Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Arrival of the New Son-in-Law

Li Yi walked into the prince’s manor with his head down, but as soon as he entered, his heart grew calm. He was going to meet his future father-in-law, not to an execution ground—what was there to fear? A son-in-law as outstanding as himself was a rare find indeed; there was nothing to worry about! As he walked, Li Yi looked around. Last time he’d come in such a hurry he hadn’t had the chance to take in the sights. This time, he would savor it properly.

“Damn, this manor is far grander than my little courtyard! Someday I’ll have to get myself a place as impressive as this—maybe I’ll just build a Forbidden City of my own! It would be a real show of status, of course, if Li Shimin agrees!” Staring at the exotic flowers, rare plants, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters, Li Yi was filled with envy and longing.

Following behind his aunt Lady Cui, with Sanzi and several porters carrying gifts at his back, Li Yi soon caught sight of the main hall’s imposing entrance. There, a woman was already waiting. She wore a blue silk robe trimmed with emerald smoke, a pleated skirt adorned with scattered floral patterns and green butterflies—dignified, graceful, the very image of a mature Li Xueyan, but with an even deeper womanly charm. “This must be my future mother-in-law! Just by her bearing, I can tell she’s a strategist in her own right,” Li Yi mused.

This woman was none other than Zheng Bingchan, mother of Li Xueyan. She too was sizing up Li Yi. She’d never expected her daughter to bring home a prospective son-in-law from the road—a young man she’d never even heard of. Though he was now the eldest grandson of Duke Wei, he had lived outside for fourteen years—who could speak for his character? If he were rough, uncultured, and ignorant of propriety, she would never agree to the match, no matter whose grandson he was. Yet now, seeing Li Yi’s resolute features, dignified bearing, composed demeanor, and sturdy physique, she could tell at a glance that he was skilled in martial arts and possessed a trace of righteousness in his brow. Always smiling, neither affected nor frivolous, he appeared entirely natural—a promising first impression indeed.

Li Yi and his party approached the main hall. Zheng Bingchan was the first to speak. “Waterou, you haven’t visited your sister in ages!”

Lady Cui stepped forward, taking Zheng’s hand affectionately. “Sister Zheng, I’m here now, aren’t I? You know what my two boys are like—wild as can be! If I’m not at home, they’ll turn the house upside down. Lately, thanks to Yier taking them away for training, I’ve finally had some leisure, so I came to see you!”

“Oh? Someone’s managed to keep your two boys in line? Yier? The nephew you just acknowledged?”

“Exactly! Yier, come meet your Aunt Zheng!” With that, Lady Cui pulled Li Yi forward.

Li Yi knew it was his cue. Calm and composed—he could not afford a misstep now—he lifted his head, squared his shoulders, looked Zheng in the eye, and declared in a clear voice, “Your young nephew, Li Yi—courtesy name Wenyong—greets Aunt Zheng!”

Zheng Bingchan nodded with approval and helped him up. “Come now, stand up! Last time you visited I wasn’t home, but when I returned all I heard was how a ‘Jade Qilin’ had appeared in Chang’an. Now I see the rumors were not unfounded!”

Li Yi quickly demurred. “Aunt, you flatter me. Those are all exaggerations—I’m still young and unworthy of such a title.”

“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Enough with the modesty. Come—your Uncle Li is waiting for you inside!” With that, Zheng took Lady Cui’s arm and led her into the hall.

“Uncle Li? That must be Li Daozong. Damn, having too many uncles isn’t always a good thing,” Li Yi muttered, hurrying after them.

Upon entering the main hall, he saw Li Daozong seated at the place of honor. In his thirties, wearing the garb of a prince, with a square face and a striking mustache, he was a handsome older man who radiated an imposing presence without effort. Below him sat Li Xuan and the second son of the Li family, Li Su, a boy of about seven or eight.

Li Xuan sat upright, and as Li Yi entered, he winked at him.

Li Yi stepped to the center of the hall and bowed. “Li Yi greets Your Highness.”

Li Daozong sipped his tea, not even glancing up. “Sit.”

Li Yi was unfazed. “Thank you, Your Highness,” he replied, then sat across from Li Xuan.

“My lord, you gentlemen talk—I’ll take Waterou to the inner quarters,” Lady Zheng said.

Li Daozong nodded, and the two women left together, leaving the four men in the hall, eyeing each other in silence.

Li Yi fixed his gaze on his nose, his nose on his heart, as if dozing off.

After a long while, Li Daozong finally spoke. “Boy, what gift have you brought me today?”

Li Yi was momentarily stunned. For a prince, you sure don’t stand on ceremony!

“You didn’t come empty-handed, did you?”

Li Yi jumped up. “Of course not! I’ve brought plenty of fine things for Your Highness!”

Li Daozong blew out his mustache. “None of this ‘Your Highness’ business—trying to distance yourself now, are you? When you were flirting with my daughter, what were you thinking? Let me tell you, if I’m not satisfied with your gifts today, you can forget about seeing my daughter again. And don’t think you can pass off some crummy fan as a betrothal gift!”

Li Yi’s mouth twitched. “Uncle Li, how could I possibly go back on my word? I assure you, you’ll like what I’ve brought today!”

“Hmph! As if I’d let you go back on your word! Out with it, what have you brought?”

“Yes, Uncle. I’ve brought you some new-style roasted tea, new-style furniture, and a new kind of wine.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of this new furniture. Someone took my daughter out for an entire day, and when you got back, didn’t even come inside—using this furniture as an excuse, wasn’t it?” Li Daozong shot Li Yi a sidelong glance, making him squirm with embarrassment. With a cold snort, he continued, “As for this roasted tea—I’ve heard of it, but never seen it. I’m curious to try it. And this new wine—it’s your invention, isn’t it?”

“Uncle Li, you have a discerning eye—it is indeed my creation!”

“Hmph! Discerning eye, is it? Are you complimenting my judgment or yourself as the gem? I knew this wine had nothing to do with your master. You’re full of tall tales—only Xuan here believes a word you say!”

Li Daozong’s words left Li Yi and Li Xuan both awkward and speechless. What kind of person was this? He really was formidable—no wonder he was a famed general of the Tang!

Stroking his mustache and squinting with an inscrutable smile, Li Daozong asked, “What else have you brought?”

Li Yi hesitated for a long moment before replying uncertainly, “Does a chef count?”

Li Daozong suddenly yanked his mustache, wincing in pain, his signature facial hair no longer quite so perfect. “You brat! Who brings a chef as a gift on a visit—let alone a female chef! Explain yourself!”

Seeing Li Daozong so flustered, Li Yi felt a secret satisfaction. Serves you right for intimidating me! Outwardly, though, he remained composed. “I just figured, Uncle Li, your house is like family to me, so I didn’t stand on ceremony. You may not know, but my chef has recently developed many new dishes. I thought you might like to taste something different, so I brought her along—and she can also teach your household cooks for lasting benefit.”

Li Daozong could only laugh wryly at this. “You… you really are something… Fine, you pass. Have your men replace my furniture, brew me your tea, and cook my meal!”

“At once!” Li Yi answered, then rushed out to give Sanzi instructions.

Soon, Li Yi was back.

“Xuan, take this fellow to the rear courtyard—he must be itching to go. I’ll be in the study. Call me when the meal is ready,” Li Daozong said, and with that, departed.