Chapter 41
Chapter 41: Li Shimin’s Reward!
Just as Changsun Wuji and the others were in a daze, Chen Qiyuan quickly said, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“You don’t need to be polite, my advisor!” Chen Qiyuan was worried that Li Shimin would go back on his word, so he stood up and said, “The supplies are almost delivered, so I’m leaving first!”
Li Shimin glanced at Zhang Anan beside him and said, “Escort Advisor Chen on my behalf!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Zhang Anan quickly followed.
Chen Qiyuan, who walked out of the Taiji Palace, heaved a sigh of relief, feeling very fortunate that he was almost cheated.
There are a lot of supplies.
When Chen Qiyuan walked away, Changsun Wuji was puzzled, “Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this?” Li Shimin didn’t know what Empress Changsun meant.
Empress Zhangsun never interfered in internal affairs. This time, she made an exception. Li Shimin couldn’t say that and said lightly: “I have my own plan. You go back first!”
Fang Xuanling and Ma Zhou looked at each other, guessing something from each other’s eyes. “The supplies are almost delivered, so I’m leaving first!”
Li Shimin couldn’t say that and said lightly, “I have my own plan. You go back first!” Fang Xuanling and Ma Zhou looked at each other, guessing something from each other’s eyes.
“The empress must be doing this with deep meaning, so don’t worry about it.” Fang Xuanling and the others followed Li Shimin early. Several of them are core members of Prince Qin’s Mansion, and they know Empress Zhangsun’s personality.
“It’s a pity. It’s not easy for a family member to spit out something!” Ma Zhou smiled. Fang Xuanling had a different opinion, “It should not be a loss. Otherwise, the empress would not be like this.”
After they left, Li Shimin went to the side hall. As soon as he walked to the door, he could smell the aroma of food. Li Shimin couldn’t help but feel refreshed. He asked this familiar question and would never forget it once he ate it.
See that Empress Zhangsun and Princess Changle Li Lizhi are also there. “It smells so good!” Li Shimin strode in.
Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi stood up quickly. It was the pork ribs from last time. Although it was made of pork, Li Shimin didn’t object and wanted to try it again.
“I didn’t expect to be able to eat this dish today.” Li Shimin picked up the bowl and took a sip. “It’s thanks to her beauty!” Empress Changsun said with a smile.
“Li Zhi, can you invite the chef to come to the royal dining room of the palace? I will never treat him badly!” Li Shimin tested Li Lizhi’s attitude. “Father, my son, go and ask.” Li Lizhi neither refused nor agreed.
But Li Shimin almost knew it in his heart: there was no game! “Eat first. Wait for it to cool down!”
“I didn’t realize it earlier, but after eating these, the food in the imperial dining room is no longer palatable to Li Shimin.”
“Father, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”
Li Shimin nodded, “In that case, Father has also benefited from Li Lizhi’s beauty.”
Empress Zhangsun served Li Shimin some dishes.
“What did that mean before?” Li Shimin couldn’t comprehend.
Why did Empress Zhangsun stop giving the land of Yujiagou to the Chen family?
Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji had similar thoughts on this matter. Trading an unwanted piece of land for significant supplies seemed practical.
“That’s the meaning of ‘Lizhi,'” Empress Zhangsun explained.
Li Shimin looked at Li Lizhi, “Girl, why didn’t you give it to the Chen family?”
“Father, if I want that piece of land, I can exchange it with the one east of my son’s city,” Li Lizhi said.
Li Shimin sensed this matter was not straightforward. Li Lizhi’s intelligence would prevent her from making foolish decisions. It could only mean an issue with the land in Yujiagou.
“Father, besides coal, the most abundant resource is a salt mine. Could there be hidden treasures?” Li Shimin grew more curious, “Tell me, and I’ll reward you directly.”
“Father, I believe in the expertise of the senior. If he says it can be done, it surely can,” Li Lizhi earnestly said.
Li Shimin paused with his chopsticks, “Really?”
“I wouldn’t deceive Father!”
Li Shimin fell silent. He had heard Empress Changsun mention it before but didn’t expect a solution so soon.
“Girl, you don’t know the specific method, yet you’re willing to exchange the good land on the city’s east side?” Li Shimin smiled.
“I trust the senior expert. If he says it’s possible, it must be,” Li Lizhi replied solemnly.
“Father agrees. I’ll give you that piece of land. You’ll have the final say over there in the future!”
Li Shimin also wanted to witness the skills of this expert.
“Thank you, Father!”
“When will Father meet the expert, you know?”
“Hehe, I have to go back and ask. The expert is eccentric and not easy to get along with,” Li Lizhi said with a smile.
“Normal. Eccentricity comes with great talent,” Li Shimin expressed understanding.
“Rest assured, Father. I won’t disappoint you,” Li Chengqian reassured.
“I’m waiting for your good news.”
“Yes, Father! I’ll take my leave now!”
“Be careful on the road!” Li Shimin instructed.
“I know, Father.”
After Li Lizhi left, Empress Zhangsun handed Li Shimin some thermal underwear, “Your Majesty, these are for you.”
“Similar to yours, Queen?” Li Shimin didn’t expect to have a share.
“Comparing men’s and women’s, they’re a bit different, but the quality is the same,” Empress Zhangsun said. “It’s been cold lately, and Your Majesty works late. Remember to wear them to avoid catching a cold.”
“Good! I don’t know where these came from.”
“Not in the Tang Dynasty. I suspect they came from the Western Regions.”
Li Shimin shook his head, “If there are countries in the Western Regions, it’s impossible for the Tang Dynasty not to know.”
“This time, quite a few were brought out. Chengqian, a few others, and Father have them, too.”
“So many?” Li Shimin thought it was only three or five sets.