The situation in Gaochang Kingdom was extremely urgent, but no matter how urgent it was, it could not shake the foundation of the Tang Dynasty. Some things happened in Chang'an City at this moment, which could have a far-reaching impact on the Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin had issued an imperial decree, ordering Li Jue to go to the Beiting Protectorate to serve as the Protector General of the Beiting Protectorate.
This matter made Li Chengqian very worried. He knew his son very well. The last time in the carriage, the King of Wu had made it very clear that if you want to save your youngest son's life, you'd better use your brain. If you really let your youngest son go to the north, it is estimated that not even a bone will be left.
Li Xiang might not take action for the sake of Li Chengqian, after all, he is his half-brother.
But what about the people under Li Xiang? They had already completed the war in the north, and they had gone through bullets and shells. They were about to reap the fruits of their labor, but a man came from Chang'an City and stole their credit. These people in the army didn't care whose son you were.
Although Li Chengqian had never been in the army, he knew how these people in the army did things. If you are blocking their way, don't expect them to give you face, or you won't know how you died.
So he found a day when he didn't have to attend court, and Li Chengqian held a banquet at home, but he didn't invite anyone. Except for his legitimate son Li Jue, no one else was there.
Looking at his son, Li Chengqian had mixed feelings in his heart. As a father, he was afraid that his son would be successful, but at the same time, he was also afraid that his son would not be successful. Born in such a family, he could only choose a son who would be successful. If both sons were successful, then conflict would immediately arise.
He was very clear about Li Tai's affairs. The emperor wanted to replace Li Chengqian as the crown prince, so he doted on Li Tai. What was the result? The two brothers quarreled so much that they almost tore down Chang'an City.
At that time, Li Shimin's position had been stabilized, so he could let his two sons make as much trouble as they wanted. Whoever won would inherit the throne. Eventually, Li Chengqian became eccentric. If it weren't for Li Xiang's appearance, he might not have been able to stay in the Eastern Palace.
The status of the Eastern Palace is rising rapidly now, but it is far from stable, so Li Chengqian cannot allow such a thing to happen, especially the war between Li Xiang and Li Jue, which will destroy the entire Eastern Palace.
"I wish my father a long and healthy life."
Li Jue picked up the wine glass in front of him and behaved very docilely, but Li Chengqian knew very well that this son was not an ordinary person. He might not have shown anything in the early years, but his talents had become more and more outstanding in the past two years. It was basically impossible for such a person to get by.
"You are quite sensible. There are some things that we, father and son, don't need to beat around the bush. I don't want you to leave Chang'an. You should stay in Chang'an. Under my watchful eyes, we can discuss anything."
Li Chengqian drank the wine in the glass, and then went straight to the point. Everyone in the palace had been evacuated, including some guards, all of whom were twenty feet away, so no matter what the father and son talked about, there was no possibility of being eavesdropped by others.
Li Jue knew what Li Chengqian meant. He was simply afraid that he would compete with his elder brother for power, which would affect the status of the entire Eastern Palace. The moment Li Jue received the imperial edict, he knew that he would not have a good life during the time he was away from the capital.
"Father is right. I should stay by your side and learn from you. But now the imperial edict is with me..."
This kid also has his own response plan. Li Chengqian hasn't played his cards yet, so he won't reveal his cards either. As members of the royal family, even when father and son are talking, they have to proceed step by step, and no one will reveal his cards all at once.
"You're trying to fool me with the imperial edict. Do you know who I am? I'm telling you now, I'm your father. Everything I do is for your own good. Don't think being the Protector of Beiting is a good job. You won't achieve anything there. You may not understand the situation there, but you only need to understand one thing: outside of Chang'an City, everyone heading north is your eldest brother's people."
Li Chengqian did not put pressure on his son slowly like others did, but told him the truth directly. Although you are two brothers, you are not biological brothers. The fight between you two is more fierce than that of others. Can half-brothers still be considered brothers?
"Isn't this perfect? My son is looking after the territory for me, so I think my elder brother will not treat his son unfairly."
Li Jue was still unwilling to give up this opportunity. This opportunity was too important to him. If he threw it away, he would become a rich man like other young masters in the Eastern Palace and would have no chance to get involved in the court.
"I don't need to tell you what kind of person your eldest brother is. I know you still remember the things about your grandparents' family, so let me tell you now. It would be a good thing for you to forget about this matter. But if you can't forget it, then I, as your father, can't help you."
Li Chengqian had known for a long time that his youngest son still remembered what happened in the past and wanted to treat Li Xiang as his servant, but the two of you have very different shoulders. Your mother has already moved out of the Eastern Palace. Now, let alone you, even Li Chengqian as a father and Li Shimin as a grandfather may not be able to force Li Xiang to do something unhappy.
After hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Jue was somewhat shocked. He had known for a long time that his elder brother's power was very great, but was it really so great? Even his father, the crown prince, couldn't force him to do anything?
"I know that what Big Brother did is right, and I will never become his enemy over this matter. However, I am also thinking about making a career in Beiting Protectorate this time. Wouldn't it be better to serve as Big Brother's deputy in the future?"
Li Chengqian could see that his son was determined to go to the north. He said all kinds of good and bad things to him, but unfortunately his son refused to listen. It seemed that he had to make a decision for him. If he really went to the north, he would not be able to leave anything behind.
"Let me ask you one last question. Can I stay in Chang'an City?"
Li Chengqian had already put down his wine glass, and his usual gentle expression was gone. At this moment, Li Chengqian was like a ferocious tiger, and his son had become food in his eyes...