“Thank you, Father Emperor.” After saying this, Li Yuanji quickly caught up with Li Jiancheng and went along with him. When they left the Taiji Palace, Li Jiancheng mounted his horse and said: “Remember Father Emperor’s words – don’t cause any trouble, or I won’t spare you.”

“I know, I know.” Li Yuanji waved his hand impatiently. When they were almost at the city gate, he suddenly spurred his horse to Li Jiancheng’s side and said mysteriously: “Elder brother, how is that matter going?”

Li Jiancheng stared at the city gate that had appeared in their line of sight and said indifferently: “The bait has been set. We’re just waiting for the fish to bite.”

Li Yuanji nodded and said again: “After this matter, will Second Brother be reprimanded by Father Emperor and lose the ability to compete with Elder Brother from now on?”

“I’m afraid this matter alone won’t be enough for that.” Hearing this, Li Yuanji couldn’t help but become anxious: “Didn’t you say before that Princess Jinyang is also involved in this matter? Won’t even that be enough to drag Second Brother into it?”

“You’re thinking too simply about this.” After saying this, Li Jiancheng spurred his horse toward the city gate, leaving Li Yuanji completely bewildered.

As soon as they left the city gate, they saw a dense mass of people and Li Mi on horseback. Although he had fallen from grace, his posture remained as upright as ever.

Li Jiancheng had met him several times before and immediately recognized him. He dismounted and bowed: “Jiancheng respectfully welcomes Uncle Li.”

Li Mi was also tactful and didn’t continue to put on the airs of an elder. He dismounted and said: “To trouble the Crown Prince to come welcome me, I really feel terrible about it.”

“Uncle Li is Jiancheng’s elder. For Jiancheng to come welcome you is only natural.” As he spoke, he pointed to Li Yuanji, who had also dismounted: “This is my younger brother Li Yuanji.”

“So this is Fourth Prince. How rude of me.” After a round of polite exchanges, Li Mi said with emotion: “After several years apart, I really miss His Majesty.”

Li Jiancheng smiled slightly: “Father Emperor also misses Uncle Li very much and often mentions you before us brothers. This time he ordered us brothers to come precisely to welcome Uncle Li to the Taiji Palace.”

Li Mi nodded and turned to look at his twenty thousand soldiers. Li Jiancheng naturally understood his meaning and said: “If so many soldiers were to enter the city together, it might be inappropriate. So Father Emperor’s intention is to have them camp where they are, and then make arrangements later.”

Li Mi’s expression flickered slightly, but the next moment he was nodding repeatedly: “Of course, of course.”

After ordering his twenty thousand soldiers to camp in place, Li Mi followed the two brothers Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji to the Taiji Palace. Upon stepping into the Taiji Hall, Li Mi’s heart was filled with myriad emotions. This Chang’an city, this Taiji Palace should have been his, but Li Yuan had gotten the bargain. Now Li Yuan had become emperor while he had become a stray dog.

Could it be that he truly had to give up his ambition to compete for the world and become a minister who obeyed Li Yuan’s commands from now on?

This thought had barely formed before Li Mi forcefully suppressed it. No, he had only suffered a temporary defeat, which didn’t mean he would never have another chance. Seeking refuge with Li Yuan now was merely an expedient measure. He would definitely make a comeback, definitely!

“Father Emperor, Uncle Li has arrived.” Li Jiancheng’s voice pulled Li Mi back to reality. He struggled to suppress the resentment and humiliation in his heart, and knelt down alone before Li Yuan, who sat high on the dragon throne: “Your minister Li Mi pays respects to His Majesty. Long live His Majesty!”

Li Yuan personally came down and helped him up with both hands, saying with concern: “Brother Li, please rise quickly. After our last parting, I’ve been constantly hoping for this day. Finally, I’ve waited for you to come. Are you well?”

Li Mi lowered his head: “To be honest with Your Majesty, your minister was defeated by Wang Shichong and now has nowhere to go. I hope Your Majesty can take me in.” As he spoke, he was about to kneel again. No matter how invincible he had once been, how glorious his past, at this moment he could only bow his head.

Li Yuan grabbed him and said warmly: “Brother, why do you speak such distant words? You and I are brothers – what do you mean by taking in or not taking in? If you’re willing to stay in Guanzhong, then stay. This place is your home.”

Although Li Mi knew that Li Yuan might not genuinely want him to stay, he had no other path and could only shamelessly remain.

After another round of pleasantries, Li Mi noticed Li Shimin standing to the side and said: “This must be Second Prince?”

Li Shimin bowed: “Shimin greets Uncle Li.”

Li Mi quickly said: “I don’t deserve such courtesy. When I was in Luoyang city, I failed to assist Second Prince in taking Luoyang. I’m truly ashamed.” At that time, he had been recruited by Wang Shichong and helped him deal with Yuwen Huaji, allowing Wang Shichong to focus entirely on dealing with Li Shimin. Now turning around to seek refuge with Li Yuan, he inevitably worried about Li Yuan settling scores later.

Li Shimin laughed: “Uncle Li, please don’t say such things. Father Emperor and Shimin both understand your difficulties.”

Li Yuan continued: “Exactly. Let’s not mention past matters anymore. From now on, you can settle down peacefully in Guanzhong. I will also properly arrange for the officers and soldiers who came with you and will never treat them unfairly.”

Li Mi said with a face full of gratitude: “Your Majesty’s great kindness – your minister truly doesn’t know how to repay it. Please accept your minister’s bow!”

“You’re speaking so distantly again.” After talking like this for a while longer, Li Yuan said to Li Jiancheng, who was standing to the side: “You choose a residence with good feng shui in the city for Duke Li to live in. As for the twenty thousand officers and soldiers who came with Duke Li, you arrange for them as well. Remember, you must treat them with courtesy and never be negligent!”

Li Jiancheng pondered for a moment: “Your son remembers that near Second Brother’s residence, there’s a mansion that’s still vacant. It’s been maintained and is spacious enough, perfect for Uncle Li to live in. We just need to arrange some servants to attend to him.”

“Good, do as you say.” After receiving Li Yuan’s permission, Li Jiancheng left with Li Mi and the others. After they left, the smile on Li Yuan’s face gradually faded, and he said sideways: “Shimin, since he’s been arranged near your residence, you should keep a closer eye on things.”

“Your son understands.” Li Shimin bowed his head in agreement. No matter how enthusiastic and warm Li Yuan had appeared just now, he still harbored wariness toward Li Mi. Only by keeping Li Mi’s every move under control could he feel at ease.

When Li Mi moved into the mansion next to the Prince of Qin’s residence, a piece of news also reached Yunyi’s ears through Ruyi.

In the Qiluo Pavilion, Yunyi looked at Ruyi with surprise and joy: “You really found them?”

Ruyi’s eyes and brows also showed undisguised joy: “Yes, when the girl from Apricot Flower Tower saw those two portraits, she recognized them immediately. Ten years ago, they were bought into Apricot Flower Tower together by the madam. Over these ten years, the madam spent quite a bit of money on them – music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and literature – they learned everything they could. They were also competitive and learned everything quickly, being exceptionally intelligent. The madam doted on them greatly and even gave them refined names like those of young ladies from noble families – Mingyan and Huanxiu – hoping that after their debut, they could become famous throughout Chang’an and be her money trees. But for some unknown reason, more than half a year ago, these two suddenly disappeared without a trace. They searched the entire Apricot Flower Tower but couldn’t find them. When they asked the madam, she kept her mouth shut. As time passed, everyone forgot about them, until seeing the portraits brought back their memories.”