Chapter 85
Given Empress Zhangsun’s hands-off approach to government affairs, she wouldn’t help Changle in this matter. She might even think Su Li indulged too much in a Haven of Tenderness and did not focus on progress.
After all, Li Er and Empress Zhangsun were deeply in love, just like any couple would be more concerned about their common interests.
“This matter is not something the Empress can assist with. However, we need to find a way to deal with him!” Su Li pondered, rubbing his chin.
Soon, Su Li had a plan. If he couldn’t resolve the issue, he would deal with the person causing the problem!
Don’t misunderstand – Su Li wasn’t trying to eliminate Li Er. Instead, he realized that Li Er had been rather idle lately.
He thought that giving Li Er something to do might shift his attention. This way, Li Er might not have the energy to bother him. Following this line of thinking, Su Li quickly formulated a plan.
“His Majesty mentioned yesterday that he would bring the Empress and the little princess over today, right?”
Changle nodded, looking at Su Li’s smiling face. Somehow, she felt like there was a mischievous intent behind his smile.
…
At dusk, a carriage leisurely stopped at the entrance of the Princess’s Mansion. Li Er stepped out of the carriage and turned to look at Empress Zhangsun, who was holding the little princess. He smiled and said, “I already told Changle yesterday I would bring you here for a feast tonight. Speaking of which, the food in the mansion is truly outstanding! I brought the cooks from the other princess’s palaces back to the palace, but their dishes, despite being more creative, never quite match up to what’s prepared here.”
Empress Zhangsun chuckled lightly. “No wonder Your Majesty visits Changle’s place so frequently. It turns out you find your palace’s food not as delicious as Changle’s Mansion!”
“Haha, let’s go inside and see what new delicacies are on the menu today!”
Li Er laughed heartily and stepped through the gates.
Under the guidance of the female officer, Li Er and Empress Zhangsun made their way to the garden of the Princess’s Mansion. Before entering, they caught a whiff of pleasant fragrance wafting from inside.
“This aroma… Are we having a barbecue today?” Li Er pondered aloud, stepping through the entrance.
Without delay, he spotted Su Li and Changle seated shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the garden. In front of them lay a copper block with a polished surface.
These days, Li Er had often dropped by, aware that the object was called a stove.
Now, Li Er was interested in what was being cooked on the stove. Seeing Su Li and Changle about to stand, Li Er gestured for them to stay.
“What is this, and why have I never encountered it?” Li Er gestured towards the stove, inquiring.
Su Li grinned slightly and explained, “Indulging in delicate meals isn’t a healthy lifestyle. Occasionally, we should have some coarser fare for a balanced diet. These items are today’s main dishes, known as roasted sweet potatoes.”
With that, Su Li fetched prepared items from a nearby food container.
“This is called French fries. They taste quite good. Later on, you must give them a try!”
Roasted sweet potatoes? French fries? What are these? While he seemed to have voiced his query, Su Li’s words appeared both said and unsaid.
The names Su Li mentioned left Li Er even more perplexed. Considering that Su Li, a seasoned gourmet, presented these items as their main course, they certainly had to be edible.
However, could there be food items in the world that Li Er remained unaware of? As Li Er contemplated, he wasn’t letting pride cloud his thoughts.
Despite not having farming experience, his knowledge of crop types surpassed that of most peasants.
After all, “food is the paramount necessity of the people!”
The emperor’s main daily task was to ensure the well-being of his people. This involved managing the empire, making important decisions, and addressing various issues to ensure the citizens had enough food and were well cared for.
Li Er’s primary concern wasn’t internal uprisings or external threats but the welfare of his people. The grand court gathered some of the most intelligent individuals in the Great Tang.
Countless officers work tirelessly throughout the year, primarily focused on one thing, ensuring that people have enough to eat. Therefore, Li Er’s main worry revolved around food security.
If the people were well-fed, even significant matters in the court became secondary. However, if the people were hungry, the nation’s strength became fragile, no matter how prosperous it seemed.
Li Er understood that ensuring the people’s food supply was crucial. Therefore, he said, “Water can carry the boat and also cover the boat.”
As Su Li didn’t elaborate further, Li Er remained composed and sat comfortably.
“Sister, sister!” At this moment, the little princess in Empress Zhangsun’s arms reached out her chubby arms towards Changle, seeking a hug. Changle happily took her and held her.
The little princess’s attention was drawn between the roasted sweet potatoes and the French fries, and she appeared hesitant to open her mouth. Her adorable behavior amused everyone.
“The roasted sweet potatoes are still a bit hot. You can try the French fries first.”
Su Li handed the Little Princess a small plate of red dipping sauce.
“What’s this, brother-in-law?” The dish was small, but the Little Princess had to still hold it with both hands.
“This is called ketchup. Let me show you how to eat it.”
Su Li picked up a French fry, dipped it in sauce, and fed it to the Little Princess.
The Little Princess’s eyes lit up, and her round face showed immense satisfaction.
“It’s tangy and sweet, so delicious!”
Before finishing the fries in her mouth, she used her other hand to grab another one, mimicking Su Li’s actions. Li Er and Empress Zhangsun followed suit, enjoying the food.
“Indeed, it’s delicious!” Empress Zhangsun smiled after a few bites.
Li Er, who often dined at the Princess Mansion, wasn’t particularly impressed by the taste, although the French fries were good.
Li Er noticed that today’s Su Li seemed different than usual, making him feel that this meal was not as simple as it appeared.
He looked at Su Li thoughtfully but saw that Su Li was feeding Changle, who was holding the little princess and couldn’t spare his hands, with French fries.
“Ahem, brother-in-law, give me water!” The Little Princess suddenly waved her small arm and reached out towards Su Li. Su Li quickly handed her a cup of water.
The Little Princess drank the water in one go, but her subsequent reactions were peculiar. She began sticking her tongue out repeatedly and fanning the air near her mouth with one hand. She even extended the hand holding the cup towards Su Li.
“Sister, sister, I want more water!” Her unusual behavior piqued Li Er’s curiosity. Su Li then took a water bottle and poured a dark liquid into the Little Princess’s cup.
“What’s this?” Li Er furrowed his brows and asked.
Su Li smiled and said, “This is my special drink, Coke. It has a unique flavor that can make you feel refreshed and energized.”
“Oh? Then I’d like to try it.”
Li Er also took a glass of Coke.
Li Er found it interesting as the bubbles swirled in the cup, emitting a soft fizzing sound and took a sip. Instantly, Li Er was shocked.
The Coke burst onto his tongue, causing it to tingle intensely. He even thought he heard a popping sound in his mouth. This strong and unique sensation, mixed with sweetness, spread from his tongue to his throat.
Li Er couldn’t help but shiver. Seeing Li Er’s reaction, Su Li couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
“Couch Potato’s happy water” was not just an empty name, huh?
Although Li Er wasn’t “fat,” he enjoyed the happiness!
With just one sip, Li Er was already a fan of this drink called Coke. This drink was flavorful and refreshing, unlike bland fruit wines or intoxicating spirits. As Su Li said, a glass of Coke left him feeling refreshed.
“Good stuff!”
Li Er picked up another cup and handed it to Empress Zhangsun beside him. Observing his happy wife and daughter, Li Er gave Su Li a knowing look.
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