Chapter 19: Li Yuan: Erlang Has Born a Fine Son! 【New Book—Please Support】

Father?!

The moment Li Chengqian heard that clear voice, he couldn't help but shudder all over.

It was the same feeling one gets when caught doing something wrong at home, suddenly discovered by their parents.

Wait, why is Emperor Li Er here?

Wasn't he supposed to be busy with state affairs? How does he have time to come here?

If memory serves, historically, the relationship between Emperor Li Er and the Retired Emperor Li Yuan was strained at the beginning of his reign.

Could it be that he came for me?

Thinking this, Li Chengqian couldn't help but glance at Li Yuan, who looked somewhat surprised as well.

Since his abdication, this was the first time Li Shimin had taken the initiative to seek him out.

He instinctively looked towards Li Chengqian and found that the prince was looking back at him.

The instant their eyes met, it was like an electric shock, and they quickly looked away.

"Grandfather..."

"I understand. Let's see what he wants first..."

"Grandfather is so good; your grandson will be the best with you from now on~"

"Hahaha..."

Before the laughter faded, Li Shimin strode into the inner hall with the grace of a dragon and tiger, nodding in greeting: "Son pays respects to Father!"

Li Chengqian and Pei Ji both bowed to Li Shimin: "We pay respects to Your Majesty (Father)!"

Li Shimin gave a grunt, then fixed his calm yet authoritative gaze on Li Chengqian. "Why are you here?"

"I..."

Li Chengqian hesitated, then raised his head and straightened his chest. "I came to visit Grandfather!"

Li Shimin squinted slightly. "If you came to see the Retired Emperor, why are you alone? Where is Qingque?"

"Uh... Qingque said he wanted to study and asked me not to disturb him, so I didn’t bring him..."

"If Qingque wants to study, why don’t you?"

Li Shimin stepped forward, staring directly at Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian's face paled, and he dared not meet his gaze, quickly lowering his head, hesitating to speak.

But Li Shimin wasn’t about to let him off easily. With a stern expression, he said, "I’m asking you—why no reply?"

"I..."

Li Chengqian opened his mouth, ready to make an excuse, but suddenly stiffened and said, "I believe learning skills doesn’t necessarily mean reading more books. One can seek guidance from capable people—like Grandfather, Father, or the current ministers. Your success is not because you read more than others.

Therefore, many roads lead to success; why be confined to formalities?"

"..."

Li Shimin was slightly taken aback, thinking, many roads lead to success? What nonsense is this?

"Ungrateful son!"

Just as he was about to scold his son, Li Yuan’s voice suddenly interrupted, "Good! Well said!"

"Truly worthy of being a descendant of the Li family! To sum up such a profound truth—many roads lead to success—very well!"

Laughing, he then looked at Pei Ji: "Pei San, what do you think?"

"Prince Zhongshan is indeed talented!" Pei Ji smiled in agreement.

Li Shimin’s expression darkened. Father, what do you mean? I’m trying to discipline my son!

Li Yuan smirked inwardly. I’m going to discipline my son too—let’s see how you handle it!

He sipped his wine, his expression calm as he looked at Li Shimin: "Er Lang, the New Year is near; at the banquet, will your father still play the pipa?"

Li Shimin was momentarily stunned. "Father, what do you mean? Your pipa is famous throughout the land—you certainly can play!"

"I think, maybe not."

"This..."

Li Shimin hesitated. "Though there are musicians in the palace, if the Retired Emperor wishes to play, it would be the greatest honor."

"Heh..."

Li Yuan gave a noncommittal smile, then sighed, "I am old now. If I really play, some will show respect, but others—well, that’s uncertain..."

Hearing this, Li Shimin furrowed his brows deeply and fell silent.

If he didn’t understand the implication, then he wasn’t really Li Shimin.

But Li Chengqian’s heart trembled violently.

Grandfather, you’re really supporting me?

Though you are the Retired Emperor, can you not be so bold before Emperor Li Er? I’m scared!

But honestly, Emperor Li Er is too arrogant to dare to scold me in front of you!

He’s utterly disrespectful!

If you don’t want to live anymore, please teach him a harsh lesson for me!

Yes, give him the full grand slam!

"Hehe..."

Seeing the father and son at odds, Pei Ji twitched his eyelids and smiled awkwardly: "Retired Emperor wishes to play the pipa; who would dare to disrespect you?"

Hearing this, Li Shimin’s suppressed emotions eased, and without a trace, he glanced at Pei Ji: "Minister Pei, anything else?"

"I..."

Pei Ji paused, instinctively looking at Li Yuan, but Li Yuan avoided eye contact, pouring and drinking his wine. Embarrassed, Pei Ji stood and bowed:

"I have important matters to attend to and will not disturb the Retired Emperor and Your Majesty any longer..."

With that, he left the inner hall discreetly.

At that moment, Li Chengqian also rose, bowing: "Your servant..."

"Sit down properly!"

Before Li Chengqian could finish, Li Shimin shot him a cold glare, frightening him back into his seat with a thud.

Good heavens!

You two father and son better not tear each other apart!

I only want to be crown prince now; I’m not ready to be emperor...

"Father, do you harbor grievances?"

Li Shimin smiled broadly, glancing at the obediently seated Li Chengqian, then continued, "Has someone offended you?"

"I am old and weak, inconvenient in many things, as you know."

Li Yuan said self-deprecatingly, then shifted tone: "But I am very happy when my children visit me. Why blame Chengqian so much? You even came all the way to Da’an Palace..."

Hearing this, Li Shimin gave Li Chengqian a strange look.

He didn’t understand why his father was so close to his son, even to the point of quarreling with him over his son.

Though his father had favored Li Chengqian before, it was never to this degree.

Now, given his father’s situation, there was no reason to bicker unless the grandfather and grandson shared some secret.

Li Shimin’s gaze flicked between the two, then he smiled wryly: "Father, you misunderstand. I didn’t come here because of Chengqian!"

"Oh?"

Li Yuan and Li Chengqian exchanged glances. "Then why did you come?"

Li Shimin smiled: "At today’s court meeting, I discussed some matters with the ministers and was uncertain about some decisions. I came to seek your advice..."

"No need!"

Before Li Shimin could finish, Li Yuan raised his hand to stop him: "I am now Retired Emperor; apart from family matters, there’s no need to consult me on other affairs!"

Li Shimin felt a pang of frustration. You are so close with my son but so cold to me. Isn’t he my son too? Despite the frustration, he spoke earnestly: "Though it concerns state affairs, it also involves family matters. So consultation is necessary."

Li Yuan frowned, clearly unwilling.

But if he refused, knowing Li Shimin’s temperament, he wouldn’t let Li Chengqian off easily.

Thus, he couldn’t continue the amusing topic with Li Chengqian.

He reluctantly waved his hand: "Speak then."

"Uh..."

Seeing Li Yuan’s perfunctory attitude, Li Shimin looked at Li Chengqian, who was now simply obedient.

What on earth are these two scheming? Surely they’re not plotting against me, Emperor Li Er?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

He cut off the wild thought and cautiously asked:

"Father, when you conferred titles and rewards to the princes and meritorious officials, I heard it was difficult because you felt the grants were unfair. Now, should I continue to bestow rewards?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian immediately understood Li Shimin’s intent.

If reducing palace maids was to save expenses in the harem,

then cutting down rewards was to save the state treasury.

During Li Yuan’s reign, the country was nascent and unsettled.

To tightly control power within the Li royal family, he had conferred princely titles on all brothers, nephews, even infant children.

This was essentially the thinking of running a family business—using clan power to stabilize the realm.

However, after Li Shimin ascended the throne, the land was peaceful, imperial authority firm; there was no need for clan forces to maintain stability.

Furthermore, Tang titles were divided into substantive and honorary.

Substantive titles carried benefits.

Honorary titles were nominal without real privileges.

Thus, the emperor had to use the treasury to reward those with honorary titles.

Since the first year of the Wude era, the Tang engaged in continuous warfare; the common people suffered greatly.

Although peace had returned, the country’s strength was much diminished.

"Yes, I was very troubled back then as well!"

Li Yuan responded, touched by Li Shimin’s words: "If rewards are too few, many matters remain unsettled; if too many, the treasury dwindles!"

Li Shimin’s thoughts shifted, then he fixed Li Yuan with a sharp gaze and asked again: "What if I stop rewarding them altogether?"

"That..."

Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, then laughed: "If you, Er Lang, can manage things well, then you need not reward them anymore!"

"But," he said, changing tone, "I doubt you can!"

"Heh..."

Li Shimin smiled ambiguously, then paced the inner hall with hands clasped behind his back, saying calmly:

"My view is that distant relatives without merits should be demoted."

"But since these titles were granted by Father, I fear you might feel embarrassed. That is why I come to consult you today."

"You coming to me shows you’re not a dictator emperor—this is good."

Li Yuan nodded approvingly, with a half-smile: "Though I granted these titles, I won’t lose face over them. But you, you’re likely to face trouble!"

Li Shimin’s mouth twitched. What good mood are you in?!

But then he smiled gratefully: "To have Father’s approval makes the next steps easier."

"Does that mean you really can do it?"

Li Yuan looked at Li Shimin in surprise, well aware of the difficulty of this matter—it’s not just words.

But Li Shimin was confident: "I, Li Shimin, keep my word!"

"Hmm?"

Li Yuan was again surprised, then smiled and nodded: "Indeed, you always do!"

Hearing this, Li Shimin was deeply moved. He glanced at Li Yuan, then at Li Chengqian, hesitating briefly before kneeling before Li Yuan.

"Father, it was you who established the Tang realm. Now that I govern, it is to make you proud, to earn more respect for you, and to make our Tang flourish even more."

"This..."

Li Yuan showed a deeply moved expression, struggling to stand as if meeting Li Shimin anew. Tears welled up, and after a moment, he laughed heartily: "Good! Very good, hahaha, excellent!"

Li Chengqian: "......."

Grandfather, he’s copying me!

These were exactly the words I told him!

Although Li Chengqian knew how history recorded the relationship between Li Yuan and Li Shimin, he didn’t believe that Li Shimin cared nothing for family.

After all, they were still father and son.

He couldn’t take everything happening now as just a show by Li Shimin.

To Li Chengqian, once Li Shimin’s political goals were achieved, past conflicts and grudges would naturally fade with time.

Even if they retained some distance, when facing the Tang realm, their purpose was shared.

Hence, this once shelved familial affection was now rekindled.

"Alright, Er Lang, rise. We, father and son, need not say more."

After laughing, Li Yuan personally helped Li Shimin up: "Whether you govern Tang or I live out my days, we both want Tang to prosper."

Li Shimin nodded with reddened eyes, saying nothing.

At that moment, a voice outside reported: "Your Majesty, Chancellor Fang Xuanling urgently requests your presence!"

Hearing this, Li Shimin frowned, then quickly composed himself: "Father, I have other matters. I won’t stay longer. Please rest well and take care."

"Yes, Er Lang, you are thoughtful."

Li Yuan smiled, preparing to see Li Shimin off.

But Li Shimin fixed his gaze on Li Chengqian, commanding: "Why are you still standing there? Go and bid your Grandfather farewell!"

"It’s not Father, I..."

"Hmm?"

Li Shimin’s expression darkened.

Li Chengqian immediately shrank his neck, swallowed his words, forced a smile, stood, and respectfully bowed to Li Yuan: "Grandfather, may you be well. Your grandson takes his leave."

Turning his back to Li Shimin, he sent Li Yuan a glance.

It meant: I will return.

Li Yuan smiled wryly, thinking, Er Lang has a fine son!

Soon after, he saw Li Shimin and his son depart from Da’an Palace.

Some time later, the disgraced Consort Yin, who had been sent away by Li Yuan, came in crying: "Retired Emperor!"

"Get lost—!"

Li Yuan waved his sleeve impatiently. What nonsense, a mere consort competing for closeness with my grandson!