—asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In modern medicine, it can be controlled long-term with inhaled corticosteroids and other medications, but it is difficult to cure completely. In this era, there are no inhalers, no hormones; one can only rely on traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the body, improve physical condition, and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

"Mother," he looked earnestly at Empress Zhangsun, "I dare not say I can cure it completely, but I can help it recover."

"How do I raise it?"

"Mother, the root of your illness lies in qi deficiency. As long as you replenish your qi and your lung qi is sufficient, you will naturally be less prone to illness. The Qi-tonifying and foundation-strengthening decoction that I prescribed is to nourish your foundation. If you continue to drink it, for one year, two years, three years—once your foundation is strengthened, your health will stabilize."

He paused, looked into Empress Zhangsun's eyes, and said, word by word:

"If well cared for, they will be no different from ordinary people."

Empress Zhangsun was stunned.

No different from ordinary people.

She had suffered from this illness for over a decade, and the imperial physicians never dared to say anything like that. They only said "be careful," "pay attention," and "avoid overexertion"—never one dared to say that she could recover to the same level as an ordinary person.

"Ke'er," her voice trembled slightly, "Are you telling the truth?"

"Your Majesty, I would not dare to lie to you," Li Ke said. "Your Majesty's illness is not incurable. With proper care and treatment, you will surely recover. Although I have not studied medicine for long, I dare to say this."

Empress Zhangsun looked at him, her eyes slowly reddening.

She wasn't afraid of death. She was afraid she wouldn't live to see her sons grow up. Chengqian was only eleven, Tai'er was only ten, and Zhi'er was just over two. If she were gone, who would protect them?

"Okay." She folded the two prescriptions neatly and tucked them into her sleeve. "Mother trusts you."

That evening, Li Shimin looked at the two prescriptions in the Lizheng Hall.

He wasn't knowledgeable in medicine, but he recognized names like ginseng and astragalus. The Qi-Boosting and Root-Strengthening Decoction contained ginseng, three qian—a considerable amount.

"Did Ke'er open it?" he asked.

"Hmm," said Empress Zhangsun. "Ke'er said he can be raised. If raised well, he will be no different from an ordinary person."

Li Shimin's fingers paused slightly.

He was no different from any other person. He had waited many years to hear those words.

"Did he really say that?"

"Is that really true?" Empress Zhangsun looked at him tenderly. "Your Majesty, this child... truly put his heart into it."

Li Shimin remained silent for a while.

He recalled the changes in Li Ke after he fell into the water—he became quiet and unassuming, neither complaining nor crying out for justice, spending his days quietly reading, studying medicine, and accompanying his grandfather. He prepared medicine for Yuchi Jingde, treated Qin Qiong, and wrote prescriptions for Empress Zhangsun. He did everything quietly and without fanfare, yet each task touched people's hearts.

"This child," Li Shimin said softly, "is better than his father."

Empress Zhangsun smiled: "Your Majesty has said that again."

"I am telling the truth." Li Shimin put down his folding tablet, stood up, and walked to the window.

Outside the window, the moon peeked out from behind the clouds, its cool light spilling into the Rissei-den (Imperial Palace).

"Guanyinbi," he said without turning around, "tell me, what should I reward him with?"

Empress Zhangsun thought for a moment and said, "This child is neither greedy for wealth nor power. He doesn't care for gold and silver jewelry. He has no use for land and mansions."

Li Shimin turned around and looked at her.

"What will we reward you with?"

Empress Zhangsun smiled slightly and said nothing.

But Li Shimin understood.

The next morning, Li Ke was summoned to the Lizheng Hall.

When he entered, he saw Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun both present. Li Shimin sat at the head of the table, and Empress Zhangsun sat beside him; both were looking at him. The atmosphere was somewhat different—not serious, but solemn.

"Your subject pays respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress." Li Ke knelt down and kowtowed.

"Get up," Li Shimin's voice was much gentler.

Li Ke stood up and stood respectfully to the side.

Li Shimin looked at him for a while, and then spoke.

"Ke'er, I have read the prescription you wrote for your mother."

Li Ke's heart skipped a beat: "Father, is there something wrong with the prescription?"

"There's nothing wrong with it," Li Shimin said. "I've consulted the imperial physician, and he said the prescription is excellent, even more comprehensive than his own."

Li Ke breathed a sigh of relief.

"However," Li Shimin changed the subject, "you cured the Empress Dowager's illness, and I cannot remain silent. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"

Li Ke was taken aback for a moment, then quickly shook his head: "Father, I do not accept any reward. Treating Mother's illness is my duty—"

"Duty?" Li Shimin interrupted him. "You've only been studying medicine for a few months, yet you've already prescribed medicine for the Empress Dowager. This isn't duty, it's filial piety. What I'm rewarding is filial piety."

Li Ke opened his mouth, unsure how to respond.

Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "Ke'er, if your father wants to reward you, just accept it. Don't refuse."

Li Ke looked at Li Shimin, then at Empress Zhangsun, thought for a moment, and said, "Father, I really don't want anything. I'm doing quite well now—I have books to read, medicine to learn, a teacher, and friends. I lack nothing."

Li Shimin looked at him, his eyes filled with both relief and a hint of helplessness.

This child is truly not greedy.

"If you don't tell me, I'll decide for myself," Li Shimin said.

Li Ke glanced at Li Shimin, then at Empress Zhangsun, and suddenly mustered his courage.

"Father," he said, "your son...your son has a request."

"explain."

Li Ke took a deep breath.

"Father, could I... perhaps study fewer classics and histories?"

Li Shimin frowned slightly.

Why?

"Father, it's not that I don't want to learn," Li Ke said earnestly. "It's just that I feel my ambitions lie elsewhere. My elder brother is the Crown Prince, and I have no objection to him learning the ways of governing the country. But what I want to learn is medicine, martial arts, and military strategy. Each of these things requires time to learn. There are only twelve hours in a day. If I study the classics and history, I won't have time to learn anything else."

Li Shimin remained silent for a while.

"How much less do you want to learn?"

"One less hour each day," Li Ke said. "The history and classics lessons will be reduced from two hours to one hour. I will use the saved time to study medicine and practice martial arts."

Li Shimin looked at him with sharp eyes.

"Do you think that classics and history are useless?"

"Your Majesty, it's not that I think the classics and history are useless." Li Ke raised his head to meet Li Shimin's gaze. "Your Majesty, it's just that everyone's path is different. My elder brother's path is in the court, while mine is on the battlefield and in the clinic. Father, when you were conquering the world, you relied not on the classics and history, but on military strategy, horsemanship and archery, and the ability to recognize and appoint capable people. These things cannot be learned from the classics and history."

Li Shimin remained silent for a long time.

Empress Zhangsun watched from the side without saying a word, but the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.

"I grant your permission," Li Shimin finally said. "From today onward, you will spend one hour each day studying classics and history at the Hongwen Academy. You can arrange the rest of your time as you see fit."

Li Ke was overjoyed and kowtowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Father Emperor!"

"Don't rush to thank me." Li Shimin's voice turned stern again. "You can study less of the classics and history, but you can't skip them. You still need to attend Kong Yingda's classes. You still need to do the homework he assigns. If you don't, I can rescind my order at any time."

"Yes! Your subject will certainly do it!"

Seeing his happy expression, Li Shimin couldn't help but smile.

"You silly child," he shook his head, "I don't care about anything I give you, yet you insist on reading less. Everyone in the world wants to read more, but you, you want to read less."

Li Ke chuckled twice: "Father, it's not that I don't want to study. I just want to read the books I want to read."

Li Shimin glanced at him but said nothing more.

"Furthermore," Li Shimin's voice became solemn, "your mother said that Consort Yang has been in the palace for many years and has always been well-behaved and dutiful in raising the princes. After some consideration, I intend to promote Consort Yang to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort."

Li Ke was stunned.

Consort Yang—his birth mother, a princess of the previous dynasty. She had been in the palace for over a decade, remaining a lowly concubine with a mediocre status, living cautiously in the harem. The Noble Consort—the head of the four consorts, second only to the Empress.

"Father..." Li Ke's voice trembled slightly.

"I have already had an imperial edict drafted," Li Shimin said. "From this day forward, your mother will be a Noble Consort."

Li Ke's eyes immediately reddened.

He knelt down and kowtowed three times.

"Your subject... thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

"Get up." Li Shimin walked over and personally helped him up. "Don't kneel."

Li Ke stood up, his eyes still red. He looked at Li Shimin, then at Empress Zhangsun, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something.

Empress Zhangsun walked over and reached out to pat his head.

"Ke'er," she said softly, "your mother has had a hard time these past years. Promoting her to the rank of Imperial Concubine is her duty, and it is also a reward for your filial piety."

Li Ke nodded vigorously, holding back his tears.

When Li Ke came out of the Lizheng Hall, his legs were weak.

He walked quickly back to the side hall and pushed open the door.

Consort Yang was sitting by the window sewing clothes when she saw him come in. She put down her needle and thread and smiled.

"What's wrong? You're all sweaty from running."

Li Ke walked up to her, squatted down, and took her hand.

"Mother," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "Father has issued a decree. You are being promoted to Imperial Concubine."

Consort Yang's hand trembled violently.

The needle and thread slipped from her hand and fell to the ground with a soft thud.

"What...what did you say?" Her voice trembled.

"Father Emperor said that you have been in the palace for many years, behaved yourself well, and made meritorious contributions to raising the princes. You are hereby promoted to Imperial Noble Consort. The imperial decree has already been drafted."

Consort Yang opened her mouth, unable to speak for a long time.

Her eyes reddened, tears welling up but not falling. She reached out, her hand trembling, and gently touched Li Ke's face.

"Ke'er..." Her voice choked with emotion, "It was you...it was you who pleaded for your mother?"

"No," Li Ke shook his head. "Your subject did not make a request. It was Father Emperor and Mother Empress themselves who decided."

Consort Yang's tears finally fell.

She wasn't greedy for wealth and status. She had simply lived cautiously in the palace for over a decade, never daring to compete, fight, or stand out. She thought her life would always be like this—a princess of a former dynasty, an unfavored concubine, a woman who could only survive by relying on her son.

But today, her son, in his own way, has earned all of this for her.

"Mother," Li Ke gripped her hand tightly, "Don't cry. From today onwards, you are a Noble Consort. You no longer need to walk with your head down."

Consort Yang laughed through her tears.

"You silly child..." She reached out and pulled him into her arms, "You silly child..."

Li Ke leaned against his mother's chest and closed his eyes.

He remembered his past life—he had no mother. He grew up in an orphanage and didn't know what it felt like to be held by a mother. But here, he had one. A mother who was willing to cry for him, laugh for him, and fight for him.

He vowed that he would protect her for the rest of his life.

The news quickly spread throughout the palace.

Consort Yang was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort—the head of the four consorts. This imperial decree surprised many. Consort Yang was a princess from the previous dynasty. She had been low-key for many years after entering the palace, never vying for power or influence, and many had forgotten her existence.

But today, Li Shimin personally issued an edict, promoting her to the rank of Imperial Concubine.

The women in the harem were abuzz with gossip. Some said it was because the Prince of Shu had gained favor, others said it was because Consort Yang had finally risen in rank, and still others said—this was His Majesty making amends.

Regardless, the imperial decree has been issued. Consort Yang has become a Noble Consort, and from this day forward, her status is second only to Empress Zhangsun.

That afternoon, Consort Yang went to the Lizheng Hall to express her gratitude.

Empress Zhangsun took her hand and said with a smile, "Sister, you've suffered so much these past years. From now on, we sisters will be of one mind, serving His Majesty well and raising the children properly."

Consort Yang's eyes reddened: "Your Majesty, I..."

"Still call me Your Majesty?" Empress Zhangsun patted her hand. "Call me Sister."

Consort Yang's tears fell, but she smiled.

"Sister," she said softly.

The two women looked at each other and smiled.

That night, Li Ke lay in bed, holding the jade pendant in his hand.

He recalled the events of the day—Empress Zhangsun said, "He's well-fed and no different from an ordinary person," and Li Shimin said, "I reward him for his filial piety." He mustered his courage and asked his father to reduce his studies in classics and history, and his father granted his request. He also remembered the moment when Consort Yang held him and cried.

He turned over and closed his eyes.

Starting tomorrow, he will only need to spend one hour each day studying classics and history at the Hongwen Academy. The rest of the time, he can study medicine, practice martial arts, or seek out a master to learn military strategy.

He finally has time to do what he wants to do.

Outside the window, the moon peeked out from behind the clouds, its cool light spilling into the side hall.

He slowly fell asleep, a slight smile still lingering on his lips.