Chapter 11: King Qin, Li Qing

Chapter 11: Prince Qin Li Qing

In the end, Li Shimin let Li Qing go, allowing him to find a quiet side chamber to rest in as he pleased.

Hearing firsthand that his son was fond of effeminate men—a revelation still shocking even in their explosive world—completely shattered the last psychological barrier this man held.

Counting on his fingers, the success rate of his three legitimate sons was a dismal zero.

The next day, with dark circles under his eyes, Li Shimin announced their departure back to Chang’an, waving his hand as if to leave the clouds of Luoyang behind without a trace.

“Take it easy, Brother Li. A man of stature inevitably faces an unwise wife and unfilial sons in life,” Li Qing, wearing sunglasses, sat inside the carriage and tried to console Li Shimin. “You’re luckier than most. At least Empress Zhangsun was a model wife.”

“Sigh…” Li Shimin let out a long sigh. “How could Chengqian have ended up like this…”

“The fault lies with you. I once read an article called ‘The Proud Son Dried Up in Desperate Love,’ and it was about Chengqian,” Li Qing pulled a can of cola from the system and handed it to Li Shimin. “Want one?”

“What is this?” Li Shimin accepted the can, intrigued by its cold, unfamiliar texture.

“It’s ‘Happy Water.’ Here, open it like I do.” Li Qing produced another can, popped it open with a click, and Li Shimin mimicked his action, hesitantly taking a sip.

“Burp… The taste of this water is peculiar, yet very sweet…” Li Shimin smacked his lips. “Strange. I’ll have another sip.”

“Sweet things lift the spirit,” Li Qing removed his sunglasses and set them aside.

“That article you mentioned earlier makes a lot of sense. I’ve been too harsh on Chengqian and given Qingque unrealistic expectations,” Li Shimin admitted, hiccupping a long burp of cola. “It was my mistake to overlook his true feelings.”

“Some say you’re balancing things out, like your father did with you and Jiancheng,” Li Qing crossed his legs leisurely.

“Nonsense!” Li Shimin’s beard twitched angrily. “I am no weak ruler who cannot control the court. How could I use one son to restrain another?”

Li Yuan: Please don’t bring me into this.

“Maybe you don’t intend it, but that’s exactly what you’ve done,” Li Qing patted Li Shimin’s shoulder. “Think about it. This misplaced favoritism is like the Sword of Damocles hanging over Chengqian’s head, ready to fall at any moment. Add to that the passing of Empress Zhangsun, the last person protecting Chengqian, and under a father’s cold neglect and sibling pressure, it’s no surprise he’s broken.”

Li Shimin wanted to say something but could only let out a weary sigh.

“Since Empress Zhangsun’s death, your three children have wildly strayed down crooked paths like runaway dogs…”

“Dear brother, could you use a different metaphor?” Li Shimin’s expression was a bit resentful. Such a good brother, why so blunt with words?

“Hey, we should look at this from another angle; there’s still time. Chengqian hasn’t taken a liking to effeminate men, Li Tai is not so blinded by greed, and Li Zhi hasn’t betrayed you…” Li Qing’s words sounded less like comfort and more like a grim observation.

“If you hadn’t mentioned her, I might have almost forgotten about Wu Meiniang!” Li Shimin gritted his teeth. “Once we return to Chang’an, I’ll have her executed to rid us of this calamity!”

“That’s unnecessary. Like Tang Sanzang said in ‘A Chinese Odyssey,’ Wukong eating me was just part of the plan…” Li Qing tried to reason patiently.

“No plan is acceptable!” Li Shimin still held a grudge over what happened on the grasslands.

Understandable—what man could tolerate that?

“There is a day to start anew, and youth never returns. Brother Li, you have every right to be angry!” Li Qing felt sorry for the young maiden whose bright years were so prematurely lost. Besides, the petty troubles of the Li family had little to do with him. Most importantly, Wu Meiniang had once been an emperor and could still contribute emotional value.

“Well, since you insist, I shall not refuse… Wang De!”

“At your service.”

“Stop the carriage and summon Lady Wu.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon, Wang De brought Wu Meiniang to Li Er’s carriage.

“Your Majesty,” she bowed gracefully.

Secretly, she rejoiced. The sudden summons meant she still had a chance.

“From now on, you will serve…” Li Shimin pointed at Li Qing, then thought for a moment, “You will serve Prince Qin.”

“Prince Qin?” Both Wu Meiniang and Li Qing were stunned. Wu Meiniang wondered who this Prince Qin was; since Li Shimin ascended the throne, no one had been granted that title. Li Qing was shocked at Li Shimin’s hasty decision.

Good heavens, this Prince Qin must have just been invented!

Following Li Shimin’s gesture, Wu Meiniang finally saw who the Prince Qin was. Without hesitation, she prostrated herself and lamented, “Have I displeased Your Majesty so greatly as to deserve this?”

“Heh…” Li Shimin forced a painful smile. “If not for my brother’s plea on your behalf, I might have torn you limb from limb… From now on, serve Prince Qin as a maid to repay your debt!”

Wu Meiniang was struck dumb, unable to understand the sudden change. Only yesterday, Li Shimin had shown great interest in her.

“Take her away. I wish to speak with Prince Qin,” Li Shimin waved his hand, ordering Wang De to escort Wu Meiniang away.

After she left, Li Qing spoke softly, “Brother Li, you truly surprised me… Be honest, did you just come up with this Prince Qin on the spot?”

“Haha, indeed you’re clever. Last night I pondered that since you’re an immortal descended to aid our Tang dynasty, I cannot be stingy. I just didn’t know how to repay you until inspiration struck,” Li Shimin laughed heartily. “Ask for anything, and I shall grant it!”

“Thank you, Brother Li,” Li Qing gave a perfunctory bow. He was not particularly interested in such empty titles.

He’d rather have his brother contribute more emotional value—that was far better.

Checking the system, he saw the emotional value had already reached tens of thousands.

Hmm… Looks like Brother Li’s blood pressure needs to rise a bit more…

To Li Shimin, Li Qing’s calm demeanor seemed like the serene indifference of an immortal unaffected by praise or blame.

What a true immortal my brother is… he thought inwardly, unaware that in Li Qing’s eyes, Li Shimin was just a big sheep ripe for shearing.

“As for Wu Meiniang in this timeline, let it be. The one from the sixth year of Yonghui, leave that to Li Zhi,” Li Qing pulled out two cans of cola and handed one to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin took the can, frowning as he asked, “You said you’d give Zhinu an offer she can’t refuse, but from how infatuated he looks, I don’t see him waking up any time soon.”

“A pure-hearted warrior like Li Zhi needs to see some real beasts to understand,” Li Qing chuckled mischievously, sounding very much like a villain.

(End of chapter)