Chapter 20: Speaking of Princess Gaoyang, I Suddenly Feel Wide Awake

Chapter 20: Speaking of Princess Gaoyang, Now I’m Wide Awake

In truth, Li Chengqian’s reluctance was understandable. After all, who could endure suddenly having a godfather barely older than himself? Even Li Qing, who had unexpectedly become a father, was unwilling at first.

Yet Li Shimin was resolute, as stubborn as a rock, and Li Qing couldn’t simply refuse. Would that not only deepen the wounds in Li Chengqian’s already fragile heart?

“Yes, Your Majesty, I understand,” Li Chengqian replied obediently. “From now on, I shall treat my godfather as I do my own father.”

Seeing his faltering steps, Li Qing inquired, “Gaoming, what’s wrong with your leg?”

Rumors about Li Chengqian’s leg varied—some said he had fallen from a horse, others claimed it was a congenital condition. But judging by his current state, it seemed less like an injury from a fall and more like pain prevented him from putting weight on it.

“I don’t know either,” Li Chengqian said with a melancholy expression. “The pain flares up often, stabbing like needles, making it impossible to walk properly.” Ever since he had contracted a foot illness some time ago, his mood had worsened, and self-doubt crept in. After all, no emperor or crown prince in history had been crippled.

Especially since Li Shimin showed special favor to Li Tai, he often indulged in wild thoughts—did his father secretly dislike him and intend to replace him with Li Tai? Could his foot ailment be used as an excuse for this?

Li Qing, using the system’s diagnostic ability, quickly identified the problem and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, it’s a minor issue—your uric acid is a bit high. You have gout.”

“Gout?” Li Shimin leaned in. “Then what about Gaoming’s leg...?”

“Minor problem. It’s not a disease of the leg itself, just pain caused by gout.” Li Qing produced a jade gourd containing a marrow-cleansing pill. “First, treat the illness, then eat. People with gout should avoid hot pot; foods like mutton and soy products will worsen the pain.”

Li Chengqian took the gourd hesitantly. Upon uncorking it, a refreshing fragrance wafted out, invigorating the senses.

“Go bathe in the side hall and take the medicine during your bath,” Li Qing patted his godson’s shoulder. “It might hurt a little, but it will pass quickly. Just bear with it.”

“Why aren’t you going yet?” Li Shimin’s paternal authority surfaced as he saw his eldest son hesitate. “This pill is very precious—make sure to take it carefully.”

Indeed, it was precious. Each pill contained the essence of Old Li’s painstaking effort.

Li Chengqian hurriedly grabbed the gourd and limped toward the side hall.

The Tang Dynasty had many princes and princesses. Excluding the eldest generation born to Li Yuan, Li Shimin alone had fathered nearly four football teams’ worth of children. Apart from the princesses who had married off and princes holding official positions, most were present.

Among this crowd of children, one elegant, graceful young man stood out like a crane among chickens. His demeanor was entirely incongruous with the others. Sitting quietly with a gentle smile, he watched his younger siblings play.

Through Old Li’s introduction, Li Qing learned that this was the ill-fated Prince of Wu, Li Ke.

Li Ke treated Li Qing with great respect, showing no contempt despite their similar ages. Li Qing was impressed and curious why he had not yet taken office.

Upon inquiry, he discovered the boy had been impeached by the imperial censor Liu Fan for trampling on farmers’ crops during excessive hunting. Not only was he stripped of his position, but three hundred households were also deducted from his fief.

Yet judging by his demeanor, Li Ke seemed utterly unconcerned, paying no heed to this matter. Instead, he appeared fascinated by the tablets in Li Zhi and Li Mingda’s hands.

He blended in remarkably well, often laughing heartily at the antics in the cartoons, fully immersed.

Li Zhi seemed to have an extraordinary fondness for Tom and Jerry, having watched the episodes repeatedly and still unable to tear himself away.

There were fourteen children in total. Except for Li Mingda and Li Zhi, all had to be given gifts. Including Li Chengqian, Li Qing clutched his heart as over thirty thousand emotional points drained away.

It hurt—deeply. But with the children calling him “uncle” so sweetly, how could he refuse?

This debt would have to be carefully noted. Li Qing thought, after dinner tonight, no matter what, he would bring Li Shimin through time and space to earn back these lost emotional points.

Just as he was pondering this, a piercing scream came from the side hall.

Everyone was startled awake. Li Mingda even dropped his tablet, tossing it to Li Ke as he dashed to find Li Shimin.

“Father, is big brother alright?”

“He’s fine, he’s fine,” Li Shimin said, but no sooner had the words left his mouth than the screams erupted again, one after another, creating quite a commotion.

Worried, he asked, “Brother, is Chengqian alright?”

“He’s fine,” Li Qing said, checking the time. “The medicine is kicking in. Don’t worry—it will only hurt for another fifteen minutes or so.”

Was that even reassuring?

Soon after, Li Chengqian emerged from the side hall, and to everyone’s astonishment, his leg was no longer lame.

“Chengqian, your leg?”

Li Shimin asked in disbelief. The prince’s leg ailment had long been a source of anguish. Could it really be cured after just a short bout of pain?

“I feel better than ever,” Li Chengqian said joyfully, approaching Li Qing and bowing deeply. “Thank you, godfather, for saving my life!”

At that moment, all doubts vanished. He even felt grateful that he had been too timid to defy his father earlier.

To miss such a grand opportunity would have filled him with lifelong regret.

He was completely at peace. He had always thought the favored Qingque was the most beloved in his father’s eyes—but if that were true, why would he alone be sent to recognize Li Qing as his godfather?

Suddenly, the world seemed vast and open.

“Get up quickly, get up,” Li Qing awkwardly helped Li Chengqian to his feet. Being called uncle was one thing, but this godfather business... it was a bit ominous, always reminding him of that father-vanquishing immortal, Master Lü.

Moreover, Li Chengqian’s gout was no small matter—it was practically a cup of purines...

Nearby, Li Tai’s eyes reddened as he began to regret his shortsightedness. He had thought Li Chengqian was the one suffering a loss, but in truth, he himself was the fool.

He had been so gleeful before, now so remorseful for not calling out “godfather” himself.

Alas, regret cannot be bought.

Just as Li Chengqian was about to say more, crying interrupted him. Following the sound, a spoiled little girl was tugging on a boy’s ear, scolding him.

“Gaoming, go see what Gaoyang is doing,” Old Li said, his face somewhat grim.

Li Qing caught on to the name. When Li Chengqian went over, he pointed at the little girl and asked, “Is she Gaoyang? Princess Gaoyang?”

“Yes...” Li Shimin suddenly realized. Only someone who had left a mark with Li Qing would have such a title...

“Could it be that Gaoyang also died young?” Li Shimin asked tremblingly.

Worry muddled his thoughts; he had forgotten that Li Qing had mentioned Gaoyang’s rebellion.

“Oh, not at all,” Li Qing’s eyes sparkled. “If you mention Princess Gaoyang, then I’m wide awake now...”

(End of chapter)