"Your cousin is different from the rest of you. He's been studying sage books at home for the past few years and has accumulated a great deal of knowledge. Let me ask you, where do you think your cousin should go?"
Li Shimin was unwilling to reveal these things because his eldest grandson was born a few years later due to his bad luck. But now he wants to make compensation, but he doesn't know which government office to send it to. He also wants to hear Li Xiang's opinion.
In Li Shimin's mind, although Li Xiang was arrogant and domineering, he was still very accurate in judging people. Princess Xiangcheng and Xiao Shougui were also extremely nervous because this was related to his future. He didn't expect that the rumors outside were true. Li Shimin had to ask Li Xiang for some of his opinions.
"My cousin is quick-witted and very measured in his actions. He is also a very disciplined person. I think any government office would be suitable for him. They are very lucky to have someone like him. However, if my grandfather had taught my cousin to me, I think he would still be sent to the battlefield."
Li Xiang's words made everyone laugh. Everyone knew that Li Xiang was a warmonger. Princess Xiangcheng did not want her son to go to the battlefield because in the eyes of many nobles, this was a shameful thing.
Xiao Shougui, on the contrary, did not have such an idea. Although he was a scholar, he also thought that a good man should have ambitions to travel around the world. Now, apart from Chang'an City, he had never been to other places. He also wanted to travel all over the land of the Tang Dynasty.
"Since you say so, how about asking your cousin to go and help you? Do you think he should go to Goguryeo? Or to Xueyantuo?"
Li Shimin immediately seized the opportunity. Of course, this opportunity was given to him by Li Xiang. In Li Shimin's view, Xiao Shougui could not be Li Xiang's man, so Li Shimin wanted to place him in.
Princess Xiangcheng's face changed drastically. She thought it was just a joke between grandparents and grandchildren, but she didn't expect that her son's future would be decided immediately. Princess Xiangcheng wanted to wait two days before asking for this matter. She hadn't been back to Chang'an for many years. After returning, she asked for a future for her son first. This might make her be laughed at by others.
But they didn't expect that while joking, the grandfather and grandson would decide their son's future. Not to mention Goguryeo, it is said that it is well governed now and has a lot of people, but if he is sent to Xueyantuo, then he would be in a desperate situation.
"My grandson doesn't think those two places offer much of a challenge. My fifth uncle is about to leave for Gaochang, which is currently the most important place in the Tang Dynasty. Wouldn't it be better if my cousin could serve as his deputy?"
A single word can awaken a person from a dream. When Li Xiang said this, Li Shimin understood instantly. Although he sent Li You to the front line, he was still a little worried in his heart. If he didn't find a suitable person to watch over him, this guy would probably turn the world upside down. Once he messed up, even if he was killed a hundred times, the Tang Dynasty's policy on the Western Regions would have to be re-formulated. The loss would be too great.
But there was someone who looked at him differently. The reason why Xiao Shougui was given such a name was because he was very rule-abiding. In addition, he had a relationship with the royal family and was Li Shimin's eldest grandson. Under various oppressions, even if Li You was dissatisfied, he had to look at the various relationships in the court and endure what he should endure.
"I really forgot about this. Your fifth uncle is going to Gaochang and really needs an assistant. Are you willing to follow your fifth uncle and learn from him?"
When Li Shimin said this, it showed that he had made up his mind. Although he didn't have to go to Xueyantuo, there was no benefit in following someone like Li You. Princess Xiangcheng wanted to refuse in her heart, but when she heard her father's words, she knew she couldn't refuse.
"As long as His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi does not despise my dullness, I am willing to go and take a look, to broaden my horizons and thus serve the Tang Dynasty."
Li Xiang and Li Shimin both agreed with Xiao Shougui's tact, but Li You felt uncomfortable. It was obvious that he wanted someone to keep an eye on him. After he went there, there would be Li Xiang's people everywhere. This was not enough, so he had to find another person from the emperor.
But he couldn't refuse in the current situation. The ball was kicked from Li Xiang's feet to Li Shimin's feet, and then from Li Shimin's feet to Xiao Shougui's feet. Now Xiao Shougui kicked the ball to him, Li You.
If he refused at this moment, it would be equivalent to rejecting everyone, and he would also offend Princess Xiangcheng and then offend the Lanling Xiao family.
A lean camel is bigger than a horse. In the midst of one change after another, the Lanling Xiao family has been greatly weakened, but it is still an ancient family after all. If Li You offends them, no matter what he does in the future, he will probably be interfered with by them.
Empress Yin Fei kept winking at Li You, asking him to agree. Your father has already decided to do this matter. If you do anything wrong, you will definitely be a hopeless person in your father's eyes.
"What's the big deal? If I'm willing to go, I can just go with my uncle. We can look after each other. Your mother took great care of me in the palace back then, and I'm repaying that favor."
Li You was very well-spoken. Back then, they were both illegitimate children, so Princess Xiangcheng took better care of her illegitimate brother.
But Li You is not really grateful. He has long forgotten the care that was shown to him back then. Now he is just giving an explanation.
The first step has been completed, and the second step is not suitable to be discussed here. Li Xiang just raised his glass frequently, which was considered a real family dinner. What's more, when the aunt looked at Li Xiang, there was a hint of affection in her eyes. After all, they were related by blood.
Li Shimin was also very pleased and immediately granted him a fourth-rank official position.
If Xiao Shougui was an official in Chang'an, he would be a fourth-rank official, which would be quite high. But now that he has gone to Gaochang, this official position is a bit looked down upon. But if he comes back, he will at least be promoted one level and be considered a senior official of the court.
After Princess Xiangcheng understood this, a smile appeared on her face.
He had already made up his mind that he would collect some valuable things after returning, one portion to be sent to Li You's residence, and the other portion to be sent to the palace. Although he was going on a mission with Li You this time, everyone knew that the army in Gaochang was Li Xiang's confidant. How could he not send gifts to the Eastern Palace?