Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

In the dining hall of Prince Ji's mansion, at Li Chengqian's request, several of Li Shen's wives also had their meal together.

Li Shen and Lu Dingniang accompanied Li Chengqian, and Li Shen also called over the Chief Secretary Wang Xuance and the Commander-in-Chief Xue Rengui.

At least these two people are fourth-rank officials and are qualified to sit at the same table with the crown prince Li Chengqian, but Pei Mingli is not qualified.

Although Wang Hongfu was a big shot in the Prince Ji's Mansion, he had no official position and was of low status, making him even less qualified.

"Haha, sister-in-law, you are too polite. I am not an outsider, so why should I be so extravagant?"

Looking at the table full of delicacies from land and sea, Li Chengqian said to Lu Dingniang with a smile.

"Since it's a rare occasion for you, we naturally have to treat you warmly. It's all home-cooked food, so don't mind, brother."

Lu Dingniang was graceful and not at all reserved.

As Princess Ji, she often visited the Eastern Palace and would often take Xixi and others to the Eastern Palace to visit the Crown Princess.

In the Tang Dynasty, people did not stay indoors. Noble ladies frequently visited each other, especially wives of officials, who kept close contacts and built good relationships with each other.

Because close contacts between officials could easily arouse suspicion, it was different for women. They could discuss business when they had nothing to do, and their freedom was much greater than that of later dynasties.

So Lu Dingniang got used to it after seeing it so many times, and was no longer the timid little girl she used to be.

People change with their status. After Lu Dingniang accepted her identity as Princess Ji, her temperament had already changed.

How many women could enter the palace without an imperial edict? In the entire city of Chang'an, I could probably count them on one hand.

"Okay, let's eat. I'm hungry. This is what we usually eat at home. I didn't prepare it especially for you."

Li Shen interrupted the two people's politeness and said nonchalantly.

"Does your family usually eat such a rich meal?"

Li Chengqian knew that Li Shen said this on purpose, but he was also a little surprised. The table was full of all kinds of food, including wild animals from the mountains, swallows from the clouds, cattle and sheep from the land, and seafood from the sea.

Even if it was bragging, Li Chengqian would not dare to do so. If the censors knew that he ate like this, wouldn't they scold him to death?

"What's wrong with that? I have something even more luxurious at home. I'll let you see it when I have the chance."

Li Shen curled his lips, thinking that it was really embarrassing that a prince had never seen anything good.

"Well, I want to see what other good things you have at home." Li Chengqian looked disdainful. This table was already top-notch.

Just ask yourself, not to mention the princes and nobles in Chang'an City, even the old man in the palace would not dare to eat like this on a daily basis.

"Oh? If you have anything good, let me see it too."

Just as Li Shen was about to retort, a loud voice came from outside the dining hall.

Li Shen and Li Chengqian both shuddered and reflexively felt some pain in their buttocks. They quickly stood up and walked out.

Before he could even walk out, he saw Li Shimin striding in, followed by Empress Changsun and Concubine Wei.

Li Shen was confused. Why didn't they announce their arrival?

According to the rules, the emperor's visit had to be notified in advance, and Li Shen had to make preparations to welcome him, pouring clean water on the streets, paving the road with yellow earth, and welcoming Gao Ying from afar.

The palace needs to be thoroughly cleaned and must be spotless. The gate must be decorated with lights and silks.

After burning incense and bathing, Li Shen had to change into the royal crown, and Lu Dingniang had to change into the princess's clothes. All the servants and guards had to be outside the door in advance to welcome the emperor.

By then, the middle door will be wide open and the red carpet will be laid out.

But now his father was standing in front of him silently, which was not in accordance with the rules.

"Why, you don't seem to be willing to come to you."

Everyone else had finished their ceremony, but Li Shen was still in a daze. Li Shimin immediately frowned and asked.

This rebellious son is so out of place in the royal family.

Li Shen was awakened by the words and knelt on the ground with a thud.

"I bow to you, Aye, and wish you the best of health. Aye and mother have arrived, and I do not come to greet you. I beg you to forgive me for not coming out to greet you."

As he said this, Li Shen kowtowed twice.

The sudden change startled Li Shimin, and he subconsciously pulled Empress Changsun back a step.

Only when he saw Li Shen kneeling down and kowtow did he relax. Li Shimin thought Li Shen was going to assassinate him when he suddenly knelt down, and almost kicked him.

"You bastard, what are you doing?" Li Shimin scolded when he thought about how he almost made a fool of himself.

However, Empress Zhangsun, who was standing by, was not surprised and personally stepped forward to help Li Shen up:

"My son, what are you doing? Get up quickly. The ground is cold."

"Thank you, mother." Li Shen smiled sweetly and stood up.

He did this just now because he was quick-witted. He couldn't understand why his father came.

But he didn't go out to greet him. He wondered if his father would use this as an excuse to confiscate his treasure house.

Even though Li Shen may not be very smart in other aspects, he has a very creative mind in this area.

"Mother, why didn't you ask the servants to inform me so I could go and greet you?"

Li Shen asked with a good look.

"Haha, it was all your father's idea. He told the doorman not to let anyone know. We're going out in secret this time, and your father didn't want anyone to know."

Empress Changsun chuckled.

So that's what it is, an incognito visit? Now Dad is into this too?

"You don't look very welcoming to me."

Li Shimin looked at Li Shen with a forced smile, which made Li Shen feel uneasy.

"How could it be possible for Aye to come to my Ji Wang Mansion and bring glory to my Ji Wang Mansion and bring shame to it?"

"Hmph, how are we supposed to eat?"

Li Shimin snorted and walked in, and looked back when he saw two tables of food.

"Yes, my brother and I just came back from Songtsen Gampo and haven't had lunch yet, so we just had a quick bite."

Li Shen nodded.

Li Shimin walked forward and walked around the table, then turned back to look at Li Shen and sneered:

"Yes, it's so casual. I've never been so casual even in the harem."

"Well... Father, is Mother ready for dinner? If not, I'll have someone prepare a new table. We haven't eaten yet anyway."

Li Shen asked somewhat awkwardly, but secretly complained in his heart, "Is it fun that you always pick on me like this?"

Can't you be nicer to me? I am annoyed by your constant behavior.

Think about who will take care of you in your old age and see you to the end of your life.

"No, you guys didn't eat it anyway, so just leave it like that so it doesn't go to waste."

Li Shimin didn't mind. He took a look around and found that the table was neatly arranged with dishes and chopsticks. There was no oil stain in the bowls, and there was no sign that the dishes had been touched.

It can be seen that what Li Shen said was true and they haven’t eaten yet.

"This...isn't it a bit bad?" Li Shen was a little hesitant. After all, his father was the emperor.

"What's wrong? Is the food poisonous?" Li Shimin sat in Li Chengqian's seat and asked, looking up.

"No, no, I wouldn't dare." Li Shen shook his head vigorously.

(He's coming, he's coming,)