The Great Mercy Temple.

After the Empress Changsun passed away, Emperor Gaozong, who was then the Crown Prince Li Zhi, personally oversaw the construction in memory of his mother.

Due to the fact that the observatory used to overlook the Zhao Mausoleum had already been dismantled by Emperor Li Shimin himself.

Since then, whenever Emperor Li Shimin missed his late wife deeply, he would visit the Great Mercy Temple.

Upon hearing that Your Majesty was approaching.

The monks inside the Great Mercy Temple had already prepared to welcome the imperial carriage.

A group of monks stood outside the temple with their hands clasped together, while the abbot, dressed in a kasaya, stood in the middle, gazing towards the direction of the palace.

Before long.

The carriage carrying Li Shimin arrived slowly.

The solemn Golden Guards on both sides exuded an aura of seriousness and a chilling presence.

"Amitabha Buddha."

The abbot chanted the Buddhist mantra and approached slowly.

Li Shimin opened the curtain and, without waiting for the high-ranking eunuch to assist him, leaped down from the carriage.

"This humble monk pays respects to Your Majesty."

The abbot nodded.

Li Shimin returned the greeting and then strode towards the temple.

The familiar scenery unfolded gradually, and the appearance and laughter of Empress Changsun reappeared before his eyes.

He pressed his slightly warm eye sockets, dismissing the crowd who intended to follow him.

He ascended the East Pavilion alone, leaning against the railing.

He looked towards the tomb of Empress Changsun.

But in fact, it was not only Empress Changsun he missed.

All those subordinates who had accompanied him through life and death, those who had helped him pacify the world and govern the court peacefully.

Not one was exempt from his thoughts.

"Dang—dang—dang—"

The deep sound of the bell rang, cleansing Li Shimin's complex emotions.

The sound of the Buddhist chant echoed.

Li Shimin swept away his previous sorrows.

He seemed like a sharp blade that had swept away all the dust, revealing his fierce and intimidating presence, making people tremble in fear.

In the distance, dead trees thrived, but the setting sun cast fragments of gold on the clear lake.

A gentle breeze blew, lifting his heavy robe.

Li Shimin raised his head and smiled, still the eternal emperor who made decisive decisions and commanded with authority.

"Look at this prosperous era that I have established."

"Under my reign, it will continue for another hundred years!"