Chapter 46: Angry Li Shimin, High-interest Loans!
In the Lizheng Hall…
Li Shimin frowned slightly, appearing somewhat agitated. The female attendants in Lizheng Palace could sense Li Shimin’s mood, and they all saluted respectfully as he passed by.
Empress Zhangsun, upon seeing Li Shimin, rose and said, “I greet Your Majesty!”
Li Shimin pulled Empress Zhangsun close, saying, “No need for formalities!”
Empress Zhangsun exchanged a glance with Xiu Niang, who led the palace attendants out of Lizheng Hall. Only Empress Zhangsun and Li Shimin remained inside.
“Your Majesty, what troubles you so?” Empress Zhangsun inquired with concern.
Li Shimin, often finding solace in Empress Zhangsun during troubled times, sighed and shared, “The aristocratic families! One day, I’ll make them pay!”
“Your Majesty, calm yourself. What happened?” Empress Zhangsun asked, her worry evident.
“The Chief Astrologer, Yuan Tiangang, predicts even colder days. When I sought resources from the aristocrats, they refused. With news of the approaching cold, prices are skyrocketing again!” Li Shimin explained.
Li Shimin’s frustration grew, “They even suggest borrowing with exorbitant interest rates!”
“Some spread rumors of my lack of virtue, claiming divine punishment, causing unrest in Chang’an,” he added.
“Your Majesty, don’t let anger consume you. Isn’t there a wise advisor behind Lizhi?” Empress Zhangsun consoled.
“I can’t rely solely on someone I’ve never met,” Li Shimin sighed.
“What interest rates are they asking for borrowing charcoal snacks?” Empress Zhangsun inquired.
“Nine out of thirteen repay within a month. Otherwise, the interest accumulates, and if it rolls over into the next fiscal year, the treasury will be depleted,” Li Shimin explained.
Empress Zhangsun was shocked, “That’s alarming.”
Li Shimin continued, “The number of homeless refugees in Changan is growing. It’s becoming difficult to provide for them.”
Expressing his frustrations lightened Li Shimin’s mood. However, he had to continue to Taiji Palace to address the mounting pile of memorials.
Empress Zhangsun, feeling helpless, could only manage the harem to relieve Li Shimin’s burden.
…
“Your Highness! The things you wanted have arrived!” Yushu’s voice echoed outside the palace.
“I’m aware!” Li Lizhi responded.
Xiao Ran closed the window, asking, “Will this work?”
“Don’t worry! It’s fine. Today, we’ll try washing the coal and see if it works!” Li Lizhi said.
“Alright then! I’ll go prepare some food. What would you like to eat?” Xiao Ran asked.
“I want fresh vegetables. Are there any?” In winter, fresh vegetables were scarce in the Tang Dynasty.
“No problem, we have them!” Xiao Ran assured.
“Then I’ll get busy!” Li Lizhi was pleased.
Li Lizhi directed the palace maids and eunuchs to wash the anthracite coal.
Xiao Ran, observing the room, returned home to prepare meals. Having bought fresh fruits and vegetables a couple of days ago, there was no need to go out again.
The process of washing anthracite coal was simple, and soon Li Lizhi had clean coal.
Li Lizhi addressed the shivering crowd, “One person, go to Yushu and get twenty wen. Today’s events must not be talked about randomly! Severe punishment awaits those who disobey!”
The court ladies and eunuchs were excited and thanked Li Lizhi.
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
Li Lizhi returned the washed coal to the palace, eager to show Xiao Ran. Li Lizhi followed Xiao Ran’s instructions, but the effectiveness was yet to be seen. Entering the bedroom, Li Lizhi smelled the aroma of food and couldn’t help but drool.
“Xiao Ran! Take a look, does this work?” Li Lizhi shouted excitedly.
Xiao Ran, coming from the kitchen, saw Li Lizhi’s flushed face and frozen hands, holding a piece of coal.
“Why are you so frozen?” Xiao Ran asked.
Li Lizhi didn’t mind and handed the coal to Xiao Ran, who put it aside and blew it on Li Lizhi’s hands.
“Let me see if there’s frostbite. You’re a princess. Just watch, don’t directly do things.” Xiao Ran pulled Li Lizhi to the radiator.
Li Lizhi felt warm inside, holding back her scolding words.
“Place your hands gently on top. Warm up first,” Xiao Ran instructed.
Li Lizhi obediently touched the radiator and said, “It’s so warm!”
Xiao Ran lightly patted the snow on Li Lizhi’s clothes and hair. “Go wash your face and apply some skincare cream.”
“I got it!”
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