Chapter 2: Warm and Fuzzy (Second Update, Seeking Votes)

  Facing Du He's question, Li Shimin's face stiffened, his sword-like eyebrows inverted, and the whiskers on the corners of his mouth quivered up and down. He thought to himself that he had treated this young man with great favor, not only shielding him from the moral attacks of those pedantic scholars, but also planning to assign him 5,000 troops and entrust him with important responsibilities. However, Du He didn't show any gratitude, nor did he utter a single word of thanks; instead, he was completely absorbed in his own interests, ignoring Li Shimin's good intentions.

  This is unbearable!

  Li Shimin was so angry that he couldn't speak, pointing at him, not knowing what to scold. After a long time, he finally let out a sigh and said: "Forget it, I won't bother with you... Letting this stinky brat get angry and fall ill isn't worth it!"

  Du He's face was filled with confusion and innocence, his eyes wide with surprise: I...I don't know who I've offended!

  Seeing Du He still had an innocent face, Li Shimin was even more angry. He wanted to drive him out, but after thinking about it, wouldn't that be too easy for him? Calming down, he sneered and said: "You stinky little boy don't know what's good for you, do you really think it's so easy to have the princess on your left and the county lady on your right? First go get three championship titles, then come talk to me about this!"

  He originally wanted to make things difficult for Du He, to take him down a peg.

  "What's the big deal? Just three? Easy! Uncle Li, wait for me!" With that, she turned around and ran off with a skip.

  Li Shimin was even more furious, but also showed a hint of curiosity. With only over ten events in total, could Du He really win three championships?

  Out of the palace, night had already fallen. Du He was puzzled and muttered a famous saying "Accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger". He didn't know why Li Shimin suddenly got angry for no reason.

  But thinking of today's reward from Li Shimin, his mouth also curled up.

  He doesn't care about official positions at all. These are all empty things, and the only use is to get more salary and some benefits, nothing big.

  Just by looking at Zhangsun Wuji, that fox-like man, it's clear that he has a huge pile of official titles. The highest one is the Minister of Works, which is a first-class official position, and he also holds the concurrent title of Grand Commandant, except for members of the imperial family who hold the rank of prince, his is the highest.

  How was your trip?

  What is Cishi Zhongyang Yipin, what is Kaifu Yi Tong San Si Cong Yipin are all first-class officials, but they have no actual power at all.

  Those little fox eyes still stared at his old father, who was only a third-grade Shangshu Bishou, with a fierce gaze.

  Others say that the head of the hundred officials is only comparable to Fang Shufu and his own father, but not the highest-ranking official in the court, Zhangsun Wuji.

  That's the difference between nominal and actual positions.

  Now I have 5,000 troops in my hands. In Chang'an City, if not as powerful as Cheng Yaojin, at least I can jump around, and no one among the younger generation can surpass me.

  Du He's mother was anxious, and she rushed back to the Cai Guo Gong Fu without stopping. Zhang Shi had already been waiting impatiently for a long time, and if it weren't for Du Ru Hui holding her back, who knows whether she would have really rushed into the imperial palace to demand someone. Even so, she was still complaining nonstop: "And he's an emperor, too - doesn't understand human relationships at all! My He'er has never left my side for such a long time since childhood, and yet you want to keep him here - what kind of intentions do you have!"

  Believing it to be true, Li Shimin was at a loss for words when faced with the questioning of the Zhang family.

  "Come! He'er, come sit by mother's side and let mother take a good look at you!" Zhang Shi pulled Du He to sit beside her. "Look at you, you've lost so much weight, you must have suffered a lot!" A pair of dry hands stroked his cheeks, tears had already blurred her eyes, big drops of tears were falling down.

  "Mother, I'm back safely!"

  "Come back, just come back!" Zhang's family didn't know what to say, and could only pull Du He along, crying bitterly.

  Du He wiped away the tears from Zhang's eyes, forcing back her own tears and smiled: "Mother, I'm hungry, let's have dinner!"

  Zhang's wife woke up with a start and said, "Right, right, right! Look at the mess I've made. Come on, let's get dressed, let's get dressed..." As she moved, the whole family got moving too.

  It has to be said that the Cai Guo Gong Fu is still dominated by the Zhang family. Although saying this will embarrass Du Ruhui, it's a fact.

  Looking at a table full of her favorite dishes, Du He felt a different kind of warmth in her heart.

  His mother, Zhang Shi, kept refilling his dishes, while his elder brother, Du Gou, constantly urged him to drink. His father was not good at expressing himself, but unlike Li Shimin's banquet where he didn't touch a drop of wine, he also joined in their uninhibited drinking spree.

  This is the feeling of home, even if Li Shimin's banquet has the most exquisite mountain and sea delicacies, it can't compare to this meal at home.

  Du Gou asked about his experience of joining the army and going on an expedition.

  Du He was telling the story with vivid descriptions, recounting the events of the past three months. To reassure his family, he exaggerated his exploits tenfold, almost making himself out to be Zhao Zilong in the Battle of Mount Dingjun, charging in and out seven times, invincible, and causing the Tibetan soldiers to flee in disarray.

  Everyone knew what he meant, and they all listened as if it were a story, pursing their lips and smiling lightly.

  They kept talking until it was almost dawn before they dispersed at the urging of Lao Die.

  Du Ruhui stopped Du He, first praising his actions in the south, especially his bravery and decisiveness towards foreigners, which was widely acclaimed.

  Du He was still first stopped by his father's praise, and he couldn't help but feel a little surprised and pleased.

  Du Ruhui let out a long sigh and said, "You have gained the emperor's trust, so you should be even more diligent in serving the great Tang dynasty. Don't disappoint the emperor's good intentions."

  Du He is a bit strange.

  It wasn't until I heard Du Ruhui's explanation that I understood.

  Du He initially found it strange that those pedantic officials did not launch an attack on him for the "bloody tactics" he used in Yan and Luo states.

  But in fact, as soon as the news arrived in Chang'an, Li Shimin had already received more than a dozen memorials impeaching Du He for his cruel methods and requesting severe punishment.

  Facing these memorials, Li Shimin directly said to the officials: "What Du He did was all my intention!" He directly took everything on himself and took responsibility for Du He's crimes. The pressure was all borne by him, so Du He did not receive any blame for this matter.

  Understood the cause and effect, Du He was stunned for a moment, and he also felt a little moved in his heart. It must be because of his short time in the court, young age, and shallow foundation. Li Shimin didn't want to confront the ministers in the court because of this matter, so he took everything on himself.

  Since ancient times, there have been only a few emperors who would take all the blame upon themselves. How many others, like Emperor Taizong of Tang, were willing to take the blame for their subordinates?

  "Dad, don't worry, I know what to do!"

  It is undeniable that Li Shimin's charm was so strong that it defied the heavens, no wonder historical figures such as Li Jing and others were deeply devoted to him. Even Du He couldn't help but feel a sense of "dying for a friend" towards him.