Chapter 19: The Adoptive Father

Chapter 19: The Adoptive Father

Before Li Shimin ascended the throne, the Prince of Qin’s mansion had been his, but he had given it to Li Qing.

In Li Shimin’s heart, Li Qing was his equal, so he never used the word “grant” when referring to the gift.

On the first day back in Chang’an, Li Shimin did not plan to send Li Qing back to his former residence; instead, he kept him within the palace.

One reason was to let the children get to know their uncle better and foster a closer relationship. Another was to discuss reform policies more thoroughly with Li Qing.

Li Qing disliked the system of separate dining; when everyone was seated too far apart, it lost the warmth of family. After all, they were a happy family—why create such distance?

So, at his suggestion, they switched to a large round table for hotpot dinners in the evening.

It wasn’t the spicy kind of hotpot; considering not everyone could handle spice, Li Qing chose the traditional Beijing copper hotpot for meat dipping.

Authentic and genuine.

Besides raising Li Zhi and Li Mingda by his side, Prince Wei, Li Tai, was the first to arrive at Lizheng Hall. He had been granted immunity from official duties by Li Shimin and was given the Wude Hall as his residence, so he came quickly.

At first sight, Li Qing immediately understood why Li Shimin favored this boy. His round and plump figure was cheerful, with a chubby face always wearing a genial smile.

Some fat people appear greasy and off-putting, but Li Tai was different—plump yet fresh-looking. Perhaps it was due to his good looks.

In truth, Li Tai had excellent lineage—if he slimmed down, he would be a handsome man.

After all, he was the son of Empress Zhangsun and Li Shimin. Li Qing had never met Empress Zhangsun, but Li Shimin’s appearance… placed in a later era, he would certainly be a heartthrob for young women.

If an older man could live off his looks, then Li Shimin would easily command the highest admiration.

After Li Shimin’s introduction, Li Tai learned the identity of the young man before him, who was only slightly older than himself.

“Qingque greets you, Uncle,” Li Tai said humbly. Partly out of obedience to his parents’ wishes, and partly because he realized the high regard Li Qing held in Li Shimin’s heart.

It seemed Li Qing was even closer than their own uncle, Zhangsun Wuji.

“Don’t be so formal,” Li Qing preferred a casual tone. “Feel free to relax.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Li Tai replied, still mindful of etiquette, wanting to leave a good impression.

Since he had been called “Uncle,” Li Qing thought it fitting to give the boy a gift, even though he was nearly twenty years old.

Knowing Li Tai loved to study, he pulled out a tablet computer, a mobile phone, and a chart of pinyin.

If Li Tai weren’t a Tang dynasty native, Li Qing would have prepared a full set of five years of college entrance exam simulations.

“This is your gift from me as your uncle on our first meeting,” Li Qing said, suddenly realizing the true purpose behind Li Shimin inviting him to the family feast.

So that Li Qing wouldn’t come empty-handed before the children...

Wow, he thought Li Shimin was playing on the first floor, but in reality, he was already on the fifth.

“Uncle, what is this?” Li Tai asked, his eyes first drawn to the pinyin chart.

“Pinyin,” Li Qing replied succinctly. “As the name implies, it helps with the pronunciation of characters. Keep this chart safe; I’ll teach you tomorrow when we have time.”

“Qingque thanks you, Uncle,” Li Tai carefully folded the chart. Though he didn’t fully understand, he instinctively felt it would be useful.

“As for the tablet and the phone…” Li Qing glanced sideways at Li Zhi and Li Mingda, who looked eagerly at the tablet in Li Tai’s hands, and smiled. “Let Zhinu and Sizhi teach you how to use them—they’ve been playing with these a lot these past days.”

Indeed, Li Zhi now dreamed of “Agumon’s ultimate evolution” even in his sleep.

Li Zhi and Li Mingda exchanged a glance, then sneaked up to Li Tai and began teaching him how to operate the devices.

“This… this is amazing…” Li Tai was instantly captivated by the tablet—its functions and exquisite display were unlike anything he had ever seen.

“Uncle is truly a divine being!” Li Tai raved, watching the drama playing on the tablet. “To capture people within this object by great magic—only a great wizard could do this!”

“Fourth brother, you’re so silly; that’s just a moving picture,” Li Zhi giggled, earning a sharp glare from Li Tai.

“Exactly, Fourth brother is really dumb,” Li Mingda chimed in.

“Yes, yes, Sizhi is right, Fourth brother is too silly,” Li Tai affectionately ruffled Li Mingda’s hair.

Li Zhi: ???

You’re so openly playing favorites???

Li Mingda smiled sweetly at Li Zhi, instantly brightening his mood.

Ah, sisters are the best—so considerate and affectionate...

Soon, Li Chengqian also arrived from the Eastern Palace. As the Crown Prince of the Tang, Li Chengqian had, so far, lived up to his position. Li Shimin had entrusted him with governance multiple times during his absences, and Li Chengqian had completed these tasks flawlessly.

The current Li Chengqian was not yet the twisted figure shaped by his father and fourth brother years later; apart from a slight limp, everything was normal.

“Chengqian greets…” Li Chengqian began, but Li Shimin interrupted him.

“Gaoming, you’re different. You must call him ‘Adoptive Father.’”

Li Qing: ?

I’m not even married yet, just in my twenties—are you seriously asking me to be a stepfather?

He looked at Li Shimin, who nervously turned to the window, pretending to admire the scenery.

In Li Shimin’s mind, if Li Qing could accept his wayward eldest son as an adopted son, he would surely not let him fall into ruin. Even if he did not regard Li Chengqian as a biological son, this bond would ensure special treatment.

If one day he suddenly passed away, having Li Qing watch over him would ease his worries.

Naturally, Li Chengqian was utterly unwilling. This “uncle”—or rather, the man who might become his adoptive father—looked barely older than himself. He hated the idea of calling him that.

But Li Shimin’s command was not to be defied, so he forced down his reluctance, bowed, and said, “Adoptive Father…”

“Brother Li, you…” Li Qing was uncomfortable all over; this sudden eldest son was quite a shock.

Li Tai chuckled quietly at the side, pleased to see Li Chengqian put on the spot. Since Empress Zhangsun’s death, the two brothers had drifted apart, and with the instigation of others, though they didn’t fight openly, they barely tolerated each other.

“You are my brother, so my son is your son,” Li Shimin said, glancing at Li Chengqian. “From now on, treat the Prince of Qin as you would treat me, understand?”

Li Chengqian felt deeply aggrieved—why was it always him? Father was so partial; why couldn’t Li Qing be the one to have an adopted son instead?

(End of chapter)