I am Li Shen and Li Shimin, the free kings of the Tang Dynasty

Everyone has their own ambitions, and it's normal for Li Chunfeng not to give up his official position. Some people are after fame, while others are after profit.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness Prince Ji." Li Chunfeng bowed, thinking to himself that Prince Ji was not as difficult to get along with as the rumors suggested.

He had just been worried that Prince Ji might fly into a rage after he refused him, but now it seems that Prince Ji is quite understanding.

Therefore, some things really shouldn't be believed blindly; it's better to see for yourself.

The outside world portrayed Prince Ji as a tiger or wolf, someone strangers should not approach, and many officials who came to visit were turned away by Prince Ji.

But today, upon meeting him, I found Prince Ji to be exceptionally talented, gentle, and convincing.

Little did he know that Li Shen believed in useful social interactions, or rather, making friends only when needed. He was constantly outwitting and calculating with his father.

But when it really came down to using a knife, Li Shen immediately turned into a sycophant, fawning over everyone; that's just his personality.

"Haha, Li Taishi is too kind. How could I possibly ask you to do that? Shitou, go to the storeroom and prepare 1,000 strings of cash. I'll send someone to deliver it to Li Taishi later."

Li Shen laughed and gave an order.

"This... Your Highness Prince Ji, you absolutely cannot! How could I possibly accept Your Highness's money? I cannot accept a reward without merit."

Upon hearing this, Li Chunfeng immediately stood up and refused, as a thousand strings of cash was more than his annual salary.

"Please don't refuse, Li Taishi. I have just heard about your deeds and I admire you greatly. As a member of the royal family, how can I allow such a talented person as Li Taishi to suffer hardship because of the affairs of the court?"

This thousand strings of cash is compensation from me, on behalf of the court, to Grand Historian Li.

It is hoped that Grand Historian Li will continue to serve the court.

Li Shen stepped forward, took Li Chunfeng's arm, and said with utmost sincerity.

"Your Highness Prince Ji, I am very grateful for your kindness. However, this is all done voluntarily. Moreover, I do not feel that life is difficult. I have two meals a day and I am well-fed and clothed."

"I have done nothing wrong, and I am truly unworthy of Your Highness's generosity. I thank Your Highness once again for your kindness."

After accepting the gift from Li Chunfeng, he bowed again.

Oh dear? Li Shen was a little confused. There really are people in this world who don't love wealth and status; that's quite rare.

He hadn't expected that Li Chunfeng would actually be able to resist the temptation of a thousand strings of cash and reject his good intentions.

Li Shen admired Li Chunfeng even more; he truly deserved to be called a legendary figure.

Thinking of this, Li Shen spoke up again to persuade him:

"Li Taishi, although you don't care about food and clothing, don't feel hardship, and even like simple meals, have you ever thought about your family?"

Did your wife marry you just to suffer with you? And your son, don't you really want to leave him anything?

Sometimes, living isn't just about yourself; it's also about your family. It's a responsibility—the responsibility of being a father and a husband.

Li Shen's words brought tears to Li Chunfeng's eyes. He thought of his wife, who had been by his side for decades, sharing joys and sorrows.

Even when they ate simple meals with me, they never uttered a single complaint.

He also had a son who lived in poverty and appeared destitute and helpless compared to other children of officials.

"Alas~~~ What His Highness Prince Ji said is absolutely right, but I still cannot accept it. I am an official appointed by the court and have been honest and upright all my life."

If I had accepted so much money from His Highness Prince Ji, the court would surely punish me for embezzlement if it found out.

Moreover, if His Majesty were to find out, it would be detrimental to Prince Ji.

Li Chunfeng sighed, deeply grateful for Prince Ji's kindness. However, as a court official, getting too close to a prince would arouse suspicion.

Even if he was just a Grand Historian.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Upon hearing this, Li Shen laughed loudly, looking up at the sky.

"Grand Historian Li, it seems you still don't understand me well enough." Li Shen smiled and looked at Li Chunfeng.

"What does Your Highness Prince Ji mean by this?" Li Chunfeng was dumbfounded by the laughter.

He didn't understand what King Ji meant by saying that he didn't understand him.

Li Shen took a sip of tea.

"Grand Historian Li, I have always been generous. A mere thousand strings of cash is nothing to me. The officials last time are not unusual."

You can accept it without worry. If anyone asks, just say it's a gift from the King, and no one will make things difficult for you.

If anyone causes trouble, tell them to come to me, and I will take care of it for you.

Not to mention those officials, even His Majesty wouldn't care about this matter, so you can rest assured.

Even the eunuchs who come from the palace to do business with me are eager to come over, because I always reward them handsomely.

If they're not afraid, what are you afraid of?

Li Shen leaned back in the armchair, crossed his legs, and struck a haughty pose, perfectly embodying the image of a spoiled brat.

Li Chunfeng was stunned. He rarely had access to such things, and he never expected that someone from the palace would be so generously rewarded by Prince Ji.

This matter is neither a big deal nor a small one; in short, it's something taboo.

But King Ji was not afraid and even did it.

"Alright, don't worry. There won't be any problems with what I've bestowed upon you. If there are any issues, tell them to come find me. I'll see if I don't beat them to death!"

Li Shen waved his hand to reassure Li Chunfeng, saying that this was nothing, and that the money he had given Wang De over the years was more than a thousand strings of cash.

"Well... then this humble official thanks Your Highness Prince Ji for the reward."

After much deliberation, Li Chunfeng finally bowed to Li Shenshen to express his gratitude.

This thousand strings of cash was not a small sum for him, but he also understood that it was insignificant to Prince Ji.

“My lord, I heard you need money. A thousand strings of cash is too much. There are no spare carriages at the manor. Why not exchange them for gold bars?”

Just then, Lu Dingniang walked in, dressed in gorgeous clothes and with a dignified face.

Li Chunfeng immediately stood up and bowed respectfully:

"This humble official pays his respects to Princess Consort Ji."

"Hehe, there's no need for such formalities, Grand Historian Li. I am very grateful to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come here today."

Lu Dingniang smiled and sat down next to Li Shen.

"Your Highness, you are too kind. This is all I should do."

Li Chunfeng lowered his head slightly, not daring to look Lu Dingniang in the eye, and was very well-behaved.

"My lady, why are there no carriages in the Prince's mansion?" Li Shen asked, somewhat puzzled.

"My lord, have you forgotten? Aren't you building that ice and snow city? You've even sent carriages to transport ice and snow."

Lu Dingniang reminded her.

"Oh, I see. I forgot." Li Shen suddenly realized. Upon his return, he immediately ordered the construction of an ice and snow park.

Horse-drawn carriages were needed to transport ice and other similar items.

"In that case, Your Highness, please let it go," Li Chunfeng said to Li Shen immediately after hearing this.

"How could I take back what I said? Didn't you just hear the princess say to change it to gold bars?"

"Stone, bring over one hundred gold bars. Later, send someone to deliver them to Grand Historian Li's home."

(I've done some quick calculations, and today seems to be Wednesday.)