Chapter 316: Li Tai's Reminder

"Imperial brother!"

"Prince of Yue!"

Chen Yan was startled for a moment, called out to Gao Yang, and then regained his composure.

Li Tai's gaze at Chen Yan was very complicated, but mostly filled with resentment.

"Imperial brother!"

Sizi shouted sweetly.

Li Tai finally showed a smile; for this younger sister, he truly cherished her from the bottom of his heart.

"So it's the Prince of Yue—why do you have time to come to Grandfather Emperor today?"

Li Yuan showed little emotion and asked calmly.

Li Tai, who actually looks quite cheerful, heard Li Yuan's question and hurriedly replied, "Your grandson has simply not had the chance to pay respects to Grandfather Emperor for a while; now that the weather has turned cold, I thought that while visiting Grandfather Emperor I could also present some items as a token of my sincerity."

As he spoke, he took several gift boxes from a nearby palace maid.

"Sigh~"

How could Li Yuan not understand what this grandson is thinking?

Chen Yan entered the palace with Gao Yang and Sizi, first arriving at the Great Peace Palace; the news had probably already been disseminated.

The Prince of Yue followed right behind; what coincidence is that?

Li Yuan gave Li Tai a deep look, waved his hand, and said, "Gao Yang, you and Sizi, keep me company for a chat. Your husband and the Prince of Yue are of similar age, so there should be plenty of topics."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai felt a surge of joy, while Gao Yang subtly frowned at the words, then relaxed and responded with a smile.

Only Sizi was still young and clueless, heartlessly tugging at Li Yuan's white beard.

"Marquis of Weinan, why not accompany me for a walk?"

Li Tai came to Chen Yan and extended the invitation.

"Since the Prince of Yue has invited, how could I possibly refuse?"

Chen Yan wore a courteous smile and strolled leisurely with Li Tai.

Li Tai kept his hands behind his back, constantly walking side by side with Chen Yan. After a moment of silence, he said lightly, "I truly did not expect that after you married Gao Yang, you would still wish to marry Li Lizhi."

"What amazes me even more is that Father Emperor and Mother Empress are still very supportive of this."

"They value you far more than I imagined."

"Did the Prince of Yue only just learn of these matters?" Chen Yan retorted, "My relationship with Li Lizhi was already tacitly approved by His Majesty and Her Majesty when I married Gao Yang."

"If I hadn't just married Gao Yang, the imperial marriage decree would probably have already been obtained."

Li Tai's tone was rather complex: "It's not that I just learned it; I heard about it back in June. It's neither early nor particularly late."

"If it weren't so, you wouldn't be living this comfortably."

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow, understanding Li Tai's meaning, and said, "It seems I've benefited from Li Lizhi's favor."

Li Tai's meaning was clear: if it weren't for Li Lizhi, he would definitely have caused trouble for him.

After all, he had indeed harmed the other party in many ways.

Even without actively seeking trouble, he could still kick someone when they're down during their own crises.

The Prince of Yue's influence in the Court is considerable; Li Shimin purged a batch, but certainly couldn't purge it completely.

"Li Lizhi is the sister we both spoiled from childhood, me and the Crown Prince."

Li Tai said bluntly, "In the past, no matter how we quarreled, when it came to doting on Li Lizhi, we were united."

"Li Lizhi also would not meddle in the fights between me and the Crown Prince before."

After finishing, he stopped, stared at Chen Yan, and said, "But because of you, Li Lizhi's attitude has changed markedly; recently she goes to the Eastern Palace daily, conversing cheerfully with the Crown Princess."

Chen Yan shook his head, "That doesn't prove anything; after all, my wedding with Li Lizhi is imminent, perhaps she just wants to chat more with the Crown Princess, who is already married."

"One could say the Crown Princess's virtue is renowned."

Li Tai neither affirmed nor denied, "Indeed, that doesn't prove anything, but Li Lizhi isn't a key figure, is she?"

Chen Yan gave no reply.

Li Tai brought up another matter, "Last time, the aristocratic family put forward Zhang Xuan Su to challenge you; did you think it was nothing?"

"The uproar was considerable, yet the conclusion was quite dramatic, and you, leaning on a cadre of high‑ranking ministers and Father Emperor's backing, held a slight advantage."

"Do you think you defeated the aristocratic family?"

"I'm not that arrogant," Chen Yan sighed. "My guilt is irrelevant, and Zhang Xuan Su is irrelevant, because the root of the problem does not lie with us."

"Perhaps it was a test, or a warning? Maybe even a threat?"

"The ones truly playing the game are His Majesty and those powerful figures who have never shown themselves."

Li Tai nodded, "Father Emperor values you for a reason; at least you see the issues very clearly."

"You may appear to have won, but in reality, Father Emperor and Lord Du have lost."

"The result is that several people cultivated by the aristocratic family have recently occupied several relatively important positions in the Court."

"And this all stems from Father Emperor's desire to protect you, so he has made a retreat."

"Exactly for that reason, you have been able to rule Weinan County with an iron fist, untouched by anyone."

Chen Yan's eyes darkened, "So, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Li Tai warned, "You are in danger now, and the Court is far more complicated than you think."

"What you see may still not be the whole picture."

"For Li Lizhi's sake, I remind you: either keep a low profile and lie low, or strike back with an even stronger stance."

"Otherwise, even if you avoid mortal danger, you probably won't be able to meddle in the Court again."

Chen Yan found it rather interesting.

At first, he thought the same as Li Yuan, believing Li Tai could be flexible and was trying to win him over.

I didn't expect Li Tai didn't seem to mean that.

Instead, he reminded him what he should do.

Chen Yan didn't want to argue with Li Tai about anything, and he smiled and nodded in agreement.

"You don't seem to believe much?" Li Tai asked.

"It's not that I don't believe; it's that you don't understand me enough. A noble family may have great influence, but I'm not a mud doll," Chen Yan said seriously.

Li Tai, seeing this, shook his head. He had said everything he needed to say; whether the other listened was no longer his concern.

He then shifted to another matter, "Since ancient times, those who meddle in that position have generally met ill fates, yet you aligned yourself with the Crown Prince early on."

"Based on the findings of my investigation, you adopt a self‑preserving, non‑interventionist stance on most matters; early support for the Crown Prince doesn't match your character."

"I am quite puzzled by this. Could you answer?"

Chen Yan chuckled, "Your Highness Prince of Yue is mistaken; this actually fits my character perfectly."

"Self‑preservation is indeed correct, but in fact, at first I also didn't want to get involved in your affairs. Yet who would have thought the Crown Prince and I have fought together, visited brothels, and drunkenly lain across the street late at night?"

"There's nothing I could do."

He smiled helplessly, then said meaningfully, "Moreover, with a ninety‑nine percent chance of winning, why wouldn't I bet?"

?

Li Tai's face instantly turned dark.

"......."