Chapter 13 - Li Shimin's troubles are overwhelming!

Chapter 13 - Li Shimin's troubles are overwhelming!

Chapter 13: Li Shimin’s troubles are overwhelming!

Empress Zhangsun, accustomed to a few bites a day, devoured a substantial meal this time. She abruptly ceased eating, glancing at the remaining fish soup and tomato scrambled eggs, opting not to continue.

Li Lizhi quickly inquired, “Queen, what’s the matter? Is something wrong?”

“Your father likely hasn’t experienced such delectable dishes. Lately, he’s been overworked. Take these to him!” Empress Zhangsun advised, referring to the enticing spread.

Changan City faced numerous challenges recently, with winter causing hardships for people elsewhere. Li Shimin’s son Wuji and others were tirelessly occupied.

“Mother, please eat first. We can discuss Father later,” Li Lizhi persuaded.

“The Queen Mother is satiated! Let’s leave it here for now,” Queen Zhangsun declined, sensing she had eaten enough.

The empress felt satisfied, so her maid returned with two hot water bottles.

“Your Royal Highness!”

Li Lizhi took the bottles, tested the temperature, and suggested, “It’s a bit warm now. Find something to wrap around them and place them by the Queen’s feet.”

The maid nodded, found a cloth, and Li Lizhi personally tucked one bottle into Empress Zhangsun’s quilt.

“How does it feel, Queen?” Li Lizhi inquired.

Eunuch whispered, “Your Majesty, maids from Lizheng Palace seek an audience!”

Glancing at the memorial, Li Shimin casually asked, “What’s the matter?”

“It seems to be on the empress’s orders, delivering something to Your Majesty!”

“Leave the things. Let them go back!” Li Shimin dismissed the maids, occupied with more pressing matters.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Soon, the eunuch entered the Forbidden City with the food box and whispered, “Your Majesty, the empress mentioned that the dishes are excellent, a rare delicacy in the world. Please taste them while they’re hot!”

Setting aside the memorial, Li Shimin smiled, feeling a sense of contentment.

“Set it aside for now,” he instructed. As the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin felt he had experienced almost everything and didn’t dwell on Empress Zhangsun’s words.

After contemplating, he inquired, “I haven’t been to Lizheng Palace for a few days. How is the Empress?”

The cautious eunuch replied, “Same as before, Your Majesty. The cold weather has triggered a recurrence of her old illness, and it seems... somewhat serious.”

Li Shimin sighed, “This weather is causing hardship for many people!”

Frustrated, Li Shimin reflected on the weather-related issues and the opportunistic price hikes by influential families, further exacerbating his annoyance.