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

At the residence of Lu Shuang, the Vice Minister of War, Lu Shuang and Madam Zheng, along with their servants, had been waiting at the gate for quite some time.

They received a visiting card from the Prince Ji's residence yesterday, saying that Princess Ji was returning home to visit her family early this morning. The two were very happy.

They hadn't seen their daughter in a long time.

He had the servants start cleaning the courtyard and the area in front of the gate early in the morning.

Seeing the grand display at the Lu residence, the neighbors were all curious and asked questions. Soon, the news of Princess Ji returning home to visit her family spread throughout the village.

Many people came out to watch the spectacle, as it's not common for Princess Ji to return home.

"Minister Lu, what a joyous occasion!" A neighbor walked past the Lu residence and greeted Lu Shuang and his wife with a smile.

"Yes, today Princess Ji is returning home to visit her family, and I, Lu, once again extend my warmest welcome."

Lu Shuang replied with a smile. Countless people envied that his daughter could marry Prince Ji.

"The Princess Consort is coming back. I wonder if His Highness Prince Ji will come back with her?"

The neighbor immediately asked.

"Now I understand. His Highness Prince Ji has just returned to Chang'an. He has been traveling a long way and is busy with many affairs of state."

It's understandable that he wouldn't come. Lu Shuang shook his head, but he still made up a reason for Li Shen.

The others didn't laugh at Lu Shuang; after all, he was Prince Ji's father-in-law. Even if Prince Ji didn't come, Princess Ji's presence would have been just as good.

Moreover, these people felt it was normal for Prince Ji not to come, given the significant difference in their ranks.

"Brother Lu has a wonderful daughter."

"Yes, I've heard that Princess Ji is in charge of the Ji family's wealth."

"Managing the wealth of the Prince Ji's mansion? That must be an enormous fortune."

"Brother Lu is truly blessed."

After hearing Lu Shuang's words, the neighbors started gossiping.

Lu Shuang simply smiled and answered them one by one:

"Haha, where is it?"

"I don't know either."

"I accept your good words."

Lu Shuang smiled and replied to each of his neighbors. He had no choice; if he ignored these people, it wouldn't be long before rumors spread in official circles that he had climbed the social ladder and was arrogant.

Although he was the father-in-law of the Prince of Ji, he was still in the court and had his own social circle and social interactions.

"Look, a large group of people is coming!" Just then, someone suddenly shouted.

As everyone looked over, they saw several horses approaching, followed by a small team of a hundred men guarding a large carriage on either side.

The guard was dressed in full black and red armor, with a sword at his waist.

The two people at the front carried flags, one representing the royal family and the other bearing a large character "纪" (Ji).

There was no need to guess; everyone knew it must be Prince Ji who had arrived.

Without the need for the guards to drive them away, the neighbors outside voluntarily went through the gate to avoid them, only peeking out through the crack in the door.

The entire street became deserted.

The carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the Lu residence. Li Shen helped Lu Dingniang down from the carriage, and Lu Shuang and his wife quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Ji and Princess Ji."

"Greetings, father-in-law and mother-in-law. Father-in-law, there's no need for such formalities. We're all family," Li Shen said politely.

"Propriety must not be disregarded. Your Highness, please come inside and rest."

Lu Shuang bowed in return, behaving with utmost respect and restraint.

Li Shen shook his head silently and said no more, which was why he rarely came over.

This is the natural barrier brought about by differences in social status.

The kind of plots in novels and TV dramas where people can chat and laugh with someone they know is simply nonexistent.

The four Wei brothers were his uncles, and they obeyed him without question. Zhou Daowu was his brother-in-law, and he was equally respectful and reserved in his presence.

The only people who can be at peace with you are your parents, siblings, and other family members.

"Stone, arrange for someone to carry all the gifts inside."

Li Shen whispered an instruction, then pulled Lu Dingniang into the Lu residence.

The main gate of the Lu residence was already wide open. Lu Shuang led the way, with Madam Zheng accompanying Lu Dingniang.

The group arrived at the main hall, where Li Shen and Lu Dingniang sat at the head of the table.

Li Shen felt somewhat awkward after sitting down; he didn't know what to say. After thinking for a while, he finally spoke:

“Father-in-law, I’ve brought you some tribute tea and wine today, as well as a case of liquor and two cases of first and second-grade tea, for your use as gifts.”

"Thank you, Your Highness Prince Ji. I sent some gifts a few days ago." Lu Shuang quickly stood up to express his gratitude. His daughter had sent a whole carriage full of gifts a couple of days ago.

Now that His Highness Prince Ji has sent so much, he is worried that it will cause trouble for his daughter and anger Prince Ji.

"Father, please accept this. This was personally selected by the Prince. There are also many bolts of silk and cloth, as well as a cotton coat that I sewed for you by hand."

Father goes to court every day; the weather is cold, so please make sure he doesn't catch a cold.

Lu Dingniang added from the side, "Although these things are nothing to the Prince Ji's mansion, they are still very valuable, which is enough to show how much the prince values ​​her."

"Then this humble official thanks Your Highness Prince Ji, and also Your Highness the Princess Consort." Lu Shuang bowed in gratitude, knowing that these things were incredibly valuable to him.

Even if he couldn't afford it with one or two years' salary, it would be nothing to the wealthy and powerful Prince Ji.

Seeing Lu Shuang being so polite and well-behaved, Li Shen felt helpless. If he weren't there, Lu Shuang wouldn't be so reserved and could be as affectionate and respectful to Lu Ding's parents, calling them "daughter" all the time.

But since he was here, it had become a formal occasion, and he dared not do so.

In fact, Li Shen preferred a warmer atmosphere, like dining in the palace.

One of the main reasons why Li Shimin held Li Shen in such high regard was that Li Shen's unpretentious nature made Li Shimin feel a sense of kinship.

This guy eats at the park like he's at home, unlike his other children who are so reserved. It's already quite polite of Li Shen not to pack up the leftovers after finishing his meal.

“My lord, I need to speak with my mother,” Lu Dingniang said at this moment.

"Okay, go ahead." Li Shen nodded. It's normal for a mother and daughter to whisper to each other; it's not appropriate for grown men to overhear.

Afterwards, Lu Dingniang and Zheng left, leaving only the father-in-law and son-in-law.

“Your Highness Prince Ji, let’s go to the study for tea and a chat,” Lu Shuang said respectfully as he stood up.

"Okay, that's fine." Li Shen nodded.

The two went to the study, and Chunxiang immediately took out Li Shen's tea canister and skillfully began to boil water to prepare tea.

Lu Shuang wasn't surprised to see this; it was normal for Prince Ji to have good tea.

The two sat facing each other, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

"Is your work at the Ministry of War going well, Father-in-law?" Li Shen asked casually, starting a conversation.

"Your Highness Prince Ji, everything is fine," Lu Shuang replied.

“Father-in-law, there’s no need to be so formal. There are no outsiders here. We’re all family.” Li Shen was still a little unaccustomed to his father-in-law always bowing to him.

(I'd heard that Tomato had a lot of students, so this time I'll teach you Tang poems every day. I want you to learn more.)