Chapter 58: Empress Zhangsun’s Temptation!
“Thank you so much, Mother Empress!” Li Lizhi said, leaning on Empress Zhangsun’s shoulder.
“You should be thanked, you’ve accomplished a great feat this time!” Empress Zhangsun expressed genuine relief, thinking about recent events.
Li Lizhi had been incredibly helpful.
“This is what I should do!”
“Darling, when can you introduce this expert you’ve met to me?” Empress Zhangsun was genuinely curious.
“I can’t decide that. I need to consult the expert,” Li Lizhi replied.
Empress Zhangsun found Li Lizhi’s response unsurprising.
“Your wedding date is approaching. Be mentally prepared,” Empress Zhangsun said, looking directly at Li Lizhi.
Upon hearing about the wedding, Li Lizhi’s expression stiffened. There was a hint of resistance in her eyes, noticed by Empress Zhangsun. This change in Li Lizhi raised suspicions in Empress Zhangsun’s mind. It must be related to the expert. Empress Zhangsun had anticipated this.
“Mother, I understand,” Li Lizhi responded. Her emotions conflicted, her earlier happiness replaced with disappointment.
These days, Li Lizhi has almost forgotten about her impending marriage, and the sudden realization felt unpleasant. Empress Zhangsun got the answer she expected with one sentence, and Li Lizhi’s happiness was clearly tied to the mysterious expert.
Indeed, it’s pretty intriguing!
…
It wasn’t until the evening that Zhangsun Wuji had borrowed almost everything. Seeing Fang Xuanling waiting at the Xuanwu Gate, Zhangsun Wuji thought there was no need to search further.
“What a coincidence?” Zhangsun Wuji greeted with a smile.
Both were seasoned comrades who had been through thick and thin.
“Is Your Majesty crazy, or are you crazy?” Fang Xuanling asked directly.
Zhangsun Wuji quickly understood.
“Master Zhangsun, what is going on? What does Your Majesty mean?” Fang Xuanling couldn’t help asking.
At first, Fang Xuanling thought it was fake news, but after confirming multiple times, he realized that Zhangsun Wuji borrowed charcoal again. Fang Xuanling pondered deeply, unable to comprehend the purpose behind this.
Theoretically, neither Li Shimin nor Zhangsun Wuji should make such confused decisions.
They are both astute individuals!
Zhangsun Wuji, smiling helplessly, admitted, “To be honest, although I went to borrow, I still don’t understand His Majesty’s intentions.”
Fang Xuanling, astonished, exclaimed, “You borrowed without understanding?” It was beyond words.
This wasn’t something Zhangsun Wuji would typically do.
Zhangsun Wuji reflected, “When His Majesty assigned me this task, it didn’t seem confused… It felt like he had a well-thought-out plan, a strategic move.”
Zhangsun Wuji recalled Li Shimin’s demeanor, transforming from a troubled expression to a confident one.
Fang Xuanling found himself at a loss.
“With such high interest, are you risking your life to repay it?”
Zhangsun Wuji shook his head, “His Majesty said he would reveal the hidden details after it’s done. He also called for you. Now, let’s go see him!”
“You’ve already borrowed everything. Isn’t it too late?”
“Don’t worry. His Majesty must have considered this. It doesn’t seem like a spontaneous decision.”
Fang Xuanling was genuinely speechless.
The treasury is already in dire straits, and this excessive interest rate only worsens the situation.
The two headed towards Taiji Palace, unable to comprehend the current situation. Li Shimin received fifteen sets of thermal underwear from Xiu Niang, understanding Empress Zhangsun’s implied message.
Considering his one-tenth share of income, Li Shimin was pleased. Though it wasn’t much, Li Shimin didn’t mind.
Every bit counts. The current state of the Tang Dynasty’s treasury is extremely dire!
Considering the significant income from this venture against the powerful clans and the substantial revenue from the Yujiagou Coal Mine, Li Shimin felt much more comfortable.
This significantly alleviated the pressure on the treasury. Li Shimin realized that the master behind Li Lizhi was not to be underestimated and became even more eager to meet this person.
There were many things Li Shimin wanted to inquire about, as the Tang Dynasty was currently facing numerous challenges.