The three siblings almost returned just as the curfew was about to start.
As soon as they entered Anfu Gate, the guard on duty told Li Yin, "Your Highness, King of Shu, His Majesty has given the order. He wants you and the two princesses to go to Taihe Hall to see him."
Li Yin pointed at himself in disbelief. "Even I have to go?"
"Exactly. That's what His Majesty said. Please go quickly," the guard replied.
Li Yin pondered. His father always thought he was good - for - nothing. He wasn't as smart as his eldest brother, who could assist their father in handling state affairs. Nor was he as valiant and resolute as his third brother, or as studious and filial as his fourth brother. He couldn't even compare to his ninth brother's pure and simple nature.
His father didn't hold much hope for him. Whether he went to Hongwen Hall or not was left to his own will. Why would his father suddenly think of summoning him as well?
With Li Jingyun and her younger sister around, what use did they have for him?
Li Jingyun had just taken a nap and was now full of energy. She was seriously discussing with Li Mingda what names they should give to the lambs if Big Sheep Li gave birth.
In Taihe Hall, Li Shimin and Li Chengqian were sitting together, looking at the map of Chang'an City very carefully.
Actually, they didn't need Li Jingyun to report today's events. They already knew what had happened in the villa. Within a quarter of an hour, a carrier pigeon would fly into the imperial city and relay the whole thing.
"Greetings to Father and Elder Brother," Li Yin saluted according to the rules.
The two young girls, Li Jingyun and Li Mingda, were much more relaxed. Li Jingyun threw herself into Li Shimin's arms, while Li Mingda was pulled by Li Chengqian. Each of them showed great intimacy.
"Yin'er, come and have a look. Where do you think would be the most suitable place for your younger sister's library?" Li Shimin smiled.
He was in a good mood today and didn't intend to argue with his good - for - nothing son.
Moreover, he had discovered other good qualities in Li Yin. Li Yin could be cold to outsiders, but he was completely obedient to his two younger sisters, showing not the slightest bit of temper.
Protecting one's own kind, that's just how the Li family was.
"Yes," Li Yin replied and quickly stepped forward.
Li Jingyun smiled. "So Father and Elder Brother have been thinking about this for a while. Where do you plan to build it?"
"First of all, we should rule out the areas around the Eastern and Western Markets. It's too noisy there to study," Li Shimin said as he circled the areas around the two markets on the map. "Secondly, it should be a bit closer to the imperial city. It will be convenient for us to visit then."
"And then? Have you decided on a place?" Li Jingyun asked eagerly.
Since Father had spoken so methodically, he should have already had an idea.
Li Shimin smiled. "Chengqian, bring up today's memorials. Pick out the key points and tell your younger sister."
"Yes," Li Chengqian pointed at the mountain - like pile of memorials on the table, indicating to Li Jingyun that these were the key memorials his father had just mentioned.
Li Chengqian said, "Luguo Duke Cheng Yaojin, who lives in Huaide Fang, has submitted a memorial saying that he hopes the library will be built in Huaide Fang. He even said that he has found a suitable location, which is definitely quiet. Wuguo Duke Yuchi Jingde, who lives in Bukzheng Fang, hopes the library will be built there. Uncle Changsun, who lives in Chongren Fang, wants the library to be built in his neighborhood and even brought in Elder Sister. This is the letter from Elder Sister..."
The officials were in an uproar. They didn't know if the library could really be built, but once it was, it would be of great use and benefit future generations. Of course, they had to fight for the location of the new library.
At first, Li Jingyun listened attentively, thinking whether she should consider Uncle Cheng's suggestion. After all, Uncle Cheng had always been kind to her. But as she listened further, she found that many people wanted to fight for the library to be built closer to their homes, preferably right across from their houses.
Uncle Changsun really knew how to hit the nail on the head. Worried that his own words weren't enough, he even brought in Elder Sister Lizhi.
Li Jingyun felt dizzy after listening.
Li Shimin rubbed his youngest daughter's head. "It's not just these families. Several wealthy merchants in Chang'an City have also managed to send their requests to me through connections. We've carefully looked into it. Almost every Fang has someone coming forward, pleading for the library to be built in their area."
"Every single one?" Li Jingyun and Li Mingda looked at each other and smiled, both looking helpless.
Li Yin hesitated. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he kept looking at Li Shimin's expression. Li Chengqian noticed and patted his shoulder, indicating that he should speak up.
Only then did Li Yin gather the courage. He always felt like a mouse seeing a cat in front of Li Shimin, extremely scared.
"Father, I have an idea. Why don't we gather these people together? Whoever wants to compete can bid. The one who offers the highest price gets it!" Li Yin said.
This was the same method as the competition for the top courtesan. Although one was for a courtesan and the other was for the location of the library, the principle was the same.
He had been strictly disciplined and could only secretly visit the brothels a few times. Even if he hadn't eaten pork, he had at least seen a pig run!
"Father, Elder Brother, I also think this method is feasible. Building the library will take time, and we don't need to drag it on for too long," Li Mingda said.
Li Jingyun nodded. "Today, that master craftsman came to see me and mentioned this matter."
Li Shimin was very satisfied with Li Yin's suggestion. He didn't expect that this seemingly good - for - nothing son would have such insights. Moreover, this son was only seven years old.
Li Shimin happily teased his daughter. He even forgot Yan Lide's name. That wouldn't do. They still needed Yan Lide to build the library in the future. "That master craftsman? Which one? You've forgotten so soon?"
"I can't seem to remember," Li Jingyun thought hard for a long time. Her face was all wrinkled. Finally, she said to Li Shimin, "I really can't remember."
There were so many officials in the court. How could she remember all of them?
"Yan. His surname is Yan," Li Mingda secretly reminded her younger sister.
This was just like when a student was being questioned by the teacher in class and the deskmate quietly gave the answer.
"Yan? Yan Hui?" The only person with the surname Yan that came to Li Jingyun's mind was Yan Hui.
Even she herself laughed after saying it. This person had been dead for many years. How could he come to be the grand master craftsman for the Tang Dynasty?
"I'll give you a hint. His younger brother is a great calligrapher and painter. He has painted portraits of many of your uncles," Li Chengqian also joined in.
Li Jingyun's mind was in a complete mess. Younger brother a painter? Surname Yan?
A pair of brothers both serving in the court? She seemed to have a faint impression.
"Is it Yan Lide? I remember he built the mausoleum for Grandfather," Li Jingyun said while constantly looking at Li Mingda's expression. Only when she saw Li Mingda nod did she feel relieved.
"Yes, it's him. This person is very important, Hongxuan. Don't forget his name," Li Shimin said. Then, his tone changed. "Then, let's do as Yin'er said. Hongxuan, you find a time to send invitations to those ministers and wealthy merchants. Let them gather, and the highest bidder gets it."
"Yes, I understand," Li Jingyun replied.
Li Jingyun was already calculating in her mind when would be a suitable time.
For this kind of thing, usually it was better to act immediately. If today didn't work, then tomorrow. But Li Jingyun also had something to do tomorrow.
Before they set off, Master Tian had sworn to her that the cement would definitely be made tomorrow. She was really looking forward to seeing it.
What a magical thing the immortal had mentioned!