The Idle Man of Zhenguan Intercepts Wu Zetian at the Start

A fine layer of sweat appeared on Li Chengqian's forehead. Every time his father asked a question, it meant that Li Chengqian already had two possible answers in mind, and no matter how he answered, he would inevitably be scolded. Moreover, his mother's protectiveness was obvious. He steeled himself and answered with a stiff upper lip:

"My brother Dan is of pure and kind nature, and his actions are all driven by emotion. This is evident in his pursuit of the Dao to help his mother with her illness, his selfless rescue of Sizi, and even his willingness to antagonize high-ranking officials for the sake of the people of Youzhou. I believe that my brother Dan's actions in upholding justice for Your Majesty's people, his willingness to set aside his county magistrate status, and even his submission to a brothel, are acts of great loyalty and love. Although he overstepped his bounds by releasing the dragon and phoenix lanterns, it was to celebrate the imperial family and share the joy with the people. This act not only won the hearts of the people but also greatly deterred the Hu people. I believe that if there is any crime, it is the Jade Immortal Pavilion that is guilty."

Empress Zhangsun showed a gratified expression. Her son, Gan'er, was becoming more and more composed and had his own opinions when facing his father, the Emperor. Most importantly, he could understand Dan'er, which was why Dan'er would sincerely assist him.

Li Shimin, unusually, did not criticize him but nodded:

What is your opinion on Yu Xian Lou's motives?

Li Chengqian glanced at his father's expression, and his confidence soared:

"Your Majesty, I believe that Yuxianlou's willingness to spend thousands of taels of silver to make such a seemingly impossible request is most likely just to test Brother Dan's courage and ability. Once they have the answer, they will either try to win Brother Dan over, or if that fails, they might try to destroy him... Yuxianlou is just a brothel, and the only family they can currently associate with is the Cui family. But I cannot figure out the Cui family's purpose in doing this, so there must be some unknown forces behind this."

Li Shimin did not rush to answer Li Chengqian, but instead turned to ask Wang Youde:

"What Jade Immortal Pavilion did was a thankless task, and it even brought the Cui family to the surface, which is more harmful to them than beneficial. What do you think?"

Wang Youde bowed deeply:

"This old servant dares not make a definitive conclusion. Yuxian Tower was not particularly remarkable in Chang'an City originally, but since Wang Susu came three years ago, the noble young men of Chang'an have flocked to it, and Yuxian Tower has become famous as a result, and has become the number one brothel in Chang'an."

"The powerful families are driven by profit. Besides the Cui, Wang, and Li families, even Lord Changsun has invested five thousand strings of cash into Yuxianlou. This is the norm for brothels. During the Lantern Festival, there is a folk custom of dragon dancing. As far as I know, Yuxianlou had already planned to present a dragon dance to His Majesty during the Lantern Festival. Their original plan was to hang lanterns all over the ridge of Longshouyuan Mountain and have people carry a giant dragon to walk along the ridge so that it could be seen throughout Chang'an. However, they did not expect the county to present it in this way."

Li Shimin laughed heartily, "These old fogies, they've slapped themselves in the face, I wonder if it hurts!" He then turned to look at Li Chengqian:

"Your analysis makes a lot of sense. Wang Susu moved into the Plum Garden, but she didn't inform the masters of the Jade Fairy Pavilion. As the Crown Prince, you should be more suspicious than careless."

Li Chengqian straightened his back, rarely receiving affirmation from his father, and boldly met Li Shimin's gaze, replying with a "Yes."

Li Shimin smiled and nodded. He was very satisfied with Li Chengqian's change. He was no longer timid and he finally looked like an emperor.

Empress Zhangsun was also greatly relieved. She gently covered her mouth with a handkerchief and smiled softly. Dan'er's support for her godfather yesterday had indeed greatly boosted his confidence.

At this moment, a eunuch came to report:

"The magistrate of Wannian County requests an audience with His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."

"Enter."

As Changsun Dan carried two jars of "Immortal's Intoxication" into the Lizheng Hall, a warm current rushed towards him. Several pretty palace maids stood to the side carrying food boxes. Li Shimin had already taken his seat, with the Empress sitting beside him. Li Chengqian, sitting on the lower right, stood ramrod straight and was talking to Li Shimin. The atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Changsun Dan stepped forward a few paces, making a gesture as if to kneel, but Li Shimin smiled:

"Alright, sit down. You always greet people with your bare feet, but today there are no outsiders, so let's treat this as a family dinner."

A hint of surprise flashed in Wang Youde's eyes. Although His Majesty was kind and benevolent, he rarely treated people with such leniency. He quickly stepped forward to accept the two jars of wine, and a smile even appeared on his usually expressionless face.

Changsun Dan awkwardly sat down behind the food table on the left, his buttocks still glued to the cushion, his knees parallel to the ground, and his body slightly leaning forward.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, and Your Highness the Crown Prince have all paid their respects."

Li Shimin chuckled to himself. This kid could kneel before the Heavenly Venerable for a whole day and night for his aunt, but he was always reluctant to greet him, the emperor. However, when he remembered what the kid had told his servants that it was unlucky to be worshipped while alive, he immediately felt relieved. If he really was Yuan Tiangang's disciple, some quirks could be understood.

Empress Zhangsun's eyes were gentle, with a hint of heartache: "Dan'er, why is your face even more swollen?" She thought to herself that the Imperial Guards were too cruel. How could they beat a child like this?

Changsun Dan quickly replied, "It's alright, Aunt. I was having a good time last night, so I probably drank a bit too much."

Actually, it was Chun Chan who kicked him and caused him to fall. Fortunately, he had been stepped on by the Jinwu Guards a few times while riding his horse earlier, otherwise it would have been difficult to explain.

Remembering Yan Shigu's warning to him last night, he quickly prostrated himself on the ground: "Your Majesty, I am guilty. Last night, I released the dragon and phoenix lanterns without permission, committing the crime of usurpation. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Li Shimin exchanged a glance with Guanyinbi, a smile appearing on his face, but his tone remained cold and indifferent: "Oh? Why do you only know to apologize today? And how should I punish you?"

Changsun Dan's eyes darted around, realizing that Li Er probably already knew everything he had done, so he simply recounted everything from beginning to end, without uttering a single lie:

"Uncle Fu suffered a great loss because he saved me. Although I am not well-educated, I know that a gentleman should first and foremost be loyal and filial, then be grateful and righteous. He should be loyal to his ruler, be filial to his parents, and think of repaying kindness. Because the matter was sudden, I have come to apologize today."

Empress Zhangsun smiled knowingly, and Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction. Li Chengqian, however, was somewhat envious of Zhangsun Dan, as it seemed that no matter what mistakes he made, he was easily forgiven.

Li Shimin replied calmly, "The custom of dragon dancing during the Lantern Festival has a long history. Although yours is somewhat different, there is a reason for it. I am not an unreasonable person. Besides, the Empress and the Crown Prince are speaking well of you. You should be more careful in your future actions."

Changsun Dan quickly thanked everyone one by one. When it was Li Chengqian's turn, he actually stood up and returned the greeting, even making a funny face at him with a smile, just like when they were children.

Changsun Dan felt a pang of regret. What a sincere and kind young man he was, only to be ruined by Li Er's imperial balancing act. If he had the chance, he would have done his best to help him out.

Wang Youde instructed the palace maids to serve the dishes. The food boxes all came with warmers, so there was no need to worry about them getting cold. Li Shimin looked at the two jars of wine and smiled:

"You're getting more and more stingy, Dan! Last night, we drank every last drop of the eight jars of wine, and I can't drink any more!"

Empress Zhangsun thought to herself, "Isn't this putting the child in a difficult position? Dan'er was only recently granted this county, and his fief and permanent lands haven't even been allocated to him yet. Where would he get so much extra money to brew wine? But His Majesty's private treasury isn't exactly overflowing either. I'll have to send some money to Dan'er later." So she smiled and defused the situation:

"This wine is strong, and Erlang should not drink too much."