pappabearbooks Chapter 5482 Risks and Returns
Chapter 5482 Risks and Returns
Chapter 5482 Risks and Returns
Li Jingye has always considered himself an "imperial lackey," and his heart is full of loyalty to the emperor and the country. Now, he is in charge of the "Hundred Cavalry Division" and is trusted and relied upon by the emperor to shoulder the safety of the imperial power. He is full of ambition and high spirits. He is determined to write a masterpiece with his loyalty and blood and leave a name for posterity. How could he give up halfway and live in a secluded mansion?
"Grandfather, do not worry about your grandson. Although I have lost face today, my belief in loyalty to the emperor has become even stronger. At this time when powerful ministers are in power and the country is in jeopardy, it is precisely the time to uphold imperial power and remain steadfast in my commitment. From now on, I will certainly keep a low profile, act cautiously, and live up to your teachings and the trust placed in me by the emperor!"
Li Bi also advised, "Although Jingye was wrong today, Fang Jun's aggressive and uncompromising behavior is truly excessive. Even if our Li family cannot compare with the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families, we are no less than the Fang family. How can we allow Fang Jun to bully us like this? We should seek justice from Fang Jun to avoid being seen as weak and easily bullied by outsiders, thus losing face."
Who in the world doesn't envy the Fang family's glory of having "two Dukes in one family"?
Now that Li Jingye has the potential to revive the Fang family's golden age thanks to the emperor's favor, he must not let his efforts be cut short and all his efforts be in vain.
Li Ji did not answer, but looked at Li Siwen, who was drinking tea silently to the side, with a sullen face: "What do you think of this matter?"
Li Siwen put down his teacup, sighed and shook his head: "Second Uncle is wrong. Although Fang Jun usually seems arrogant and domineering, he is actually very measured in his actions. He never hesitates to fight or make trouble when necessary, but he also adheres to his bottom line. He and Father seem to be political enemies, but they have always had a good relationship. Not to mention his many years of friendship with me. Even for the sake of our father and son, he should not have attacked Jingye like this... So in my opinion, the reason why he acted so ruthlessly is definitely not because of some personal grudge."
That's enough.
If it wasn't for personal grudges, then what was it for?
Or it could be a power struggle between the Crown Prince and His Majesty, all for the sake of maintaining the foundation of the nation.
Perhaps Li Jingye's rise to power was too rapid, and he had already built up a power base around himself, making Fang Jun feel threatened, so he resolutely took action to warn him...
But whichever the possibility, it means that this is by no means a personal grudge, but involves imperial power.
Therefore, the Li family's response was not about regaining face, but about redefining their own direction—whether to continue to stand on His Majesty's side, support the imperial power, and oppose the Crown Prince.
Li Ji glanced at Li Siwen with considerable surprise. This scoundrel had made rapid progress since the bloody battle during the Jin Prince's coup, and had actually begun to understand how to view problems from a higher level, rather than getting bogged down in immediate gains and losses.
Looking back at Li Jingye, who was covered in dust and dirt, he sighed inwardly.
He had tied his entire family to him, hoping to rise to prominence and continue his family's glory by following His Majesty. Was this decision right or wrong?
Although it was out of necessity at the time, how could I not have had expectations?
He wanted the honor of having two dukes in one family too...
With a stern face, he said, "This matter ends here. Don't even think about causing trouble for Fang Jun."
Li Bi hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
Li Jingye nodded silently, but the act of nodding caused him severe neck pain, dizziness, and a grimace.
Li Siwen suddenly said, "Father, my younger sister is not young anymore. She has been unmarried since her divorce. What are your plans for her marriage?"
After her divorce, Li Yulong stayed at home. A family like the Li family naturally had no shortage of matchmakers, but after a few years when matchmakers came in droves but failed to find a suitable match, things have gradually calmed down now.
There was no other reason than that Li Ji held a high position and was the leader of the court officials. He looked down on ordinary families. But Li Yulong had been divorced before, and what truly good family would be willing to marry a woman who had remarried?
She finally met someone whom both Li Ji and the man were willing, but Li Yulong threw a tantrum and didn't like him... so things have been wasting time ever since.
Before Li Ji could speak, Li Bi interrupted, "Siwen, you wouldn't be thinking of marrying your sister to Fang Jun as a concubine, would you? Let me tell you, this is absolutely unacceptable! No matter what situation our Li family is in, we will never sell our daughters for personal gain!"
Despite his dizziness, Li Jingye said, "Fang Er is not one of us. We can't push my aunt into a fire pit just because of your private relationship with him!"
Li Siwen has become much more composed in the past two years, but his inherent spoiled nature still remains. Upon hearing this, he slammed his hand on the coffee table and angrily said, "What kind of talk is this? Yulong is my own sister. Even if Father is dead, I am the one who should take care of her. How could I push her into a fire pit? How could I use her to exchange for anything?"
Li Ji had a headache: "I'm not dead yet!"
Li Siwen's stubborn temper flared up, and she retorted with her neck stiff, "Everyone has to die sooner or later. Does Father have to wait until after he dies before I can decide my sister's future?"
Li Ji was furious, glaring at his unruly son: "I've already told you I'm not dead yet, and you have no right to interfere in family matters!"
Li Siwen is not afraid of his father at all: "We understand Yulong's thoughts. The men of our Li family are upright and have noble character. Why should we delay our little sister's happiness because of some grudges? The Fang family is not a narrow-minded family. They will definitely not treat our little sister badly after she marries into the family."
"We'll discuss this later."
Li Ji stood up with a sullen face, put his hands behind his back, and left.
Li Bi advised, "You should understand your father's difficulties. The real reason he disagrees with Yulong marrying into the Fang family is that since we are on His Majesty's side, we cannot secretly arrange a marriage with Fang Jun, after all, Fang Jun is the mainstay of the Eastern Palace."
Li Siwen sneered, "Then how dare you accuse me of selling my daughter for personal gain? You tied my little sister's marriage to loyalty to the emperor, using her life's happiness to gain His Majesty's trust. You are the ones who are selling your daughter for personal gain!"
After saying this, he ignored Li Bi's ashen face, stood up, and strode away.
"boom!"
Li Bi slammed his fist on the coffee table, shouting angrily, "How dare you! How dare you!"
Although his achievements were not as prominent as his elder brother's, and his influence in the court was far less, he had always been loved and respected by his nephews and grandsons in the Li family. However, Li Siwen completely disregarded him today.
He relied entirely on his status as "Li Ji's brother" to establish himself in society. If even Li Ji's son no longer respected him, how could he face himself in the future?
Li Jingye closed his eyes and ignored them, not caring about their conflict. He was pondering his father's words and how to repair his image in His Majesty's mind.
……
To the west of Wude Hall is Lizheng Hall. From here, one can look north to see the vast palace complex of Ganlu Hall, the main hall of the inner palace. At this moment, the white snow covers the tiles and the red walls stretch far into the distance, creating an exceptionally tranquil scene.
Princess Jinyang knelt upright on the mat by the window, turned her head to look at the courtyard where snow was falling and the grass and trees were withered, her cherry lips slightly pursed and her eyes seemed to be dreamy.
From her vantage point, her gaze could extend beyond the Qianhua Gate and the Gongli Gate, reaching the snow-covered spire of the bell tower…
She lived here with her father and mother back then. After her mother passed away, her father took her ninth brother in and raised him with her. He loved and doted on him in every way. That was the happiest and most joyful time in her memory.
But now it feels like a lifetime has passed. Father Emperor is no longer here, Ninth Brother has fled overseas, and this place has changed masters again...
In the center of the mat was a carved lacquer table, filled with cucumbers, radishes and various dried fruits, as well as a teapot and teacups, with the aroma of tea filling the air.
On the other side of the table, Li Chengqian sat in the center, with Consort Shen holding the little prince beside him.
The family appears harmonious on the surface, but the atmosphere is actually tense.
Li Chengqian knelt there, his hands on his legs, his upper body leaning slightly forward, his tone stern: "From childhood to adulthood, I have always pampered and spoiled you, fulfilling all your needs, but that cannot be a reason for you to act recklessly. Today I will tell you again, there is absolutely no possibility between you and Fang Jun."
Princess Jinyang pursed her lips, remaining silent, her gaze still fixed on the view outside the window, where she could see a clearly defined, beautiful, and dignified profile.
This kind of "cold violence" made Li Chengqian furious, but he still tried his best to suppress his anger and said word by word: "From now on, you will stay in the palace and are not allowed to go out until I choose a wealthy family for you to marry."
Princess Jinyang finally turned around, her beautiful eyes looking at Li Chengqian, and said calmly, "I am no longer a virgin. Which of those noble families or powerful clans would want me?"
Li Chengqian's eye twitched involuntarily, his anger flaring up. He shouted in a deep voice, "How can you utter such self-degrading words? No matter what, you are still a princess of the Tang Dynasty, the legitimate daughter of Emperor Taizong. Anyone can be worthy of you!"
Beside her, Consort Shen held the little prince and whispered, "Your Highness, you are exceptionally beautiful and talented, and countless noble sons and noble ladies are enamored with you..."
Princess Jinyang remained expressionless and sat with an elegant posture: "Please call me Your Highness."
Shen Jieyu's face suddenly flushed red, and she stammered, at a loss for what to do.
Li Chengqian grew increasingly enraged and shouted, "Jieyu is my wife and concubine, and therefore your sister-in-law. How dare you be so rude!"
Princess Jinyang ignored her and looked at Consort Shen, whose face was flushed, and said softly, "Do you think that by moving into this Lizheng Palace, you will become the next empress and rule the six palaces and be the mother of the nation? Do you think that your son will be made crown prince and inherit the throne? I advise you to quickly give up such fantasies. Not only will the officials and the people disagree, but even a million soldiers will not agree. Don't think about these things and stir up trouble when you have nothing to do. Instead, you should read some history books. They will tell you that if you honestly and dutifully do your duty, you may live a long and prosperous life. But if you have even the slightest bit of delusion... the end will be very tragic."
Shen Jieyu's complexion turned from red to white.
She was no ignorant fool; on the contrary, she came from a family with a strong scholarly tradition and was well-educated and courteous. Of course, she knew that there were countless examples like her in history books, and it seemed that few of them had a good ending...
But risk and reward are equal. The higher the reward, the higher the risk. Just think about how the little prince would settle down once he was named crown prince.
Li Chengqian tapped the table and said with displeasure, "Now get to your business, don't beat around the bush."
Princess Jinyang stood tall and straight, her slender figure as sharp as a spear or a sword: "I will make my own decisions about my affairs."