Chapter 62
Su Li had a stockpile of modern seasonings in his warehouse. The meal was ready quickly with a few simple side dishes and a pot of pork rib soup.
Thanks to technology and hard work, the pork rib soup was white and flavorful. The side dishes weren’t as visually refined, but they were still quite aromatic.
“How is it?” Su Li asked Princess Changle.
“Delicious!” Princess Changle nodded.
“I never thought my husband could cook so well…” Changle commented.
“With so much technology, anyone can do it…” Su Li said laughingly.
Technology had become ubiquitous in modern life, particularly in seasoning. Su Li didn’t see any harm if it didn’t compromise health. However, the integration of technology and hard work indeed had a significant impact on Zhu Xia’s traditional eight major culinary styles.
During the early days of MSG’s emergence, there was a master chef who stubbornly attempted to create a soup with a richer umami flavor. But he never figured it out in his lifetime, only to realize that his creation was achieved by simply adding a spoonful of MSG for others.
As Su Li and Princess Changle enjoyed their meal and conversation, it was worth mentioning that initially, when Su Li suggested cooking, Princess Changle intended to take charge herself.
Of course, Princess Changle also knew how to cook, even though she didn’t need to. But having spent so much time in ancient times, Su Li yearned for a blend of technology and hard work, and Changle couldn’t resist his persuasion.
“Go and inform His Majesty and the Queen…” Su Li turned to the female officer with a satisfied stomach and then gazed into the distance.
“Darling… Father Emperor… they’re not those types of people,” Changle said softly.
Changle knew what Su Li was thinking.
She wasn’t naive. She understood how precious the elixir must be that restore her health. She remembered everything from the Xuanwu Gate Incident and knew the complexity of her relationship with her father. However, regardless of all that, Changle would steadfastly stand by her husband’s side.
“No problem!” Su Li smiled, observing the departing female officer.
He had enough confidence now!
In the palace, at the Manna Hall…
“What? Changle is awake?” Li Er, who was engaged in state affairs, looked surprised upon hearing the report from the female officer.
“Quick! Quick! Inform the Crown Prince and the Queen!” Full of delight, Li Er rushed out of the hall to see his daughter, leaving the eunuchs and attendants behind in his haste.
…
Upon reaching the Princess Mansion, Li Er’s daughter, Changle, was seen leaning affectionately against Su Li, fingers entwined, faces close, and happiness evident on her face.
“Li Zhi! Li Zhi! Li Zhi! Father is here!” Li Er dashed into the mansion’s inner courtyard. He was overjoyed.
Li Er approached, his eyes moist at seeing his daughter, Changle, standing before him in the flesh. Changle bowed slightly, tears welling in her eyes as she watched her father’s breathless arrival.
“Li Zhi…” Li Er stepped forward, supporting Changle’s shoulders, and tears welled up in his eyes.
“Waking up is all that matters. Waking up is all that matters!” Li Er’s tears flowed freely. He pushed Su Li, standing beside Changle, out of sight and embraced his daughter.
“My daughter!”
“You have a lot of petty thoughts…”
Su Li grinned as Li Er gently pushed him aside. However, in the end, no matter Li Er’s past actions, whether it was fratricide or imprisoning his own father, the emotions of this moment were genuine. He truly loved and cherished his daughter.
Princess Changle had been unconscious for over four months, with her life hanging in the balance. How could a father not be deeply worried?
“Wake up! It’s great that you’re awake!” After a while, Li Er, who was down-to-earth and full of emotions, managed to calm himself down and straighten up. He supported Changle’s shoulders and scrutinized her with a vigilant gaze.
“Do you feel uncomfortable? How are you now?” Li Er asked with joy, eager for Changle’s response.
Changle was about to reply when another voice echoed from the yard.
“Li Zhi!”
“Li Zhi!”
She was Empress Zhangsun!
Empress Zhangsun rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, and as she entered, she saw her daughter standing in the yard, alive and well.
“Elder sister!”
“Elder sister!”
It was Crown Prince Li Chengqian!
Empress Zhangsun approached, holding her daughter’s hands, and Crown Prince Li Chengqian stood beside them, his face filled with eager joy.
The family was so overjoyed that they could hardly string together complete sentences, and their excitement filled the air. Su Li silently stepped back and observed the heartwarming family reunion before him.
“Zhenguan Year Four…” Su Li gazed at the harmonious scene of the family, feeling a sense of nostalgia.
The fourth year of the Zhenguan era was a critical time for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. This year, the Tang Dynasty achieved a significant victory over the Turks, avenging previous humiliations.
During this year, Crown Prince Li Chengqian had not yet become obsessed with vices, and he hadn’t suffered his leg injury.
Empress Zhangsun wasn’t afflicted by illness due to her vital energy, and Princess Changle was in good health. At this point, the family didn’t have as many conflicts. Crown Prince Li Chengqian and Li Er hadn’t yet grown hostile towards each other.
Li Er’s family relationships were relatively well managed, at least during this stage. However, perhaps due to the aftershocks of the Xuanwu Gate Incident or Li Er’s prolonged time on the throne, disconnecting him from ordinary life, since the fourth year of the Zhenguan era, beneath the apparent harmony, seeds of discord had been sown.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian began to harbor resentment due to Li Er’s increasing favor towards Li Tai…
Li Er’s strong desire for control was increasingly frustrated as he realized that the prince’s growth was beyond his influence.
The Xuanwu Gate Incident was a foreshadowing, a hidden subplot that lingered in everyone’s minds. No matter how close they seemed, when decisions were to be made, the specter of the Xuanwu Gate Incident would rise…
Would Li Er also feel apprehensive? Would Li Chengqian have already believed that his father might kill his own kin?
While Li Er appeared emotionally involved, managing family relationships was chaotic. Behind his remarkable talents lay the tragedy of father and son turning against each other.
“Consort…”
The female officer watched the heartwarming family scene with a smile and noticed Su Li’s somewhat forlorn figure retreating into the distance.
She only learned later that Prince Su Li’s parents had passed away…
Only recently did his biological brother find him, seeking recognition of their sibling relationship.
At this moment… Prince Su Li’s figure seemed rather lonely.
“It’s okay…” Su Li shook his head and smiled.
The whole family exchanged emotions, and it took quite a while for them to finally calm down.
Princess Changle looked at Su Li first. She saw her husband standing at a distance, his eyes filled with a smiling expression.
Princess Changle walked towards him without hesitation, taking Su Li’s hand.
“Darling!”
Li Er’s gaze finally landed on Su Li. Once emotions subsided, they had to face the things that needed to be faced.
After all, emotions were transient, and Su Li didn’t expect Li Er to overlook the suspicions surrounding him due to the joy of the reunion.
“Come out with me! I have something to ask you!” Li Er softly addressed Su Li.
Empress Zhangsun pulled on Li Er’s sleeve upon hearing this, and Li Er smiled and shook his head.
“I just need to inquire about something, son-in-law…” Li Er gave Empress Zhangsun a reassuring look.
Although Li Er had reservations about his daughter marrying a peasant, Princess Changle’s recovery gave Su Li significant credit.
Putting aside Su Li’s meticulous care over the past four months, just the divination by Yuan Tiangang’s servant and Princess Changle’s awakening was enough to leave one astonished and uncertain.
Upon hearing this, Princess Changle stepped forward and positioned herself in front of Su Li.
“Father Emperor!” Changle’s tone held a trace of reproach.
Li Er’s expression turned sour as he saw Changle’s reaction. Although Princess Changle didn’t voice her concerns, her meaning was evident.
This was escalating quickly!
Li Er had no intention of doing anything harmful!
If Changle woke up because of Su Li, how could Li Er not acknowledge his contributions?
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