Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

"No, Father." Li Mao remained calm in the face of danger, just as he did when facing the furious Li Longji: "This instructor is an extraordinary person. Not only is she proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, but she also has excellent medical skills and is very popular in the army. Moreover, Ya Ru respects her very much and is making rapid progress."

He did not mention Jiang Caiyue's name, or even her gender.

Who knows if that lecherous old man Li Longji might take a liking to Jiang Caiyue, whom he's never met, and harbor evil intentions? Li Guangbi is still eagerly waiting for the beauty to come into his arms; he can't let that old bastard Li Longji steal away his beloved.

Seeing this, Li Longji seemed to have nothing to say, only coldly snorting, "In short, this is the last time. Go back and recover well, and don't cause me any more trouble!"

He didn't even mention Li Mao's injuries, even though he knew he had been wounded by a tiger and was once in critical condition.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey." Li Mao lowered his head and left the Imperial Study.

Outside the Imperial Study, Li Mao was about to turn and leave when he was suddenly stopped by a eunuch.

The eunuch was clearly a veteran of the palace; his eyes were sharp, and he respectfully said, "Your Highness Prince Shou, His Highness the Crown Prince invites you."

This person is an old eunuch who has served the Crown Prince for many years; there is no mistake.

Li Mao understood, nodded, and followed the eunuch to Li Heng's bedroom.

Upon entering, one sees Li Heng sitting on the couch, his face not looking too good.

Upon seeing Li Mao, he did not rise to greet him, but simply nodded slightly, gesturing for him to sit down.

Before this, Li Mao and Li Heng had a fairly good relationship. The two had a heart-to-heart talk in Xianyang City, and Li Heng repeatedly chose to defend Li Mao in front of Li Longji. The two brothers were considered to be friendly and respectful to each other.

But now...

Something seems to have changed.

The already fragile brotherhood has become even more unstable.

However, Li Mao didn't mind. He walked straight to Li Heng and sat down opposite him, smiling as he asked, "Brother, what brings you here?"

The Crown Prince did not offer him a seat, but this was Li Mao's usual practice. If Li Heng were to blame him, it would be because he was being overly dramatic.

Li Heng pondered for a moment, then asked with a hint of a sneer, "Eighteenth brother, I was very grateful to you for finding the murderer who harmed me before. This time, you've done me a great favor by finding me a concubine. You're really quite capable."

Once the crown prince wants to put on airs, he will refer to himself as "I, the lonely one".

Li Mao sighed softly, knowing the dissatisfaction in Li Heng's heart.

He explained, “Brother, this marriage alliance is Father’s wish, and you know I’m just carrying it out. Although Ya Ru comes from the grasslands, she is gentle, intelligent, and a rare and wonderful woman.”

"Clever and quick-witted?" Li Heng sneered. "Mao'er, I've watched you grow up since you were a child. Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? It's just that you don't want to get involved and become a candidate for a marriage alliance, so you're dragging me into this mess."

Li Mao: "..."

My dear brother, you are still too naive and too young.

How could I possibly go to such lengths to find you a wife for such a simple reason?

My scheme is much bigger than you think!

Li Mao thought to himself, but on the surface, he shook his head innocently and said earnestly, "Brother, you misunderstand me. If I had even the slightest selfish motive, I wouldn't have taken Princess Ya Ru to Lingzhou to have her properly instructed. You'll understand when you see her tomorrow. If it's truly not suitable, you can simply refuse the marriage. Anyway..."

Li Heng asked, "Anyway what?"

"Anyway, Father's health is getting worse and worse. Even if His Highness the Crown Prince refuses the marriage, what can he do? Since we can get it over with Father, we can also appease the people of the world and the Wolf Lord. If all else fails, Father has other sons. We can just have them accept Princess Ya Ru."

Li Mao spoke casually, but Li Heng knew it wouldn't work.

—If he were to do such a thing, he would be letting down Princess Yaru, incurring the wrath of the Wolf Lord, and becoming a laughingstock for Li Heng, who would be seen as irresponsible and wasting the girl's time.

Li Heng certainly wouldn't do that, but he also felt there was some truth to it.

After listening, he remained silent for a while, a hint of wavering appearing in his eyes.

He didn't completely disbelieve Li Mao's words, but he couldn't help feeling somewhat resentful.

“In that case, let’s see what this grassland princess is all about.” Li Heng forced a smile and said, “You should go back now. You must be tired today. Come back tomorrow with Princess Yaru.”

Li Mao rose to take his leave, and before leaving, he comforted his brother, saying, "Brother, you don't need to worry too much. Ya Ru is really a good person, and I believe you will like her."

Li Heng didn't speak, his face remained expressionless.

He had never been interested in women, and since marrying Lady Wei, he had never considered taking any concubines or mistresses. He thought that once he inherited the throne, he could have any beautiful woman in the world, so why bother with this?

So no matter how eloquently Li Mao spoke, he had no interest in him.

but……

Seeing how much Li Mao valued Princess Ya Ru and recommended her repeatedly, he couldn't help but want to see what kind of woman she was that made his eighteenth brother, who had seen countless women, think so highly of her.

Back at the mansion, Jiang Caiyue and Ya Ru were waiting for Li Mao in the hall.

"Your Highness is back. Has everything been resolved?"

Li Mao nodded and briefly recounted what had happened in the Imperial Study. He concluded by saying, "I will be taking Ya Ru to see the Emperor early tomorrow morning. You two should get some rest. By the way, from today onwards, Ya Ru will be my future sister-in-law. We should avoid any appearance of impropriety and try not to be alone in a room with each other. When we go to the palace tomorrow, you will probably be kept in a side hall. Although you haven't officially married the Crown Prince yet, it's still against the rules to stay in a Prince's residence."

Upon hearing this, Ya Ru became nervous. She looked up at Li Mao and said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, I'm scared... I don't know if I can win the favor of His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince. Once I enter the palace, I won't be able to see you and Cai Yue. I... I'm really panicking."

"Don't worry, I'm here for you." Li Mao looked at Ya Ru with deep eyes: "After entering the palace, it will be difficult to meet, but it's not like we won't see each other at all. Just relax and don't think too much. Do as I say, and the Crown Prince will like you, and the Emperor won't have any complaints."

The next morning, Ya Ru was about to enter the palace for an audience.

Li Mao, unable to walk alongside her, specially arranged for two maids to accompany her.

Ya Ru followed her maid, but her gaze remained fixed on Li Mao. Li Mao, though quite a distance away, smiled slightly at her, as if to say: Don't be afraid, just let things take their course.

A group of people arrived at the palace, passed through many palace gates, and finally came to the magnificent hall.