Chapter 34

Yin De-fei, originally just a commoner from the streets, was sent to the Jin Yang Palace as a palace maid due to her good looks. By a twist of fate, she became Li Yuan's concubine and rose to her current high position. Therefore, apart from relying on Li Yuan, she had no real power. Now that even Li Yuan was not helping her, she could only obediently withdraw from the Dong Tang Hall of the Tai Ji Palace.

Although Yin De-fei and Princess Pingyang were both beautiful women, their intelligence and methods were not on the same level.

Princess Pingyang had long been wary of Yin De-fei's troublemaking. She used the pretext of discussing important matters to have Li Yuan come to the Dong Tang Hall, which was aimed at Yin De-fei. Of course, she did not expect Yin De-fei to brazenly barge into the Dong Tang Hall. However, there were plenty of ways to deal with Yin De-fei. Involving state affairs, even the Empress could not interfere, let alone a concubine like Yin De-fei?

Princess Pingyang had dozens of excuses to expel Yin De-fei from the Dong Tang Hall. Yet, Yin De-fei foolishly barged in, making her even more culpable. With Princess Pingyang's intelligence, not taking advantage of Yin De-fei's foolishness would be a waste.

As an emperor who founded a dynasty, Li Yuan was no easy person to deal with. However, his two sons were exceptionally talented. Li Jiancheng was gentle and thorough in handling state affairs, leaving no room for criticism. Li Shimin had extraordinary military talent, and no matter how strong the enemy or how harsh the battle, as long as he led the troops, there was no battle he could not win. Over time, for political matters, they would consult the elder brother, and for external affairs, they would consult the younger brother. They could handle most issues better than he, the emperor, could. Li Yuan naturally enjoyed being a hands-off ruler, delegating power. After all, what kind of emperor would not enjoy pleasure?

Not caring about affairs did not mean he was incapable of handling them.

At this moment, Li Yuan saw through Princess Pingyang's intentions as clearly as a mirror. He sighed deeply and said, "Pingyang, you are forcing your father!"

Princess Pingyang did not hide her intentions and nodded, "Father, please forgive me. That Yin A-shu is truly despicable, causing widespread resentment. Everyone in Chang'an knows about it. Even Father must have some knowledge of it, but due to Lady Yin's position, it is difficult to handle. I am forcing Father for the sake of our Tang Dynasty. Please take this matter seriously and do not let the heart of the brave soldiers who have shed blood for our Tang be chilled by a lawless and useless person like Yin A-shu. Conquering and defending the empire relies on brave soldiers like General Luo, not on useless and talentless people like Yin A-shu." She was fierce by nature, more so than a man, and had no respect for people like Yin A-shu. She either called him a waste or referred to him by name, never once calling him "National Father."

Li Yuan, looking at Princess Pingyang, suddenly remembered that Li Shimin had once said similar things to him, but at that time, he had scolded Li Shimin severely.

This was the difference between a son and a daughter.

When Yin A-shu said Du Ruhui had bullied him, Li Shimin said Yin A-shu was lawless.

At that time, Li Yuan chose to believe Yin A-shu, not because he was deceived by his foolishness, but because he was very clear in his heart. Du Ruhui was a renowned scholar with great wisdom. How could he possibly seek trouble with Yin A-shu for no reason? To appease Yin De-fei, he pretended not to know and scolded Li Shimin. After all, it was not a big deal, and his son could bear a little委屈.

However, Princess Pingyang was different. He could scold his son and make him suffer a bit, but he could not do the same to his daughter. He could not bring himself to scold her as he did Li Shimin.

"Alright!" After pondering for a moment, Li Yuan said, "Yin Guozhang has indeed gone too far, bullying the market and forcibly taking what he wants. The Guozhang Mansion will be sealed, and he will be expelled from Chang'an and sent back to his hometown, never to enter the capital again. As for Feng De, he will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for legal punishment. What do you think, Pingyang?"

Princess Pingyang bowed deeply and said, "Father, your decision is wise."

Li Yuan said with a hint of displeasure, "What wisdom? You've just outsmarted me. Well, can you now accompany Father to the Xi Tang Hall? It's rare for you to visit the palace, so let's have a good chat."

"Of course, Father. In the Xi Tang Hall, Pingyang will massage your shoulders." Princess Pingyang smiled and affectionately supported Li Yuan as they walked to the Xi Tang Hall where Li Yuan rested.

Li Yuan and Princess Pingyang had a very good relationship, chatting about family matters.

Suddenly, Li Yuan smiled and said, "Pingyang, the past is past, and our Tang Dynasty has many heroes. Father will find you a husband. What do you think?"

**********

In Chang'an, at the Drunken Immortal Tower.

Luo Shixin, Qin Qiong, and Cheng Yaojin were sitting in a private room, drinking heartily.

They were drinking the Drunken Immortal Tower's signature wine, Qianri Zui. This wine, also known as Zhongshan Winter Brew, was invented by the ancient brewer Di Xi. It was a strong liquor with a dry, rich, and smooth taste, and had been famous since the Warring States period. According to legend, Di Xi's friend Liu Xuanshi took a sip during the brewing process and was drunk for a thousand days, waking up after three years.

The legend may be false, but it reflects reality. In this era, famous wines like Du Kang, Jimo Old Wine, and Gujing Gongjiu were known for their smooth and fragrant taste, with a low alcohol content, allowing one to drink several gallons without much effect. Qianri Zui, however, was a different kind of wine, spicy and strong, the strongest of its kind, and was highly favored by fierce generals like Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin.

Luo Shixin, in his memory, also enjoyed Qianri Zui, but he himself did not have a strong preference. As long as he could have a few sips when he had nothing to do, he did not care much about the type of wine.

Cheng Yaojin drank a full large bowl of wine in one gulp and said with a slurred tongue, "Little brother, this time you treated me to Qianri Zui, and in a few days, you'll have to treat me again. I want to drink Qianri Zui, not any other wine."

Luo Shixin rolled his eyes and said, "Do you think I'm a tycoon to be taken advantage of? If I have to treat, it will be you. Your family is wealthy and influential, so it would be a waste not to take advantage of it."

Cheng Yaojin chuckled, "You have no choice. This is a thank-you wine for the matchmaker, and you have to treat me."

Luo Shixin was taken aback, "What thank-you wine?"

Qin Qiong also looked surprised and then realized, "Shixin, have you found a girl you like? You're not young anymore, it's time to get married."

Luo Shixin said, "Brother Qin, don't listen to his drunken ramblings."

Cheng Yaojin said, "Who's rambling... I'm not drunk!" He pulled Qin Qiong and said, "Don't think our little brother is always hard and avoids women. That's because he hasn't met the right one. A few days ago, he met a girl from the Zheng family at my house and fell for her at first sight. He then asked me about her. I, seeing his eagerness, told my wife. My wife also thought the Zheng girl was very nice, so she went to the girl's father and arranged the marriage."