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"Did Father give you any instructions?" Li Jiancheng asked casually.
This time, Li Yuanji jumped in to answer, "Father wants us brothers to take care of each other on the journey. We must return safely together. If one of us encounters an accident, the other need not return!"
"Oh, you two should keep Father's words in mind!" Li Jiancheng replied. He understood that this was Li Yuan's warning to both Li Shimin and Li Yuanji not to scheme against each other during their travels, and certainly not to harm one another. After all, they were all his sons; if anything happened to one of them, Li Yuan would be heartbroken. He could not allow that to happen. Yet, he knew that these two sons did not get along well, which was why he felt compelled to issue such a warning.
"Of course. Brother, even if Father didn't say it, we would still do so. After all, we are brothers; how could we not support each other?" Li Shimin said, as if he were unaware of Li Yuanji's previous intentions to kill him.
Both were skilled at playing their parts, and Li Jiancheng was no exception: "Then I can rest easy as the elder brother."
"With the two of us together, what is there for you to worry about? Now that you are alone in the capital, Father can only rely on you to share his burdens!" Li Yuanji said.
"Yes, with you alone, Brother must take on a bit more responsibility!" Li Shimin chimed in.
"Sharing Father's burdens is only right. However, with peace reigning over the land now, there shouldn't be any major issues," Li Jiancheng remarked.
"Brother, the rebel Wang Jun has already been eliminated domestically, but the Turkic people may invade; we cannot let our guard down. They won't attack during winter, but come spring, it could be a different story," Li Shimin warned.
"Second Brother, weren't you allied with the Turkic people last year? How could they possibly invade us?" Li Jiancheng feigned innocence.
Li Shimin shook his head: "Alliances between nations are the least reliable; only strength is dependable! Our Tang Dynasty has not been established for long and our national power is still relatively weak; the possibility of a Turkic invasion is quite high. They will not wait until our strength is robust before launching an attack."
"That's true. However, Second Brother need not worry; even though you are not in Chang'an, your generals from the Tian Ce General's Office are still here. Once the Turkic people invade, I can borrow your generals from the Tian Ce General's Office to stop them!" Li Jiancheng said with an innocent smile.
Damn it! What I’m worried about is exactly this! Father's purpose in transferring me away was just to deal with my generals!
But of course, Li Shimin had to respond graciously: "Indeed. The soldiers of my Tian Ce General's Office are also soldiers of the court. If the court needs them, feel free to requisition them!"
"Second Brother, with your words, what is there left to worry about? Even if the Turkic people come to invade, we need not fear!" Li Jiancheng said.
Then he clasped his hands and said: "My dear brothers, as we send you off for a thousand miles, we must part ways! I shall take my leave here and will not see you off any further! Take good care of each other on your journey!"
"Alright, Brother, we are off!"
"Brother, take care at home as well!"
Li Shimin and Li Yuanji also clasped their hands in farewell to Li Jiancheng before mounting their horses and riding away.
Li Jiancheng rode back to the palace. Just as he entered the city gate, he encountered a fast horse rushing out. He glanced at it briefly and recognized it as one of Father’s guards named Zhong Yu. This person was highly skilled in martial arts and had been taken by Li Yuan as a personal guard.
In an instant, Li Jiancheng understood: Father was still worried about any mishaps befalling Li Shimin and Li Yuanji; hence he had sent Zhong Yu to protect them secretly.
Seeing this situation unfold, Li Jiancheng immediately abandoned his original plan. He had intended to deliberately reveal Li Shimin's whereabouts in Jiangnan when meeting Dan Bingbing that afternoon so that Dan Bingbing could lead Liang Jing in pursuing and killing Li Shimin.
If Dan Bingbing could successfully kill Li Shimin, she would certainly deal with Li Yuanji as well. This way, his throne would be secure without worry.
Even if Li Yuan found a clue, it was only that Li Shimin was killed by enemies, which had nothing to do with Crown Prince Li Jiancheng. However, with Zhong Yu providing protection, this plan was no longer feasible. Although the assassination plan for Li Shimin was canceled, the plan to meet Dan Bingbing remained unchanged! Moreover, Li Jiancheng was ready to reveal his identity.
This woman must possess exceptional martial skills and harbor a deep-seated hatred for Li Shimin, making her a valuable asset for me! With her beauty, she should definitely be utilized!
As Li Jiancheng pondered these thoughts, a wicked smile crept across his face. That afternoon, he hosted a banquet for Dan Bingbing at the Get Yue Building. The reason was that he had received a gift of money from her and felt it necessary to treat her to a meal as a gesture of gratitude. He intended to take this opportunity to gauge Dan Bingbing's attitude and see if he could entice her to the Eastern Palace.
“Dan Bingbing greets Young Master Wang.” Upon entering, Dan Bingbing bowed respectfully to Li Jiancheng.
“Miss Dan need not be so formal,” Li Jiancheng chuckled, showing no airs. “I’m still not quite used to being called Young Master Wang. If someone were to call out ‘Young Master Wang’ on the street, I wouldn’t even know they were referring to me.”
“How should I address you then?” Dan Bingbing feigned confusion.
“Because my surname is Li, not Wang!”
“Li?”
“Yes, my surname is Li, and my name is Li Jiancheng!”
“Ah? Li Jiancheng? Isn’t that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?” Dan Bingbing exclaimed with an exaggerated look of surprise.
“Yes, you may call me His Royal Highness. Miss Dan, isn’t it an honor to be invited by me?” Li Jiancheng said with a smile.
“Yes, thank you very much, Your Highness,” Dan Bingbing replied, appearing flattered. “It’s truly a rare occasion for me to dine with His Highness!”
“It’s nothing; where there’s a first time, there will be a second,” Li Jiancheng casually smiled and invited Dan Bingbing to take a seat. “I appreciate Miss Dan remembering me and sending the gift. Today is my treat as a way of thanking you.”
“Your Highness is too kind,” Dan Bingbing said with a charming smile. “I never expected to have the fortune of meeting His Royal Highness. To think that I’m so foolish—Young Master Wang is also known as the Imperial Prince; isn’t that just another way of saying he’s a prince?”
Li Jiancheng laughed heartily and then instructed someone outside to bring in the dishes. Once the food and wine were served, Dan Bingbing naturally had to drink a few cups with Li Jiancheng and flatter his talents.
After a few rounds of drinks, Li Jiancheng set down his cup and smiled, saying, "On the boat that day, I wanted to help you buy your freedom, but you were unwilling. Today, I must bring it up again. Are you willing now?"
"Well..." Dan Bingbing hesitated, as if tempted by the offer.
Li Jiancheng noticed her reaction and couldn't help but ponder silently. This woman must know about the rivalry between me and Prince Qin, Li Shimin. Perhaps she would be willing to lend me her support?
After a moment of quiet contemplation, Dan Bingbing slowly stood up and bowed, saying, "I am grateful for your kindness, Your Highness. I am willing to serve you."
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