Li Jingyun originally didn't want to study at the Hongwen Academy. Who would have thought that not only did she end up going, but she stayed there for seven years.
By the time the plane tree leaves fluttered down and she finished reading The Book of Songs, she was already thirteen, having blossomed into a tall and charming young girl.
On the second day of the ninth lunar month, Hao Chujun, who had assisted General Li Ji in the campaign against Goryeo, returned to the capital. Thanks to his achievements, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the East Secretariat, becoming extremely prominent for a while. Li Jingyun was going to meet him today.
The Deputy Minister of the East Secretariat was equivalent to the Deputy Minister of the Chancellery, a fourth - rank official and the deputy of the prime minister, as well as the emperor's confidant.
Of course, it wasn't just the two of them. Su Gui and Di Renjie were also there. Both of them were now officials in Chang'an. One was the Right Assistant Minister of the Department of State Affairs, also a deputy of the prime minister, and the other was the Junior Supervisor of the Ministry of Works, in charge of all craftsmanship and skills.
She had put an end to the woolen sweater trade. Her actions had led to the downfall of the Tubo and Turkic tribes, while the Khitan, Uyghur, and Goryeo were struggling to survive, on the verge of extinction at any time.
Di Renjie had once asked Li Jingyun about the purpose of the woolen sweater trade. He probably never expected that it would be his own actions that would ultimately lead to their demise.
It was hard to tell whether it was because of their good fortune in officialdom and outstanding abilities or because of her support. In just seven years, they had reached the center of power in the Tang Dynasty. They were only one step away from the position of prime minister.
Just as Li Jingyun was about to go out, little Le Chen hugged her leg and pleaded, "Auntie, are you going out to play? Take me with you, okay? Auntie?"
"I can't do that. The other day, my elder brother specifically told me not to take you out to cause trouble. It's no use whatever you say." Li Jingyun picked up Le Chen and said seriously.
Father was reluctant to let her move out. Otherwise, why would she still be living in the Taihe Hall?
If she didn't live in the Taihe Hall, this situation wouldn't have happened.
"It's not causing trouble, Auntie. Just take me out for a walk. I've been confined to this small imperial city for so long. I'm going crazy! Look at Li He'an. He's already sailed out to sea with Uncle Four! And here I am, still stuck in the imperial city."
Le Chen hugged Li Jingyun tightly and refused to let go. In her eyes, Auntie was the kindest person in the world. As long as she held onto her leg, she could achieve anything.
Li Jingyun carried Le Chen for a walk outside. "That's not how it works. He'an got on the ship by accident, while you want to go out on your own initiative."
When she was eight years old, she accidentally exchanged for a world map from an immortal. She had it copied several times and gave one to each of her father, mother, and elder brothers. Now they were no longer competing for the throne. Instead, they were eager to sail out and expand the territory of the Tang Dynasty.
Her fourth elder brother, Li Tai, who always wanted to be the first, was no exception this time. As soon as the treasure ship was built, he couldn't wait to set sail.
His destination this time was probably America on the other side of the ocean. No one knew when he would arrive or return.
It was Princess Lizhi who was in charge of building the treasure ship. After her divorce, she was very dedicated to this task. Eventually, this job was assigned to her, setting a precedent for a princess to handle official affairs.
Li He'an was playing hide - and - seek with his siblings. He fell asleep in a corner of the treasure ship. When he woke up, the ship had been sailing on the sea for more than six hours, so he had no choice but to go with Uncle Four.
"Auntie, that doesn't matter. As long as you go and talk to my father, he will definitely agree." Li Le Chen still refused to give up.
Eunuch Feng followed behind them. He exchanged a knowing look with Man Jing and both of them laughed.
Wasn't this just like Princess Chengyang when she was a child?
No wonder the princess doted on this niece the most.
Li Jingyun said, "I'm going to meet Su Gui, Di Renjie, and Hao Chujun. There will be a lot of complicated political affairs. How could you sit through it at your age?"
"Are we going to the Ice Tower, the Warm Tower, or Uncle Five's mutton restaurant?"
"Neither. We're going to my woolen sweater shop." Li Jingyun smiled and tapped Li Le Chen's nose.
This child, just like her, was obsessed with the delicious food in Chang'an. At only seven years old, she was an expert in food. She could even tell which alley had the best cold noodles with sophora leaves.
"It's not impossible, Auntie. Le Chen is begging you. You love Le Chen the most, okay?"
"Alright, alright. Let's go then. Feng, send someone to tell my elder brother that I'm taking Le Chen out first."
Li Jingyun was so pestered that she had no choice but to take her out.
She hadn't been like this when she was a child. At most, she would ask her sixth elder brother to accompany her. Even earlier, only Eunuch Feng accompanied her, and Man Jing wasn't by her side.
"Auntie! Le Chen loves you!"
As Li Le Chen said this, she gave Li Jingyun a kiss.
Originally, there were quite a few people around her. But as she grew up, the number gradually decreased. She had gained some influence in the court. Duan Jia was no longer her military commander but had led the troops to the northwestern border. It was said that he had already engaged in battle with the Abbasid Caliphate.
Wu Meiniang had gone to Youzhou and was the Chief Clerk of the Youzhou Grand Governor's Office. Li Jingyun was the nominal Grand Governor of Youzhou, just like her elder brothers. In fact, the Chief Clerk was the one in charge of the military and political affairs of Youzhou and was regarded as a high - ranking official in the frontier.
The two sisters of the Liu family were serving in the Ministry of Works, holding official positions of the fifth rank, which was not low.
"Let's go."
Li Jingyun smiled and took the carriage to the woolen sweater shop. It was still bustling with people. Winter was coming soon, and there were many more customers buying woolen sweaters.
"The master is here? The three gentlemen have been waiting upstairs. Please follow me."
The shopkeeper of the woolen sweater shop bowed with a smile and led them upstairs.
Regular customers of the woolen sweater shop were familiar with Li Jingyun's face and were no longer surprised.
At first, when they saw Princess Chengyang, they were shocked. After all, she was a powerful princess!
But later, they found that the princess was easy - going and kind - hearted, not the kind of person who bullied others with her power. She would even politely chat with them, just like an ordinary junior in the family. So they gradually stopped paying attention to the princess's movements.
"Princess!"
When they opened the door and went in, the three men were very excited. Especially Hao Chujun. He hadn't been back for a whole year. Except for Su Gui, who had gone to Goryeo with the emperor's order to distribute military pay, he hadn't seen anyone else.
"I'm here. Calm down, everyone."
When meeting old friends, Li Jingyun also relaxed. Li Le Chen closely followed Li Jingyun and curiously sized up the three men in front of her.
She had heard from her father that these three men were very talented and were very likely to become prime ministers in the future.
"Princess Yanyi, you've grown so big?" Hao Chujun exclaimed. Now he understood what his aunt meant when she said, "Children grow up quickly when they're not around you."
"You're looking more and more like the princess." Su Gui said with a smile.
"Of course. I'm my aunt's niece! Naturally, I look like her!" Li Le Chen puffed out her chest and said seriously.
This made everyone present burst into laughter.
Li Jingyun was smiling, propping her chin with one hand. Her eyes were full of tenderness as she looked at Li Le Chen.