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

In order to settle this matter and return to Liangzhou as soon as possible, Li Yuanchang did not delay along the way and traveled at all his might. In the end, he took a shortcut and arrived in Chang'an in just over half a month.

It's already late February; the harsh winter is gradually passing, and early spring is quietly approaching.

Standing on a hillside outside Chang'an, Li Yuanchang couldn't help but sigh.

"Time flies so fast; more than two years have passed since I arrived."

"It's spring again."

No one else responded, assuming that Li Yuanchang's words meant he was going to Liangzhou.

His gaze was deep. He didn't rush into Chang'an, but instead swept his eyes over the familiar yet unfamiliar capital. He knew that starting this year, the Tang Dynasty would begin to experience a series of major events.

In two more years, Li Chengqian, the historical figure, will rebel, and the Prince of Han will be executed.

But history has changed, and Li Yuanchang himself is unsure where the story is headed.

Upon entering Chang'an, he intended to have a low-key audience with the emperor, report his affairs, and then quickly return to Liangzhou after a day or two of rest.

But clearly, Li Shimin couldn't possibly fail to acknowledge his immense contributions.

A grand imperial guard of up to 500 people greeted Li Yuanchang, with 100 horsemen leading the way and even Li Shimin's own carriage being used to escort him into the palace.

This level is second only to the emperor descending his rank and the imperial guards bowing their heads.

According to unofficial historical records, the entire event caused a sensation, a rare occurrence during the Zhenguan era!

Upon arriving at Xuanwu Gate, the Crown Prince had been waiting for a long time, and the heir apparent greeted them on behalf of the Emperor!

Li Yuanchang was at the height of his fame!

After all this, all the confidants of the Prince of Han's mansion were beaming with joy; all the hard work of the past few months had been worthwhile.

On the contrary, Li Yuanchang, a renowned meritorious official, appeared increasingly calm.

He has experienced too much deceit and treachery, witnessed too many grand occasions, and read too much history, which has shaped his calm and composed character.

The beginning of tragedy is often the beginning of glory.

The establishment of glory is often the beginning of tragedy; this is a truth that is almost infinitely close to the truth itself.

"I pay my respects to my seventh uncle!"

"We pay our respects to His Highness the Prince of Han!" The resounding voice echoed throughout Xuanwu Gate.

Li Chengqian was radiant and beaming with smiles, showing absolutely no signs of weakness.

So much so that Li Yuanchang's first reaction was not embarrassment, but surprise.

Logically speaking, Li Chengqian should not have been so stable in the fifteenth year of the Zhenguan era.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"I dare not accept such an honor." Li Yuanchang showed no arrogance, only vigilance, and immediately bowed in greeting.

"Seventh Uncle, what are you doing? You're being too formal. We're not in the imperial court."

"Father has ordered me to bring Seventh Uncle in. You really displayed your great power in Tuyuhun this time!" Li Chengqian praised, full of affection.

Despite being rejected time and time again, Li Yuanchang's repeated meritorious service made Li Chengqian unwilling to give up.

This is largely related to Li Tai's loss of power.

Although Li Yuanchang never participated in the struggle for the throne, his revenge against Li Tai indirectly helped Li Chengqian.

"Your Highness, I dare not."

"I was merely doing my duty. If it weren't for Your Majesty's support in Chang'an, I wouldn't have been able to quell the rebellion."

"Seventh Uncle, you are too modest. Father said that Seventh Brother turned the tide, otherwise the country would be unstable."

Behind Li Chengqian, a young, innocent-looking boy suddenly spoke up.

Li Yuanchang was stunned for a moment before noticing another young man dressed in royal robes, looking extremely noble, and bearing a striking resemblance to Li Shimin.

And he is very young, probably around fourteen years old at most.

"And who is this?" Li Yuanchang asked, drawing out his words.

"Seventh Uncle, you've forgotten, I'm Zhinu. Father Emperor ordered my elder brother to come and greet me, and I wanted to see you, so I managed to come along." The boy smiled, his eyes full of admiration for Li Yuanchang, his gaze as clear as a middle school student's.

Childish slave? ?

Li Yuanchang was shocked, his eyes widening in surprise.

Zhi Nu and Qing Que were both childhood names. Qing Que was Li Tai, while Zhi Nu was Li Zhi!

Empress Zhangsun had only three legitimate sons, just the three of them!

What the hell!

He screamed inwardly, staring intently at the boy for a few moments, his eyes filled with disbelief.

This young man, still wet behind the ears but with clear eyes, is actually Li Zhi?

His expression was complicated.

In terms of seniority, he was inferior to Li Chengqian.

In terms of cunning and shrewdness, he was no match for Li Tai.

At this moment, Li Zhi was like a boy next door, without any of the bearing of an emperor. Yet, this was the guy who took over the vast Tang Empire!

He smiled wryly and could only sigh, "The ways of heaven are unpredictable."

The more you fight for it, the less likely you are to get it.

"Zhi Nu, alright. Seventh Uncle has had a long journey and still needs to meet with Father Emperor, so let's not disturb him any longer. Let's return to the palace first," Li Chengqian said gently.

Clearly, he only hated Li Tai. At this moment, Li Chengqian had no idea that his ultimate showdown with Li Tai was actually just a pipe dream.

The one who truly replaced him was his younger brother, who posed no threat whatsoever.

"Your Majesty is right, hehe." Li Zhi even gave Li Yuanchang a silly grin.

Li Yuanchang felt ashamed.

Is this guy even worthy of being Li Shimin's successor? It's only thanks to the Zhenguan family's wealth that he was able to succeed him.

He began to understand why, in the later stages of history, no one could restrain Wu Zetian.

When Wu Zetian was fourteen or fifteen years old, no matter how innocent and naive she was, her inherent ruthlessness, decisiveness, stubbornness, and resilience had already become apparent.

In this comparison, the two emperors ruling together would most likely not be in a state of equilibrium.

Li Yuanchang seemed somewhat dazed as he entered through the Xuanwu Gate. It wasn't until a eunuch called out to him that he snapped out of his reverie, took off his shoes, and entered a quiet palace.

"Greetings, Father Emperor!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Hahaha, Seventh Brother, Seventh Brother, I've been waiting for you for so long, and I'm so glad you're back!" Li Shimin laughed heartily, displaying his heroic spirit. He rolled up his dragon robe and stepped down, personally helping Li Yuanchang to his feet.

"Seventh Brother, you've had a long and arduous journey!"

His eyes were full of affection.

This made Li Yuanchang take it to heart.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I dare not accept such praise. Compared to my elder brother, this is nothing."

"Hey, there are no outsiders here, no need to be humble, merit is merit."

"I have already brewed the tea. Come, sit down."

Li Shimin personally pressed Li Yuanchang to sit to one side, then turned around and said, "Chengqian, Zhinu, you two may leave now."

"Go and prepare for tonight's family dinner."

"Today is a rare opportunity, and I am very pleased. I will hold a banquet to welcome the Prince of Han. Everyone should come."

"Yes, Father!" Li Chengqian and the other man accepted the order.

Li Yuanchang was somewhat flattered. Was this really that special?

Making meritorious contributions is one thing, and rewards are fine, but holding a family banquet is quite rare.

But since Li Shimin had already made the arrangements, it would seem disrespectful for him to refuse.

"Seventh brother, how are you? You weren't injured in Tuyuhun, were you?" Li Shimin sat down, showing concern like an ordinary elder brother.

There's some truth to the fact that he became one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history.