Chapter 5392 The Prince's Banquet

Chapter 5392 The Prince's Banquet
Li Yuanjia was a little confused. He stared at Fang Jun with his eyes wide open, and opened his mouth as if to say something but then stopped.

He realized that Fang Jun's words had drastically changed the nature of the situation...

Princess Fang lowered her head and drank her tea, struggling to suppress her laughter.

This younger brother is really good at talking nonsense.

Fang Jun remained immersed in his performance, his face filled with sorrow and guilt. He sighed deeply, "It's all Mother's fault for spoiling my eldest sister too much. This has led to my eldest sister's immoral behavior today, causing disharmony in His Highness Prince Han's family and damage to his reputation. Your Highness, rest assured, if anyone attacks Your Highness on this matter in the future, I will definitely step forward to clarify that this is the fault of the Fang family and has nothing to do with Your Highness."

Li Yuanjia was shocked: "It's just a quarrel between husband and wife, how can it be considered 'immoral'? Erlang, please don't say any more!"

Fang Jun didn't listen to what he was saying at all, and just kept sighing: "The Fang family is heartbroken and ashamed because of what my elder sister did. How about I take my elder sister and nephew home for a few days today, so that my father and mother can teach her a lot? If she knows her mistake and can correct it, I will send her back. If she is stubborn and refuses to change, then... sigh!"

Li Yuanjia: "..."

At this point, he finally realized what he meant.

This is hardly a criticism of the princess for being "willful".
They've clearly come to back me up!

He stole a glance and saw that although the princess had her head down, the corners of her lips were slightly upturned. After many years of deep affection between husband and wife, he became even more certain of his guess.

He immediately retorted irritably, "How can the princess return to her parents' home before the New Year? You can come and take her away after the New Year. You can send her back whenever you want, or if you don't want to send her back, then forget it. I'll go get her myself!"

Fang Jun nodded, then turned to ask the Princess, "What did my eldest sister say?"

The princess snorted and said, "Since this palace can't accommodate my son and me, then we'll go live with our parents. I have brothers to take care of me and parents to love me. Your Highness can take me in if you want, or not if you don't!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanjia became even more certain. Fang Xiaomei was getting married after the New Year, and the princess was going back to help with the wedding preparations. She also wanted to have a good get-together with her sisters, since Fang Xiaomei would be going to sea with Li Yun to take up her fiefdom after the wedding, and it would be extremely difficult to see her again for the rest of her life.

He thought for a moment and tentatively asked, "How about I stay at your residence with the Princess for a few days? I don't usually have the chance to show my respect to my father-in-law and mother-in-law. I would like to have a drink with my father-in-law and chat about some interesting books and stories."

To be honest, he felt he had benefited greatly from his wife's family.

During the Zhenguan era, he was appointed Minister of the Imperial Clan by Emperor Taizong, responsible for managing all affairs of the imperial family and nobles. However, at that time, there were meritorious members of the imperial clan such as the Prince of Hejian and the Prince of Jiangxia, and there were arrogant and domineering nobles of the Zhenguan era. As a mere prince, his words had no effect whatsoever. How frustrating was that?
If it weren't for his father-in-law Fang Xuanling, he would probably have been overthrown long ago.

Only when Fang Jun rose to prominence did he truly secure his position as Minister of the Imperial Clan Court and gain considerable influence.

Don't be fooled by his usual complaints about his brother-in-law being a blockhead and his miserable appearance; he is actually full of gratitude. Although he can be stubborn and ruthless when it comes to family, his support for him is genuine.

The reason why brothers-in-law slander each other is merely to create an impression for outsiders...

Fang Jun hesitated: "Isn't that a bit inappropriate? After all, my older sister was in the wrong first. Should I take her home so that Father and Mother can give her a proper scolding and education?"

"when"

With a soft thud, the princess slammed her teacup down on the coffee table, her brows furrowed as she glared at her younger brother: "What's wrong with that? I'm a daughter of the Fang family, and Your Highness is their son-in-law. What's wrong with them staying for a few days?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Jun shrugged.

……

Li Yuanjia led Fang Jun to the back hall, where a banquet had already been prepared. There were also several nephews, including Li Yi, Li Chen, Li Zhuan, and Li Ne, and Princess Fang holding her infant daughter. The place was bustling and noisy with everyone gathered together.

The nephews were all very close to Fang Jun. They first bowed respectfully, and then surrounded him. One asked how the navy could be invincible on the sea, another asked if the study of things truly explored the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, and the youngest, Li Ne, tugged at his uncle's sleeve for a gift...

This left Fang Jun in a flurry of activity.

In addition, New Year's gifts are usually given after the New Year, so who would have thought that Li Ne would suddenly ask for them?

But as an uncle, he couldn't let his nephew down, could he?

The jade pendant, sachet, and thumb ring he wore were all divided up. Finally, looking at his niece who was crying in the princess's arms, he spread his hands and said helplessly, "I was not prepared today, so I can only ask for your help. I will make up for it with a generous gift when we get home!"

The youngest daughter of the King of Han and his queen was named "Mile".

Using Buddhist terms for naming children has been very popular since the Northern and Southern Dynasties. For example, the daughter of Empress Wenxian of the previous dynasty was named "Dugu Jialuo", while the daughter of Empress Wende of the current dynasty was named "Guanyinbi".

The princess chuckled and said, "She's just a little child, why treat her so formally? She doesn't understand now, but when she grows up, you, her uncle, will dote on her more."

Li Yuanjia shooed the children aside, pulled Fang Jun to sit down, and complained, "Why bother with them? They're all so clever. The more you spoil them, the more they'll think they have something to rely on. They may seem well-behaved at home, but once they leave the house, they'll be domineering, spoiled brats. If they get into trouble because of this in the future, I will never let you off the hook!"

Fang Jun took a seat, agreeing wholeheartedly with these words.

He was born into the royal family, his father was the Minister of the Imperial Clan Court who was in charge of royal affairs, and he had a maternal grandfather who was a former prime minister and an uncle who was the Grand Commandant of the court. There were very few people in the court with such power. What if he developed an arrogant and spoiled personality?
The princess then smiled and said, "Why do I feel that Your Highness's words have a hidden meaning? Could it be that you are mocking Erlang?"

If we're talking about the term "纨绔" (wanku, meaning spoiled brat), Fang Jun was probably the most famous one in Chang'an back then. When his wild temper flared up, he even dared to beat a prince.

Li Yuanjia shook his head: "Although Erlang seems to act recklessly and wantonly, he is actually very measured and would never do anything reckless. Besides, if someone with ability acts recklessly, it can be called 'lively,' but if someone without ability causes trouble, it is called 'spoiled brat,' and they are not the same thing."

The princess exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness actually speaks so highly of Erlang? He usually doesn't say anything nice about me!"

Li Yuanjia said awkwardly, "Your Highness is mistaken. A true man should be quick to act and slow to speak. How could I be the kind of person who talks about others behind their backs?"

The princess smiled but said nothing.

Fang Jun was indifferent to the matter, but feigned anger: "Your Highness, I am utterly loyal to you, yet you have so many disparaging remarks. Doesn't your conscience hurt?"

Li Yuanjia asked in alarm, "What does Erlang intend to do?"

Fang Jun ignored him, glanced at the small wine pot on the table, and said to the maid serving him, "This little bit of wine is not enough! Bring more wine!"

Li Yuanjia was shocked: "Absolutely not!"

This brother-in-law is a heavy drinker who can drink a lot without getting drunk. Every time, I'm always the one who gets drunk until I'm completely out of it.

The maid hesitated, her face showing uncertainty.

Fang Jun scoffed, "The Han Prince's Mansion is indeed a royal family. Relatives by marriage come to offer New Year's greetings and gifts, yet they can't even have a drink?"

Li Yuanjia wiped his face, knowing that things couldn't end well today, and gritted his teeth: "Today, I, the king, will risk my life to accompany you!"

……

I could not risk my life, but getting completely drunk was something I expected.

At the dinner table, the two brothers-in-law were having a drinking contest... It was called a drinking contest, but in reality, Fang Jun kept pouring drinks for them. At first, they each drank one cup and finished their cups, but after a while, Li Yuanjia started to refuse to drink, so Fang Jun coaxed him to exchange two cups for one cup, and then three cups for one cup... In the end, Li Yuanjia was completely drunk and unconscious, while Fang Jun's face was slightly flushed and his eyes were clear.

The nephews, completely unconcerned that their father had been plied with alcohol, surrounded Fang Jun in amazement and admiration. Li Ne even touched Fang Jun's belly and clicked her tongue in wonder: "Where did all that alcohol go?"

Men, regardless of whether they like to drink or not, or whether they can drink a lot or not, will definitely admire those who can drink a lot.

The princess, accompanied by her maids, helped Li Yuanjia to his bedroom to rest. Upon returning, she dismissed the children and complained to Fang Jun, "That was enough. Why force him to drink so much? He's getting older and his health is declining. He'll need several days to recover."

Fang Jun was speechless: "Then why did you keep giving me meaningful glances when I came in? The only way I could vent my anger for you was to make you drink, it wouldn't be right to find an excuse to beat you up, would it?"

The princess scolded, "It was one thing to do this before, but how can you do it now? You've had quite a bit to drink, shouldn't we arrange a room for you to rest?"

"No need. I sent someone to deliver New Year's gifts to the Prince of Hejian's residence this morning. I'll go there this evening."

"How could we go so late at night? Wouldn't that be extremely impolite? I should have sent you to the Prince of Hejian's residence first. We can come to our house anytime."

Fang Jun waved his hand and said, "The Prince is getting old and his energy is failing. His health is also deteriorating. He has already announced this year that he will not receive any guests. I will just go over for a chat. It would be better to make a big fuss during the day."

The princess knew that her younger brother was capable, so she stopped arguing and said, "Then wash your face and tidy yourself up, and pay a visit to the Prince as soon as possible."

"Here."

After washing his face and tidying up at the Han Prince's residence, he bid farewell to the Princess and left. Instead of going home, he rode his horse directly to the Hejian Prince's residence.

……

Li Xiaogong has been in serious decline in the past two years. Although he did not charge into battle when he was in his prime, the rapid marches and tumbles he led his troops through the mountains and hills had taken a toll on his health. As he got older, his body became weaker and weaker. All the accumulated ailments and injuries from the past years came to the fore. His face was covered with age spots, and he was on his deathbed and looked very old.

When Li Hui led Fang Jun into the inner hall, he saw Li Xiaogong slumped on the couch, with two slender maids massaging his legs. Both were wearing thin gauze skirts and their flesh was exposed.

Upon seeing Fang Jun enter and bow, Li Xiaogong struggled to sit up and waved his hand to dismiss the two maids.

After Fang Jun sat down in front of the couch, Li Xiaogong opened his cloudy old eyes and asked, "I want my second son to take over the affairs of the Jiangnan Shipyard. What do you think, Erlang?"

(End of this chapter)