The Liang King's Royal Palace.
A rather heroic-looking man was pacing the hall, his face full of excitement. He was, naturally, Liu Che, King of Liang.
Although the court's messenger had not yet arrived, the news had already reached the Kingdom of Liang. The Liang King's Grand Preceptor hurried in from outside and said with delight, "Your Majesty, the court's heavenly envoy has arrived."
Liu Che forcibly suppressed his wild joy and went to meet the court's envoy. Seeing Liu Che emerge, the envoy bowed in greeting, giving him every courtesy before announcing the decree. Anyone with eyes could see that, once the crown prince was replaced this time, the court could not possibly replace him again unless the new crown prince courted disaster in some spectacular fashion.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty and the Empress miss you dearly. Please set out for Chang'an as soon as possible."
"Thank you for your trouble, envoy. I, the Lonely One, also miss my imperial father and mother. I shall set out for Chang'an at once."
The carriage that had long been prepared rolled out. In accordance with the imperial decree, Liu Che departed for Chang'an with a large entourage.
Inside the carriage.
Liu Che could no longer contain his excitement. Lifting the window curtain, he gazed at the scenery streaming backward on either side and said excitedly, "On this journey, heaven and earth open wide before me. Like a dragon entering the sea, like a great peng soaring into the azure heavens, nothing will ever bind me again."
The Liang King's Grand Preceptor was equally excited. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that, almost by accident, he would soon go from a lord king's grand preceptor to the crown prince's grand preceptor. This truly was ascending to heaven in a single