An Ambush

After that brief interlude, the remaining princes once again offered words of blessing to Empress Zhangsun in turn.

Because they were all so young, their gifts had been prepared by their birth mothers.

When it came time for the princesses to present their tributes, Li Lizhi once again stood out among the crowd.

The gift Li Zhi had prepared for her was a jade longevity peach ornament.

The ornament depicted three lifelike peaches arranged on a tray, each one indistinguishable from a real peach.

Even Li Zhi himself had not expected to come across such jade in the East Market.

Most importantly, the piece had been brought to the market as a decorative stone, not for its true worth.

Fortunately, Linde’s shop dealt in such items, so Pei Mingli had purchased it for a price that was not particularly high.

Thus, Li Zhi had his eye on this rare and precious jade before the New Year.

He did not hesitate to send it to the Imperial Artisans’ Bureau, requesting the finest carvers to craft this exquisite piece.

At that time, people had yet to recognize the value of jadeite.

Yet the meaning behind this ornament made it the most fitting of all the gifts.

Naturally, Li Lizhi was soon nestled in Empress Zhangsun’s embrace.

Everyone present gazed with envy at Li Yin and Li Lizhi, who were held by Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun.

To receive such treatment in the midst of a lively gathering was a rare and coveted honor.

It was no exaggeration to say that, besides Li Zhi, not a single prince or princess—regardless of age—was free from jealousy.

After the banquet concluded, Emperor Taizong specifically asked Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi to remain.

He spoke first: “In a few days, I plan to go to Jiucheng Palace for some time to recuperate. During my absence, state affairs will be overseen by Gao Ming.”

He turned to Li Zhi and Li Tai: “The two of you must assist your elder brother well and refrain from causing any trouble.”

Li Zhi and Li Tai quickly agreed.

Li Chengqian was secretly delighted to have the chance to act as regent.

This was an excellent opportunity to involve himself in state matters.

As long as he exercised caution and heeded the advice of the ministers, it would be easy to achieve good results.

His teacher, Li Gang, had only recently passed away.

As a disciple, he had been confined in mourning at home, which had become tiresome and dull.

Now, this opportunity would allow him to leave his residence each day and move about.

Li Zhi, for his part, displayed no particular reaction to Li Chengqian’s appointment.

At present, he had far too many matters demanding his attention to spare any thought for such things.

Only Li Tai felt a tinge of envy.

He had recently begun to nurse ambitions for power.

After these instructions, Emperor Taizong addressed Li Zhi again: “Your sixth brother’s recent conduct has greatly pleased your father. I hope you will continue to guide him and not let him stray again.”

Li Zhi replied, “Rest assured, Father. My sixth brother is a rare talent in the study of things, and I will work together with him to make progress.”

Emperor Taizong nodded with satisfaction.

Then he said to Li Tai, “Prime Minister Wang has praised your learning to me on many occasions. I hope you will continue to work hard and not become complacent.”

Li Tai answered respectfully, “I will heed my father’s instruction.”

This time, Emperor Taizong planned to remain away for an extended period, so his instructions to the three were especially thorough.

Only as dusk approached did he finally dismiss them, allowing each to return to his residence.

Accompanied by Liu An, Chai Long, and three other guards, Li Zhi rode in a carriage toward the East Market.

He wanted to purchase more spices before the market closed, intending to prepare perfumes for the other consorts.

It was already just after dusk, with little time left before nightfall.

So rather than sticking to the main roads, they occasionally wove through narrow alleys.

None of them noticed that a group had been alternating in tailing them from behind.

Unbeknownst to them, danger was drawing ever closer.

As they left the palace and entered an alley not far from the market, Chai Long, who was walking in front, suddenly raised a hand to stop the carriage.

While the others wondered what was amiss, Chai Long spoke quietly, “Stay alert. Something is off here—there may be danger.”

At his words, the three other guards immediately drew their swords and moved closer to the carriage.

Liu An said, “Your Highness, do not show yourself. Wait until we understand the situation.”

Hearing this, Li Zhi withdrew his hands from the window and obediently shrank back into his seat.

With the uncertainty outside, the best course was to avoid exposing himself.

After rearranging their formation, the carriage began to move again, but at a much slower pace.

The alley was not long—barely more than two hundred meters.

From inside, Li Zhi could hear the lively sounds of the market.

Yet, strangely, as they made their way halfway down the alley, they saw no one passing by.

This was most unusual, as these alleys were main passageways to the various wards; it was inconceivable that they should be so deserted.

The alley was unnaturally quiet—only the hooves and wheels could be heard.

Sitting in the carriage, Li Zhi felt a suffocating sense of oppression.

The atmosphere quickened his pulse and made his palms sweat.

When the carriage finally reached the middle of the alley, three young monks in robes appeared ahead.

At first glance, Chai Long saw nothing special about them, and he relaxed his tense nerves a little, even nodding as they passed.

But just as they were about to cross paths, a sudden flash of bright light dazzled Chai Long’s eyes.

In that instant, he sensed something was wrong.

Before he could piece together his thoughts, the three monks erupted into violence.

In perfect unison, they swept aside their robes and drew steel blades.

Chai Long shouted, “Watch out! Danger!” even as he leapt forward, drawing his sword.

But he was a beat too late.

Two of the monks charged the carriage, and before the guard on that side could react, both brought their blades down upon his chest.

Though protected by leather armor, he was still gravely wounded.

With a terrible, piercing scream, the guard collapsed to the ground.

Liu An, inside the carriage, reacted instantly, lashing out with his whip at one of the monks.

At the same time, the guard stationed behind the carriage rushed forward, intercepting a blow meant for the carriage itself.

The three on that side quickly engaged in fierce combat, while the other guard circled around to provide support…