It was late spring in the third year of Zhenguan.
The sandalwood in the Chengqian Hall of Taiji Palace is mixed with the fragrance of acacia flowers outside the eaves, spreading over the green-glazed porcelain vase and the open annotations of "The Analects of Confucius". Li Chengqian opened his eyes suddenly, a thin layer of sweat broke out on his forehead, and when his fingertips touched the cool brocade mattress, he was shocked to realize that this was not a yellowed historical volume in the library, but the East Palace of the Tang Dynasty more than 1,300 years ago.
With a splitting headache, the memory of the double major in modern literature and history suddenly merged with the knowledge of the eight-year-old prince - he was Li Chengqian, the eldest son of Li Shimin, who was appointed heir apparent at the age of eight. His mother-in-law was the eldest grandson of the empress. He was taught by Wei Zheng and Kong Yingda. He seemed to be blessed with honors and favors, but he was already standing on the edge of the throne vortex. Outside the window, the camel bells of Hu merchants on Zhuque Street could be faintly heard. The city was well-organized, and all the nations came to visit. The grand scene of Chang'an in the early years of Zhenguan was within reach, but in his heart there was only a cold sobriety: no system, no superpowers, no golden fingers, only a wealth of scriptures and prophets of this history.
The servants outside the palace walked in lightly and reported in a low voice that King Li Tai of Wei had sent someone to deliver newly made pens and ink. After their meeting with Emperor Li Yuan in Ganlu Palace today, they were going to the East Palace to take exams in person. Li Chengqian slowly sat up straight and smoothed the folds of his clothes. The childishness and confusion in his eyes faded away, leaving only calmness. He knew that from this moment on, he would use modern knowledge as a blade and history as a guide. Under Li Shimin's harshness, Li Tai's covetousness, and the scrutiny of courtiers, he would work step by step to hold on to his position in the East Palace and rewrite his original fate of being exiled to Qianzhou and dying young.
