Chapter 115: Let's Do It This Way (Two Updates, Please Vote)

At this moment, Eunuch Gao first cast a glance at the plaque before slowly opening his mouth.

"Lord Li, Physician Li, shall we unveil the plaque and take a look?" Eunuch Gao suggested, his eyes narrowing into a smile as he looked at the father and son. "That way, once I return to the palace, I will be able to report back to His Majesty. What do you two think?"

Seeing this, Li Jing could not help but glance at the eunuch first, then laughed with a flash of realization: "That would be for the best! We would not only be able to admire His Majesty’s calligraphy but also avoid delaying the eunuch's mission. It is only fitting."

Li Yi sensed the underlying meaning in their words and nodded with a faint smile: "Then I shall trouble Eunuch Gao and your attendants."

Upon hearing this from the Li family, Eunuch Gao felt exceptionally grateful. He waved his hand immediately, replying, "It is no trouble at all. These are merely my duties; rather, it is I who have troubled Lord Li and Physician Li."

After all, this plaque had been personally bestowed by Li Shimin to Li Yi to serve as the signboard for the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Even someone like Eunuch Gao, who had served long by the Emperor's side, had not yet caught a glimpse of it. Furthermore, when he set out to the Li residence, Li Shimin had specifically instructed him to inspect the plaque carefully upon arrival to ensure there was no damage. If any mishap were to occur and cause the Imperial family to lose face, it was not something a mere eunuch could bear. Thus, Eunuch Gao was "meticulous," not daring to be even slightly careless.

"Remove the red silk covering," Eunuch Gao said, no longer standing on ceremony with the two men. He nodded to the guards beside him, signaling them to uncover it.

The guards understood immediately. The leader among them stepped forward and gently pulled away the red cloth. Instantly, the full appearance of the plaque was revealed to everyone.

In the center of the plaque, the three characters for "Drunken Immortal Pavilion" were carved in gold leaf, while the six smaller golden characters for "Imperial Gift, Fourth Year of Zhenguan" were inscribed in the bottom right corner. The plaque was entirely black, but those gilded characters, written with bold and vigorous strokes, stood out prominently, like a crane among a flock of chickens.

"A work of the Sage; truly a magnificent hand!" Li Jing could not help but nod in praise. With just one look, he recognized the "Flying White" calligraphy style, and there was no doubt the author was Li Shimin himself, for he possessed a piece of calligraphy gifted by the Emperor that now hung in Li Yi's room.

Li Yi also recognized the handwriting as Li Shimin's and joined his father in praising it. Eunuch Gao, while echoing their admiration, stepped forward to personally inspect the plaque with extreme care. Once he confirmed the imperial gift was undamaged, he bowed to the father and son.

"Lord Li, Physician Li, now that the plaque has been delivered, I shall no longer disturb you and will return to the palace to report," Eunuch Gao said with a smile.

"Safe travels, Eunuch," Li Yi said with a faint smile, motioning for Yue'er to see them out.

After the eunuch and his party departed, Li Jing looked at the plaque, then back at Li Yi. He took a deep breath and reminded him: "Sanlang, you should take this plaque to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion quickly; do not let it delay your proper business."

Seeing Li Jing feign a stern expression despite his evident joy, Li Yi felt a sense of speechlessness. However, knowing his father meant well, he suppressed any urge to retort. "Yes, Father." Li Yi bowed respectfully and immediately ordered his servants to carry the plaque out of the residence, heading straight toward the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

Only after Li Yi had left with the plaque did the weight on Li Jing's heart finally lift. He sat back down to sip some tea, but before long, his expression shifted between joy and sorrow, accompanied by heavy sighs.

Just then, Lady Hongfu walked out from the side hall and, seeing his conflicted expression, asked curiously, "My Lord, what is the matter?"

Hearing her voice, Li Jing sighed and returned to his senses, saying helplessly, "Chen'er, tell me, I, Li Jing, have spent my life studying the arts of war and strategy, even writing treatises on the subject. Among our three children, I see that only Sanlang is quick-witted and has the heart to serve the country. But look at him now—despite gaining the Sage's favor, he is fixated on the path of commerce. Is it possible that the art of war ends here with me?"

As he voiced his frustrations, he felt all the more aggrieved. Lady Hongfu was slightly stunned, but she soon sat beside him, gently resting her hands on his arm, and smiled, "My Lord, one cannot force these things. If Sanlang enjoys business, let him busy himself with it for now."

Li Jing’s worry deepened upon hearing this, but then Lady Hongfu suddenly changed the subject.

"My Lord, in a few days, aren't the envoys from various nations coming to our court? Why not take Sanlang with you then, and let him see the world? Perhaps by then, he will have a change of heart and choose to follow you in learning the path of military strategy."

Li Jing’s eyebrows arched. Looking at her face, he was stunned for a moment before his worried expression suddenly smoothed out.

*Slap!*

He struck his thigh and laughed joyfully, "My wife is wise! Let us do exactly that!"

"My Lord is brilliant," Lady Hongfu said, covering her smile.

"Haha, it is all thanks to your suggestion, Chen'er," Li Jing laughed heartily. By now, the clouds had vanished from his face, leaving him in high spirits. Even as he drank his tea, he couldn't help but praise, "Good tea!"

***

On the streets of Chang'an, Li Yi and his group traveled in a grand procession. To his surprise, from one end of the street to the other, he could hear people discussing the Zheng family's soap, leaving him quite astonished.

Yue'er was equally surprised and whispered with a smile in Li Yi's ear, "Young Master, the eldest son of the Zheng family is quite efficient."

"Indeed," Li Yi replied, unable to tell whether to laugh or cry. He had not expected Zheng An to act so quickly; in just a single morning, he had already made the soap a household name. He was truly worthy of being from a reputable imperial merchant family and, at the same time, a partner one could rely on.