Fang Er was delighted as Li Shimin personally handed him the letter of appointment.
Heh heh, with this, I can directly go find Li Xiaogong and completely drain his resources!
The Emperor is so thoughtful. This kid thanks the Emperor for his consideration.
Carefully blowing the ink dry on the letter, Fang Er's grin widened as he looked at the bright red seal.
He folded it, put it in his pocket, and patted it reassuringly.
Your Majesty, may I take my leave now?
Li Shimin, seeing his smug expression, didn't bother to respond, merely waving his hand to signal him to hurry along.
As soon as he exited the Liangji Hall, Cheng Yaojin came running out as well.
Holding the brand-new military uniform, the two eagles on his shoulders and the buttons on his front gleamed under the sun.
Brother, wait for me.
Catching up to Fang Er, he threw an arm around his shoulder.
Brother, my uniform has a holster, but no gun. What do you think?
He said this while winking at Fang Er.
Fang Er was speechless: Old brother, I'm going to the palace to see the Emperor. Do you think I could bring a gun?
Cheng Yaojin scratched his head, seemingly realizing the point.
Let's go, big brother will accompany you.
Fang Er was surprised.
The Prince of Hejian is in Chang'an?
Cheng Yaojin rolled his eyes at him.
Who told you the Prince of Hejian has to stay in Hejian?
He's the Minister of Rites now. You don't know that, do you?
Last time you dealt with the Zheng family branch in Hejian, did you see the Prince of Hejian make an appearance?
Alright, Fang Er was a bit confused.
He really hadn't seen the Prince of Hejian in Hejian last time.
So he's actually become the Minister of Rites?
Is there still a chance of getting shipwrights from him?
As they walked out of Chengtian Gate, Cheng Yaojin unceremoniously grabbed the steering wheel and started the car, then jumped into the driver's seat.
He tossed his own clothes into the back seat and urged Fang Er, who was still below, to get in.
Hurry up and get in, big brother will take you.
After Fang Er got into the car, he looked at Cheng Yaojin.
Wait, are we just going with empty hands? Without bringing anything?
Cheng Yaojin immediately retorted.
Bring what? Eat his, drink his, and then sleep with him later.
Alright, only this guy could say something like that.
Fang Er pulled a handgun from under the seat and handed it to Cheng Yaojin.
Here, take it.
Cheng Yaojin took it, his eyes lighting up as he looked at the five-pointed star on the grip.
He quickly put it in the holster.
Thanks, brother.
Then, he shifted into gear and started moving.
Sit tight, here we go!
The pickup truck roared down the road.
People have their paths, horses have their paths, but this pickup truck is the only one of its kind in the Great Tang.
Cheng Yaojin drove straight down the main road. Fortunately, the engine was loud, and the common people heard it from afar and moved out of the way.
They drove all the way to Chongren Ward and stopped when they saw the Li Residence plaque.
The pickup truck stopped directly in front of the Li Residence gate. Cheng Yaojin shouted to the guard.
Go tell the Prince of Hejian that Old Cheng is here to drink with him!
The servants at the Li Residence were all too familiar with Cheng Yaojin and immediately opened the main gate.
They said with a smile.
Master Cheng, you can go straight in. No need for me to announce you.
Then they bowed to Fang Er.
Greetings, Marquis of Liaodong.
Alright, it seems this car has truly become my symbol.
Fang Er nodded at him, then reached into his怀 and took out a silver coin, tossing it over.
Take this for drinks, and then go to Zui Xian Lou and order a table of food and wine. Say it's from this Marquis.
The servant quickly stepped forward to catch the silver.
Thank you, Marquis, for your generosity. I will attend to it immediately.
Cheng Yaojin grabbed Fang Er's arm.
Let's go, let's go, you kid. You're visiting his house and bringing your own food and drink, truly you.
The commotion at the entrance had already caused a servant to run inside to inform Li Xiaogong.
As the two of them reached the flower hall, Li Xiaogong came to greet them.
Hahahaha, Brother Fang, you're a rare visitor.
Fang Er smiled and clasped his hands in greeting.
This kid pays his respects to the Prince of Hejian.
Li Xiaogong slapped Fang Er on the shoulder.
Come, let's talk inside.
Fang Er gasped.
Why do all these generals, who came from military backgrounds, like to greet each other like this?
Li Xiaogong led the way, not to the main hall, but directly into his small garden.
There was a small pavilion in the courtyard.
Li Xiaogong pointed to the stone benches in the pavilion.
Sit down, it's cooler here.
After the three of them were seated.
Fang Er spoke first.
Prince of Hejian, this kid has come to ask for your help with something.
This is the Emperor's personal letter. Please take a look.
Li Xiaogong took the letter with curiosity.
He opened it and read it at a glance, finishing quickly.
I thought it was something else. This is easy to handle.
I'll have someone gather them and send them to you.
After speaking, his eyes kept glancing at Cheng Yaojin.
Old Cheng, that uniform looks quite distinctive. Where did you get it made? I'll have to get one made too.
Cheng Yaojin stood up and said proudly.
Heh heh, you can't buy this uniform anywhere. Come, take a look.
This is the military uniform my brother made for the Yangwei Army. Isn't it amazing?
He said, turning a few times, specifically pausing to show the words "Great Tang Yangwei" to Li Xiaogong.
Turning back, he patted the holster.
See? It even comes with a gun, the Da Hei Xing! Isn't it awesome?
And this, the big eagle, and these buttons. Look, aren't they cool?
Li Xiaogong didn't even look at him, smiling at Fang Er.
Little brother, you're being a bit unfair.
That military uniform was custom-made by you for the Yangwei Army, and I won't say anything about that. But this Da Hei Xing, do you think you could give me one?
Fang Er immediately punched Cheng Yaojin.
Damn it, I just gave it to you in the car, and now you're showing off to someone as soon as we get out.
Well, it looks like I have no choice but to provide it this time. I'm still counting on him to help find shipwrights.
Hahahaha, these are all minor matters. It's just that this kid doesn't have it on him right now. I'll have someone deliver it to the Prince of Hejian later.
Li Xiaogong put on a stern face and slapped the stone table.
I say, little brother, you're not giving me enough face.
I keep calling you "little brother," and you still call me the Prince of Hejian?
Fang Er quickly tried to smooth things over.
Brother Li, it's this kid's fault. How about I punish myself with three cups later?
Hearing Fang Er's words, Li Xiaogong quickly called for a servant.
Go prepare food and wine.
Cheng Yaojin was unhappy that his showing off didn't have the desired effect.
He interjected now.
Hey, do we still need you to prepare food and wine? My brother has already arranged it.
Isn't the food and wine at our Zui Xian Lou better than yours?
Mm. Cheng Yaojin is also a shareholder of Zui Xian Lou, so there's nothing wrong with what he said.