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Chapter 13 - Li Shimin's troubles are overwhelming!
Chapter 13 - Li Shimin's troubles are overwhelming!
Chapter 13: Li Shimin’s troubles are overwhelming!
Empress Zhangsun, accustomed to a few bites a day, devoured a substantial meal this time. She abruptly ceased eating, glancing at the remaining fish soup and tomato scrambled eggs, opting not to continue.
Li Lizhi quickly inquired, “Queen, what’s the matter? Is something wrong?”
“Your father likely hasn’t experienced such delectable dishes. Lately, he’s been overworked. Take these to him!” Empress Zhangsun advised, referring to the enticing spread.
Changan City faced numerous challenges recently, with winter causing hardships for people elsewhere. Li Shimin’s son Wuji and others were tirelessly occupied.
“Mother, please eat first. We can discuss Father later,” Li Lizhi persuaded.
“The Queen Mother is satiated! Let’s leave it here for now,” Queen Zhangsun declined, sensing she had eaten enough.
The empress felt satisfied, so her maid returned with two hot water bottles.
“Your Royal Highness!”
Li Lizhi took the bottles, tested the temperature, and suggested, “It’s a bit warm now. Find something to wrap around them and place them by the Queen’s feet.”
The maid nodded, found a cloth, and Li Lizhi personally tucked one bottle into Empress Zhangsun’s quilt.
“How does it feel, Queen?” Li Lizhi inquired.
Empress Zhangsun nodded, “Not bad! My feet are much more comfortable. Lizhi’s idea is good!”
Li Lizhi placed the other bottle in Empress Zhangsun’s arms, saying, “Hold this. It not only warms your hands but also your body. If it cools down, we can replace the water.”
Empress Zhangsun embraced the hot water bottle, expressing her delight.
“Lizhi, you’re considerate!” Empress Zhangsun said appreciatively.
Feeling sleepy, Empress Zhangsun, usually napping at this hour, decided to rest. Li Lizhi took his leave.
“Goodbye!”
After Li Lizhi departed, Empress Zhangsun checked her feet and felt the warmth. Pleased with the thoughtful gesture, she eventually succumbed to a nap. Princess Changle’s intentions warmed more than Empress Zhangsun’s hands and feet. They reached her heart.
Observing Li Lizhi’s departing figure, Empress Zhangsun wore a subtle smile. As Li Lizhi walked away, Empress Zhangsun instructed, “Put the dishes in the food box and send them to His Majesty.”
“Your Majesty, this is a gesture of filial piety from Princess Highness…” the personal maid sympathetically remarked, aware of the empress’s recent health struggles.
“Follow my instructions! I’m tired!” Empress Zhangsun asserted firmly.
The maid could only comply with the orders, given Empress Zhangsun’s stubborn attitude. With her eyes closed, Empress Zhangsun maintained a faint smile.
…
Forbidden City
Eunuch whispered, “Your Majesty, maids from Lizheng Palace seek an audience!”
Glancing at the memorial, Li Shimin casually asked, “What’s the matter?”
“It seems to be on the empress’s orders, delivering something to Your Majesty!”
“Leave the things. Let them go back!” Li Shimin dismissed the maids, occupied with more pressing matters.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Soon, the eunuch entered the Forbidden City with the food box and whispered, “Your Majesty, the empress mentioned that the dishes are excellent, a rare delicacy in the world. Please taste them while they’re hot!”
Setting aside the memorial, Li Shimin smiled, feeling a sense of contentment.
“Set it aside for now,” he instructed. As the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin felt he had experienced almost everything and didn’t dwell on Empress Zhangsun’s words.
After contemplating, he inquired, “I haven’t been to Lizheng Palace for a few days. How is the Empress?”
The cautious eunuch replied, “Same as before, Your Majesty. The cold weather has triggered a recurrence of her old illness, and it seems… somewhat serious.”
Li Shimin sighed, “This weather is causing hardship for many people!”
Frustrated, Li Shimin reflected on the weather-related issues and the opportunistic price hikes by influential families, further exacerbating his annoyance.