Chapter 348: A Completely Different Feeling

The two returned to the banquet, and shortly after Li Shimin and Empress Changsun arrived, the banquet officially began.

Today's family feast could indeed be called a proper family banquet; the conversation was about everyday past events, the atmosphere was rather pleasant, and at least on the surface everyone seemed happy.

Chen Yan kept blending in, bringing his two wives and trying to minimize his presence.

Li Lizhi and Gao Yang found it very novel and kept cooperating with him.

Although Li Shimin and Empress Changsun occasionally cast glances, they perhaps guessed Chen Yan's intention, said nothing, and did not disturb them.

It wasn't until the banquet ended that Li Shimin asked Chen Yan's family to stay a moment.

When most of the guests had left, Empress Changsun took Sizi, intending to send her back to Chen Yan's side.

But this time Chen Yan refused, "Your Majesty, let Sizi stay in the palace for a while longer; Sizi has already recovered a lot and is growing, she can't keep following me forever."

Empress Changsun was startled, "Is that okay?"

"Of course it's fine," Chen Yan said awkwardly, "You can see from Sizi's complexion now that she's already a healthy child."

"As long as you keep her from contact with pollen or other dust, it's fine."

Looking at her plump little face, Empress Changsun smiled, "Alright, then let Sizi stay in the palace for a while; she can see her sister more, and after the Lantern Festival we'll send her to you."

"No problem," Chen Yan answered in one breath.

At that moment, Li Shimin said, "It's getting late; when you go back later, bring that white tiger with you. I've seen it under your care for a while; it's begun to recognize its master."

"Bring it back?" Chen Yan was surprised.

When he first brought the white tiger, he never thought of taking it back, and he didn't expect Li Shimin to bring up the matter himself.

After thinking, he shook his head and refused, "Never mind, His Majesty, the white tiger is a serious matter; you should find a place to raise it, I'm not good at keeping it."

"Moreover..."

He glanced at Gao Yang, "It was Gao Yang who was raising it before; I didn't pay much attention to it."

The others, hearing this, twitched the corners of their mouths in unison.

A majestic sacred beast, the white tiger, and you act as if you don't care at all, never really paying attention to it!

If others heard that, they'd think you were just putting on an act.

But thinking of Chen Yan's temperament, everyone suddenly felt he might actually be telling the truth.

"Father Emperor, then you keep the white tiger."

Gao Yang interjected, "I have many children at home, and there will be more later; the white tiger is ultimately a tiger, a wild beast, and I truly can't feel at ease keeping it at home."

"Furthermore, the husband said the tiger is a pure yang entity, naturally restraining ghosts and specters, let alone the sacred white tiger."

"Wherever it is, all evils retreat."

"Wouldn't it be better if you kept it in the palace?"

She didn't state it explicitly, but Li Shimin and Empress Changsun instantly understood Gao Yang's meaning.

Since the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin occasionally has nightmares, claiming that the lingering spirits of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji are relentless, seeking his life.

Very few know about this, only Empress Changsun and a few of her daughters are aware.

Gao Yang is, indeed, one of them.

Raising the matter now, the purpose is self‑evident.

Li Shimin's complexion turned a bit uneasy, but he could no longer refuse.

"Fine then, since we've come this far, let the white tiger stay in the palace."

After speaking, he immediately changed the subject, "Zi An, when you return, remember to attend to your own affairs and not worry about the rest; after spring begins, I will personally see them off."

Chen Yan understood that Li Shimin was referring to the matter of the un‑bannered cavalry and solemnly agreed.

"By the way!" Li Shimin rubbed his brow, "The National Teacher and the Grand Historian are rather special… I've thought it over; the method we used last time wasn't suitable. Persuade them well, and do not force them."

"If it truly doesn't work, you can first find a temporary substitute to use."

Hearing this, Chen Yan couldn't help but laugh, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, are you still uneasy about my handling of things?"

"At first they were unwilling, but now I've persuaded them, and they're even eager to set out early, so there's no coercion."

Li Shimin: "......"

He recalled Yuan Tiangang, who had been forced by him and Chen Yan to agree last time, and thought about Chen Yan's silver‑tongued ability, then silently nodded.

Chen Yan cleared his throat, "Actually, I've long thought that your employment of these two is rather improper; for extraordinary figures like the National Teacher and the Grand Historian, you should entrust them with greater responsibilities..."

Li Shimin sneered, "There's no outsider now; what are you still rambling to me about?"

"What's this about giving them more responsibilities? Aren't you just trying to squeeze them?"

"You say my handling of them is improper, you brat, you really have no shame; they're Taoist priests, and you forced them to lead troops, so tell me, is that right?"

Those words sparked a round of laughter among the crowd.

Chen Yan didn't want to speak, and, feeling depressed, left with his two wives.

"......"

Back home, after washing up, Chen Yan lay on the bed pondering.

At that moment, Li Lizhi lifted the quilt and slipped in, turning her head to ask, "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing much, just wondering whether the Prince of Yue will listen to me; no more arguing."

Li Lizhi, upon hearing that, immediately lost interest.

She didn't want to get involved in these matters, nor to speak about them.

They were full brothers from the same mother; as the younger sister, what could she do?

"Hey, what did you wipe with?"

"It smells so good."

I thought today would be a quiet night, but unexpectedly Chen Yan came over after a while.

Li Lizhi, cheeks flushed, said, "Ah, don't do that, it's itchy~"

Oh, itchy~

Chen Yan imitated Li Lizhi's tone, his palm nimbly weaving through layers of blockade as he climbed to the peak.

Li Lizhi gave him a look, said nothing, and didn't refuse.

"Lizhi, seeing how exhausted I am today, could you coax me a bit?"

Chen Yan leaned close to his wife's ear and whispered.

"Coax you?" Li Lizhi asked puzzled: "How to coax?"

"Just..."

Chen Yan, eyes full of expectation, began explaining to her.

In short, it's just the left side of the character meaning "to coax".

"No...... impossible!"

Li Lizhi, hearing Chen Yan's request, flustered said: "I can't."

Chen Yan didn't expect to get it right away, after all it requires step‑by‑step progress, slowly unlocking.

He rose up, leaning in bit by bit to savor the soft chirping.

Chen Yan felt very fortunate, because Li Lizhi and Gao Yang's utterly opposite personalities really made him unable to tear himself away.

A light tap on the accelerator can unleash a roar that gets anyone pumped.

One, no matter how you press it, the excellent soundproofing mutes the engine, giving a sense of strenuous forbearance, of giving your all to please you.

"......"