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

The saying "Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger" has become a tangible reality at this moment.

He instinctively replied, "Your Majesty, I swear, if I am lying, may I be pierced by a thousand arrows and die a horrible death!"

"If there's any other reason, it's that I've fallen for Lady Wu at first sight, just like Your Majesty's deep love for Empress Zhangsun!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Liangyi Hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Some of Li Shimin's close associates were terrified. More than a year had passed since the Empress's death, and no one had ever dared to mention it. Everyone was worried for Li Yuanchang.

The atmosphere at the scene was almost frozen!

But Li Shimin did not get angry; he simply looked quietly into Li Yuanchang's eyes.

Clearly, Li Yuanchang withstood his pressure and did not reveal his true colors.

After a long while, Li Shimin withdrew his gaze and also withdrew the faint aura of danger.

"You've changed. You've changed so much that I hardly recognize you anymore."

"Your Majesty, I am simply stating the truth," Li Yuanchang said.

"I believe you."

"But let's choose another one." Li Shimin said calmly, yet his tone was forceful and brooked no refusal.

Li Yuanchang's heart sank. He had deliberately mentioned Empress Zhangsun just now, hoping that Li Shimin would not force the couple to separate.

Ancient times were different from later generations. Once Li Shimin spoke, if Li Yuanchang continued, it would be considered defying the imperial decree, and no one would have a good ending.

Anyone who can break through Xuanwu Gate is destined to be a powerful and resolute individual.

As expected, Li Shimin was surprisingly resolute this time, unlike the previous attempt to appeal to emotions.

Li Yuanchang refused to give up: "Your Majesty, can you tell me why?"

"There's no reason why. Marriage is a major life event, and since ancient times, it has been decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers."

"Now that the late emperor is gone, I can make this decision for you."

"You must understand, you are the Prince of Han, my younger brother, representing the royal family. I have watched you grow up since you were a child, and you bear a greater responsibility!"

"I intend to select a suitable match for you from among the women of the imperial clan, to be your wife and mother, and to settle things at home. In addition, I will provide you with extra compensation for canceling this engagement."

"Any more objections?" Li Shimin felt this was already a form of pressure.

If you agree, you'll receive compensation; if you disagree, you have to agree.

Li Yuanchang clenched his back teeth.

He began to understand why Li Chengqian had been forced to rebel.

"Your Majesty, you won't even give me a reason. I'm afraid I cannot comply!"

Upon hearing this, the entire Liangyi Hall officially entered a state of bone-chilling cold.

The waiting eunuchs were terrified.

Li Shimin's deep, heroic eyes flickered with the anger of a great emperor and the displeasure of being contradicted.

Faced with terrifying pressure, Li Yuanchang remained silent, responding without uttering a word.

If he backs down now, what will Wu Zetian do?

She's still waiting for me!

Li Yuanchang has lived two lives and played around for half his life, but even he couldn't do something like this. Would he still be considered a man?

He wanted to protect himself, but this could not be based on humiliation and cowardice.

He admitted it today, but he will feel guilty and regretful for the rest of his life.

Seeing this, Li Shimin coldly asked, "Do you know who you're talking to?"

Li Yuanchang said, "I am speaking to His Majesty!"

A genuine hint of murderous intent flashed across Li Shimin's eyes, but he took a deep breath and suppressed all his emotions.

As one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, an emperor who never killed any meritorious officials and could tolerate Wei Zheng's harsh criticism of him, his self-control was clearly beyond that of ordinary emperors.

When he looked down again, his eyes were devoid of emotion.

Only absolute calm: "This is not up to you."

"Step down!"

"Think it over carefully in the Prince's Palace, and come see me when you've made up your mind."

"But you are not allowed to go to the Wu Mansion again!" Li Shimin warned.

Li Yuanchang was still unwilling to give up and wanted to say something more, but when he saw Li Shimin's eyes, he knew that if he said anything more, it would only make things worse and would not do any good.

Ultimately, the audience with the emperor was unsuccessful.

Li Yuanchang did not give up immediately after leaving the Liangyi Hall, but instead tried to get an audience with Consort Yang.

Since the death of Empress Zhangsun, Consort Yang was undoubtedly the most favored concubine. In addition to her beauty, she also had inner qualities. Most importantly, she had an extremely powerful background, representing the Guanzhong military aristocracy and the Hongnong Yang clan.

It was only after all these factors combined that rumors circulated that she might be the next empress.

Now, the only solution Li Yuanchang can think of is her.

However, the two only had a nominal relationship as sister-in-law and uncle, and rarely interacted. They also had no family ties, so when he waited for a reply, he wasn't really sure what to expect.

But to everyone's surprise, Consort Yang chose to meet with her!

Li Yuanchang only waited for a quarter of an hour before being taken to a flower garden in the Imperial Garden, a flower garden exclusively for Consort Yang.

It is very quiet, and the flowers and plants are trimmed beautifully, like a paradise.

When Li Yuanchang stepped into this place, his anxious heart calmed down considerably.

"King Han pays respects to Consort Shu."

"Your Highness is too polite."

"You look much more haggard than I have seen in a month." Consort Yang told someone to put away the tools they were carrying.

Li Yuanchang smiled helplessly: "Your Majesty, you must already know what happened, right?"

"I just found out, and to be honest, I was also shocked," Consort Yang said softly.

"Does Your Majesty know what exactly happened in between?"

"I do not ask Your Majesty for help, I only ask that Your Majesty can enlighten me," Li Yuanchang said earnestly.

Consort Yang sighed inwardly as she looked at Li Yuanchang, who was completely unaware of the situation.

Hesitantly, she asked, "Your Highness, do you trust me?"

"I believe you!" Li Yuanchang blurted out.

"Then Your Highness, please don't pursue this matter any further. It's for your own good, and also for the good of Lady Wu." Consort Yang seemed to know some inside information.

Li Yuanchang immediately said, "Your Highness, please tell me!"

"If Your Majesty refuses, then I will kneel here forever!"

Consort Yang immediately stopped him: "Your Highness, Prince of Han, please don't do this."

"Your Highness, I just want to know what happened!" Li Yuanchang stared intently.

Consort Yang's elegant and refined face showed a troubled expression. She was originally there to select a princess for Li Yuanchang, but now that things had turned out this way, she felt somewhat guilty.

After hesitating, she said something inexplicable.

"Your Highness, this matter is settled, so don't dwell on it. While the marriage is still pending, there's still time to make a decision."

"you……"

She paused, looked around, and subtly reminded him, "Think carefully about whether you've offended anyone recently, and be more careful in the future."

Her words were nothing short of earth-shattering. As one of the four most favored concubines at the time, her words undoubtedly carried authority.

Li Yuanchang's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes turned murderous!

really!

Sure enough, someone was behind it all! Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to forcibly cancel the wedding on that very day without anyone knowing.

who is it?

Li Chengqian?

Li Tai?

Or Wei Zheng?