Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 864 The Young Couple Returns to Beijing

The autumn colors of Anxi Protectorate have the unique desolation and grandeur of the Gobi Desert. The few poplars in the courtyard have turned a brilliant golden yellow, standing stubbornly under the azure sky, making a rustling sound when the wind blows.

Third Sister stood by the window, holding a document that had just been delivered from Chang'an in a sealed box. The edges of the parchment were worn, showing how many journeys it had endured by post horses.

This was no ordinary government report, but a copy of an official edict bearing the seal of the Regent Prince of Qin and the endorsement of the Council of State. The edict urged Crown Prince Li Zhi to return to the capital immediately, citing the reason that "Your Majesty is far away in the Western Regions and the Crown Prince has been away from the capital for a long time, which is not a blessing for the country."

Li Jiancheng was seriously ill and unable to attend to state affairs. This edict was clearly issued by Changsun Wuji in conjunction with other prime ministers, under the guise of overseeing the country. The timing was so opportune, shortly after Zhang Shuo's drunken ramblings stirred up a storm of rumors about the crown prince's lineage. The intention was self-evident: to move Li Zhi, this crucial pawn, to a chessboard they could control more easily, placing him right under their noses.

Using one's own bloodline as a pawn is a grave taboo for a subject. Although dynasties have always been a struggle between imperial power and ministerial power, this is still quite offensive.

"Your Majesty," a trusted female official stepped forward quietly and whispered, "Minister Zhang has sent a secret letter from Chang'an."

San Niang took the letter. Zhang Shuo's handwriting was as unrestrained and elegant as ever, but there was a sense of solemnity between the lines.

In his letter, he detailed the undercurrents in Chang'an recently, from how Changsun Wuji seized power by taking advantage of the Prince of Qin's serious illness, to how he suppressed officials who had too close ties with Zhang Shuo, and how he revealed the Crown Prince's true identity, forcing all parties to express their opinions.

At the end of the letter, Old Zhang wrote: "Chang'an has become a whirlpool, and the Crown Prince's return to the capital is inevitable. However, the journey back and after his return are fraught with danger. As a subject of Wei, I am in many predicaments, and can only do my best to maneuver and stabilize the situation. I earnestly hope that Your Majesty will make a decision as soon as possible and quickly send capable guards to escort him."

San Niang lit Zhang Shuo's letter on the candle flame, watching the leaping flames devour the breathtaking words, eventually turning them into a light, floating ashes. Her expression flickered between light and shadow.

Zhang Shuo's position was sensitive. As the Grand Secretary of the Great Wei Dynasty, every step he took in Chang'an was like walking on thin ice, and his options were indeed limited. This move of his was already a risky one, even placing himself in the eye of the storm.

She could almost imagine how furious the powerful prime minister was and how he was making hasty arrangements inside the Changsun residence at that moment.

She had to make a decision.

Allowing Li Zhi to remain in the relatively safe Fuliang would ensure his safety for the time being, but it would also confirm accusations of his "cowardice" and "being protected by Wei," which would be extremely detrimental to his future succession to the throne. Moreover, since Changsun Wuji had already taken action, he would not let it go easily; he could hide for a while, but not forever.

Only by bringing Li Zhi back and confronting the situation head-on can they stand firm in the storm and truly win their own authority. This is just like when she resolutely embarked on the perilous path to seize the throne; there was no turning back, only moving forward.

"Practice."

Third Madam turned around, her voice authoritative and firm, carrying an unquestionable imperial majesty. The Hanlin scholar serving in the study immediately spread out bright yellow silk and prepared ink.

"I hereby order Crown Prince Li Zhi to immediately depart for the capital upon receiving this decree, to comfort me and secure the nation. All prefectures and counties along the route must provide him with the utmost protection and ensure his safety."

She paused, looked out at the vast sky, and softened her tone slightly: "Also, tell Zhi'er via private message to be careful on the road. Do not trust anyone who does not write this in my own handwriting. Tell him that his father is watching over him in the Western Regions, his uncle is watching over him in Chang'an, and his mother is waiting for news of his safety in Anxi."

This official edict was her confirmation and endorsement of the regency decree in her capacity as the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, transforming Li Zhi's return to the capital from a passive acceptance to an active response. The private letter, on the other hand, was a mother's reminder and support for her son.

The female official accepted the order and hurried off to make the arrangements.

The messenger, carrying the emperor's decree and his mother's worries, rushed out of the Anxi Protectorate and galloped southeast, his hooves thundering and kicking up a trail of dust.

Third Sister looked out the window again. In the distance were continuous snow-capped peaks. She knew that her step had pushed her own son into the most dangerous situation.

But she was the emperor, and he was the crown prince; this was their inescapable fate. All she could do was clear as many obstacles as possible for him and give him her unwavering support.

She summoned the leader of the accompanying secret guards and whispered, "Select a team of the most elite and reliable men to disguise themselves as merchants and secretly follow the Crown Prince's entourage. If there is any unusual activity, spare no effort to ensure the Crown Prince's safety."

"Your Majesty, Commander Xia made arrangements the day before yesterday. He said that if Your Majesty asks, he will tell you; if not, he will pretend nothing happened." The head of the secret guards bowed and said, "Your Highness's safety can be guaranteed without any mistakes. This time, Commander Xia selected eight hundred skilled men from the Fourteen Guards, many of whom are top experts from the Fuliang faction and seasoned veterans of the world of romance and chivalry."

"I see. It's good that he still remembers his son."

She chuckled, but a murderous glint flashed in her eyes as she looked out the window and murmured, "You'd better pray that Zhi'er is safe and sound. Otherwise, even if I exhaust all the power of the Li Tang dynasty, I will make sure your Changsun family is wiped out."

A full half-month passed, and it was already late autumn.

The bright yellow silk edict was enshrined on the incense table, seemingly carrying the dignified gaze of a mother far away in Anxi, making the atmosphere of the entire courtyard solemn.

Li Zhi knelt to receive the imperial edict, the last trace of hesitation fading from the young man's face.

The imperial decree was written in cold, formulaic language, but the private message from his mother that followed it, with its familiar handwriting and slightly awkward yet sincere tone of concern, read: "My son, the winds are strong in Chang'an, take care on your journey home."

He knew that once he left, he would no longer be the boy who could hide behind his senior sister and only care about romance and herbs.

He was the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, the son of the two most powerful people in the world. His return home was a matter of national importance and would affect the entire nation.

He recalled his father's bold yet powerful letter, and Uncle Zhang's solitary struggles in Chang'an. A heavy sense of responsibility weighed on his shoulders, but it also stirred up the courage that had never been lacking in his bones.

Intelligent and passionate, brave and fearless, he perfectly inherited his genes from his parents.

"Senior Sister." Li Zhi arrived at the herb garden and found Xiao Wu, who was carefully sorting the newly picked perilla leaves. He handed her the letter in his hand: "Mother has sent an imperial decree summoning me back to the capital."

Xiao Wu stopped what she was doing, washed her hands in the wooden basin beside her, dried them with a cloth, and then took the letter and read it carefully. She read very slowly, as if she had to savor every word in her mind. It seemed that Xiao Wu was naturally very sensitive to these things, and even understood the rules of operation better than Li Zhi.

She raised her eyes and gazed intently at Li Zhi's face, which had become much more composed but still retained a touch of innocence and naivety. She gently folded the letter and handed it back to him, her voice calm as if she had long anticipated this day: "When will Your Highness depart?" "Three days later." Li Zhi looked at her, giving her no room to object: "You will come with me."

This time, his tone was no longer one of discussion, but rather an announcement. Having weathered the storm of rumors in Chang'an and received his mother's official decree, he realized even more clearly that he could no longer remain uninvolved. Moreover, leaving Xiao Wu alone in Fuliang would leave him feeling utterly empty, and he needed her not only for emotional support but also for mental support and rational reminders in this unfamiliar and perilous environment. After all, he knew perfectly well that his senior sister was now far more capable than him in every aspect.

Xiao Wu was silent for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the vibrant herbs in the herb garden, those precious plants she had personally planted and cared for every day.

However, she knew this time was different. The Crown Prince had been summoned back to the capital, and if she followed, her status would be uncertain, and she would inevitably face public criticism. Chang'an was not Fuliang; the gazes there would be even harsher, and the words even more vicious. But she also knew that Li Zhi needed her. She was meticulous and observant, and perhaps she could help him at a crucial moment—perhaps with a reminder, perhaps with a troublesome problem, or perhaps even by pulling him out of the mire.

Their years of companionship in Fuliang had already bound their fates tightly together. As for titles and status... to hell with them. Anyway, apart from in front of her junior brother, no one treated her like a human being anywhere else.

"Okay." She replied with only one word, yet it carried immense weight. Without uttering any further words, she turned and began methodically tidying up the medicinal herbs before her, her movements swift and focused.

"I will go and tell my mother, and also prepare some things needed for the journey. Your Highness also needs to pack your things, summon your officials, arrange the itinerary, and handle many other matters. You cannot slack off in these three days."

Li Zhi watched her retreating figure, took a step forward, gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, rested his chin on her slender shoulder, and whispered, "I'm sorry you've suffered so much, Senior Sister. Once I become the Crown Prince, I will make sure you never suffer any more injustice."

Xiao Wu's body stiffened slightly. Being so close in broad daylight made her a little uncomfortable, but feeling the warmth from the boy's chest behind her and the firmness in his words, she ultimately did not pull away. She simply patted his hand around her waist and said in a calm voice, "Go and prepare, Your Highness. This trip to Chang'an is no small matter."

She paused, then added, "I... will always stay with Your Highness."

Three days later, the Fuliang Wharf was packed with dignitaries. Officials of all ranks from Jiangnan Circuit, as well as local gentry and celebrities, were all present to see His Highness the Crown Prince off. Banners fluttered, and the ceremonial guard was imposing; the grandeur of the occasion far exceeded that of ordinary times.

Li Zhi, dressed in an apricot-yellow prince's everyday robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a traveler's hat on his head, stood at the bow of the boat.

Sunlight shone on his young face, reflecting a radiance that was somewhere between youthful innocence and maturity.

He calmly exchanged greetings and bid farewell to the officials who came to see him off. In his words and actions, he already displayed the dignified demeanor of a crown prince, responding appropriately without appearing arrogant or lacking in dignity.

Only when his gaze occasionally fell upon his senior sister Xiao Wu, who stood a little behind him in a simple dress, would he reveal a hint of tenderness and concern.

Xiao Wu lowered her eyes slightly, her posture was respectful, yet she possessed a calm demeanor. It must be said that some things are indeed innate. Although Xiao Wu was four years older than Li Zhi, she seemed more like the core of this team.

The officials of Jiangnan Circuit spoke various auspicious words, all wishing His Highness the Crown Prince a safe journey and an early arrival in the capital.

But Li Zhi could sense complex emotions behind the flickering eyes and overly enthusiastic smiles of some people. These people were all officials and citizens of Wei. The reason they were so polite to see him off today was, frankly, because they were relying on his father's prestige. If it weren't for the drama of his true identity being revealed, none of these people would have cared whether he was the crown prince of the Li Tang dynasty or not.

"Let's set sail!"

The boat captain's long, drawn-out singing rang out, piercing through the noisy crowd on the dock.

The heavy boat slowly departed from the shore amidst the boatmen's shouts, its oars neatly cutting into the water, breaking the calm surface and creating ripples as it sailed towards Poyang Lake.

Li Zhi took one last look at the small Jiangnan town that had held his peaceful years for so long—the familiar streets and alleys, the blue tiles and white walls of the county government office, and the hazy mountains in the distance. Then, he resolutely turned to face north, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon where the water met the sky. That was the direction of Chang'an, the eye of the storm, and the future he had to go to.

The river wind howled, stirring his robes and making his wide sleeves flutter as if he wanted to ride the wind away.

Xiao Wu silently walked to a spot slightly behind him, draped a thick cloak over his shoulders, and whispered, "Your Highness, the wind is strong on the river."

Li Zhi took the cloak but did not put it on immediately. He simply gazed silently at the vast river ahead and the receding green mountains, fields, and villages on both banks. His voice, carried by the wind, reached Xiao Wu's ears clearly and firmly: "Senior Sister, this journey will truly be a battle against the tides. There will be no more peaceful days in Fuliang."

Xiao Wu followed his gaze and saw the water and sky blending into one, the road ahead unknown. Seagulls circled beside the boat. She turned around and hugged Li Zhi's waist from behind: "Your Highness is a dragon, destined to roam the four seas and brave the winds and clouds. No matter how turbulent the situation, I will always be there to prepare medicine for Your Highness's wounds and guide you through the wrong path."

The official boats sailed up the river, and the procession of the Crown Prince of Li Tang returning to the capital was grand and imposing.

The prefectures and counties along the route had already received the news and all gave a grand welcome. Local officials knelt down at the docks to receive the guests, offering local specialties and uttering grand and eloquent praises.

This sizable fleet, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, is creating ripples that are rapidly spreading towards Chang'an. Details about the Crown Prince's appearance, demeanor, and entourage are also being relayed to the ancient capital by fast horses and carrier pigeons.

"Senior sister, why don't you think Father intervenes directly?"

Sitting in the cabin, Li Zhi was drinking a bowl of white fungus soup when he looked up in confusion and asked, "Wouldn't everything have been fine if Father had just taken action directly?"

"Then should the Tang Dynasty still be called the Tang Dynasty? It would be better to call it the Xia Dynasty."

"Calling me Great Xia is fine too. Aren't I still the Crown Prince?"

Hmm...it seems so.

However, Xiao Wu quickly found the crux of the problem. She shook her head: "No, the Li Tang dynasty will only have two endings: either it will become a dynasty that unifies the world, or it will become a dynasty that is unified. It absolutely cannot change hands, and Master would never become that emperor. Master's ambitions are not in this dragon throne. Moreover, he doesn't have the time to deal with these things right now. If the Western Regions can be incorporated into the Central Plains, Master will definitely be included in the Imperial Annals."

"Since that's the case, why not turn the tables and let Changsun Wuji usurp the throne? That way, we can attack him with a legitimate reason."

Xiao Wu frowned upon hearing this: "How many people will die? How many fields will be left barren? How many families will be torn apart? Your Highness, you cannot continue like this. Master said that you should never resort to war unless absolutely necessary. Of the three calamities in the world, the most terrifying is war. A ruler should share the same desires as the people. If the people desire something, then the ruler desires it; if the people do not desire something, then the ruler will abandon them. Your Highness should restrain yourself."

(End of this chapter)