It's normal to think about it. I gave you a daughter for free, but you didn't make me meet the political requirements. Isn't this a loss? Therefore, when choosing a son-in-law, the King of Nanzhao was very careful. Even if Princess Yongning became Li Xiang's concubine, it would benefit the King of Nanzhao a lot. The loss from the first daughter must be earned from the second daughter.
"Get up, get up. We agreed that today is a family dinner, so we can't talk about some official matters now. If you keep kneeling, then we might as well not eat today. I'd better go back and eat my own food."
Li Xiang said this in a very approachable manner. This was a daily routine for Li Xiang. If Li Xiang wanted to get close to someone, these words would definitely come out of Li Xiang's mouth. If Li Xiang disliked you, he would be very arrogant and would punish you immediately if there was even the slightest thing wrong.
"Your Highness is right. Please come in quickly."
After hearing these words, Duan Hai was so excited that he didn't know what to say. Since his father passed away, not to mention some senior officials of Nanzhao Kingdom, even some of his father's old subordinates were indifferent when they saw him. Li Xiang's status was much higher than those people. Now that he could speak in such a tone, how could Duan Hai not be excited?
Duan Hai is a straightforward person, but Princess Yongping next to him is different. That day, Li Xiang did save Duan Hai's face and even saved the lives of the entire Duan family. But he came here again today. What's going on?
According to Princess Yongping, the matter was over that day. Talking about coming to the mansion for a banquet was just an excuse. Li Xiang was very busy every day. If he wanted to win people's hearts, he should go to the homes of higher-level officials. There was no need for him to come to her house.
When Duan Hai went to invite Li Xiang, Princess Yongping thought it was just a courtesy invitation and that he would not come. But she did not expect that he would really come after being invited. At that time, Princess Yongping felt something was wrong. Now when she saw Li Xiang coming with two carts of gifts, she felt even more that something was wrong. Li Xiang was a smart man, but even if the entire Duan family was torn apart and crushed, was there anything that Li Xiang wanted?
Although I thought so in my heart, I couldn't show it on my face. Even if I took a step back, it was just my brother-in-law coming to my aunt's house to drink. Could you still wait and not let him come? The royal family also has relatives.
The gifts given by Li Xiang were all very good, most of them were brought from Chang'an City. The Nanzhao Kingdom highly respected the culture of the Tang Dynasty, so they liked these gifts very much.
Princess Yongping had seen the gifts Li Xiang gave to some people in the palace when she entered the palace a few days ago. Compared with his own, they were nothing special. At this moment, Princess Yongping became even more wary and didn't understand why Li Xiang did this?
When he saw Princess Yongping again, Li Xiang was still dazzled. She was like a larger version of his wife. Although Li Xiang was not a real Cao thief, he felt a little...
When their eyes met, Princess Yongping suddenly felt her heartbeat quicken. Thinking of the man's eyes yesterday, Princess Yongping seemed to understand something. Could it be that Li Xiang was plotting against her?
Princess Yongping suddenly thought of a rumor. Li Xiang's wife was Cheng Yaojin's daughter, but because he had not been able to have children for many years, he then married another daughter of Cheng Yaojin. Could this person...
"lady?"
When Princess Yongping was thinking about something, Duan Hai said something with some dissatisfaction, "They had just exchanged greetings, and now the dishes were about to be served, but why was his wife distracted?"
"oh……"
Princess Yongping reacted immediately and quickly asked her men to serve the dishes, but Duan Hai's resentment was also reflected on his face. Li Xiang observed very carefully and found that it was just as what was said outside. Although he had a beautiful wife at home, Duan Hai was not the kind of person who was gentle with women. Even in front of the distinguished guests, Duan Hai said a few words to his wife.
The people of the Tang Dynasty believed in educating their sons in front of others and educating their wives behind their backs. Even if their wives made mistakes, they would not say anything in front of others. After all, they had to protect their wives' face. Sometimes their wives' face was also their own face.
It's a pity that people in Nanzhao Kingdom don't care about this. If Li Xiang hadn't coughed, Duan Hai would probably continue talking. This is really a bit embarrassing. We came to your house to eat, not to watch you scold your wife here.
Similar things must have happened more than once. Princess Yongping looked at Li Xiang gratefully, and their eyes met again...
Princess Yongping was a little jealous. She was still talking about what she said yesterday: they both had the same parents, so why did her sister get such a considerate husband while she had to serve someone like Duan Hai...
There was no comparison in the past, and Princess Yongping could only continue to live her own life. Even if her life was not easy, Princess Yongping knew that the Duan family was still powerful and might help her father fight against her second uncle, so she had to endure some grievances.
But now that there is a comparison, Princess Yongping feels some resentment towards her father. Even if it was for the purpose of fighting for power and profit, why did he send herself to such a family?
While Princess Yongping was thinking, Li Xiang and Duan Hai had already finished three bowls of wine. Although the local wine was not as delicious as the Tang Dynasty's Tianniang, it also had its own flavor. Of course, the alcohol content was not high, otherwise these three bowls would be enough to make Li Xiang crawl under the table.
Some uncles and brothers of the Duan family were also sitting here. Their lives were even worse. Because of Duan Hai's poor management, they didn't even have the chance to become officials. This was simply unimaginable. You know, they were also born in wealthy families, but now even their path was blocked.
It was not difficult to see that these people showed their resentment towards the head of the family on their faces. They kept wanting to clink glasses with Li Xiang, even ignoring Duan Hai's expression.
There's nothing you can do about it. You were born as the eldest son, so it's right for you to inherit the entire family business. But if you can't bring benefits to your brothers, it's normal for these brothers to disrespect you.
Originally, the family was ranked among the top few, and now, if there is a position, it has even reached around the top ten. All of this is the result of Duan Hai's management. Why do you still want others to respect you? With your contribution to the family, has the family's power been greatly reduced?
