Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 197 The Dutiful Son

Li Longji was greatly surprised and stared at Wang Xi in disbelief.

In fact, cases of corruption and bribery like Zhang Jiayou's wouldn't have surprised Li Longji so much, because it wasn't a rare occurrence.

To his astonishment, Wang Xi actually reported Wang Shouyi.

It still feels so natural, making people realize it only after a while.

That's incredibly filial.

What an incredibly filial son!
Seeing that Li Longji did not react for a long time, Wang Xi pretended to be uneasy and said, "Uncle, why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"

Li Longji was startled, and when he came to his senses, he asked incredulously, "Que'er, do you know what you're doing?"

"I know!"

Wang Xi said in a serious tone, "At this very moment, your nephew is reporting a case of embezzlement and bribery to your uncle."

This kid seems quite excited, really. Li Longji looked at Wang Xi's expression and couldn't help but chuckle, then asked curiously, "But this involves your father, aren't you afraid of harming him?"

Wang Xi hurriedly said, "Nephew, you're saving Father!"

"is it?"

Li Longji asked in surprise, "What makes you say that?"

Wang Xi nodded and said, "Uncle, you don't know, but my father is too loyal. He has a good relationship with Master Zhang, which is why he wanted to help Uncle Zhang."

But this matter is nothing compared to my uncle's grand ambitions. What if I ruin his plans?

Besides, with my uncle's wisdom and keen insight, how could he not have discovered that my father and the others were just deceiving themselves?

Fortunately, my father hasn't covered for anyone yet; he only intends to, meaning he hasn't broken the law. My nephew's coming to report this—isn't that saving my father?

Li Longji thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile: "That seems to make sense. Aren't you afraid your father will punish you for this?"

Wang Xi smiled and said, "Uncle, please don't look down on me. Although Que'er is not very good at handling minor matters and often causes trouble, she is very clear-headed when it comes to matters of principle. Everyone has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation, and she is no less a spoiled brat."

Li Longji's eyes lit up. "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen? Did you learn that from your teacher?"

Given Mr. Wuming's character, he would never say such a thing. Wang Xi thought for a moment and said, "It can't really be called that. It came up with by a few of us when we were writing the script for the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Uncle, does that sound impressive?"

"I see."

Li Longji smiled and nodded, "It is not only very imposing, but also contains profound principles. Uncle, you should also ponder it carefully."

"is it?"

Wang Xi feigned excitement.

Li Longji smiled and nodded, then said, "However, Uncle has now come to understand the teacher's way of educating people."

Wang Xi asked anxiously, "What is it?"

Li Longji asked, "Don't you know?"

“Sir, your words are always profound and unfathomable; I’ve never quite understood them,” Wang Xi shook his head.

Li Longji chuckled and said, "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name. This cannot be spoken of, nor can it be taught. You will understand when you grow up."

Wang Xi scratched his head and smiled awkwardly, then said slyly, "Uncle won't betray his nephew, will he? Although I'm not afraid, if Father really fights, he might still lose."

Li Longji feigned displeasure and said, "What Que'er said is an insult to your uncle. Que'er is so considerate of your uncle, how could your uncle betray her?"

“I knew it, nephew.” Wang Xi chuckled.

Li Longji suddenly glanced at Wang Xi and asked, "Que'er, what do you think your uncle should do?"

Wang Xi exclaimed excitedly, "Uncle, you even ask your nephew about such important national affairs?"

Li Longji chuckled and said, "Uncle has always enjoyed listening to Que'er's insights."

"Is it."

Wang Xi's eyes darted around a few times. "I think it's a matter of official business, and that General Zuo Jinwu should be punished."

My uncle had put in so much effort to investigate those hidden households and to clear out those lands, how could he let it all fall into the hands of this man?

"To fail at the last minute" is a phrase my nephew dislikes most. If we don't punish him, others won't be afraid, and it will cause a lot of trouble. We must make an example of him to deter others, so that no one will dare to hoard land.

"The sparrow is right!"

Li Longji smiled and nodded, then asked, "And what about your father?"

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "Uncle, my father hasn't broken the law yet. He just had this idea. Uncle, could you forgive my father this time?"

Li Longji chuckled and said, "Actually, your uncle knows your father's character better than anyone else. What your uncle values ​​most about your father is his loyalty and righteousness, which is why he put him in charge of the Palace Secretariat. You can rest assured that your uncle will not only not blame your father, but will also ensure that your father is both loyal and righteous."

Wang Xi asked excitedly, "Uncle, what brilliant plan do you have? Can you tell me?"

Li Longji laughed and said, "Actually, it's not a brilliant plan. You just need to keep quiet and have your father tell Minister Zhang about it." Wang Xi blinked and said, "I don't really understand."

Li Longji simply smiled and said, "Don't you understand? Now that your uncle knows about this, even if your father informs Minister Zhang, it will be of no use. Your uncle will not hold your father responsible."

It seems Huangfu Sengnian's prediction was entirely correct; the emperor did indeed intend to replace the prime minister. Wang Xi, feigning ignorance, chuckled, then suddenly his eyes darted around, and he asked, "Uncle, wouldn't you say Que'er has rendered meritorious service?"

Li Longji nodded and said, "Of course it counts. I wonder what reward Que'er would like."

But then he thought of Wang Xi, that clever little devil, who had made him owe a favor over a trivial matter last time. He couldn't fall for it again, so he quickly said, "Don't owe me another favor. Just tell me what reward you want."

Wang Xi chuckled: "Just say it. Just say it. Actually, it's like this, my nephew has recently run into a little trouble."

Li Longji's expression changed slightly. He looked him over and suddenly laughed, "This little trouble, you mean your aunt?"

Wang Xi was startled and exclaimed, "Uncle, are you a deity?"

Li Longji laughed and said, "Uncle is not a god, it was your aunt who told him."

This woman is truly shrewd; she even brought this up with His Majesty. Wang Xi was startled; this was something he hadn't expected at all. He asked, "What did Auntie say?"

Li Longji laughed and said, "Your aunt said that you want to have a magic contest with Que'er. But your aunt guesses that you will definitely ask your uncle for help."

But her uncle thought she was seriously underestimating Que'er. Que'er was quite proud; last time she fought with Shang Gongbu, she made her uncle uphold the law.

"Is this how you coax a child? If you don't want to help, just say so. You old rascal, you're really wicked." Wang Xi's expression changed slightly, but he said, "It seems my nephew and aunt have the same idea."

Li Longji asked curiously, "How so?"

Wang Xi said, "I'm just afraid that my aunt will come to my uncle for help. If my uncle doesn't help, I'll make my aunt suffer."

"So that's it."

Li Longji knew perfectly well that this kid was being stubborn, and his lips twitched a few times as he suppressed a laugh. "Don't worry, Uncle guarantees he won't take sides."

Having such a formidable aunt, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse. Wang Xi nodded and said, "Then I can rest assured. Uncle, you can also rest assured that when I deal with my aunt, I will go easy on her and will never make things difficult for you."

"unnecessary."

Li Longji waved his hand and said with a smile, "Que'er, use whatever tricks you have up your sleeve. Don't hold back. Your uncle also wants to see how many tricks you have up your sleeve."

After hearing this, Wang Xi muttered to himself, "In other words, Auntie can also use all sorts of methods on her nephew."

Li Longji almost burst out laughing, and pretended to listen closely before asking, "What did you say?"

"nothing."

Wang Xi straightened his back and said with a lack of confidence, "With Uncle's words, I can rest assured."

Li Longji laughed heartily.

Wang Xi curled his lips and said, "Uncle, didn't you want to play the violin? Let me see how much you've improved lately."

Li Longji was taken aback at first, realizing that this kid was seeking revenge. Instead of taking it to heart, he laughed heartily and said, "Alright, someone come here and quickly bring my violin."

The violin was brought up immediately.

Li Longji immediately played the piece "The Butterfly Lovers".

After the music ended, Li Longji saw Wang Xi sitting there silently and couldn't help but ask, "Why isn't Que'er speaking? Did your uncle play it wrong?"

Wang Xi said angrily, "Uncle has definitely not been diligent in his duties lately; he's just been indulging in pleasure."

"You're really lecturing me now, kid." Seeing his condescending attitude, Li Longji couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean by that?"

Wang Xi hummed softly, "If Uncle is diligent in his duties, how could he play so well that even I can't comment on it? He must have put in a lot of effort. Therefore, Que'er is certain that Uncle is not diligent in his duties and is practicing the violin every day."

That was such a subtle and skillful flattery. Li Longji burst into laughter, "Que'er has truly misunderstood her uncle!"

Wang Xi asked suspiciously, "Is that so?"

Li Longji said, "Your violin is truly wonderful. I can play a tune on the spot without much preparation. I can even play a tune on my way to court. I can assure you that I have not neglected state affairs recently. I just play the violin during my breaks."

"Really?" Wang Xi asked, quite dejected.

Li Longji laughed and said, "Uncle, you have not uttered a single falsehood."

Wang Xi remained silent for a long time before saying, "Even if my uncle's talent in playing the zither surpasses that of my nephew, he doesn't have the same talent in making zithers as my nephew."

“Uncle agrees wholeheartedly.” Li Longji nodded very seriously. “Que’er is truly a genius for creating this violin. In my opinion, she is no less than Boya.”

Wang Xi asked, "Who is Bo Ya? Is he powerful?"

Li Longji was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Wang Xi chuckled foolishly, "Actually, I know who Boya is, but I just want to keep a low profile."

Upon hearing this, Li Longji burst into laughter.

(End of this chapter)