A Good Landlord in the Tang Dynasty: Starting from the Village Chief

Chapter 459 I'm afraid the King of Qin will be displeased
Li Yi mounted his horse and rode swiftly back to Shengfangye's home.

I left Beijing last June and returned in September, a year and three months ago.

In early September, the autumn sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly. The streets of Chang'an were filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms.

The Imperial Guards led the way, with their own troops providing protection, and twenty elite guards carrying swords accompanied them. The streets were crowded with people today, all from the capital who came to watch the triumphant return of the imperial troops and the military parade held by the Vermilion Bird.

Li Yi was in a hurry to get home to see his child.
Fortunately, given his current status, he has someone specifically clearing the way for him.
Leading the way were two "Wu Bai" (a type of official in ancient China), each wielding a long bamboo pole to clear the way for passersby. Initially, there was only one "Wu Bai," but later the number increased to two, specifically to clear the way for the prime ministers and princes of the capital. However, the common people did not refer to them as two "Wu Bai," but rather as "Wu Bai," thus each of them was called "Two Hundred and Fifty," and because of the poles they carried, they were also known as "Two Pole Guys."

Li Yi did not ride in the golden carriage.
Although the emperor bestowed that golden carriage upon him, Li Yi learned from his senior brother that it was one of the Nine Bestowments, so he dared not use it.

He declined several of the Nine Bestowments from the Emperor at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, but the Emperor ultimately retained the front and rear drums, feather canopy, and twenty-rank swords for him.

Returning to Chang'an after more than a year

Li Yi noticed that the streets of Chang'an were now flatter and tidier, and even the trees that the Tang army had cut down when they first entered Chang'an had grown quite tall after being replanted.

The ward wall still stands tall, separating the street from the ward, but it has been repaired and repainted, making it look even more imposing and majestic.

The people on the street looked healthier and more vibrant, with less of a sallow complexion and less tattered clothes. Although most people still had patches on their clothes, most were quite clean and tidy.

Especially the confident look on his face,

The people of the capital city, under the emperor's nose, felt more confident because of the Tang Dynasty's prosperity.

Prices in Chang'an have become increasingly stable in recent years. Although they are not as high as during the Kaihuang era, they are vastly different from those at the end of the Daye era.

The saying "When the granaries are full, people know etiquette" still holds a lot of truth.

When people can't even fill their stomachs, it's not uncommon for starving people to eat each other or even exchange their own children. But once people are well-fed and clothed, they start to pay attention to their appearance.

Li Yi, escorted by his ceremonial guard, made his way through the road unimpeded, with soldiers, civilians, and ordinary people all stepping aside to make way for him.

Li Yi has gotten used to these things now.
As he walks by, passersby start talking about him.

Most of the comments were praise, commending this exceptionally talented individual for his prowess in both literary and martial arts. Some were also amazed by his youth.

Of course, some people lowered their voices and talked to acquaintances about Li Yi's romantic affairs and spread rumors about him, such as his heroic and beautiful encounters with Lady Huo of Wen State on the battlefield, and various rumors about Li Yi's relationships with women from five families, including the Zheng family of Xingyang and the Cui family of Qinghe.

Some of these stories are true, some are exaggerated, but many are unfounded rumors or even completely fabricated. Yet, the people spread these rumors with great excitement.

Li Yi disregarded the rumors and gossip circulating about him. He was so young; just a few years ago, he was a Taoist priest without even an ordination certificate. Now, at only nineteen, he certainly brought his own topics of discussion and was full of attention.

The title of Prince of Wu'an and a meritorious official in the Imperial Ancestral Temple are not as important as his five children at home, which he misses dearly.

The spring breeze is full of joy and the horses are galloping.
Li Yi quickly returned to the Li residence in Shengye Lane.
Before he returned to the capital, the emperor had already ordered the renovation of the Prince of Wu'an's mansion. The black-headed wall outside the main gate was made higher, and the black-headed gate, which represented his noble status, was naturally made higher and wider, making it even more magnificent.

The main gate of the Prince's Mansion inside Wutou Gate.
The gatehouse was also heightened, widened, and deepened.

The imposing black-lacquered gate, the deep main gatehouse, the newly painted vermilion gate, the increased number of copper nails on the gate, and so on...

Everything was designed to showcase the prestige and power of this emerging elite, which could be the birth of a new powerful clan.

Li Yi had just arrived outside Wutou Gate
Luo San was already waiting there. When he saw him return, he smiled and nodded first, then turned and shouted into the Wutou Gate, "Quickly inform the Princess and others that Ah Lang has returned."

After saying that, he ran to meet Li Yi and personally led his horse.

Outside Wutou Gate, there was a tall dismounting stone, which was exquisitely carved. Li Yi stepped off his horse, and his Zhaoyebai horse was led aside and tied to the hitching post.

Du Shiniang led a group of people from the mansion to greet them.

She was still dressed in plain clothes. She was very happy to see Li Yi, but there was also some sadness in her expression. The three-year mourning period for her father had not yet passed.

The nearly three-year-old little firecracker Li Shu was not shy at all. When Jin Yushu asked her to pick up her father, she ran to Li Yi and hugged his leg, saying, "Father, hug me."

This poor girl, who was abandoned in front of Li Yi's Qianjin Castle in the twelfth lunar month, is now living a good life, dressed in fine clothes and eating delicacies. At a young age, she is given the title of Princess of Daning County and is as cute as a jade sculpture.

Li Yi picked her up in one go, "You still recognize your father?"

“My mother often paints portraits of Father. Aunt Jin’s room also has one, and Shu’er looks at it every day.”

In her letters to Li Yi, Jin Yushu often wrote extensively about Xiao Lazi (Little Chili), saying that she was very talkative and had a sharp tongue. She originally wanted to go to Luoyang to find Li Yi and even said that she would bring two Hu women to serve him. However, Li Yi went to war against Meng Haigong and others, so he asked her to stay in Chang'an to take care of Li Shu.

Li Yi, carrying the child, approached Du Shiniang and said, "Madam has lost weight."

Du Shiniang held a chubby baby in her arms, and another baby was standing in front of her. "Ping An Lang, quickly call him Father."

Li Yi looked at the chubby little boy in her arms and said, "This is my second son. He's just as chubby as his older brother was when he was little."

My eldest son, Ping An, is two years and one month old, and my second son, Tai Ping Lang, is eight months old.

“Both of our sons look like you,” Du Shiniang said.

"Yes, he really does look like me, as handsome and dashing."

Ji Lingyi, the birth mother of Ping An and Tai Ping, and Luo San Niang stood behind Du Shiniang, and neither of them said a word when Shiniang spoke to Li Yi about their son.

In powerful and influential families, the patriarchal system became increasingly strict. A man was monogamous, with only one principal wife and thus only one mother. Concubines, though their biological mothers, were only addressed as "aunties."

Especially since Du Shiniang hadn't given birth yet, the sons in the family became increasingly particular about their status. They could only call Shiniang "Mother," and even if Shiniang gave birth to a son in the future, this situation wouldn't change.

Similarly, an illegitimate eldest son does not threaten the inheritance rights of a later-born legitimate son.

This set of rules cannot be deviated from or violated in the slightest.

Li Yi hugged his two sons and three daughters, carefully examined them, and made them laugh.

The twins, Ping An and Ru Yi, are just over two years old. Although they don't talk as much as Little Chili, they speak very fluently and are very healthy.

"Did Father bring us gifts?" Ruyi, with her two little braids, asked in a childish voice, hugging his neck.

"Yes, I brought them. Father brought you lots of gifts. Pick them yourselves later."

Ji Lingyi smiled and said to her twin daughters, "Father has come all the way from thousands of miles away. As soon as he got back to Chang'an, he reviewed the troops and participated in the sacrificial ceremony at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. He must be very tired. Come down quickly."

"Ah Lang, come inside and change your clothes. Have some tea and snacks first."

Ji Lingyi was still as gentle and considerate as ever.

Because of the birth of her daughter Anlan, Shuying's status in the mansion has risen considerably. Now she is a concubine, standing next to Shi Niang, smiling at Li Yi.

The two Hu women could only stand further back; since they were unable to have children and were Hu women, their status was clearly much lower.

A group of people crowded into the gate and then turned into the inner courtyard.

Jin Yushu offered to take Li Yi to change his clothes.

While changing clothes, Jin Yushu became restless, touching and rubbing against things here and there.

Li Yi slapped her on the butt. "Behave yourself, there's no time now."

“If my master summons me tonight, I will serve him well.”

Looking into her expectant eyes, Li Yi knew she wanted a child. Four years had passed since she entered the household, but he was away from home most of the time. It was indeed difficult for a concubine without children.

Even if she has children, she can only call her aunt, but her status is ultimately different.

After changing into a loose and comfortable cotton robe, Li Yi returned to the inner courtyard hall. Luo San Niang had already arranged for servants to prepare tea and snacks, knowing that he preferred tea with no added ingredients.

She even personally boiled water for him and brewed tea for him after he changed his clothes.

"Please sit down," Li Yi said, looking at his wives and concubines. He felt a little guilty, as he had been away for more than a year.

Du Shiniang was still in mourning and usually lived alone in the old residence of Du Yan in Wubenfang, devoting herself to vegetarianism and chanting scriptures. In fact, the affairs of the household were managed by Ji Lingyi and Luo Sanniang. Ji Shi took care of the children and managed the household affairs.

Luo San Niang was more in charge of the government treasury and the Li family's industry and commerce. She would regularly inspect the Li family's estates and workshops in the capital region. This country girl who used to sell tofu was now very dignified.

She was skilled at using both hands on an abacus, and few could fool or deceive her.

"A few days ago, Consort Yuwen came to our household by imperial decree to visit Taiping and Ruyi, and she mentioned that the Emperor had bestowed the daughters of Minister Zheng and Chief Steward Cui upon us as concubines."
His Majesty's decree to bestow concubines has been in effect for so long; now that the Prince has returned, this matter must be dealt with swiftly.

In the past two days, representatives from both the Zheng and Cui families have come to discuss this matter.

Li Yi sipped the rock tea produced by his own tea plantation. This semi-fermented oolong tea had a mellow taste, a rich aroma, and a long-lasting fragrance.

"What are you talking about? Does the Zheng and Cui families intend to pay a fine?" he asked with a smile.

When Du Shiniang heard about the compensation for the marriage, her expression darkened. She thought of how her maternal family had used the compensation for the marriage to make things difficult for Li Yi. They had demanded a million in compensation for the marriage plus a million in dowry. To Li Yi at that time, this was deliberate harassment, but he still gave her all his wealth.

"Neither Minister Zheng's family nor Steward Cui should pay compensation. Now that you have a certain status and position, if you really have to pay compensation, it should be them."

Li Yi smiled. No matter how much the emperor favored him now, his social standing was definitely no match for the Five Surnames and Seven Families. In the eyes of the Five Surnames, especially the Forty-Four Families, even the royal family was inferior to them.

These forty-four direct descendants basically only intermarried with each other. When they intermarried with other families, they were either from collateral branches or were born out of wedlock.

The marriage of their daughters to Li Yi as concubines was indeed initiated by both families. They valued Li Yi's status and, more importantly, his potential. With the emperor and crown prince acting as matchmakers and bestowing the marriage upon them, the two families went along with it. However, none of them expected that Li Yi would put on airs beforehand.

What should have been a good thing turned into an ugly situation at one point.

Li Yi quite disliked this kind of arranged marriage. Both the Zheng and Cui families were affiliated with Crown Prince Jiancheng, and this marriage was initiated by the Crown Prince himself, so Li Yi didn't want to accept it.

He dragged it out for so long, and even had several falling out with the Zheng family in between, but he never expected that the Zheng family, one of the five prominent families, would be so unwilling to end the marriage.

Now that Li Yuan has spoken out again, it seems there's no escaping this matter.

I'm afraid the King of Qin will be displeased.

Du Shiniang was eager to bring Zheng and Cui into the family as soon as possible, so that the prestige of the five families of the Zheng family of Xingyang and the Cui family of Qinghe could greatly enhance the reputation of the newly emerging Li family of Wannian.

Little did she know that Li Yi only wanted to keep a low profile, and getting too involved with the Five Clans and Seven Families was not a good thing.

(End of this chapter)