Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

Li Shen sometimes felt that he was very similar to Tang Sanzang, that he was useless but could lead a group of capable people.

Wang Xuance, Xue Rengui, and even Pei Mingli were all extraordinary individuals.

He himself was nothing, neither good at literature nor martial arts.

Some people have only one identity, and that identity happens to be the most important one in the entire team.

If Tang Sanzang had not been the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, he would not have been qualified to be the leader of the team, after all, he was the second disciple of the Buddha.

Even ordinary people can still receive the powerful Sun Wukong.

Li Shen was the same. If he hadn't been Li Shimin's son, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today. Given his past actions, he would have been torn apart by five horses and executed by slow slicing long ago.

By following Tang Sanzang, Tang Sanzang can give Sun Wukong and the others the opportunity to become Buddhas.

By following Li Shen, Wang Xuance and his companions could enjoy wealth and honor.

Another thing they have in common is that once you join a team, it's almost impossible to leave.

Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing are all sinners; if they withdraw, they will have to go back and continue to suffer.

Wang Hongfu, Wang Xuance, and Xue Rengui know too many secrets; Li Shen will never allow the three of them to leave the Prince Ji's residence alive.

At this moment, Li Shen empathized with Tang Sanzang; leading a team was no easy task.

Wang Hongfu was helped up by Shi Tou and returned to his seat, wiping away tears with his sleeve as well.

Li Shen's PUA tactics were very successful, making Wang Hongfu extremely grateful.

In terms of loyalty, Li Shen believed that Wang Hongfu was the most loyal member of his team. He had no powerful backers, and the only opportunity he could rely on was Li Shen himself.

Unlike Wang Xuance and Xue Rengui, he had no way out, after all, the two of them were now officials of the imperial court.

"There's one more thing I need you to do, Your Majesty. He has asked me to be in charge of the meals in the Yuanzheng Palace this year, so I need you to prepare the ingredients."

You'll be sent to the palace on New Year's Day. Since you're not going back to your hometown anyway, you'll be rewarded.

Li Shen suddenly remembered Yuan Zheng's matter and quickly gave instructions to Wang Hongfu.

This is embarrassing; I've already told everyone about it.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will personally oversee the process. But I don't know what ingredients are needed," Wang Hongfu quickly inquired.

"I'll discuss this with the cook in a bit, and I'll give you a bill later. Remember, it has to be fresh, no matter how much it costs."

This concerns my reputation.

Furthermore, there has been a severe drought in Guanzhong this year, and I believe we should dispel the bad luck, so I plan to add two more fireworks display sites.

Instead of five to seven per year, you can choose two locations in the southern part of the city to avoid fires.

I will inform the imperial court in advance and have the Martial Guard clear a space on New Year's Day to set off fireworks and celebrate with the people.

In recent years, Li Shen has set off fireworks every year, bringing a joyful atmosphere to Chang'an City.

The imperial court was very cooperative, and the curfew was lifted on New Year's Day, allowing the people to enjoy a happy New Year's Day.

This year, Li Shen felt that more resources should be released, as the severe drought had cast a shadow over the people and this shadow had to be cleared away.

"Your Highness is so kind and benevolent, I will make the arrangements immediately." Wang Hongfu bowed and agreed.

"Alright, you can all take a break now. You can come back to work after the New Year. Oh, and remember to come to the mansion for a meal on the New Year."

He summoned all the shopkeepers in the capital.

Li Shen waved his hand, feeling a bit sleepy.

This ancient hangover remedy wasn't as miraculous as depicted in TV shows and novels; after drinking it, I was still a bit dizzy.

Wang Xuance and his companion stood up, bowed, and left.

Li Shen felt dizzy as soon as he opened his eyes, so he simply closed them to rest.

Yuanzheng had grown another year older, but he still felt like a child.

He didn't want to be as mature and composed as others, living such a tiring life.

Before long, the study door opened again. Li Shen knew that Lu Dingniang had returned. Since Shi Tou had not announced it, it must be Lu Dingniang.

A fragrant aroma wafted over, and then two hands were placed on his head, gently massaging it.

"My lady, have all the matters at the Prince's residence been arranged?"

Li Shen asked without closing his eyes.

"Everything has been arranged. Meat and rice have been distributed to the four estates. I have assigned Steward Wei to be in charge of this matter."

Pei Mingli was in charge of distributing the items to the craftsmen and workers.

The managers and stewards of the workshops, shops, banks, and chambers of commerce were all paid by Manager Wang; they weren't short of money, especially not meat.

Lu Dingniang reported on her work one by one.

"My wife is indeed virtuous. I've been away from home, and you've worked so hard," Li Shen said, touching Lu Dingniang's small hand.

“My lord, what are you saying? It is my duty. My lord’s journey is to serve the court. It is you who should be working hard.”

Lu Dingniang replied softly, "Men are in charge of external affairs, and women are in charge of internal affairs. Even in ordinary families, the men farm and the women manage the household."

"Have the gifts been sent to the palace? Oh, and to the Crown Prince's Palace, to Uncle Wei's family, and to all the uncles, brothers, and sisters in Chang'an?"

Li Shen remembered that he still needed to give a gift, so he asked about it.

"The gifts for the palace haven't been sent yet. I plan to send them to the palace when my husband returns. I haven't sent any to the Crown Prince either."

The others have already been sent to the Prince of Hejian's residence, the Prince of Jiangxia's residence, and the families of Princess Changle.

A gift was also sent to the Princess of Dingrang County. "Li Shen used to be in charge of these things, but he's not here this year, so Lu Dingniang has to make the arrangements herself."

The gifts sent were the same as before, except that no gifts were sent to the palace while waiting for Li Shen's return, because she did not know if her husband had any other gifts.

"Yes, my wife is truly a virtuous helpmate to her husband. Have you also sent gifts to the Prince of Wei's residence and the Prince of Jin's residence?"

Li Shen patted Lu Dingniang's small hand.

"Yes, it was delivered. Just like every year, I personally delivered it to your door." Lu Dingniang nodded.

"They just shamelessly accepted it?" Li Shen opened his eyes.

Lu Dingniang was speechless for a moment; her husband really didn't mince words.

“My lord, it is New Year’s Day, how can I refuse to accept a gift?”

"Hmm, that's true. If they didn't accept it, wouldn't that be disrespectful to me? Did they return the gift?"

Li Shen found this reasonable and then asked about returning the gift, as these were all matters of social interaction.

“They returned the next day, and the gifts from the Prince of Wei’s residence were exceptionally generous, worth twice the value of what we sent.”

Lu Dingniang knew that her husband did not have a good relationship with the two princes, but since they were brothers, she still had to show them proper etiquette.

"That's more like it. You're acting like an older brother. So let's do it tomorrow. Tomorrow you'll come to the palace with me and deliver some gifts. If we don't deliver gifts, my greedy father will cause trouble again."

Li Shen nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this. He had been sending New Year's gifts to Li Tai and Li Zhi every year, regardless of their relationship; it was just a matter of courtesy.

If these two don't reciprocate, Li Shenke is going to lose his temper.

“My lord, watch your words. You’re talking nonsense again.”