"You just eat and wait for death every day, using all kinds of good things on yourself. There's nothing wrong now. If your complexion is still not good, it will be really troublesome. I went to see your father a few days ago. I also got some good old mountain ginseng, which has been sent over. Take some time to watch your father take it slowly, but remember not to eat too much at once, it's very hot."
This was just like an ordinary uncle and nephew; there was nothing wrong. But Li Xiang sensed something was amiss. What was his relationship with the Prince of Wei's Mansion? Even with his toes, he could guess. Although they were trying their best to maintain peace, there was an undercurrent surging beneath the surface. Who could ignore it?
What's more, this uncle had high hopes for the throne in his early years. Could it be that he has forgotten all these things after being away for a while? That is impossible. People's obsessions have been formed in their minds for such a long time. If he says that he has changed his mind in a few words, he must be trying to cover up something.
"Nephew thanks Second Uncle on behalf of Father."
Li Xiang stood up and answered honestly, a hint of indifference in his words. Li Yu beside him also frowned. "Father, as the elder, is already constantly looking for topics to talk about. You guys are still holding your own airs, but you can't find fault with them. After all, they have all the proper etiquette, they just don't want to talk to you more. Is that a mistake?" If you think this is a mistake, then I'm afraid no one will come to visit the Prince of Wei's mansion in the future.
As a guest here, I have to find ways to keep you two talking. If I don't talk enough, I will become a sinner of your Prince Wei's Mansion. Once such a theory spreads out, I'm afraid there will be even fewer people coming to our door.
"I called you here today. It's not a big deal. It's mainly because of the Emperor's birthday. There are all kinds of rumors all over the capital. I thought about ignoring them, but I'm afraid that something will happen later and affect the relationship between you brothers. So I just asked someone to call you here. We are all family and shouldn't be affected by these rumors. Brothers fight together. Although your father and I have never fought together, you brothers may not be together in the future."
Seeing Li Xiang's expression, King Li Tai of Wei knew that the other party was unwilling to talk more, so he simply didn't force this guy and just said it directly. What's more, when King Li Tai of Wei saw Li Xiang, he felt uncomfortable all over.
Thinking of the struggles in the court in the early years, the corners of Wei Wang Li Tai's mouth twitched. It was a bit difficult for him to play the role of a kind uncle. Li Xiang was uncooperative. If Li Xiang had cooperated, he could have held on for a while longer...
"Uncle, you're joking. I haven't been back for long, but I know the rumors spread by the common people are not to be trusted. Rumors stop at the wise. These people are just hoping for chaos in the world. When I return, I will inform the Chang'an Prefecture and the Imperial City Office and have all those who spread these rumors arrested."
Li Xiang gave another formulaic answer, without saying anything about his feelings, which made the father and son feel a little uneasy.
Ever since returning to Chang'an City, the rumor has never stopped. The son of His Royal Highness the King of Shu privately made armor and was sentenced to death by Li Shimin. This is no joke. This is also for all royal family members to see that as long as you live a good life, I will not care about your affairs, but if there are signs of treason, even if he is my grandson, he will never be forgiven.
After that incident, rumors started to spread in the market, saying that the son of King Wei was secretly accumulating power, and that King Jin's men were bribing strong people everywhere. In short, there were all kinds of statements, but there was no evidence.
If they had nothing to hide, they would not have to be afraid of this prince, but they did have something to hide. Take the courtesy in front of them as an example. He did have dozens of death warriors under his command, who were training in isolation and had never been brought out. If they were discovered, although he would not lose his life, you still have to tell me what is going on with these people?
If you can't explain it clearly, then I'm afraid you won't be able to keep your position as the crown prince. Li Tai has many sons. By dismissing you, he can just promote some of his unsuccessful sons. Those people themselves had no chance to inherit the throne. Now that Li Shimin has given him this opportunity, will he still be close to the King of Wei at that time?
There are no private matters in the royal family, and Li Shimin knows this best. As long as you don't make any moves, everything will be fine. But if you cross that line, some things are not convenient to say more. For the sake of the relationship between grandfather and grandson, I won't take your life, but you can only live in this world in the future, and you can't even leave the yard. This is considered a great courtesy.
The conversation between the uncle and nephew was not very meaningful, and the meal started soon. They thought that after a few drinks, they would have more time to chat, but Li Xiang was only concerned with eating the food or praising the chef of the Prince of Wei's Mansion. As for those slightly sensitive topics, he didn't say a word except to agree with them.
Less than half an hour had passed when King Li Tai of Wei said he was done and went to the back to rest. He felt that the conflict between him and Li Xiang was too deep. If he stayed here, the meal would end with the same result. It would be better to let Li Xiang and Li Yu get in touch. Young people have more common topics, and maybe they could find out the depth of the conflict through chatting and see if Li Xiang had received any tasks from the emperor.
Before leaving, King Wei Li Tai looked back at Li Xiang. Compared with his early years, his nephew had indeed made a lot of progress. He thought his son was also good, but it seemed that he was still a little narrow-minded. Now that he had arrived in Chang'an City, he realized that this was a big stage.
"I've heard that big brother has an amazing alcohol tolerance. Today, all the elders have left the table. I can't say anything else, but this alcohol tolerance is considered good among us. I'll pour you a glass of wine. Today, the two of us brothers will get drunk together."
When Li Tailin left, he also gave his son a wink, asking him to know the next move of Li Xiang and the emperor so that they would know what to do next. If you don't even know this, then returning to the capital may be the most dangerous thing.
