Great Tang: Li Er Calls Me His Ancestor

In the thirteenth year of Daye under the Sui, Changsun, the second branch of the Tang Duke’s household, gave birth to the family’s first grandson. He was named Li Chen. A life of wealth and honor, a man among men, and a name also used for emperors. In the fourth year of Zhenguan under the Tang, at the Li family estate outside Chang’an. “What do you think of His Majesty?” “What’s your take on the court’s campaign against the Turks?” “The treasury is empty. How would you solve that?” “What do you think of a marriage alliance with Tibet?” Ever since Li Chen saved an old man named Li and his wife, who came from a wealthy family, Old Li kept showing up to ask him questions about state affairs. Then one day, Old Li and his wife suddenly wanted Li Chen to call them Dad and Mom. How could Li Chen put up with some people suddenly popping up and claiming to be his parents? Li Chen: “Why should I call you Mom? That’s not happening!” Li Er and Empress Changsun: “Our family has a little fortune, and we can leave it to you. Just call us Dad and Mom.” Li Chen: “Why do you have to make me your son? A little fortune? Don’t tell me you have an imperial throne to pass down?” Li Er and Empress Changsun: “My son is so clever. Our family really does have an imperial throne to inherit.” Li Chen: “You can’t just try to get close to me and make me call you Dad like this, can you?” Li Er: “My little ancestor, I really am your father!”