Chapter Ninety-One: Li Shimin, the Miserly One

After leaving all the troops in a military camp ten li outside Chang'an, Li Kong hurried after Li Chengqian to the Imperial Palace to meet Li Shimin and present the imperial token of command.

That token was something that first rose to prominence in the Han era, created to prevent frontier generals from growing too powerful. By the time of the Two Jin dynasties it had fallen into disuse, and during the age of chaos that followed, its line of inheritance was all but lost. Only in the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, when the realm gradually stabilized, did Yang Guang have the token remade, so that he might control the military authority of the various generals.

Half an hour later.

In Ganlu Hall, Li Kong looked at the place he had been separated from for more than twenty days and let out a heavy breath. In his mind there was only one thought: at last, I made it back alive.

Do not be fooled by how dashing Li Kong had seemed when he left. In truth, he had been afraid too. Whether in his past life on missions or now while charging through battle, fear had always lived in his heart. As the saying went, even the bravest general might fall before the enemy lines; in the chaos of war, blades and spears show no mercy. No matter how superb your skills, a single mishap could still send you to the Yellow Springs.

Even on the way back, Li Kong had not felt entirely at ease. After all, his force still contained more than ten thousand prisoners. What if they rose in rebellion in the dead of night?

So his thoughts at that moment were entirely understandable.

But then he gave himself a wry smile, straightened his clothes, and stepped into Ganlu Hall.

Bang!

What surprised Li Kong was that the instant he entered the hall, a figure lunged straight into his arms.

Looking at the little girl who stood a full head shorter than him, Li Kong laughed. "Didn't I come back safe and sound? All right, no more crying."

"I can't help it!" Li Lizhi shot him an indignant glare, then seemed to remember something and hurriedly slipped away from him. She stood at the entrance with her head lowered, her eyes tilting sideways toward Li Shimin, who sat there with his expression gradually darkening.

Li Kong could only smile helplessly at the emperor who adored his daughter. After calming himself, he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed. "Your servant Li Kong pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy peace and health."

Only then did Li Shimin withdraw his gaze from Li Lizhi. Forcing out an unnatural smile, he said, "Mm. You did well this time, my dear minister. Stay for a meal later, then get lost."

Li Chengqian, standing nearby, could not help but snort with laughter. However, being the crown prince, he quickly coughed twice and stood properly beside Li Shimin, gazing fixedly at the ceiling beam as though the one who had laughed just now had not been him at all. It made Li Kong grit his teeth, already thinking about how to get revenge later.

Li Lizhi, on the other hand, glared directly at Li Chengqian, then ran to Li Shimin's side and shook his arm coquettishly. "Father, that's not what you just said."

Li Shimin's face instantly flushed red. His throat tickled, and he coughed several times before finally suppressing the embarrassment in his chest. He looked at Li Lizhi helplessly, then said unwillingly to Li Kong, "Enough. Go and see your mother later. Find out whether she has anything she wishes to tell you."

Li Lizhi blushed, gave Li Kong a shy glance, and hurried off. Li Chengqian also winked at Li Kong with a mischievous expression, leaving Li Kong thoroughly speechless.

Still, Li Kong cupped his hands toward Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, Uncle, isn't there some mistake in your reward? Hmm? I mean no disrespect, only that I don't quite understand and would like to ask for your clarification."

Li Shimin stiffened, then looked at Li Kong. "You mean your title? That was deliberate. From now on, you are the Marquis of Changle County."

"Then what about the princess?" Li Kong was stunned. A bad feeling rose in his heart. Could it be that Li Lizhi's title had been stripped away?

"Li Zhi remains the Princess of Changle. The two of you will be married in the first month of next year. What of it if one family has one fief? Or are you, Li Yunfeng, still not satisfied and planning to make me give you another?" Li Shimin stared at Li Kong through gritted teeth, his expression so fierce it seemed he might swallow him whole.

What in the world? There was such an operation?

Li Kong felt a little dazed. He had expected Li Shimin to be stingy, but he had never imagined he would be this stingy. Over the past few years, had Li Kong not already given Li Shimin quite a lot of money? Nearly a quarter of the great clans' wealth had gone into Li Shimin's pocket, so why did he still refuse to mend this miserly habit?

Li Chengqian chuckled and cupped his hands toward Li Kong. "Brother-in-law, remember to come to the Eastern Palace for drinks tonight."

...

A million cursed horses thundered through Li Kong's mind. He wanted very much to curse, but he lacked the nerve to do so. Who told Li Shimin to be standing right there?

Seeing Li Kong's exasperated expression, the bit of frustration that had just been lingering in Li Shimin's heart vanished without a trace. He only felt refreshed and invigorated. Rising with a laugh, he said, "All right, go see your mother. I still have matters to attend to and won't stand here trading nonsense with you."

With that, the old fellow swept out of Ganlu Hall without the slightest hint of imperial dignity. Li Chengqian followed close behind, blinking constantly as though he had just gotten hold of some marvelous new toy. From the looks of it, he would not give up on teasing Li Kong all day.

Only after the two of them had left did Li Kong lower his head and mutter, "Brat. Seems I was too easy on your lessons before."

As for Li Chengqian's attitude, he could still understand it. Though the crown prince was only fourteen this year, he had already been married for more than half a year, and his first child was nearly ready to be born. Li Kong had heard in his previous life of certain old men becoming fathers at fifteen, but hearing about it and seeing it with one's own eyes were entirely different feelings.

Besides, Li Chengqian's wife seemed to be only thirteen this year? Probably.

Shaking his head to cast those messy thoughts aside, he finally left Ganlu Hall and made his way toward Linde Hall, where Empress Zhangsun resided.

At the same time, inside Linde Hall.

Li Lizhi still had not recovered from her shyness. Her face was flushed bright red as she absentmindedly dealt with Li Ling and Li Zhi beside her.

Nearby, Empress Zhangsun smiled as she busied herself with embroidery, glancing over here from time to time.

With Li Kong's prescription easing her condition, and with Li Kong's repeated admonitions, Empress Zhangsun had not become pregnant again. As a result, her health had already improved significantly. At this rate, in at most two more years she would recover to full health.

So in Empress Zhangsun's heart, or rather in the hearts of the entire Li family, Li Kong was a benefactor. Otherwise, did you really think that joking with Li Shimin was something just anyone could do?

Even Cheng Yaojin, that rough and tumble man, always kept within a certain limit before Li Shimin. Compared with Li Kong, he was at least three levels below.

"Your Majesty, Young Master Kong has arrived!"

Li Lizhi's body jolted. She failed to control the force in her hand and slapped Li Zhi squarely on the head, drawing a cry of pain.