Tang Dynasty: Father, if you don't rebel, I will!

The main character of the banquet was undoubtedly Wei Zheng.

Perhaps what the other party seeks now is no longer fame and status, but rather to become a truly pragmatic and capable minister. However, the minister has made achievements, and Li Chengqian is the future successor of the Tang Dynasty.

It certainly needs to be expressed in a grand manner.

Just as the banquet was at its most lively, with court dancers performing exotic dances with their graceful figures, Li Chengqian suddenly grabbed Wei Zheng's hand and spoke loudly in a voice that everyone present could hear.

"I have decided to ascend the throne next year. At that time, I will honor Duke Wei's achievements with the title of Duke!"

The resounding sound caused everyone at the banquet, whether holding a wine glass or chopsticks, to pause on the spot.

Whether it was ministers of the Prince of Qin's mansion like Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, or veteran officials of martial virtue like Pei Ji and Xiao Yu, their gazes towards Wei Zheng, who was sitting next to Li Chengqian, changed slightly.

Despite the fact that many people present also addressed Wei Zheng as Duke Wei, he was still a man of great talent and influence.

However, "公" does not actually refer to a duke, but is a respectful title similar to "sir" or "teacher," used for people who have made great contributions to the country or have great prestige among scholars.

Wei Zheng does not currently hold a noble title, but his wife has been granted an imperial edict by Li Shimin.

In front of so many people, Li Chengqian directly announced that he would bestow upon the other country the title of Duke, which in a sense could be considered a meteoric rise.

Wei Zheng was also visibly startled, shocked and excited, and was about to get up when Li Chengqian stopped him.

"Lord Wei, there's no need for such formalities. With you stationed in Beihai all these years, our Great Tang's northern border has been free from any worries. Moreover, you've built such a large city as Baikal County, serving as the gateway to our Great Tang's northern border. This is a great achievement for all time to come!"

"The title of Duke is nothing more than something that Duke Wei can accept with peace of mind!"

As he spoke, Li Chengqian paused slightly, then let out a soft sigh, seemingly with some regret.

"It's just that Shuyu is still too young and needs some time to improve his skills. Otherwise, I would have liked to grant him another title..."

"No, no, Your Highness, you mustn't! This is an overestimation of my abilities, and I am unworthy of such a title!" Wei Zheng was so frightened that he quickly clasped his hands in a bow, but he could not hide his flushed face and his grateful expression.

Among all the officials, there were countless people who envied him.

Kong Yingda sighed softly, "I was originally prepared to take up my post in Baikal County..."

Li Gang glanced at him and snorted, "If you go to Beihai, you'll die there in less than two years. Then His Highness will have to send someone to bring your coffin back."

Kong Yingda: "..."

You're old, you're awesome.

As the banquet drew to a close, Emperor Li Shimin and the retired emperor arrived, and the two sides gradually began to indulge in unrestrained behavior.

Sitting among his group of veteran officials from the Wude era, Li Yuan loudly and unabashedly mocked his second son's incompetence, and even belittled the new policies of Jiannan Circuit to the point of being worthless.

He would often say that the other person had not been emperor for as long as he had.

Li Shimin held Yuchi Jingde on his left and Chai Shao on his right, seemingly discussing preparations for the western expedition. However, he would occasionally raise his voice to criticize the Hexi Corridor, saying that without Li Jing's help in governing it, it might be lost again by someone else.

This father and son had each other's subjects caught in the middle, completely disregarding whether it would damage their own reputations.

Li Chengqian gave his ministers a helpless look, then quietly left the table with his younger siblings.

However, Li Chengqian walked towards the Eastern Palace with his hands behind his back.

He had decided to sleep at the Crown Princess's place tonight, but a few chattering little tails followed him around.

“Sister Chang Le, you don’t know, the North Sea is very big, really big. If my brother hadn’t said it was a lake, I really wouldn’t have believed it. There are many fish in it. Nowadays, Baikal County has no meat to eat.”

Gao Yang was speaking eloquently, with a hint of showing off his knowledge.

Chang Le listened with a smile, while Princess Qinghe looked on with curiosity.

"Is Beihai Lake even larger than Dongting Lake?"

During this time, she heard from several of her brothers who had returned from Jiangnan that Dongting Lake was very large.

Gao Yang tossed his little head and chuckled, "Dongting Lake? Heh, that's just a small fishpond in front of my North Sea!"

Li Chengqian, who was walking in front, silently rolled his eyes and said nothing.

How could he possibly hide his younger sisters' little schemes from him?

Sure enough, as they got closer and closer to the Eastern Palace, Gao Yang suddenly coughed twice, his voice tinged with difficulty.

"Although Beihai is very large, it is really cold there in winter. The lake surface will freeze over, and it is very difficult to break a hole. You have to set up some traps on the lake surface well in advance before it freezes over. And it is even colder further north."

"If only I had a large tract of land, I could vigorously develop agriculture..."

Li Chengqian didn't turn around, but he could imagine the way his younger sister was glancing slyly at him as she spoke.

He was unmoved.

Seeing that Li Chengqian was about to return to the East Palace, Gao Yang became really anxious. She blocked his way, her big eyes full of flattery, and looked at him pitifully with her lips pursed.

"Brother, you won't let me touch Mobei, but you should at least help your little sister!"

"Aren't I your most beloved little sister?"

Li Chengqian smiled, while the other person playfully shook his arm.

"What do you need so much land for? Isn't Baikal County enough for you to squander?"

He looked down at her, fully aware of what his sister, who was historically known for her audacity and terrible reputation, was thinking. Fortunately, in the present Tang Dynasty, this could be considered a good thing.

After all, there are so many "unclaimed territories" in the world, so it would naturally be a good thing if our own people could occupy them.

Li Chengqian's gaze made even the usually bold Gao Yang dare not voice her true thoughts. After all, even though the Tang Dynasty was now implementing new policies, its ideology was more encouraging of pioneering spirit.

But, after all, she was a princess, a woman.

Seeing her remain silent, stammering and bowing her head without speaking, Li Chengqian shook his head and walked towards the East Palace.

"If you don't even dare to ask for it, why come to me to ask for it? Do you think I'll give it to you willingly?"

He stepped towards the East Palace.

"Brother Emperor!"

Gao Yang's voice rang out, trembling slightly, and he called out to him again.

Li Chengqian turned around and looked at Gao Yang, who was being comforted by Chang Le and the others. Their eyes met, and Gao Yang's stubborn but clearly frightened eyes were under Li Chengqian's gaze.

They kept dodging and colliding.

"me......."

Li Chengqian waited for her quietly. Although his expression remained indifferent and somewhat serious, Gao Yang could clearly feel a distinct encouragement in that silence.

Finally, she uttered that rebellious word.

"I want to be king too!"

"Brother! I want to be king too!"