Chapter 3, The Zhongshan Wolf

Li Yuanji, with his hands clasped behind his back, returned to the long table in the main hall and took a seat

If Yin Ashu really goes to complain, Li Yuan would at most just scold someone

If Li Yuanji intends to oppose Li Shimin, then Yin Ashu's actions are indeed helping him vent his frustrations

Li Yuanji draped in a great cloak, boarded the precious carriage and swayed gently towards the Hall of the Two Instruments

Li Yuanji glanced at Yin Ashu and said in a slightly cold tone: "So I must reward you, mustn't I?"

Li Yuanji had just taken off his outer garment when he heard Liu Jun's words and began to put it back on again

After taking their seats, Li Yuanji did not rush to ask questions, nor did Yin Ashu hurry to speak

After speaking, he made a face at Li Yuanji, as if to imply to Li Yuanji that his reward, even if it could not be on par with that of the Crown Prince, should not be too much less than the Crown Prince's either

Li Yuanji looked at him directing the people in the mansion as if he were commanding his own family, feeling quite disgusted in his heart, yet he did not drive him away

Liu Jun is a fair-skinned, plump middle-aged man, dressed in the official attire of a junior supervisor from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Li Yuan would have to be insane; otherwise, it is impossible for him to make things difficult for his legitimate children for the sake of a favored concubine and a secondary prince

Li Yuanji instructed calmly

Li Yuanji wanted to understand what he referred to as venting his anger really meant

Yin Ashu was being held by the guards, yet continued to shout loudly

I certainly know of Du Ruhui, as the names of Fang Mou and Du Duan are like thunder ringing in my ears

Yin Ashu first brought this matter to Li Yuan's attention, and with his daughter whispering in his ear, the beating of Du Ruhui would be in vain

This person is completely shameless in their love for money, and they do not care for their own life either

It is truly hard to believe that such a person was actually beaten by a rogue, and that their finger was even broken

While Li Yuanji was lost in thought, Yin Ashu had already arrived at the entrance of the main hall. He did not consider himself an outsider and confidently instructed the maidservants and attendants at the door to prepare food and wine for him

Li Yuanji was too lazy to waste any more words with Yin Ashu; there was nothing to discuss with a fool destined to die.

Li Yuanji nodded, said no more, and followed Liu Jun out of the main hall of the Wude Palace

The predecessor not only had a poor relationship with the people in the residence, but also had a strained relationship with others in the palace

Du Ruhui is renowned in history, yet he is currently merely a subordinate official in the Qin Wangfu

Li Yuanji anticipated that Yin Ashu would report him, but he did not expect Yin Ashu to do so so quickly

Li Yuanji was very curious about how such a person could give birth to a daughter who is both beautiful and charming, as well as intelligent

The Hall of Two Instruments is the place where Li Yuan slept, handled state affairs, and received high-ranking officials

Fork it out

If he were to say something wrong in front of Li Yuan, or reveal any flaws, and if Li Yuan were to fixate on him, it would be difficult to ensure that Li Yuan would not discover his secret

Yin Ashu, puzzled, said: "Du Ruhui, Your Highness must be aware of Du Ruhui, right?"

It is absolutely not permissible to exceed three feet by even an inch.

Li Yuanji was taken aback and exclaimed, "Who?"

Moreover, Li Yuanji is a legitimate prince

Li Yuanji turned a deaf ear.

The guard trembled all over, quickly stepped forward to lift Yin Ashu and ran towards the palace exit

From the Wude Hall, proceed westward, passing through the Dajimen, Lizhengmen, and Xianchunmen, and you will arrive at the Liangyi Hall

Li Yuanji felt a deep sense of emotion, truly, it is the wicked who first complain... How shameless, yet how clever.

Thousands of guards are stationed around, and there are seven to eight hundred palace attendants waiting at the palace gate

Some are called saints, some are called everyone, and others are called the Lord

As for whether Yin Ashu would turn around and report to Li Yuan in the same manner as he did with Li Shimin, Li Yuanji is not concerned in the slightest

Li Yuan himself is a beneficiary of the principle of legitimate and illegitimate offspring, and he will certainly support this principle.

Li Yuanji's precious carriage stopped at the steps leading to the palace gate. Li Yuanji disembarked from the carriage, adjusted his attire, and felt a mix of slight apprehension and excitement in his heart

Hehe

As Li Yuanji bid farewell to Yin Ashu and abandoned his plan to go out for a stroll, preparing to rest in the main hall of the Wude Palace, Liu Jun, the junior supervisor of the inner court eunuchs close to Li Yuan, hurriedly arrived at the Wude Palace

Yin Ashu detected the unfriendly tone in Li Yuanji's voice. He considered arguing back, relying on his status, but upon recalling the notorious reputation of King Qi, he could only swallow his anger and mutter, "Even if there is no reward of money, a maid would suffice..."

Li Yuanji was not concerned, dressed himself properly, and said: "Am I not under house arrest? Can I go out?"

The children of the secondary line, from the moment of their birth, exist to serve the primary line

Yin Ashu had long been eyeing it, but had not found a suitable opportunity to ask for it.

reward

The maid possesses exceptional beauty, and at a young age, she is a promising beauty.

Since my elder brother has already rewarded you, I shall not bestow any further gifts. The sky is getting dark, so you should quickly return home

Li Yuanji feigned surprise, "I would like to hear the details."

I grant you a big-headed ghost

The former vassals of the Duke of Tang and those who followed Li Yuan to raise the banner of rebellion in Taiyuan could refer to Li Yuan as their lord

Your Highness, do you mean that I have helped you vent your anger towards the Crown Prince?

Yin Ashu took a big gulp of wine and, with a mischievous expression, said: "Isn't His Highness and the Crown Prince at odds with King Qin? Today, an official from the King Qin's residence, Du Ruhui, rode past my estate. I found an excuse and gave him a good beating, breaking two of his fingers.

The privilege of riding in a palanquin within the palace was granted by Li Yuan to his three legitimate sons, a privilege that the legitimate daughters did not enjoy. Some high-ranking officials could only enjoy the treatment of riding in a sedan chair or on horseback

Yin Ashu immediately said: "I have already been to the Eastern Palace, and His Highness the Crown Prince generously rewarded me with one hundred gold cakes"

As Li Yuan, it would be impossible to seek out Du Ruhui to demand an explanation, so he would certainly summon Li Shimin to question him about the offense of inadequate discipline.

Yin Ashu is causing trouble in the Eastern Palace and the Qi Prince's residence, engaging in reckless behavior; is this not a death wish

Li Yuanji remained silent, and Yin Ashu hurriedly asked, "Your Highness, do you think I should grant a reward?"

He has already decided to withdraw from the struggle for imperial power, and is destined to part ways with the Eastern Palace in the future

Speaking, he looked towards the maid standing at the door

Yin Ashu smirked lewdly, raised an eyebrow, and said with pride: "After I dealt with Du Ruhui, I sent someone to convey a message to the palace. If King Qin wants to trouble me, he must first get past the sage."

Until the wine and meat were served, Yin Ashu, while eating and drinking, said with great satisfaction: "Your Highness, today I have taken the opportunity to vent some grievances for you and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Yuanji maintained a composed expression, while secretly murmuring to himself in his heart

Li Yuanji instantly lost interest in continuing the conversation with this money-obsessed fellow

Yin Ashu went to the Liangyi Hall to report to me

People in the palace generally refer to Li Yuan as "Master"

The officials only refer to Li Yuan as Your Majesty in formal occasions, while they have various names for him in private

As for the unease, it is due to Li Yuan's identity

Yin Ashu came in with a loud commotion

The palace attendants, standing with their bodies bent and holding lanterns at the entrance of the hall, formed a long line that was quite striking

The direct lineage must do whatever is required of them; only when they are no longer needed can they live for themselves

For a father of a noble consort and a grandfather of a prince to boldly demand a reward from him, the matter must be significant

Although historical evaluations of Li Yuan are not high, he is nonetheless a founding figure of a dynasty. His wisdom, strategy, courage, and talent, among many other aspects, undoubtedly surpass those of ordinary individuals

Yin Ashu and Li Shimin have a longstanding feud, and he does not wish to intervene

Even Li Shimin, by establishing the Eighteen Scholars at the Hall of Literary Profundity and elevating Du Ruhui's status, still did not measure up in the eyes of Li Yuan

I remember that Du Ruhui is a trusted confidant of the King of Qin. Are you not afraid that the King of Qin will seek you out for retribution after you have struck Du Ruhui

In the Tang Dynasty, the gap between legitimate and illegitimate children was as vast as a chasm

However, since Li Yuanji has no intention of vying for the throne, Yin Ashu's actions are entirely meaningless, and may even serve to create enemies for him.

Currently, the Qi Wangfu and the Eastern Palace have a cooperative relationship, but what about in the future

There is a world of difference between the two parties

The night is deepening, and the lights inside and outside the Hall of Two Instruments are bright, yet they still cannot illuminate every corner of the hall

Liu Jun did not respond, but merely stood with a bow.

Li Yuanji's inquiry

Li Yuanji asked while putting on his clothes, tilting his head back

Send Yin Jianmen out of the residence

Li Yuanji glanced at Yin Ashu and said in a disorganized manner, "If you seek a reward, you should go to the Eastern Palace..."

Upon seeing Li Yuanji, he bowed respectfully, straightened up, and said in a loud voice: "A public announcement to all, His Highness is summoned to the Liangyi Hall to meet the Emperor"

The area of the Liangyi Hall is four times that of the Wude Hall. In addition to the large Liangyi Hall palace located in the center, the surrounding area is entirely open space

Li Yuanji's cheap mother is actually the Empress, and the power of the maternal relatives is quite substantial, with fiefdoms speaking for tens of thousands of households

Li Yuanji could only admire the tall, steady, and substantial silhouette of the Hall of Two Instruments by the light of the candle and the moon, unable to appreciate the full view of the Hall of Two Instruments

Liu Jun bent down and said casually, "If everyone summons me, I can naturally go out"

Yin Ashu became anxious, "How can that be?! I help His Highness vent his anger, yet His Highness does not reward me. Who would be willing to exert themselves for His Highness in the future?"

Oh?

Yin Ashu stared in disbelief, exclaiming, "Your Highness?! How could you treat me this way?!"

It specifically depends on the familial relationship and the position occupied.

So much so that when Li Yuanji tried to probe Liu Jun, Liu Jun did not respond

Li Shimin not only cannot help Du Ruhui regain his honor, but he might also face criticism from Li Yuan

Although Yin Ashu's actions cannot inflict serious harm on Li Shimin, they will undoubtedly disgust him greatly

Li Yuanji expressed his admiration, "You truly are a talent and a *book*..."

Is it a genetic mutation

Although Li Yuanji had seen Li Yuan's back the moment he crossed over and had encountered Li Yuan countless times through the memories of his previous self, it was still the first time he faced the real Li Yuan, and he couldn't help but feel a bit excited in his heart

... ...

A person who eats at two different places must possess a certain level of wisdom; without wisdom, it is akin to courting death

The sage mentioned by Yin Ashu refers to Li Yuan

Yin Ashu was unaware of Li Yuanji's thoughts. Upon hearing Li Yuanji praise him as a talent, he cheerfully said, "Then Your Highness should reward me, shouldn't you?"

According to Li Yuanji, Liu Jun usually reveals some information when he goes to the Eastern Palace or the Prince of Qin's residence

The guard at the entrance, upon hearing Li Yuanji's instructions, immediately walked into the hall

At this moment, Li Shimin is probably already starting to determine the dimensions for the grass on your grave

A conflict occurred between a national uncle and an official from a prince's residence, and it is clear whose side one would lean towards

Without waiting for Li Yuanji to respond, Yin Ashu asked and answered himself, laughing heartily with a firm tone: "Du Ruhui is indeed a great strategist of the Qin royal court; Your Highness cannot possibly be unaware of this"

Li Yuanji coldly reprimanded

Others only see Li Yuan in history, but he is able to see him as a living, dynamic figure. How can one not be excited?

Moreover, Li Yuan's legitimate offspring far surpass the illegitimate ones in terms of intelligence, capability, and talent

Li Yuan's feelings and affection for his legitimate children are indeed much deeper than for his illegitimate ones

Yin Ashu's daughter is a noble consort, and her grandson is a prince. However, she is merely a noble consort without any powerful relatives to rely on, and he is just a prince of a secondary branch with a fief of only one hundred households

The officials generally referred to Li Yuan as the Sage

Legitimate children, from the moment of their birth, possess the right to inherit the family estate and have a voice in family matters

Yin Ashu has a sharp face and a thin physique, with two whiskers on his face. Dressed in a loose green official robe, he resembles a large turtle.

At the entrance of the main hall, the maid hurriedly draped a thick cloak over Li Yuanji

You are deeply offending Li Shimin