Now I really have to marry the princess.

Three days later, at the Imperial Pharmacy.

When Yang Zhengdao arrived, Sun Simiao had already packed his bags and was waiting for him.

Yang Zhengdao stepped forward: "Immortal Sun, are you leaving already?"

Sun Simiao nodded with a smile.

"Then I don't know about Princess Chang Le..."

Sun Simiao laughed heartily: "I thought young friend Yang could keep his composure! Don't worry. I've already spoken to Empress Zhangsun about the matter of marriage between close relatives."

Yang Zhengdao was overjoyed and quickly bowed deeply in gratitude: "Thank you for your help, Immortal Sun. Thank you for making this happen."

Sun Simiao stroked his beard, his gentle gaze falling on Yang Zhengdao's face.

"Young friend, are you sure you don't want to study medicine with me?"

Yang Zhengdao was indeed tempted by this proposal.

If Sun Simiao insisted on accepting Yang Zhengdao as his disciple, even Emperor Taizong (Li Er) would have difficulty stopping him.

In this era, traditional customs still exist.

Filial piety and benevolence are the highest principles of society.

Sun Simiao was a centenarian and a renowned physician. He embodied both filial piety and benevolence, and even Emperor Taizong of Tang had to show him great respect and deference.

However, Yang Zhengdao was self-aware enough to know that he was not cut out for medicine.

Now that Master Sun has brought it up again, Yang Zhengdao can only apologize and decline Master Sun's offer once more.

Sun Simiao didn't mind and waved his hand: "Young friend Yang, if you need anything, you can come to Louguantai in Zhouzhi County to find me. I'll be there a few days at the beginning of each month."

"Kid, I've got it."

After bidding farewell to everyone, Sun Simiao took one of his young Taoist disciples and rode away in a cloud of dust.

Yang Zhengdao couldn't help but sigh, "At nearly ninety years old, he is still light and healthy, whipping his horse and riding a horse. He is truly a god-like figure."

At this moment, the air inside the Rijō-den Hall was filled with the fragrance of incense.

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun was distracted, Li Er gently placed the lotus seed soup in his hand on the table.

"Guanyinbi, the Hundred Cavalry Division has already investigated and found that what Immortal Sun said yesterday was instigated by that brat Zhengdao. Don't take it to heart."

"Second Brother, since Immortal Sun has offered his advice, it must be reasonable. Moreover, I have had people check ancient texts..."

Before she could finish speaking, Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but sigh softly.

Li Er gritted his teeth, thinking that Yang Zhengdao clearly had ill intentions.

However, the idea of ​​not marrying close relatives was like a thorn in their hearts. Not only Empress Zhangsun, but Emperor Li Er also had ancient books checked.

What was once a perfect match may now be over.

Li Er could only curse bitterly, "What a bastard!"

Seeing Li Er's exasperation, Empress Zhangsun smiled and comforted him, "Erlang, don't get angry with a child. Look at what Empress Xiao has requested..."

"Before A-Zhi's marriage is settled, he can forget about finding a good match, let alone a former official of the previous dynasty."

Empress Zhangsun, seeing that Li Er was still resentful, gently advised him, "After all, Zhengdao did contribute by offering medicine."

Upon hearing this, Li Er suddenly smiled and said, "Guanyinbi, I've already decided how to reward this scoundrel."

The next day, the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree arrived at Yang Zhengdao's residence.

Yang Zhengdao hurriedly greeted him, opened the central gate, set up an incense table, and received the imperial decree in the central courtyard.

The eunuch stood facing south and unfolded the imperial edict:

"Your Excellency: Prince Zhengdao of Sui is gentle and respectful by nature, and never forgets his parents. He previously presented the Emperor Emeritus with good medicine, and later requested to renounce worldly life and enter a temple to pray for the well-being of my late father. I am very pleased and hereby grant his request for one year. The necessary clothing, alms bowl, and provisions shall be provided by the Imperial Kitchen and the Court of State Ceremonies, so that there will be no shortage."

this?!

Yang Zhengdao was completely dumbfounded.

No! I wanted to marry your daughter, and you immediately offered me a job as a monk?

You even volunteered?! When did I volunteer?

Li Er! You are so cruel!

He then realized that the reason Li Er was so furious was probably because Sun Shenxian's advice had worked.

Yang Zhengdao couldn't help but feel secretly delighted. Was this the thrill of poaching someone's partner?

"Young Master Yang, quickly receive the imperial decree!"

Yang Zhengdao snapped out of his daze, hurriedly accepted the imperial decree, and casually placed a few gold beans into the eunuch's hand.

The eunuch was very surprised. This imperial decree was not a reward, so why would anyone be granted the privilege of becoming a monk?

So the eunuch felt a little embarrassed to accept this benefit, and whispered a reminder to Yang Zhengdao.

"The Empress means that the young master can choose a temple himself; Daxingshan Temple is also acceptable."

Yang Zhengdao knew that this was Empress Zhangsun's kindness. Daxingshan Temple was the largest temple in Chang'an City and was not far from Xingdao Ward.

"I trouble you, Your Majesty. After I visit the Empress Dowager, I will respect the Holy One's grace and enter the temple to cultivate myself and pray for the Empress Dowager's well-being."

After seeing off the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, Yang Zhengdao pondered carefully, realizing that Li Er's move could kill three birds with one stone.

Firstly, it emphasizes Yang Zhengdao's filial piety as a junior, making people overlook his contribution of offering medicine, thus eliminating the need for any further rewards.

Secondly, he tactfully rejected Empress Xiao's request for a marriage alliance with either the Dugu or Pei clan. Since he was to enter the temple to cultivate himself, he naturally could not discuss any marriage arrangements.

Finally, there was Li Er's perverse sense of humor, deliberately seeking personal revenge.

However, this was exactly what Yang Zhengdao wanted.

He was struggling to find an excuse to leave Chang'an and travel around the surrounding counties to complete the system mission of exploring Yongzhou.

Now that he has been ordered to practice Buddhism, and Empress Zhangsun has even allowed Yang Zhengdao to choose his own temple, he has a reason to leave Chang'an.

Since it is a prayer for the Emperor Emeritus, sincerity is essential. How can sincerity be demonstrated? It requires diligent practice.

If one is to cultivate oneself asceticism, how can one stay in the bustling city of Chang'an?

What Yang Zhengdao didn't expect was that before he could even send his greetings, he received a summons from the Da'an Palace.

It seems that Li Yuan must have learned of Li Er's arrangements before summoning him to the palace.

After all, Yang Zhengdao ruined Li Lizhi's marriage, and it was Li Yuan who instigated this behind the scenes.

Yang Zhengdao tidied his clothes slightly and then followed the eunuch to Da'an Palace.

Upon entering the main hall, Yang Zhengdao discovered that Li Chengqian and Li Lizhi were also present.

Li Yuan leaned back on the soft couch, his complexion much better. Upon seeing Yang Zhengdao, his eyes gleamed with an inexplicable excitement.

Li Chengqian, dressed in casual clothes, was holding a bowl of warm medicine and serving it to him.

Li Lizhi, dressed in a pomegranate-red floral ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), stood gracefully to one side of the soft couch.

She hadn't expected to see Yang Zhengdao at this moment. Her eyes blinked, then she lowered them shyly, her eyelashes trembling and the tips of her ears turning pink.

Yang Zhengdao composed himself and realized that this must have been Li Yuan's intention.

As expected, after Yang Zhengdao bowed, Li Yuan instructed, "Azhi, take your cousin Zhengdao around. I need to discuss some military matters with Gao Ming."

After saying that, Li Yuan winked at Yang Zhengdao.

Good grief! You're not even going to act anymore.

A retired emperor discussing important military matters with a crown prince? Your excuse is so flimsy.

Didn't he see that the eunuch next to him was so frightened that his eyes almost popped out?

If you anger Li Er, he'll take it out on me!

Yang Zhengdao really wanted to slap his forehead hard and then confess that he wasn't a pervert and wasn't interested in eleven or twelve-year-old girls who hadn't fully grown up.

But what can I do now? I can only continue to maintain the persona of being "devoted to love".

With tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, Yang Zhengdao winked at Li Yuan to express his gratitude.

Li Yuan immediately blinked twice, as if to say, "Boy, this is all I can do for you."

Yang Zhengdao quickly blinked again, meaning, "Okay, received."

Upon hearing Li Yuan's order, Li Lizhi's cheeks flushed even redder.

But seeing that Yang Zhengdao was preparing to leave the main hall, he responded softly and followed him out.

When Li Chengqian heard Li Yuan say that he wanted to discuss important military matters with him, he was completely bewildered.

Then, seeing Li Yuan and Yang Zhengdao exchanging glances, he became even more confused.

It wasn't until he saw Li Lizhi leave the main hall with Yang Zhengdao that he realized what had happened.

He immediately advised Li Yuan, "Father, I will not allow Azhi to marry Yang Zhengdao."

Li Yuan glared at Li Chengqian: "You've been turned to madness by Kong Yingda and Yu Zhining."

Although Li Chengqian was also dissatisfied with the two teachers, he dared not agree with them.

Li Yuan sighed and continued, "Gao Ming, do you really think marrying A Zhi to Changsun Chong is good for you? Remember, your father's trusted ministers may become powerful ministers who hinder you in the future."

Li Chengqian was startled and subconsciously glanced at the eunuch standing guard to the side.

Seeing Li Chengqian's cautious demeanor, Li Yuan couldn't help but shake his head.

He suddenly glared at the eunuch and shouted, "Scissors!"

"Your servant is here!" The eunuch immediately knelt down.

"You are wise. In this palace, you are the ruler, and they are the slaves; in this world, you are the ruler, and they are the subjects."

At this moment, Li Yuan, like a dragon in hibernation raising its head, still exuded his remaining power.

Li Chengqian looked intently at his grandfather and nodded emphatically.

"Grandson, I've remembered."

On the other side, Yang Zhengdao and Li Lizhi walked side by side in the garden of Da'an Palace.

Li Lizhi's female officials and palace maids followed closely at a distance.

Yang Zhengdao could feel the gaze behind him, which was like guarding against a thief, never taking its eyes off him for a moment.

Adding to the awkwardness was the fact that the "date" was with an eleven or twelve-year-old girl, and the college student, who had dated before, was at a loss for how to break the ice.

Li Lizhi, who had been looking down and fiddling with her fingers, suddenly took a deep breath and looked up.

"Cousin Zhengdao, you are exceptionally talented. Could you perhaps compose a poem for these crabapple blossoms in full bloom?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhengdao looked over and realized that he was in front of a grove of crabapple trees.

Clusters of flowers adorn the branches, their pale pink and bright red hues creating a charming scene.

Then he saw a young girl beside him, her face flushed with a smile, her eyes filled with shyness. Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, carrying a faint fragrance.

I don't know if it's the fragrance of crabapple blossoms or the scent of a young girl.

Yang Zhengdao was momentarily dazed, then felt a chill run down his spine.

If she grows up, what will become of her? She's a real vixen, corrupting my resolve.

Seemingly sensing Yang Zhengdao's stunned expression, the girl pouted in dissatisfaction.

Yang Zhengdao couldn't stand it, so he quickly looked away, coughed, and copied a poem from the Complete Tang Poems in his mind to deal with the little princess beside him.

Rouge stains the crabapple branches, their tender feelings overflowing.

Do not say that the flowers have no pity for the traveler; their subtle fragrance gently comforts those who yearn for you.

Li Lizhi felt her heart pounding and her cheeks burning again.

What a shameless person! Doesn't he know shame? The poem is really good, yet it's so explicit.

Nevertheless, Li Lizhi couldn't help but silently repeat it to herself again.

The subtle fragrance carries a sense of longing; is it because he is going to the temple to pray for his grandfather?

Father is bullying people! He clearly deserved the merit of offering medicine, yet he still forced him to enter a temple to practice Buddhism.

Thinking of this, Li Lizhi couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for Yang Zhengdao, and even her way of addressing him changed unconsciously.

"Cousin, which temple are you planning to visit?"