"Is Li Xiang still asleep? We two brothers are such good helpers, but he didn't take us to the front line and left us in Chang'an. What's going on?"
Cheng Chuliang wanted to continue speaking, but was glared back by his father. Although you are in your own home, you have to be careful with your words. It is true that Li Xiang is your brother-in-law, but Li Xiang may also be the brother-in-law of many people. Even if you are Li Xiang's second uncle, if you speak like this, many opportunities in the future may not come to you.
"Second brother, you must be careful with your words in the future. We are representing the family now, and we also represent our brother-in-law in other places. If you continue to speak like this, you will get into trouble sooner or later."
Hearing the boss's words, Cheng Yaojin nodded in appreciation. He had to have a good mindset. Although Cheng Yaojin appeared to be a simpleton and a bit of a scoundrel, he was actually quite meticulous. Otherwise, how could he be called an "unshakable" person in history? He was also the longest-lived of the twenty-four heroes in the Lingyan Pavilion.
"This is also a good thing. Even if I take you two brothers to the front, there will be so many brave generals there. Will you definitely be able to achieve great things? It's not wrong to let you stay in Chang'an. After all, someone needs to look after the family. If you two stay in Chang'an, you can free up a position for others and help him keep an eye on the city."
Cheng Yaojin certainly understood Li Xiang's arrangement. It didn't matter who he led to the front line. After all, Li Xiang was watching at the front line. If someone was not suitable, he could be replaced at any time.
But it’s different here in Chang’an City. The last time Li Xiang went to Tubo, the situation had not deteriorated so much, so Chang’an City did not need too many arrangements. Now Li Xiang has to let Cheng Yaojin watch here. These two sons are Cheng Yaojin’s right-hand men. It is definitely better to use these two than others. Although you have lost an opportunity for promotion now, as long as you have a place in Li Xiang’s heart, are you still afraid that you won’t be able to get promoted in the future?
The Cheng Chumo brothers looked at each other. Although they understood this truth, they were busy in the martial arts training ground at home every day and had acquired good skills. They wanted to make achievements on the battlefield, but they didn't expect to be kicked back by Li Xiang at the last moment. They had to guard the house in Chang'an City honestly. They couldn't help feeling uncomfortable.
"Look at the way you two look, do you really not understand the problem? The person who can protect the house is the closest person to you."
Seeing that his two sons were a little depressed, Cheng Yaojin could only enlighten them. After Cheng Yaojin finished saying this, the two of them were indeed in a much better mood. They thought of Fang Xuanling. Every time the emperor left the capital, he would leave Fang Xuanling or Changsun Wuji in the capital. These people were the emperor's absolute confidants. We are now guarding the capital for our brother-in-law, and we will definitely be in this position in the future.
"One more thing, is your sister okay?"
Cheng Yaojin suddenly remembered another thing. When Li Xiang came back from Tubo, he placed Deji Yangzong here. Now Li Xiang is preparing to go to war, and there must be no fire in the backyard. Cheng Yaojin's youngest daughter is well-educated and well-mannered, and is completely different from the three of them, but he still has to ask about it.
"What's your sister's personality like? Although I was a little uncomfortable at first, I've heard the two girls chatting these past few days. That place has been sealed off, and ordinary men are not allowed to enter, including the two of us. We can't go in without permission."
Cheng Chumo handled things very well. In the past, there was only his sister in that courtyard, so he could go there whenever he wanted. But now there is another woman of Li Xiang, and they have to avoid suspicion. This woman may very well be the imperial concubine in the future. If some gossip gets out, the future of the entire Cheng family will be over.
"You have to keep an eye on this matter. There must be no mistakes. Since our family has already taken sides, we must stick to it to the end."
As Cheng Yaojin was speaking, he took out a letter from a book. There were some names on it. Cheng Yaojin split the letter in half and gave it to his two sons.
"Memorize all these names, and within half a month, find a way to contact them. Don't worry about their official titles, just know that they have received my favor. Have them send their men out. While Li Xiang is away on the expedition, report any disturbances in Chang'an to you. Report to me every night."
The letter was very serious. When Li Xiang left Chang'an City, Cheng Yaojin would help Li Xiang manage these things, including some matters of Li Xiang's subordinates. All of them were handed over to Cheng Yaojin. Li Xiang originally wanted to ask Li Chengqian for help, but then he thought that Li Chengqian was in the East Palace, and many things might be inconvenient for him. It would be more convenient for Cheng Yaojin to do so.
"yes."
After the two brothers memorized the letter, they quickly burned it and went out to do their work. Cheng Yaojin didn't say the second half, which was a reminder from Li Xiang that the emperor was unhappy about the loss he suffered this time purely because of Li Xiang's coercion.
Li Xiang estimated that during the time he was away from the capital, the emperor would definitely plan the next little move. Of course, Li Xiang had no idea what this little move was. Although he had ordered his men to speed up the investigation, Li Xiang still had not figured out how much power the emperor had. So he had to let Cheng Yaojin command his men and keep a close eye on the palace. Then he could only respond as the situation escalated.
Cheng Yaojin is loyal to Li Shimin, but now it's time to take sides. Although Li Shimin looks very strong, he can only guarantee the wealth of Cheng Yaojin's generation. As for Cheng Chumo and Cheng Chuliang, they must be left to fight for themselves. Choosing to stand on Li Xiang's side is equivalent to getting on the same boat. In order to preserve the Cheng family for generations to come, Cheng Yaojin can only bite the bullet and do it.
In the next few days, Li Xiang was not idle. He did not receive these people in the East Palace, but continued to entertain high-ranking officials and dignitaries in the capital at Tianshang Renjian. Some of them really had something to do, and some just wanted to exchange greetings, but everyone had met them, which was regarded as an advance review of the next generation of monarchs.
Those who deserve rewards will be rewarded, those who deserve punishment will be punished, those who deserve opportunities will be given opportunities, those who deserve promotion will be promoted, and of course... those who deserve death will be killed...
