Chapter 171: |
Chapter 171
Amidst the bustling surroundings, praises and compliments resonated endlessly. Su Li remained calm, his face showing no particular emotion. After acknowledging the congratulations from the high-ranking officers who could approach him, he finally raised his head and looked at Li Er, who sat on the dragon throne. As relatives, their eyes met, both wearing smiles. However, Su Li had already understood Li Er's intentions.
The title “Prince of Eternal Happiness” held three possible meanings. Firstly, “Yongle” and “Changle” were synonymous, symbolizing his marriage to Princess Change. From this perspective, the title conveyed Li Er's wish for their union to be eternally joyful. The second interpretation revolved around Li Er's desire for Su Li's territorial expansion feats to be remembered, hoping the Tang Empire would enjoy everlasting peace through martial achievements. Su Li believed Li Er had considered both meanings, but the main focus was the third reason.
By conferring the title of “Prince of Eternal Happiness,” Li Er wished for Su Li's perpetual well-being. It spoke volumes when an emperor desired unending peace and contentment for an exceptional general. Li Er had indeed showcased his skills as an emperor.
Regardless of Li Er's intentions, they didn't matter much to Su Li. In his current state, he had a somewhat carefree attitude towards life in this era. The title of an “imperial prince of a different surname” wasn’t something he sought. If it hadn't been for Li Er's initial intention to use this tactic to motivate Su Li, he wouldn't have made such a promise. Now that he had received the title, it felt more like obtaining an honorary achievement in a game, holding little significance for Su Li.
The banquet concluded, and the officers departed. Li Er kept Su Li behind for a few words of encouragement before letting him leave. Su Li could sense that Li Er's attitude towards him resembled that of an ordinary father-in-law more than the emperor's demeanor.
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, after the courtiers had left, Li Er and Yuan Tiangang sat across from each other. The tea on the table remained untouched, and both displayed signs of weariness on their faces. They remained in silence. Yuan Tiangang, well-versed in physiognomy, had noticed Li Er's concerned expression earlier and understood that Li Er was burdened by something.
After a long silence, Li Er let out a slight sigh. “Master,” Li Er suddenly said, “Are there truly immortals and deities in this world?”
Yuan Tiangang was momentarily surprised and then considered the intention behind Li Er’s question. Yuan Tiangang was renowned among the people and even called a living immortal. However, he was aware of his own reality – he certainly wasn’t any sort of immortal. As for the existence of immortals and deities, that was something he couldn’t definitively confirm.
Li Er impatiently waved his hand, interrupting Yuan Tiangang. “Master, there’s no need to beat around the bush. Just tell me, do immortals and deities truly exist?”
Without hesitation, Yuan Tiangang replied, “Certainly, immortals and deities do exist, but their whereabouts are elusive and uncertain. Whether it’s the distant immortal mountains or the thirty-six heavens, they exist only in legends and have never been witnessed by anyone.”
Li Er appeared eager and asked, “In the past, it was indeed the case that no one had seen these immortal and divine abodes. However, times have changed, and for you to say that now would be self-deception.”
Yuan Tiangang smiled bitterly and said, “Your Majesty, do you still recall Bai Yujing?”
Before Li Er could respond, Yuan Tiangang’s demeanor grew serious.
“Do you remember the last time I performed divination for General Su?” he asked.
Li Er nodded, his expression complex. “Of course, I remember.”
In that hall, Li Er had asked Yuan Tiangang to perform divination for Su Li. During that session, Yuan Tiangang told Li Er that Su Li was an auspicious omen and that promoting him would greatly benefit the country. Following this advice, the Tang Dynasty experienced a prosperous and stable year, with famine issues mitigated by introducing sweet potatoes and potatoes, providing sustenance for the people.
Su Li’s military expedition had also brought significant surprises, even shock, to Li Er. Yuan Tiangang, having interacted with Li Er extensively, had noticed that Su Li’s otherworldly martial prowess had struck fear into Li Er’s heart, making him cautious.
After a moment’s thought, Yuan Tiangang continued carefully, “Your Majesty, General Su claims to come from Bai Yujing, and the extraordinary events surrounding him are truly mysterious. In my opinion, there’s a high likelihood that the tale of Bai Yujing is genuine.”
“Are you suggesting, Taoist, that Su Li is a deity descended to the mortal realm?” Li Er furrowed his brows and questioned.
Yuan Tiangang smiled faintly and replied, “Your Majesty, those known as deities often have a detachment from the ordinary world. Your Majesty is very close to General Su. Can you truly not perceive this?”
Li Er paused for a moment, then couldn’t help but nod. Despite some apprehension towards Su Li, Li Er couldn’t deny the truth in Yuan Tiangang’s words.
In the grand scheme of things, Su Li was indeed a person who seemed indifferent to fame and fortune. From a simple peasant to a marquis, he had refrained from excessive social activities. Even as his fame grew, he showed no interest in worldly affairs. Li Er had invited Su Li to join the military several times, but Su Li’s response had been lukewarm at best. Despite the rewards and honors he received, Su Li’s demeanor remained consistently calm, as if nothing in the mortal world could arouse much interest in him.
However, despite Su Li’s demeanor, Li Er was ultimately an emperor with a strong desire for control. Having someone like Su Li, who couldn’t be fully controlled right under his nose, made Li Er somewhat uneasy.
Li Er looked to Yuan Tiangang anxiously and asked if he could read Su Li’s fortune again.
Yuan Tiangang let out a bitter smile, understanding that leaving today’s matter unresolved wasn’t an option. Without many words, he took out the divination tools—a tortoiseshell and coins—and expertly cast the divination.
After about fifteen minutes, Yuan Tiangang put away the divination tools.
Eager to know the result, Li Er quickly asked, “What’s the outcome?”
“It’s still an auspicious sign!” Yuan Tiangang’s face appeared somewhat pale as he spoke seriously.
Li Er immediately felt relieved and smiled, asking, “Do you have any suggestions, Taoist?”
“The divination this time is not significantly different from the previous one. The auspicious signs are even more apparent. Your Majesty only needs to get closer to General Su, and the fortune of the Tang Dynasty will gradually prosper!” Yuan Tiangang said with a smile.
Li Er nodded, relieved as if a heavy burden had been lifted. While he still grappled with his inner conflict, he was now more at peace than before.
Getting closer to Su Li? That was manageable! Despite Su Li’s reluctance to conform, it was clear that his utmost concern was for Princess Changle. In the future, all Li Er had to do was show more care and attention to her.