Chapter 10, a duet between father and son, a tacit understanding between mother and daughter

The Empress was pleased, and of course, Li Xian would not let such a great opportunity slip by: "Your humble son has finally achieved his wish this time, and Father Emperor has also helped quite a bit from the side. Mother Empress, could you at least grant a reward?"

He Lan Yan cheerfully said: "I entered the palace last night. I was busy settling in, so I didn't come to find you! The lady has agreed that from now on, as long as I am in Luoyang, I will reside in the Shui Meng Pavilion next to you, and I can come to see you every day!"

This seems to be against the rules

When did he ever say he agreed? Li Ji pondered to himself, but seeing the father and son harmonizing so well, he truly felt helpless and could only return a bow to Li Xian. Thus, this matter was clearly settled.

"Having accomplished such significant matters, you still ask for a reward?" Wu Zetian lightly frowned, but ultimately could not maintain a serious expression and broke into a pleasant smile. "As long as you don't treat me like you did with the Duke of England, that would be fine! As for the reward, if you perform well in the future, I might consider it."

It doesn't matter, I will go to ask my uncle now, whatever you learn, I will learn as well

Noticing that the sky outside had not yet fully brightened, Li Xian could not help but stare in astonishment at He Lanyan, who was dressed neatly, and asked, "How did you get in"

However, the relentless Li Hong ultimately tracked down his palace, where he meticulously enumerated all of his offenses. In the end, Li Xian had no choice but to issue a pile of worthless checks to send this prince away, and then he climbed into his warm bed to begin his calculations

The matter of you teasing the Duke of England today is now known throughout the entire palace! Such a shrewd person as the Duke of England was actually deceived by a mere child like you; you certainly enjoyed quite a moment of glory

"At such a young age, you are already so cunning; what will you be like when you grow up?" Wu Hou said with a hint of reproach, yet her face was full of smiles. "I always knew you liked to mingle among the cosmetics; who would have thought you also had so many tricks up your sleeve!"

Li Xian's greatest aversion at present is to hear the words "rules". He quickly interjected, saying: "Father, the Duke of England is a renowned general of his time, and he must be safe there. I am not the crown prince, so the court officials will certainly not make any comments about this. Furthermore, as long as we act discreetly, and the Duke of England does not speak of it publicly, very few people will know. I have always admired the Duke of England's character, so I ask Father to grant this one request."

Li Xian had no idea that within just half a day, his brilliant achievements had already spread far and wide, leaving him feeling somewhat pleased. At this moment, seeing Empress Wu also wearing a look of pride, he quickly flattered her, saying: "This is all thanks to the good teachings of Mother Empress; I merely intended to share a joke with the British, but unexpectedly, he happened to say that particular phrase, so I took the opportunity to tease him a bit."

Today can truly be considered a no-cost venture, having successfully pulled off a scheme akin to catching a white wolf with empty hands, and I have managed to acquire a Li Ji, which is indeed a stroke of good fortune

I, your humble servant, understand. Thank you, Father Emperor, and thank you, Master

Seeing Li Hong enter dressed impeccably, Li Xian immediately shrank his head. As expected, after Li Hong paid his respects to Empress Wu, he immediately shot a fierce glare at him. It goes without saying that the two masters of the Eastern Palace have now recovered from their illnesses, and his elder brother, the Crown Prince, must continue to endure torment. It is no wonder that Li Hong is feeling frustrated, especially considering the substantial profit he made from the horse he extorted.

Having taken his leave, he saw Li Zhi brimming with excitement and delight. He immediately seized the opportunity to propose a request to study at Li Ji's home. Upon hearing this suggestion, Li Zhi furrowed his brow in contemplation, while Li Ji wore a look of distress.

Li Ji had spent half his life in military service, accustomed to various characters and having encountered many so-called prodigies. However, he had never met anyone as shameless as this one. Seeing Li Xian's sincere and earnest plea, he knew that going out to plead on his behalf was certainly not an option, but standing idly by was equally inappropriate. In the end, he could only cough lightly.

As Li Xian had anticipated, upon hearing the entire matter, Li Zhi immediately nodded in agreement without the slightest hesitation. Not only that, but Li Zhi also imposed a significant responsibility.

He had not yet clarified his words when Li Zhi suddenly stood up, nodding repeatedly and saying: "Since Li Qing also agrees, then well, I shall grant it! Xian'er, now that you have this esteemed teacher, you must study diligently and make progress, and you must not disappoint the expectations of me and Li Qing, do you understand?"

As he watched He Lanyan dash out excitedly, Li Xian couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Why, why are women in this era even more open than men? He indeed quite liked He Lanyan, but must she really follow him around every day?

He had rarely had the opportunity to leave the palace before, let alone to experience the charm of a prosperous era. Although he could do as he pleased after establishing his own household, the thought of waiting for eight years made him wish he could sprout wings and fly away. Now, it seems, he would soon be able to roam freely and legitimately. Of course, he must fully utilize his skills, for only by mastering the ability to stand against thousands could he secure his own life in the future

Li Xian was very pleased with his father's flattering words, so upon seeing Li Ji reluctantly bowing his head in gratitude, he immediately stepped forward to pay his respects. Although Wang Fu was not as esteemed as the Crown Prince's tutor, he was still Li Ji, Li Mao's accomplishments were not to be underestimated. If he could not bring him over, given this old fox's cautious and prudent nature, he would probably never have any connection with the royal family in his lifetime. Sending out a horse and gaining a master in return, he truly made a significant profit. Although Wang Fu was not as esteemed as the Crown Prince's tutor, he was still Li Ji, Li Mao's accomplishments were not to be underestimated. If he could not bring him over, given this old fox's cautious and prudent nature, he would probably never have any connection with the royal family in his lifetime. Sending out a horse and gaining a master in return, he truly made a significant profit

As he was lost in thought, he gradually fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of conquering the world and being invincible. Suddenly, he felt a tickle in his nose, sneezed, and then turned over to continue sleeping. Little did he know that his face was inexplicably itching unbearably. No matter how much he scratched, there was no relief. Finally, he simply sat up abruptly, only to see the instigator half-sitting on the bed, watching him.

Li Qing is not only a renowned general but also a virtuous minister. I shall entrust the virtuous child to you. Since you have agreed to take on this responsibility, in order to make it official, I hereby appoint you as the royal tutor of Prince Lu. If you can cultivate a prince who is both talented and virtuous for me, your name, Li Qing, will surely be recorded in history. You must devote yourself to this task.

Your Majesty

Upon exiting the Wu Palace, without waiting for Li Hong to say anything, Li Xian immediately took off running, quickly leaving Li Hong far behind. Hearing a few curses carried by the wind from behind, he merely turned back to make a face and did not pay any further attention.

Is it possible? Li Xian felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. He had already experienced He Lan Yan's unparalleled ability to entangle others. In the past, because she would come during the day and leave at night, and not every day, he could still endure it to some extent. But now, if she were to cling to him every day, would he still be able to carry on with his life?

How could I dare to treat you lightly, Your Excellency! Li Xian quietly stuck out his tongue, just as he was about to say something, a long announcement suddenly rang out from outside: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived"

No, he must do everything possible to rid himself of the little girl's entanglement. Thus, he racked his brains and finally thought of a reason: "However, I have already taken on a master today, and in the future, I will have very little free time, and I may not necessarily be in the palace!"

Li Xian, who achieved a resounding victory, was very pleased with his accomplishments. When he went to meet Empress Wu in the evening, he naturally wore a beaming smile. Before he could speak, Empress Wu, with a gentle smile, summoned him forward and lightly poked his forehead with her finger.