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Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, Li Jiancheng felt as if he had stepped into the Grand View Garden, his eyes filled with wonder and astonishment. The magnificent palace, adorned with intricate carvings and golden embellishments, was a sight he had only seen on television before, and now he found himself truly immersed in its splendor. He strolled slowly, taking in his surroundings; the walls were decorated with exquisite murals, each vividly depicting the glorious history of the Tang Dynasty. The thick carpets underfoot were soft and comfortable, making him feel as if he were walking on clouds. The air was infused with a faint floral fragrance and the rich scent of sandalwood, creating a sense of tranquility.
Li Jiancheng entered his bedroom and approached a large bronze mirror. The reflection revealed a tall, muscular figure, resembling a statue in its uprightness. His face was strong and deep-set, with defined features that exuded power; his dark eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, radiating determination and decisiveness. Below his prominent nose, his firm lips were tightly closed, as if ready to issue commands or face challenges at any moment. His thick black hair was tied back with a jade crown, adding an air of nobility and authority; draped over his broad shoulders was a splendid Dragon Robe embroidered with five-clawed golden dragons, symbolizing royal prestige and power. The hem of the robe fluttered in the breeze like dragon scales glistening in the sunlight.
Li Jiancheng couldn't help but feel satisfied with his appearance; he knew that this visage represented his status as the Crown Prince—noble, authoritative, and embodying resilience and decisiveness. His imposing figure inspired awe.
At that moment, a beautifully dressed palace maid entered gracefully, bowing respectfully as she announced, "Your Highness, you have returned! Consort Li is here."
Consort Li? Li Jiancheng's heart stirred at the thought just as he saw Consort Li Zheng Guanyin enter with light steps. Her movements were graceful yet carried an undeniable air of authority, as if each step resonated with everyone present. Zheng Guanyin's dignified beauty radiated maternal warmth and profound wisdom; her hair was elegantly styled with an exquisite golden phoenix crown that accentuated her noble demeanor. She wore a resplendent palace gown that flowed gently with her movements, resembling a celestial being descending to earth.
She quickly approached Li Jiancheng, her eyes lighting up with surprise as she gently took his hand, her gaze locked onto his face. Her voice trembled with warmth as she asked, "Your Highness, you have returned! I heard you fell from your horse—are you alright?" Her words conveyed deep care and concern for him as her fingers softly glided over his hand.
At that moment, seeing such a beautiful and captivating Zheng Guanyin stirred immense emotions within Li Jiancheng. His heart raced and his breath quickened. In modern society, he had never encountered such beauty nor imagined he would have the chance to share his life with someone like her. A fleeting thought crossed his mind—how he wished to take this enchanting woman to bed right then…
Suddenly, a guard rushed in urgently, half-kneeling as he presented an imperial edict. "Your Highness, the Emperor has issued a decree for you to immediately go to Ren Zhi Palace!"
Li Jiancheng had no choice but to suppress those enticing thoughts and hurriedly took the edict.
"Leave!"
"Yes!" The guard complied swiftly.
Upon reading the edict, Li Jiancheng's face turned pale in an instant. The decree summoned him to explain himself regarding the Yang Wengan Incident. With memories from his previous life merging into his consciousness, Li Jiancheng understood the gravity of the situation.
It was now June of Wu De Year Seven; Emperor Li Yuan had gone to Ren Zhi Palace north of Chang'an for summer retreat along with Prince Qin Li Shimin and Prince Qi Li Yuanji, leaving Crown Prince Li Jiancheng behind in Chang'an to manage state affairs. During this time, the former Crown Prince had committed a foolish act by secretly sending armor and weapons to Governor of Gyeongju Yang Wengan through two subordinates—General Er Zhu Huan and Captain Qiao Gong Shan. Yang Wengan had once served as a guard at Eastern Palace and was one of the former Crown Prince's most trusted individuals. Li Jiancheng's intention was to bolster his own power against his younger brother Li Shimin's ambitions for the throne.
However, Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan proved unreliable; knowing that transporting armor and weapons without authorization constituted treasonous behavior, they panicked and reported him directly to the Emperor. This meant that Emperor Li Yuan was now aware of this matter—a situation that would be difficult to explain. Treason was punishable by death for anyone involved! Even though Li Jiancheng was the Crown Prince, he would not be spared.
Seeing Li Jiancheng's pale complexion made Zheng Guanyin feel an ominous premonition rise within her; she asked anxiously, "Husband, what did Father summon you for at Ren Zhi Palace?"
"Father said I… colluded… with Yang Wengan… for treason!" Li Jiancheng stammered out in fear. The joy of having crossed over vanished instantly; all those fanciful thoughts dissipated as deep terror took their place—how could he save his own life?
Historically, Li Jiancheng managed to survive until June of Wu De Year Nine during the Xuanwu Gate Incident. He had just arrived in this world; he couldn’t meet an untimely end so soon—it would be a tremendous loss! He still aspired to become emperor one day and enjoy supreme power alongside beautiful women!
"I must get through this crisis and preserve my life!" Li Jiancheng vowed silently.
"Treason?" Zheng Guanyin gasped in shock; she snatched the edict from him and read it carefully. After finishing it, her expression turned grave.
"Husband, you are the Crown Prince—the heir to the throne! Why would you conspire against it?" Zheng Guanyin asked furrowing her brow in confusion and concern.
"I did not conspire against it! I merely wanted to strengthen my position to prevent Li Shimin from seizing my title!" Li Jiancheng forced himself to calm down while trying to sound steady.
"In that case, you must hurry to explain yourself to Father!" Zheng Guanyin urged anxiously; a hint of panic flickered in her eyes.
Li Jiancheng shook his head helplessly: "Father may not be so easily persuaded. Moreover, Li Shimin is right beside him—he will surely incite Father against me!" He knew well about Li Shimin's hostility towards him and understood how influential Li Shimin was in front of Emperor Li Yuan.
"What should we do? If Father Emperor issues a decree, you have to go!" Zheng Guanyin's fate was tightly bound to Li Jiancheng's, and naturally, she was filled with worry. The thought of the terrifying consequences that might await them made her eyes redden.
"Don't be afraid, my beloved. I'll consult with my advisors and see what we can do!" Li Jiancheng knew that panicking at this moment was futile. With so many clever advisors in the Eastern Palace, they would surely come up with a solution.
"Alright! If you find a way, please let me know!" Zheng Guanyin said, her eyes glimmering with a hint of hope.
"Of course." Li Jiancheng agreed and instructed a guard to summon the advisors to the council hall. The guard took his leave and hurried off.
"I'll head to the council hall now. Wait here for news, my beloved. Don't worry; we will find a way!" Li Jiancheng had mostly calmed down by now, and he feigned composure as he reassured Zheng Guanyin.
Zheng Guanyin gently nodded and said softly, "You go ahead! If it comes to it, I will accompany you; if we must die, we shall die together!"
"It won't come to that!" Li Jiancheng replied firmly before turning and hastily making his way to the council hall. Though his posture was upright, his hurried steps revealed the unease within him.
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