Chapter 1240: YeXi Imperial uncle (1/2)

In a flash, everyone looked out in surprise. They all assumed that the crown prince would arrive with the emperor and empress, but instead he came with the Prince of Yu. While everyone had been busy fighting over statues, the arrival of the new duo pushed the struggles from their heads.

Tang Li’s anger soon dissipated into amusement at the words! When it came to poison tongues, he could have the better of anyone here, but it was impossible for him to retort with his current position. However, Gu Qishao was different. He was the only Qinwang in the Great Qin! The top ranking noble! With his status, everyone present had to yield him three steps!

Tang Li suddenly realized for the first time that he could adore Gu Qishao too!

Everyone had already risen to their feet before the two guests showed their faces. When the crown prince and Prince of Yu entered the hall, they all fell to their knees, Tang Li and Ning Jing included.

“May Your Highness Crown Prince live thousands of thousands of years!”

“May Your Highness Prince of Yu live thousands of thousands of years!”

Gu Qishao was dressed in a fresh red robe specially embroidered with golden hems. He was covered in lots of gold accessories—even down to the hairstick holding his hair in place! Red and gold was supposed to be a tacky combination, but he somehow pulled it off and managed to look luxurious!

He had customized this outfit all for the sake of Rui’er’s first birthday!

Who cared what was going on in Northern Li? Since it was his godson’s birthday, the bigger and merrier, the better. They had to have a grand row of a time. In fact, he could have reached Yunning last night, but was delayed a day because of his clothes.

Little Rui’er was seated right on Gu Qishao’s right shoulder. He was dressed in violet robes prepared by his mother and looked incomparably regal. Although he was young and tender-faced, he showed no fear while seated loftily above the kneeling masses. Instead, his cold brows seemed handsome and elegant, cowing people from looking at him directly.

Everyone was waiting for the masters young and old to bid them rise, but Rui’er didn’t speak. Meanwhile, Gu Qishao simply treated everyone else as air. They were more interested in the Tang Clan trio seated up front. Gu Qishao strolled past the prostate people and stopped to stoop in front of Tang Li. “Tang Li,” he said in a doubtful tone, “What are you doing?”

Tang Li lifted his head and said earnestly, “Paying respects!”

“Imperial uncle, imperial father says you don’t have to kneel for me,” Rui’er said curiously.

Imperial uncle!

Forget about the kneelers, even Tang Li and Ning Jing were shaken. Although Rui’er’s “imperial uncle” wasn’t an official title or post, just a name, it was still much more unique than a Guogong. Of the Royal Relatives (皇亲国戚) Huang Qin Guo Qi, “Huangqin” (皇亲) consisted of relatives to the imperial clan who were part of the emperor’s inner family, while “Guoqi” (国戚) referred to outer family, or those from the concubines’ sides. Guogong were considered outer family, but an imperial uncle was direct, inner family!

This status was far more noble than the others here!

If Long Feiye had conferred Tang Li the title of Prince, Baili Yuanlong would definitely object and request the same for his son. But he could say nothing when it was only Rui’er calling Tang Li imperial uncle. “Imperial uncle” was purely a moniker. If Rui’er wanted to call Tang Li that, that was his business and related to matters of the imperial clan. None of the kneeling courtiers were part of that family, but all outsiders. Who would dare to speak out? Who even had the right?

If Baili Yuanlong wanted to complain, he could only blame himself for having no relations in the royal family.

Nobody expected this move from Long Feiye, nor could they counter it in any way. From this day on, the Tang Clan would be placed in a unique position thanks to Tang Li’s status. His lips curved up in a grin as he almost laughed out loud! His big brother had certainly put a lot of thought into this! He’d given him such a big favor yet hid it for so long.

Immediately, Tang Li pulled Ning Jing to her feet with him and sat back in their seats with an affected sigh. “Aye, Your Excellencies Baili and Xiao. The two of you are certainly something! You can even read the emperor’s thoughts so thoroughly! It’s true, His Majesty wasn’t planning to leave any spots here for the Royal Relatives!”

Leaving aside Baili Yuanlong and Xiao Dong, even Guogong Xiao An was extremely displeased by his words!

Tang Li was sitting there with full rights because of his status as imperial uncle! With this behind his back, he was much more impressive as he cleared his throat and proclaimed, “Crown prince, it’s about time to let the subjects rise.”

Rui’er had truly forgotten. After all, he wasn’t used to such things. Usually, he met the servants with his parents and they told them to get him. He’d never done it himself. Now he sat back down in the seat of honor and grew serious. In a childish voice, he imitated his father to proclaim, “All of you may rise!”

“Thanks to Your Highness Crown Prince!” the crowd chorused before they rose to their feet. No one dared to sit down. Seeing this, Rui’er looked lost and glanced at Tang Li for help. Feeling rather smug, Tang Li cleared his throat again. “Cough, cough! Crown prince, it’s time to let the subjects sit down.”