parentshiftbook Chapter 178
Chapter 178
Chapter 178
Chapter 178
Late at night, Li Er sat alone at his desk in the grand hall. He had expected to feel immensely satisfied after the imperial court assembly with envoys from various nations. Still, as the music faded and the crowd dispersed, he felt alone with complex feelings. The day’s assembly hadn’t brought him as much contentment as he had anticipated. His emotions were intricate at this moment, and he couldn’t deny a certain truth.
In his heart, Li Er knew that the gathering of envoys from all nations was primarily built upon Su Li’s triumph in the northwest. Regardless of any embellishments, this fact remained undeniable. Even though Su Li hadn’t attended the assembly that day, the envoys still held deep fear and respect for him.
“Your Majesty, it’s late. Why are you still not sleeping?” Zhangsun Wu Fei entered the hall, carrying a bowl of lotus seed porridge, and gently placed it on the table. Over the years of their marriage, whenever Li Er worked late at night, she prepared a bowl of lotus seed porridge for him.
Li Er consumed the porridge in one gulp and then sighed deeply. “What’s on your mind? You seem troubled,” Zhangsun Wu Fei asked, showing genuine concern.
Li Er glanced at her and confided, “Wu Fei, do you think I’m making the right decisions?”
She sat beside him and tenderly touched his hand. “Your Majesty, your wisdom and thoughtfulness have always guided your decisions. I believe everything you’ve done is in the best interest of the dynasty.”
Li Er sighed once more. “But at what cost? I know the reality of it all. These envoys, the praise—they all stem from Su Li’s accomplishments. Yet, it feels like he’s the one receiving all the attention.”
Zhangsun Wu Fei smiled softly. “Isn’t that a good thing? Su Li’s feats are exceptional, showcasing the strength and prosperity of our dynasty. As his father-in-law, you should take pride in that.”
Li Er’s expression softened, and he held Zhangsun Wu Fei’s hand. “Wu Fei, it’s not just about my pride. There’s something else that troubles me.”
Zhangsun Wu Fei looked into his eyes, waiting for him to continue.
“Empress, do you remember when Changle fell ill...” Li Er began to recount the past events leading to Changle’s illness. As Zhangsun Wu Fei listened, her face paled.
“Gaoyang, that scoundrel!” Zhangsun Wu Fei uttered through clenched teeth. When Changle had fallen ill, the couple had endured sleepless nights and exhausted all methods, desperate to awaken their daughter. They had even resorted to the happiness-boosting technique suggested by Yuan Tiangang. Changle was their flesh and blood, and her illness had caused indescribable pain in Zhangsun Wu Fei and Li Er’s hearts. They had always believed it to be an unfortunate accident, never suspecting someone had orchestrated it from behind the scenes.
Although Zhangsun Wu Fei cursed Gaoyang, she knew deep down that they couldn’t execute her. Moreover, they couldn’t let this incident become public, as it would tarnish Li Er’s reputation. At that moment, Zhangsun Wu Fei couldn’t think of an appropriate punishment.
“Su Li brought this matter to my attention,” Li Er said with a bitter smile.
Hearing this, a chill ran down Zhangsun Wu Fei’s spine. She finally comprehended Li Er’s emotions. It was the kind of pressure that Su Li, a true nemesis to many, exerted on ordinary people. Su Li didn’t need to do anything. Merely expressing his dissatisfaction could make the Emperor and Empress anxious and uneasy.
“What... What did he say?” Zhangsun Wu Fei asked, her expression complex.
“He didn’t explicitly state that he wanted Gaoyang killed. Without consideration for Changle’s feelings, he simply suggested that Gaoyang should not appear before her in the future,” Li Er explained with a touch of helplessness.
Anger flashed across Zhangsun Wu Fei’s face. Su Li’s intention could be seen as a request, an order, or a threat, but it lacked any semblance of asking. After all, he was addressing Li Er, who was not just his father-in-law but also his sovereign. Su Li was not only Li Er’s son-in-law but also his subject. From any perspective, he shouldn’t have expressed such sentiments to Li Er, but he had nonetheless.
“How did you respond?” Zhangsun Wu Fei inquired, believing that Li Er wouldn’t easily concede.
At this point, the issue had transcended concerns about Gaoyang. It had become a confrontation between Su Li and Li Er.
In the next moment, Zhangsun Wu Fei’s eyes widened. “You’ve decided to arrange a marriage alliance with the Silla Kingdom and send Gaoyang there,” Li Er disclosed with a complex expression.