Li Chengqian's carriage moved slowly on Zhuque Street, the central axis that runs through Chang'an from north to south. It is like the backbone of the Tang Dynasty, demonstrating the prosperity of the empire.

On both sides of the carriage, the people came like a tide. When they heard that His Majesty had returned from the expedition in person, they all wanted to see the emperor with reverence and curiosity.

Li Chengqian gently pulled open the car curtain, his bright eyes looking out the window, his gaze filled with concern for the people.

The scenery outside the window is a picture of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, which is completely different from the scenery I have seen along the way.

There are shops on both sides of the street, with wine flags fluttering and a wide variety of goods displayed in the shops.

The cries of small vendors can be heard one after another.

When the people saw Li Chengqian, they waved to him excitedly, and their simple and enthusiastic faces were filled with love for him.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a friendly smile, and waved politely in response.

His every move is related to the people's support. At this moment, he is not only a monarch, but also the hope and sustenance in the hearts of the people of the Tang Dynasty.

The carriage moved forward slowly until the statue of Lu Jingsuo in the center of Suzaku Street came into view.

Li Chengqian's attention was instantly attracted and his eyes became solemn.

His thoughts went back to the days when he and Lu Jingsuo were on campus.

Lu Jingsuo, the student who once shared the same ideals and ambitions with him. They had attended classes together and talked all night long about the future of the Tang Dynasty, planning how to make this land more prosperous.

Li Chengqian is Lu Jingsuo's teacher.

But Your Majesty is not.

The emperor of the Tang Dynasty had to take into account the well-being of all people. He had to make a difficult choice between imperial power and the bond between teacher and student.

Now, looking at the statue, Li Chengqian silently said in his heart: "I have destroyed the aristocratic family. Jing Suo, you can rest assured. I will definitely let the people live a good life!"

After saying this, a look of determination flashed in his eyes.

It was not until the carriage slowly passed by the statue that Li Chengqian slowly lowered the curtain. The moment the curtain fell, it seemed to temporarily separate him from the noise of the outside world.

The car fell into a brief silence, only Li Chengqian's thoughtful face appeared particularly deep in the shadows.

When the emperor returned to the palace, the palace gate was already filled with officials waiting to welcome him.

They were dressed in court robes, lined up neatly and solemnly, with their heads bowed, waiting for His Majesty's return.

Li Chengqian's carriage slowly drove into the palace gate. He got off the carriage somewhat tiredly. The long journey and the worries in his heart made his body feel a little heavy.

Zhang Ananda was always paying attention to the emperor's every move. When he saw Li Chengqian get off the carriage, he immediately stepped forward to support him. "Your Majesty, you are finally back!"

There was a hint of joy in Zhang Ananda's voice.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his eyes sweeping over the officials kneeling to greet him. His voice was steady and dignified: "Everyone, stand up. The court meeting will begin tomorrow."

After saying that, he hurried into the palace. Even though there were many people following him, his back still looked a little lonely in the afterglow of the setting sun.

……

In the Lizheng Hall, Su Zhi and Xiao Taohong were carefully selecting clothes for their children.

Su Zhi's face was filled with the tenderness of a soon-to-be mother, and her eyes were full of anticipation for a new life.

Since she didn't know whether the baby in her belly was a boy or a girl, she thoughtfully prepared clothes of various styles and colors, each of which was filled with her deep love for the child.

The clothes were soft in texture and exquisitely embroidered. Some were embroidered with cute little animals, while others were decorated with delicate floral patterns.

The maid at the entrance of Lizheng Hall saw the emperor coming from afar and hurriedly saluted respectfully: "Your Majesty!"

Li Chengqian gently waved his hand and said, "No need to be polite."

He hurried into the Lizheng Hall.

When Xiao Taohong heard that the emperor was coming, she cleverly stood two steps away from Su Zhi. She stood with her head lowered, with a hint of awe and shyness in her eyes.

Su Zhi was originally concentrating on the clothes in her hands. When she heard the noise, she turned around with some surprise.

The moment her bright eyes saw Li Chengqian, a brilliant light instantly blossomed in them.

She quickly stood up and threw herself into Li Chengqian's arms like a little bird.

"Your Majesty, you are finally back!"

There was a hint of coquettishness and longing in her voice, and her soft body pressed tightly against Li Chengqian, as if she wanted to pour out all the longing and concern for these days at this moment.

Li Chengqian felt the warmth in his arms, and a warm current surged in his heart. He gently stretched out his arms and hugged Su Zhi tenderly. At least at this moment, all his fatigue and worries disappeared.

Seeing this, Xiao Taohong tactfully retreated quietly, leaving this private space to His Majesty and the Queen.

"Your Majesty, this trip out was very hard, wasn't it?"

Su Zhi raised her head and looked at Li Chengqian with concern in her eyes. Her small hands gently stroked Li Chengqian's face.

Li Chengqian touched Su Zhi's hair lovingly. The silky smooth hair exuded a faint fragrance of flower petals, which gradually soothed his mood.

He shook his head and said, "It wasn't hard. There wasn't any fighting. But now that the aristocratic family is gone, the imperial court's orders can be passed down from top to bottom."

There was a hint of relief in his voice, which showed his confidence in his long-term planning, and also his expectation for the future of Datang.

When Su Zhi heard Li Chengqian's words, her heart was filled with heartache for him. She clung even tighter to his chest and whispered, "Your Majesty, you have worked so hard! I congratulate you. From now on, our Great Tang will surely prosper under your Majesty's rule."

Li Chengqian smiled, and that smile was warm. He slowly squatted down and gently touched Su Zhi's slightly bulging belly.

Su Zhi, who is three months pregnant, has begun to show some signs of pregnancy in her belly.

"Have you taken good care of yourself these days?"

There was a hint of worry in Li Chengqian's voice.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I'm taking good care of myself."

Su Zhi replied with a smile.

"Your Majesty, are you tired? I'll ask someone to bring you some food." Su Zhi asked again with concern.

Li Chengqian didn't feel hungry at first, but after Su Zhi mentioned this, his stomach actually started to growl. He smiled helplessly and said, "Send some food over."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Su Zhi responded happily, turned around and walked out quickly to give an order, then immediately returned to Li Chengqian's side.

Li Chengqian looked at Su Zhi's clingy look, his heart full of pity. He couldn't help but stretch out his finger and gently scratch her nose.

"I've been calling you Queen for a while now, and it's a bit strange. How about I call you Lingxi'er from now on?"

There was tenderness in Li Chengqian's eyes.

"Lingxi'er?" Su Zhi murmured to herself. She tilted her head slightly, thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up, her eyes bright. "Your Majesty, are you trying to say that you and I have a telepathic connection?"

Li Chengqian smiled and nodded.

"Okay! Your Majesty, you can shout whatever you want!"

Su Zhi said excitedly, a happy smile on her face.

"Your Majesty, please follow me first!" Su Zhi pulled Li Chengqian towards the desk like a lively child.

Li Chengqian looked at Su Zhi, feeling both helpless and doting, and quickly said, "Slow down, you're still pregnant!"

He was pulled to the desk by Su Zhi with a helpless look on his face.

"Your Majesty, look, these are the concubines I have chosen for you. Which one do you like? I will look for them later."

Su Zhi picked up a picture album on the table, which contained portraits of several beautiful and elegant women. She raised her eyebrows at Li Chengqian, with a cunning and mischievous look in her eyes.

Li Chengqian was amused by Su Zhi's expression. He tapped her forehead gently and said, "You, I don't have time to take a concubine right now. There are so many things to do in the court."

Seeing Li Chengqian's refusal, Su Zhi pretended to be angry and pouted, "Your Majesty, do you want others to call me a jealous woman, and then cut off their tongues?"

There was a mixture of coquettishness and complaints in her voice.

Li Chengqian looked at Su Zhi's adorable appearance and finally gave in. He sighed helplessly, "Lingxi'er, you choose. Don't pick too many, just one at a time. Don't worry about me, just find someone you can talk to."

Hearing Li Chengqian's agreement, Su Zhi finally smiled and said excitedly, "Okay, Your Majesty!"

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like