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After standing for more than two hours, it was finally time for lunch. No one made things difficult for him in this regard; they took turns to collect two baked buns and a bowl of oily vegetable soup. Gao Rui and the others had their own arrangements and resolved their meals inside the Guard Room.
As he squatted in the corner of the city wall eating, the atmosphere felt somewhat awkward. The other soldiers, who were also on duty, dared not isolate him but also hesitated to get too close, resulting in an uncomfortable silence where no one spoke and everyone simply focused on their food.
Li Jian Cheng smiled and took the initiative to squat down in a less crowded area to eat. He was still growing, and after consuming two baked buns, he only felt less hungry; he was far from full but didn’t go back for more.
At that moment, a food box suddenly appeared in front of him. Li Jian Cheng looked up with a smile, stood up, and bowed slightly. “Uncle.”
Li An grunted, “Eat up. If you don’t want to endure this humiliation, just go back home. Next year, when His Majesty has calmed down, I’ll arrange for you to take a position in a local government office.”
Li Jian Cheng did not refuse; he took out a piece of roasted goose from inside the box, tearing off a shiny goose leg and then tossing the rest to the nearby soldiers who hadn’t finished their meals.
“Thank you for your kindness, Uncle, but I believe serving in the palace is also worthwhile.”
Li An chuckled in disbelief. “Is it worthwhile? The heir of Duke Tang's Residence just started his position and was punished with ten lashes by His Majesty. You’re becoming quite the laughingstock of Chang'an.”
“If it brings laughter to others at their meals, then it’s still a good deed.”
Li An couldn’t help but frown; how could this young man be so enduring despite his youthful arrogance?
“I have duty to attend to now; please take care, Uncle.”
After Li An left, Li Jian Cheng returned to his post by the city gate. The soldiers beside him quietly expressed their gratitude before another two hours passed in peace.
The sentries changed shifts day and night. Li Jian Cheng did not have to stay overnight today. When dusk arrived and it was time for the shift change, he left the palace and boarded a carriage back home. As soon as he entered the gate of his residence, he saw the second steward waiting for him.
“Has Mother returned?”
"Back, my Lord, the lady has returned with the Young Master."
It seemed that everyone was already aware of this matter. The main reason it could be kept from the head matriarch was that the Dou Family was residing in the Villa, and she had just given birth. The servants below were also afraid of any unforeseen incidents that they could not bear.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible to keep it a secret for so long. The Dou Family had over a hundred loyal servants in her dowry alone.
There was no escaping it now. Changing into a round-collared robe, she quickly made her way to the back courtyard. Seeing all the servants waiting outside the door, she had no choice but to enter alone. There she found the Dou Family sitting on the couch, looking at him with an expressionless face.
Li Jian Cheng forced a smile, only to see his mother turn her face away, biting her lip as she covered her eyes with a handkerchief, her body trembling slightly. Startled, he hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Take care not to overdo it; it's just a surface wound. Mother need not worry; I am already fine."
The Dou Family couldn't help but feel heartbroken. She turned her face, tears welling in her eyes as she gently touched her son's shoulder. Then, gritting her teeth, she said, "That damned Old Beast! How dare he act so disrespectfully? He is indeed a traitor plotting against the throne. I should have persuaded your uncle to issue an edict to kill him back then. I regret not siding with King Qi and Duke of Tan; otherwise, why should my son suffer such grievances today?"
In those days, Northern Zhou's King Qi and Yuwen Xian, along with Duke of Tan and Wang Gui, had all advised Zhou Wu Emperor Yuwen Yong against Yang Jian, who appeared to be a threat deserving execution. Unfortunately, Zhou Wu Emperor believed Yang Jian's talents were only suitable for a general and did not pose a rebellion threat.
No wonder she wanted everyone else to leave; this conversation was indeed significant.
Li Jian Cheng's gaze deepened at her words. How could he not harbor resentment? It was the first time in his life that he had been unjustly beaten into unconsciousness; he had merely chosen to forget for now due to his inferior position.
He grasped his mother's hand and said, "I have my plans. You should stay in the Villa for another couple of months; there's no need to rush back."
The Dou Family composed herself and calmed down. "It is indeed time to return home. If we do not maintain connections with our relatives and old friends soon, the entire Chang'an will almost forget about Duke Tang's Residence."
After inquiring about Li Jian Cheng's situation today, the Dou Family advised him, "Now that things have come to this point, we must remain steady and not fear others' ridicule or difficulties. The Emperor and Empress have not met for half a month; the Queen will not be content.
Upon returning, several close friends came to visit me. I also gathered some information: the Emperor urgently summoned Duke of Qi Gao Shan back to court and demoted some of the old ministers trusted by the Queen. This indicates that significant changes are coming."
"But my son, you must understand, the Empress will ultimately lose."
"Yet Your Majesty won't win for many years either," Li Jian Cheng replied with a smile. "Deep feelings do not last; their lives have long been intertwined. Now, as they stab each other's hearts, how can it endure?"
The Dou Family member, who could advise the emperor since he was six or seven years old, quickly grasped his son's intentions: "You plan to use the Empress to board Prince Jin's ship and seek merit from the dragon. However, although Prince Jin is known for his virtue, your father once told me that he is merely biding his time and may not necessarily become a wise ruler in the future."
"Without rewards for achievements, it's hard to win people's loyalty. Prince Jin is a proud man; as for the future, we shall seek other options."
...
Day after day of duty passed. If he happened to be on duty with Yang Jishan or Dugu Kaiyuan, it was easier for him; he could stand in the shade, enjoy better meals, and have someone to talk to for company. If he was with Gao Rui and others, it was less pleasant, but these were minor issues.
There were also several occasions when the emperor left the inner palace to attend court but did not pay any attention to Li Jian Cheng. Finally, Prince Jin and Yang Guang returned to Chang'an, having exchanged a few brief encounters.
After another half month, Duke of Qi and Gao Shan returned to court, while Han Wang and Yang Liang were also summoned back. After their audience with the emperor, they came to Eternal Alley to see the Empress.
Gao Shan was tall and slender; although his face appeared somewhat haggard and aged, it did not detract from his handsomeness. Han Wang Yang Liang was robustly built with a round head and pointed chin; his large eyes gave an impression of pure-heartedness.
The two entered but soon came out with furrowed brows, indicating that their discussion had not gone well.
Han Wang Yang Liang stopped in front of Li Jian Cheng and said, "The Empress has summoned you. If you can, please persuade her a bit more; consider it a favor owed by this prince."
Li Jian Cheng bowed in agreement, then handed his long spear to an attendant beside him. After allowing a few others to conduct a brief inspection, he followed a strange female official toward Yong'an Palace.
Before long, Li Jian Cheng saw his aunt again. In just over a month, she still sat there but seemed to have aged over ten years. The once proud and upright demeanor had faded away, leaving only a sense of desolation in her eyes.
"Nephhew Li Jian Cheng, pay your respects to the Empress. May you be well, Your Highness."
"Rise and come sit closer."
"Yes."
Li Jian Cheng carefully approached and sat on the round stool, listening as she spoke, "The Duke of Qi and Han Wang, oh, and the Crown Prince and Prince Jin, all advised me to bow my head to His Majesty."
"I too wish to advise you to lower your head for now, Your Highness."
"Oh? Then you may leave."
"Take care, Your Highness." Li Jian Cheng stood and stepped back.
"Do you resent His Majesty?"
"I do not."
"And do you not resent me?"
"How could I harbor resentment when I can do something within my capabilities for my elders? It is Your Highness's grace that has bestowed upon me this position, and it is because of you that I have received His Majesty's leniency."
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