Chapter 485 The Plan to Cultivate a Prodigal Son (Part 2)

Changsun Wuji was not the first conspiracy theorist; no one believed that four-year-old Li Chengqian would voluntarily think of becoming a playboy.

But Li Chengqian proved with facts that it was purely what he wanted.

“No one has ever said that,” Li Chengqian said casually, “but it suddenly occurred to me that maybe I was born to be a playboy.”

Facing those unreadable eyes, Li Chengqian displayed complete composure and confidence.

"Don't confuse a playboy with a good-for-nothing. Looking around, there isn't a single qualified playboy in the Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin couldn't bear to interrupt, but he had to: "Chengqian, you've only ever been between the Prince's residence and the Imperial Palace, how do you know the Tang Dynasty hasn't done it?"

“You can see the big picture from small details,” Li Chengqian said confidently. “If even the best conditions in the Tang Dynasty can’t produce qualified纨绔 (playboys), how could there be any in the lower classes?”

Du Ruhui's eyes flickered, and he asked, "Has the Crown Prince considered any candidates?"

Li Chengqian returned an approving look, "Master Du is astute; I have indeed investigated this matter."

"Who?" Li Shimin asked impatiently. He thought about it carefully but couldn't recall Chengqian ever paying much attention to anyone before.

“Fourth Uncle,” Li Chengqian blurted out, his tone tinged with regret and pity, “Fourth Uncle’s status and position are sufficient, but unfortunately his mind can’t keep up. He can barely be the Prince of Qi, but he’s still a step short of being a playboy.”

It sounds like the纨绔 (wan ku, a spoiled brat) is much more powerful than the King of Qi... Is that how you compare them?

Suspecting that there might be a generation gap between them and Chengqian due to their age difference, Li Shimin asked hesitantly, "Why do you say that?"

"Both rely on their fathers, but the纨绔 (wan ku) knows who his backer is and won't easily cause trouble, but Fourth Uncle obviously doesn't. With Grandfather still alive, he pins his future on his eldest uncle, saying that he barely became the Prince of Qi only because he is indeed Grandfather's biological son."

Li Chengqian's voice still sounded immature, but what he said was surprisingly thought-provoking.

If everyone had thought he was just joking before, at this moment, everyone couldn't help but sit up straight and look at him.

"Your Highness is wise." Fang Xuanling looked at Li Chengqian with such gentle eyes that it was as if he were looking at a future guarantee.

Li Shimin grinned proudly, "Chengqian is right, your fourth uncle is brainless!"

Ignoring the stares of others, an overjoyed Li Shimin blurted out, "Tell me, how do you plan to be a playboy?"

Anyway, his son is smart, so it's okay for him to play around when he's young, what's the big deal!

Li Chengqian gently shook his head: "How could I possibly be in this position?"

As he spoke, he held up the piece of paper that Li Tai had put down and emphasized, "The spoiled brat development plan means you guys are the ones who will support me. I'm still young, so I need you guys to work hard now."

His tone was so frank and straightforward that for a moment everyone felt it made a lot of sense.

"Wait a minute," Changsun Wuji was the first to react, "So this plan is aimed at us?"

“Yes,” Li Chengqian nodded, “Otherwise, why would I have you all come here? I’m very confident in becoming a playboy, but I’m not so sure about you. In order not to let you hold me back, I have set goals and requirements for each of you here.”

These words left everyone momentarily speechless.

Li Chengqian felt no embarrassment at all. He first walked to Empress Zhangsun's side and smiled brightly at her, "Mother, you are already the best mother, so your task is to take good care of yourself, otherwise I will worry."

Empress Zhangsun felt a warmth in her heart and nodded gently, "Okay, Mother will take good care of herself."

Then, Li Chengqian walked up to Changsun Wuji, tugged at his sleeve with his little hand, and said earnestly, "Uncle, you're still a little short."

Seeing his nephew's keen insight from his evaluation of the Prince of Qi, Changsun Wuji lowered his head and asked sincerely, "Where is it lacking?"

"A top-tier playboy will definitely have a powerful maternal family. But the Changsun family hasn't reached that level yet."

Li Chengqian smiled and patted Changsun Wuji on the shoulder, "Let's set a small goal: before I come of age, let's make the Changsun family the number one aristocratic family."

"..." Changsun Wuji remained silent. Was this a small goal? Sometimes he didn't even know who the head of the Changsun family was. Was he really that ambitious?

Li Chengqian had already bypassed him and walked towards Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui.

Li Chengqian bowed politely to the two teachers and said, "I am deeply grateful to you both for taking the time to teach me despite your busy schedules in court."

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui quickly reached out to support his arm.

Fang Xuanling said, "The Crown Prince is intelligent. It is my good fortune to have such a student as the Crown Prince."

“That’s right,” Du Ruhui nodded in agreement. “We volunteered on our own initiative, so Your Highness need not worry about it.”

“In that case,” Li Chengqian pulled Li Tai over, “the capable should do more work. First, I ask that you two gentlemen assist Father well, and second, I ask that you two teachers give more guidance to Qingque and me.”

"A spoiled brat may not show off, but he should know everything; his younger brother must also be outstanding enough to be a face of the spoiled brat."

"..." The request itself is not a problem, but the reasons can be left unsaid.

While Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were feeling unwell, Li Tai, who had been pulled closer, proudly puffed out his little belly and said, "Big brother, don't worry, Qingque will definitely make you proud!"

Li Shimin, who had been waiting anxiously, pushed aside his youngest son and looked expectantly at Li Chengqian, "Then what about Father? What does Chengqian need Father for?"

“Father, just be yourself,” Li Chengqian said, placing his small hand on Li Shimin’s shoulder and looking at him with trust. “I believe that every choice Father makes is the right one, and Chengqian will always support Father.”

"Sob..." Li Shimin couldn't hold back anymore, his eyes reddened. His son was so good!

He pulled Chengqian into his arms, choking back tears, "So what if you're a playboy? Be it! Father will make you the number one playboy in the Tang Dynasty!"

Li Chengqian calmly wiped away the tears that were welling up uncontrollably on his face and replied, "Thank you, Father. But Father, let's discuss something. Next time there are many people around, please don't be so emotional."

"I knew Chengqian would feel sorry for his father." Li Shimin hugged him even tighter.

Facing the helpless or surprised gazes of others, Li Chengqian wiped away another tear. "Yes, it hurts." He felt sorry for the tears he couldn't control, and he felt sorry for his own pride.

Well, let's just consider it a father-son bond. As long as Father is happy.

...

Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, who attempted to poach Li Shimin's men, suffered a double loss, only to discover that Li Shimin's relationship with Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui was not only fine, but had actually grown closer. Fang and Du practically treated the Prince of Qin's residence as their own home!

Li Jiancheng: "..."

How treacherous! How despicable! It was clearly a trap deliberately set for him! Li Shimin, you are truly ruthless!

Li Yuanji: "??"

Acting is one thing, but why keep looking at him with such strange eyes? Is it pity? Huh? What is there to pity about a dignified Prince Qi? I'm talking to you, Li Shimin!