Li Residence, study.
"Xuan 'er, why are you looking for me? Why are you being so secretive? "
After dinner, Li Zexuan quickly invited his mother to the study while everyone else went back to their rooms to rest.
Li Zexuan smiled as he poured a cup of tea and handed it to Mrs. Li. "Mother, have some tea!"
Mrs. Li looked at her son suspiciously but still took the teacup. She took a sip and asked, "Xuan 'er, why are you looking for me? Tell me! "
Li Zexuan laughed dryly. "Hehe, Mother, look at what you're saying. Can't I chat with you if I have nothing to do?"
Mrs. Li rolled her eyes and said in disbelief, "Tsk, do you think I don't know you? You've been back for so long and when have you ever chatted with me? If you have something to say, say it quickly! "
Li Zexuan was embarrassed. No one knew him better than his mother. He said awkwardly, "Uh, Mother, that, what do you think of Yuxi?"
Mrs. Li replied in confusion, "She's okay! What's wrong? "
Li Zexuan scratched his head and said embarrassedly, "That, Mother, I want to … want to …"
Mrs. Li saw her son's shy and stuttering look. She thought for a moment and immediately understood. She couldn't help but find it funny. She had just told her husband about this a few days ago. She had already been looking for a matchmaker to arrange this matter. She didn't expect her son to be so impatient.
Mrs. Li deliberately teased, "Xuan 'er wants to get married?"
Although Li Zexuan was a little embarrassed, if he didn't step forward to arrange this matter, was he going to wait for Han Yuxi to bring it up? Li Zexuan couldn't do such an irresponsible thing.
"Uh, Mother, I want to marry Yuxi. What do you think?"
Mrs. Li was relieved. This blockhead of a son was finally enlightened.
"Hehe, you! Mother has already arranged this matter for you. In a few days, a matchmaker will go to Han Tianhu's house to propose marriage! "
Mrs. Li smiled.
Li Zexuan opened his mouth in surprise. "Ah? Mother, how did you know? "
Mrs. Li said unhappily, "Mother carried you for ten months and gave birth to you. How could Mother not know what you're thinking? Hehe, you just have to stay at home and wait for your bride to come in. "
Li Zexuan was also very happy that his mother was so considerate. He smiled and said, "Thank you, mother!"
Thinking that her son was about to have a family and start a career, Mrs. Li was truly happy. She got up and said with a smile, "Well, look at how proud you are. Go back and rest. You still have to go to the morning court tomorrow."
After Madam Li finished speaking, she went out with a smile.
…
The next day.
After the bell and drum of Chang 'an City had been struck four times, the lights in the Li Mansion began to be lit one by one. The maids and servants were busy lighting the fire and boiling water, preparing to wash their masters and make breakfast. The groom washed the horse clean. Li Jingmo and Madam Li hurried back and forth, not daring to be careless in the slightest. Today was their son's first official appearance in court. Last time, Li Zexuan had been summoned by Li Er to denounce him for his crimes, not to have an official appearance.
Li Zexuan was still asleep when he was pulled up. Mrs. Li gave Xiao He a strict order. The little girl ignored Li Zexuan's muddle-headed complaints and wiped his face and brushed his teeth. The bitterness of the willow branches didn't drive away Li Zexuan's sleepiness. He put on the official uniform and the golden crown. He was underage, so he couldn't wear the official hat. He changed into thin deerskin boots and fastened the ceremonial sword to his belt.
He came to the front hall and ate a big bowl of porridge hastily. He felt a little less sleepy, so he checked his equipment again. Under the gaze of the whole family, he got on the horse and went out.
It was about four o 'clock in the morning, and it was not yet time to open the doors. The entire market was quiet, and a cold crescent moon was hanging in the sky. Shouldn't they be lying on their beds and sleeping comfortably at this time? Li Zexuan couldn't help but criticize the inhumane morning court again.
After a long time, the gate was finally opened. Li Zexuan got on the horse and went out of Yongle Lane to Vermilion Bird Avenue. He saw soldiers patrolling the streets, but no other officials passed by. After checking his identity, the soldiers of the Warden's Office saluted in unison, leaving two carrying huge lanterns to lead the way.
Taiji Palace was in the north of the city. It was built against the mountain, facing the south with its back to the north. This was the privilege of the imperial family. Of course, it wasn't a big deal for ordinary people to live in the north. Li Er didn't have to care about this.
He arrived at the Imperial City. From a distance, he saw the brightly lit gate and a crowd of people. They cupped their hands in greeting and chatted amiably. But whether they were smiling sincerely or hiding a knife in their smile, he couldn't tell.
Li Zexuan saw the civil and military officials were divided into two groups, clearly separated. He was in a dilemma. He didn't know whether he was a civil official or a military general.
Cheng Yaojin came over to solve the problem. He patted Li Zexuan's shoulder vigorously and said in a rough voice, "You brat, why aren't you coming with me? What are you waiting for? Don't tell me you want to join that group of scholars?"
Cheng Yaojin ignored the angry glares of Fang Xuanling, Zhangsun Wuji and the other civil officials. He slowly pulled Li Zexuan into the military general group.
Li Zexuan argued fiercely in the imperial court last time. He fought with Yuan Wendao and Wei Zheng and was finally conferred the title of Baron Lantian. All the military generals knew him. Besides, after the big commotion in Chang 'an yesterday, everyone had a direct understanding of Li Zexuan's connections in the military. They knew that this young man shouldn't be offended. So they all nodded kindly to Li Zexuan.
Li Zexuan was just a loser in his previous life. He had never been an official and wasn't good at socializing. But he adhered to the principle that people shouldn't be offended by too much courtesy. He bowed respectfully to all the big shots. After one round, his face muscles were stiff from smiling and his neck was sore from nodding.
Then he returned to Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong and the others. Li Zexuan went to Qin Qiong and whispered, "Uncle Qin, I didn't answer the summons yesterday. Will His Majesty punish me today?"
He heard that Han Yuxi was in trouble yesterday and his heart was in a mess. He didn't have time to care about Li Er's summons. Later, when he returned home, he felt a lingering fear. In his previous life, he had seen many historical dramas. In them, it was said that disobeying an imperial decree was a serious crime. So he was very uneasy now.
Qin Qiong stroked his beard and smiled, "It should be fine. Yesterday, His Majesty heard that you disobeyed an imperial decree and was indeed very angry. But later, His Highness the Crown Prince and I mediated between them. His Majesty then calmed down. Today, he shouldn't punish you too much."
In fact, disobeying an imperial decree depended on the situation. There was no such thing as disobeying an imperial decree in the laws of previous dynasties. This was a general term for such crimes. Nine familial exterminations wouldn't be used easily. Even the most violent monarchs would use it carefully.
If disobeying an imperial decree was disobeying an imperial decree, then there wouldn't be an immortal poet who said that he was a wine immortal.
After hearing Qin Qiong's words, Li Zexuan heaved a huge sigh of relief in his heart. He secretly praised Li Chengqian, this brother, and Qin Qiong, this elder, for being too reliable. He bowed deeply to Qin Qiong and thanked him, "Many thanks, Uncle Qin!"
Qin Qiong waved his hand and didn't care.
At this time, a servant came forward and shouted, "Go to court!"
The officials immediately quieted down and lowered their heads. They carried the imperial decree and slowly entered Taiji Palace.
…
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