Tang Dynasty: Consort Wu? Your Majesty, please address her as the Crown Prince's Consort.

Originally, it would have been better if Guanyinbi hadn't brought it up, because it made him angry.

"Is it that I don't want him to do anything? This rebellious son runs away faster than anyone else the moment he hears he has to review memorials!"

Seeing her second son's furious expression, Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but cover her mouth and smile, then spoke gently:

"That's because you don't understand Gaoming, Erlang. The reason he declined is that even if he didn't do it, you would finish it, so he could quit without any psychological burden."

However, if you send the memorials directly to the Crown Prince's palace and tell the eunuchs delivering them that if the Crown Prince doesn't approve them, they should be burned, then the people will suffer because these state affairs won't be handled properly. Even if Gao Ming is unwilling, he will still have to deal with it.”

Upon hearing his wife's words, Li Shimin's eyes lit up, but then he couldn't help but hesitate.

"What if the decision is better made by the expert, or should the application still be rejected?"

As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, Empress Zhangsun immediately shook her head and said with a determined look:

"No, I am his mother. I know him best. Although Gao Ming may seem a bit unreliable, he is concerned with the livelihood of millions of people. He will not act willfully."

Besides, if he really isn't willing to accept even this, then he has no reason to be the crown prince. I'll personally speak to him, and he can choose whoever you want to appoint!

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but be slightly taken aback.

I never expected my wife to say such a thing. She has always been the one who defends this unfilial son the most!

"Alright! Let's do it that way. But I still hope he can shoulder this responsibility. Although I am in my prime, I will eventually grow old. The future of the Tang Dynasty must be handed over to him."

As he spoke, Li Shimin couldn't help but sigh.

As Li Chengqian became increasingly outstanding, his mindset subtly changed. If this rebellious son was truly capable, then he would take the throne.

I await the day he leads his troops into the Taiji Palace.

But right now, this kid is still a bit short of experience.

Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Ha! Do you really think that's all the power I have?

……

The third day of the Lunar New Year!

The Duke of Zhao's Mansion!

"Uncle! Your nephew has come especially to wish you a Happy New Year!"

Seeing Li Chengqian and the others, Changsun Wuji was flattered and immediately ordered his servants to make tea.

"Your Highness, you flatter me. It is not proper for Your Highness to pay New Year's respects to a subject. If Her Majesty the Empress were to find out, she would surely reprimand me!"

Although he said that, the upturned corners of Changsun Wuji's mouth betrayed him.

Just kidding, His Highness the Crown Prince personally paying New Year's greetings—who else in the entire Tang Dynasty could receive such treatment?

Seeing Changsun Wuji's expression, Li Chengqian couldn't help but smile, then looked at Changsun Chong behind Changsun Wuji and said:

"My cousin is well past the age for marriage; do you have any plans?"

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's words, both Changsun Wuji and Changsun Chong were taken aback.

I did mention this matter when I visited my aunt, the Empress, in the palace. My aunt also intended to marry Princess Changle into the Changsun family, saying it would strengthen family ties.

Although puzzled as to why His Highness the Crown Prince asked such a question, Changsun Chong still answered truthfully.

"Your Highness, the Empress has mentioned this matter, saying that His Majesty intends to bestow a marriage between Princess Chang Le and me!"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian immediately feigned surprise and exclaimed.

Both Changsun Wuji and his son were completely bewildered by Li Chengqian's appearance.

"Your Highness, what is this...?"

Seeing Changsun Wuji's puzzled expression, Li Chengqian said with a regretful look:

"This matter is probably inappropriate. Of all the princesses of marriageable age, Father, only Chang Le is unsuitable to marry into the Changsun family!"

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's words, even Changsun Wuji couldn't help but frown. Trusting Li Chengqian, he felt that Li Chengqian would not speak without reason.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but ask:

"Why is that? Chang Le is the daughter of the Empress, sharing the same roots as the Changsun family. Doesn't that make her closer to the other princesses?"

However, upon hearing this, Li Chengqian shook his head and sighed, saying:

"Oh dear! Uncle, do you know that offspring born from consanguineous marriages are very prone to congenital deficiencies, deformities, intellectual disabilities, or congenital diseases!"

This time, it was Changsun Wuji's turn to lose his composure.

"Really? How could this be? Many aristocratic families engage in incestuous marriages!"

Seeing that his uncle still harbored a glimmer of hope, Li Chengqian didn't think much of it.

After all, consanguineous marriage is a very common thing in this era, and everyone is used to it.

"I only heard about this from the renowned physician Sun Simiao by chance. If you still have doubts, you can inquire with the powerful and influential families. I'm sure there are quite a few similar cases!"

If Li Chengqian's words had initially made him somewhat skeptical, then if it was truly Sun Simiao who said it, that would be a different story.

Thinking of this, Changsun Wuji couldn't help but speak up:

"Thank you for informing me, Your Highness. I will send someone to investigate immediately!"

I would rather trust it to have it than to trust it to have nothing.

This matter concerns the direct bloodline of the Changsun family, and he cannot afford to be careless about it.

Seeing his solemn expression, Li Chengqian nodded.

He smiled and looked at Changsun Wuji, saying:

"If Uncle confirms the truth, he can report this matter directly to Father at the Grand Court Assembly. This matter concerns the survival of the family, and even those powerful clans would thank Uncle!"

"This...this is unacceptable! His Highness discovered it first!"

It has to be said that Changsun Wuji was tempted.

Marriage between close relatives is extremely common among powerful families. If what the Crown Prince said is true, even those arrogant and haughty noble families will be grateful for his kindness.

Hearing his uncle hesitate, Li Chengqian waved his hand dismissively.

"It's alright, these things are useless to me. It's better to let my uncle do me a favor."

Seeing that Li Chengqian had said so, Changsun Wuji did not refuse any further.

After having dinner at the Duke of Zhao's residence, Li Chengqian took his leave and departed.

As for the matter raised by Li Chengqian, Changsun Wuji did not dare to delay and immediately dispatched a large number of people to investigate the offspring born from consanguineous marriages in various clans.

However, when the investigation results were presented to Changsun Wuji, he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

In a case of 100 couples who are closely related and have children, nearly 60% of them have congenital problems. Of the remaining 40%, although they are normal, many of them are slower than other children.

This outcome made Changsun Wuji secretly rejoice. Fortunately, His Highness the Crown Prince informed him of this matter. If Chong'er and Princess Changle were to marry, wouldn't the Changsun family's offspring be in serious trouble?

……