LFHYB -Chapter 21 Inherited Shamelessness

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba finally returned to Luoyang.

Li Shimin carried his little short-armed brother and stood at the bow of the boat, looking toward the approaching city, speaking with a deep, nostalgic tone, “We’ve only been away from Luoyang for four months, but it feels like forty years.”

Li Xuanba nodded.

Yuwen Shiji and Princess Nanyang, a married couple, were shoulder to shoulder grinding ink and painting, like parents taking photos of their adorable child.

Yang Guang had learned in advance that Li Yuan had arrived in Luoyang and requested an audience.

Having already lost patience with raising children, Yang Guang came specifically to collect Li Shimin and Li Xuanba and hand them over to Li Yuan intact.

When he and Empress Xiao arrived together, they saw Li Shimin and Li Xuanba forced to stand at the bow with their hands behind their backs, posing seriously, while Princess Nanyang and Yuwen Shiji were painting them.

Upon seeing Yang Guang, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba’s faces lit up.

Li Xuanba thought: **[This is the first time I’ve looked forward to His Majesty’s arrival!]**

Li Shimin: “…” It’s rare for A-Xuan to actually think “His Majesty” in his heart.

“A-Xuan hasn’t fully recovered yet. How can you let him stand at the bow in the wind?” Empress Xiao held the two children protectively and scolded her daughter and son-in-law with a smile.

Yang Guang looked at the painting done by his daughter and son-in-law and said, “You’ve made Li Sanlang too fat.”

Li Shimin grabbed Li Xuanba and ran to see what they had painted.

Li Xuanba hadn’t reacted in time, stumbling as he was almost dragged along by Li Shimin.

“Ah, he really is so fat!” Li Shimin said. “A-Xuan, you have to work hard to become this fat!”

Li Xuanba nearly collided with the table corner from his brother’s tug.

He swung his hands hard to push him away, lowered his head, and looked at the painting of a chubby little child in a red bellyband.

Does this kid even look anything like me and Second Brother in face or clothing? Then what was the point of us standing here as models for so long?!

He cast a resentful glance at Yuwen Shiji and Princess Nanyang.

The young couple covered their mouths and laughed.

Empress Xiao pointed a finger at Princess Nanyang’s forehead. “So naughty!”

Yang Guang said to Yuwen Shiji, “Every time I entrust you with important tasks or make you a governor, you never want to go far. You just spend every day writing poetry and painting with Princess Nanyang. Truly useless!”

Yuwen Shiji laughed. “Your Majesty, your humble son-in-law just wants to stay with the princess forever. That’s why he’s so useless.”

Yang Guang could only laugh and cry at the same time. “Fine, fine, suit yourself.”

Li Shimin looked at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba thought: **[Surprised, huh? Even the emperor can act like a commoner with his subjects sometimes.]**

Li Shimin blinked as a nod.

Previously, the emperor had always shown a side of unpredictability, jealousy, and suspicion—even toward the two little boys, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, he would use so-called “imperial schemes,” testing them from time to time.

Who would have thought that someone could joke with the emperor, and he wouldn’t get angry?

Yang Guang then exchanged a few more jokes with Yuwen Shiji. Their cheerful interaction resembled that of father and son.

Li Xuanba looked away.

Yang Guang was not good with his own sons—he was so suspicious that it bordered on paranoia. Yet he was warm and attentive toward Yuwen Shiji’s family.

Yuwen Shun was Yuwen Shiji’s father. His eldest son, Yuwen Huaji, and second son, Yuwen Zhiji, were the ones who assassinated Yang Guang at the Jiangdu palace.

Although Yuwen Shiji had not known in advance, he and Princess Nanyang could never return to the past.

Who would have thought that, years later, the carefree Yuwen Shiji would become a cautious chancellor of the Tang dynasty, and the exquisitely refined Princess Nanyang would agree to become a nun after Dou Jiande killed her child, willing to live a life of austerity?

“A-Xuan, what are you worrying about again?”

“I’m not worrying.”

He only knew that some sweets leave a bitter aftertaste, so even the initial taste no longer felt sweet.

…

When Li Yuan came for the audience, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba were shooting arrows at the training ground with Yang Guang.

Yang Guang hit every target. Li Shimin’s arrows all reached the targets. Only Li Xuanba’s arrows made people avoid standing near the target.

When Li Yuan arrived, Li Xuanba had just shot an arrow into the ground.

Li Shimin held his head and shook it violently, looking exasperated. “A-Xuan, why did you aim at the ground?!”

Li Xuanba defended himself, “I wasn’t aiming at the ground! I was aiming at the target properly!”

Yang Guang laughed like a rolling thunder.

Seeing Li Yuan arrive, he joked, “Aren’t you supposed to be good at archery? Why aren’t you properly teaching Li Sanlang?”

Li Yuan immediately replied, “Shimin’s archery is taught by me, but Xuanba’s archery is not!”

Yang Guang laughed even harder.

He tossed the bow and arrows to Li Yuan. “Cousin, let me see your skill.”

Li Yuan glanced at the target, casually shot three arrows in quick succession, and all three struck the bullseye, as if the target itself had drawn the arrows in.

Li Shimin jumped around, holding his little toy bow, shouting, “Father, Father! So amazing!”

Li Xuanba slung his small bow over his shoulder and clapped for Li Yuan with a “clap-clap” sound.

Honestly, when comparing young Li Yuan with General Li Shimin from the elite Tiance Army, Li Yuan might not necessarily lose in archery.

At this moment, Li Yuan and Li Shimin could truly be called a heroic father and son.

Seeing both sons cheering for him, Li Yuan’s face lit up with pride. “Your Majesty, in archery, I won’t lose to anyone.”

By extension, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba had flattered Yang Guang, and now Yang Guang’s fear of Li Yuan had lessened considerably. Besides, Yang Guang had military achievements in his younger days and wouldn’t envy someone who hadn’t even seen the battlefield.

Yang Guang laughed and said, “Is that so? How about comparing yourself with General Wuwei, Changsun Sheng?”

Li Yuan said proudly, “I haven’t compared with him yet. But General Wuwei is old, so I won’t compare with him.”

“Bah! I see, you just can’t win and are making an excuse,” Yang Guang scolded laughingly. “Someone, bring General Wuwei here!”

Li Yuan coughed awkwardly. “General Changsun is also in Luoyang?”

Yang Guang said, “If I’m here, how could General Changsun not accompany me?”

Li Yuan’s tone carried a hint of grievance: “I also wanted to go to Jiangdu.”

Yang Guang said, “I brought your two sons, but not you. Does your Duke Tang Mansion want the whole family to visit Jiangdu together?”

Li Yuan said, “Why not? My family are all your relatives…”

Before he could finish, Li Xuanba quickly interjected, “Your Majesty treats our family as distant, impoverished relatives seeking refuge. With your wealth spanning the four seas, surely a few extra bowls won’t matter.”

Li Yuan: “……”

Yang Guang slightly frowned at Li Yuan’s audacity, but upon hearing Li Xuanba’s words, he couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Duke Tang Mansion, impoverished relatives?”

Li Yuan: “Of course not…”

Li Xuanba continued, “Compared to Your Majesty, who isn’t a poor relative? Right, Second Brother?”

Li Shimin nodded, “Of course! Right, Father?”

Li Yuan: “……Well, it is indeed so.”

Yang Guang laughed so hard he almost choked.

Previously, he only thought Li Yuan, being his cousin, was disrespectful. Now, with two nephews chiming in and interjecting together, he realized Li Yuan wasn’t disrespectful—just a bit simple and honest.

“Alright, next time I’ll bring your whole family along,” Yang Guang laughed. “I still need to take care of my poor relatives at home.”

Li Yuan shot his two extremely rude, interrupting sons a look that said, “Later, I’ll deal with you.” He said, “Better not, we shouldn’t let people laugh at Duke Tang Mansion for mooching.”

Li Xuanba said, “Father, it’s an honor to mooch with Your Majesty.”

Li Shimin said, “Exactly, exactly.”

Li Yuan couldn’t help himself and slammed his fist on Li Shimin’s head.

Li Xuanba ran and hid behind Yang Guang, poking his head out: “Uncle, save me! Father’s angry!”

Yang Guang laughed, “Alright, I’ll protect you. Li Yuan, take the edict, no hitting Erlang or Sanlang!”

Li Yuan was speechless: “Do I really have to accept this edict?”

Yang Guang pretended to be angry: “What? You want to defy the edict?”

Li Xuanba said, “Uncle, Uncle, Father is defying the edict, hit his head to avenge Second Brother!”

Li Xuanba: **[Hurry and shout with me.]**

Li Shimin hesitated. This isn’t quite right… a bit unfilial, isn’t it?

Li Xuanba: **[Hurry!]**

Li Shimin, closing his eyes and stiffening his neck, said, “Uncle! Cousin, hurry and hit Father’s head!”

Yang Guang said, “Li Yuan, take the edict quickly!”

Li Yuan, annoyed to the point of a pale face by his two sons, could only kneel and accept the imperial instructions.

What frustrated him even more was that Yang Guang actually tapped his head twice.

“Erlang, Uncle avenged you,” Yang Guang laughed.

Li Shimin cupped his hands: “Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Li Xuanba ran out from behind Yang Guang and cupped his hands: “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Seeing this, Li Yuan was both angered and amused by his two mischievous sons.

“Get up, how long are you going to kneel?” Yang Guang helped Li Yuan to his feet.

At this moment, the two resembled how they used to be in Emperor Wen’s palace—much of the tension had eased.

Li Yuan complained, “Your Majesty, if you spoil them too much, what if they become spoiled?”

Yang Guang justified himself: “If a child misbehaves, it’s the father’s fault. Then it’s your fault, Li Yuan, for not teaching your children properly.”

Li Yuan sighed deeply and glared at Li Shimin and Li Xuanba.

The two children had behaved well in Xingyang, but after four months with the emperor, how did they become so mischievous?

“Your Majesty, General Changsun has arrived,” a eunuch whispered.

Yang Guang laughed: “Let General Changsun hurry in. Someone, replace the targets. Li Yuan, no hiding!”

Li Yuan said confidently: “I won’t hide. In archery, I won’t lose.”

“What a bold claim. Let me test that,” Changsun Sheng’s voice came before he appeared. “I pay my respects to Your Majesty!”

“General Changsun, please rise. Come quickly and give this overly proud cousin of mine a lesson,” Yang Guang helped Changsun Sheng to stand.

When Emperor Wen of Sui died, Yang Guang ordered Changsun Sheng to take charge of the palace in secrecy. After securing power and ensuring a smooth succession, he disclosed the emperor’s death. So Changsun Sheng was instrumental in Yang Guang’s succession, making him a trusted confidant.

Changsun Sheng was fifty-three this year. Although his face looked weathered from long years guarding the northern frontier against the Turks, his shoulders and arms were muscular, and his hands were like eagle claws—a man clearly capable in combat.

Li Xuanba pulled Li Shimin forward to bow to Changsun Sheng, while mentally giving Li Shimin a rundown of Changsun Sheng’s great achievements.

The early Tang period, like the early Han, is a part of history that is both well-known and strangely a “blank spot” for many. Most people can recite something about it, but very few actually know the details of early Tang history.

For example, Changsun Sheng is not widely remembered in later generations; many people don’t even know he was the father of Empress Zhangsun.

But anyone who has completed nine years of basic education would know the idiom “kill two birds with one arrow”. That idiom actually comes from Changsun Sheng.

His abilities, judged across all of Chinese history, rank him among the top diplomats.

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Turks were extremely powerful. The Northern Dynasties almost always needed the support of the Turks to be established. The Turks viewed the Central Plains dynasties as their “child states” and often referred to themselves as “father.”

To gain advantage, the Turks often helped weaker forces while suppressing stronger ones, keeping the Central Plains divided.

Emperor Wen of Sui was very firm in his stance toward the Turks and wanted to drive their influence out of the Central Plains. But when the Sui dynasty was newly founded, its military strength was not enough to fully confront the Turks, and the south was still not unified. There was concern that the Turks might take advantage of this.

At that critical moment, Changsun Sheng took the lead.

Emperor Wen entrusted Changsun Sheng with full authority over affairs concerning the Turks. Changsun Sheng spent many years traveling among the Turkic tribes, executing the strategy of “allying with distant powers, attacking nearby ones; divide the strong, unite the weak.”

Through masterful diplomacy, he split the Turks into Eastern and Western factions, removing concerns for Emperor Wen as he prepared to march south to destroy the Chen dynasty.

He played one faction against another, supported the Qimin Khagan, eliminated the Buqa Khagan, and almost without engaging in large-scale battles, reduced the Turks to a fractured state. By the year Yang Guang ascended the throne, the northern threat from the Turks had been essentially neutralized. For the next ten years, the borders remained peaceful—giving Yang Guang the freedom to act recklessly.

Li Xuanba thought: **[When the Sui dynasty was founded, the Turks still called themselves the ‘father’ of the Central Plains dynasties. Then General Changsun Sheng spent twenty-three years systematically dismantling them. If General Changsun Sheng had lived in the Warring States period, he could easily have gone head-to-head with Zhang Yi or Su Qin. In terms of skill, perseverance, and loyalty, General Changsun Sheng deserves to be remembered by the world.]**

Unfortunately, he was not.

Li Xuanba reckoned that early Tang historians were probably as sloppy as writing a Romance of the Three Kingdoms version of history. Sui-Tang Romance was utterly unreliable. Maybe he could patch this gap himself someday?

After all, he would surely grow up to be a carefree, idle prince—perfect for writing novels.

After hearing Li Xuanba’s introduction, Li Shimin’s big eyes turned into sparkling stars.

So amazing!

Changsun Sheng, having spent so much time among the Turks, was highly perceptive. He immediately noticed Li Shimin’s gaze; his eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, locked onto Li Shimin.

Li Shimin: Starry eyes!

Changsun Sheng: “……” Who is this child?

Li Xuanba thought: Quick, introduce yourself!

Li Shimin straightened his chest and bowed: “Greetings, General Zhangsun. My name is Li Shimin. I have heard of your feat of ‘killing two birds with one arrow,’ of single-handedly operating among the Turks for twenty-three years and eliminating the Turkic threat for the Sui dynasty. Seeing you today, I cannot contain my excitement and admiration. Please forgive my boldness!”

“It wasn’t exactly a solo effort…” Changsun Sheng’s expression softened slightly as he carefully studied Li Shimin. “You are one of the prodigy twins of the Duke of Tang’s household?”

Li Shimin immediately pulled the normally inconspicuous Li Xuanba to his side: “It’s me and my younger brother together who are the prodigy twins.”

Changsun Sheng laughed: “Indeed.”

Li Yuan felt a twinge of jealousy: “Shimin, I thought your most admired person was Father?”

Li Shimin looked up in surprise: “Father went to the Turks too? Father is amazing!”

Li Xuanba: “……Brother, you’re incredible. You’re really not being sarcastic, right?”

Yang Guang laughed until his belly hurt. He was also a little reluctant to let these two lively boys leave the palace.

Li Yuan was at a loss for words, blocked by his sons. He flushed red: “I’ll go! I’ll go immediately! Your Majesty, please send someone to the Turks!”

Yang Guang: “Hahaha!”

Changsun Sheng also couldn’t help laughing.

Li Shimin glanced at his flushed father, then at the laughing emperor and General Zhangsun, and quietly hid his slightly bigger body behind Li Xuanba.

He held onto Li Xuanba’s shoulders, lowering his head and keeping himself out of sight.

Father can’t see me, Father can’t see me.

Li Xuanba was speechless. Thanks to his older brother attracting their father’s attention, perhaps when they left the palace, only the older brother would get scolded.

Li Yuan, embarrassed and annoyed, grabbed Changsun Sheng and insisted on competing in a “kill two birds with one arrow” contest.

Yang Guang, always enjoying entertainment, willingly offered his cherished hunting hawk for the trial.

Li Xuanba silently mourned. Poor hawk.

The ending is off-limits, but Yang Guang laughed heartily.

Li Xuanba thought: **[Obviously, Father’s archery now is mainly aimed at targets and more docile prey; compared to General Zhangsun who constantly dealt with the Turks, he still falls short.]**

Li Shimin glanced at his younger brother. Weren’t we told not to say the ending? Doesn’t saying it in my heart count?

“No, you can’t just win like that!” The young Li Yuan was bright and easygoing.

After losing, he didn’t get angry. Instead, he grabbed Changsun Sheng’s shoulders, playfully whining.

Yang Guang laughed and scolded: “Cousin, can’t you accept defeat?”

Li Yuan replied: “I just can’t accept it. I have to win something back, or I won’t feel right.”

Changsun Sheng could only laugh helplessly: “And what does the Duke of Tang want to win?”

Li Yuan looked down at his two sons.

Li Xuanba immediately gave his older brother a push.

Li Shimin took a few steps forward, confused, and looked back: “A-Xuan, why are you pushing me?”

Li Yuan smiled: “General Zhangsun, see how my Li Shimin fares.”

Though unsure why his father mentioned him, Li Shimin still straightened his little chest.

“I’m super amazing!”

Changsun Sheng looked thoughtful. “A child who can be kept by His Majesty’s side is naturally exceptional.”

Li Yuan said, “I heard that a few years ago you were blessed with a daughter. She happens to be around the same age as my Shimin.”

Li Yuan didn’t act on a whim.

After learning that Empress Xiao wanted to arrange a marriage for the two boys, Lady Dou and Li Yuan were both anxious to find suitable brides.

But Li Shimin and Li Xuanba were still very young, only six years old. Any appropriately aged girls were far too young to be brought out by their parents for visits, and their character could not be assessed.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou could only start by selecting families with the right social standing and see if they had daughters of the appropriate age.

Changsun Sheng happened to have a three-year-old daughter by his secondary wife. Previously, Li Yuan had only selected her as one of several backup options, but upon seeing Changsun Sheng today, he decided on this family.

With such an impressive father, Changsun Sheng’s daughter could not possibly be lacking.

Li Shimin also greatly respected Changsun Sheng, so he would surely treat the girl well. The young couple’s relationship would be harmonious.

So Li Yuan took the opportunity to push his point.

Changsun Sheng was momentarily stunned, then shouted, “My Guanyin is only three years old! Li Yuan, have some shame!”

Li Yuan, shameless, said, “My Shimin is only six; isn’t that just right? Your Majesty, Your Majesty, don’t just stand there—help me! My son is also Your Majesty’s junior. General Changsun is so capable; how could his daughter be allowed for someone else!”

Yang Guang slowly said, “Perfect timing—my eldest grandson is exactly three.”

Li Xuanba: “!!!” Noooo! Stop! Sui Yangdi, shut up!

Li Xuanba: **[Brother! Your future wife is running away! Hurry and grab your father-in-law’s leg!]**

Push, push, push!

“Ah?!” Li Shimin was pushed toward Changsun Sheng by Li Xuanba, scratching his head in confusion. “What wife? Ah, forget it!”

Hug her!

Changsun Sheng looked down at the silly little boy hugging his waist.

Li Shimin looked up at Changsun Sheng with a dumb expression.

Yang Guang covered his eyes. “Hahaha, I can’t… I can’t breathe from laughing! Hahaha. Li Yuan, your second son has learned bad habits from you! You father and son are shameless! Hahaha! Fine, fine, I won’t compete with you. General Changsun, just agree to this.”

Changsun Sheng looked somewhat exasperated. “Your Majesty! My Guanyin is only three! Three!”

Li Yuan laughed. “My Shimin is really not bad. Look how handsome he is.”

Li Xuanba: **[Stand up straight.]**

Li Shimin sheepishly let go and straightened his posture.

Li Yuan said, “He’s already skilled at archery; in the future, he will certainly earn a title for his wife.”

Li Xuanba: **[Draw the bow.]**

Li Shimin curiously took the little toy bow from the eunuch and pretended to draw it.

“Pfft!” Yang Guang, who had just been holding back laughter, lost it again.

Li Yuan proudly said, “My Shimin’s literary talent is unmatched. The children of the Zheng family from Xingyang who competed with Shimin and Xuanba were utterly defeated—utterly defeated, understand?”

Yang Guang, wiping tears from laughter, added, “Also, Yuwen Bi and Gao Jiong, two stubborn old men, competed to take Shimin and Xuanba as disciples. My two nephews are indeed very clever.”

Hearing the names Yuwen Bi and Gao Jiong, Changsun Sheng finally showed a surprised expression.

A child recognized by Yuwen Bi and Gao Jiong? Changsun Sheng was slightly tempted.

He looked at Li Shimin, who had put away the toy bow but still looked silly, and then at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba immediately coughed, pretending to be weak and fragile.

Li Shimin’s dumb expression instantly became wise.

He frowned, ran to the eunuch, handed over the toy bow, and took a cup of honey water to Li Xuanba. “Moisten your throat. Did you catch a chill from the wind? Why are you coughing again?”

Li Xuanba hurriedly said, “I just accidentally choked on my saliva, it’s fine.”

Li Shimin said, “Drink some water first.”

Li Xuanba sighed. “Okay.”

After drinking, Li Shimin, seeing that his brother no longer coughed, finally relaxed.

He took off his small fur cloak and layered it over Li Xuanba’s matching little cloak. “Brother’s a little hot now; you wear this first.”

Then he pointed to his forehead. “Look, I’m sweating—really hot.”

The three adults watching the two boys couldn’t help but smile kindly.

Yang Guang wiped tears from laughing. “General Changsun, I think this marriage proposal is workable.”

Changsun Sheng sighed. “If Your Majesty is arranging this, what can I say? Although my daughter is delicate…”

Li Yuan said, “Let’s agree verbally for now. When she turns ten, we can exchange formal betrothal documents. How about that?”

Changsun Sheng said, “If the Duke of Tang values my family so, I shall shamelessly accept this match.”

He bowed to Yang Guang in thanks. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for arranging this. If it works out, I dare invite Your Majesty to drink a celebratory wine.”

Li Xuanba, seeing Li Yuan dazed, had no choice but to pull his brother along. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for arranging this.”

Li Shimin once again showed his silly expression. “Thank you, Your Majesty… What is happening? I’m so confused.”

With three people having bowed, Li Yuan also immediately bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Thanks to Your Majesty, I’ve finally won honorably! Next time, could you find someone formidable for me to compete in archery? I have three more sons.”

Yang Guang paused, then scolded jokingly, “I won’t let anyone else compete with you in archery again! If you win and lose a daughter, who would want to compete with you? Stay away!”

Li Yuan laughed foolishly.

Yang Guang and Changsun Sheng each covered one eye, pretending they couldn’t bear to watch.

Li Xuanba also wanted to cover his eyes.

That expression—yes, brother and father are truly father and son.

Li Yuan winked at Li Shimin. “See, father got you a little wife ‘by losing.’ Are you happy?”

Li Shimin tilted his head, puzzled by his father’s strange expression.