Chapter 19 - Queen Zhangsun is very satisfied!
Chapter 19 - Queen Zhangsun is very satisfied!
Empress Zhangsun nodded, “Sure!”
As others left the Lizheng Hall, Li Lizhi and several personal maids helped Empress Zhangsun change into warm underwear.
Wearing thermal underwear, Empress Zhangsun exclaimed, “The warmth is indeed impressive!”
Previously, she had worn many layers on the bed with a hot water bottle by her feet and another in her arms, just to feel comfortable. Despite several stoves in the Lizheng Hall, it still felt cold. Now, she suddenly found it much more comfortable.
“Is the size suitable, Your Majesty? If it’s tight, we can get a larger one,” Li Lizhi suggested.
“It’s not tight, just right!” Empress Zhangsun reassured.
One of the ladies-in-waiting suggested, “Your Majesty, it’s cold. You should wear other clothes too!”
Empress Zhangsun said, “No need, this is very comfortable!”
“Don’t worry. This is much warmer than the previous clothes,” Li Lizhi, who also wore thermal underwear, assured.
She decided not to let Empress Zhangsun wear more clothes, gently covering her with a quilt and ensuring she held a hot water bottle.
Empress Zhangsun, lying in bed, felt incredibly cozy with the thermal underwear. She even thought the divine chef might be the expert behind it.
“Your Majesty, I can’t decide on this. I’ll have to check with the expert. Meeting him is uncertain. He’s quite eccentric,” Li Lizhi explained.
Empress Zhangsun agreed, “True, it’s late now. Go back and rest!”
Seeing Empress Zhangsun in better spirits, Li Lizhi was pleased, “Mother, I take my leave!”
After Princess Changle left, Empress Zhangsun instructed, “Cover the food box and send it to His Majesty!”
“Your Majesty, it’s a gesture from the Princess. You should keep it,” the lady-in-waiting suggested.
Empress Zhangsun, feeling full, insisted, “Send these to His Majesty. I’ve eaten enough.”
“Mother, I can’t decide on this. We need to ask the expert, but he’s quite unpredictable. Meeting him isn’t guaranteed,” Li Lizhi explained.
Empress Zhangsun nodded, “True, it’s getting late. Go back and rest!”
As night fell with a biting wind, Li Chengqian, shivering, walked towards the Taiji Palace with an eunuch and a food box.
Approaching the Taiji Palace, Li Chengqian took the food box from the eunuch. Knowing Li Shimin was still handling affairs, Li Chengqian wanted to check on him. Concerned about Li Tai’s closeness to Li Shimin, Li Chengqian felt uneasy.
Without Empress Zhangsun’s support, he felt uncertain about his future. Li Tai’s recent prominence added to his unease. Li Chengqian had to make a better impression in front of Li Shimin.
Zhang Anan hurried into the Taiji Palace, whispering, “Your Majesty, Crown Prince, hot soup is prepared for you.”
Li Shimin smiled, content with the gesture.
Looking at the pile of memorials, he said, “Keep the hot soup. Let the prince go. There’s much to handle!”
Zhang Anan wanted to say something but, after hesitating, gave up and left.
Li Shimin called him back, “Forget it, let the prince come in!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Zhang Anan quickly left the Taiji Palace.