Chapter 46: Li Shen Truly Was Wealthy

Li Xiaogong privately praised Li Shen several times, saying that Li Shen had done the right thing by upholding the dignity and status of the royal family. After all, he was also a prince and naturally did not want this title to become worthless.

Shortly after, the dishes and wine arrived. Li Xiaogong exchanged some polite words, and everyone began to eat.

Although Li Shen was a prince and Li Xiaogong only a duke, Li Xiaogong was senior in rank.

Moreover, he was deeply valued by Emperor Taizong; being the emperor’s uncle was no small honor and deserved respect.

Wang Gui raised his cup toward Li Shen and said, “Your Highness, Prince Ji, I was in the wrong earlier. I offer my apology and hope Your Highness will not hold a grudge. I am absolutely loyal to His Majesty.” Wang Gui had developed a sense of fear toward Li Shen.

Though Prince Ji was young, his heart was cruel. At the slightest provocation, he threatened to destroy families. Wang Gui himself did not mind, but what about his many children?

In ancient times, people were very attached to continuing their lineage; everyone wished for family prosperity and to bring glory to their ancestors. Li Shen’s threats to disinherit were unbearable to endure.

“Minister Wang, you are too kind. Earlier was merely a scholarly debate between us. From now on, we are relatives by marriage. Father also believes Minister Wang is loyal to the emperor and loves the country.”

“Yes, yes, just a debate. I offer a toast to Prince Ji. I will drink first to show my respect.” Hearing this, Wang Gui felt relieved.

As the conversation continued, Wang Jingzhi returned in formal attire and began offering toasts, with Li Shen being the second recipient.

“Thank you, Prince Ji, for gracing this wedding banquet. I offer a toast to Your Highness,” Wang Jingzhi said.

Wang Jingzhi was unlike his father. Although he had some learning, he was mediocre, indecisive, and lacked great talent.

“It is only proper. Today is our third sister’s wedding, and it is natural to attend. As your brother-in-law, I must remind you: our sister grew up in the palace and is somewhat pampered. As her husband, I hope you will be patient and considerate toward her. But rest assured, our sister has studied the virtues of a noblewoman in the princess’s residence for many years.

I hope the two of you will cherish and support each other, enjoying a harmonious union for a hundred years. I will speak to Father and arrange for you to serve at the Crown Prince’s residence to assist our eldest brother, securing a promising future.

Also, I know Father did not give our third sister much dowry. As her brother, I cannot come empty-handed today. Stone, bring them all in.”

Li Shen called out to his men, and soon a group arrived at the front gate carrying boxes into the courtyard. Four men carried each box, placed it down, and left. One by one, they neatly arranged fifty boxes.

Everyone from the hall came out to watch. Stone then ordered his men to open all the boxes, and everyone was astonished.

All fifty boxes were filled with money, each containing one hundred strings of coins weighing over six hundred catties. Prince Ji was incredibly wealthy, spending five thousand strings of coins in one go.

Actually, Li Shen had already decided to give five thousand strings of coins as dowry for each princess’s marriage. Emperor Taizong was so stingy and biased.

He favored the daughters of Empress Zhangsun, giving them houses, land, and generous dowries.

Other women were treated as if they were not his own, receiving neither land nor money and meager stipends. These princesses were kind to Li Mengjiang, and Li Shen was not short of money. They were all sisters, and he valued family deeply.

“Your Highness, Prince Ji, this is...” Wang Gui was stunned, as he did not have the noble estate of a duke.

“This is a wedding gift for our third sister. I hope she lives a happy life. It is a small token, but sincere.”

Such a small token! Prince Ji was showing off shamelessly.

“Your Highness, this gift is too generous. You must not accept it,” Wang Jingzhi waved his hands repeatedly.

“This is for my sister. Please accept it. Don’t bully her, understand? Both my eldest brother and I will be watching you,” Li Shen said to Wang Jingzhi.

Wang Jingzhi understood Li Shen’s meaning and repeatedly declined.

After the banquet, Li Shen did not return to the palace with Li Xiaogong to report. Instead, he took Li Mengjiang along with several maids and eunuchs to the Eastern Market.

“Shen’er, why are you bringing me here?” she asked.

“Sis, I want to show you something good,” Li Shen said mysteriously.

As they entered the boutique pavilion, Wang Hongfu greeted them, “Prince has arrived. Please rest upstairs.”

“Old Wang, bring the box I asked you to keep,” Li Shen said as he led the group upstairs to the parlor.

Wang Hongfu carried an iron box and placed it on the table. Li Shen opened it and took out several papers, placing them before Li Mengjiang.

“Sis, sign your name here,” Li Shen pointed.

“What is this?” Li Mengjiang asked, puzzled.

“Property deeds. These are deeds for six large storefronts in the Eastern Market,” Li Shen said with a smile.

“Property deeds? Why are you giving me property deeds?”

“Sis, we are siblings. You and I both know Father does not care much for us illegitimate children. When you marry, I guess your dowry will be no more than three thousand strings of coins, just like our third sister.

Our eldest sister, Li Lizhi, had such a large dowry that even Wei Zheng submitted a petition stating it was against protocol; her dowry probably exceeded thirty thousand strings.

Hmph, if Father won’t give, then I will. I have prepared ten large storefronts in the Eastern Market for you.

These six are already bought; the remaining ones are too small, so I instructed Wang Hongfu to keep an eye on them.

You won’t marry for several years yet. We will also prepare the best silks and utensils, and ten thousand strings of coins in cash.

Moreover, after your wedding, you will receive a three-tiered commission on the liquor business. I cannot let you marry like our third sister. I want you to marry with honor and glory.”

Attending Princess Nanping’s wedding deeply moved Li Shen and increased his grievances against Emperor Taizong. Even if equal treatment was impossible, the disparity was too great—it was as if they were not truly his children.

“Brother...” Li Mengjiang wept, embracing Li Shen. Who would not long for their father’s favor?

But such was life in the royal family. She had already prepared for the worst, perhaps marrying off to a foreign land as a political alliance. But now, things were different; she had a capable younger brother.

“All right, all right, stop crying. My clothes are very expensive,” Li Shen said to comfort her.

Li Mengjiang lightly slapped him, ceasing her tears.

“Come on, sis, sign quickly and don’t refuse. This is the only thing your brother can give you. Besides money, I have nothing else,” Li Shen said helplessly.

Li Mengjiang rolled her eyes but did not hesitate to sign the deeds.

“Old Wang, put these away. Sis, don’t let others know about this. Jealousy is a terrible thing. We will make our fortune quietly.”

“Brother, you’re so good to me,” Li Mengjiang stroked Li Shen’s head.

“Of course, we share the same mother,” Li Shen shook his head to avoid her touch.

In fact, Li Shen had one more plan he had not yet revealed because it was not finalized. He intended to secure a princess title for Li Mengjiang.

He could not wait until her marriage. She was eighteen and still years away from marrying. He refused to accept that she should be denied a princess title. Princess Jinyang was granted her title at birth; they were not illegitimate children after all. It was just more difficult and required the right opportunity.

Afterward, Li Shen listened to Wang Hongfu’s business report. There were no significant changes. Li Shen instructed Wang Hongfu to register the property deeds with the authorities and told him to persist for a few more years until Li Shen left the palace. Finally, he took Li Mengjiang and the others back to the palace.