Chapter 29: The First Guest

Li Shimin was, after all, a sovereign of the ages, and naturally would not deceive a greenhorn like Li Kong.

The next day, during the morning court at the Hall of Taiji, when the ministers saw the new furniture being used by Li Shimin, they were all dumbfounded. Glancing at their own low seats where they knelt, they were left bewildered, their eyes filled with envy and confusion.

Li Shimin was very pleased with the reaction of his officials. He could not deny that this set of tables and chairs was just right; no matter how one sat, the only sensation was comfort. Reflecting on the old low couches, Li Shimin felt an unprecedented ease; even the formerly tedious court sessions became much more enjoyable.

“Your Majesty, what are these things?” Apart from Cheng Yaojin, the great devil, no one else would dare to be so unruly in the Hall of Taiji.

Li Ji’s eyes lit up, instantly grasping Li Kong’s intention, though he was puzzled—why did Li Kong want to make money? And why not approach his own father, but instead go straight to Li Shimin?

Li Shimin laughed heartily. “These items are called tables, chairs, and benches. That brat Li Kong gifted them to me a few days ago. I find them quite excellent, so I’ve decided to conduct my affairs with these from now on.”

“Li Kong? So it’s that rascal! To think I once rescued him from the battlefield, and he never thought to repay me. He deserves a good beating!” Upon hearing it was Li Kong’s idea, Cheng Yaojin became agitated, stomping and cursing wildly in the hall.

Li Ji could not bear it and coughed twice, saying, “Old scoundrel Cheng, do you not find it rude to insult my son in my presence?”

Cheng Yaojin was stunned. Well, he had gotten a bit excited and forgot about Li Ji.

Truth be told, Cheng Yaojin feared no one in the court, but there were four he would rather not provoke: first, Li Shimin himself; second, his elder brother Qin Qiong; third, the god of war Li Jing; and lastly, Li Ji. Remembering how Li Ji, as his strategist, had outplayed him in the past made his scalp tingle.

Smiling obsequiously, he clasped his fists to Li Ji. “Brother, don’t be angry. I admit my fault. I’ll offer white wine later to make amends.”

Watching the two chat idly, Wei Zheng, the foremost upright official of the Tang, could not abide it.

Li Shimin, sharp-eyed as ever, promptly spoke, “Enough. This is the Hall of Taiji, the grand court. What decorum is there in such unruly chatter?”

After a round of admonishments, Li Ji and Cheng Yaojin’s banter was curbed, and Wei Zheng’s intention to speak was stifled as well. There was nothing to be done—though only a few months had passed, Li Shimin had grown somewhat wary of this talent he had wrested from Li Jiancheng’s side.

...

At the Duke of England’s residence, Li Kong had borrowed a string of coins from Lady Empress yesterday, so his finances were less strained. Early this morning, he sent Cui Zhu out to fetch a couple of side dishes and a good jar of wine. Sitting in the courtyard, pouring for himself, there was a certain charm to his leisure.

Behind him, Laifu stood with a solemn face, his eyes anxious. Watching Li Kong’s nonchalance, he grew uneasy and lowered his head. “Young master, do you really think someone will come today to buy those tables and chairs?”

“They certainly will!” Li Kong replied, confident in Li Shimin’s influence. Even without imitation from above, the comfort of those tables and chairs far surpassed the current low seats.

Seeing Li Kong so resolute, Laifu dared not question further and obediently stood waiting for guests.

Soon, Cui Zhu approached with a plate of stir-fried bamboo shoots, setting it before Li Kong, her lovely face drawn in concern. “Young master, I don’t know where you got the money, but you’re spending it too quickly. You’ve spent half a string of coins on a single meal. If the lady finds out, she’ll be heartbroken.”

Was it really so? Li Kong was unsure, but looking at the roast lamb and stir-fried beef tendon before him, he felt a flutter of guilt.

Yet, considering the tables and chairs would soon be sold, he smiled dismissively. “Don’t worry. From now on, we’ll never live as we did before. Anything you wish to eat or wear, just buy it freely!”

Cui Zhu couldn’t help but laugh, rolling her eyes at Li Kong. “Young master, beware lest the wind twists your tongue. I must prepare needlework for the lady—so I’ll take my leave.”

“You…” Li Kong watched her departing figure, annoyed. Did he truly have so little credibility in his own household?

With Cui Zhu gone, boredom settled in. Li Kong wished Laifu would join him for a drink, but the man, timid as ever, dared not even sit, let alone drink. Determined to uphold his so-called ‘principles,’ he nearly knelt before Li Kong.

The sun drifted from the east to its zenith.

The courtyard warmed slightly, and Li Kong finished the three dishes—a meal finer than any since arriving in Tang, even surpassing what he’d eaten with Li Shimin in Ganlu Hall. This made Li Kong all the more aware of how impoverished Li Shimin truly was.

Perhaps the only advantage Li Shimin had over ordinary folk was not worrying about starving to death.

Full and basking in sunlight, Li Kong felt drowsy. He had been restless last night, sleep poor and dreams abundant, leaving him fatigued.

“Laifu, keep watch out here. If a guest comes, quote the price directly, no matter who it is!” Li Kong rose, stretching, and headed for his room.

Laifu’s mouth twitched, uncertain. “But… what if it’s the master?”

“Didn’t you hear me? No matter who comes!” Li Kong glared, opened the door, and went inside.

...

Gentle sunlight brought warmth, and a breeze stirred the air. Laifu, leaning against the tree after a rough meal, burped contentedly, gazing toward the gate. His eyelids grew heavy, and before he knew it, he had drifted into sleep.

Just as he was about to join the dream maiden, a thunderous voice jolted him awake:

“Brat, get out here!”

Seeing the swaggering man stride into the courtyard, Laifu shivered and hurried over. “Your servant greets Duke Lu.”

Cheng Yaojin waved his hand, glaring with wide eyes. “Where’s your young master? Tell him to come out! This ungrateful brat has good things and never thinks to pay his respects—forcing me to come all this way. I want to know what he’s up to!”

Laifu was dumbfounded; he’d never encountered such a situation. Though Li Kong had said to collect payment from everyone, Cheng Yaojin had accused him of ingratitude. What could he do? Despair flooded Laifu’s mind—he was utterly lost.