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Li Yuanji was paying close attention to the conversation between his two older brothers when he heard his eldest brother mention him. He quickly interjected, “Eldest Brother, you only taught me how to play Mahjong. You never taught me how to kick the shuttlecock!”
“Fourth Brother, kicking the shuttlecock is simple; it doesn’t really need teaching and isn’t that interesting. The key is Mahjong, which has some techniques and is quite enjoyable. I’ll find time to teach Second Brother!” Li Jiancheng replied.
“Yeah, Fourth Brother, since it’s fun, when will you teach Second Brother?” Li Shimin chimed in.
“Sure, no problem!” Li Yuanji nodded with a smile. At that moment, in such a setting, the three brothers certainly wanted to convey a harmonious atmosphere.
“Eldest Brother, Sister-in-law is getting quite big; you’re about to become a father, right?” Li Shimin shifted the topic, as he had no interest in games!
Li Jiancheng nodded. “Yes, it should be another three or four months!” After answering, he suddenly thought that the child in Zheng Guanyin’s belly was from his previous life. He had only slept with Lu Lingling for so long, but Lu Lingling hadn’t become pregnant. It seemed there was some reason she could no longer conceive.
He would need to find another woman. Who should he look for first? Dan Bingbing! A beautiful and charming face appeared in Li Jiancheng’s mind.
Just then, Emperor Li Yuan had already ordered everyone to enter.
The reunion banquet was held in the Tai Chi Hall.
Inside the Tai Chi Hall, it was resplendent and radiant, showcasing royal grandeur. The dining tables were arranged with great care, adhering to strict ceremonial regulations regarding their length, width, and height to reflect royal dignity and prestige. The tables were covered with exquisite embroidered tablecloths adorned with various fine porcelain pieces, each embedded with gold or silver edges that sparkled enticingly.
The Royal Princes and Grandsons were dressed in luxurious brocade robes and adorned with jeweled crowns as they took their seats in order of seniority. Their seats were positioned at the center of the hall, facing the entrance and backed by the wall, highlighting their status and importance within the family. Each prince had a set of specially prepared tableware before them; every piece had been meticulously selected and polished to showcase royal luxury and taste.
The concubines were arranged on either side according to rank and favor. They wore brightly colored palace garments with wide skirts layered like blooming flowers. Adorned with elaborate hairpieces and painted faces that glistened with rouge and powder, they appeared vibrant and alluring. Although their seats were not as prominent as those of the Royal Princes and Grandsons, they were still carefully arranged to comply with etiquette while reflecting their identities and status.
Li Yuan sat majestically on his resplendent Dragon Robe upon the golden throne, his demeanor solemn yet benevolent. He faced the Royal Princes and Grandsons as well as the concubines from a significantly elevated position.
As the hour arrived, Li Yuan raised his cup to address everyone: “Tonight is New Year’s Eve of Wu De Year Seven. I am very pleased to share this reunion dinner with my family. Overall this year has been peaceful and prosperous for our nation. Here’s wishing all my family members good health and harmony.”
“Thank you, Father Emperor!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
The Royal Princes and Grandsons along with the concubines responded in unison.
“Long live Father Emperor (Your Majesty)!”
The Royal Princes and Grandsons along with the concubines continued their blessings almost in perfect harmony.
“Don’t be formal; let’s drink!” Li Yuan said as he downed his cup first.
Everyone below quickly followed suit.
The entire palace was filled with a rich festive atmosphere accompanied by laughter and joy. The tables were laden with an array of delicious dishes that were visually appealing and mouthwatering.
Li Yuan occasionally gestured for his grandchildren to eat more vegetables, his face beaming with a loving smile.
After several rounds of drinks, it was time for the Royal Princes and Grandsons to toast Li Yuan, expressing their respect and blessings. This segment could not be rushed; it had to follow the order of seniority. Naturally, Li Jiancheng was first in line.
Li Jiancheng stood up with Zheng Guanyin, Lu Lingling, and their children, raising his glass towards Li Yuan. "Your humble son wishes Father Emperor good health and may our Tang Dynasty enjoy peace and prosperity!" After saying this, he led the way in downing his drink. Indeed, the wine of the Tang Dynasty was quite enjoyable.
Zheng Guanyin, Lu Lingling, and their five older children followed suit and drank as well.
Li Yuan chuckled and took a sip of wine himself, saying, "Jiancheng, does Consort Li have another child on the way?"
"Yes," Li Jiancheng replied honestly.
"Then she should drink less! If she doesn’t want to drink later, she shouldn’t!" Li Yuan said understandingly.
"Thank you for your consideration, Father Emperor!" both Li Jiancheng and Zheng Guanyin responded in unison.
"Chengdao, how old are you this year?" Li Yuan looked at Li Jiancheng's eldest son, Li Chengdao.
"Grandfather, I am fourteen this year!" Li Chengdao quickly replied with a respectful gesture.
"Oh, fourteen? Then you’ll be fifteen next year," Li Yuan said, turning to Li Jiancheng. "Jiancheng, it’s time to arrange a marriage for Chengdao."
Upon hearing this, Li Jiancheng suddenly realized. In the Tang Dynasty, boys were expected to be engaged or even married by the age of fourteen or fifteen! He replied, "Alright, Father Emperor. It would be best if you could grant a marriage for him!"
Li Yuan nodded with a smile. "Good. Once I find a suitable girl, I will bestow her upon him!"
Next, Li Shimin led his family to toast Li Yuan.
Li Yuan responded cheerfully and then said, "Shimin, the foundation of our Tang Dynasty was largely established by you. I must thank you properly!"
Hearing this, Li Shimin immediately felt anxious and replied, "The foundation of the Tang Dynasty was achieved under your leadership, how could it be attributed to Your humble son? It is only natural for Your humble son to share your burdens."
Li Yuan waved his hand. "Shimin, I speak the truth. Quelling various rebel kings and stopping the Turkic invasions were all due to your military efforts. I have heard that many poems circulating in Chang'an City celebrate your past heroic deeds in battle."
Li Shimin had indeed heard about those poems. They made him happy as he believed they reflected his popularity among the people. But now that his father had mentioned them at this moment—what did it mean? Did Father Emperor think he had instructed some talented scholar to compose them?
This was not a good sign; Li Shimin quickly replied, "Those poems are meant to honor every soldier who has fought for the country, not just Your humble son."
"Oh, I believe that should be the case!" Li Yuan’s admonishment came to an end. In such a setting, he couldn’t afford to lose his temper!
At this moment, Li Yuanji suddenly understood. He had thought that his elder brother was merely drunk; now it seemed that Li Jiancheng was being deliberate. This was a way to elevate Li Shimin while making Father Emperor feel that Shimin's achievements overshadowed his own! This tactic from his elder brother was quite clever!
Now it was time for Li Yuanji to toast. Like his two elder brothers before him, he led his family from Prince Qi's Residence to offer a toast to Li Yuan.
Li Yuan accepted the toast and asked, "Yuanji, what are your plans for next year?"
Li Yuanji quickly replied, "Your humble son has no specific plans; I am always here in Chang'an City to relieve my father's worries!"
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