Li Xiang and Li Chengqian returned to the East Palace. Before they had even finished their cup of tea, Cheng Yaojin came in from outside, crying. He certainly knew how good his son-in-law was to him, but he was in a stable state now. How could he say this in front of the emperor?
Today was originally a celebration party, and the emperor had arranged a luncheon. However, because of Li Xiang's suggestion, the father and son had no choice but to return to the East Palace for dinner.
"What can I say to you? You've always been so measured, how could you make such a mistake? I've just been a little depressed lately. If I'd known this would happen, I wouldn't have drunk so much. I know you're doing this for my own good, but how can my good compare to your future? If this balance is broken, do you know how much effort it will take for you to return to this state in the future?"
Cheng Yaojin has a loud voice, which is of course because he is used to hanging out with Li Xiang in the army. Otherwise, he would not dare to speak to Li Xiang in such a tone. Although Cheng Yaojin is Li Xiang's father-in-law, there is a difference between the monarch and the minister after all, and Li Xiang is now the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty.
Fortunately, Li Chengqian was a generation younger than Cheng Yaojin. In addition, in the early years of the Tang Dynasty, there was no clear boundary between meritorious officials and the royal family. Unless the royal family made arbitrary demands, everyone would speak in this way.
Li Chengqian asked everyone outside to leave and try not to gather here. The people in the East Palace didn't know what was going on. They only knew that the master-in-law came very angry. Did our Crown Prince do anything to offend the Cheng family?
"Please take a seat, Duke. I've been talking to him for quite some time now, and he didn't even bother to tell me about it. Today was supposed to be a good day, but who knew he'd end up making things so awkward."
Li Chengqian was a generation younger than Cheng Yaojin, so he spoke very politely.
"Your Highness, is the Emperor truly angry?"
Everyone thought that Li Shimin had no way to deal with Li Xiang, because Li Xiang's personal strength had developed rapidly in recent years. Even if Li Shimin wanted to take action against Li Xiang, he would have to weigh the probability of victory or defeat. But Cheng Yaojin was very clear about this. He had followed Li Shimin to fight for the throne in his early years, and such a person had countless backup plans.
Cheng Yaojin had once proclaimed himself emperor, though that was a bit of a joke during his time as a stronghold. But he had been an emperor, so why did he choose to serve under Li Shimin? It was because Li Shimin was a capable man. If he had truly sensed the danger posed by Li Xiang, he could have deposed his grandson in a matter of years.
"I didn't see it then, but today everything has been messed up. Lord Changsun and Prime Minister Fang are still with the Emperor. They should be able to try to persuade him."
After hearing Li Chengqian's words, Cheng Yaojin was relieved, and Li Xiang had nothing to be nervous about. In his opinion, the two were a little too nervous. It was nothing more than choosing a person. As long as he did not leave Chang'an City and mobilized the Goguryeo army, even if Cheng Yaojin took command, it would not have much impact on the entire Tang Dynasty. Li Shimin would be able to figure this out soon.
Just when Li Xiang was about to explain, Xiao Xiazi came running in from outside. It was obvious that she had encountered an urgent matter, otherwise there were guests in the East Palace, and they were the East Palace's relatives. Etiquette was even more important, and she would never make any noise.
"Your Highnesses, General Qin has entered the palace."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin also breathed a sigh of relief. He had just come from home on a fast horse, and he also sent someone to deliver a letter to Qin Qiong. In the current situation, according to Cheng Yaojin's solution, that is to let Qin Shubao go to the palace and take the initiative to take over this task. Cheng Yaojin would naturally stay in Chang'an honestly. The emperor still trusted Qin Shubao very much.
"Father-in-law, you..."
Li Xiang was originally taking a risk, so he wanted to let Cheng Yaojin go outside to relax. If he continued to stay in Chang'an City, he might get depressed. By then, this disease would be caused by himself, and Li Xiang would feel very guilty.
"I know you're a good boy, and I know you're willing to take risks for me. With a son-in-law like this, even if I'm dead right now, I'd be very satisfied. But the court's development doesn't depend on our will. Even if you become the emperor, you must respect all the talents on all sides."
What Cheng Yaojin said was a bit too much. As the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, Li Xiang had the emperor and the crown prince above him. Even if Li Xiang wanted to be educated, it was not Cheng Yaojin's turn.
However, Li Xiang usually respects Cheng Yaojin very much, and these words are also good for Li Xiang. Li Chengqian next to him also nodded firmly. If this son does not stop properly, internal strife will probably begin. Is that father someone who can delegate power?
This is because Li Xiang has made great contributions and has a relatively large influence in the military, which makes my father cautious. If it were someone else, he would have been left out by now. As for when he would activate you, it is hard to say.
Time passed by minute by minute, and now it was time for lunch, but the three men had no intention of eating. Li Xiang felt that the final result was still acceptable. Although the two men in front of him were absolute top leaders of the Tang Dynasty, they were not aware of their own strength. Li Shimin knew himself much better than they did.
"The imperial edict has arrived..."
Wang De's voice finally came. Since Cheng Yaojin was not from the East Palace, there was no need for him to go out to receive the order. He could just wait in the backyard. Li Chengqian and Li Xiang walked quickly to the door. Wang De's face showed no joy or anger. There were other people following him at this time, and of course he could not remind Li Xiang in advance. You know, this is in the palace. If Wang De reminded Li Xiang in advance, both of them would probably lose their heads.
"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims..."
Things did change, but Li Xiang's adventure was also supervised. This time, King Wu Li Ke was in charge, Qin Shubao and Cheng Yaojin were both deputy generals, accompanying King Wu Li Ke on the expedition to Fusang. Li Xiang served as the chief logistics officer and went to Goguryeo together.
According to Li Xiang's idea, Li Shimin should not let him leave Chang'an. Now he asked him to go to Goguryeo. It was indeed a bit puzzling. Wasn't he afraid that his mercenaries would be respected?
