In fact, for Cheng Yaojin, it doesn't matter whether he is invited to drink or not. After all, he is Li Xiang's father-in-law, and there will be a day when he will be invited to drink sooner or later, otherwise someone will say that Li Xiang does not know etiquette.
But Chang'an City is a place of gossip. If Li Xiang does not invite Cheng Yaojin, rumors will definitely spread. To be more extreme, even if he invites him late, some people will probably feel something is wrong.
The timing is just right. After Li Xiang returned to Beijing, his every move was watched by others. After returning from drinking with Lord Changsun, Li Xiang hosted a banquet for his father-in-law in the East Palace. Although this was a bit against the rules, he should have visited the Cheng family.
But the common people in the capital can see clearly that all kinds of good things are sent to the Cheng family on a normal day, which is like a mountain of gold and silver. It doesn’t matter whether they visit now or not, it’s just another gift.
If you are a poor son-in-law, you must visit your father-in-law on the three festivals and two birthdays. If you don't go, people will definitely say you are stingy. But Li Xiang bears most of the expenses of the Cheng family throughout the year. Will anyone still say he is stingy?
Moreover, the Eastern Palace is not what it used to be. Li Chengqian has also regained his full strength in the court. In order to maintain his status, he would not often invite people to drink in the Eastern Palace. After all, he still has to care about Li Shimin's thoughts. The old man is still in power. If you often hold banquets for the ministers in the Eastern Palace, what are you thinking? Could it be that he also wants to make trouble for Xuanwu Gate?
Therefore, going to the East Palace to drink is still a very honorable thing. The last time was when the eldest princess returned to Beijing, that is, Xiao Shougui's mother. Cheng Yaojin was also considered the second family.
After receiving the invitation from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, although Cheng Yaojin did not look very happy, he was actually happy in his heart. His son-in-law had been back to Beijing for two days and had no other explanation for not visiting him. Although he said that he didn't care, he was still thinking about this matter in his heart.
"Look, look, you're all gossiping. Those two brats are causing trouble in the northwest again, and there's a problem between me and His Royal Highness. What's the problem? Isn't it just that I've been very busy since I came back? Helping his father deal with the concubine, and helping that old man, the eldest grandson, deal with his son's problem. Our family is peaceful, so now it's my turn."
When Cheng Yaojin received the invitation, he went to the backyard and shouted for a while. During this period, he could not hear what people outside said, but he could hear the words of the women in the family very clearly. There was no shortage of such gossipers in Chang'an City. Cheng Yaojin's words also made these people see clearly that our old Cheng family is still standing.
"My Lord, how can you say such words? Although we are relatives of the Crown Prince, we should still observe the duties of monarch and subject, otherwise it will embarrass your son-in-law."
After hearing this, Mrs. Cheng was so scared that she quickly asked everyone in the family to leave. Even though Cheng Yaojin was always outspoken, there were some things that could not be said casually. The affairs of Changsun Wuji's family were not a big deal, as almost the entire Chang'an City knew about it, but the affairs of the prince's concubine could not be talked about casually.
Filial piety is important in this era. If your father finds you a new concubine, not only should you not object, you should also strongly support it. This is how you show filial piety to your father. If you come back and deal with this new concubine, some people will criticize you. Did you raise a son just to control your father's affairs in bed?
"What's so difficult about this? Do you think I've been idle these days? Qian Ping, the former chief steward of the Eastern Palace, has left the city and is heading south."
Cheng Yaojin said this nonchalantly, but he still lowered his voice. After all, it was a matter concerning the royal family, so he had to be careful when necessary to avoid being caught.
After hearing this, Mrs. Cheng was surprised. There had been rumors outside for a long time that the prince was very concerned about this new concubine. Li Xiang had only been back for a few days. Could it be that the prince had already changed his mind?
"Our son-in-law has always been very concerned about the affairs of the imperial court and is quite capable. How come he is also so capable in matters of the harem?"
Mrs. Cheng had just been in charge of Cheng Yaojin, telling him not to get involved in these matters, but she couldn't suppress her curiosity.
Cheng Yaojin looked at his wives speechlessly. You women always think that you are the only ones who know everything about the affairs at home. In fact, if the masters can think of things in a better way, they will definitely not handle it worse than you.
"Madam, you are wrong. In fact, there is no clear dividing line between the affairs of the court and the harem. It's all just a matter of tactics. As long as one has sufficient tactics, anything can be done. Our son-in-law has all kinds of abilities in the court. I'm afraid no one can stop him from doing what he wants."
Cheng Yaojin spoke some very true words again. It was true that the affairs of the former court and the harem were not on the same track, but the essence remained the same. As long as you had a brain, you would not suffer any loss anywhere. It would just be a matter of wasting some time.
Aunt Fan thought she had gained status, so she started to act arrogantly. However, she was not on the same level as Li Xiang. She only needed a little guidance. Li Chengqian himself was a smart man and could figure out the matter quickly.
Even if Aunt Fan was sincere to Li Chengqian, according to Cheng Yaojin's idea, Li Xiang would never keep this woman.
When Mrs. Cheng heard Cheng Yaojin say this, a look of shock appeared on her face. Could it be that Li Xiang wanted to assassinate this woman?
"It's said that you women have long hair and short knowledge. No matter how powerful our son-in-law is, he can't lay hands on his own concubine. He doesn't dare to do such a thing because of the word filial piety."
It was rare for Cheng Yaojin to show off in front of his wife. He usually gave people the impression of being strong but simple-minded, but at this moment, seeing his wife's confused look, Cheng Yaojin felt extremely satisfied. He just didn't analyze these things for her before, but if he really wanted to analyze them, he could do it clearly.
"Then why do you say he can't keep Concubine Fan? Is there any other way?"
Mrs. Cheng's curiosity was really aroused at this moment. The people outside were making preparations, and Cheng Yaojin would go to the East Palace soon. Mrs. Cheng also hoped to make Cheng Yaojin understand clearly during this time. Which woman doesn't like gossip, especially gossip about the royal family or her own in-laws.