Li Xiang had known for a long time that Chang Sun Chong was coming, and that he was bringing intelligence about the Arab Empire. This matter could not be explained clearly in a few words, so he chose lunch time to go over and talk. It just so happened that the two hadn't seen each other for a long time, and Li Xiang also wanted to have a meal with Chang Sun Chong.
Although both of them were in the capital, it was very difficult for them to have a meal due to their busy official duties. Now the General Tiance's Mansion was responsible for almost all the important affairs of the entire Tang Dynasty. Li Xiang's meal time was not long, and today he could extend it because he wanted to discuss official business while having a meal.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Chang Sun Chong was taken to the dining room at the back by Manager Xia. He was about to bow down but was pulled up by Li Xiang.
"Why are there so many more rules after returning to Chang'an? It seems that there were not so many rules when I was on the front line. You know me well. If I keep bowing like this every day, will I still have this waist? Sit down and have a cup of tea first, and dinner will be served soon."
Seeing that Changsun Chong was about to salute him seriously, Li Xiang couldn't help but sigh that Chang'an City is a place that changes people. On the southern front that day, Changsun Chong was also arm in arm with Li Xiang. The two were not only in a superior-subordinate relationship, but also very close relatives. Changsun Chong was both his cousin and his brother-in-law.
"The court etiquette cannot be abolished. Back when we were on the front lines, we were the most powerful and could do whatever we wanted. Now, even though we are in the dining room of General Tiance's mansion, if anyone sees us, they will charge me with disrespect tomorrow, and my whole family will be in trouble."
Changsun Chong also shook his head helplessly. He was not a person who followed the rules to begin with, but now he was in a high position. Especially after Changsun Ze became the Protector General of Annan, the whole family had reached a higher level. So Changsun Wuji also told these people that they must be serious in any occasion and not let anyone find any handle on them, otherwise it would be a disaster for the whole family.
In fact, when you are in favor, no matter how many censors and imperial officials report these things, they cannot shake you in the slightest. But if you fall out of favor, these things may be fatal. Changsun Wuji has been an official in Chang'an City for so many years, and he has seen many similar things. Of course, he cannot let his children and grandchildren make mistakes.
"It seems that my uncle has already explained everything to you. But don't worry, just follow the instructions in the front hall. After all, there are too many officials outside. But it doesn't matter here."
When Li Xiang was speaking, Changsun Yunyi had already come over with her maid. She was Changsun Chong's cousin and also the only woman of the Changsun family in the Taisun Mansion.
"Meet uncle..."
Now there are fierce open and covert struggles in Li Xiang's family. Although some people seem harmless, they are involved in huge interests behind the scenes. The saying that the former dynasty is connected to the harem is absolutely true.
It was really boring for two grown men to drink together, so Li Xiang asked Changsun Yunyi to come and pour the wine. On the one hand, he could meet his mother's family, and on the other hand, it was a place for more people to chat. As for the so-called military and national affairs, Changsun Yunyi had heard about them since he was a child. There would never be a traitor in such a family, let alone the so-called leaks.
After a while, the meal was served. There were seven dishes and one soup for three people in total. Changsun Chong was used to this. Take some wealthy families in the capital as an example. Such meals were a bit simple, but Li Xiang had always been like this. If there were only Li Xiang and Changsun Yunyi at noon, then four dishes and one soup would be enough.
According to Li Xiang, what's the point of eating so many good things? It doesn't even help with health. A person only needs to eat normal meals, mostly home-cooked meals, without so many precious things. Under Li Xiang's influence, the current Chang'an City has also adopted a frugal style.
In fact, the amount of money that Li Xiang saved alone was limited. Even if all of it was sent to the front line, it would not change anything. But if this trend spread throughout Chang'an City, and all the dignitaries were a little frugal, then the money saved would not be a small amount. At least it could support tens of thousands of troops for a year. This was definitely not a joke.
Of course, at this stage, this trend has not swept through Chang'an City. Only the officials of the Tiance General's Mansion do this. Others still think it is more important to enjoy themselves. After all, they travel thousands of miles to become officials just for money. Many officials already have rich families. You can't control other people's food and drink, right?
"Let's have a drink first. It's been a while since we've had a drink together."
Although Li Xiang is still young, he feels that he has lost a lot of his sharpness after taking charge of Chang'an. If this continues, Li Xiang really needs to save himself and become the decisive and ruthless young man he used to be. If he enters middle age early, it will not be good for the current Tang Empire.
Before Li Shimin ascended the throne, he was a young man full of vigor and ambition. He would immediately send troops to fight any place that protested. However, after becoming emperor, all he cared about were the daily necessities of life. Although the Tang Dynasty was constantly engaged in foreign wars, it seemed to have restrained itself a lot compared to the days before he became emperor.
Now that the comprehensive national strength of the Tang Empire is booming, Li Xiang also knows that it is a good time for expansion. If the Tang Empire loses this good opportunity because of his change in personality, he will truly be a sinner in history.
The two of them drank a glass of wine together. Changsun Yunyi served Li Xiang and put food into Li Xiang's bowl. The maid next to him also served Changsun Chong. This is what a noble son in feudal society should do.
"There's a lot going on in Chang'an City, so it's not easy to get a drink, but it's much safer than the front lines."
Chang Sun Chong also told the truth. Although there were often flashes of swords and sabers in Chang'an City, compared with the front line, it still had many advantages. At least you didn't need to worry about arrows shot from behind.
"I heard you came here regarding the Arab Empire. Did our spies send back any information?"
After three glasses of wine, the groundwork is almost done, and now we have to talk about the Arab Empire.
