Chapter 9, the young fox confronts the old fox

However, Li Xian was overjoyed; he had finally caught Li Ji's grammatical error, a rare opportunity that had fallen from the sky. Nevertheless, it was still necessary to press the point further, lest Li Ji have second thoughts, rendering all of Li Xian's previous efforts in vain

Is it really possible to do anything?

When the Duke of England initially presented this horse to my father, he subsequently bestowed it upon the Crown Prince, my fifth brother. The Crown Prince was unable to tame it, so it remained in the stable. When I saw it, I was immensely fond of it and finally managed to get it back, hoping to train it. Who would have thought that Brother Li would say this horse is difficult to tame... Alas, it seems that I truly have no fate with this horse

Li Ji did not expect that at such a young age, Li Xian would utter such philosophical words, leaving him at a loss for how to decline further: "Your Highness's generous gift makes me feel truly undeserving. How about this: I have quite a collection after all these years; if there is anything in my humble abode that Your Highness fancies, you may take it in exchange, how does that sound?"

The entire venue fell silent

At last, I have received your promise! Li Xian immediately broke into a smile and nodded emphatically, saying: "Well then, what I want is..." He deliberately elongated his voice, then looked around for a moment before suddenly pointing a finger at Li Ji and exclaiming: "Lord of England, the person I want is you!"

Li Ji stared incredulously at the six-year-old child across from him, feeling a twinge of regret for his earlier impulsiveness. His principle had always been impartiality, which is why he had refrained from getting involved in the previous matters of the Eastern Palace; all the titles of Crown Prince's Grand Tutor and Crown Prince's Guests had been completely divided among others. However, this time, it seemed he could not escape and could only attempt to delay the inevitable.

Li Xian would not allow this matter to be delayed, and immediately suggested: "In that case, the Duke of England and I shall go to the palace to see Father Emperor at once. As long as I personally report this, Father Emperor will surely grant permission for this matter"

Although Li Ji felt that Li Xian was mature for his age, he ultimately regarded him as just a child. Therefore, he did not consider the deeper meaning behind the words and replied without a moment's thought: "As long as we are in this Li residence, no matter what His Highness the Prince of Lu favors, Li Ji will certainly yield it with both hands"

A gentleman's word is as unchangeable as a team of four horses that cannot be pursued

This was the first time Li Xian had seen a horse with such a human-like expression, and he truly felt a bit reluctant to part with it. He took a few steps forward, intending to mimic Li Ji's gesture to touch it, when suddenly a snort sounded in his ear, followed by the horse lifting its hoof.

Brother Li, please do not decline! Li Xian, having had little opportunity to properly meet the court officials in the past, is eager to take this chance to have a direct encounter with the renowned Li Ji. How could Li Jingye refuse? "Someone, go to the Imperial Garden and find a few capable individuals to send this horse to the Duke of England's residence! Brother Li, accompany me to visit Mother!"

Li Xian felt a surge of anger within, increasingly perceiving Li Ji's smile as somewhat cunning and calculating. However, he was not merely a six-year-old child; with a quick turn of his thoughts, he immediately devised a plan

It seems that I am not destined to enjoy this horse!" Li Xian sighed regretfully, noticing that Li Jingye's face was flushed, he smiled and said, "This horse has changed hands many times and remains unruly to this day. Why not let me offer it as a gift to the Duke of England? The Duke has spent his life on the battlefield and might have a way to tame this horse!"

Li Xian felt that there was more to Li Ji's words than met the eye. After observing the latter walk around the horse team a few times and stroke his beard while sighing repeatedly, it seemed he was experiencing a sense of loss and recovery. His mind began to race. Anything that could catch the attention of the renowned general Li Ji must be something valuable. If he were to hand over this snow-treading item today without receiving anything in return, would that not be a poor bargain?

Since Li Jingye has said such words, Li Xian immediately ceased discussing the matter of horse training. If he were to insist on urging Li Jingye to train the horse, and any issues were to arise, he would have no way to explain it to Li Ji. However, leaving the horse here is not a solution, and it also raises concerns about resource wastage. At that moment, he quickly had an idea.

Both my father and mother have said that a fine steed is suited for a hero. I have long heard that the Duke of England is a contemporary hero. Such an excellent horse should naturally gallop on the battlefield; how could it be allowed to spend its days in a stable?

Li Xian dared not let Li Ji continue to praise him, and quickly laughed, saying: "Lord Yingguo has praised me, and I have no other requests. I only hope that Lord Yingguo can accept me as a disciple, that is all!"

This ... ...

Although it is Luoyang, Li Ji's residence here is also quite substantial. After a large group of people entered, Li Xian quickly met the Duke of England, Li Ji. In his seventies, Li Ji was still vigorous and spirited, his physique even sturdier than that of younger men. However, upon seeing the horse, his expression seemed somewhat unnatural. When he learned that Li Xian intended to gift him the horse, his surprise was immediately evident. At that moment, Li Xian couldn't help but wonder to himself, could it be that this horse, Tanyue, along with the books, was originally something Li Ji had reluctantly dedicated to Li Zhi?

Neither Li Jingye nor the Li family around him found any issue with this statement. Naturally, Li Xian would not ask for a house; therefore, it does not matter what other items, no matter how precious, are given to him. After all, Li Zhi currently trusts Li Ji the most, so what rewards could he possibly want later?

Your Highness need not be afraid; it merely instinctively rejects strangers. All spirited horses can be summed up in four words—bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Once tamed and recognizing you as their master, they will surely remain loyal companions in the future. Of course, a good horse does not serve two masters; generally speaking, once it has chosen its owner, it is often not easy to win its heart if a different rider is chosen later.

The situation with Empress Wu was exceptionally favorable, perhaps because Li Ji had provided considerable assistance during her ascension, or perhaps to further win over this rare and esteemed elder statesman. In any case, upon hearing that Li Xian intended to visit the Duke of England's residence, she readily agreed without hesitation, only advising him to bring along more attendants. As for the horse, which originally belonged to the Eastern Palace, both mother and son overlooked it simultaneously; after all, they were all family, and it made no difference whether it was given or received.

Upon witnessing this scene, Li Ji hurriedly shouted twice, and only then did Tread Snow calm down, though its hooves still instinctively scraped the ground as if to dig.

Li Ji stood for a long time, and suddenly let out a long sigh: "It is said that His Highness the King of Lu was born able to speak, could recognize characters at the age of 2, and could recite poetry at the age of 3. I did not believe it at first, but now it seems that His Highness truly has a mind with nine orifices! I viewed His Highness as a child, and I was indeed mistaken!"

Seeing Li Ji and Li Jingye's several descendants all left speechless, Li Xian immediately felt a sense of satisfaction. Of course, Li Ji could argue, but playing such tricks with children would only tarnish the reputation of the Duke of England. A gentleman's word is his bond; having made such a promise, now I wonder where you, Li Ji, can run to and how you can evade responsibility

However, even if I agree to Your Highness regarding this matter, it ultimately still requires His Majesty's approval

Equivalent exchange? Li Ji, you old fox, you actually don't want to owe anyone a favor!

Indeed, the horse that had thrown countless tantrums along the way quieted down immediately upon seeing Li Ji. When Li Ji stepped forward to gently stroke its glossy black back, it displayed a look of utter contentment.

Li Ji saw Li Xian sighing there, and his expression became somewhat awkward: "A gentleman does not take away what others cherish. If His Highness the Prince of Lu is unwilling to part with..."

The British government must keep its promises

Want to procrastinate? Not a chance! In this first round, victory is assured for me