Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 242 So it turns out I'm just a beast of burden.
".?"

After a moment of silence, Wang Xi said with great frustration, "Uncle, you are making things difficult for your nephew. I have already racked my brains to come up with this reason, but you are making it even more difficult. If the two of them collude, I don't know what to do."

He hadn't really thought about this, because Li Longji was definitely better at it than him. The key was that if he were to explain this issue clearly, he would be very mature.

Using commerce to control finances is one thing, but Li Longji was asking about interpersonal relationships, which is the most complex aspect.

Li Longji was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on and couldn't help but laugh. "Que'er, don't blame your uncle. It's just that what you said was so good that your uncle is also thinking about it. However, this question is indeed a bit difficult for you."

"It's quite a difficult task."

Wang Xi nodded and then chuckled, "Does Uncle also think Que'er is right?"

Li Longji nodded, then suddenly asked, "Is this really Que'er's idea? Or is there a teacher helping her behind the scenes?"

"I wouldn't dare ask you for help with something like this, sir, and you certainly wouldn't help me."

Wang Xi said arrogantly, "It was all Que'er's own idea. For this, Que'er stayed up for several nights and thought of all sorts of ways to plead for mercy."

Li Longji asked in surprise, "Is that so?"

"Ah."

Wang Xi nodded and said, "Because this is the first thing Mi'er asked of me, I must do my best. Otherwise, how can I win Mi'er's heart?"

Upon hearing this, Li Longji was both amused and annoyed, saying, "So, in the end, it turns out you're working so hard for a woman."

Wang Xi nodded directly, "Uncle, as you know, this is my forte and my interest."

Li Longji couldn't help but roll his eyes and said, "If no woman were begging you, wouldn't you even consider it?"

"Of course not," Wang Xi said. "My nephew is still a child. Why would he think about these things?"

Li Longji didn't know what to say, so he asked, "Didn't the teacher teach you about family, country, and the people?"

Wang Xi thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. Nephew knows whether it is or isn't. The Way of Non-Action was taught by the Master, but when the Master said these things, he was just telling us the reason for learning this knowledge. He didn't say anything else. At my age, it seems that I shouldn't be thinking about these issues."

"What age are you? You're just being lazy."

Li Longji glared at him irritably, then said earnestly, "Que'er, you have good talent, but you must use it in the right way. Your uncle has high hopes for you."

Wang Xi immediately replied, "But I think more highly of my uncle-in-law?"

"???"

Li Longji chuckled, "What do you think is so good about your uncle?"

Wang Xi said, "In my opinion, Uncle is a sage ruler of all ages, who will surely lead our Tang Dynasty to an unprecedented golden age. Therefore, my task is to enjoy this golden age, so as not to let down Uncle's governance."

Li Longji immediately became anxious, "You mean, you all spend your days eating, drinking, and having fun, trying to please women, while I'm stuck in the palace like a slave? Que'er, you're really filial!"

"Uh."

Wang Xi blinked and chuckled awkwardly, "What I mean is, I'm still young now, but in the future, I will definitely... cough cough help my uncle, if I can be of any help."

"You," Li Longji said, pointing at Wang Xi and shaking his head speechlessly.

"hey-hey."

Wang Xi smiled ingratiatingly and said slyly, "Since Uncle thinks what I said is right, then...then..."

Li Longji glared at him, feigning reproach, "You've passed the test. Your uncle can help you with this, but you must not let it slip."

Wang Xi was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, saying, "I understand, I promise I won't tell."

Li Longji nodded and said, "However, you should talk to Pei Zhouxian yourself; it's not appropriate for your uncle to say it."

"understand!"

Wang Xi nodded.

His strategy was actually a covert one, because Li Longji would certainly not say he wanted to do it openly. Not only would it make the border generals feel insecure, but more importantly, it would make them know that Pei Zhouxian was there to check and balance them. Would they let Pei Zhouxian go?
Since it cannot be stated openly, it cannot go through the three provinces, and therefore it does not belong to the imperial policy. Without the support of the policy, there is no power. Therefore, it must be implemented secretly and cannot be done openly and honestly.

Li Longji suddenly remembered something else, "By the way! Yao'er has been clamoring every day lately to go to your Wuming Academy to study, what do you think?"

"what?"

“Your uncle helped you, so you should help your uncle in return,” Li Longji said excitedly.

Wang Xi blinked, thought for a moment, and said, "Uncle, Yao'er is too young, and our academy teaches all high-level knowledge. She has to learn to read and count before she can study at our academy."

At this point, an idea struck him. "How about this: if there are suitable classes, he can come and learn them, but he should still focus on his own studies."

Li Longji nodded, then suddenly said in surprise, "You're quite clever in this area."

Oops! I let it slip. Wang Xi had a sudden inspiration and said, "Uncle, you don't know, but my master is very lazy. He basically never goes out and spends all his time cultivating in the house. He always asks me, his senior brother, to handle everything. I'm quite capable now, and all my junior brothers and sisters follow my lead."

Li Longji chuckled, "Aren't you afraid your husband will scold you for talking about him like that?"

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "Uncle would never betray his nephew, which is why I dare to speak freely in front of him."

Li Longji chuckled a few times, "Alright, Uncle will investigate Pei Zhouxian's case thoroughly."

"Thank you, Uncle!"

Wang Xi bowed and said, "If Uncle has no further instructions, then I will take my leave." Li Longji asked, "Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"

Wang Xi said, "Nephew, you must hurry and ask Mi'er for credit!"

"???"

Li Longji was completely speechless. He waved his hand and said, "Go, go."

After Wang Xi left, Li Longji became increasingly angry. Why should I create a prosperous era while you enjoy it? No way, I'll go find Consort Wu too.

However, Wang Xi was not lying. After leaving the palace, he went home eagerly to ask Ashina Mi for credit.

When Ashina Mi saw that Wang Xi had actually succeeded, she happily threw herself into his arms. Wang Xi, of course, would not let this opportunity pass by. He held Ashina Mi on the bed, turning over and over, exchanging kisses continuously. Basically, they did everything except for...

Under Sister Hua's care, Wang Xi has also developed the ability to control himself at will.

The main reason was that he had tried to have sex with Ashina Mi several times before, but Hua Jie's shout had interrupted him each time. Wang Xi thought to himself, this can't go on. What if he gets traumatized and becomes impotent for life? That would be too terrible.

So he gave up on that idea.

Looking at Ashina Mi, whose eyes were filled with spring and who was panting heavily in his arms, Wang Xi said smugly, "Mi'er, isn't your husband amazing?"

Ashina Mi was also overjoyed and hummed softly, "I'm even more amazing, proving that I didn't misjudge you back then."

"So, you're really something, Mi'er. Hehe." As she spoke, Wang Xi suddenly seemed to remember something, "Oh right, right, you have to hurry up and send a message to your aunt. I have to go and ask for credit, and let them praise me too."

Ashina Mi rolled her eyes at him with a smile in her eyes, "I know."

Little did he know that even if he didn't plead for him, Pei Zhouxian would still be safe and sound, because Zhang Shuo would definitely do everything in his power to protect him.

However, his plea for leniency changed the situation somewhat.

Zhang had previously said he was only protecting Pei Zhou from death, but Wang Xi wanted Pei Zhou to go to Anxi or Beiting to serve as a trade envoy.

How do I do this?

As a naturally gifted individual, Li Longji was not stumped by this. While talking with Wu Jieyu, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration and came up with a brilliant plan.

The next day, he suddenly ordered a thorough investigation into the case.

When the emperor personally orders a thorough investigation, it proves that the emperor intends to move towards conviction.

Upon hearing this order, Zhang was completely stunned. What was going on? He had pleaded for leniency before. Even if he wanted to investigate thoroughly, he should have discussed it with him first. What he was doing was truly unethical.

What will my colleagues think of me?

But Zhang quickly realized that Li Longji's actions were too blatant and unreasonable; he shouldn't have acted without consulting him beforehand.

To ensure this, Zhang went to the Ministry of Justice to inquire, but the Ministry of Justice also stated that they had not provided any new evidence, which clearly indicated that there was something hidden.

Zhang Shuo was a clever man, and he quickly realized that Li Longji was repaying him for his support in the matter of Wang Maozhong.

Therefore, he immediately submitted a memorial to the emperor, pleading for leniency for Pei Zhouxian.

Li Longji ignored him and insisted on investigating, determined to get to the bottom of it.

If the emperor insists on this, it means he wants Pei Zhou to die first!

Zhang said he had fully grasped Li Longji's thoughts. Upon careful consideration, he could only conclude that his plea was not strong enough.

Therefore, Zhang said he was firmly opposed, and during the court assembly, in front of Li Longji, he stated that Pei Zhouxian was not only without fault, but also had merits, and listed Pei Zhouxian's achievements in the main hall.

Talent!

Pillars of the nation!

The other officials had no idea; they were all terrified.

Li Longji clearly intended to severely punish the army as a warning to others. This isn't a question of guilt or innocence, yet you still insist on it.

Of course, many officials also believe that Zhang Shuo is so insistent because he had a previous dispute with Zhang Jiazhen and he is determined to protect her.

But can it be saved?
As a result, Li Longji eventually compromised and directly transferred Pei Zhouxian to the Beiting Protectorate as its governor.

Zhang Shuo's prestige soared immediately.

Instead of being punished, he was promoted. He truly deserves the title of Grand Secretary and is indeed deeply trusted by the emperor.

No one spoke of Wang Maozhong anymore.

Li Longji, on the other hand, killed two birds with one stone, so he didn't lose out at all.

Although it seemed like Li Longji was losing face, Zhang Shuo acted very strongly in front of him, and not only was he not at fault for killing Pei Zhouxian, but he was actually doing a good deed.

However, Zhang Shuo knew exactly what was going on, and in that case, he was definitely filled with gratitude towards Li Longji.

The reward was far too generous; the new broom sweeping clean was certainly a welcome sight.

After that, if Li Longji asked for anything, Zhang would most likely agree, because this would show that if you treat me well, I will treat you even better.

But Zhang had no idea that Li Longji was very cunning, and he would use even a small favor in a very specific way.

(End of this chapter)