The rebellious grandson of Emperor Zhenguan of the Tang Dynasty: Please, Your Majesty, be called Cro

Chapter 173 Hey, he actually has to thank us! (4000-word chapter)

Inside the Liangyi Hall, the court assembly had just ended, but the Xueyantuo delegation had not yet departed.

Tulishe, who was visiting the court this time, was the nephew of Zhenzhu Yinan, the Khan of the Xueyantuo. He held a noble and prestigious position within the Xueyantuo tribe, far surpassing ordinary envoys from vassal states. Yet today, standing beneath Li Shimin's imperial steps, he remained respectful and dignified, addressing the Khan of Heaven with utmost deference. His movements and kneeling were entirely in accordance with the rites of the Celestial Empire, showing not a trace of arrogance or domineering behavior.

During the discussions of the peace treaty in the palace, Tulishe publicly promised that the Xueyantuo would offer 50,000 horses, 10,000 cattle, and camels.

Ten thousand sheep were offered as a generous gift for the marriage alliance, with the sole purpose of welcoming the newly emerging princess of the Tang Dynasty back to the northern desert and forging an everlasting friendship between the two nations.

This move made the court officials of the Zhenguan era deeply feel his obedience. Even those who had reservations about the marriage alliance dared not speak out.

Li Shimin himself was overjoyed.

Recently, the Zhenguan court has been in turmoil, with one upheaval after another, and the position of heir apparent is in jeopardy. The eldest and fourth sons have been deposed and demoted in succession, and the imperial clan members have been estranged one after another, with family members becoming increasingly distant. The grandson of the emperor, Li Xiang, has repeatedly spoken out against the emperor in court and in public, making dissenting remarks.

Amidst the clamor of the court and the public, Li Shimin's reputation for wisdom, built up over several years, was subtly damaged. Although he still reigned supreme, he had long harbored a deep-seated melancholy.

But it is precisely because of this that the Xueyantuo have taken the initiative to bow down, offer generous betrothal gifts, and be extremely humble, thus giving the Tang Dynasty face.

Upon experiencing the long-lost imperial dignity, Li Shimin's face immediately lit up with joy, and he felt all the pent-up frustration of the past few days vanish.

In the imperial court, the emperor and his ministers were in harmony, and the guests and hosts were all happy. Civil and military officials, following the emperor's wishes, praised the Heavenly Khan for his might that extended to all corners of the world and for the distant barbarians to submit. Light music filled the hall, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity.

Tulishe, observing the emperor's expression, knew Taizong's intentions. Taking advantage of the emperor's favor, he bowed again and said loudly, "Your subject is extremely honored to be treated with such grace by the Heavenly Khan and to be able to enter the Heavenly Palace and witness the majesty of the superior nation."

"Now that the marriage alliance between our two countries has been established, and we are bound by a lasting friendly relationship, your humble servant dares to offer a feast to celebrate the enduring friendship between the Xueyantuo and the Great Tang!"

These words made the atmosphere in the hall even warmer.

Li Shimin had just issued an imperial edict, ordering all officials to move to the Xiangsi Hall, set up ten musical ensembles, and hold a grand banquet to celebrate with the Xueyantuo delegation, preparing to enjoy themselves to the fullest today.

Unexpectedly, before the person even left the Liangyi Hall, news arrived that Li Xiang had come to see him.

Upon hearing that this grandson of the emperor had actually arrived, Li Shimin's joyful expression froze.

Among the officials in the hall, some wore strange expressions, and whispers began to rise.

Li Shimin's mood was disturbed, and his expression turned somewhat displeased. He had been on guard against the very thing that troublemaker was doing, which could ruin the important diplomatic plan between the Tang Dynasty and the Xueyantuo.

He was about to speak and ask the palace servants to drive Li Xiang away.

Tulishe suddenly spoke up: "Khan Rongbing, is the grandson of the Emperor Li Xiang whom you seek to see the one who wrote 'Drawing my sword to cut the water, the water flows on; raising my cup to drown my sorrows, my sorrows only grow stronger'?"

"Oh?" Li Shimin was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "You are far away in the northern desert, yet you know the name of this brat." Tu Lishe bowed again, his posture becoming even more respectful: "I have long heard that the Heavenly Khan's rule is rich in literature and talent, and that he has a grandson who is skilled in poetry and whose name is known throughout Chang'an."

"Although I come from a humble and uncivilized land, I admire the refined culture and music of your esteemed nation and have always held the poetry and prose of the Tang Dynasty in high esteem. Today is a rare opportunity; could you please invite this grandson of the Emperor to the banquet, so that he may become acquainted with me?"

He came from a grassland tribe and although he had long admired the prosperity of the Central Plains, he had no respect for poetry!

It was just that he had been lingering in Pingkang Ward every day for the past few days, and he kept hearing the female scribes in the ward chanting "Draw your sword to cut the water, but the water will flow on." He also happened to remember Li Xiang's name.

The Tang Dynasty was incredibly powerful, and if the Xueyantuo tribe wanted to be free from worries about the future, they had to establish a marriage alliance with the Tang Dynasty. This was the instruction given to Tulishe by Zhenzhu Khan before he set off for the Tang Dynasty.

Therefore, Tulishe was extremely humble, wholeheartedly trying to please the Heavenly Khan, Li Shimin. In his view, no grandfather in the world does not favor his talented and renowned descendants. He believed that by praising Li Xiang and inviting him to a banquet, he could surely win the Heavenly Khan's favor. Upon hearing that the Xueyantuo envoy had actually taken the initiative to invite Li Xiang, the whispers among the people increased slightly.

Tulishe thought the courtiers were praising the Xueyantuo tribe for their subservience, and he thought he had succeeded, so he became even more sincere.

Li Shimin narrowed his phoenix eyes, looking somewhat troubled.

He hesitated briefly, then finally nodded slowly and said yes.

"Since you are so willing to invite me, then I will issue a decree ordering that brat to go to the Xiangsi Palace for the banquet."

This banquet was originally offered by the Xueyantuo as a gesture of submission and goodwill. Now that the other party's envoy has personally invited him, as the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, he has no reason to refuse on the spot.

More importantly, he must not expose his grandson's rebellious and disrespectful behavior towards the emperor and father in front of foreign envoys, thus becoming a laughingstock for discord within the imperial family and domestic unrest, and he must not allow vassal states to underestimate the Tang imperial family.

"Dengshan." Li Shimin thought for a moment, then turned around and beckoned to Chu Suiliang, who was sitting quietly at the lower end of the table.

"Then you may go, take that brat and head to the Hall of Longing."

"Your Highness, it's alright if you're a little more upright in your daily life," Chu Suiliang said to Li Xiang as he led him through the side corridor of Ganlu Hall toward Xiangsi Hall.

"The diplomatic relations between nations are of paramount importance. If the imperial grandson speaks inappropriately, he will surely lose the favor of His Majesty and also damage the prestige of our Great Tang Dynasty."

"The eldest prince's reputation is currently precarious, and there is little chance of a resurgence. The grandson of the emperor must exercise utmost caution."

Li Xiang glanced at the emperor's close advisor with a look of surprise. He was aware of the great calligrapher's reputation. Moreover, as the recorder of the emperor's daily activities, he was a close friend of Yan Xiangshi.

But judging from his tone now—it seems like he wants to help me and my cheap old man regain the position of crown prince?

"Rest assured, Lord Chu, I will certainly be magnanimous," Li Xiang replied, though he did not think so in his heart.

It seems that even a minister like Chu Suiliang held a supportive attitude towards the marriage alliance.

What a magnificent Tang Dynasty, what a glorious Zhenguan era—even these upright and unyielding scholars held such thoughts.

Before long, they arrived at the Hall of Longing. Inside, many court officials were already seated. As soon as Li Xiangpu entered the hall, he received the attention of many officials.

He didn't care and was led by Chu Suiliang to a seat.

Before long, Li Shimin, Li Zhi, Tulishe, and others arrived one after another. The sound of string and wind instruments filled the air, and the banquet began. Li Shimin frequently glanced at Li Xiang, and seeing that Li Xiang seemed to have no intention of rebelling, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

But Li Xiang was actually just waiting for the right moment to launch his attack.

During the banquet, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, fine wine flowed freely, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation among both civil and military officials.

After three rounds of drinks, Tu Li, slightly tipsy, looked at Li Xiang, who sat upright in the middle of the table, with an outstanding demeanor.

He had always wanted to curry favor with Li Shimin, thinking that this grandson of the emperor must be the beloved grandson of the Heavenly Khan.

This grandson of the emperor is very young. If we can be on good terms with him, the Xueyantuo tribe will surely gain more favor in the eyes of the Heavenly Khan.

Seeing that the time was right, he stood up again and bowed respectfully to the person in the head of the table.

"Heavenly Khan".

"This foreign minister is the nephew of Zhenzhu Khan. After the marriage alliance is completed, he will be considered a relative of this imperial grandson."

"This day is a once-in-a-millennium occasion. I dare to ask, may I offer this imperial grandson a toast?"

As soon as the words were spoken, a slight silence fell over the Hall of Longing.

Li Shimin sat upright on his throne, paused slightly, and a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes.

He was initially afraid that his grandson would cause trouble in public and disrupt the marriage alliance, but since entering the palace, Li Xiang has been sitting quietly with his eyes down, behaving himself, not speaking, not being arrogant or impatient, showing no signs of his past defiance of the emperor and father, or his stubborn and rebellious behavior.

It seems that he finally listened to Chu Suiliang's persuasion.

At this moment, the foreign envoy was making a public plea, and it was difficult to refuse such a request. If he were to refuse, it would make the Tang Dynasty appear petty, and it would also make the imperial family seem discordant and harboring resentment, thus making him a laughingstock to foreign countries.

So be it.

With all the civil and military officials before us today, and foreign envoys at our sides, even the most arrogant brat should know his place and consider the bigger picture. He would never dare to act so arrogantly in front of all nations.

He spoke recklessly and arbitrarily at the grand banquet.

With this thought in mind, Li Shimin nodded slightly, speaking gently and with a smile, "In that case, Xiang'er, rise and have a drink with Tulishe."

All eyes immediately turned to Li Xiang. Chu Suiliang, who was standing next to Li Xiang, quickly tugged at Li Xiang's sleeve.

"Your Highness, remember the greater good of the nation!"

"I understand, I will certainly be magnanimous," Li Xiang replied in a low voice.

Chu Suiliang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded to himself. This grandson of the emperor still knew how to be patient and consider the overall situation.

Amidst the expectant gazes of the room, Li Xiang slowly rose to his feet.

His robes fluttered as he stood upright amidst the banquet, his gaze carrying a hint of mockery as he swept over the hall filled with music and extravagance.

National system? Overall situation? How ridiculous.

Speaking of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, perhaps deep down Li Xiang still held some respect for Li Shimin. After all, if he hadn't acted then, he would have surely died at the hands of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

But Li Xiang felt nothing but contempt for Li Shimin and the Tang Dynasty when it came to this marriage alliance.

The Tang Dynasty's iron cavalry was awe-inspiring in the northern frontier, its armor and weapons enough to subdue the barbarians. The treasury was full, and the soldiers were willing to fight to the death. There were clearly a thousand ways to secure the border, yet they chose the most cowardly and cold-blooded one: to exchange the blood and flesh of a young girl for the stability of the court, the emperor's fame, and the grand scheme of things that the officials talked about.

The peace and security of the borders, the very foundation of a nation, rested on the shoulders of a young girl.

He paused for a moment, then spoke clearly, his voice piercing through the joyful music and music filling the hall, reaching everyone's ears distinctly: "Drinking is certainly not wrong, but we must first ask the envoy. With whom does your esteemed tribe arrange a marriage alliance with our Great Tang? What ceremony will you use to welcome our Great Tang princess?"

"Should we follow the rites of my Tang Dynasty? Or the rites of the Xueyantuo?"

Tulishe's hand holding the wine cup suddenly stiffened, and he felt a slight chill. After a moment's thought, he assumed that Li Xiang was asking about marriage rituals, so he answered frankly: "The princess is marrying my Khan, entering my northern desert and residing in my royal court. Therefore, the marriage should be conducted according to the rites of my Xueyantuo tribe."

"Oh?" Li Xiang raised an eyebrow slightly, a cold and nonchalant smile curving his lips.

"Your Xueyantuo tribe is willing to acknowledge our Great Tang as its suzerain, call yourselves vassals, receive investiture from the Emperor of Great Tang, and submit to his commands."

"Since she is a vassal state of the Great Tang Dynasty, and our imperial princess is of noble birth, she should be married according to the rites of the Tang Dynasty. How can you expect to marry a princess of the Celestial Empire with the rites of a barbarian?"

His voice grew colder, his gaze sharp as a blade, fixed directly on Tulisshe's face.

"Am I, a noblewoman of the Tang imperial family, to disregard propriety and become a mere object for the Xueyantuo's inherited and corrupt customs?"

"Could it be that you have never truly submitted to the Tang Dynasty, but only thought of using the pretext of a marriage alliance to belittle our Central Plains and humiliate our noble ladies?"

Levirate marriage is a backward custom on the grasslands, which emphasizes that sons inherit from fathers and brothers marry when brothers die. Once a father or brother dies, all their wives and concubines are taken in by their successor sons.

Such barbaric, vulgar, and utterly uncivilized customs are something that even the most shameless person would never dare to openly endorse.

However, everyone tacitly kept quiet and remained tight-lipped, with no one daring to expose it in public—because once this thin veil was broken, all the court officials who supported or tacitly approved of the marriage alliance would no longer have any sense of righteousness.

Their touted principles of "pacifying the borders through peace, stopping war through kinship, and sacrificing the individual for the sake of the nation" will instantly become a laughing stock for "indulging barbarians in disrespecting our imperial family and disregarding our rites and teachings."

When Li Xiang pointed it out, the entire hall fell into a deathly silence—even when this grandson of the emperor was polite and neither humble nor arrogant, he was still so sharp-tongued!

Tulis was also stunned, and it took him a long time to react.

He waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Wrong, wrong, it was I who misunderstood."

"The Tang Dynasty is the suzerain state; after the princess departs, Tang etiquette should be followed!"

Once the princess goes to the grasslands and deserts, the Tang Dynasty can't interfere. It's just a verbal agreement to follow Tang customs; what does it matter?

"Oh?" Li Xiang raised an eyebrow again, a triumphant, playful smile appearing on his lips.

"Since it follows the Tang Dynasty rites, that's excellent!"

"According to the etiquette of our Great Tang Dynasty, after a princess marries, she should have her own residence and not live with her husband's family. The prince consort should address the princess as 'subject'."

The princess is revered.

"Khan Zhenzhu actually wishes to come to Chang'an, the capital of our Tang Dynasty? Chang'an is a world of dazzling lights and flowers, far surpassing the grasslands. It is a wise move for the Khan to come to Chang'an to become a prince consort!"

To have the Khan come to Chang'an to be a prince consort?

Everyone knows that princes-in-law in the Tang Dynasty were always the ones who suffered mistreatment. Even those who married the sons of meritorious officials often ended up as henpecked husbands if the princess was fierce.

Moreover, sending Zhenzhu Khan to Chang'an to marry the princess would make him a live-in son-in-law.

*Pfft!* Someone in the column of military officers couldn't help but burst out laughing. Li Xiang looked in the direction of the sound and saw several old men with flushed faces, looking up at the sky as if there were some stunningly beautiful women painted on the ceiling.

Tulishe's face turned pale and then red. He didn't understand the intricacies of Li Xiang's words for a moment, but felt that this wouldn't work and that wouldn't work, and wondered what the imperial grandson really wanted.

Want Zhenzhu Khan to come to Chang'an? What's the point of a marriage alliance then!

Li Shimin's face showed slight displeasure. This brat really did come with the intention of sabotaging the marriage alliance!

Moreover, he felt that Li Xiang seemed to be deliberately provoking him—he had taken Yang Fei, one of Li Yuanji's concubines, as a concubine, and this brat deliberately spoke of the barbaric custom of levirate marriage in public.

If this isn't a direct attack on Li Shimin, what else could it be?

"Zhenzhu Khan has a unique status, so he naturally doesn't need to reside in Chang'an. Xiang'er, don't talk nonsense!" he said.

The emperor's words are law; when he speaks, they naturally supersede the established system.

Tulishe bowed in gratitude, but Li Xiang's face darkened: "You, Li Er, I was speaking properly according to your rules, and you actually jumped out to undermine me."

Then don't blame me for being unethical!

I'm not pretending anymore, I'm coming clean!

I'm just a troll, what's with all this talk of magnanimity? Go to hell!

A hint of mockery flashed in Li Xiang's eyes, but his face remained smiling: "Hehe, it was my rudeness."

"Well, to express my remorse, I will compose a poem to praise the eternal alliance between the Xueyantuo and our Great Tang, and also to commend His Majesty today."

"How is Tianen?"

Li Shimin was taken aback upon hearing this. Seeing that Li Xiang was not only not angry, but his smile was getting even wider, he secretly thought that something was wrong.

Before anyone could stop him, Tulishe, wanting to ease the slightly awkward atmosphere, and knowing that inviting Li Xiang to compose a poem was his own intention, readily agreed, saying, "I have long heard of the Imperial Grandson's poetic talent; it is an honor to hear it today!"

"Grandson, please recite it quickly! I can't wait!"

"Hehe, listen." Li Xiang stepped forward, leaving his seat and arriving at the center of the hall.

He then put his hands behind his back and, without pausing, immediately recited a poem: "The military governor frequently accepts surrender documents, and with one sword, he traverses ten thousand miles."

"Emperor Han praised Lou Jingce in vain, but instead married his princess to the Xiongnu chieftain."

"Excellent! Excellent poem!" It was Tulishe who suddenly spoke up, shouting his approval, which made all the civil officials in the hall look at each other with strange expressions.

Li Xiang couldn't help but chuckle, a smile involuntarily spreading across his lips.

Hey, this grassland brother who claims to love poetry.

We're going to sabotage this marriage alliance, and he'll still have to thank us loudly!

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