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

Li Yuanchang personally escorted the imperial entourage there, leaving guards to protect them, and provided them with a large amount of meat and firewood, which could be described as entertaining a distinguished guest.

Immediately afterwards, Situ Lan, acting as a helpful wife and mouthpiece, invited Cheng Chuliang and his companion to return to the Prince of Han's residence for a small gathering.

The two were naturally very willing; however, they were, after all, officials of the court, and their trip was on the orders of Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi).

Although the two wanted to, they had to consider many issues.

Finally, Chu Yanbu noticed the awkwardness between the two and took the initiative to step forward, saying that they should keep the Princess of Han company and talk to her to ease her homesickness.

This move earned Li Yuanchang's favor.

As a result, Chu Yanbu and others gained more space and freedom, and could move around and visit the entire Central Prefecture at will, and even enter the former royal palace of Goguryeo.

Although negotiations haven't officially started yet, the momentum is already very good at our first meeting.

Li Yuanchang is that kind of person. If you treat him politely, he will treat you politely in return. But if you threaten him with the Koreans, he will most likely end up losing everything.

Returning to the Han Prince's Mansion, which was formerly the Qiong Prince's Palace.

As soon as the carriage arrived, Cheng Chuliang and his companion stared wide-eyed in shock, looking like country bumpkins visiting the Grand View Garden.

"My own father!"

"Brother, this place is huge! It's so grand!"

"This is a city within a city!"

"So sturdy!" Cheng Chuliang patted it hard.

"Yes, apart from the imperial palace, you can't find a mansion like this in Chang'an." Li Chongzhen was also astonished; the entrance to his house was like a city gate.

"Hahaha!" Li Yuanchang laughed. The Tang Dynasty had a strict hierarchical system. Only the emperor and the crown prince could have a mansion of this level. Who would dare to build one or live in it?

"This was the former residence of Yeon Gaesomun, a powerful minister of Goguryeo. After I conquered this place, I moved in. The palace is even larger, but I was afraid of overstepping my bounds, so I never went in much. The former king of Goguryeo still lives in it."

He did not hide anything from his two virtuous brothers.

Upon hearing this, the two exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with admiration.

"My eldest brother swept through Goguryeo; he is an unparalleled military genius!"

"When the news reached the capital, Chang'an was shocked. My father exclaimed that Your Highness's achievements had already matched those of Duke Wei, who at your age was far inferior!"

Then, Li Chongzhen changed the subject, his tone tinged with regret and heaviness: "But I never expected so many things to happen later."

"A good thing turned into a bad thing, alas."

"Yes, it's all because of that bastard Changsun Wuji!" Cheng Chuliang cursed.

Li Yuanchang chuckled and patted the two men on the shoulders: "Alright, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I?"

"We've met again today, but we won't discuss official business; this is just a private get-together."

"Later, I'll have the Princess Consort and all of you sisters-in-law cook some good dishes so the three of us brothers can have a good drink."

Dear sisters-in-law?

Upon hearing this, Cheng Chuliang exclaimed, "Comparison is the thief of joy!"

With a princess in his household, he dared not take a concubine at will.

The eldest brother is living a carefree life!

Li Chongzhen was both amused and exasperated. When they arrived, he thought his elder brother was suffering in the cold and harsh lands outside, but when they got there, they found that Goguryeo was ten times better than they had imagined. There were all kinds of goods on the streets and alleys. The conditions were not as good as those in Chang'an, but they were not bad either.

"Yes, my two virtuous brothers, His Highness was so happy to hear that you were coming that he couldn't sleep all night. Tonight, the three of you brothers can have a proper reunion."

"I have already had preparations made." Situ Lan smiled, exuding the air of a matriarch, yet without the slightest air of arrogance.

"Yes, then I will have to trouble you sisters-in-law." Both of them bowed, not looking directly at each other, showing the utmost respect.

"What's the harm? My two brothers, please come inside."

"Brother and sister-in-law, please go first." The two extended their hands.

"Walk!"

"Walk."

"..."

The Prince of Han's mansion suddenly became lively.

The children, led by Zhaoye, came running over to pay their respects, which stunned the two of them. "Big brother already has so many children?"

They had only held a few children, including Zhaoye, and had never seen the others.

That day, the family held a joyful family dinner.

But the children were taken away soon after they finished eating, leaving only Li Yuanchang and his two companions to drink.

The three were happy to be together and drank quite a bit.

Cheng Chuliang got drunk in no time, jumping around and making Li Yuanchang laugh.

When the laughter reached them, Guo Chao and his guards felt a sense of unfamiliarity, as if they hadn't seen the King of Han so happy in many years.

They drank glass after glass of wine throughout the night, until finally both of them were quite drunk.

Li Yuanchang was slightly better, but he was also already under the influence of alcohol.

It was already late outside.

"Guo Chao".

"Your humble servant is here."

"Go and prepare carriages and horses to escort the two back to the palace where the imperial entourage is staying."

"Your Highness, the Princess Consort of Han has sent someone to say that the villa has been cleaned and prepared," Guo Chao said.

Li Yuanchang reeked of alcohol, but his mind was clear. He shook his head and said, "It's not appropriate. These two are officials of the court. They should be sent back at this time to avoid affecting their future careers and causing gossip."

"Yes!" Guo Chao left to prepare the carriages and horses.

Cheng Chuliang was already snoring loudly, like an earthquake. It was a wonder how Princess Qinghe could stand it.

Li Yuanchang found his own coat and draped it over the two of them, worried that they might catch a cold on the road.

Just as he was draping the cloak over Li Chongzhen, Li Chongzhen suddenly woke up and grabbed Li Yuanchang's hand.

The two locked eyes.

Li Chongzhen was clearly drunk, but he still retained a sliver of consciousness and forced himself to look around.

Suddenly, he said, "Big brother, seeing you doing so well puts our minds at ease."

"If we come again tomorrow, we'll be with the court officials, which will make it less convenient to talk."

"Although we all want you to return, and although we are under imperial orders, there is no precedent for reconciliation after rebellion throughout history. If you can protect yourself, you can stay here as an emperor emeritus for the rest of your life and never go back!"

"No matter how nicely the imperial court speaks, it's no use!"

"The worst that could happen to us four brothers is that we give up our official positions, but we can't let our eldest brother be harmed. Remember that!!"

Li Chongzhen gripped Li Yuanchang's arm tightly, his expression extremely serious.

Li Yuanchang's arms were a little sore.

But a warm feeling welled up inside me, and I was deeply moved.

He knew that the two men had come on a mission to persuade him to reconcile with the court, which was understandable, but he did not expect Li Chongzhen to say such things.

I reckon the four of them have discussed these things in private.

Their attitude was tantamount to betraying the court and secretly turning their hearts towards themselves.

At this moment, if the Cheng, Li, Yuchi, and Tang families weren't so deeply involved that they couldn't possibly move, they wouldn't be able to leave either.

Li Yuanchang even wanted to bring all the people to Goguryeo.

"Okay, don't worry!" He was equally serious, patted Li Chongzhen's hand, and revealed a knowing smile.

Relieved by this, Li Chongzhen, reeking of alcohol, went straight to sleep.

"..."