My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

"As far as I know, it seems that my father has no intention of punishing the Prince of Yan!" Li Chengqian said, gazing towards Chang'an.

Luo Cheng waved his hand: "I know about this. It's not your father's fault, but my father has some mental block. He was making some kind of elixir at home, seeking out immortals, saying that as long as he died, he could ascend to the immortal realm sooner."

He has gone mad.

Of course, I also bear some responsibility. If I had stayed by his side the whole time, nothing should have happened.

However, I also have my own things to do and can't watch over him every day.

On a dark night, he left a letter, committed suicide, and ascended to the heavens.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan sighed deeply, thinking back to the days when Luo Yi, the Prince of Beiping, was a hero who commanded respect in his region.

In the entire Tang Dynasty, it was one of the top ones.

Who doesn't give Luo Yi face?

However, Luo Yi later followed the wrong person and followed Li Jiancheng.

After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin's subordinates advised him to purge the civil and military officials under Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

but,

Li Shimin was unwilling to do that.

Back then, Liu Bang earned his infamy by killing his meritorious officials.

Li Shimin, however, felt that in this respect, they should learn from Qin Shi Huang.

Although Qin Shi Huang is considered very cruel, he was actually quite lenient towards his meritorious officials.

After unifying the six kingdoms, Qin Shi Huang did not carry out a massacre; many meritorious officials and veteran generals were properly resettled.

Li Shimin did not intend to kill Luo Yi, but Luo Yi scared himself to death.

Luo Cheng continued, "After my father passed away, I led his men back to Zhuojun, where we became bandits and established ourselves as mountain kings."

but,

I know there's a code of honor even among thieves; those who want to go home will be given travel expenses to return.

Those who don't want to go home can come with me, but they must never oppress the people or insult women.

"Oh, how many men do you have under your command?" Li Chenggan asked.

"Currently, there are still about a thousand people left."

Li Chengan nodded: "Then how did you come to Luoyang?"

"I heard that many heroes will gather here for the martial arts examination, so I wanted to come and see."

In addition, I haven't seen Wei Zheng, Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, and others for a long time, and I miss them very much.

Having nothing to do on the mountain, I decided to come and join the fun.

Halfway there,

I heard you're in Luoyang.

recent,

Your reputation is quite impressive.

Who in the world doesn't know that there is a crown prince who is exceptionally handsome and wise?

This is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty!

I wanted to see your charm, so I made a detour to Luoyang.

"Duke of Yue, you flatter me," Li Chengan said, treating Luo Cheng as an honored guest. "We are about to set off for Chang'an. We should arrive before dawn."

"Then I'll set off with you."

"That's excellent!" Li Chenggan nodded in agreement.

Li Chengan, Li Chunfeng, and Luo Cheng arrived outside the palace gate.

Everyone was already waiting there, including Qu Zhili, Xue Rengui, Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, Ashina Jieshe, Murong Shun, Tuoba Chici, and the eldest brother king of Shanbei.

at this time,

A man rode up on horseback: "Your Highness, wait for me, take me with you."

Li Chengan turned his head to look and saw that the person who came was none other than Qin Ying.

Li Chengan asked, "Weren't you injured? You don't need to go." Qin Ying hurriedly waved her hand, "No, no, no, it's just a superficial injury, nothing serious."

If I don't go, who will get the general's seal?

I must take the martial arts exam and seize the general's seal!

Li Chengan thought to himself that Qin Ying was not modest at all, boasting in front of these experts, and asked with a smile, "Do you think you are confident in seizing the general's seal?"

"I reckon it's about right."

Upon hearing this, everyone wanted to laugh but dared not.

Qin Ying looked at Luo Cheng and asked, "Who is this?"

Li Chengan introduced him, saying, "Don't you recognize him? He's the famous Luo Cheng!"

"Oh my, this is Luo Cheng, no, no, Grandpa Luo!"

Qin Ying quickly knelt down on the ground and kowtowed three times to Luo Cheng.

Don't let Luo Cheng's young age fool you; he's a senior member of the family.

Because Luo Cheng and Qin Qiong were cousins, and Qin Ying was Qin Qiong's grandson.

Back then, Qin Qiong was a very famous figure, renowned throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River and along both banks of the Yellow River, and was officially known as Second Brother Qin.

Therefore, from that perspective, it is correct for Qin Ying to call Luo Cheng "Grandpa".

Qin Ying was a bit chubby and innocent, and Luo Cheng liked him quite a bit.

Luo Cheng walked up to him, reached out and helped him up, patting him on the shoulder: "Good boy, truly a descendant of a military family. How is your grandfather's health?"

"Oh dear, in response to Grandpa Luo's question, my grandfather's health is not as good as before. He is often bedridden, probably because he suffered too many injuries during the war."

Upon hearing this, Luo Cheng showed concern: "I was just about to go see him on my way to Chang'an."

That's great!

"Maybe my grandfather will be so happy to see you that his illness will get better."

Everyone laughed when they heard this.

At this moment, Qu Zhili walked up to Li Chengqian and took his hand: "Your Highness, I must go with you."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan frowned, thinking to himself, "How can we be so affectionate in front of everyone?"

Li Chengan withdrew his hand: "You're not feeling well, you should stay in Luoyang."

"No, I want to be with you. I have to keep an eye on you and prevent those vixens from bewitching you." Qu Zhili pouted.

Li Chengqian glanced at Qu Zhili, then thought of Su Wan, wondering how he would explain this to Su Wan after returning to Chang'an.

Because of his momentary carelessness, he fell into the trap of the Blue Rascal and did such a foolish thing.

It's too late to regret now; perhaps it was all fate.

Life is often like this: when you want to go west, it makes you go east. He clearly loved Su Wan, but by a twist of fate, he ended up having sex with Qu Zhili, and Qu Zhili even got pregnant.

Since Qu Zhili insists on following me, then let her follow.

Li Chengan repeatedly instructed Fang Yi'ai to guard Luoyang well during his absence, and Fang Yi'ai readily agreed.

After Li Chengan finished giving his instructions, everyone mounted their horses and headed for Chang'an.

……

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month, in the morning.

Chang'an, the military training ground.

There was a slight breeze today, and the sun rose from the east, shining brightly on the earth and driving away some of the chill. The sky was a clear blue, without a single cloud in sight.

On the military training ground, flags fluttered and people thronged the ground.

Directly ahead, the arena for the martial arts competition had already been set up.

The arena faced south, was twenty zhang long, ten zhang wide, and two zhang high.

There are ladders on the left and right sides, and candidates can climb up the ladders to the stage.

On the arena, a red carpet was laid out, and on the north side, a frame was erected, curtains were drawn, lanterns were hung, and decorations were displayed.

In the center of the arena, several tables were set up, each covered with a red cloth. Seated behind the tables were the examiners, including Li Xiaogong, Cheng Yaojin, Li Jing, Li Ji, Yuchi Gong, and Hou Junji.

Prince Li Xiaogong of Hejian sat in the center.

This prince is remarkable; he is a famous general from the imperial family who once pacified Jiangnan and ranked first among military generals.

Around 3000 imperial guards were maintaining order around the military training ground.

They stood tall and spirited, holding long spears, wearing silver helmets and armor that gleamed in the sunlight.

Tens of thousands of people came to watch from below the stage.

Although Chang'an was under martial law, the streets around the military training ground were still bustling with people coming and going.

When people heard that a martial arts competition was going to be held at the military training ground, many people came to join in the fun.

High platforms are set up on the east and west sides of the arena for easy viewing.

Seated on the east side of the stands were female concubines and princesses, including Consort Yang, Consort Yan, Princess Yang of Chao, Xu Hui, Li Lizhi, Princess Chengyang, Princess Gaoyang, and others.

Seated on the stands to the west of the arena were some civil and military officials and princes, including Li Tai, Li Ke, Li Zhen, Li Yin, Li Ming, Gao Shilian, Cen Wenzi, Wei Ting, Chai Lingwu, and others.

Li Tai arrived early.

He was dressed exceptionally brightly today, full of energy, and even his nose was sparkling.

This martial arts exam was of paramount importance to him, and he was determined to beat Li Chenggan and his men to a pulp to vent his anger.

He wanted to make Li Chenggan understand that whether it was a contest of wits or a contest of martial arts, Li Chenggan was no match for him.

Li Tai thought to himself that people only knew him for his first-rate calligraphy and outstanding literary talent, but they didn't know that his martial arts skills were also quite good.

I just don't know why, but I'm gaining weight even from drinking cold water.

My physical flexibility is not as good as before. I walk with a bit of a limp. If I climb a few steps, I pant heavily and my waist and knees ache.

Of course, there was another major reason, which was hard to say—his fiancée, Yan Wan, often served him in bed at the Yue Prince's residence, drinking and making merry with him all night long.

He felt his body getting weaker and weaker.

Moreover, all the martial arts examinees here today are top-notch experts, so he thought he should just give up.

Li Tai was aware of his own limitations in this regard.

At this moment, the drill ground was teeming with people, and someone in the crowd shouted, "Look, the Crown Prince is here!"

The thousands of people on the training ground suddenly parted in the middle, like a giant axe splitting open a wave, creating a path in the middle.

Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of Li Chengqian's charisma.

Li Chengan dismounted and had Qin Ying lead the horse to the side.

Li Chengan strode in from outside the arena, waving to the crowd repeatedly.

Many people in the crowd were whispering among themselves:

"Look, that's Crown Prince Li Chengqian, truly wise and powerful!"

"Wasn't it said that the Crown Prince had a foot ailment?"

"He was cured long ago by Sun Simiao."

"There is hope for our Great Tang Dynasty!"

"I never expected the Crown Prince to be so handsome and dashing."

"Crown Princess Su Wan is truly blessed!"

"Hey, look, who's that woman following behind the Crown Prince?"

Could it be Crown Princess Su Wan?

"No, Su Wan often goes to the Su family supermarket; I've seen her before."

It's said to be Princess Qu Zhili of Gaochang; some say she's pregnant with the crown prince's child, and it's a boy.

"Oh my, Princess Gaochang is so lucky."

But it's strange, isn't the Crown Princess Su Wan?

"Are you stupid? How could the Crown Prince only have one woman?"

"You're right."

……

People talk about Li Chengqian's love life with great interest.

Li Chengan pretended not to hear and continued walking forward. Soon, he arrived at the east grandstand.

Li Chengan paid his respects to Consort Yang, Consort Yan, and Consort Yang of the Prince of Chao, among other concubines.

Although Li Chenggan was well aware that these concubines had secretly caused him a lot of trouble, he still had to maintain appearances.

Li Chengan is very polite.

Consort Yang praised, "Your Highness, you are becoming more and more wise and courageous, and even more like a man!"

"You flatter me, Consort Yang. Li Ke is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and has an outstanding appearance. He is an excellent member among our brothers." Li Chengqian said sincerely.

Consort Yang was quite pleased to hear Li Chengqian praise her son, Li Ke.

In Consort Yang's opinion, Li Ke was no less capable than Li Chengqian.

Perhaps it's just human nature; parents always find their own children pleasing to the eye and outstanding, as if no other child in the world is as handsome or intelligent as their own.

Consort Yang straightened her posture: "I heard that your father has entrusted Luoyang to you. There is great potential in Luoyang."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan realized that Consort Yang's words were actually malicious.

She wanted to put herself in opposition to her father, as if to tell everyone that she and her father were already on equal footing.

"Because Xue Hu's tribe in Lingzhou rebelled again, Father Emperor sent his uncle Li Daozong to quell the rebellion, so he temporarily entrusted Luoyang to me and my husband Fang Yi'ai."

We will do our best to complete all the tasks assigned by the imperial court.

Luoyang served as a protective barrier for Chang'an.

We will certainly protect the vast area east of Chang'an and ensure the safety of the palace and all the concubines.

Li Chengqian's words were neither humble nor arrogant, but firm and gentle. His words made it clear to everyone that both Luoyang and Chang'an belonged to the Tang Dynasty and were not his personal property.

Moreover, the Emperor didn't entrust Luoyang to me alone, but to both me and Fang Yi'ai. Therefore...

Even if something goes wrong, you can't blame yourself entirely.

Moreover, he was in Luoyang to ensure the safety of Chang'an and the imperial palace, not to seek personal gain.

Upon hearing this, Consort Yang was speechless, thinking to herself that Li Chengqian was indeed formidable.

Consort Yan struck a pose, putting on airs: "Your Highness, I want to congratulate you."

I heard that you defeated the remnants of the Eastern Turkic forces in Luoyang and won the surrender of Ashina Simo, achieving a great feat.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan quickly said, "Consort Yan, you are mistaken."

Ashina Simo, who surrendered to the Eastern Turks, was brought to surrender by my uncle, Li Daozong, not by me.

As for the victory over the Eastern Turkic army, it was not due to my own strength, but rather the result of the concerted efforts, fearless courage, and desperate resistance of all my soldiers and the five-nation allied forces.

"Is it true that you and Qu Zhili have a child?"

This is a sensitive issue; such private matters are generally not suitable for discussion in public settings.

"In reply to Consort Yan, that is indeed the case." Li Chenggan did not evade the question, for he knew that the truth would eventually come out.

"Then I'm puzzled. Isn't your Crown Princess Su Wan? How come you're getting involved with another woman?"

"It seems you're quite the same as your father in this regard. Your father was also a romantic and skilled lover," Consort Yan said sarcastically.

Li Chenggan felt a bit embarrassed: "It was an accident, not as complicated as you think."

"Oh, it seems you're quite the ladies' man," Consort Yan paused, glancing behind Li Chengqian. "Your Highness, I feel your ranks have grown considerably, with more and more skilled men under your command."

In fact, when Consort Yan said this, she was implying that Li Chengqian was secretly cultivating his own faction and power, which was a violation of the court's regulations.

"Those are some friends I've made recently."

"To be able to befriend His Highness, they must be extraordinary people. Are they all here to participate in the martial arts tournament?"

"Some are there, and some are just here to watch the fun."

"If I'm not mistaken, the general and vanguard seals of this martial arts tournament will probably all be taken by the experts under Your Highness's command."

Li Chengan waved his hand: "You can't say that. There are always people more capable than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding. There are plenty of experts out there."

Princess Yang of Chao coughed and said, "Last time, when Li Ming fell ill and fell into a coma, the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital were all incompetent and helpless."

You invited the legendary physician Sun Simiao to treat his illness; I will always remember this kindness.

"No need to be so polite. Li Ming is my brother, and I have some connections with Sun Simiao. Those things were just a small favor, nothing to mention."

Princess Yang of Chao changed the subject: "However, if I may be frank, I think your father is very biased. All the other concubines have moved into Jiucheng Palace."

We are all imperial concubines, so why can others move into Jiucheng Palace but I can't?

Could it be that your father is still bothered by my past marriage to Li Yuanji?

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan wondered how Yang could have become so cunning.

Consort Yan and Consort Yang were already Imperial Noble Consorts; their ranks were higher than yours.

Besides, this was Father Emperor's decision. Why do you need to tell me these things?

However, Li Chenggan thought this in his heart, but it was inconvenient for him to say it aloud.

He pondered for a moment: "I think you still need to have a good talk with Father about this matter. There is nothing in this world that cannot be resolved through communication."

At this moment, Princess Yang, the wife of the King of Chao, had changed her expression: "I think you're just like your father, always passing the buck and shirking responsibility."

You want me to go find your father, but do you know that your father hasn't stayed overnight in my palace for months? Where am I supposed to find him?

"Are you suggesting I go to another concubine's bed to find him?"

Previously, Li Chengan had also heard that Princess Yang of Chao had a fiery personality.

I never expected her to be this fierce; she dares to say anything!

"I'm not refusing, it's just that I can't help you with this matter."

I remember that at the inauguration ceremony of Jiucheng Palace, Grand Secretary Fang Xuanling once said that whether it was a prince, concubine, or princess,

Anyone who wants to live in Jiucheng Palace must have outstanding performance and remarkable contributions.

If you feel you have performed exceptionally well and made outstanding contributions, you can report this matter to the Grand Secretary, and the court officials will reconsider it.

Princess Yang of Chao sneered: "Don't try to fob me off with these useless official words. Do you think the other concubines moved into Jiucheng Palace because they made some outstanding contributions?"

In the end, isn't it all just a matter of your father's word?

If he says it can be moved, then it can be moved; if he says it can't be moved, then it can't be moved.

What contribution can I make?

My greatest contribution was giving birth to your father's son, Li Ming.

When Li Chengan heard what she said, he thought that there was no point in continuing to argue with her.

Li Chengqian glanced at Li Ming in the opposite stands, who looked exactly like a miniature Li Yuanji.

People say that Li Ming is the son of Li Yuanji, not his father's blood, and it seems that this is mostly true.

At this moment, Xu Hui, who was sitting in a corner of the east grandstand and some distance away from Li Chenggan, waved to him, signaling Li Chenggan to come over.

Therefore, Li Chenggan bowed again to Consort Yang, Consort Yan, and Lady Yang.

After the ceremony, Li Chengan stepped forward to Xu Hui and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Consort Xu."

"Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities," Xu Hui returned the courtesy with a smile, "You seem to have grown taller again."

"Where did I grow taller? Maybe I've lost a little weight recently, so I look taller."

"What explanation can you and the other three possibly offer?"

Li Chengan gave a wry smile and shook his head: "I really can't say what the result will be."

"Isn't that settled then? You've wasted your breath," Xu Hui said, lowering her voice.

"This martial arts exam is fraught with danger, so you must be careful."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "What kinds of crises are there?"

"This is not the place to talk. I will tell you in detail later when there is a suitable opportunity."

Li Chengan nodded slightly: "Thank you for reminding me, Consort Xu. How is my mother's health?"

Why hasn't she come?

"Your mother is pregnant and should not be exposed to the wind."

She didn't like joining in the fun either," Xu Hui paused, lowering her voice even further, "I've already suggested to the Emperor that he give you access to the memorials from officials east of Luoyang for review, but your father has changed his mind. He said that memorials from officials of the fifth rank and below east of Luoyang will henceforth be given to you for review."

You'd better review them carefully.

Li Chenggan was deeply moved, because he understood that reviewing memorials was not simply a matter of processing files.

In fact, it is a symbol of power.

The Tang Dynasty inherited the Three Departments and Six Ministries system established by Emperor Wen of Sui.

Both Yang Guang and his father, the emperor, had served as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

So, if my father has given me the power to review memorials, there's a possibility that he'll appoint me as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat in the future.

Because the position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat was too powerful, it was impossible for anyone other than the emperor's confidant and a member of the imperial family to hold it.

At the same time, this incident also shows that the Emperor still has a certain degree of trust in him.

Of course, perhaps because he was too young or for other reasons, his father did not allow him to review memorials from officials of the fifth rank or above, thus maintaining a certain restriction.

However, this is already quite good.

"Thank you, Hsu Chieh-yu."

"You don't need to thank me. The most important thing is that you do your best. If you're someone who can't be helped, even if I wanted to help you, I couldn't. Get ready, the martial arts exam is about to begin."

"Let's talk again when we have time."

At this moment, Li Tai approached Li Chengqian and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, you must be tired from your journey."

Li Chenggan took Li Tai's hand and said with a smile, "You're not working hard, but you are. In Chang'an, you have to be busy compiling the 'Kuodi Zhi' and handling some government affairs, as well as taking care of the health of Father Emperor and Mother Empress. You are the one who is working hard."

Li Tai laughed heartily: "Brother, I am so happy to see you again."

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggan thought to himself, "Li Tai is such a hypocrite. It was clearly you who sent Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe with three assassins to kill me. It's just that I was lucky enough to survive. And now you're putting on an act, feigning benevolence and righteousness."

However, he didn't need to reveal the truth in front of everyone.

"Brother, you are becoming more and more radiant and wise than ever. You are truly reaping the rewards in both love and war!"

I heard that you repelled over 100,000 Turkic troops with ease.

Then, a single letter was enough to persuade Ashina Simo to surrender, which I truly admire to the core.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan understood that this kid was deliberately mocking him, asking what it meant to be successful in love.

It seems that Li Tai already knows about his relationship with Qu Zhili.

"They're both brothers, aren't they? Aren't you doing just fine too?"

I heard that you and Yan Wan often spend the whole night drinking and having fun together, and you are often accompanied by maids. Aren't you enjoying the company of both sides?

Have you been to Beili recently?

Upon hearing this, Li Tai thought to himself that Li Chengan knew everything about his affairs.

Beili was Chang'an's red-light district. I once went there under the pretense of studying the imperial examination system, but in reality, I was there to seek out prostitutes.

Li Tai realized that Li Chengqian's words were too sharp, and he couldn't afford to provoke Li Chengqian again on this matter.

"Brother, you have so many talented people under your command now. I heard that even the three great assassins have joined your ranks."

"Hegan Chengji, Zhang Shizheng, and Ashina Jieshe were all outstanding talents."

I heard that you are very familiar with them, and I once tried to persuade them to help you govern the 22 states under your rule.

However, they only said they wanted to participate in the martial arts exam and wouldn't consider anything else for the time being.

Everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them.

As for your claim that they joined my camp, that's not true.

Because I don't really have any faction.

I have also examined their martial arts skills, and they are indeed quite capable. Therefore, I recommended them to participate in the martial arts examination. That's all.

Li Tai thought to himself that Li Chengqian made it sound too easy. Those three assassins had taken a lot of money from him and promised to help him kill Li Chengqian.

However, not only did he not kill Li Chengqian, he also switched allegiance to Li Chengqian.

Li Chengan certainly won't skimp on the money either.

However, Li Chenggan simply denied it, speaking casually as if it were true.

"Brother, who are those two handsome men behind you?"

"I don't think I've seen them before," Li Tai asked, pointing at Luo Cheng and Xue Rengui.

"One of them was the famous Duke of Yue, Luo Cheng, and the other was Xue Rengui."

Li Tai had naturally heard of Luo Cheng's name and thought that if Luo Cheng joined Li Chengqian's forces, it would be extremely disadvantageous for him.

Li Tai asked in surprise, "Didn't Luo Cheng return to Zhuojun? How come he's back in Chang'an?"

"Oh, he's here to visit Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, Wei Zheng, and others."

"Is it really that simple?"

"Yes, it's that simple. Wasn't it said that his father, Luo Yi, rebelled?"

"You're wrong. Luo Yi didn't rebel; he died of a strange illness."

"So that's how it is. And who is Xue Rengui?"

"He currently has no official rank or title; he is merely a commoner."

After Li Chengan finished speaking, he went to the west grandstand.

Those seated on the west viewing platform included Li Ke, Li Zhen, Li Ming, Li Lizhi, Princess Chengyang, and others.

When everyone saw Li Chenggan arrive, they all stood up and bowed to him. Then, they surrounded him, asking him all sorts of questions and showing concern for his well-being, cheering and jumping for joy.

Li Chengan hugged and greeted them, his brotherly and fraternal affection evident in his words.

Li Tai, watching from the east viewing platform, was extremely displeased. He thought to himself, why were they so enthusiastic when Li Chenggan came, while he had been sitting here for a long time and no one had come to greet him? After thinking it over, he came to only one conclusion: it was because Li Chenggan was the Crown Prince, while he was just a prince. It seemed that a prince and a crown prince were incomparable, worlds apart.

Li Tai thought to himself, "You bunch of brats don't take me seriously. One day when I become the crown prince, I won't take you seriously either."

Li Tai was secretly furious.

Seeing that his expression was not right, Changsun Chong, who was sitting next to him, quickly asked, "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

Why do you look so pale?

"Get out of here, be quiet for a while, and don't bother me."

Changsun Chong was turned away and dared not speak again.

Li Lizhi then asked, "Your Majesty, are you and Qu Zhili really already pregnant?"

Li Chengan nodded: "Yes."

"I heard that Lu Zhaolin has already taken Qu Zhili's pulse, and she's carrying a boy."

"That's one of those sayings."

"Congratulations! You're going to be a father soon!"

Li Chengan gave a wry smile: "I didn't expect it to happen so quickly. I still feel like I'm young, still a child."

"However, there's something I need to remind you. Crown Princess Su Wan is furious after she found out about this! The consequences will be severe, so you should be careful."

Li Chengan frowned upon hearing this: "No matter what, I am sorry for what happened to her, even though it was just an accident that time."

"If Princess Gaochang hadn't arrived in time, you might never have seen me again."

"You're quite the ladies' man. That Princess Gaochang is very beautiful, but she seems a bit aloof."

"She may seem cold on the outside, but she's warm on the inside."

Li Chengan asked Qu Zhili to come and meet everyone.

Li Lizhi stepped forward and took Qu Zhili's arm: "Sister-in-law, from now on we're family."

Qu Zhili blushed deeply and said with a smile, "I'll have to rely on you all to take good care of me in the future."

"No problem, we're family after all. Since we're family, let's not stand on ceremony. Just sit with us."

Qu Zhili had not expected that Li Lizhi and the others would be so enthusiastic towards her.

She glanced at Li Chenggan.

Li Chengan nodded, and Qu Zhili sat down with Li Lizhi.

At this moment, Princess Gaochang also came over to greet Li Chengan and Qu Zhili: "Brother and sister-in-law, I also want to congratulate you. You are not yet married, but you already have a child."

"Fang Yi'ai and I have been married for a while now, but we still don't have any children. You guys are really moving fast."

When Li Chengan met Princess Gaoyang, he was filled with mixed emotions.

To be honest, Li Chengan loved this younger sister very much.

However, Li Chenggan had also heard about some things concerning Princess Gaoyang and the monk Bianji.

Things in this world rarely come from nowhere. Since everyone is saying this, it seems that it's probably true.

The consequences of this matter are very serious. If Father Emperor finds out, he will be so angry that he will die.

Where will the royal family's face be?

Li Chenggan wanted to advise Princess Gaoyang to keep her distance from Bianji and not to associate with him too closely, otherwise, things might get out of control.

Even if I wanted to save her then, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to.

However, I can't say these things in front of everyone.

"Little sister, don't worry. What is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force. Cherish everything you have now, and what is meant to come will come."

Li Chengan could only hint at it; he didn't know whether Princess Gaoyang had truly understood the meaning behind his words.

Princess Gaoyang smiled awkwardly: "No matter what, I wish you all the best. If Fang Yi'ai puts in half the effort you do, I will be content."

"People shouldn't compare themselves to others. Everyone is born with strengths and weaknesses. Now he's the military supervisor in Luoyang, and he'll have many more opportunities in the future."

As long as he works hard, he'll have no trouble achieving great success in the future.

"I really don't dare to think about soaring to great heights. I'd be grateful if he could just keep everything the Fang family has now."