Chapter 40: Li Shimin’s Repeated Pulling!
Empress Zhangsun thought quickly, frowning as she said, “Yujiagou isn’t a favorable place. Why would you want that?”
“Queen, it’s what the expert desires,” Li Lizhi replied.
Empress Zhangsun, puzzled, remarked, “Even if it’s sought after for its feng shui, that place seems abnormal.”
She sensed the situation’s complexity and continued, “Your father can’t casually grant such a large tract of land to a stranger. Other ministers would criticize him if they found out.”
Especially Wei Zheng, who never spares Li Shimin! Li Lizhi proudly added, “What if the expert claims to solve the shortage of heating supplies in Changan City?”
Surprised, Empress Zhangsun asked, “Is there really a problem over there?”
Li Lizhi assured, “If the expert says so, there’s a solution.”
Empress Zhangsun realized she underestimated the expert Li Lizhi knew and asked, “Can you tell me the expert’s methods?”
Li Lizhi replied, “I don’t know the details, but the expert assured me that where there’s the land, there’s a solution.”
Empress Zhangsun, smiling, said, “I understand. If the expert says it’s possible, then it should be.”
Li Lizhi reassured, “Don’t worry, Queen Mother, the expert is confident.”
In the Taiji Palace, Li Shimin thanked Chen Qiyuan for supplying materials during the scarcity. Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji were surprised that the Chen family not only lent but also generously donated, defying their expectations of aristocratic families being tight-fisted.
Changsun Wuji said, “Brother Chen, your generosity humbles us.”
Chen Qiyuan replied, “It’s an honor for us to share the worries of His Majesty as loyal citizens of Datang.”
“This is fortunate for the people of Changan City and the great Tang!” Ma Zhou also said with a smile.
Chen Qiyuan felt embarrassed by such praise.
“It’s nothing, it’s nothing. Mr. Ma, you’re too kind,” Chen Qiyuan replied, somewhat embarrassed.
“At times like this, we truly realize who genuinely cares for the people and the great Tang. I can’t neglect the kindness of the Chen family,” Li Shimin said thoughtfully. “Is there any suitable land nearby?”
Fang Xuanling quickly suggested, “Your Majesty, the Yujiagou to the west of the city is a good choice!”
Chen Qiyuan, realizing the implications, felt a bit distressed. That piece of land was previously given to the Wang family in Taiyuan, who refused it, and now it was being pushed onto the Chen family.
Chen Qiyuan understood that accepting this land would mean forfeiting the borrowed supplies.
With a face full of sorrow, he said, “Your Majesty, this is a small gesture from the Chen family. You don’t need to reward us.”
Li Shimin insisted, “No, you understand the righteousness and serve the country. If I don’t express my gratitude, gaining support in the future will be hard!”
Changsun Wuji added, “Brother Chen, just accept it. Don’t decline His Majesty’s generosity.”
Ma Zhou also encouraged, “Patriarch Chen, Your Majesty’s goodwill should not be rejected.”
Li Lizhi was distressed in the side hall, realizing the Chen family might be at a disadvantage.
Empress Zhangsun, hearing the situation, decided to intervene. Carrying tea, she entered the main hall and left a note for Li Shimin before leaving.
Li Shimin, seeing Empress Zhangsun’s unexpected appearance, became suspicious. However, trusting her, he followed her lead.
With a smile, he said, “If that’s the case, let’s call off this matter!”
Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Ma Zhou, and others were left bewildered, thinking they might have misheard.
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