The banquet was also very enjoyable, with guests and hosts raising their glasses frequently. It was the first time that Li Xiang made Li Shimin so happy since his return. He earned face in front of his daughter and grandson, and Li Shimin also looked upon Li Xiang a little more favorably.
After lunch, Li Xiang and Princess Xiangcheng left the Golden Palace together.
"Aunt, please stay!"
Although Princess Xiangcheng had some things she wanted to say to Li Xiang, this was the imperial palace and not a good place to talk. She had planned to talk to Li Xiang tomorrow, but she didn't understand why Li Xiang brought it up first.
"Does Xiang'er have anything to say?"
Princess Xiangcheng said with some confusion, but Li Xiang had done a great favor to their family this time. If Li Xiang had not spoken in front of the emperor, this fourth-rank official would not know how to speak. It was a bit far away, but it was also a place to earn credit.
"Nephew does have something to say. We all know exactly what mission my cousin is on in the northwest this time, so I want to keep him for half a day. After the royal grandfather sobers up, I want to ask for an imperial decree for him."
There are many spies around, but Li Xiang didn't want to hide anything. Everyone knows what kind of person King Li You of Qi is. If Xiao Shougui wants to keep an eye on him, it would be nonsense without an imperial edict. You expect to reason with him earnestly, but you might get a whip in return.
This was what Princess Xiangcheng was worried about. Her son had read a lot of books on sages, but he had not done much in practice. If he rashly went to the northwest, he might suffer. But she could not say it out loud in the situation just now. If she did, it would mean that she was dissatisfied with King Qi Li You. Unexpectedly, Li Xiang said it out loud.
Princess Xiangcheng did not dare to offend Prince of Qi Li You, but Li Xiang did not have such an idea. There were not many princes in the capital who had a good relationship with Li Xiang, and there was no such thing as offending the rest. As long as everyone could get along, it was fine.
After hearing what Li Xiang said, Xiao Shougui was extremely grateful in his heart. Although he was the emperor's grandson, the emperor had so many grandsons that it was impossible for him to take care of all his grandsons, let alone a nephew. It was indeed a bit embarrassing for him to take care of his uncle.
"In that case, I'll let your cousin bother you with your work. Also, have him go and pay his respects to your father. I'll be hosting a banquet at my house some other day, and I'd like to invite your father to attend."
Princess Xiangcheng's eyes were a little moist. Although it was the first time she met her nephew, she was thinking about her son personally. She had many nephews in the capital, but because the Xiao family lost power, she had little contact with these people.
"Of course. Aunt, please go ahead. I'll send someone to take my cousin back after sunset."
Li Xiang said very respectfully that you should know that Li Xiang is now the third most important person in the Tang Dynasty. Although Princess Xiangcheng is Li Xiang's elder, she is no longer a close royal relative. If Li Xiang does not salute, it is understandable. The Tang Dynasty emphasizes national etiquette before family etiquette.
Princess Xiangcheng agreed, and then gave her son a few instructions. The person he would be meeting later was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Although he was also his uncle, there were many uncles in the capital, and uncles were not the same.
"Thank you, cousin, for interceding for me. Although I am a few years older than you, I am still far behind you in terms of officialdom and interpersonal relationships. I hope you can give me some advice in the future."
On the way to the Eastern Palace, Xiao Shougui also expressed his sincere gratitude. Li Xiang had been observing for a long time and found that this cousin was a capable person, but he had been away from the court for too long, so he didn't know how to deal with some things.
"Cousin, what are you talking about? We are blood cousins and we need to support each other in the future. Frankly speaking, I have also put my heart into the Northwest region. If the King of Qi goes there, I'm really afraid that he will mess things up for me."
When they arrived at the gate of the East Palace, Li Xiang spoke more casually, and he was not afraid of being heard by others. This was what Li Xiang was thinking in his heart. Li Shimin was a master of psychological warfare. If you don't let him hear some truth, he may have more ideas, and then things will be bad.
The two cousins became more and more excited as they talked, and they had a lot in common, so they had no idea that they had already arrived in the Eastern Palace. It was only after Qian Ping reminded them that Li Xiang took them to his father's side.
The relationship between Li Chengqian and Princess Xiangcheng was pretty good. A few years ago, when Li Chengqian was acting up, Princess Xiangcheng sent people to send back several letters, just to persuade him, but Li Chengqian at that time would not listen to anything. When he saw Princess Xiangcheng's letters, he asked people to throw them away.
However, she still remembered this favor. You have to know that Li Chengqian was about to be deposed at that time, and everyone knew the outcome. No one would waste time on him. Princess Xiangcheng still remembered this matter, which could be regarded as considering the relationship between siblings. Li Chengqian always wanted to repay her, but he never had any chance.
"Get up, get up. We are all family. Let's stop going through all this nonsense. I'm going to host a banquet for your father in the East Palace someday. Is he in good health?"
He was also very happy to see his nephew Li Chengqian in front of him. After all, he was his blood relative, so he quickly asked someone to give him a seat.
Listening to the two people talking to each other, Li Xiang was not interested. He decided to leave all the time to the two of them. Li Xiang went back to take a nap. The two were still discussing in the study. It seemed that the time was about right.
"Has the Emperor woken up yet?"
Li Xiang stretched, and Qian Ping was already waiting beside him.
"Your Majesty has woken up and is now in the Qinzheng Hall with the Prime Minister to discuss something. However, the Prime Minister has been in there for quite some time now, so it should be almost time."
Qian Ping said in a low voice that no matter how powerful Li Xiang is now, it is not acceptable for him to keep an eye on the emperor's schedule, so he has to be secretive.
Ever since Wang De surrendered, Li Shimin's work and rest schedule was no longer a problem, so whenever he wanted to do something, he had to choose a time when he was free. If you are angry and you run over to him, aren't you asking for trouble?
Li Xiang sent a message to Xiao Shougui, and then ended his conversation with Li Chengqian.
The two of us have already made an appointment to go to the Xiao family for a banquet first, and then to the East Palace for a banquet.
While Li Xiang was sleeping, the two men had already arranged two meals. This shows how idle the nobles in Chang'an City were. Apart from entertaining guests, they had nothing else to do.