hsntnovel Chapter 2097 Attending the Banquet
Chapter 2097 Attending the Banquet
Liangzhou has been an important border town since ancient times. It was used to resist the invasion of northern Hu people. The border was heavily guarded and there were tens of thousands of soldiers inside.
The Tang Dynasty was an integrated military and political system. The governor of a state not only had political power, but also military power.
Li Junxian had just arrived, and it was not easy for him to consolidate power. These officials had different backgrounds, and many of the aristocratic families served in the military.
What Li Shen was most worried about was that the aristocratic families would betray him and collude with foreign tribes. By that time, Li Junxian would not have control of the army and would be framed by the aristocratic families.
Although the world is at peace now and the north is relatively stable, having been conquered by the Tang Dynasty, there is no guarantee that there will not be some villains.
"Don't worry, Your Highness Prince Ji. I will take control of Liangzhou as soon as possible. There is no need for Your Highness to take action. No one is against me right now."
Li Junxian understood what Li Shen meant and replied respectfully.
"That's good. If you encounter any difficulties, tell me. While I'm here, I can help you eliminate any unsettling factors."
"Thank you, King Ji." Li Junxian bowed.
"By the way, since you have become the governor of Liangzhou, I have one more thing to entrust to you." Li Shen suddenly thought of something.
"Please give me your instructions, Your Majesty."
“My Ji Palace has a purchasing point in Liangzhou. You should have heard of it since you have been here for so long. It does business with the Tiele tribes.
I hope that Governor Li can take better care of me and not let some villains covet me."
What he purchased was not in the city, but outside the city. If so many cattle and sheep were brought into the city, the stench would be overwhelming.
Although Li Shen didn't think anyone would dare to steal his goods, it was better to be careful just in case.
“Your Highness does not need to tell me this. I naturally know how to do this. I also want to thank His Highness Prince Ji for setting up a base here, which has also benefited Liangzhou a lot.
The more merchants there are, the more taxes we can collect.”
Hearing that Prince Ji was talking about this, Li Junxian smiled slightly.
"Thank you, Governor Li." Li Shen nodded with satisfaction.
"Your Highness Prince Ji, if there is nothing else, I will go back and prepare. Your Highness, please take a rest. I will welcome your Highness Prince Ji."
Li Junxian stood up and saluted.
"Okay, I will send someone to notify you after I take a bath and change my clothes."
"Yes." Li Junxian agreed and walked out. Li Shen gestured to Shi Tou to see him off.
"Xuan Ce, send someone to notify the person in charge of our purchasing point and ask him to come over and wait. I have something to ask him after I finish my meal.
Oh, and ask the person in charge of the newspaper to come along as well."
After Li Junxian left, Li Shen stood up and gave an order to Wang Xuance.
"I obey your command." Wang Xuance bowed.
Only then did Li Shen go to take a shower and change clothes with satisfaction.
Li Shen hadn't taken a bath for more than ten days. He felt that his soul was dirty, so he took off all his clothes and lay comfortably in the big bathtub.
Taking a hot bath not only cleanses the body, but also the soul.
The only drawback is that he has no beautiful wife or concubines around him, and no one to bathe him.
Of course, Shi Tou wanted to wash Li Shen, but Li Shen refused without hesitation. Li Shen was not used to being touched by men.
I took a comfortable bath and washed away the dust along the way.
After changing clothes, Li Junxian was already waiting in the living room.
"Your Majesty, the banquet is ready, you can eat now."
"Okay, let's go."
Li Shen nodded and followed Li Junxian to his courtyard, where many officials from Liangzhou Prefecture gathered.
Li Shen was dressed in royal robes, holding a folding fan, and looked very elegant. At first glance, he was an outstanding man.
"See His Highness Prince Ji." Everyone saluted.
"Haha, everyone, you don't have to be so polite. I'm sorry to bother you as I'm passing by here. I hope you don't mind." Li Shen said to everyone with a amiable smile.
Over the years, Li Shen has held a high position and has learned some rules and etiquette in officialdom. If it were in his previous life, he would not have been so calm.
"Your Highness Prince Ji, you are too polite." Everyone waved their hands.
"Your Highness, please take a seat." Li Junxian led Li Shen to the main seat.
"Everyone, please feel free to sit down." After saying that, Li Shen sat down first.
Li Junxian sat in the first seat on the left side of Li Shen. The second seat was occupied by Li Yixie, Li Junxian's son and one of the playboys who had played with Li Shen.
Sitting on the right are Wang Xuance and Xue Rengui, and standing behind him is the big and stupid Li Tieniu.
"Everyone, this is Wang Xuance, the Chief Clerk of Prince Ji's Palace, and Xue Rengui, the Sima of Prince Ji's Palace."
Li Shen gave a brief introduction.
Immediately, everyone stood up and saluted the two men. Even though they were officials of Prince Ji's Mansion, their rank was high, at fourth rank.
Wang Xuance and Xue Rengui also stood up and clasped their hands.
"Your Highness Prince Ji, I offer a toast to His Majesty. Your visit to my Liangzhou City today brings honor to my city.
I will drink first as a sign of respect."
Li Junxian and his son Li Yixie stood up and drank it all in one gulp.
"Haha, Governor Li is too polite. Just don't cause trouble for Liangzhou."
Only after seeing Li Junxian drinking did Li Shen pick up the glass and drink.
"Your Highness Prince Ji, we would also like to offer a toast to Your Highness Prince Ji." The officials also stood up one after another.
Li Shen was very considerate and had a drink with everyone. Most of these people were lower-level officials and might never have the chance to meet Li Shen in their entire lives.
Although there were descendants of aristocratic families and nobles among these people, their identities and status varied greatly.
It is a great honor for them to meet King Ji today.
"Your Highness, my Liangzhou is located in a remote area, not as far away as Chang'an, so the dishes are a bit simple. I hope Your Highness will not mind."
Li Junxian explained somewhat embarrassedly that he had tried his best to handle it, and he was not short of money. His son could get tens of thousands of strings of cash from Prince Ji every year.
It is several times more than his previous salary.
"You are too polite, Governor Li. As you all know, Your Majesty has always advocated frugality and set an example himself.
This king is deeply impressed by your majesty's teachings and never dares to forget them.
The meals in Prince Ji's mansion are simple, as long as you can fill your stomach.
Alas~~~~Thinking of the hardship suffered by the people during those days, how can this king eat anymore? "
Li Shen sighed, his face full of sadness.
"Your Highness Prince Ji is kind and righteous."
"Yes, His Royal Highness Prince Ji is worthy of being a prince. He cares about the people of the world and loves them like his own children."
"Prince Ji is truly a saint."
Holy shit~~Who the hell said this.
Li Shen was originally enjoying everyone's praise with a sad face, but he was broken down by the word "saint".
"Okay, okay, let's eat." These people don't even know how to flatter, no wonder they come to this remote place.
Li Shen looked back at Shitou, who lowered his head and whispered in Li Shen's ear:
"I have already sent someone to try it."
Only then did Li Shen pick up the chopsticks and start eating.
While drinking and chatting, Li Junxian also specially called over several dancers and musicians. The music was melodious, the aroma of wine was everywhere, the dancing was charming, and there was singing and laughter.