"Aren't you going too far in the palace? I know you're getting ahead of yourself now, but you still have to keep a low profile. There's no benefit in doing things this way. It will only make your grandfather more troublesome."
There was no need for the father and son to use empty words when talking. Li Chengqian started criticizing Li Xiang as soon as he came up. He had known about what happened in the hall for a long time. If he had been there at the time, he would have definitely scolded Li Xiang and things would not have turned out like this.
"Father is right, but I just couldn't help it at the time. So many things have happened during this period. I think I don't care, but I still have so many soldiers under my command. They are fighting for the Tang Dynasty on the front line. But look at what my grandfather did? Being mean to me is being mean to them. I can ignore these things, but do they also care?"
Li Xiang smiled bitterly. He was telling the truth. The emperor was targeting Li Xiang all the time. When the emperor targeted Li Xiang, he was actually targeting his subordinates. If Li Xiang did not react at all, then those subordinates might think that Li Xiang was afraid. The emperor was still in his prime. If Li Xiang was afraid now, who would follow Li Xiang in the future?
After hearing this, Li Chengqian also sighed. Li Xiang was still a child after all. Although he had grown rapidly in recent years, he could not be suppressed like this all the time. If Li Chengqian was put in Li Xiang's position, perhaps Li Chengqian would understand and endure it.
But if Li Chengqian and Li Xiang were the same age, would he still be able to endure it? He might have already quarreled with Li Shimin.
"This is truly difficult for you. You have clearly made unparalleled contributions to the Tang Dynasty, yet now you have suffered such a fate. Your status is both your greatest advantage and your greatest disadvantage. Just as your grandfather said, there really is no more reward for you now."
Li Chengqian sighed helplessly. Li Xiang was now the third most important figure in the Tang Empire. How could he reward Li Xiang? He couldn't let Li Xiang bypass his father, nor could he let Li Xiang ascend the throne early.
"I know all these things. Even if you don't reward me, I won't say anything. Just don't stab me in the back."
Li Xiang changed his tea and took a sip of wine. Only when facing his father could he say all these words. When facing others, he always had to wear half a mask, otherwise, if these words were to leak out, it would be a crime punishable by beheading.
Of course, considering Li Xiang's current ability, Li Shimin can no longer convict Li Xiang casually, but rumors can kill people. If these words spread, Li Xiang will be charged with the crime of being unfilial. Now the world is still ruled by benevolence and filial piety. Once you are unfilial, including those under you, they may think that you are not a good person.
"You'd better stop saying things like that in the future. I know that the guards of the East Palace are all arranged by you, and they are very capable, but now is not the time to be free to speak and act freely."
Li Chengqian frowned. After Li Xiang came back this time, Li Chengqian noticed that this kid was becoming more and more casual in doing things. Although your power outside is also very huge, in this Chang'an City, your grandfather's power is still the most powerful. Li Chengqian was not willing to let Li Xiang come back, because in his mind, Li Xiang's return would mean his power was the weakest, and it would be the safest time for him to command the troops outside.
Li Xiang did not explain his arrangements in Chang'an City. If he explained it, it would be an extra risk. If you want to bury a secret, then don't tell anyone except yourself. Once you tell others, it means that the secret is no longer a secret, not even your own father.
"Let's talk about something happy. I've already made an agreement with Cheng Yaojin. When we choose a date, we'll start organizing this event. They're almost ready too. You have to go over there in the next two days. It's reasonable and logical for you to go. Cheng Yaojin, your father-in-law, has done a great job."
Seeing that Li Xiang was a little discouraged, Li Chengqian immediately found something to make him happy. His son's marriage was a top priority for the Eastern Palace and for the entire Tang Dynasty. Some things were arranged by the government, but some things had to be done by ourselves. Li Xiang's trip there could also show his respect for this matter.
Li Xiang nodded at the side. Of course, Li Xiang knew very well what Cheng Yaojin meant to him. Now everything about Li Xiang was related to Cheng Yaojin. It could be said that they shared the same fate.
Thinking of Cheng Yaojin, Li Xiang now felt a little regretful. He shouldn't have treated Li Shimin like that in the Golden Palace. He was not afraid of being implicated by Li Chengqian, but if something happened to Cheng Yaojin, Li Xiang might feel really guilty.
Seeing that it was getting late, Li Chengqian did not continue chatting with his son. After all, he would have to stay for a long time after returning from outside, and there would be plenty of time to chat later. It would be better for his second son to rest early, because it would be another busy day tomorrow.
Li Xiang returned to his yard and first rewarded everyone there, then went in to take a bath. It was the kind of gentle bath that made Li Xiang feel extremely comfortable. The two girls were indeed capable.
Looking at the expressions on the two girls' faces, Li Xiang originally wanted to ask them what their plans were, but now he gave up asking. Although the society in the Tang Dynasty was a bit open, no matter how open it was, would you really let go of someone who was willing to take a bath with you?
"Don't set up your bed in the outhouse today."
Li Xiang's words made the two girls stop what they were doing.
In the past, both of them had accepted their fate, but Li Xiang had never done so. Now, these words made the two girls blush.
The next morning, it was already noon, and Qian Ping didn't dare to say a word at the door. After learning what happened last night, Qian Ping was thinking about how to find some food to nourish the little prince. The two girls finally had a home.
Li Chengqian originally had something to ask Li Xiang, but after Qian Ping went over to reply, Li Chengqian just smiled and said that if there was anything, it would be the same as before and he would make the decision himself. He couldn't just throw all these trivial matters to his son just because his son was back. As a father, he also had to take his own responsibilities. His son had worked hard on the front line, so let him have a good rest in the land of peace and tranquility!