Joy of Life: Me, the Second Prince? Summon Yuan Tiangang!

Upon hearing this, Li Yunrui paused slightly in his hand holding the purple brush, the tip hovering in mid-air. A drop of ink slid down the brush tip and dripped onto the white Xuan paper with a "plop," spreading out into a jet-black plum blossom.

But soon, that slight surprise faded away like melting snow, replaced by a bright sense of sudden realization.

The Crown Prince and the Second Prince were mortal enemies in the court, dissidents who had to be eliminated in the struggle for imperial power. However, the Second Prince and the Third Prince were simply brothers by blood in an ordinary family. When Li Chengqian called out "Second Prince," it meant that he had completely shed his identity as the Crown Prince, given up the struggle for imperial power, and willingly retreated to the position of a younger brother, seeking the protection of his elder brother.

What does it mean that Li Chengze accepted the title of "Second Brother" and promised to protect them?

This shows that in Li Chengze's mind, Li Chengqian was never the mortal enemy who needed to be completely destroyed.

Li Yunrui slowly put down her calligraphy brush, turned around, and stared intently at Li Chengze, who sat languidly in the armchair. A slight smile appeared on her lips, tinged with a hint of amazement.

"From the very beginning, did you never consider the Third Prince as your rival?" Li Yunrui's voice was gentle. "You've been fighting alongside him in the court for so many years, recruiting retainers, befriending officials, and pretending to be determined to seize the throne and irreconcilable with him. But it was all just for show, and even more so for that person."

Li Yunrui paused, his gaze becoming incredibly profound, and said, enunciating each word clearly, "Your opponent has always been... Emperor Qing?"

Upon hearing this name, a ripple finally appeared in Li Chengze's usually calm eyes. He didn't speak, but simply looked at Li Yunrui quietly, and then slowly and solemnly nodded.

Yes,

Seeing Li Chengze nod, Li Yunrui's smile deepened.

Li Chengze stood up and slowly walked to Li Yunrui's side.

He leaned down slightly, wrapped his arms around Li Yunrui's back, and gently pulled her soft and voluptuous body into his embrace.

His chin rested on Li Yunrui's shoulder, the faint yet extremely alluring fragrance of her hair lingering around his nose.

Li Yunrui showed no resistance to Li Chengze's slightly presumptuous and intimate actions. On the contrary, her originally straight back relaxed slightly, and she leaned back softly and willingly, surrendering her weight completely to Li Chengze's embrace.

The study fell silent, with only the soft breathing of the two people mingling in the air.

After a long while, Li Yunrui turned her head slightly, feeling the heartbeat coming from Li Chengze's chest, and slowly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of languor and coquettishness: "Let me go back to Guangxin Palace."

Li Chengze tightened his arm around her waist slightly, remaining silent and waiting for her to continue.

"The overall situation is settled, and you will soon ascend the throne as emperor." Li Yunrui stretched out her slender fingers and gently stroked the back of Li Chengze's hand, which was wrapped around her. "I am nominally your aunt, but it is not in accordance with the rules for me to live in your former residence. Although those censors and officials are terrified of your Great Snow Dragon Cavalry now, once the court stabilizes, there will inevitably be rumors. This will not be good for your reputation."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengze's lips curled into a wicked smile. He lowered his head, his lips brushing against Li Yunrui's ear. (Next chapter: Chapter 185 Li Yunrui: Let me return to Guangxin Palace, I look forward to your visit.) His warm breath sprayed on her earlobe as he whispered, "Reputation? Auntie thinks I still care about that? But… since Auntie wants to return to Guangxin Palace, then so be it. Only…"

Li Chengze's voice became somewhat hoarse, carrying a hint of undisguised aggression: "What if I miss my aunt?"

Li Yunrui blushed slightly at his blunt words. She turned her head and glared at Li Chengze.

"If you miss me, come find me at Guangxin Palace." Li Yunrui's voice was soft and sweet, almost dripping with moisture, carrying a hint of teasing. "Just like before. In this imperial palace, who would dare to stop you now?"

At this point, Li Yunrui's eyes flickered slightly, his tone became more serious, and he lowered his voice to add, "By the way, don't let Wan'er know about this."

Upon hearing this name, a complex light flashed in Li Chengze's eyes. He knew, of course, what Li Yunrui was worried about.

Li Chengze nodded, not dwelling on the topic any further. He reached out and gently picked up a strand of Li Yunrui's hair that had fallen across his chest, playing with it delicately between his fingertips. The smooth, black hair swirled and slipped through his fingers, much like the complex and tangled relationship between them.

"Don't worry, Aunt." Li Chengze's voice returned to its usual calm and deep tone. "I know what to do. Wan'er will be the most honored empress in the world, and you... will still be the most honored princess of Daqing."

Li Yunrui understood the promise in his words, and a satisfied smile appeared on her lips again.

……

Three days is but a fleeting moment in the long river of history, but for the people and officials of Kyoto, it felt like an eternity.

Over the next three days, the snow in Kyoto began to melt, and the meltwater, mixed with the bloodstains that had not been washed away, flowed into the sewers through the cracks in the bluestone slabs, as if washing away the remnants of an old era.

The Great Snow Dragon Riders remained stationed like cold, lifeless statues along Kyoto's main thoroughfares. Silent and taciturn, they exuded a suffocating aura of killing intent. Under the suppression of this absolute force, no one dared to cause trouble during this sensitive period of transition.

Three days have passed; it is an auspicious day.

The enthronement ceremony was solemnly held in front of the Taiji Hall.

On this day in Kyoto, the sky was clear and the golden sunlight shone on the glazed tiles of the Imperial Palace, reflecting a dazzling light.

Li Chengze wore a dark black dragon robe and a twelve-tassel crown, his face behind the crown calm and dignified. Unlike previous emperors who rode in a dragon carriage, he chose to personally ascend the long, white jade staircase, symbolizing supreme power, step by step.

His steps were steady and powerful, each step seeming to tread on the hearts of his ministers.

When he finally stood at the highest point of the Taiji Hall, turned around, and looked down at the dark mass of civil and military officials kneeling on the ground below, an unprecedented sense of control welled up in his heart.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The thunderous shouts of worship echoed through the heavens, shaking the entire capital.

Li Chengze slightly raised his hand, and the wide sleeves of his dragon robe fluttered in the wind.

"Rise."

His voice wasn't loud, but thanks to his powerful internal energy, it clearly reached everyone's ears.

With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, a series of imperial edicts flew out of the Taiji Hall like snowflakes, proclaiming the news to the world.