My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 108: Zhinu: Father, my aunt is here
The next morning.

Li Chengqian sent someone to wake up Li Yuanchang who was still in bed.

Li Yuanchang complained in a daze: "Prince, it's not even daybreak yet, what are you doing? I need to go back to sleep."

Li Chengqian said, "Aren't you going to be my Right Neilu? I, the Crown Prince, have already gotten up, and you, the Right Neilu, are still in bed. What a lie."

Li Yuanchang was at a loss for words to refute, and could only helplessly say, "Where are you going so early?"

He suddenly missed his life in Liangzhou. Although it was a bit boring, at least no one cared about him.

It's free and you can play however you want.

When have you ever seen the morning sun?

"We are going to the Military Academy for training. You should come with me."

"You have been so wasted these past few years in Liangzhou that you can't even draw a crossbow."

"You should practice now. Otherwise, when you go out, I, the crown prince, will have to protect you, the right inner commander. Isn't that ridiculous?"

Li Chengqian knew very well that Li Yuanchang was a disaster.

It was Li Yuanchang who bewitched Li Chengqian to bring the beautiful young man Chengxin into the Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian's idea of ​​rebellion was largely related to Li Yuanchang. It can even be said that the person who first persuaded Li Chengqian to rebel was not Du He, but Li Yuanchang.

During the Chinese New Year last year, he said to Li Chengqian: "I hope Your Highness will soon become the emperor. Recently, I saw an official beside Your Majesty who is good at playing the pipa. After the success, I hope he can give it to me."

Regarding treason, the uncle and nephew even swore an oath of blood oath.

They cut their arms and let the blood bleed, then wiped it with a piece of silk, burned it to ashes and mixed it with wine to drink, as a pledge of allegiance.

Li Chengqian now can't kill Li Yuanchang, because in terms of blood relationship, he is his uncle.

If he were to leave him in his fiefdom, Li Chengqian was worried that something might happen. After all, this guy was simply lawless and disregarded the law.

They committed a series of acts, including running horses across fields and trampling crops, occupying the wives and concubines of officials, allowing their subordinates to seize the land of ordinary people, beating others to death, and so on.

After much thought, Li Chengqian felt that it would be best to keep Li Yuanchang by his side and watch over him, so that he could also undergo some labor reform.
-
Li Zhi is very tired.

The Prince of Jin's Palace is located in the eighth block from the north to the east of Zhuquemen Street, which is just south of Chang'an City, near Mingdemen.

The Puningfang, the residence of Li Ji, where he visited yesterday, is located in the northwest of Chang'an City, near Kaiyuan Gate.

This is equivalent to crossing most of the city of Chang'an.

Today we are going to visit Princess Tongan's aunt's home, which is in Xingningfang in the northeast.

Plus I went to the Imperial Palace yesterday.

This is equivalent to going around the city of Chang'an. Converted to today's distance, Li Zhi would have to run more than a hundred miles.

By the time Li Zhi arrived at Xingningfang, the Princess's Mansion, it was almost time for lunch.

But just as I reached the door, I heard a scolding.

Li Zhi and Princess Jin looked at each other, not knowing what had happened.

Then I saw a woman and a young man being driven out of the gate with their luggage.

"Second aunt, brother, what happened to you?"

Princess Jin looked at him and recognized him immediately.

This is her cousin Wang Fangyi and Wang Fangyi’s mother, Li.

Just as Li was about to respond, another voice came.

"Yaning? Prince Jin."

A noble lady dressed in luxurious clothes walked out of the mansion.

Princess Wang Yaning of Jin saluted with her arms crossed: "Aunt."

Li Zhi also bowed: "Aunt."

The noblewoman ignored the mother and son at the door and said to Li Zhi and his wife with a smile, "How dare we ask the Prince of Jin and the Princess of Jin to perform the ceremony? It's freezing outside. Come in quickly."

"If mother knew you were coming to see her, she would be very happy."

The noble lady who was called "big aunt" by Princess Wang Yaning of Jin was Wang Yuli, the biological daughter of Princess Tong'an.

During the Sui Dynasty, she was a concubine of Emperor Yang of Sui.

After the fall of the Sui Dynasty, he lived with Princess Tong'an.

Women in the Tang Dynasty could remarry, but Wang Yuli had a special status as she was a concubine of the previous dynasty.

Those who were suitable for marriage didn't dare to marry her, and those who were available for marriage she didn't like either, so she remained a widow.

Wang Yuli said this with a smile, and then glared at the mother and son at the door.

"Why don't you leave? Why are you staying here?"

"Do you want Mother to come out and chase you away?"

Hearing this, the mother and son did not dare to greet Li Zhi and walked away from the side.

Li Zhi knew that this was probably the contradiction that his teacher Li Ji had mentioned yesterday, but he did not expect it to have reached such a level that he was kicked out of the house.

As Wang Yuli entered, Princess Wang Yaning of Jin said as she walked in, "Aunt, it's almost the end of the year, why do you have to drive Second Aunt away at this time? It won't sound good if it gets out."

Princess Tong'an and her husband Wang Yu had a son and a daughter.

The daughter was Wang Yuli, who married Emperor Yang of Sui.

But his son Wang Renbiao was born out of wedlock and not Princess Tong'an's biological son.

During Li Yuan's reign, in the eighth year of Wude, Wang Yu died of illness.

Because he was not her biological son, Princess Tong'an had always disliked Wang Renbiao and they had a very bad relationship.

Wang Renbiao died early last year, and it is impossible for his illegitimate daughter-in-law and grandson to be liked by Princess Tongan.

There are also conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

"They broke my mother's favorite plum vase, which was my father's legacy."

"My mother was still talking about how winter is coming and we can see plum blossoms again."

"I didn't expect it to be broken."

"The mother was so angry that she drove them out."

Wang Yuli briefly introduced the situation.

Li Zhi and the princess looked at each other and knew that things were not that simple. It was probably just a chance for them to take advantage of this opportunity.

But they came here today to ask a favor from me, so it’s not appropriate for me to comment on this matter.

In the main hall.

Princess Tong'an was dressed in gorgeous clothes and had her hair adorned with pearls and jade. Although she was old, she still had a noble temperament.

Time has left some traces on her face, but the wisdom and majesty revealed in her eyes cannot be underestimated.

The previous events obviously made Princess Tong'an in a bad mood, and there was still a hint of frost on her face.

However, when he saw Li Zhi and his niece's granddaughter, he relaxed a lot and smiled kindly.

"I've met my aunt."

Li Zhi bowed to Princess Jin and saluted with his arms crossed.

"Child slave has grown up so much, good, good, like a man now."

"Yaning is becoming more and more charming. Come to me quickly so I can take a good look at her."

The Princess of Jin walked obediently to the side of Princess Tong'an. Princess Tong'an held her hand, looked at her carefully, her eyes full of love.

"Yaning, you haven't come to see your aunt for a long time. How have you been recently?" Princess Tong'an asked softly.

Princess Jin smiled and replied, "Aunt, Yaning is doing fine. I just miss you and have always wanted to come, but I was afraid to disturb you."

Princess Tong'an shook her head slightly: "Silly child, I am so happy that you can come to see me, how can it be a bother?"

Li Zhi stood aside, watching this heartwarming scene, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He asked, "Auntie, are you healthy?"

Princess Tong'an looked at Li Zhi with a look of relief in her eyes: "My young slave is thoughtful. My aunt is still in good health."

"As for you, you have an important responsibility now, so you should pay more attention to your health."

No one mentioned what happened between Wang Fangyi and his mother, as if nothing had happened.

Li Zhi was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then said, "Thank you for your concern, Auntie. I will pay attention to it."

Although Princess Tong'an could not see the details clearly due to her old age and poor eyesight, she could feel that Li Zhi was worried.

She said, "Child, if you have any difficulties, tell me and I will take care of it for you." Princess Tong'an's tone was a little overbearing, but she was indeed qualified to say this.

The Princess of the Tang Dynasty was not just a title, but had real power. She was regarded as a first-rank official and could even have a significant impact on the political landscape to a certain extent.

Princess Tong'an's background was even more impressive. In addition to being Li Shimin's aunt, she was also Li Yuan's sister from the same mother.

His grandfather Li Hu was one of the Eight Pillars of the Western Wei Dynasty, his maternal grandfather Dugu Xin was also one of the Eight Pillars of the Western Wei Dynasty, his aunt Dugu was the empress of Emperor Ming of Northern Zhou, and his aunt was the imperial concubine of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou.

When Li Yuan started his rebellion in Jinyang, Princess Tong'an and her husband Wang Yu gave their full support. When the Tang Dynasty was founded, Princess Tong'an could be said to have contributed greatly to the founding of the country.

"Why, Zhinu doesn't even believe me anymore?"

Seeing that Li Zhi hesitated and did not speak for a long time, Princess Tong'an frowned.

"Child slave dare not."

Li Zhi answered in a low voice, but did not say what the difficulty was.

Princess Tong'an snorted coldly and said to the Princess of Jin beside her: "Zhi Nu won't tell me, Yaning, you tell my aunt."

Princess Wang Yaning of the Jin Prince glanced at Li Zhi, and then whispered, "Aunt, His Majesty wants the Prince of Jin to stay in Chang'an."

Just this simple sentence is enough.

Princess Tong'an lived through the three Northern Zhou emperors, the two Sui emperors, the period of Li Yuan, and now the reign of Li Shimin.

Even though he is old, he is extremely sensitive in terms of politics.

After thinking for a moment and considering the current situation in Chang'an, he figured out what was going on.

He snorted coldly and said, "Qingque and the prince have messed up the entire Chang'an City. His Majesty still wants you to stay in Chang'an. What on earth does he want to do?"

"Is he going to follow his father's example and forget how he got the throne in the first place?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire main hall fell silent and the servants trembled with fear.

Even Li Jingxian and Wang Yaning beside them held their breath and dared not say a word.

Li Zhi seemed even more at a loss.

Only Princess Tong'an, Li Shimin's aunt, dared to say this.

In fact, in the early days, Princess Tong'an and her husband Wang Yu were strictly speaking supporters of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng.

However, before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Wang Yu died of illness.

Speaking of closeness, Princess Tong'an was closer to Li Yuan's eldest son Li Jiancheng.

So later on, this aunt was not so close to Li Shimin's son.

A few years later, Li Shimin was respectful to her and, considering certain aspects, decided to marry his beloved niece to the Prince of Jin and make her the Princess of Jin.

Among Li Shimin's sons, Princess Tong'an had the closest relationship with Li Zhi.

"Don't worry, young slave. I will go and ask His Majesty what this saint thinks."

Princess Tong'an was obviously a little angry.

From her point of view, Li Yuan's three sons and now Li Shimin's three sons seem to have returned to the past.

Is Li Shimin forcing his sons to follow the path he once walked? How chaotic will the Tang Dynasty become?

"Thank you, aunt."

Li Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. It was a good thing that his aunt agreed to help him.

At the same time, he was a little worried that his aunt would quarrel with his father.

Princess Tong'an was a decisive person. As soon as she opened her mouth to plead for mercy, she wanted to go into the palace immediately.

Li Zhi didn't expect his aunt to act so quickly, and immediately tried to persuade her that it was windy and snowy outside and he was afraid that the aunt would be hurt.

Princess Tong'an said, "When the snow stops, everything will be settled. What's the point of me going there?"

"It would be more effective if we go there now, while His Majesty has not yet made a decision."

After hearing this, Li Zhi had no choice but to persuade him.

So he went with Princess Tong'an.

Princess Jin stayed.

The eldest princess' carriage hurriedly headed towards the palace.

Whenever the Grand Princess traveled, dozens of Tiqi guards would lead the way and control the streets.
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Lecture on martial arts hall.

Li Chengqian naturally couldn't let Li Yuanchang stand at attention and march in step like those students.

But Li Yuanchang cannot be left idle.

So they asked him to play the drums.

Li Yuanchang likes hunting, which is a tradition of the Li family. He also has a high talent in painting.

The vocal part is not bad either.

But beating the drum is a strenuous job, and before even a stick of incense has burned I can’t stand it anymore.

"Your body is being drained by alcohol and sex."

Li Chengqian looked at Li Yuanchang's breathless appearance and couldn't help but frown and scold him.

"It's so cold, how can I have the strength?"

"It's you, the prince. Otherwise, if anyone pulls me out here, I will definitely get angry with him."

Li Yuanchang put down his drumstick and complained.

He was a man who was used to a luxurious and comfortable life. Now he was dragged to the Military Academy by the prince and forced to beat the drum. Naturally, he was miserable.

"You need to practice more."

Li Chengqian shook his head slightly.

Li Yuanchang didn't say that if you can do it, then come on.

He already knew about the prince's superb martial arts.

I saw it at the East Palace parade ground yesterday afternoon and was stunned.

Although there had been rumors about it, Li Yuanchang didn't believe it in his heart. But after seeing it with his own eyes, he had to believe it.

Don’t even mention how resentful Li Yuanchang’s eyes were at that time.

We agreed to be licentious together, but you secretly practiced peerless martial arts.

What is this?

At this time, the eunuch Wen Zhong suddenly rushed over.

Usually, when Li Chengqian was in the Military Academy, the eunuch Wen Zhong was not with him.

"Your Highness."

Seeing the anxious look on the eunuch Wen Zhong's face, Li Chengqian asked, "Why are you so anxious?"

The eunuch Wen Zhong glanced at Li Yuanchang beside him, and then said, "Your Highness, the Prince of Jin went to the Grand Princess's residence, and now the Grand Princess has entered the palace to meet the emperor."

Upon hearing the news that it was Prince of Jin Li Zhi, Li Chengqian frowned slightly.

Li Chengqian did not ignore this younger brother who was the last one to get lucky in history.

After he returned to Chang'an, he sent people to monitor his every move.

"Do you know what happened?" Li Chengqian asked.

The eunuch Wen Zhong replied: "We haven't found out yet, but it should be related to your majesty."

"After the Prince of Jin entered the palace to meet the emperor yesterday, he first went to Li Ji's residence, and today he went to the Grand Princess's residence."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian pondered for a moment and remained silent.

Li Yuanchang beside him said, "Why did Zhinu go to Li Ji's house and then to Dagu's house?"

"He married the granddaughter of my eldest aunt's niece and has a good relationship with my eldest aunt. What is he asking for from Your Majesty?"

"Could it be that he still wants to stay in Chang'an City like Qingque?"

"What is this guy thinking?"

Li Yuanchang said with some confusion. He didn't think Zhinu could do anything in Chang'an City.

Li Chengqian shook his head slightly and said, "I'm afraid it's not that Zhinu wants to stay in Chang'an. He doesn't have the courage to do so. It's that Your Majesty wants Zhinu to stay in Chang'an."

"I went to ask my aunt to ask for his return to his fiefdom."

(End of this chapter)