The gate of the Duke of Song’s Mansion remains the same.

Ten years passed in the blink of an eye. He was fortunate to be the son of Li Shizhi, which gave him a higher starting point and enabled him to reach his current position before the Anshi Rebellion.

It may not be a bad thing for Li Shizhi to retire at the peak of his career.

He was able to enjoy his old age without having to worry about state affairs.

Countless officials died in depression due to political frustration and exile.

Although Li Shizhi still held the title of Prince Grand Tutor, he did not need to teach the prince.

In order to prevent the prince and the crown prince from forming cliques with the ministers, Li Longji kept the prince and the crown prince in the Sixteenth Prince's Residence and kept them under strict supervision.

Usually, the prince’s teachers were low-ranking scholars and officials, some of whom did not even have a rank.

Li Yuying has been studying medicine at Jishengtang in recent years. Perhaps influenced by Li Xuan, she has changed her past and wants to achieve something.

Because Jishengtang was founded by Li Xuan, and Li Xuan also invested heavily in its development. The great doctors Chen Cangqi and Wang Bing were promoted by Li Xuan.

We are determined to train the first batch of outstanding doctors to save the world within ten years.

Li Yuying also wants to be one of them.

Li Shizhi's only headache now is his daughter, who is already grown up but has not yet married.

How can a nobleman study medicine? It will make others laugh at him.

However, Li Yuying used the example of Li Tengkong to refute Li Shizhi.

Li Tengkong is the daughter of Li Linfu. She has superb medical skills and can treat poor people.

Li Shizhi could only ask Pei Lingxi to persuade Li Yuying that even if she chose her ideal husband, she should get married in her prime.

Li Yuying now lives in the Tianshui Palace, accompanying Pei Lingxi and playing with her nephews and nieces. At the same time, she feels that Li Shizhi is always nagging her.

"My child meets his father!"

After entering the house with Li Qian and Li Jiqing, Li Xuan saw Li Shizhi walking quickly towards him as soon as he entered the ceremonial gate. He immediately stepped forward to pay his respects.

It is obvious that after Li Shizhi heard the report from his servants that Li Xuan had returned to the Duke of Song's mansion, he immediately went out to see Qilang, whom he had not seen for three years.

Perhaps it was because he was in his sixties that Li Shizhi was worried when Li Xuan went on an expedition to the west.

It was a completely different situation from when he was a military governor, because Li Xuan was setting foot in a place no Tang general had ever been to.

His Qilang is indeed a world-famous hero who has made unprecedented achievements.

Although he had been dismissed from his position as prime minister, his family still enjoyed special honors.

"My dear, you don't have to do this! You've been on a long expedition, sleeping in the open air, Qilang has worked hard."

Li Shizhi helped Li Xuan up, and felt relieved that his son was just as he was three years ago.

Seeing Qilang, who was full of energy and had a bright look in his eyes, he felt relieved because he believed that his son would become prime minister again sooner or later.

This has nothing to do with utilitarianism. Since ancient times, scholars and dignitaries have regarded becoming prime minister as their ultimate goal.

Li Shizhi is old and hopes that his son will get better and better in the future.

The other sons, such as Li Yu and Li Jiqing, were of average talent, and at most they were capable of being county governors. They were not very good at their current positions.

He hoped that after his death, Qilang would take care of his brother.

In those days, Li Linfu could turn his hand to make clouds and turn his hand to make rain. The Right Prime Minister's Mansion was the most luxurious mansion in Chang'an.

What about now?
Things are different and people are different!

"I have been in the military for ten years and have been to the snowy plateau. Life in the Western Regions is not that hard. But father, please take care of your health!"

Li Xuan held Li Shizhi's hand and said.

He felt that the toughest battle was on the snowy plateau, where many soldiers did not die in battle but fell ill instead.

In comparison, the Western Expedition went relatively smoothly.

He believed that the Arab army was inferior to the Tibetan infantry and cavalry, both in quantity and quality.

"As a father, I have a son who brings honor to our family. What else can I be dissatisfied with?"

As he was talking, Li Shizhi pulled Li Xuan into the front hall.

Although it was late, the front hall was brightly lit.

Tea and snacks are also ready.

"Qilang, is there a chance for you to stay in Chang'an after coming back this time?"

Li Shizhi asked Li Xuan with a meaningful look.

In Li Xuan's case, staying in Chang'an means becoming prime minister again.

Li Shizhi thought that Li Xuan had made so many contributions and the emperor had given him generous rewards, so he had a good chance this time.

"My edges have not been smoothed out yet, so it is not time for me to stay in Chang'an. I have already applied to the Saint to march west again in the 14th year of Tianbao."

Li Xuan replied to Li Shizhi.

"Qi Lang, are you still planning to reform? The local resistance is endless. Greed is insatiable!"

Li Shizhi understood what Li Xuan meant.

He was worried that Li Xuan would get stuck in it and find it difficult to extricate himself.

The world is too big, and there will always be people who pretend to obey but actually disobey, deceive their superiors and subordinates, and resist new laws.

No matter how high you stand, there are always blind spots that you cannot see.

"Father, please believe me. The next time I return to Chang'an, I will definitely be able to deal with the local tyrants."

Li Xuan replied to Li Shizhi solemnly.

Of course he knew that conventional methods would not work and that he had to use unconventional methods.

Li Xuancong came not to kill the big families. They could still be rich, but they would just give up land annexation and free the serfs.

If this is not possible, there is no need to keep them.

"Qi Lang ascended to the highest position at a young age. He is an extraordinary man and does extraordinary things. His father is mediocre. Qi Lang just needs to have his own opinions."

Li Shizhi stopped trying to persuade him because his talent was far inferior to Li Xuan's.

Maybe there are many things he can't imagine.

"The child will know his limits, and the father only needs to wait."

Li Xuan did not say anything polite and reminded Li Shizhi in advance: "Father, if I send Luo Xing back to deliver the message, you must be cautious."

"Luo Xing! Your father knows."

Li Shizhi responded disapprovingly.

"When I go to the Western Regions again, I will take Lingxi and Shuang'er with me. Song'er and Zhenzhen will also go with me to the Western Regions. Yi'er will stay in Chang'an and be taken care of by my father."

Li Xuan asked Li Shizhi for help again.

"Don't worry, Qilang! I will teach Yi'er well."

Li Shizhi nodded. Marshal Bian left a hostage in Chang'an, and no one could be an exception.

He couldn't even ask Li Longji for mercy, otherwise Li Longji would become suspicious.

Of course, Li Shizhi didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

In this way, Pei Lingxi can also reunite with Li Xuan and his wife.

"Qilang... there have been recent rumors that An Lushan wants to rebel. What do you think?"

After Li Xuan and Li Shizhi chatted for an hour, Li Shizhi took the initiative to talk about this matter.

He made friends with the princes and old officials in Chang'an, and heard some "alarmist" words.

At first I thought it was just groundless talk, but it became more and more exaggerated, especially in the past two months.

Even Prime Minister Yang Guozhong repeatedly advised the sage An Lushan to rebel.

An Lushan controlled the three military governorships, posing a risk to the Tang Dynasty.

"It's hard for me to judge. The saint doesn't believe An Lushan would rebel. Maybe it's just rumors, and Yang Guozhong and An Lushan are fighting."

Li Xuan shook his head.

If An Lushan dares to come to Chang'an now, it means that he is indeed very brave.

But An Lushan had not arrived for a long time. He just kept transporting the gold, silver and jewelry he had looted to Chang'an to please Li Longji.

"My father once led the Fanyang Army. There were many Hu people in the army, and it was difficult to correct the military discipline. I was afraid that they would be used by An Lushan."

Li Shizhi knew the Fanyang Army better than most people.

Over the past decade, the generals he had appointed, even if they were still alive, had already been replaced by An Lushan.

Moreover, Li Shizhi's tenure as Jiedushi of Youzhou was too short. Although he had won some victories, they were all small ones, and he had not yet established enough prestige in the army.

"Father, there is no need to think too much about this. If an enemy comes, we will fight him. If a flood comes, we will block it with earth. Even if he rebels, it will be a matter for us generals. The Tang Dynasty has been established for more than a hundred years. How can it collapse so easily?"

Li Xuan comforted Li Shizhi.

"Saint, alas!"

Li Shizhi sighed heavily. He really didn't expect that Li Longji in his later years would be even more confused than Sun Quan and Xiao Yan in their later years.

He didn't understand why Li Longji, who was so smart before, would still be like this after learning from the lessons of the Wu and Wei families.

Li Longji personally experienced the era of the Empress Dowager. He watched Wu Zetian kill his mother and was driven off the stage by Zhang Jianzhi.

He also personally launched the Tanglong coup and destroyed the Wei Group.

What is even more contradictory is that Li Longji deposed his first wife, Queen Wang, because of a little suspicion.

The mistakes of the previous incident were still fresh in Li Longji's mind, but he had not learned any lesson at all.

Li Shizhi could not stand the Five Yangs' behavior. But Yang Guozhong was the prime minister, so he had no power to say much and could only watch them make Chang'an a mess.

"Families like Yang Guozhong and the Yang family will definitely not have a good ending."

Li Xuan was very happy when he heard Li Shizhi say this.

Li Shizhi's complaints represent that when he makes important decisions, people are easily influenced by his instructions.

"Yes... the Saint is old, and the new Lord will not tolerate the Yang family."

Li Shizhi thought that this was what Li Xuan was referring to.

Li Xuan just smiled slightly.

"Qilang, it's getting late. Go back to Tianshui Palace. Lingxi is waiting for you. Qilang's children are smart and cute. They will become great people in the future."

Li Shizhi didn't say much, he stood up and issued the "order to expel the guests".

Li Xuan only went home once in the past three years to meet his wife. Moreover, when Li Xuan left, his child was still young.

He knew that Shichiro must want to see them.

"Okay! Then I'll come to see my father tomorrow."

Li Xuan stood up and said.

The eminent official did not notify the emperor of tomorrow's court session, which means that Li Longji will not attend the court tomorrow.

There may even be no more early court sessions for the next few months.

Because Li Longji was about to go to Huaqing Palace, he became even more lazy when he got there.

Sometimes, Yang Guozhong could handle state affairs directly at home, and all officials would go to Yang Guozhong's mansion to pay him a visit without having to go to the Zhongshumenxiatang.

Li Shizhi held the lamp and saw Li Xuan off.

"Father doesn't have to go out!"

Li Xuan stopped Li Shizhi from seeing him off, bowed to Li Shizhi, and then left the Duke of Song's Mansion under the leadership of the housekeeper Zhao Zong.

Pei Ying and his personal guards had been waiting at the door for a long time. Li Xuan mounted his horse and rushed to the gate impatiently.

"It's King Tianshui, open the gate!"

The gate was closed, but it opened immediately after seeing Li Xuan coming. They all knew that Li Xuan was going to Daozhengfang.

When the saint holds a grand banquet, the night allows the nobles to pass through.

What’s more, it’s Li Xuan.

Li Xuan left Pingkangfang and then went all the way to Daozhengfang.

The gatekeeper of Daozhengfang hurriedly opened the gate and Li Xuan entered.

Lanterns are bright in front of the Tianshui Palace.

In the main hall.

Pei Lingxi was sitting in the main hall. Two little boys were playing in the hall and smiling from time to time.

Shuang'er was holding Li Zhenzhen, but the three-year-old Li Zhenzhen yawned and became drowsy.

Li Yuying was reading a medical book under the candlelight. She was the calmest, without the anxiety of her sisters-in-law.

"Madam, the prince is back."

A maid quickly ran in and reported to Pei Lingxi.

Pei Lingxi was very excited. He stood up and walked quickly to the door. He said to Li Yi and Li Song who were playing, "Yier, Songer, get ready to meet your father."

Li Yi and Li Song were three or four years old and had no memory of having a father.

When he learned that his father, whom his mother had been nagging about, had returned, he immediately ran out to see what was happening, feeling deeply touched.

In the corridor of Tianshui Palace, Li Xuan met Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er again after three years.

Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er also saw the husbands they missed day and night.

At this moment, Pei Lingxi was holding a child in each hand, and a little girl in Shuang'er's arms was half asleep and rubbing her eyes with her little hands.

Two maids were holding candles. The flickering candles cast a shadow on Pei Lingxi's face, making her look a little thin.

Shuang'er also looked very haggard, but her face was full of surprise.

Li Xuan knew that these were his children. He controlled his emotions and just stared at them with a smile, as if it was an ordinary return.

"Yier, Songer, Zhenzhen, call me Grandpa!"

Pei Lingxi spoke to the three younger children first.

"Grandpa..."

The children shouted in unison. Although they did not have much emotion, they were all well-educated under Pei Lingxi's instruction.

"Zhen Zhen!"

Li Xuan stepped forward and took the youngest child, Li Zhenzhen, from Shuang'er's arms.

"Auntie..."

Li Zhenzhen was shy and struggled in Li Xuan's arms, wanting to go into A Niang's arms.

"Haha...Grandpa gave Zhenzhen her name."

Li Xuan laughed and pinched Li Zhenzhen's delicate face.

In order to avoid being pinched by Li Xuan, she buried her little head in Li Xuan's arms.

"Don't be afraid, Zhenzhen. Grandpa loves you the most."

Shuang'er came to Li Zhenzhen and spoke softly, holding Li Zhenzhen's hand.

Only then did Li Zhenzhen look at Li Xuan with her jewel-like eyes.

The more I look at it, the more familiar it feels, and I laugh.

"Yier, do you still remember your father?"

After Li Xuan handed Li Zhenzhen to Shuang'er, he squatted down and asked.

"I don't remember! I only heard my mother say that my grandfather was a great hero!"

Li Yi shook his head slightly, speaking in a childish voice and very generously.

This kind of talk made Li Xuan very happy.

"Good sir!"

Li Xuan touched Li Yi's head.

"Song'er, do you want to leave with Grandpa?"

Li Xuan said to Li Song again.

"Wherever my mother goes, I will go..."

Li Song leaned towards Pei Lingxi's skirt.

He was only a few months older than Li Zhenzhen, so naturally he didn't know the concepts of biological mother and adoptive mother.

"Mother will go."

Li Xuan said with a smile.

"Then I'll go too!"

Li Song immediately said that although he was younger than Li Yi, his voice was more direct and clearer than Li Yi's.

"Yuying looks quite quiet. I heard from my elder brother that you studied medicine at Jishengtang. It seems that my family will also have a female doctor like Yishuo and Baogu."

Li Xuan saw Li Yuying behind Pei Lingxi. Compared with her previous lively and active appearance, she now looked mature.

He just admired Li Yuying for choosing to go to Jishengtang, which he founded, and expressed his expectations for her future achievements.

Who says it’s not good for aristocrats to study medicine?

Li Tengkong set a good example and was the only one among the children of the old villain Li Linfu whom Li Xuan respected.

The others, including Li Xiu, are not worth mentioning!

Li Xuan even believes that an aristocrat who is interested in medicine will have easier access to resources and a greater chance of becoming a famous doctor.

"Yuying will not let brother down!"

Li Yuying was very happy that Brother Qi recognized her. She would definitely study hard and achieve something.

"Seventh brother, it's getting late. Zhenzhen, Song'er, and Yi'er are all sleepy. Yuying should take them to rest as soon as possible. There will be plenty of time tomorrow!"

Li Yuying then went on to tell Li Xuan that she wanted to reunite her brother and sisters-in-law.

"Row!"

It was enough for Li Xuan to see her children grow up healthily.

Li Yuying took Li Zhenzhen from Shuang'er's arms, and then told the maid to take Li Song and Li Yi to the attic where she lived.

The children did not cry or make a fuss, as they were very familiar with Li Yuying.

As their candlelight disappeared, only Li Xuan, Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er were left in the corridor.

The suppressed emotions burst like a flood. Li Xuan hugged Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er in his arms and started talking nonsense: "When I left Chang'an, I took you to the Western Regions. I wish there would be no separation in this world!"

"My husband takes national affairs as the most important thing. These words are enough for us to expect."

Pei Lingxi said emotionally.

She knew that her husband was born for the world, and that there had never been a greater man like him in ancient and modern times.

The love she received from her husband was better than anything else.

Just like the poem her husband wrote for her, if love between two people lasts for a long time, why does it matter if they are together day and night?

Shuang'er didn't say anything. Li Xuan held her in his arms and she couldn't break free.

She is the luckiest slave in the world.

Although she had long since gotten rid of her status as a slave, Li Xuan was her only one.

Li Xuan hugged them on both sides and took them to the backyard to sit down.

Autumn is deep, and the last quarter moon is bleak and cold.

Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er didn't feel cold. With Li Xuan by their side, nestling in their arms, they felt warm.

In the garden, chrysanthemums are in full bloom and there is fragrance.

The old pear tree in the yard is still there, and it seems to have been pruned, with the dead branches removed.

Everything was the same as when Li Xuan left.

Li Xuan discussed with them the growth process of their children, all of which were light-hearted things.

Li Xuan never told them about national affairs or rumors, which would cause them trouble.

Li Xuan told Pei Lingxi that when he left Chang'an, he should leave Li Yi behind to be taken care of by his father.

Pei Lingxi, who had the demeanor of a mature lady, was reluctant but agreed without hesitation.

She didn't think it was wrong to just stay in Chang'an, and she could live a better life in Chang'an.

When the moon was setting, Li Xuan, Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er returned to the main building to rest.

After washing up, Li Xuan directly carried Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er to the bed.

Pei Lingxi served Li Xuan with Shuang'er for the first time. She missed him so much that she almost stayed awake all night.

……

"Clap clap clap..."

The next day, the sun rose three poles.

There was constant knocking on the door outside, which woke Li Xuan up.

Li Xuan was still wondering who was so rude when she heard a weak voice: "Mother, mother..."

It’s Li Zhenzhen.

It was the first time since she could remember that she didn't see her mother in the early morning, so she naturally felt uneasy.

Shuang'er and Pei Lingxi were also awakened.

Pei Lingxi felt embarrassed when she thought about the absurdity of last night and immediately prepared to get dressed.

The same goes for Shuang'er.

However, the first one to get dressed was Li Xuan.

After he left the inner room, he walked through the hall and opened the door.

Li Zhenzhen tilted her little head and looked at Li Xuan, but she never called out "Grandpa".

Even though my mother said last night that this was the person closest to her.

"Zhenzhen, whatever you like to play, Grandpa will play with you!"

Li Xuan picked up Li Zhenzhen again.

Li Zhenzhen just sucked her fingers timidly and did not answer Li Xuan.

But this time she didn't make a fuss.

It was not until Shuang'er came out dressed that she called her mother.

Not long after, they had breakfast together.

With Li Xuan appearing at the table, the children all felt unfamiliar.

Fortunately, Li Xuan was not polite during the meal, which made the children feel that their grandfather was not scary.

In the morning, Li Xuan accompanied his wife and children.

In the afternoon, Li Xuan got on a carriage and took his wife and children to the Duke of Song's Mansion to meet Li Shizhi again.

The carriage passed by Li Linfu's house, and there was no one inside. Li Xuan was quite touched.

(End of this chapter)