My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 15 Xuanwu Gate Inheritance Law
The Tang Dynasty is a carnival for foodies.

The Zhenguan Administration lasted for sixteen years and changed the chaotic trend at the end of the Sui Dynasty, bringing prosperity and stability.

The people are resting and recuperating, there are bumper harvests year after year, and prices are the lowest in history.

The rear hall of the Eastern Palace, late in the afternoon.

The long dining table was already filled with delicious food.

Influenced by the Xianbei traditions, the Tang Dynasty had undergone great changes in food culture.

Although the separate dining system of the Han Dynasty was retained, it became popular to eat at the same table at many banquets.

On the table, there were Hu pancakes, steamed cakes, locust leaf cold noodles, rice, and boiled fish fillets.

There was also lamb, beef, and venison, all sprinkled with pepper, each slice distinctly sliced.

There are also various vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach, and okra.

Cherry Biro, smallpox Biro, crab roe Biro and all kinds of pastries and snacks.

It can be said to be dazzling and extremely rich.

"Mom, when will Yeye come back?"

Four-year-old Li Jue stared at the cherry biro on the table with his eyes wide open, his mouth watering.

He didn't even turn his head while speaking.

Su Yuer smiled and picked up the cherry biro and put it in Xiao Li Jue's hand.

"Almost. I'll be back soon."

"Uh-huh."

Xiao Lijue's mouth was full and he responded vaguely.

"Xiang'er, if you are hungry, you can eat something first."

Li Xiang bowed and said, "Thank you, mother. I'm not hungry. I'll wait for father to come back together."

"Good boy."

Su Yuer praised.

Perhaps due to his background, Li Xiang was sensible, well-behaved, gentle and elegant since childhood, and looked like an adult at the age of twelve.

When he was born, Li Chengqian was only eleven years old. He was still a half-grown child, so how could he understand the responsibilities of a father?

Later, Su Yuer married into the family when she was only a teenager.

Under such circumstances, Li Xiang not only did not go astray, but instead behaved like a humble gentleman, which was simply outrageous.

"His Royal Highness is back!"

The palace maid hurried over to inform.

Li Chengqian walked in with several eunuchs.

"Yeah yeah."

"Father."

"Your Highness."

Little Li Jue staggered and fell on Li Chengqian's legs, hugging him and wiping the blood from his mouth.

In the Tang Dynasty, "father" was a more formal name, and children were generally called "Aye" or "Yeye", which has a similar meaning to "Adie" or "Didedie".

Li Xiang bowed and Su Yuer was filled with joy.

"Look, what good things Yeye brought you."

Li Chengqian picked up little Li Jue and said with a smile.

"It's Su Shan, lots of Su Shan, I want to eat some, yeah yeah I want to eat some."

Little Li Jue's eyes were immediately attracted by the mountain of pastries held by the eunuch behind him.

Even for the emperor's grandson, luxury goods like Sushan are not often available.

"Okay, okay, yeah, I'll feed you."

Li Chengqian called the eunuch, scooped a small piece with a spoon and fed it to little Li Jue's pink little mouth.

Feeling the cold sweetness in his mouth, Xiao Li Jue shouted with joy.

Then she kissed Li Chengqian on the face.

Li Chengqian laughed heartily.

"Your Highness, please don't spoil him too much. He is only four years old and can't eat too much."

"Then have some raisins. Come, Ye Ye will scoop them for you."

Li Chengqian was smiling and teasing little Li Jue, feeling very happy.

However, when his eyes swept over Li Xiang who was standing respectfully, he was suddenly stunned.

He seemed to understand Li Shimin a little.

How similar are himself and the King of Wei, and the current Li Xiang and Li Jue.

Could it be that after I abide by the Xuanwu Gate Inheritance Law, my son will have to do the same?

"Xiang'er, this is a family dinner, don't be so reserved."

"How are your studies lately? They're going smoothly."

"I heard that you study very hard. Don't overwork yourself. At your age, you should go out more and make more friends."

"It must be tiring to supervise the production of wheelchairs. If you feel tired, just leave it to your mother."

Li Xiang was very surprised by his father's sudden concern and the invitation to the family dinner.

In the past, his father never cared about him.

This made him feel the warmth from his father.

"I am not tired. It is my fortune to be able to supervise the making of a wheelchair for my father."

"I just want to build it for my father as soon as possible, so that he can walk more easily on weekdays."

"I like reading. The teachings of sages and historical allusions in books often make me obsessed and very happy." Li Xiang's answer did not sound fake, but very sincere. He really likes reading.

Perhaps it was because of this kind of character that the child he taught eventually became the prime minister.

Li Chengqian suddenly thought that he was only about ten years older than Li Xiang.

After I ascended the throne, if Li Xiang had not died early, wouldn't he have to be the crown prince for the rest of his life?
Li Chengqian felt that he could live a long life and his physical condition had been getting better and better recently.

Maybe Li Xiang can't outlast him and has to go first.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian couldn't help but sigh.

As expected, the Xuanwu Gate inheritance law is the law passed down by our ancestors, and I’m afraid that future generations will have to follow this path.

The family dinner was very joyful.

No one can resist the sweet and cool taste of Sushan.

Li Xiang, who looked like an adult, couldn't help but put it into his mouth again and again.

Little Li Jue kept asking Su Yuer for it, taking a bite, licking it, and licking it again.

Su Yuer asked, "Is Sushan a reward from His Majesty? Four servings at a time."

Li Chengqian explained: "No, I asked Jialingsi to do it."

"The disciple of Taoist Qin Ying has contributed the technique of turning water into ice that he performed before. From now on, there will be endless amounts of Sushan in the East Palace."

Su Yuer felt a little happy and a little disappointed when she heard this.

If it was a reward from Your Majesty, then the prince and Your Majesty will be reconciled as before.

Thinking of the endless Sushan, he couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, can I send some to my father's family?"

Li Chengqian said: "Of course, it's just that the journey is long and the ice is easy to melt. Let Jialing Temple bring the ice directly and make it on the spot."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Su Yuer was very happy.

Li Chengqian said, "I'll go with you tomorrow. I haven't seen my father-in-law for a long time. It's time to pay him a visit."

It has indeed been a long time since we got married, and the only times we met were in the court.

It seemed that except for the time when he married the Crown Princess, Li Chengqian had never been to his father-in-law's house.

"If Your Highness goes, Father will certainly be very happy."

Su Tan was also upset. His daughter married the prince, which made him half the emperor's father-in-law. However, apart from the status of a royal relative, there were no other benefits.

Li Chengqian thought of something: "Su Chen is not young anymore."

Su Yuer realized something and quickly said, "Yes, I am already eighteen."

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "I missed my brother-in-law's coming-of-age ceremony. I'll ask the palace to prepare some gifts for him tomorrow."

"He has reached the age to enter the government. When the time comes, come to the East Palace. I will find him a job."

Su Tan had two sons and one daughter.

Daughter, Crown Princess.

The eldest son, Su Chen, had an unremarkable record in history, but later became the governor of Guangzhou.

The second son, Su Gui, was even more outstanding and became prime minister.

But Su Gui is only three years old now.

Li Chengqian wanted to develop his own power, so his father-in-law's family would naturally be the first priority.

The Secretary-General is of the fifth rank and has little power. He is even lower in the court and needs support.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The prince's intention to support the Su family was so obvious, how could Su Yuer not understand it.

She also likes her home to be better.

"How do we explain to His Majesty when the Crown Prince leaves the palace?"

Su Yuer said worriedly.

Now the prince does not attend court and claims to be recuperating from illness.

"Nothing, no rest. His Majesty has given me an errand, so I'll just treat it as an errand."

Li Chengqian took a bite of mutton and replied casually.

He is the prince after all, but he doesn't even have this little freedom.

After eating and drinking, Li Xiang was ready to leave.

The East Palace is very large, with many houses, and he has his own palace.

Before Li Xiang left, Li Chengqian told him: "It is not enough to just read books to achieve success in civil and military affairs."

"I will arrange some guards for you tomorrow. You must also learn martial arts, riding and archery."

Li Chengqian has no one else to use, so his own son is of course reliable.

After a few years, Li Xiang was already fifteen or sixteen years old.

Li Shimin led troops to rescue the emperor at the age of sixteen. Li Xiang was not as good as him, but leading troops should not be a problem.

Who knows, maybe he can still help when the time comes to implement the Xuanwu Gate inheritance law.

Just by doing this, Li Chengqian always had a premonition.

When he gets old, Li Xiang might have to go through Xuanwu Gate again.

The only thing to be thankful for is that when I get old, Li Xiang will be no young either.

"Follow my father's instructions."

Li Xiang naturally had no objection and was even somewhat happy.

His father asked him to learn martial arts, which showed his respect for him.

Li Xiang, who had never felt the love of his father since childhood, was deeply moved at this moment.

(End of this chapter)