After leaving Jisai Kingdom, Tang Sanzang rode a beam of escape light and reached Great Tang territory in Southern Jambudvipa in mere moments.
Chang'an City remained as prosperous and bustling as ever, its crowds flowing like a woven tapestry. Above the imperial city, a golden dragon of fortune coiled in the air, presenting a thriving sight unlike anything in the Western Cattle-Ho Continent.
Tang Sanzang descended from the clouds and entered the imperial city directly. The guards recognized him as the Imperial Brother Holy Monk and did not dare stop him, hurriedly sending word inside.
Before long, an imperial eunuch came hurrying over and led Tang Sanzang into the palace to meet the emperor.
Li Shimin was reviewing memorials in the imperial study when he heard that Tang Sanzang had suddenly returned. Surprised, he immediately summoned him.
Tang Sanzang looked travel-worn, yet his gaze was clear and bright. A faint Buddhist radiance circulated around him, giving him an even more transcendent bearing than before.
"Why have you suddenly returned, Imperial Brother? Has something gone wrong on the western journey?" Li Shimin asked with concern, setting down his vermilion brush.
Tang Sanzang pressed his palms together in salute and carefully recounted how the Buddhist treasure of Jisai Kingdom had been stolen and the monks of Golden Light Temple had been wrongfully accused.
When he was finished, he added, "This humble monk has learned that this matter seems to be tied by karma to Your Majesty and Her Majesty. I have come specifically to seek your counsel."
The moment Li Shimin heard the name Princess Wansheng, he understood everything. After all, the Li Shimin of today had long since recovered the memories of his past life.
Whenever he recalled what had happened at his wedding, it still felt like a thorn lodged