Little Sizi came to my house and became the family's darling, and Li Shimin got anxious.

Back at the apartment, the supermarket had already delivered the groceries to the door.

Li Yinxun glanced at the time; it was 10:30.

It's almost lunchtime, so why not let those princes and princesses try something new?

I took out my phone and ordered two tables of hot pot to be delivered.

I specifically chose the set meal that included a portable gas stove and special cookware.

This portable stove doesn't need electricity; the gas canisters provide fuel, and it'll be perfect to bring back to Datang.

The dishes are a mix of meat and vegetables, and the broth comes in two flavors: spicy and tomato, catering to everyone's preferences.

Order placed, waiting.

I snuggled up on the sofa with my little princess and watched a whole episode of cartoons before the takeout arrived.

Li Yinxun checked the things she needed to bring and neatly arranged them in the center of the living room.

Everything is ready.

……

Lizheng Hall.

Li Shimin had walked around the broken bowl countless times.

The soles of the boots made a faint sound as they rubbed against the bricks of the palace, each step filled with anxiety.

He stayed here after the morning court session ended, never leaving for a moment.

His brows were furrowed tightly, and his fingertips were constantly rubbing together.

Why haven't they returned yet? Could it be that they're really not coming back?

His voice was very low, as if he were asking Ananda, or perhaps asking himself.

The emperor's usual decisive and ruthless demeanor in court was completely gone at this moment; all that remained was a husband and father waiting in vain for news of his wife and daughter.

Zhang Anan bowed and stepped forward, carefully comforting her: "Your Majesty, please do not worry. The Empress and the Princess may have been busy with other matters and were delayed for a while."

Li Shimin shook his head.

"Sizi isn't the only one who can use the broken bowl to travel through time. If they're safe, we'll definitely try to send a message back."

"Hey! My little guy's here!"

A little dumpling rushed in like a firecracker, its two short legs moving incredibly fast, and it crashed straight into Li Shimin's arms.

Li Shimin shuddered and lowered his head.

The little princess was looking up at him with her eyes crinkled in the corners.

He tightened his grip and held the person tightly.

"Ah-yes!" The little princess snuggled against him.

Li Shimin let out a long breath.

He looked up and saw that Empress Zhangsun, Li Lizhi, and Li Yinxun, whom he had met once before, had all returned.

Li Shimin carried the little princess over, his eyes fixed on Empress Zhangsun.

"Guanyinbi, you've been gone for so long? Even if you're busy with other matters, you should have sent someone back to let me know you're safe. I'm worried sick about you day and night."

Before Empress Zhangsun could speak, the little princess spoke first.

"Mother is sick and can't come back!"

Zhang Anan added at the opportune moment, "His Majesty has been coming to the Lizheng Hall day and night these past few days, twice a day, without fail."

Empress Zhangsun felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She stepped forward, looked at the faint dark circles under Li Shimin's eyes, and gently pressed her hand on his arm.

"I'm sorry for making Erlang worry."

Li Lizhi stepped forward and bowed, saying, "It is Lizhi's fault for causing Father so much worry."

Li Shimin laughed heartily and waved his hand.

"As long as Guanyinbi is healthy, everything else is fine."

Empress Zhangsun gently pulled Li Yinxun in front of her and said softly, "Second Prince, I am very grateful for Xiaoxun's careful care over there. I have already recognized her as my younger sister."

Li Yinxun raised her head confidently. Just as Li Shimin was about to say a few polite words, he heard Li Yinxun looking at him and calling out naturally.

"Brother-in-law."

Li Shimin's expression froze.

Just a few days ago, this person was calling him "uncle-in-law," but now, after only a few days, he's been called "brother-in-law," making him appear to be of a lower generation.

"Wait a minute." Li Shimin raised his hand, his brows furrowing slightly. "Just a few days ago he was my aunt's husband, how come he's my brother-in-law today?"

Li Yinxun blinked and said matter-of-factly, "Since I've recognized the Empress as my elder sister, you're my brother-in-law. Is there something wrong with that?"

Li Shimin opened his mouth and found that logically there was nothing wrong with it.

But he just felt that something was wrong.

Empress Zhangsun covered her mouth and chuckled, but did not help him out of the predicament.

Before Li Shimin could figure it out, his gaze was drawn to the large pile of things at Li Yinxun's feet.

His eyes lit up, and his previous doubts were instantly forgotten.

"Are all these fine things prepared for me?"

The little princess shook her head like a rattle.

"No way! You shameless bastard!"

Zhang Anan's shoulders twitched.

Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi were both stunned.

After the little princess finished speaking, she was quite proud of herself and looked up at Li Shimin with her little face upturned.

Li Shimin looked down at his youngest daughter.

This little guy has grown quite bold after spending a few days there.

Instead of being angry, he laughed.

"Why isn't it for me?" he teased her. "The entire Tang Dynasty belongs to Father, so these things, once they arrive in the Tang Dynasty, naturally belong to Father. If they belong to Father, then Sizi should have a share."

Si Zi frowned slightly.

"I already have a place to call home!" Her logic was crystal clear.

"That was given to Sizi by Father," Li Shimin continued to tease.

"It's my auntie, it's my auntie!" The little princess was anxious. She wanted to say that her auntie was all hers, and that the things her auntie bought naturally belonged to her, but she was too young to express herself clearly.

"What your aunt bought, once it reached the Tang Dynasty, became your father's," Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Father cheated!" The little princess puffed up her cheeks.

The father and daughter took turns talking, like they were performing a comedy routine.

Empress Zhangsun looked at the two of them, smiled, and shook her head.

"Alright, alright, aren't you afraid of making a fool of yourself if Xiao Xun sees this?"

He turned to look at Zhang Anan.

"Ananda, summon all the princes and princesses in the palace to the Lizheng Hall."

Zhang Anan was taken aback, but immediately responded.

Li Shimin also realized that he wanted his children to share these wonderful things from the modern era.

He immediately urged, "Go quickly, don't leave anyone behind."

Zhang Anan responded and quickly retreated.

Li Shimin, holding the little princess, walked to the pile of things, squatted down, and looked at them.

"What...what are these?" He picked up a transparent box containing red and white slices of meat and green vegetables.

"We call this hot pot where I'm from," Li Yinxun explained. "It's lunchtime now, so we'll all eat this together later."

Li Shimin nodded and immediately waved for the palace servants to place the items on the table.

……

Upon receiving news of his father's summons, Li Tai, dressed in a fine brocade robe and with a jade belt around his waist, walked with ease. Just as he turned through the moon gate, he bumped into the imperial guard of the Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian was being carefully supported by two eunuchs, moving with difficulty.

His old foot ailment flared up, and he dared not put any weight on his right leg. His body was crooked and hunched over, and he could only move forward with the help of palace servants. The upright demeanor that the crown prince should have had was completely gone, and a thin layer of sweat had already seeped from his forehead.

According to palace rules, one must walk to show respect when meeting His Majesty, and a palanquin can only be used for long distances during grand ceremonies. As the crown prince, he could not violate the rules due to personal illness and could only endure it.

Li Chengqian caught a glimpse of Li Tai out of the corner of his eye, and his body stiffened, his hands clenching tightly in his sleeves.

Seeing himself in such a disheveled and utterly disrespectful state, he was caught red-handed by his own younger brother, whom he was most wary of. Embarrassment and indignation surged up instantly. He wanted to quicken his pace to get away, but his legs wouldn't obey him, leaving him in a dilemma.

Li Tai slowly stopped, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Brother Crown Prince, what a coincidence, are you also heading to the Lizheng Hall? Seeing how difficult your steps are, you must be having a hard time."

As he spoke, he pushed aside a palace servant and helped Li Chengqian up, saying, "Crown Prince, let me help you."

Li Chengqian's throat tightened, and he felt so embarrassed that his chest felt heavy. "Thank you, Qingque."