Of course, there was a reason why Cheng Yaojin made such a decision. In addition to these rumors, Li Xiang was about to go to Nanzhao. This matter had already been decided, and he would also marry the princess of that country. After he came back, he would have two legitimate wives. If the princess of Nanzhao became pregnant, then his daughter's status would be embarrassing.
What's more, there are maids around, and his daughter also brought a few maids with her as a dowry. His own maids can be controlled. They take medicine every day and there is no way they can get pregnant with Li Xiang's flesh and blood, but Li Xiang's own maids...
Coupled with the girls in Chang'an City who were eyeing him covetously, Cheng Yaojin felt more and more that his daughter was in danger. Although he and his two sons were working for Li Xiang, his daughter's status would definitely not be shaken, but if someone else gave birth to the eldest son in advance, there would definitely be trouble in the future.
"Master, it's time to dismount."
The old housekeeper reminded him that when Cheng Yaojin came out of the house just now, he was so excited that he almost galloped through the city of Chang'an. Of course, he was afraid of hurting the common people, so he walked slowly, but with a smile on his face.
All the way from home, not only was there no smile on his face, but he also exuded a murderous aura, which was the aura that the master could only exude in the military camp. Could it be that he remembered something during this time? Did the young lady and the son-in-law not make the master angry?
Although Cheng Yaojin felt unhappy along the way, he also knew that this was the gate of the imperial palace and there were countless people watching. The emperor allowed him to ride a horse in Chang'an City, but he could not let him ride a horse into the palace. If he did so, there would be no distinction between high and low.
Cheng Yaojin got off his horse obediently and was about to go to the East Palace, but who knew that his enemy would meet him in a narrow road and he saw Xiao Yu in front of him.
Xiao Yu used to be the prime minister. He originally had a conflict with Li Shimin and was also a close confidant of Li Yuan. So after Li Shimin became emperor, he directly put this guy in a retirement state. Xiao Yu himself was unwilling to bow to Li Shimin, so he just stayed at home to raise flowers and birds.
Later, after seeing his eldest grandson, Xiao Yu came to his senses. If he continued to raise flowers and birds, then the people in his family might not have the opportunity to become officials. So Xiao Yu adjusted his mentality and eventually returned to the court. Although his power was not as great as before, relying on the forces behind him and his own advancement and retreat, he still secured a very important position in the Secretariat.
"General Cheng."
One of them was a civil official and the other was a military general. Logically, Xiao Yu was older and had a higher status than Cheng Yaojin, so Cheng Yaojin should have greeted him first. However, Xiao Yu saw that Cheng Yaojin didn't say anything for a long time, and he didn't know how he had offended him. So he greeted him first to avoid the scholar being unable to explain himself when he met a soldier.
"Master Xiao."
Cheng Yaojin knew that this was not the place to cause trouble, and today was not the time to cause trouble, so he lowered his head slightly and walked past sideways. Xiao Yu looked at Cheng Yaojin with some confusion, completely unaware that in this short distance, Cheng Yaojin had already thought of so many things, and at the same time regarded him as a competitor.
To be honest, Xiao Yu had also heard the rumors in Chang'an City. He originally wanted to ask someone to dispel the rumors, but then he thought of another thing. If he really showed up, these rumors might become more and more intense, so he didn't pay too much attention to this matter. Unexpectedly, this also offended Cheng Yaojin.
Of course, Xiao Yu did have other ideas in his mind. Seeing that the children in his family were like flower buds, if he could really become Li Xiang's concubine, then his future prospects would be limitless. In addition, Xiao Shougui had already established a firm foothold in the Western Regions. If another daughter in his family married Li Xiang in the future, then the rise of the family would basically be stable.
If the daughter of the family can give birth to a prince in the future, although she may not be able to catch up with the Changsun family, she will be almost as successful.
After turning around and walking a few steps, Xiao Yu suddenly came to his senses and realized where he had offended the general. Everyone thought that the general was an old rogue who was not very smart except for his bravery on the battlefield.
But Xiao Yu knew very well that among those who could become generals, was there any idiot? If they relied solely on their bravery on the battlefield, they would never have made it this far. So he did not believe in the idea of strong limbs and simple minds. This General Cheng might fight back.
"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince..."
At the gate of the East Palace, Li Xiang and his son were already standing. Just when Cheng Yaojin was about to kneel down to pay his respects, Li Chengqian immediately stopped Cheng Yaojin. If the two families had not become relatives, it would not be an exaggeration for Li Chengqian to call him uncle.
"Meet my father-in-law."
Cheng Yaojin did not salute Li Xiang because he was held back by Li Chengqian, but Li Xiang's junior could not be exempted. When Cheng Yaojin saw Li Xiang, especially when Li Xiang was so well-behaved, Cheng Yaojin was still very satisfied. But in the whole Tang Dynasty, is there any better son-in-law than himself?
"Get up, get up. Why are your family members making such a fuss? If you hadn't sent someone to deliver the letter today, I would have asked you to come back and have a drink with me. You've taken both of my sons to the northwest. Normally, I have no one to drink with me. Today, I'm going to drink with you and your son. Bring out the good wine."
Cheng Yaojin's loud voice could be heard throughout half of the palace. Li Chengqian nodded in agreement. When he was a child, Cheng Yaojin had been his riding and archery instructor. It could be said that his strict requirements at the time had left a psychological trauma on Li Chengqian.
"General, please rest assured. Please sit for a moment. The food will be ready soon."
Li Chengqian led Cheng Yaojin in front, and Li Xiang followed behind. It had been a while since the father and daughter had seen each other, so Li Xiang had just told Li Chengqian to set aside two quarters of an hour before dinner so that the father and daughter could meet.
Li Chengqian naturally would not object to this. Although they were both in Chang'an City, Cheng Luan was married to Li Xiang after all, so she had to put her husband's family first in everything. Moreover, the Eastern Palace had been in turmoil recently, and Cheng Luan had to help Li Xiang keep an eye on it. So she had not been home for a long time, and the father and daughter should meet.
Li Xiang and his son went downstairs to check out the wine and food. Cheng Yaojin was very satisfied with Li Xiang's arrangement. He thought his son-in-law was very thoughtful.