Chapter 70: The Master of Mysticism, Daoist Wang

“A request you’re reluctant to make?” Hearing Li Lizhi say this, Li Yi glanced at Linlang, unable to resist making a joke. “Princess, you wouldn’t be thinking... of giving Linlang to me, would you?”

Li Yi made no attempt to hide the teasing in his tone. He even blatantly cast a glance at Linlang’s ample chest—well, certainly very ample.

And her long, slender legs were particularly attractive; he imagined they’d feel wonderful to touch.

Linlang’s slightly widened eyes were dark as ink, her brows dense and perfectly shaped like a painting, her lips lightly pressed together like a blade. Her delicate, beautiful face, touched by a hint of anger, only added to her alluring charm.

Li Yi couldn’t help but steal a few more glances at her, his gaze full of mischief, eager to tease her.

“Hmph, you lecherous scoundrel, shameless!” As if she’d guessed Li Yi’s wandering thoughts, Linlang immediately snapped at him, her fists clenched, her threat direct and clear.

Li Lizhi hadn’t expected her earnest words to be met with such a joke, provoking Linlang’s scolding.

She noticed that Li Yi was rather unruly; even with her present as the main guest, he brazenly flirted with her maid.

But perhaps it was precisely because he was so amusing that she enjoyed spending time with him...

Reflecting on her own thoughts, Li Lizhi regained her composure.

“Ahem, Young Master Li, that’s not what I meant.”

Li Lizhi glanced at the annoyed Linlang, unable to suppress a smile, then spoke seriously, “I wanted to ask if you could share the method for preparing the Orleans meal set with the imperial chefs in the palace. And also, could you send me a jar of your wine?”

Li Yi laughed awkwardly. Of course, he knew Li Lizhi hadn’t meant that; he’d merely wanted to tease Linlang.

He waved his hand and replied openly, “Of course, it’s no trouble at all—that’s the least I can do to thank the Princess for her help.”

“Very well, let’s consider it settled!” Li Lizhi hadn’t expected such a straightforward response from Li Yi, and she was delighted.

After all, Li Yi’s Orleans meal set was regarded by everyone as a delicacy beyond compare.

“Agreed,” Li Yi nodded with a smile.

He knew he ought to give Li Lizhi face, as she had indeed helped him. Besides, if he could seize the opportunity to curry favor with Li Shimin, he wouldn’t hesitate.

In the Tang Dynasty, if you didn’t cling to Li Shimin, you were no better than a salted fish.

No matter what others did, Li Yi definitely had to hold on tight.

At that moment, Li Lizhi’s smile widened as she fixed her gaze on Li Yi. “Young Master Li, the weather is fine today. I’d like to stroll through the streets. Surely you wouldn’t neglect your duty as host, would you?”

Li Yi was instantly at a loss for words, feeling as if he couldn’t keep up with Li Lizhi’s train of thought.

She had made her intentions so clear—how could he possibly refuse?

With no other choice, Li Yi shrugged and replied with a wry smile, “To accompany the Princess shopping is my privilege; I’m more than willing.”

“Young Master Li, you seem... not entirely enthusiastic,” Li Lizhi remarked, her brows slightly furrowed.

But her delight couldn’t be dampened.

Before Li Yi could respond, her eyes brightened and her smile blossomed, and she eagerly suggested, “Shall we go then?”

“Of course, Princess, please.” Li Yi smiled and nodded, accompanying her as they went shopping.

Out on the street, Li Lizhi was like a curious child, gazing at every little trinket but never buying anything, which made Li Yi want to complain.

But then he remembered that Li Lizhi had spent her life in the deep palace and surely hadn’t seen such things, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

As the three passed through a bustling area, Li Lizhi spotted a fortune-telling Daoist surrounded by a crowd and became intrigued. She called softly, “Young Master Li, come with me quickly to have a look.”

Li Yi helplessly followed her.

Behind the Daoist hung a large black-and-white banner.

“Fortune-telling, divination, exorcising spirits and demons”—eight bold characters, especially melodramatic; Li Yi couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Clearly a charlatan—what was there to see?

But Li Lizhi was full of enthusiasm.

She earnestly squeezed into the crowd, while her maid Linlang discreetly protected her.

Li Yi stood by Li Lizhi, feeling utterly bored.

Just then, as more people gathered, the Daoist closed his eyes, adopting the pose of a sage. A man—obviously a planted accomplice—suddenly knelt before him.

“Master Wang, I am Lin Fuping. My house was haunted some time ago, and I must thank you for your help. Here is a token of my gratitude; please don’t disdain it.”

As he spoke, the man produced one hundred taels of silver, respectfully offering them to the Daoist and bowing twice, appearing deeply devout.

Master Wang shook his head without opening his eyes, his expression blank as he replied calmly, “Those who renounce the world merely act on heaven’s behalf; thanks are unnecessary. This money... I cannot accept.”

The Daoist put on an air of lofty integrity.

“Master, please do accept it,” the accomplice insisted, his demeanor earnest. “Without your help, I would still be lost and suffering nightmares. Please don’t refuse.”

He pleaded fervently, as if afraid the silver wouldn’t be accepted.

“Ah...” Master Wang sighed deeply, slowly opening his eyes and shaking his head. “Very well, since your sincerity is so great, I’ll take it as incense offerings and reluctantly accept.”

“Thank you, Master!” The accomplice was immediately tearfully grateful, bowing twice again.

As expected, his words stirred up the surrounding crowd, who began discussing how the Daoist must truly be a sage, leaving Li Yi deeply embarrassed.

Such absurd claims—how could anyone believe them?

Li Yi glanced at Li Lizhi beside him, only to see her eyes shining with excitement as she clutched his sleeve and exclaimed, “Young Master Li, this Daoist is amazing—he can even catch ghosts!”

Li Yi didn’t want to respond, feeling profoundly mortified.

Was being a shameless charlatan such a popular profession in Tang Dynasty?

Li Yi wondered if he ought to change careers himself.

Just then, a plainly dressed man stepped out from the crowd.

He first bowed respectfully to Master Wang, then slowly said, “Master, I am Wang Er from Wang Family Village. Someone died in our village a few days ago, and we haven’t had peace since. Since you possess such powers, I’d like to ask you to perform a ritual in our village. Would you be willing?”

The man named Wang Er looked at Master Wang with sincere reverence, his gaze full of awe.

(End of chapter)