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

He still retained a touch of innocence and honesty, but he also learned some social niceties, which is probably a subject that every crown prince must learn.

It's not fair to say that Li Zhi became worse.

"Yes, thank you, Your Highness."

Upon entering the palace, it immediately warmed up.

The venue was filled with long tables, spotlessly cleaned, and covered with silks and satins, indicating that Li Zhi had prepared a great deal for this banquet.

Before Li Yuanchang could even sit down, Li Zhi pulled him aside and began introducing him to the various officials.

even!

Even the Crown Princess Wang has arrived!

Her passionate attitude once left Li Yuanchang somewhat bewildered. Historically, Li Zhi, who did not receive Wu Zetian's help, was actually somewhat like a puppet of Changsun Wuji, at least unable to be suppressed.

It wasn't until later, with Wu Zetian's iron-fisted methods and the help of many ministers like Xu Jingzong, that Changsun Wuji was finally brought down.

But that's definitely not the case now. Right now, Li Zhi is practically controlled by Changsun Wuji. Whether he can successfully ascend the throne depends entirely on whether Changsun Wuji exerts his influence.

The two are in a state of absolute ambiguity.

Could it be that inviting him and treating him so generously was Changsun Wuji's idea?

Thinking of this, Li Yuanchang couldn't help but glance at Changsun Wuji.

This Changsun Wuji was not like Li Tai; he would never show any emotion on his face. He even smiled and nodded at Li Yuanchang.

Li Yuanchang clearly felt that after he smiled, everyone's eyes, including Li Zhi's, turned to him.

He was not grateful, but not wanting to make things too ugly, he gave Li Zhi face and politely nodded to him.

From then on, the atmosphere became slightly more harmonious.

At this moment, the Crown Princess stepped forward: "I have heard that Seventh Uncle is a man of great integrity and talent in both literature and martial arts. He is a minister of state praised by His Majesty. Now that I have met him, I can see that his reputation is well-deserved."

She speaks eloquently and clearly, displaying warmth without being obsequious—truly befitting a woman from a top-tier family.

Li Yuanchang glanced at her and thought that Li Zhi was truly blessed with Wang's exquisitely beautiful face.

Indeed, none of those who have left their mark in history are simple. Although this woman was defeated by the empress, she was truly an outstanding individual.

"Your Highness is too kind. A subject is always a subject. Only figures like His Majesty and the Crown Prince can be considered truly upright and honorable."

He is very humble and cautious.

In ancient times, sometimes a single word could be fatal. It's impossible to guard against being praised to death. People from the Wang family of Taiyuan could never be on the same page as Li Yuanchang.

If the conflict between Changsun Wuji and Li Yuanchang was merely a matter of political views or personal differences, then the Wang family of Taiyuan might have secretly wanted to kill Li Yuanchang a hundred times over.

Crown Princess Wang glanced at Li Yuanchang, then smiled and said, "Your Highness, you've been standing for so long, why don't you take your seat first?"

"I see that all of you gentlemen are hungry."

Li Zhi slapped his forehead: "Yes, yes, yes, look at my memory, my beloved consort is so sensible."

"Come, Uncle, Seventh Uncle, everyone please take your seats."

His praise was genuine; he clearly had feelings for Wang, after all, she was his first wife, and most likely his first woman.

Seeing this scene, Li Yuanchang couldn't help but sigh. Times have changed. Who could have imagined that the beautiful and young Wang, who was so glamorous at this moment, would suffer such a tragic fate in history, being deposed and turned into a human pig?

The man she trusted also tacitly approved of this, showing no leniency whatsoever.

It's hard to say what's right and wrong about grudges, but emperors really don't have much human sentiment.

After everyone was seated, they quickly began toasting and drinking.

Li Zhi first inquired about the trip to the East Sea, but he didn't mention the elixir of immortality at all, also to avoid suspicion.

After all, this was something Li Shimin wanted. If he were to inquire or interfere, even he, the crown prince, might be branded with a serious accusation.

Li Yuanchang answered each question, but he only briefly mentioned the matter of Japan itself, and he didn't mention anything about supporting the Kuril Islands to anyone.

The time is not right now.

"Oh right, I almost forgot about the important matter." Li Yuanchang suddenly remembered something and had someone fetch the gift prepared by Situ Lan.

"Your Highness, this is a gift I specially brought for the welcoming banquet."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi was overjoyed.

"Seventh Uncle, you're too kind."

"My seventh uncle never accepts gifts and rarely gives them. He has only offered them to the Emperor a few times. I never expected that I, the Crown Prince, would receive such treatment."

As he spoke, he insisted on coming to collect it himself.

"Cough cough."

At that moment, Changsun Wuji suddenly coughed twice.

Li Zhi, who was about to stand up, immediately paused. He looked at Changsun Wuji with a slightly embarrassed expression, unsure whether to get up or not.

Li Yuanchang had no complaints about this. After all, he was the crown prince, and it was understandable that Changsun Wuji would speak up to remind him. He had that much magnanimity.

Immediately afterwards, he strode out and then offered it to Li Zhi.

Li Zhi's joy was impossible to hide. He had heard about Li Yuanchang's great achievements since he was a young man. Li Shimin had praised Li Yuanchang to him more than once and asked Li Zhi to learn from him.

Therefore, in his mind, the image of Li Yuanchang as a man of both literary and martial talents, a fierce tiger of the empire, was almost etched.

Receiving a gift from Li Yuanchang meant many things; at the very least, Li Yuanchang acknowledged him as the crown prince, so he was very pleased.

"Thank you, Uncle Qi."

His gaze was earnest, but perhaps considering the etiquette before the palace and the prestige of the Crown Prince, he did not open it directly, but instead handed the stone to the Crown Princess Wang.

"I wouldn't dare."

Li Yuanchang smiled and didn't say what he had given as a gift, because he had no idea that it was prepared by his virtuous wife for this occasion.

It should be some traditional social gifts, such as those related to playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, or painting.

After the gifts were given, it was time for another round of wine exchange.

The officials of the Eastern Palace all respected Li Yuanchang, and each of them was very cautious and prudent, without showing much cunning or stance.

To put it simply, it's conventional and unremarkable.

This is rare for a "small court" like the Crown Prince's Palace, but it is understandable.

Li Chengqian's rebellion was not without the instigation of his subordinates, and Li Shimin clearly had some leeway this time.

Li Yuanchang thought tonight's banquet would be just an ordinary affair, a mere formality. He barely ate a few bites, planning to go back and eat the Liangzhou stir-fry that Cui Wanqing had prepared, and then drink some "milk."

But suddenly.

After drinking a few cups of wine, Li Zhi, who was sitting in the main seat, suddenly looked worried and even sighed!

Seeing that the Crown Prince was preoccupied, the officials below could not ignore it and spoke up one after another.

"May I ask, Your Highness, why do you sigh?"

"Yes, could it be that something's on your mind?"