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

Luoyang.

As a secondary capital of the Tang Dynasty, even before the "Divine Capital" era of Wu Zetian, this place was still prosperous and extremely developed.

Deep within a grand and imposing mansion, several well-dressed, middle-aged men of considerable status were seen off with beaming smiles.

One box after another was carried away by their servants.

The box even jingled as it walked, and I didn't know what it was; it was quite heavy.

A stunningly beautiful and alluring figure stood on the pavilion, watching them leave, a smile curving her red lips.

"Master, as you instructed, we've given them everything."

"These local dignitaries have far too big an appetite," someone said, bending over and frowning.

Wu Zetian stroked the snow-white tabby cat in her arms, its color contrasting sharply with its red lips. In terms of temperament, she was truly a goddess among men.

Even paintings aren't as beautiful as her.

"Anything that can be solved with money isn't a problem."

"The fate of the world rests not only with the emperor, but also with them."

"I have read through ancient books. The fall of the Sui Dynasty, which seemed to be a popular uprising, was in fact a life-or-death struggle between imperial power and powerful families."

"Emperor Yang of Sui wanted to break the monopoly of the Guanlong Group, which led to the collapse of the prosperous era."

"Even the current Heavenly Khan needs to be careful when dealing with them; the attitude of the Emperor can be seen from the wedding of the Prince of Jin."

"Winning them over will be very useful in critical moments."

"But boss, we've given them so much money, and they haven't done anything."

Wu Zetian said casually, "Good things often take a long time to pay off."

"And often, certainty is not visible. People are used to waiting for a sure opportunity, a clear signal, but in reality, the real benefits are hidden in uncertainty."

"Once an opportunity is confirmed, it's no longer an opportunity; it might even be a trap."

"Only by making a move now can you get real value."

"Master's insight is superior; it is your subordinate who is dull-witted."

Wu Meiniang didn't say anything more, but turned around.

Footsteps could be heard there.

Song Sanlang, dressed in brocade robes, hurried over.

"Meiniang, something has happened in Youzhou."

Wu Meiniang's beautiful face instantly changed, her gaze tense and sharp: "What is it?"

"Madam Wu and her two daughters were secretly taken away by a group of unidentified people, leaving only a letter at home."

"His men investigated, even asking the governor's office to investigate, but they were met with a wall; the governor of Youzhou claimed he dared not interfere."

Afraid to intervene?

Wu Zetian frowned, put down the raccoon dog, and quickly opened the letter.

She even thought for a moment that the letter was asking for money, land deeds, business deals, or some recipes, but the contents made her pause instantly.

"It's him!"

Her expression immediately relaxed by about 70-80%.

It was an instinctive trust, knowing that the mother and sister would be safe.

"he?"

"Li Yuanchang," Wu Meiniang blurted out.

"What does he want to do?" Song Sanlang frowned.

"He's forcing me to go back," Wu Meiniang said, gazing into the distance with a distant look in her eyes.

Song Sanlang asked, "So what should we do now?"

"Ignore him and continue with what we have to do. The Crown Prince is already past his prime, and it's only a matter of time before he falls from grace."

"The landscape of the Tang Dynasty is about to change, and power will soon be redefined. This is a great opportunity," Wu Meiniang replied decisively, her beautiful eyes filled with courage and determination.

Upon hearing this, Song Sanlang fell silent. Looking at Wu Meiniang, who was becoming increasingly unfamiliar and ruthless, he felt a pang of sadness.

But he never said anything; love makes people blind.

"Should we tell the Prince of Jin and have him take the lady and the others away?"

"Li Yuanchang ultimately represents Li Shimin, the legitimate imperial power, but the imperial power cannot tolerate the Wu family, nor is it in our interest."

"I think..." Song Sanlang probed.

Wu Zetian's young and beautiful phoenix eyes held an unfathomable mystery.

He said calmly, "No need."

"I have my own plans."

Song Sanlang nodded without saying anything.

……

Changan.

After settling the mother and her two daughters in and having dinner in Lantian County, Li Yuanchang decided to return home.

Just as they were about to board the carriage, Wu Lan, who was not yet sixteen, chased after them.

In later generations, she would be the object of countless boys' youth. With fair skin and beautiful features, she was lively and charming. Although she couldn't match her second sister's aura or unique sharpness, she was still a girl who was one in a million.

"Your Highness, the Prince of Han!"

Li Yuanchang paused for a moment, then jumped down from the carriage, smiling as he asked, "Little sister, what is it?"

Wu Lan twisted her skirt with her small hands, showing a touch of youthful shyness, yet her eyes shone with curiosity.

In her short life, she never received fatherly love, but she did feel a sense of security, which was given to her by Li Yuanchang five years ago.

Will you come to see us again?

Li Yuanchang paused for a moment, then blurted out, "Of course."

"May I come to the Prince of Han's residence to find you?"

"certainly."

Wu Lan nodded, then stepped forward and stood on tiptoe.

Li Yuanchang was startled. What was his sister-in-law going to do?

Wu Lan lowered her voice and said, "Your Highness, I'll tell you a secret. My second sister often secretly looks at your portrait and cries."

"My second sister has a sharp tongue but a soft heart, so you'll have to put in extra effort."

"I don't like Brother Song."

The saying "children speak without restraint" has come to life in this moment.

"Hahaha!" Li Yuanchang laughed and reached out to pat her head.

"well!"

Wu Lan's face flushed red, just then Wu Shun's call rang out from inside the mansion.

"Your Highness, I must return now."

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Li Yuanchang smiled and watched her run back as she lifted her skirt.

It was already night when they returned to the Prince of Han's residence.

The night was cold, but the mansion was peaceful; most people in the backyard were still awake.

Wu Yu was summoned to the study to accompany him in his studies.

The study light stayed on until late at night, around 5 PM, before finally going out, and Wu Yu never came out again.

However, this was nothing new to the servants in the mansion.

Who needs hot water for studying?

As midnight approached, in the innermost room of the study, breathing was even.

It was an ordinary night, but the sound of footsteps echoed from the gates of the Prince of Han's mansion all the way in until Li Yuanchang was awakened from his sleep.

"Your Highness, wake up, wake up."

Li Yuanchang was still sleepy, his eyes not open, but he instinctively hugged Wu Yu.

Wu Yu lowered his head: "Your Highness, Lord Li returned and said he has important matters to report."

Li Yuanchang, after several drowsy breaths, slowly opened his eyes, which gradually focused: "Li Yi?"

Wu Yu neatly tied her hair up and nodded emphatically.

Immediately afterwards, the soft rustling sound of someone dressing could be heard from the side room.

In no time, Wu Yu, dressed neatly, brought Li Yi in, separated by a curtain.

"Your Highness!"

He got straight to the point, and his first words were nothing short of shocking.