Chapter 270: Happy Events in the Prince's Mansion (Subscription Request)
Yi Nan’s death was not an accident. In fact, he was already at the end of his life. It was a miracle that he could survive until today.

Before his death, Yinan repeatedly warned Bazhuo not to have any conflict with the Tang Dynasty within ten years.

However, Ba Zhuo didn't take his father's words seriously at all. Is it worth caring about such words that fall on deaf ears?
As early as three days ago, the news of the civil unrest in Silla reached Bazhuo's ears, and Silla also sent envoys to inform Bazhuo that Japan had already sent 50,000 troops to support Silla, and would then follow Silla to resist the Tang Dynasty.

Yinan also knew about this. Despite his illness, he and Bazhuo asserted that the coalition forces composed of the Silla rebels and Japan were vulnerable. If the Xueyantuo rashly participated, they would certainly be severely beaten by the Tang Dynasty.

However, Bazhuo was now dazzled by the beautiful prospects woven for him by the Silla people. Moreover, he also urgently needed a foreign war, firstly to consume the strength of the opposition, and secondly to consolidate the internal strength of Xueyantuo.

After a quick thought, Bazhuo sent an envoy to the Western Turks to contact Ashina Helu.

Ashina Helu was the fifth-generation grandson of Shidianmi Khan of the Western Turkic Khaganate and the son of Yibulisheshekuiteqinjieyue.

After Ashina Buzhen surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, Yibi Duolu Khan asked Helu to replace Buzhen as Yehu and live in Duoluo River, 1,500 miles north of Xizhou, and govern the five tribes of Chuyue, Chumi, Geshu, Qarluk, and Nushibi.

Ashina Helu has always hated and feared the Tang Dynasty. Even though the Western Turks were defeated by the Tang Dynasty three years ago, it did not change his mind of wanting to take the opportunity to bite off the Tang Dynasty.

After the envoys of Xueyantuo and Silla arrived at Ashina Helu's tent together, Ashina Helu was really moved after hearing the two envoys' promises.

To be honest, Ashina Helu has always had rebellious intentions. Historically, he surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty appointed him as the Protector General of Yaochi Protectorate. However, after Li Shimin passed away in the 23rd year of Zhenguan, Ashina Helu rebelled at the speed of light as soon as he received the news.

Now that Xueyantuo, Silla and Wa have united, if we don't seize this godsend opportunity, it will be difficult to have it in the future.

Ashina Helu gritted his teeth and stomped his feet, and agreed to Xueyantuo's request, agreeing that while Bazhuo attacked the Turks, he would lead his troops to attack Yizhou under the jurisdiction of Anxi Protectorate.

On the one hand, he wanted to seize this God-given opportunity, and on the other hand, he wanted to avenge the defeat three years ago.

After Bazhuo's internal and external provocations, the anti-Tang alliance of Western Turks, Xueyantuo, Silla rebels and Japan was officially formed.

Ashina Helu gathered 80,000 troops and was moving towards the Anxi Protectorate.

Ba Zhuo took advantage of the recent death of Yi Nan and gathered 120,000 troops to launch a surprise attack on Dingxiang, catching the Turks who were affiliated with the Tang Dynasty off guard.

The Japanese army has crossed the strait and arrived in Silla, and is preparing to fight against the Silla royal army.

At this time, the Tang Dynasty was preparing to announce the results and the subsequent palace examination.

Early in the morning of May 21st, a thick crowd of people gathered in front of the Imperial Examination Hall.

This was the first examination after the reform of the imperial examination system in the Tang Dynasty, so it was normal that there were so many people.

At two quarters past the hour of Mao, people from the Ministry of Rites came over carrying a list covered with a red cloth.

"Please make way. Please make way."

Everyone made way for a path like Moses parting the sea, and the people from the Ministry of Rites walked over carrying the list.

Li Xiang was already standing on the stairs behind the wall of the Imperial Examination Hall, looking at the crowds of people inside and outside, feeling deeply moved.

Fortunately, it is the Tang Dynasty now, and the culture of selecting a son-in-law from the list does not yet exist.

Speaking of "catching a son-in-law under the list", this was a special marriage culture in the Song Dynasty. That is, on the day when the list was announced, wealthy families from all over the country would go out and compete to select successful scholars as sons-in-law. The scene was just like a robbery by a mountain king, so people called it "catching a son-in-law."

The notes of Song Dynasty people mentioned "catching a son-in-law under the list" many times. This "catching a son-in-law" which is similar to a monetary transaction contains specific social and cultural connotations. It shows that during the Song Dynasty, the economy was rising and the wealthy common people were eager to enter the upper class.

The most important thing is that the Song Dynasty infinitely elevated the status of literati and focused on suppressing the status of military men, leading to a situation in which literati were valued more than military men.

In the Song Dynasty, anyone who was a Jinshi with a score of fifth or above could be directly appointed as an official, and the speed and level of promotion were unmatched by those who entered the officialdom through other means.

Therefore, among the high-ranking officials of the Song Dynasty government, those who passed the imperial examinations accounted for an overwhelming majority. Take the prime minister and deputy prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty for example, more than 90% of them passed the imperial examinations, and the proportion was even higher in the Southern Song Dynasty. As the saying goes, "The whole court is full of scholars", which reflects the officialdom at that time.

But it was different in the Tang Dynasty. Family background was more important in the Tang Dynasty. It was not possible to just catch any son-in-law and get married. In other words, the merchant class did not dare to catch a son-in-law from the gentry.

At three quarters past the hour of Mao, the people from the Ministry of Rites tore off the red silk cloth on the list, revealing the complete list.

Everyone rushed forward and began to look at the list.

The ranking in the imperial examination is not based on the overall list, but on the examination area.

Each examination area will admit fifty people, and the results will be announced separately according to the examination area.

"The first place in the Jianghuai exam area is Cui Shouye, whose courtesy name is Zhenjing and he is from Boling!"

"The second place in the Jianghuai exam area is Cui Ying, styled Zhongmi, from Qinghe!"

"The third place in the Jianghuai exam area is Wang Wuben, styled Shuyu, from Taiyuan!"

……

From Jianghuai, to Guanzhong, to Lingnan and other places, all the way to the final Sichuan and Shu examination area.

Those who passed the exam applauded and cheered; those who didn’t passed the exam beat their chests and stamped their feet. Some were very upset, while others secretly vowed to get a good ranking next year.

The first place in the Jianghuai examination area was Cui Shouye from the Cui family of Boling.

As you can tell from the name, Cui Shouye is Cui Xiuye's younger brother and the youngest son of Cui Dunli, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Cui Shouye made the Five Surnames and Seven Families so angry that they gnashed their teeth. Not only did this kid take up a place in the Hehuai examination area, but he was also not on the same page with them.

Li Xiang didn't ask in advance, but when Cui Xiuye ​​heard that his younger brother had ranked first in the Jianghuai examination area, he became very happy.

“Your Highness!” Cui Xiuye ​​bowed to Li Xiang and said, “My brother is the first in the Jianghuai District of the high school entrance examination. He really brings honor to our family…”

In fact, even if Cui Shouye did not take the imperial examination, he could still serve as an official in the court. After all, his father was the diplomatic talent that Li Shimin valued most.

But this kid is just trying to make himself proud, what can you do? He also stepped back hard on Cui of Boling.

"Congratulations," Li Xiang smiled and nodded to Cui Xiuye, "It turns out that the first place in the Jianghuai exam area is Zhenmin's younger brother. I am really impressed."

"Haha." Cui Xiuye ​​laughed happily.

"Go ahead. I'll give you a day off today." Li Xiang said to Cui Xiuye, "Go back and celebrate with your family."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Cui Xiuye ​​walked away happily.

He did not go to find Cui Shouye, but came to Jingzhao Prefecture.

When he saw Luo Binwang, Cui Xiuye ​​greeted him in a very exaggerated manner.

"Guangguang brother! Guangguang brother!"

"It's Brother Zhenmin." Luo Binwang crossed his arms at him.

"Oh, brother Guanguang, how did you know that my brother got the first place in the Jianghuai examination area? Haha..." Cui Xiuye ​​said happily.

Luo Binwang:
Man, I didn't ask, did I?

But out of politeness, he could only smile and reply: "Congratulations, brother Zhenmin, your brother got first place in high school, it is really cause for celebration..."

"Hahaha, thank you, Guanguang brother."

Cui Xiuye ​​said goodbye to Luo Binwang and walked back in. "Brother Shengzhi, how did you know that my brother ranked first in the Jianghuai exam area?" Cui Xiuye ​​was harassing Lu Zhaolin again.

Not to mention Cui Xiuye's happiness, let's just say that after Li Xiang saw the results, he returned to the Wude Hall.

There was nothing important happening in Jingzhao Prefecture, and everything was going on in an orderly manner.

Li Xiang had someone prepare some delicious dishes for lunch. He planned to take a walk after the meal and then take a nap.

"Brother, I heard that the examination results will be announced today?" Pei Xueqing asked softly.

"Yes." Li Xiang nodded and picked up a piece of mutton. "In a few days, it will be the palace..."

Before he could finish his words, Pei Xueqing hurriedly covered his mouth with his hands and retched.

"What's wrong with you?" Li Xiang reached out and gently stroked Pei Xueqing's back. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine..." Pei Xueqing said, and dry-heaved again.

Li Xiang suddenly had an idea.

Ouch……

No way?
Thinking of this, he immediately stretched his neck and shouted: "Imperial Physician, call the Imperial Physician!"

"Xiang'er, I'm fine..." Pei Xueqing had now calmed down and said softly.

"Be obedient." Li Xiang said nothing, but smiled and touched Pei Xueqing's long hair.

Before it was time to put down the bowl, Sun Simiao was invited over.

When he saw Lao Sun, Li Xiang was obviously stunned.

Then he saw Li Mingda following behind Sun Simiao, and then he realized that Old Sun should be teaching Taoism to his aunt in Sanqing Temple, and it was just a coincidence that he happened to be there.

"Your Highness." Sun Simiao bowed to Li Xiang.

"You don't have to be so polite, sir." Li Xiang said quickly, "Please feel my sister's pulse."

Sun Simiao nodded, walked forward and sat down, asked a few questions first, and then put his hand on Pei Xueqing's wrist.

After a moment, Sun Simiao's expression was serious at first, and then he was happy.

He put down his hand, waved his whisk, and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Your Highness, congratulations, Your Highness, the Crown Prince's Consort is pregnant!"

"Pregnant?" Although Li Xiang had a premonition, he was still confused when Sun Simiao confirmed it.

"Xiang'er!" Li Mingda called out in surprise.

Li Xiang then came to his senses and laughed three times.

Then he began to worry. It was said that giving birth was like the gate of hell, especially in this age of underdeveloped medicine...

Seeing his face filled with worry, Pei Xueqing reached out and grasped Li Xiang's hand, smiling tenderly.

"Don't worry, Xiang'er. You are here for me."

"Yeah!" Li Xiang nodded heavily and smiled.

Then he looked at Sun Simiao and said, "Master, how was the experiment with the forceps?"

"I came to the palace this time just to talk to His Highness about this matter." Sun Simiao stroked his beard and smiled, "After testing, the probability of women having difficult labor has dropped by 70%!"

"Seventy percent?" Li Xiang exhaled and grabbed Pei Xueqing's hand with his backhand.

"Oh, Xiang'er is just worrying about these trivial things." Li Mingda pushed Li Xiang in a nagging manner: "Such a big thing, you should report the good news to Aye and Big Brother!"

At the same time, Li Mingda was thinking that after returning home, he must recite some sutras to eliminate disasters and pray for Xueqing and his nephew.

Hey, I became an aunt so early...

"Yes." Li Xiang finally reacted and quickly sent someone to report the good news.

Such a major matter should be reported to the parents first. This is the duty of filial piety.

Soon, Li Shimin and Li Chengqian rushed to the Wude Hall in a hurry.

It's no wonder they behaved impolitely. This is Old Li's first great-grandson and Li Chengqian's first grandchild, so of course they should treat him with respect.

"I have a great-grandson?" Li Shimin still felt it was a little unreal. He was only forty years old this year, and he had become a great-grandfather?
"I have a grandson?" Li Chengqian also felt it was unreal. He was only 26 years old, and only 28 in age...

But Li Da was really amazing. He had Li Xiaoxiang when he was eleven years old...

"Hey, hey, hey..." Li Xiang pulled them and said, "The baby hasn't even been born yet, and you two are already talking about wanting to have a great-grandson and a grandson. Don't you feel like you've been appointed by someone?"

Old Li glared at him.

"It doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl, hi." Li Xiang spread his hands, "You two can't discriminate. If this baby is not a boy, we can still have another one in the future..."

Hearing this, Li Shimin and Li Chengqian looked at each other.

Hey, this kid...

Li Xiang was not saying this casually. He was just trying to prepare in advance in order to avoid Pei Xueqing's blame if he gave birth to a girl.

Of course he was suspicious, but neither Li Shimin nor Li Chengqian was that kind of person.

"You kid, you're really protective of your wife." Li Chengqian said sarcastically, "Oh, I forgot, this is your elder sister, yo yo yo——"

Li Xiang took a deep breath and decided not to expose Li Chengqian's shortcomings.

I silently repeated three times in my heart that I should be as calm as ice and not be startled by the collapse of the sky, so as not to say the words "you love the boy's girl" out loud.

As they were talking, Crown Princess Su Yi also walked in from outside the door.

Since Li Chengqian was chatting with Li Shimin in the Lizheng Hall just now, the eunuch informed them first. Su Yi was playing with his little daughter in the East Palace, so he was notified last.

After the greeting, Su Yi sat next to Pei Xueqing and whispered to her about taboos.

After all, Su Yi is an experienced person, so he still needs to give some instructions.

"Tonight, let's have a couple of drinks, the three of us, grandparents and grandchildren?" Li Shimin smiled and looked at Li Xiang and Li Chengqian.

"Sure." Li Chengqian smiled. He was in high spirits because of the good news. "How about, Father, call Qingque and Zhinu as well. Let's have some fun together as a family and congratulate Xiang'er for having the next generation."

"Good! Good! Good!" Li Shimin said good three times happily. Harmony between his sons was what he wanted to see most.

Now Li Chengqian actually suggested that Li Tai and Li Zhi celebrate the birth of Xiang'er's son together. How could this not make this old father happy?
(Please give me a monthly ticket!)
(End of this chapter)