Chapter 315: Li Yuan

Only eight days remain until the wedding, and Chen Yan sees that Du Gou has handled things very well, not only producing the first batch of honeycomb coal but also already beginning to promote the matching stoves.

Trade affairs are also developing steadily, so for now he doesn't need to pay much attention.

So, ignoring the extremely resentful looks from Du Gou, Fang Yizhi, and Ma Zhou, Chen Yan took his whole family back to Chang'an City.

The first day back, Chen Yan was approached by several noble ladies, all saying they wanted to help arrange his wedding.

Seeing the wives of Cheng Yaojin, Cui, and Du Ruhui, Xiao, the delighted expressions of the ladies, Chen Yan didn't know what to say.

He kept feeling that he was the one getting a bride, yet they seemed happier than he was.

"Brother Yan, now that you've just returned, you should take the little Princess to see the relatives; as for the household matters, just leave them to us."

Yuchi Gong's wife, Su, said boisterously, pushing Chen Yan as if to send him out.

Chen Yan had been wanting to leave, and at that he hurriedly said, "Then I'll trouble all the uncles and aunts; I'll be off now."

"Go, go, don't delay our business."

"Exactly, exactly, hurry and go…."

Chen Yan: "…"

At first it wasn't clear who was forcibly pulling him to discuss how to arrange the wedding.

Now they're hurrying him away.

Women!

Chen Yan, feeling carefree, walked out of the living room, thought for a moment, and found Sizi playing snowmen in the backyard with Qing Yue.

"Sizi, shall I take you to see your grandfather?"

"Grandfather?" Sizi tilted his head and happily agreed.

In fact, more than seeing grandfather, she missed her mother, Empress Changsun, even more.

But since Chen Yan said to see grandfather, the little fellow had no objection.

"Alright, we'll call your older sister, pack some things, and set off."

Chen Yan habitually patted the little fellow's head, instructed Xiao Qingyue to finish the tasks he assigned, and then had Qing'er prepare some items.

Gao Yang, upon learning this, came over puzzled, "Why go see grandfather first? Shouldn't we pay respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress first?"

"There's just over a month until New Year's Day, let's see if the old man has come to his senses." Chen Yan laughed, "If on the festive day the family can sit down and chat properly, your Father Emperor and Mother Empress will be even happier."

"New Year's Day…"

Gao Yang's eyes glazed for a moment upon hearing the term.

"Unnoticed, a year has almost passed…"

Chen Yan also sighed, "Indeed, so much has truly happened in this year."

Gao Yang gave him a glare, stroked his increasingly large belly, and thought, "Fine, perhaps for a long time I won't be able to see grandfather again; I'll follow your suggestion."

The couple agreed, took Sizi and some items prepared by Qing'er, and rode a carriage to the Imperial Palace.

Upon entering the palace, the guard, seeing Chen Yan with two princesses, let them pass without hesitation.

Many inside the palace, upon seeing them, assumed they were here to pay respects to Li Shimin and Empress Changsun, but the trio turned a corner and headed straight for the Great Peace Hall.

The three entered the Great Peace Hall, which seemed more desolate than before, with fewer people than when Chen Yan first came.

At least back then one could often see hordes of eunuchs and palace maids, even a few young beautiful women.

Today none of that could be seen.

"Princesses, Marquis of Weinan, please follow this servant here."

Li Fu Shun respectfully led the three, finding Li Yuan ice fishing by the lotus pond.

As Chen Yan was surprised, Xiao Sizi hopped over.

"Grandfather, Sizi has come to see you~"

"Ah, my Sizi has arrived!"

Seeing Sizi, Li Yuan burst into laughter, hugging the little fellow fondly.

He didn't know why, among his many children he preferred the younger generation like Li Chengqian, especially Sizi.

"Your grandson pays respects, Grandfather…"

Gao Yang was about to bow, but Li Yuan stopped her outright.

"Wait!"

"You're pregnant, these empty courtesies aren't needed."

Chen Yan smiled, "Your Majesty, I've come to see you."

"Looks like you still have refined tastes, fishing in the dead of winter?"

"Ah!" at the mention Li Yuan seemed a bit angry, "Are you still fine?"

"What fish did you bring me?"

"When feeding, they gather in a big group, but when I fish, they stubbornly refuse bait, each one a little devil, so hard to catch."

"Hard to catch, hard to catch…" Chen Yan walked over, glanced at the wooden barrel beside Li Yuan, and instantly laughed.

Inside was a tiny fish no bigger than a thumb, probably newly born.

"Ha ha ha, what are you laughing at?"

Li Yuan, like a kid, still cared about his face, and was not pleased that Chen Yan discovered his little secret.

"One doesn't go to the Three Treasures Hall without business; this time you bring my two good granddaughters, you surely haven't held in a good fart."

"Yes, yes, I can't hold any good fart." Chen Yan, unbothered, joked, "But I can catch fish."

"You know, in the Wei River of Weinan County, the fish grow that big?"

Chen Yan gestured to Li Yuan, making him stare wide‑eyed, unable to even hear Chen Yan's teasing, "Really that big?"

"Then how could it be false?" Chen Yan bragged without hesitation.

It made Gao Yang roll his eyes for a good while, and Sizi pursed his little mouth, his big eyes showing contempt.

Truly, those who dare to brag are the ones who dare to believe.

Gao Yang could no longer stay silent, took out the gift prepared for Li Yuan, stepped forward and interjected: "Grand Emperor, look, this is what the husband prepared for you when he came, you......"

She took out each item and explained its use to Li Yuan.

Many of them were things Chen Yan had at home, but had never been seen outside; she also brought several cotton coats for Li Yuan.

Things like tea leaves were even more plentiful.

Li Yuan was very pleased; it was clear these items were thoughtful, all practical for everyday use, far better than those showy goods that can only be looked at.

"You have been thoughtful, but as an old man it doesn't matter; send these to your Father Emperor and Mother Empress."

Gao Yang shook her head and said: "We have already prepared for the Father Emperor and Mother Empress; moreover, if we didn't prepare for you first and prepared for the Father Emperor and Mother Empress first, what would that be like?"

Li Yuan became even happier upon hearing that, "Alright, alright, a filial child—much better than your Father Emperor."

"Fushun, take the items and keep them."

Gao Yang didn't dare to accept the words, and handed the items to Li Fushun.

Chen Yan timely stepped forward again, bantered with Li Yuan for a while, and then raised the main matter.

"Supreme Emperor, New Year's Day is approaching soon; may I ask what arrangements you have on your side.......?"

Li Yuan paused, immediately guessing their purpose.

He fell silent for a few breaths, intending to refuse.

However, at that moment, an unexpected person suddenly arrived.

"Grand Emperor......"

"......"