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

Although it is indeed a major event, and it concerns national strategic security.

However, the matter of Tuyuhun was left unresolved, which left Li Yuanchang with a lingering unease.

"Your Majesty, esteemed officials, with so many renowned generals and strategists in the court, surely choosing another one shouldn't be a problem?"

Upon hearing this, the ministers frowned, all feeling that Li Yuanchang was being too audacious, daring to shirk such an important task from His Majesty.

But to their surprise, Li Shimin was not angry.

Instead, he laughed and said, "King of Han, you are the first person to dare refuse me. What, are you still unhappy about what happened before?"

Li Yuanchang looked up, feigning ignorance, and disgusted Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, what happened before?"

Li Shimin was stumped by the question and glared at Li Yuanchang.

But he wasn't really angry. Instead, he reassured her, "Alright, there's no need to argue further. I've already made my decision. You can do it."

"When you return from this marriage alliance, I will reward you."

"I know what you're thinking. Since I've already made a promise, don't keep harping on it."

"I am the emperor, and you are my subject. You must obey. I am the elder brother, and you are the younger brother. You must also obey. What? Do you intend to disobey my decree and defy your elder brother?"

Li Yuanchang was unhappy, but Li Shimin made it clear that he had to go. His refusal was useless, and he had to go in the end, otherwise he would be disobeying the imperial decree.

After thinking it over, he suddenly relented.

"Then Your Majesty must grant me one request."

Upon hearing this, even someone of Changsun Wuji's stature couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. The emperor wanted his subjects to do things, and this Prince of Han dared to make demands?

Wei Zheng was about to reprimand him.

Li Shimin stopped him, saying that Li Yuanchang had indeed been wronged by the Tuyuhun affair.

"Speak your mind. As long as it doesn't violate principles, I will allow it."

"Regarding this marriage alliance, I hope Your Majesty will not bestow too many seeds, technologies, or books. These are treasures of the Han people. Giving them to others will only make them a powerful weapon against our Great Tang in the future."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin frowned.

These words were somewhat discouraging. The marriage alliance was supposed to be for peace, but Li Yuanchang's words implied that Tibet would retaliate.

"I am acting for the country; I have no disloyal intentions."

"If Your Majesty does not grant this request, then I will not go on this trip, even if I am punished."

Li Shimin frowned, looking at the resolute Li Yuanchang, and decided not to force him.

"Alright, I promise you. The dowry will be handled accordingly, and you can also participate in discussing the gifts to be given to Tibet with the Council of State."

"Of course, I won't do a losing deal; Tibet will also have to pay back."

Seeing that Li Shimin had relented, Li Yuanchang had nothing left to insist on. He knew very well that he could not refuse the emperor's orders.

This trip was different from the previous ones. Li Yuanchang was only completing the mission and no longer believed in the affection of any monarch.

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty."

"That's all for today. After you leave, discuss the dowry items as soon as possible and submit a proposal for my review."

"Now I have ordered people to search for suitable candidates among the imperial clan."

"Yes!" The ministers bowed.

"Your Majesty, I have another matter to discuss." Li Yuanchang suddenly remembered the main reason he had entered the palace today. If he didn't bring it up now, when would he?

Li Shimin turned around: "What is it?"

"Your Majesty, I wish to request someone from Your Majesty on behalf of the Princess Consort to serve as her personal companion and assist in caring for my son."

"Female performer? Woman?" Li Shimin asked suspiciously.

"Yes." Li Yuanchang nodded.

Li Shimin stared at Li Yuanchang with a strange look in his eyes for several moments.

"Does the princess want it, or do you want it?"

"Should I take care of the young prince, or you?"

Li Yuanchang felt ashamed; was he really that lecherous?

"It is the Princess."

"Really, it's definitely not some widow. It's a clever palace lady-in-waiting. The princess thinks that people in the palace are more capable."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Imperial Study burst into laughter.

Li Shimin gave him a disapproving look: "Fine, it's no big deal. I grant your request. I'll give it to you when you get back."

Li Yuanchang originally intended to ask for it immediately, but since Li Shimin had said so, he couldn't press the matter. Besides, he was also going to Tibet anyway, which would take several months for a round trip, so he wasn't in a hurry.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Alright, I'm tired. You may all leave."

"Yes, we will take our leave!"

"..."

After leaving the Imperial Study, Li Yuanchang did not leave the palace immediately. Instead, he went to the Hall of State Affairs with other important figures such as Changsun Wuji to discuss the details of the marriage alliance.

Li Yuanchang was the only prince who was not a member of the Council of State Affairs but could still participate, which shows his status. Even someone of Changsun Wuji's rank had to take him seriously.

Before anyone knew it, in less than three years, Li Yuanchang had climbed to the top of the Tang Dynasty pyramid, at least securing a place there.

Although they failed to prevent the marriage alliance, they at least prevented a large amount of technology and books from leaving the Tang Dynasty, which can be considered as protecting the Tang Dynasty to some extent.

A century later, war may be inevitable, but at least the threat has been reduced, which can be considered as Li Yuanchang doing something for his descendants.

The meeting lasted until dusk.

It was a simple marriage alliance, but it represented a reconciliation between two great empires and a form of alliance. This is why the Tang Dynasty's high-ranking officials collectively agreed to the marriage alliance.

This also made the issues involved in this marriage alliance far more complex than those of the Tuyuhun alliance.

Because Tibet was strong and large enough. Even though Tibet was not yet fully developed, historically it was a powerful empire that rose with the Tang Dynasty and fell with it.

Among the numerous details, the items that the Tang Dynasty wanted to bestow upon the past were constantly being edited and reduced.

Li Yuanchang rejected all the core matters that could allow Tibet to grow stronger, especially Tibet's request for the Tang Dynasty to send some skilled craftsmen there.

This was met with strong opposition from Li Yuanchang.

This led to another political conflict with Sikong Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji believed that Li Yuanchang was too radical and had not taken into account the alliance.

Li Yuanchang, however, had a God's-eye view and refused to budge, not even giving Changsun Wuji any face.

However, such conflicts are still within a controllable range. At least Li Yuanchang's magnanimity and Changsun Wuji's intelligence are such that they wouldn't get angry over something like this.

If it wasn't decided in one day, it was postponed to the next day.

After greeting the ministers, Li Yuanchang left the Hall of State Affairs and then had a message relayed to him by the eunuch Chang.

"Your Highness, it really is you!"

In a secluded courtyard of a palace in the previous dynasty, Li Su's voice rang out. She ran excitedly all the way there, the setting sun shining on her palace dress, making her look extremely beautiful.

Li Yuanchang smiled.

"Didn't I say that we would meet again soon? That's why I came to see you."

Li Su nodded repeatedly, her joy evident in her expression.

"Thank you, Your Highness, but will this cause you any trouble?" She frowned slightly, beautiful and kind-hearted, always worried about Li Yuanchang.