Li Shimin could be said to be the one who regretted the most about such a farce that occurred in the Golden Palace. He was the one who directed everything, and just wanted to make his grandson fall out with the high-ranking military generals. He didn't expect the final result to be like this.
There were more and more ministers outside. At the beginning, only General Li Jing was here, and the others were also trying to protect themselves. But today Cheng Yaojin played too big a game, and they were afraid that the emperor would kill him in anger. Cheng Yaojin had many brothers in the army. If the emperor really killed him, he would offend a lot of people. The Tang Dynasty had finally built its current foundation, and there could not be any disturbance.
What's more, Cheng Yaojin is now a meritorious official, having just returned from the southwest front today. A few hours ago, Cheng Yaojin and his men were commended here. If something happened that day, would his men be able to endure it? Perhaps some of them would take the risk, and by then, the entire Chang'an City...
Besides, Li Shimin didn't want to do anything to Cheng Yaojin. Cheng Yaojin was loyal to him and did a lot of dirty and tiring work. Li Shimin knew it very well. How could he force Cheng Yaojin to death because of this matter?
After nearly half an hour of commotion, the Golden Palace finally quieted down and all the ministers returned to their seats. Cheng Yaojin had a bump on his head, but Li Xiang was still next to the throne. It was hard to believe that this guy was reluctant to leave. This place was just great.
"Zhijie, why are you doing this?"
Looking at the bump on Cheng Yaojin's head, Li Shimin was also frightened. If anything happened to Cheng Yaojin, not to mention explaining to his soldiers, even Li Shimin himself would probably not be able to accept it. After all, they were old brothers who had fought together in the past. Without the efforts of Cheng Yaojin and others, how could Li Shimin be where he is today?
"Today I am fearless. For the sake of my daughter's reputation, I will die here today. Anyway, my old Cheng family has done you justice. Everyone knows how I carried you back from the battlefield. My eldest son has been to Tuyuhun three times, and my youngest son is also working diligently in the capital. I never thought I would end up like this today. Blame me, Cheng Yaojin, for being stupid."
Cheng Yaojin had studied Li Shimin thoroughly. He did not blame Li Shimin, but instead blamed himself. He knew that Li Shimin was also a man who valued feelings. Otherwise, how could so many meritorious officials have the position of Duke? The more Cheng Yaojin said this, the more uncomfortable Li Shimin became.
Although Li Xiang was still trembling all over at this moment, he had a bold guess about this matter. Cheng Yaojin would definitely continue to plan this matter, but he didn't know what the final outcome would be. Although Cheng Yaojin had gone a bit too far, this would indeed allow both of them to pass at the same time. However, after such a big incident, was the friendship between the two about to end?
Li Xiang was very afraid of this. The military of the imperial court was very powerful nowadays, especially at the beginning of a dynasty, when the status of military generals could surpass that of civil officials. Li Xiang had finally established good relations with them. Could it be that it would be the same as what Li Shimin thought, and the two sides would slowly begin to become enemies?
"Just hold me here. At least you guys are weak. I've already committed a capital crime today, so I'll just crash into my head and die right here."
Cheng Yaojin looked at his old brothers who were around him. After hearing what he said, they all looked at Li Shimin with ugly faces. Cheng Yaojin was usually a unruly guy, but if he was determined about something, they probably wouldn't be able to persuade him. In the current situation, the emperor had to say something.
Looking at the expressions of these people, some obvious and some hidden, Li Shimin felt really bitter and speechless. If he had known the result would be like this, he would never have directed such an incident, which ended up getting himself into trouble.
Now he must give Cheng Yaojin a special pardon, indicating that the crime he committed today will not be pursued. Otherwise, Cheng Yaojin will continue to make a scene here, and in the end it will be the royal family who will be in trouble.
"Today's incident happened suddenly. I don't blame you. Let the imperial physician take a look at the bump on your head."
Li Shimin's words made the people below breathe a sigh of relief. If Li Shimin hadn't admitted defeat, Cheng Yaojin would have been in a difficult position today. However, they all had a question in mind: was this true or false? Although Cheng Yaojin often played rogue, the bump on his head today was so big that a slight mistake could have cost him his life. Not to mention that when he killed Li Xiang, he hadn't held back at all.
"I, Old Cheng, am worthless. As long as I'm not dead, this thing on my head won't be a problem. I have another matter. I have never asked Your Majesty for anything in my life. I have made contributions to the Tang Dynasty. Today, I will risk my reputation and ask you to let that boy marry my daughter. Otherwise, this matter will not be over."
What no one expected was that Cheng Yaojin finally said this.
"But……"
Li Xiang was unhappy when he heard this.
"What else do you want? Are you going to say that again in front of everyone? If you dare to say it, I will risk my life today to kill you."
Seeing Li Xiang stand up and want to speak, Cheng Yaojin forced himself to stand up. The two brothers Cheng Chuliang beside him looked at him unfriendly. Although they had a good relationship with Li Xiang normally, their father had made such a fuss over his sister's affairs, and his life was in danger. Is it so difficult for you to marry my sister?
"grandfather."
At this moment, Li Xiang knelt beside the jade throne, staring at Li Shimin with his eyes wide open. The expression in his eyes was very clear, that is, he did not want this marriage.
Li Shimin had not expected things to turn out like this. Now it had become Cheng Yaojin forcing a marriage. In this situation, Cheng Yaojin could not stand firm. He was one of the earliest meritorious officials of the Tang Dynasty. If we talk about merit, he can also be ranked at the top. If Li Shimin does not agree today, then this reputation will spread...
"Little bastard, since ancient times, marriage has been decided by parents and matchmakers. You have no right to speak. Come and meet your father-in-law. I will have the Ministry of Rites choose a date for the engagement ceremony."
In this situation, Li Shimin could only choose to let Li Xiang suffer. Although this was the emperor's grandson, in order to protect the relationship between the military group and Li Shimin, what was the point of sacrificing a grandson?