Chapter Three: No One Can Roast This Empress Over the Fire!

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In the Crown Prince’s eastern palace, within an extremely secret room where lofty discussions usually took place, the atmosphere was rather awkward at this moment. Contrary to everyone's expectations, Li Chengqian was not impulsive; instead, he was unusually calm, a sight that puzzled all present.

With the corner of his eye, Li Chengqian carefully observed each person. He saw their expressions shift from surprise and excitement when he first entered, to disappointment and desolation. Some even showed a trace of disdain in their eyes.

The most lively among them was Du He, the prince consort of the current reign. His bride was none other than the famously renowned Princess Chengyang from history.

Li Chengqian knew Du He was more trouble than help—always lacking in strategy, quick-tempered, and impulsive to a fault. Previously, Li Chengqian himself had nearly shared this temperament. A group of restless people plotting together, hoping to contend with the Supreme General of the Heavenly Strategy, was simply courting disaster.

Thus, the inevitable outcome was clear.

As he pondered, Li Chengqian raised his head and looked slowly at the crowd before him, then spoke deliberately:

“Du He, what plan do you have tonight that this prince knows nothing of?”

Du He looked bewildered. Only moments ago, he had been dreaming and hopeful; now, suddenly, Li Chengqian’s face had turned cold and hostile—his turnaround faster than flipping a page.

Du He wanted to reply but seeing Li Chengqian’s darkening expression, he realized that the previous promises no longer held any weight.

His face flushed red with anger, but just as he was about to lose his temper, he caught a subtle wink from Li Chengqian.

Clever as he was, Du He instantly understood that the prince must have his reasons.

Hurriedly, Du He stood and cupped his hands in apology, “Your Highness, you truly never mentioned it; I was mistaken.”

At Du He’s words, a murmur spread through the room.

Li Anyan, Hou Junji, Zhao Jie, and others were stunned.

“Good, that’s more like it,” Li Chengqian feigned surprise, leaned back, took a deep breath, then sat upright again. “Gentlemen, if there’s nothing else, we’ll adjourn for today. Remember, matters concerning Li Tai and Li You must never be linked to me again.”

“Your Highness, are you treating us like fools?” Hou Junji was furious, unwilling to accept this.

They had waited so many days just to witness the glorious moment of the Xuanwu Gate incident again, only to have their crucial plans die before taking shape—how could they not feel regret?

“The Minister of Personnel, when have I ever made promises to you? You may leave now; I am weary today. Look at my face,” Li Chengqian said, suddenly removing the black cloth covering his head.

Only then did everyone notice a bloodied wound across Li Chengqian’s face. Though the imperial doctors had applied medicine, the injury remained shocking.

They were astonished; the mark looked like it had been whipped.

“Your Highness, what happened?” Hou Junji exclaimed, his voice rising with indignation.

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“I am fine. If there is anything, I will inform you in a few days, Minister of Personnel.”

“By the way, your son-in-law Helan Chushi is currently in my palace. Should anything arise, I shall send him to notify you,” Li Chengqian glanced at Hou Junji coldly, then turned to Du He and the others. “I have other affairs today; I must take my leave.”

With that, Li Chengqian limped slowly out, followed closely by several personal guards who never left his side.

The others in the room dispersed quickly, returning to their chambers.

“Your Highness, they have all left,” a guard hurriedly reported.

“I understand. Send for Li Siyuan. I have matters to discuss with him. Remember, do not mention this to anyone.”

“Yes, Your Highness, I will inform him immediately,” the guard replied and departed.

Shortly after, Li Siyuan arrived outside Li Chengqian’s chamber.

“Your Highness, Li Siyuan requests an audience,” the guard whispered.

“Let him in. Stand guard outside; no one else is to enter,” Li Chengqian raised his voice firmly.

“Yes, Your Highness. Rest assured,” the guard responded, closing the door and standing watch.

Inside the spacious room were only Li Chengqian and Li Siyuan.

“Your Highness, what orders do you have for your humble servant?” Li Siyuan asked, eyes wide, kneeling and avoiding direct eye contact.

“How have I treated you?”

“Your Highness, your grace is boundless. Since I became your appointed attendant, I have received countless favors.”

“I have a matter of utmost importance for you.”

“Your Highness, command me. I will exert all my efforts to fulfill your task.”

“I have here a bundle containing a blueprint I drafted long ago. Deliver it to Father. It contains detailed instructions. Instruct him to have the artisans begin work immediately.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Should I say anything to His Majesty?”

“There is a letter from me within the blueprint, addressed personally to Father. When he opens it, all will be clear.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will obey your orders,” Li Siyuan said hurriedly, nervously accepting the bundle.

“Go now. I await your good news. There will be a generous reward upon success.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I take my leave,” Li Siyuan bowed quickly and departed.

Watching his retreating figure, a faint smile crept onto Li Chengqian’s lips.

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At this moment, Li Chengqian knew clearly the road ahead was finally opening up.

“Bring someone here!” he shouted, grabbing a water cup from the table and taking several gulps before calling out to his attendant.

“Your Highness, what are your orders?” the same guard who had just entered responded.

“How long have you served me?”

“Your Highness, it has been some years now, at least four,” the guard said nervously.

“What is your name? Do you have any relatives?”

“My name is Yang Jiguang. My parents died early, and I have no relatives now.”

“Yang Jiguang? How did you enter the Eastern Palace? Why don’t I remember you?”

“Your Highness, you have been very busy recently. It was six years ago when I was homeless and starving. I stole some food from a street vendor and was severely beaten.”

“By chance, Your Highness passed by and saved me. If not for you, I might have died then.”

As Yang Jiguang spoke, tears glistened in his eyes. Suddenly, he knelt and kowtowed to Li Chengqian, then raised his head.

“I am forever grateful for your life-saving kindness, Your Highness.”

Li Chengqian exhaled deeply as memories flooded back.

He recalled that year when his leg was still fine; he had indeed met Yang Jiguang, felt compassion, paid the vendor’s debt, and sternly reprimanded the unscrupulous merchant.

Moved, Yang Jiguang knelt, begging to follow him. Since then, he had been at his side for six years.

“Hmm…” Li Chengqian lifted his head. “I remember now. From now on, work well by my side. I intend to appoint you Captain of the Guards, responsible for my protection.”

“Your Highness, I dare not overstep. There is already a Captain of the Guards. I fear—”

“In the Eastern Palace, when I speak, who dares disobey?”

“I ask you only one question: do you want the position of Captain of the Guards?”

Yang Jiguang’s eyes lit with hope. “Your Highness, I am willing.”

A satisfied expression crossed Li Chengqian’s face. He knew this was only the first step.

“Good. Tomorrow I will announce this. For now, I have an important task for you.”

“Please command, Your Highness,” Yang Jiguang said, instantly alert and ready.