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

Li Shimin looked at him and suddenly felt a sense of distance and unfamiliarity. He felt a strange sense of loss and wanted to reach out to help him, but he did not because of his status.

"I don't blame you for having grievances, but being the emperor isn't easy for me either."

"You shall leave Chang'an within seven days."

"I will keep my promise to you."

"After you go to Liangzhou, be strict with yourself and never disregard the laws of the land again, otherwise no one can save you then!"

Li Yuanchang cupped his hands and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Seeing that he had complied, and that he had fulfilled his obligations to the law, the Chai family, and the ministers, Li Shimin left directly.

But what he didn't see was the undying flame and killing intent surging in Li Yuanchang's eyes the moment he lowered his head.

He is grateful and will repay any debt of gratitude on the spot!

"Li Tai, if you can't kill me, you're going to be in trouble!"

"..."

Shortly after, after reaching a deal with Li Shimin.

Li Yuanchang kept his promise and even acted out a play with Li Shimin.

"By imperial decree of the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty!"

"Prince Li Yuanchang is by nature unruly and lawless, committing heinous crimes in brothels! However, out of brotherly affection, and due to my diligence in state affairs, I have neglected his upbringing and cannot bear to see him suffer!"

"Furthermore, since Prince Li Yuanchang of Han confessed his crimes and accepted punishment with a good attitude, I hereby grant him a special pardon and spare him from the death penalty!"

"But effective immediately, you are to be expelled from Chang'an and sent to your fiefdom. You are not permitted to issue any imperial edicts or return to the capital!"

"Furthermore, he will be fined three years' salary and stripped of his originally appointed title of Grand Commander, being relegated to the position of Governor of Liangzhou..."

A long list of punishments, along with the voices of officials from the Central Secretariat, resounded throughout Xuanwu Gate.

Li Yuanchang knelt there, being pointed at and talked about. The place was packed with people, including his mortal enemy Li Tai and people from the Chai family.

This was a time and place deliberately chosen by Li Shimin, set at Xuanwu Gate.

On the one hand, he wants to show the outside world that he is a good older brother, forgiving his younger brother when he makes mistakes, and that he is by no means someone who persecutes his relatives.

Secondly, he wanted everyone to see that Li Yuanchang had confessed his crimes and bowed his head, and that no one could challenge his authority.

Finally, there is his explanation of the law, which establishes an image of impartiality and selflessness.

"Your Majesty, I confess my guilt and accept punishment!"

Li Yuanchang understood perfectly well and immediately agreed.

His shout caused an uproar and widespread sighs.

From the powerful Prince of Han in Chang'an to a newly released prisoner; from a groom who won the heart of a beauty to a lonely exile.

From a powerful regional official wielding immense military and political power to a mere prefect with half his power cut off, it only took a few days.

Some people felt sorry for it.

Some people sighed.

Some people were also watching the spectacle with amusement.

Led by the Chai family, the clansmen gathered at Xuanwu Gate looked relieved. How could the Prince of Han dare to hit someone from the Chai family?

Even though the Duke of Qiao felt the punishment wasn't harsh enough, he didn't dare to press the matter further. After all, Li Yuanchang's status was what it was, and he couldn't force Li Shimin to bear the crime of killing his brother.

Moreover, to put it bluntly, Chai Lingwu bears primary responsibility for this matter.

Throughout the entire Xuanwu Gate, there was only one person whose face was so gloomy it could drip water, as if he had swallowed a dead fly.

That was Li Tai, hiding behind the crowd!

Beneath his fair, chubby, and honest-looking face lies a cunning and ruthless nature—a classic case of feigning weakness to deceive others.

"Seventh Uncle, what a brilliant move to turn the tide of battle!"

He stared at Li Yuanchang, who was kneeling and confessing his guilt, in the crowd and muttered to himself, his eyes filled with resentment.

He knew he couldn't play the good guy anymore; his feud with Li Yuanchang was irreconcilable, and if they met again in the future, it would be a life-or-death situation.

But even though he was unwilling, he dared not say anything more.

Because the imperial edict had already been issued, and Li Shimin was no naive fool, the rapid spread of public opinion regarding the brothel case outpaced his crisis management efforts.

The First Emperor of All Time was very dissatisfied with this and suspected that someone was deliberately targeting Li Yuanchang and trying to escalate the situation. He had already conducted a private investigation and warned all parties involved.

If they make another move, they'll be going against Li Shimin.

Therefore, he had no choice but to join the throngs of people at Xuanwu Gate in shouting, "Your Majesty is wise, we obey your decree!"

"May the Tang Dynasty last ten thousand years, may Chang'an last ten thousand years!"

Amidst the shouts at Xuanwu Gate, Li Shimin consolidated his power and prestige.

From then on, the infamous brothel case that had shaken Chang'an was officially declared closed.

However, the impact of this incident is irreversible. For example, the relationship between Li Yuanchang and the Chai family, and between Li Tai and the Chai family, can never be repaired.

The day after Li Yuanchang confessed his guilt, Li Shimin kept his promise and quietly released Wu Meiniang, who was residing at Hongfu Temple.

Li Yuanchang was unable to move easily and was bedridden due to injuries, but he was still excited upon receiving the news.

"quick!"

He excitedly shouted out the first word, intending to go see Wu Meiniang immediately, tell her everything that had happened these past few days, and comfort her.

But the moment this conditioned reflex appears in the brain, it comes to an abrupt end!

The excitement on Li Yuanchang's face was replaced by pain and struggle!

Because he had already made an agreement with Li Shimin that he could not see her or have any contact with her. If he went now, he would be caught going against the rules and might end up making things worse.

Moreover, it was impossible for him and Wu Meiniang to be together, and he was about to go to another place. In the Tang Dynasty, once people were separated, it often meant a lifetime apart.

If I go to see her now, won't that just cause us both more pain?

Another one!

Li Yuanchang knew that he and the Wei King's faction were sworn enemies.

If he continues to entangle with Wu Meiniang, she will likely become the first target of retaliation by the Wei King's faction, potentially harming her and the innocent women and children of the Wu family.

"Your Highness, what's wrong? What do you want to say?" Fang Weng's eyes were red and swollen. Since Li Yuanchang returned, he had been crying every day.

The entire Prince Han's mansion seemed to have experienced a catastrophe; the atmosphere inside was extremely tense, with doors closed to visitors and no one allowed to see anyone.

Li Yuanchang was distraught and in unspeakable pain, even though he had won the game by risking his life.

But in the end, he still lost Wu Zetian.

At this moment, Wu Zetian was no longer just a virtuous wife to her, but also a haven deep in her heart.

"No, it's nothing. Go and prepare the brush and ink."

His voice was hoarse.

"yes!"

After Fang Weng brought over writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, Li Yuanchang dismissed everyone else, refused any help, and endured the excruciating pain alone as he struggled to the table.

Before I put pen to paper, I pondered and considered it again.

Despite his immense reluctance and pain, he still wrote this letter of divorce.

He knew that as long as he didn't write this, given Wu Meiniang's stubborn and tenacious character, she would definitely come looking for him, and she would stay with him until her death!

Do not underestimate the determination and strong will of an empress.

But as he finished the last word, Li Yuanchang seemed to have all his strength drained away, muttering to himself.

"Meiniang, I'm sorry."

"We once made vows of eternal love, but now I'm leaving you behind. I thought that by keeping you out of the palace and letting you come with me, you wouldn't have to endure the pain, struggle, and corruption that comes with being in the deep palace."

"But perhaps the one who hurt you the most was me."