Chapter 82: Journey to the Imperial Palace

Seeing Li Yi suddenly fall silent, saying nothing at all and with no trace of emotion on his face, simply staring at her impassively, Li Lizhi couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. Timidly, she stretched out her neck and took two small steps forward, edging closer to where Li Yi stood.

“Li Bo’an, why… why aren’t you saying anything?” Li Lizhi asked in a soft voice.

She herself didn’t realize that, as she spoke, there was a thread of worry in her tone, and even her voice grew weaker, as if she feared being too forceful would anger Li Yi.

Li Lizhi had no idea why such a concern had arisen in her heart. After she finished, she felt oddly bewildered.

She had never experienced anything like this before, so after a slight pause, she quickly regained her composure and thought nothing more of it.

Watching her adorable manner, Li Yi found no anger in his heart, only a sense of amusement. He rolled his eyes and said, “Your Highness, no matter what I say, aren’t you going to take me into the palace anyway?”

“Uh…” Li Lizhi blinked, silent for a long while. Then, after looking at Li Yi several times, she suddenly smiled and nodded, “Hmm, that does seem to be the case!”

Li Yi almost burst out laughing.

He hadn’t realized that, deep down, Li Lizhi harbored such a naïve and innocent side.

In truth, Li Yi was not refusing to go to the palace out of fear; it simply hadn’t crossed his mind that Li Lizhi intended to take him to see Emperor Li Shimin.

When he caught the implication in her words, Li Yi was quite taken aback. Although Li Lizhi had spoken very subtly, Li Yi immediately guessed her meaning.

After all, last time, he had already offended the Emperor’s Imperial Guards.

Though he wasn’t afraid of the guards, they were, after all, men sent by the Emperor himself.

Therefore, Li Yi had to consider carefully how best to explain himself to Li Shimin.

Yet, after pondering for a while during their conversation, Li Yi still could not think of a solution, nor could he see what fault he had committed, and so he gave up worrying about it.

At worst, he would simply face whatever came his way.

Letting out a sigh, Li Yi looked at Yue’er and instructed, “Yue’er, go and have them prepare two jars of good wine for me, and call Master Song to accompany me into the palace.”

“Yes, young master,” Yue’er replied. After a brief hesitation, she turned and left.

Not long after, Yue’er returned with Master Song, and a servant brought two jars of fine wine. Only then did Li Lizhi show a satisfied smile and say cheerfully, “Young Master Li, let us be on our way.”

“After you, Your Highness,” Li Yi replied with a gentle smile and a nod.

Their party left the Li residence and headed straight toward the palace.

…

Outside the imperial study in the palace, at the entrance to the hall.

Li Shimin stood with his hands behind his back.

As dusk fell and thick flakes of snow began to drift from the sky, Li Shimin frowned slightly and murmured, “It’s been such a long time—why hasn’t Xiao Wu returned to the palace yet?”

Eunuch Gao, standing nearby and understanding the Emperor’s concern, stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I am sure the Fifth Princess is already on her way back.”

Li Shimin cast a sidelong glance at him, and only then did his furrowed brow relax.

“Hmm, that girl Xiao Wu has always been obedient and sensible. Perhaps I am worrying too much,” Li Shimin laughed and nodded.

With that, he returned to the study to continue reviewing memorials.

A short time later, Empress Zhangsun arrived at the study accompanied by several palace maids, one of whom carried a food box.

Hearing footsteps as he was reading, Li Shimin immediately looked up, expecting to see Li Lizhi. His face had just lit up with a smile when he realized it was Empress Zhangsun instead.

In surprise, he said, “Guan Yin, what brings you here?”

As he spoke, he quickly set aside the memorials, rose from his seat, and went to support the still-recovering empress.

“Your Majesty, I am quite all right,” Empress Zhangsun replied with a smile, though the pallor of illness still lingered on her face.

She did not seem pleased by the Emperor’s concern; rather, she was deeply caring. She took the food box from the hand of a maid and placed it on the desk in the study.

Then, looking at Li Shimin with a worried expression, she said gently, “Your Majesty, I had this food specially prepared for you. You work so hard every day; you must take care of your health.”

Li Shimin patted her small hand tenderly and gazed at her with deep concern. “Guan Yin, your illness is not yet fully cured. For such a small matter, you could have sent someone else. Why make the effort yourself?”

“In this bitter cold, if you fall ill because of this, how could I ever forgive myself…”

His face was full of heartfelt worry.

All the while, his gaze never left Empress Zhangsun; he did not spare the food box a glance.

“Your Majesty, truly, I am fine. Besides, I am much better now,” Empress Zhangsun replied with a faint smile, showing none of the weakness of illness.

As she spoke, she opened the food box and set out the dishes within.

Looking at Li Shimin, her tone was both earnest and just a little coquettish: “Your Majesty, if you eat a little while I watch, I’ll return right away.”

“Very well!” Li Shimin nodded, understanding her concern. Without further protest, he took a taste of the food, then offered some to the empress as well. “You have a bite with me.”

“All right.” Empress Zhangsun smiled, her lips a pale shade of red, and took a small bite.

Only after seeing her eat did Li Shimin continue.

In this atmosphere full of affection, they soon finished most of the meal. Empress Zhangsun, satisfied, signaled the maids with her eyes.

The maids promptly packed up the food box.

“Once you’re done with your work, remember to rest early,” she reminded him with a smile.

“I promise I will,” Li Shimin replied, waving her off. “Go back and get some rest yourself. Take care not to catch cold—I’ll come to you soon.”

“Very well, I take my leave,” she answered, and turned to go with the maids.

But just then, Eunuch Gao entered and, bowing, announced with delight, “Your Majesty, the Fifth Princess has returned with Li Yi.”

“Oh, Xiao Wu is back?” Li Shimin exclaimed happily, quickly stopping Empress Zhangsun and instructing Eunuch Gao, “Hurry, bring them in!”

“At once, Your Majesty,” replied the eunuch, and withdrew.

Empress Zhangsun, who had been about to leave, looked at Li Shimin’s joyful face in confusion. “Your Majesty, when did Xiao Wu leave the palace? And Li Yi… he is here as well?”

“Yes!” Li Shimin nodded with a smile. “Guan Yin, wait a moment. Now that Li Yi is here, perhaps he can cure your lingering illness!”

New Year’s greetings to all—may this year bring you smooth sailing in all things, and thank you for your support!