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

"Anything else?"

Li Chengqian shook his head, his eyes completely devoid of light.

Li Yuanchang seemed to have a premonition of the ending. He exhaled a breath of stale air, waved his hand, and had someone bring a pot of wine. He then poured two bowls of wine with a splash.

"Chengqian, I am here to see you off."

"Thank you!" Li Chengqian took the wine and downed it in one gulp, as if swallowing the bitterness of his entire life.

Tears streamed down his face along with the wine. After finishing the bowl, he abruptly pulled down the curtain.

"Seventh Uncle, let's go back."

Li Yuanchang said nothing more and stepped aside.

The Imperial Guards immediately set off, braving the light drizzle, and gradually disappeared from sight.

"My brother is so pitiful." Li Zhi choked up and shed tears, his gaze never leaving his face.

Li Yuanchang glanced at Li Zhi. With Li Chengqian's exile, this man would soon be pushed onto the stage of history, wouldn't he?

Li Zhi may not have any other talents, but he is indeed of a kind and gentle nature.

He then looked at Li Ke on the other side.

Li Ke remained very silent, without crying, but one could sense that his aura was somewhat low.

Perhaps he saw himself reflected in Li Chengqian.

……

The successive rebellions cast a shadow over the entire city of Chang'an, and the deaths of so many people served as a stark warning to the civil and military officials.

For half a month, the bell of the Liangyi Hall did not ring.

There were rumors that Li Shimin was deeply affected, his old illness relapsed, and his health was poor.

However, none of their audiences were received by Li Shimin, and it seems they were truly deeply affected and became withdrawn.

February 20th.

It was an ordinary day, and Li Yuanchang was preparing to go to the Ministry of War office as usual.

But just as they reached the main gate, suddenly, a group of imperial officials arrived.

"Your Highness, the Prince of Han!"

Even from a great distance, the eunuch was already calling out.

Li Yuanchang immediately went to greet him: "Eunuch Chang, what brings you here? Has His Majesty's health improved and he intends to resume the morning court session?"

The eunuch dismounted, his face full of worry.

"Alas, that's not it. His Majesty has been unwell and has not yet fully recovered."

"Then what are you doing?" Li Yuanchang asked curiously.

The eunuch said, "His Majesty has summoned us."

"His Majesty is in slightly better spirits today, and suddenly issued an edict summoning Your Highness to the palace."

Li Yuanchang nodded: "Very well, I will also prepare to go out."

"..."

The Imperial Study.

Li Shimin was not as sickly as one might imagine; he simply appeared somewhat aged and his complexion was not as rosy, but this was entirely different from being ill.

If you do the math, Li Shimin still has several years left; Li Chengqian's situation shouldn't be enough to kill him.

At this moment, he was wearing clothes and being served while handling memorials.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"

Li Yuanchang bowed deeply.

Li Shimin looked up, coughed lightly, his expression revealing neither joy nor sorrow: "Seventh Brother has arrived."

"Someone, please have a seat and serve tea."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Li Yuanchang said.

As soon as he sat down, Li Shimin began to speak: "I have read all the memorials you submitted to me. Your abilities are unmatched by anyone in the court."

"Many of the memorials are very much to my liking. They can not only save a lot of military expenses every year, but also effectively prevent corruption in local military commands."

"I intend to implement this."

Li Yuanchang was about to speak.

Li Shimin then changed the subject, placing one hand on the memorial: "However, haste makes waste."

"Now is not the best time to implement it."

"Let's hold it in for now."

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanchang frowned.

The memorial he submitted concerned matters of the Ministry of War, which was roughly about reforming the military pay of the local protectorates and military commands, and establishing a legal system from top to bottom to prevent corruption and embezzlement.

No matter how you look at it, it is beneficial to the country and its people.

But Li Shimin's attitude was simply not to take any action, even though he took a roundabout approach.

"His Majesty……"

Li Shimin raised his hand to stop him from continuing.

"This matter is not urgent; we can discuss it again when we have time later."

"The main reason I summoned you here today is something else entirely."

Li Yuanchang took a deep breath: "Alright, Your Majesty, please speak."

To Li Shimin, his heroic and profound gaze carried a hint of scrutiny.

"How did you know about the Crown Prince's rebellion two weeks ago?"

Li Yuanchang was startled!

Why bring this up all of a sudden?

This matter could be considered a big deal or a small deal. The former Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat was killed because he was monitoring Li Yuanchang.

If Li Shimin knew that he was spying on the Eastern Palace, even if his motives were good, it would definitely arouse suspicion and dissatisfaction. This was going too far.

He remained calm under pressure: "Your Majesty, it was Hou Junji who had previously hinted to me in private that I should side with the Crown Prince."

"I refused, and even tried to persuade you with kind words."

"On the night of the incident, a subordinate reminded me that Hou Junji's former subordinates had gathered at his home, which seemed suspicious."

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes: "Based on this little bit of information, you dare to be certain that the Crown Prince is rebelling? You even dare to tell me directly, aren't you afraid you're wrong?"

Li Yuanchang replied, "Your Majesty, I would rather be punished for guessing wrong than be careless in such matters."

Li Shimin then asked, "Why didn't you tell me when Hou Junji hinted at it to you?"

Sweat beaded on Li Yuanchang's forehead; he could already sense Li Shimin's suspicion.

"Your Majesty, it was just a hint at the time."

"Without any substantive statements, for me to impeach a duke is......"

"Moreover, I really didn't expect them to dare to rebel later. I just thought they wanted to stick together."

Li Shimin stopped speaking and just kept staring at him.

The air suddenly became quiet, and Li Yuanchang felt a chill run down his spine from being stared at.

The oppressive power of an emperor who reigns supreme throughout history is no joke! Even he felt pressure.

There was a deathly silence for ten breaths; you could hear a pin drop.

Li Yuanchang understood that the successive rebellions of Li You, Li Chengqian, Hou Junji, and others had seriously affected Li Shimin's trust in his subordinates.

This is why Fang Xuanling, with foresight, reminded him not to plead for anyone.

When the emperor has doubts, no evidence is needed.

He suddenly stood up on his own.

He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Majesty!"

"My loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon!"

"Regarding the Crown Prince's case, I have spoken the truth without a single lie!"

"When I led the troops into the palace, I had already planned that even if I guessed wrong and was punished by Your Majesty, I would accept it."

"If I have done anything excessive, please punish me, Your Majesty!"

He apologized to himself.

Li Shimin gave him a deep look, then withdrew his imposing manner and said, "I was just asking casually, you don't need to be so nervous."

"You entered the palace to save the emperor, and so many people witnessed it. How could I doubt your sincerity in doing so?"

Li Yuanchang remained tense; he sensed that Li Shimin was somewhat different now than before!

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Does Your Majesty wish to summon the guards who alerted me to the unusual events at the Marquis's residence that night?"