In the past, when Li Xiang returned to the capital, no matter what the reason was, he basically rushed away. Mainly because things were too tense, so he had no time to enjoy the scenery along the way. This time, he had enough time. It took him a full month and a half to walk from Gaochang Kingdom to Chang'an City.
It wasn't just Li Xiang who felt it was a bit slow. The soldiers under him had never taken such a long time before. Of course, there was nothing they could do about it. They had to carry so much baggage this time, so they couldn't go any faster.
Because the imperial court did not announce Li You's matter to the public, the common people thought that Li Xiang's trip to the Western Regions was a normal inspection.
Therefore, when Li Xiang arrived in the capital, the court did not send any important person to greet him, but only sent officials from the Ministry of Revenue to meet him.
After seeing the other party's documents, Li Xiang immediately asked his men to hand over the money to them. Carrying so much money along the way, Li Xiang really felt a sense of responsibility. Although his men were strong, if there was any mistake, it would really affect the important matter of saving the Yellow River. Li Xiang could not bear this responsibility.
"Don't stay here with me anymore. We've already arrived in Chang'an City. I'll have someone else handle the necessary procedures. You can go back now. You haven't been home for such a long time. I'll come to you in person someday."
Li Xiang saw that Su Dingfang was already a little restless. It was no wonder. This place was less than five miles away from Chang'an City. She had not been home for nearly two years. The whole family was impatient waiting. If it were not for the rules of the court, everyone in her family might have come out to greet her.
In the past, family members were allowed to come, but this time they brought so much money, and the main reason was that they were afraid of getting out of the house. Even outside Chang'an City was not that safe, and the amount of money was too high, so the generals' families were not allowed to come.
Some people may not understand this point. If they really haven't seen their family for two years, they would not be able to remain calm at this moment. After hearing what Li Xiang said, Su Dingfang did not refuse. He immediately clasped his fists towards Li Xiang, and then rushed to Chang'an City at the fastest speed.
"Greetings to His Highness."
Qian Ping was already standing by. As long as Li Xiang returned to Chang'an City, this guy would come over immediately. This was also what Li Chengqian meant. If Li Xiang did not come back, Qian Ping would be the one to worry about the affairs of the Eastern Palace. But if Li Xiang came back, he had to have someone who was used to working for him, and Qian Ping was the most suitable person.
"Have you delivered all the things I asked you to deliver to General Su's residence?"
Su Dingfang has followed me in my battles, and I haven't even seen my one-year-old son yet. If I treat such a person badly, who will follow me in my battles in the future? What's more, I must have a great general by my side when I go to Nanzhao Kingdom this time, and Su Dingfang is definitely the first choice.
"Your Highness, don't worry. I send people there every month. Not only to General Su's residence, but also to the other generals. This time when General Su returned to the capital, I increased everything by 30%."
Qian Ping answered cheerfully that he might not be able to do other things for Li Xiang, but when it came to these things like welcoming and seeing off guests, he was the most capable. Li Xiang was indeed confident in handing this matter over to him. Others might not understand it, but he knew it very well.
All the generals who followed Li Xiang fought for their lives outside, so their families in Chang'an City had to live the best life. Of course, no matter whether their families were poor or rich, Li Xiang would send them twice their salary every month. With this income, no matter what kind of family they were, they could live a better life.
"Is there anything new happening in the capital these days? Before I get home, pick out a few things you should tell me."
After Li Xiang greeted the officials of the Ministry of Revenue, he lay down on the carriage. He was very tired after the journey from the Western Regions, mainly because of the responsibilities he had. If anything went wrong with such a large sum of money, even Li Xiang would not be able to take the responsibility.
"There's not much new, but the Emperor has granted a marriage. Princess Gaoyang is given to Fang Yiai, the son of Prime Minister Fang. This young master Fang is also from our side. I've already started preparing the gifts."
Qian Ping thought about it carefully. Not much happened during this period of time. If he had to say the biggest thing, it should be this incident. Li Xiang just said "hmm" at the beginning and didn't show much interest in it, but he did it soon. Isn't this the biggest cuckold in history?
However, Fang Yiai is helping Li Xiang and is currently in the old Turkic territory. Due to the sparse population there, many grasslands have been vacated. Li Xiang has moved a lot of people who can graze from Tuyuhun, and Fang Yiai is allocating grasslands to these people locally.
Princess Gaoyang and Li Xiang are the same age. Although she is Li Xiang's aunt, they have met before, but they just never spoke. Li Xiang also wants to turn this bad thing into a good thing. Since Fang Yiai works for us, I can't let him wear this green hat in the future.
Princess Gaoyang's biological mother was Lady Dai Ji, who was originally the wife of the former Crown Prince Li Jiancheng. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin made this woman his wife. Speaking of which, Concubine Yang was also the wife of Li Yuanji. Li Xiang did not comment on his grandfather's behavior. After all, there are many people who like beautiful women these days, and Li Shimin is not the only one. Any man can understand this kind of thing.
"I remember that Princess Gaoyang's biological mother was Madam Daiji. Where is Madam Daiji now?"
Li Xiang deliberately lowered his voice when he said this. After all, this woman was a taboo in Chang'an City. If he talked about it so loudly, it would be like slapping Li Shimin in the face. No matter how open the society was and Confucianism had stabilized in the society, what Li Shimin did was still a little unpleasant.
"To answer your Highness, I was in Xiuchun Palace a year ago, but it's hard to say where I am now. After all..."
Qian Ping said with some embarrassment that he was still somewhat aware of the news in the palace, but if he knew everything, then his brain would be...