Chapter 561: Can the Retired Emperor Come?

"His Majesty, he has changed......"

"I also noticed!"

"Stepping out of the hall, Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling exchanged a few words, then fell silent, silently casting sidelong glances at Chen Yan."

"The latter forced an awkward laugh, 'I really can't be blamed for this; who could have known His Majesty would suddenly arrive like this? At first I was startled.'"

"Changsun Wuji said from the side, 'But that's fine; this matter differs from others—it ultimately can't be decided in a short time.'"

"Now that His Majesty has arrived like this, the next time we should be able to make an official decision."

"Since troops are to be dispatched, and the deployment is set for September this year, a decision must be made early; I estimate His Majesty will finalize it before the Lantern Festival."

"The others, hearing this, all echoed in agreement, endorsing Changsun Wuji's words."

"Not only was Chen Yan startled, but when Li Shimin first said he would lead the imperial campaign, everyone was frightened."

"But quickly, they all recovered."

"Times have changed; the Tang Dynasty now has money when it needs it, grain when it needs it, weapons when it needs them, and even has explosives dubbed the Yama King's seal."

"With the winter campaign plan against the Tu Yuhun in place, plus Chen Yan's padded coat, even if not a guaranteed success, it's a steady advance; Li Shimin has no reason to lead the imperial campaign himself."

"If it were the former Eastern Göktürks, they might still doubt whether Li Shimin truly intended to lead the imperial campaign, but with just Tu Yuhun, it's almost impossible."

"Thus they immediately understood that Li Shimin wasn't planning any imperial campaign; he simply learned the bad habit from Chen Yan."

"Don't look at me with those eyes; whatever His Majesty says, decides, or does, I have no control over it."

"Chen Yan wore an innocent expression, indicating the matter had nothing to do with him."

"Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and the others were speechless, saying nothing."

"Just as the group reached Cheng Tian Men, intending to exit the palace and return to their homes, they suddenly saw several figures in the distance."

"Changsun Wuji gave a knowing smile, 'I almost forgot, there's still a family banquet in the palace today; Zi An and I won't join you.'"

"Husband, uncle, and several dukes."

"Li Lizhi and Gao Yang arrived with Sizi and Cheng Yang, followed by Wei Wang Li Tai and the Wei Wang Consort."

"Du Ruhui waved his hand, 'Then we'll part ways here and not disturb you.'"

"After speaking, he left with Fang Xuanling."

"Chen Yan's face twisted into a bitter gourd."

"Today's court session, aside from its solemnity, was mostly spent eating and drinking; even earlier in the hall, everyone was seated."

"Now he still has to attend the palace banquet; he's truly exhausted."

"He let out a long sigh; Chen Yan was helpless, looked up, and just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw Sizi looking sullen, a hint of redness on his forehead, looking exactly like he had been knocked on the head by Li Lizhi."

"Chen Yan laughed, 'Hey, Little Princess of Jinyang, what's the matter? Got scolded again?'"

"Sizi pursed his little mouth, catching the teasing in his words, gave a soft hum, and turned his small head away."

"Bringing up the incident, Li Lizhi snapped, 'My husband, you didn't know, we were waiting here for you after the court, and that fellow ran off to gossip with the palace guards.'"

"Those guards clearly wouldn't even listen, yet she kept babbling, insisting on telling them!"

"Chen Yan: '......'"

"Hearing this, his complexion darkened instantly; he silently resolved that once his little cotton coat grows up, he'll keep her away from Sizi."

"She mustn't be led astray."

"'She says I'm so tired and bored; I just tell a joke to make her happy, what's the big deal?' Sizi couldn't help muttering."

"You say that again!"

"Li Lizhi's eyebrows shot up."

"The little fellow immediately tucked his neck in, not daring a word."

"Afraid of being hit!"

"Changsun Wuji let out a deadpan laugh, 'Alright, let's leave first; the hour's getting late, the banquet is probably almost ready.'"

"Chen Yan didn't refuse, but remained uneasy, pulling the little fellow aside to caution, 'Once inside, don't speak out of turn, understand? There are too many people there.'"

"If you dare speak out of turn, I'll send you back to the palace, allowing you only seven days at home per month."

"'Fine.' At first, hearing there were many people, Sizi's big eyes flickered, but upon hearing the threat, he immediately wilted."

"Only seven days a month at the Duke of Wei's residence?"

"So she'll have to spend most of her time in the palace from now on?"

"Isn't that a death sentence for her?"

"......"

"This year's family banquet is held in Ganlu Hall; usually at this time, Chen Yan would already have taken his wife and daughter to a quiet corner."

"But still that saying holds—times have changed."

"Even if he sits in a corner, he's still the most conspicuous."

"Not to mention four princesses, an imperial son, and an empress consort surrounding him; just his recent promotion to Minister of Revenue makes him an undeniable presence."

"So Chen Yan simply took his wife and daughter to the front."

"Ahead of him sat Crown Prince Li Chengqian and the Crown Princess."

"At present Li Shimin and Empress Changsun haven't arrived; Li Chengqian leaned over, lowering his voice, 'Zi Anxiong, you don't think Father Emperor truly intends to lead the imperial campaign, do you?'"

"Chen Yan:???"

"He cast a sidelong glance at Li Chengqian, his eyes as if looking at a half-asleep fool, 'Ah Dou, do you want to see what you're saying?'"

"What's up, you're eager to become regent?"

"Li Chengqian: '......'"

"Is Ah Dou still okay?"

"He grew a bit gloomy, 'Zi Anxiong, the situation is different; if Father Emperor truly leads the imperial campaign, wouldn't the pressure be huge on me?'"

"First, let's not talk about the case that it doesn't exist!" Chen Yan said speechlessly, "Just assume it really exists, what are you afraid of? It's not like we haven't overseen it before."

"You, stop worrying about this; we can just watch the spectacle. Instead of fretting over this, you might as well prepare well for the upcoming Imperial Examination."

Seeing him speak so confidently, Cheng Qian finally relaxed.

"By the way, Zi Anxiong, can the emperor come today?"

"The retired emperor…"

When Li Yuan was mentioned, Li Lizhi and the others looked embarrassed. Chen Yan remained silent for a long while, then after a while said, "I think it probably won't happen."

"Why?" Cheng Qian asked, surprised.

Now Li Shimin's relationship with Li Yuan has eased a lot; they came last year, so why not this year?

Chen Yan glanced at the several women.

What could he say?

Could he possibly tell Cheng Qian that Li Yuan's jade pendant was taken, and even his dragon robe was taken?

The current Li Yuan is starving poor and has contracted a disease.

A disease that makes him want to get laid whenever he sees Li Lizhi, Gao Yang, or the Wei Wang Consort!

"Husband… have we been a bit excessive?"

Li Lizhi opened her mouth shyly.

Chen Yan pondered, "No, you have done well; if you continue, you might even win the emperor's underpants."

"If that's the case, you'll become famous; the historians will probably record this event."

The several women: "......"

"......"