In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

The bronze chariot was robbed, resulting in the deaths and injuries of more than 30 officials and civilians, and the disappearance of 3,000 strings of cash.

The news of the Luo family's downfall, the execution of all male members, and the extermination of hundreds of retainers spread almost simultaneously.

The whole city was shaken and buzzed with discussion, like a stone thrown into a calm lake causing a thousand waves!

"My God, they solved such a sensational case in just three or four days! The King of Han is truly amazing."

"Yes, I heard that the Han Prince's Mansion sent out all its elite troops, and even wiped out all the bandits at Black Peak Ridge."

"King Han, a true hero!"

"The Luo family was the most powerful and wealthy family within a hundred miles outside the city. Their daughter married into the family in Chang'an, and yet they were all executed?"

"Indeed, everyone except the women and children died—hundreds of people!"

"Wow, the King of Han is terrifying!"

"..."

The Prince of Han's Palace.

Birds sing and flowers bloom, a peaceful and tranquil scene unfolds.

Yuan Tong and his team have not yet returned, but news has already been sent back that the operation has been successfully completed.

Yuan Tong launched an attack at night, catching the enemy troops completely off guard, and they were utterly crushed and defeated.

When their scheme was exposed, the Luo family attempted to flee, but they were still unable to escape the hunt by the Prince of Han's army.

Because so many people died in this case, and it involved the Imperial Censorate of Chang'an, Li Yuanchang had to personally write a detailed memorial to the throne.

"Guo Chao, send someone to Chang'an and have Tang Meng help deliver it to the palace. Make sure it's not intercepted," Li Yuanchang instructed solemnly.

If the Luo family's actions lack a legitimate reason, it would constitute condoning the army's massacre of civilians, a serious crime. He was worried that someone might be interfering.

"yes!"

After delivering the letters, Li Yuanchang finally felt a sense of relief, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

I had just taken a sip of tea when something suddenly occurred to me.

"Go and call Red Spider here."

"Yes."

The seven members of the Red Spiders redeemed themselves through meritorious service and, after the case was closed, returned to the Prince of Han's Mansion with Li Yuanchang.

However, their identities were special, and their situation was extremely awkward. As wanted criminals of the imperial court, it would be justified to kill them.

Li Yuanchang had never made any promises; he just wanted to see if the people like Hongzhu were sincere.

The result was obvious: during the return journey, the seven members of the Red Spiders were extremely cooperative, even while being watched.

A short while later, Red Spider arrived.

Upon arriving at the Prince of Han's residence, her attire noticeably softened. She no longer wore a long, revealing dress, but was instead completely covered by a long black robe, at least concealing her cleavage.

However, her voluptuous and stunning figure is still a beautiful sight to behold; it's hard to imagine what she would look like if her clothes were undone.

"This humble servant greets His Highness the Prince of Han!"

She bowed in greeting.

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow: "Get up."

"Thank you, Prince of Han." She glanced up at Li Yuanchang's face, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.

"Stop guessing. I will not kill you, nor will I hand you over to the authorities to collect the bounty."

Upon hearing this, Red Spider's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was completely relieved: "Thank you so much, Your Highness, for your kindness. I will never forget your great kindness!"

Li Yuanchang added, "However, even if you killed corrupt officials and redeemed yourselves through meritorious service, I may acknowledge this, but Chang'an may not."

"Therefore, I can't plead for you, I can only help you change your identity."

Red Spider beamed, her face rosy: "This humble servant awaits Your Highness's arrangements."

"Don't be too happy yet, there are conditions," Li Yuanchang said.

"Your Highness, please speak freely!"

"We have been wanted by the imperial court for years and are tired of living in hiding. Now that we have the protection of the Prince of Han, I am willing to pay any price!" Red Spider spoke these words sincerely, completely abandoning her usual seductive and wanton demeanor.

"Any conditions are acceptable?" Li Yuanchang approached her and lifted her chin with one hand.

Her skin is very fair, and she looks good even up close; you wouldn't guess she's already thirty.

This age would be considered the prime of life in later generations, but in the Tang Dynasty, it was considered old.

"Yes, yes." Red Spider took a deep breath.

Li Yuanchang's fingers slid down, from her chin to her throat, then to her delicate collarbone, his fingertips even lingering on the edge of her breasts.

As if electrocuted, Red Spider's plump body tensed, a strange sensation sweeping over her entire body, causing her cheeks to flush red.

Many men wanted her, but she never took a liking to any of them. However, she was not at all averse to Li Yuanchang's advances, and even had a physical reaction to them.

She took deep breaths, having already made some preparations, and her gaze towards Li Yuanchang was one of tacit approval.

But suddenly, Li Yuanchang stopped and withdrew his hand.

"I want you and your men to join the Han Prince's Palace and work for me."

"Completely sever ties with former wanted criminals."

A hint of disappointment flashed across Hongzhu's large, bright eyes at Li Yuanchang's feint.

But she quickly smiled and said, "I couldn't be happier!"

"Aren't you going to ask what we're supposed to do?" Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow.

"Anything is acceptable as long as it's for the Prince of Han. Besides, once you join the Prince of Han's mansion, you're a member of the Prince of Han's mansion. How can you be picky?" Red Spider said.

Li Yuanchang was satisfied. Apart from his identity as a bandit and his criminal record, Hongzhu was almost perfect in every other way. His words and actions were impeccable.

But heroes come from all walks of life.

Their experience and abilities make them almost the best candidates for Black Ice Platform. Since Black Ice Platform is in its initial stage, the addition of Red Spiders will definitely accelerate its progress.

"Li Yi".

A slender figure emerged from the darkness.

Red Spider was surprised. There was someone else?

Li Yuanchang said, "From now on, you will be his deputy. As for what you will do and what your subordinates will be, Li Yi will tell you and train you."

"Listen to him in everything."

"Everything must be done in accordance with the rules of the Prince of Han's residence."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have shown mercy!"

Red Spider was serious and dared not be unrestrained; she was in awe of Li Yuanchang's bandit-like nature.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Li Yuanchang then said, "Your names also need to be changed. From now on, you will live under a different identity."

"As for the seven Red Spider criminals, I will arrange for them to die during the bandit suppression at Black Peak Ridge, so that the court can completely close the case."

Red Spiders were overjoyed. They had been hiding for years, unable to escape something, but Li Yuanchang had solved it with just a few words. Was this the benefit of power?

Her eyes were filled with gratitude, awe, and admiration.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

"Please grant me a new name, Your Highness."

Li Yuanchang thought for a moment, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "From now on, you shall be called Chi Lian."

"Crimson Flame?" Red Spider murmured to himself, his eyes showing considerable delight.

"Yes." Li Yuanchang glanced at her; she almost perfectly resembled Chi Lian from later anime, with the same figure.

"Thank you for bestowing this name upon me, Your Highness. From now on, Chi Lian will serve the Prince of Han faithfully!"

Li Yuanchang's expression was strange. The way she said "serving him faithfully" sounded odd and ambiguous.

"You can arrange the names for the other six."

"From now on, the seven wanted criminals, including Red Spider, are no longer your concern. You are simply Chi Lian of the Han Prince's Mansion."

"yes!"

"..."