Several maids in the yard, including the female officer, became busy. For a brief moment, Su Li was surprised to find that no one was staring at him. A smile appeared on Su Li's face. He realized that, despite the initial guardedness, the Princess's household seemed to have outwardly developed a level of respect for him.
However, Su Li knew that it was impossible for them to suddenly accept him, a consort and a male master who came out of nowhere and especially considering his peasant background. So, even as he took care of Princess Changle, he remained cautious. Su Li knew that it takes time to truly understand people's intentions.
In truth, Su Li was not as considerate and gentle as the female officer believed. His decision to neglect personal grooming was merely a strategy to earn more points, but he genuinely cared for Princess Changle as they were married. Why would anyone have any reluctance in taking care of their own wife?
Moreover, Su Li maintained optimism, knowing that Princess Changle had the potential to wake up.
Although there was no miraculous cure for Princess Changle's awakening in the past month, some affordable medicines for improving her physical condition were obtained. These medicines, ranging in price from 3,000 to 5,000, appeared six times. They included life potions and energy-invigorating herbs, which aimed to stabilize her body, nourish her energy and blood, and enhance her vitality. However, these remedies only addressed the physical aspect, not her consciousness. As a result, Princess Changle remained unconscious. Interestingly, the inherited asthma disease afflicting Changle was unexpectedly cured…
Su Li had acquired medical knowledge and was proficient in basic pulse diagnosis and monitoring Princess Changle's physical condition. Each day, upon waking up, he would check her pulse, assess her health, and provide targeted dietary supplements based on her pulse condition. Additionally, he would prepare life potions and energy-replenishing herbs, ensuring they were promptly given to Princess Changle.
The products generated by the system were of exceptional quality. From Su Li's professional perspective, they were effective medicines without any side effects. They could cure disorders and strengthen the body when necessary. Princess Changle was in a vegetative state, but her bodily functions remained normal. These medicines only affected the body and had no impact on her mental state.
Princess Changle suffered from congenital asthma, a chronic condition. While products like the 2000-point inferior life potion couldn't cure the condition completely, they could improve her situation. Although, the large quantity required was challenging.
Over the course of a month, Su Li purchased all the medicines beneficial to the body. Although they were not miraculous cures, each had a base value of 2,000 points, and he bought them six times in total, providing Princess Changle with system medicine worth nearly 20,000 points. Surprisingly, one day when Su Li checked Princess Changle's pulse, he discovered that her asthma disease had recovered.
Princess Changle's physical condition had significantly improved, and she appeared healthier and more vibrant than ever before. However, her consciousness remained temporarily dormant, and she couldn't be awakened.
After settling down with Princess Changle in his arms, Su Li didn't immediately begin telling her a story. Instead, he gently held her hands and rubbed them together. "Please, grant me a small attribute gift bag!" he requested, addressing the system.
Then, he opened the system mall for the day, eager to explore the available options.
[Product 1: Infinity Gloves (Snap your fingers to destroy the world. Of course, the premise is that you can do it.) Value: 18888w points.
Commodity 2: A small gift pack of attribute points (please don't need me to introduce you since I've bought it so many times?) Value: 10,000 points.
Commodity 3: Kryptonian blood (becoming stronger after exposure to the sun) Value: 13000w points.
Commodity 4: Memory of veterans who have fought in all battles (wearing gold armor in all battles in the yellow sand and will not be returned until Loulan is broken) Value: 30,000 points!
Commodity 5: Yan Gong regular script (you are the master of regular script, contemporary Yan Zhenqing) Value: 10w points
Currently available credits for the host: 194630
Commodity warehouse: salt-making technology, steel-making technology, some sundries…]
Su Li had an average daily earning of 30,000 points, which remained relatively stable. Although, after a month, only 150,000 points were saved due to issues with the steelmaking and salt-making techniques in the warehouse. The steelmaking technique was valued at 400,000 points, while the salt-making technique was worth 100,000 points.
Initially, Su Li believed that the purchase was costly but worth the investment. Although, upon buying it, he realized that he had made a significant mistake because the product possessed a crucial attribute. The product automatically generated the optimal formula, production method, and process scale based on the current environment. It proved to be incredibly comprehensive, from the smallest details, like formulas, to the larger aspects, like factory structure diagrams. Even if all the people in the entire Tang Dynasty pondered over it, they would struggle to come up with such an optimal production strategy.
Su Li had initial concerns that the product would only offer basic distillation and purification instructions. Yet, he understood that it went beyond the principles and encompassed the entire industrial chain. Su Li understood that while the principles were known, the toolset required for distillation, purification, and building a blast furnace for steelmaking were rare and critical components of the industrial process.
Once the industry became involved, if a related product had an issue, it could affect the entire product. This was also the most challenging step in translating knowledge into results.
Su Li noticed an intriguing hint in the product description. The introduction read:
[Salt-making technique: a complete guide to salt-making in the manual era, teaching you to build a large-scale salt-making industrial environment from the most primitive conditions.]
As expected, after purchasing the product, it turned out to be more than just a simple guide on refining salt. To put it precisely, it provided a comprehensive strategy for mass-producing refined salt in ancient environments. It included all related aspects, even covering the distribution of inland salt mines.
The same applied to the steelmaking method, which was worth 400,000 yuan. It not only explained the principles of steelmaking but also provided guidance on constructing a blast furnace in existing environments, producing coal coke, removing sulfur, and even included information on the distribution of coal and iron mines.
In simple terms, it was like having the solution handed to him on a silver platter. After making the purchase, Su Li only needed to invest a certain amount of financial and material resources. The technology tree provided a shortcut. These two products cost 500,000 points, and while they might not be immediately useful, they were undoubtedly worth the investment.
Secondly, he also bought 18 small gift packs of attribute points. This kind of high-quality and cheap product could only be said to be as good as possible, and it cost another 180,000 points. In addition, the cost of purchasing medicine for Princess Changle ranged from 30,000 to 50,000 yuan. After that, Su Li also bought various inexpensive sundries such as cola, toilet paper, pepper, and other seasonings. These items were classified as sundries by the system due to their low cost. Su Li bought a significant quantity, almost enough to open a restaurant, which consumed approximately a thousand points.
Therefore, Su Li only managed to save 190,000 points. This was mainly because the system mall's product refresh was random, with some items being unaffordable and causing him to be greedy. Sometimes, five products turned out to be useless, such as toilet paper, cola, soy sauce, and old soy sauce.
If it weren't for these factors, Su Li might not have been able to save any points. Apart from that, if he were to purchase as many attribute point gift packs as he desired, Su Li would definitely not be able to save any points.
Su Li purchased a total of 18 small gift packs of attribute points this month, which granted a total of 45 free attributes. Each small gift package provided an average of 2.5 free attributes, indicating good luck.
"Expand attributes!"
Su Li muttered silently and checked the current personal attribute panel.
Name: Su Li
Age: 23
Strength: 83 (points can be added)
Physique: 83 (points can be added)
Acuity: 63 (points can be added)
Comprehension: 69 (points can be added)
Charisma: 63 (points can be added)
Available free attributes: 0
Su Li focused on increasing both his strength and physique, prioritizing the latter for his vitality. His sharpness, charm, and savvy attributes remained unchanged, while his physique and strength had increased by over 20 points each.
Su Li's strength attribute, at 83, was quite remarkable. Though it fell short compared to the historical figures who held a tripod-like overlord, it was comparable to the strongmen of the present era. Su Li tested his strength in the Princess Mansion by effortlessly lifting and maneuvering decorative rocks weighing over 100 pounds. He estimated that his maximum strength might reach four to five hundred pounds, although it was difficult to determine accurately.
The improvement in physical fitness had a noticeable effect. Su Li's durability, endurance, and resistance to injuries significantly increased. Su Li observed that minor cuts healed twice as fast as before. Previously, a two-day healing time was reduced to just one day. While others needed 100 days to recover from an injury, Su Li only required 50 days. By continuously enhancing his physique, Su Li believed he was gradually becoming closer to the seemingly invincible "undead little strong."
With a highly enhanced physique, Su Li speculated that he might even achieve immortality and regenerate from a drop of blood. Su Li glanced at the system's refreshed products for the day, having unlocked the one-time portal previously. Returning home was no longer his priority after getting married to Princess Changle.
Furthermore, having an extra product refresh slot made it easier to explore various options. Su Li no longer paid attention to coveted items like the Infinity Glove or Superman Bloodline, considering them unaffordable and excessive. Even the Pan Gu Avatar, worth 999.9 billion, was just ignored. Su Li felt that the product page of the system must be a chaotic channel, which was clearly a historical trend.
In addition to the products that could only be viewed but not purchased, the system's refreshed products had some valuable options. These included items like toilet paper, french fries, fried chicken, Coke, pepper, and chili noodles. Each item was affordable, costing only a few points. Yet, the supply of eggs was limited and often bought up by Su Li, resulting in a messy inventory.
In short, the system's random product refresh covered a wide range of items. Apart from the common attribute point gift packs, everything else relied on chance. Occasionally, all five refreshed products for the day were useless.
Fortunately, this time was different. Su Li was able to purchase and use three products. The attribute point gift pack was a definite buy. Luckily, three free attribute points were offered, with +2 in physique and +1 in strength. Su Li's physique attribute reached 85, and his strength attribute reached 84. These innate attributes put Su Li equal to second-rate generals. The advantage was that Su Li's strength and physique were natural talents, without any physical training.
In other words, Su Li had significant potential for growth. With proper training in physical fitness and martial arts, Su Li could surpass even the renowned Cloud-Free Tang and become the world's best. Although Su Li's current focus was on earning points 24 hours a day, leaving no time for martial arts practice.
In a trance, Su Li experienced vivid memories of battle veterans. There were no fancy martial arts or flashy moves. On the battlefield, it was a matter of life and death, a struggle of knives, shots, and survival. The violent scenes filled Su Li's mind, reminding him that on the battlefield, he was just a pawn, vulnerable and lacking invincibility portrayed in TV shows. It was a constant cycle of survival and killing, relying on luck and experience.
After one battle, there was always another, making it feel like disposable consumables. Enlisting in the army and learning from senior soldiers, Su Li went from being cannon fodder to a broken soldier. Uncertain of the cause he fought for or whom he fought against, all he knew was that he had to pick up his knife and face death when confronted with the enemy. This was the reality for most soldiers, as the glory belonged to the generals.
Su Li's eyes gradually showed a hint of hostility. Although, as he looked at Princess Changle in his arms, the hostility in his eyes quickly disappeared. Speaking of impressive moves and skills, Su Li didn't possess such abilities, but when it came to facing his former self, he would undoubtedly display an overwhelming performance.
This improvement was the result of countless combat and survival experiences. While Su Li had considered using underhanded tactics, he knew they had no place on the battlefield. Focusing on such tactics would only lead to death.
Even first-rate generals who had just entered the battlefield without real battlefield experience would likely fall into Su Li's hands. There was only one lesson Su Li had learned, killed the enemy without hesitation. As long as the enemy remained alive, the danger persisted.
Yan Gong's regular script… Su Li pondered for a moment.
The system doesn't often refresh practical and precise products for purchase… but I should buy it.
Points quickly diminished, leaving just over 50,000 remaining.
After all… Yan Zhenqing's regular script showcased exceptional skill. Though it was just calligraphy, it was worth the hefty price of 100,000 points. Few calligraphers could rival Yan Zhenqing's talent. He was truly one of the most remarkable figures in calligraphy.
After a wave of commercialism subsided, Su Li found himself with just over 50,000 points remaining. He had successfully mastered the Yan Gong Regular Script, gaining valuable experience and further improving his abilities. Considering his veteran experience alone, Su Li was now estimated to barely rank among the top martial artists in terms of strength. COMMENT
With some additional training and refinement, he could be considered an upper-middle-level first-class general. Moreover, with his knowledge of the art of war, Su Li was an adept and invincible leader on the battlefield, both as a vanguard and a general.
In terms of literature, although he only had access to Yan Gong's regular script, Yan Zhenqing's regular script alone was sufficient to establish a distinguished calligraphy school. However, Su Li was in no rush to experiment but instead focused on earning points diligently by holding Princess Changle.
He went through his familiar stretching routine, taking the time to build a bond with Princess Changle over the course of a month. Gradually, she would get to know her husband. While there was still a hint of shyness in her heart during each intimate physical contact, she had grown accustomed to it.
Every night before falling asleep, she looked forward to the coming day. Though each day seemed unchanging, she couldn't help but feel a heightened sense of anticipation. What new stories would she hear tomorrow? Would he still be there to pick her up? It was a warm and ordinary existence, yet it held a world of possibilities.
She had entered into a marriage contract long ago, and her fate seemed sealed. However, the young girl always held onto various expectations and fantasies. She wondered if there would be a refined gentleman who could defy this predetermined destiny, appreciating her literary talents and embracing her spirit like precious jade. She also imagined the possibility of encountering a young general, accomplished and unbeatable in his youth.
Indeed, she held no affection for her cousin, Zhangsun Chong. Even after the marriage contract had been finalized, she felt no longing for her future partner. Then, one fateful day, her predestined fate was shattered. Yet, contrary to her hopes, it wasn't a noble gentleman or a conquering teenage general who came to her rescue. Instead, her husband was merely a humble peasant.
It appeared to be a far cry from her occasional fantasies. Nevertheless, she found herself drawn to this ordinary and uneventful daily life. She began to appreciate Su Li's meticulous care and consideration for her, as he stood by her side unwaveringly, regardless of time or place. The girl's longing had finally found a home, anchored firmly in her present reality.
Although it saddened her that she couldn't fully embrace this newfound happiness, and occasionally worried about the gains and losses in her heart. If she never managed to shake off these concerns, would Su Li continue to stand by her side forever?
Despite being aware of her consciousness, she still couldn't control her body, and incontinence had become a part of her daily routine. Though Su Li's presence and support gradually diminished the shame she felt, a lingering fear of potential rejection mixed with her yearning for gentle punishment began to cloud her thoughts.
She wondered if this was the way it would always be, unable to control even her bodily functions. Would Su Li truly stay with her, unwavering and without any disdain?
As her concerns about Su Li's gaze and her own imperfections grew, she became entangled within them. Therefore, even after conquering her sense of shame, it took Princess Changle a considerable amount of time to overcome her inner worries about gains and losses whenever she experienced incontinence.
Fortunately, as usual, every time the female officer cleaned herself up, Su Li would immediately hold her hand and provide gentle comfort and relief. Yet, Su Li was unaware of the sadness in the girl's heart, nor did he realize that, despite overcoming the fear of darkness and the shame of incontinence, the girl had started to worry about her own behavior.
Su Li was simply assisting Princess Changle with her daily activities, helping her move her body. Then, unexpectedly, a strange smell emerged. This moment was always embarrassing, humiliating, and deeply traumatizing for Princess Changle, no matter how many times she experienced it. Although the female officer would promptly help her clean up, and even though this was not the first time such an incident had occurred in front of her husband, Su Li would always call for the female officer to attend to it, consciously avoiding the situation and ensuring Princess Changle received immediate psychological support.
Su Li didn't feel repulsed by the humiliation. Instead, he quickly got up to summon the female officer. However, this time, there were no servants around. The female officer and her attendant were assisting Su Li in preparing for her bath. They had already acknowledged Su Li as their son-in-law and recognized his genuine care, love, and considerate treatment of Princess Changle. This was also the first time they had allowed Su Li and Princess Changle to be alone, as they had let their guard down.
In truth, the maids of the Princess Mansion had one primary hope and expectation for the son-in-law—to see him treat Princess Changle sincerely. After all, Princess Changle had always possessed a gentle nature, treating people kindly, and her beauty was adored by every maid in the mansion.
Regarding their acceptance of Su Li, it was crucial for the maids to witness his sincere treatment and meticulous care for Princess Changle. If they couldn't perceive his genuine intentions, it would be difficult for them to truly accept him.
Recognising Su Li's position as the male master, the situation caused him to pause for a moment. He was still holding Princess Changle, and it seemed that there wouldn't be anyone available for some time. However, the need to clean her body couldn't be delayed. After brief contemplation, Su Li made a decision.
"Miss, this time, I will personally take care of your bath," Su Li said.
...
For Changle, this moment was extremely humiliating. As usual, she waited for her husband to hand her over to the female officer. But after a long time without any movement, Changle suddenly realized that she hadn't heard any noise from the female officer and the maid for quite some time. A dreadful thought crossed her mind—could she and Su Li be the only ones in the yard now?
Princess Changle desperately wished for time to pass quickly during this humiliating moment, hoping to bury her head in the sand like an ostrich and pretend that nothing had happened. However, the smell that reached her nose shattered her illusion. Sensing her distress, Su Li embraced her, further tormenting Princess Changle's heart.
Just then, a gentle voice sounded in her ear. Princess Changle's thoughts froze. She truly wished to refuse Su Li's proposal. Who would anyone want the person they loved to witness their most embarrassing and humiliating moment?
I don't want to… she whispered silently, though tears refused to fall.
"I am your husband," Su Li murmured, his touch light against Princess Changle's face. "We should face it together." Su Li lifted Princess Changle with great tenderness and led her into the room. It was time to clean up the filth and not delay any longer.
Su Li had seen the female officer scrubbing Princess Changle's body on numerous occasions. Additionally, there was always readily available hot water and fresh clothes for Princess Changle in the house. Despite this convenience, Su Li couldn't shake off his unease. He gently set Princess Changle aside and fetched some hot water.
Deep down, Su Li knew that if Princess Changle were conscious, it would be more humiliating for him to scrub her body than it was for the female officer. After all, the officer's gender matched Princess Changle's, and the sense of shame could be overcome to some extent. But for Su Li, the situation was different. Firstly, he was a male, and secondly, he was Princess Changle's husband. It was evident that Princess Changle would find it difficult to accept.
This was the main reason why Su Li had never offered to clean Princess Changle's body himself. In her current state, her psychological well-being was of utmost importance. However, the present situation called for immediate action. Su Li couldn't leave Princess Changle in his arms and search for assistance. Waiting for someone to return was also out of the question.
For individuals in a vegetative state, timely cleaning and proper hygiene were crucial to prevent complications. Su Li knew that he needed to clean Princess Changle thoroughly, ensuring she remained dry and clean to avoid any health issues. Furthermore, honesty and openness were essential in their relationship as husband and wife.
Most importantly, in the journey of emotional intimacy, the couples who endured were often not the ones who solely appreciated each other's strengths but rather those who embraced each other's flaws. Husbands and wives were lifelong partners who supported one another. No matter how embarrassing the situation, they must offer each other the utmost tolerance and understanding. This was the path they had to follow.
Certainly, it was crucial for Su Li to provide Princess Changle with psychological support during the caretaking process.
"We are husband and wife…" Su Li said softly as he untied Princess Changle's garments.
"As the saying goes, when two people marry, they commit to love and care for each other. It's a bond that extends through generations, providing love and support for decades. What challenges can't be overcome?" Su Li spoke gently.
"Perhaps… one day, when you wake up, I might find myself lying in bed, unable to move…?" Su Li softly explained, uncertain if Princess Changle could hear him.
From Su Li's perspective, as Princess Changle's condition improved, she might become conscious for longer periods. Therefore, he would often engage in conversations and share stories, hoping they would have an emotional connection when Princess Changle finally woke up.
During that time, even if he couldn't indulge in unrestrained adventures as he did now, there would always be a foundation of love. They could live a normal life as a couple and still experience meaningful moments. At the very least, Su Li desired Princess Changle to accept him as her sudden husband.
He undressed her without any intrusive thoughts. Indeed, Su Li had no distracting thoughts as Princess Changle's current state was delicate.
How could one put it? Even fairies had bodily functions, and it seemed that was what made them human. When one disregarded the princess's status, appearance, and other superficialities, the essence of being human boiled down to eating and excreting. No one was exempt from this reality. Su Li did not find it repulsive either. Because he understood that this was a part of being human.
Time could not be deceived, and people would inevitably age. Being together as a married couple did not entail masking each other with filters but accepting one another without external appearances, embracing the truest essence of a partner.
She also defecated and passed gas… Her flatulence was as pungent as anyone else's, and she might even occasionally clog the toilet…
One had to acknowledge that the other person wasn't a perfect fairy. They were just human. She would have a prominent nose and occasionally release an unexpected fart while one's attention waned. Su Li attended to her meticulously, remaining composed throughout the process.
Just at that moment, the lady officer arrived. She had everything prepared for the bath and was about to call Su Li to accompany Princess Changle, but to her surprise, neither the princess nor Su Li was in the courtyard. She went inside the house to check and found Su Li helping Princess Changle undress.
"My son-in-law… I'll handle this…" Although the lady officer couldn't see clearly, she knew that it must be Princess Changle due to their absence.
The lady officer didn't realize that she had subconsciously overlooked Su Li's misconduct towards Princess Changle during their absence. Even when she witnessed Su Li undressing Princess Changle for the first time, she disregarded it. Her brain seemed to automatically ignore Su Li's inappropriate behavior towards Princess Changle, although she noticed that Princess Changle was in a vulnerable state.
Realizing this, the lady officer quickly approached Su Li with a complex expression on her face.
"It's almost done… I can take over," Su Li smiled.
The lady officer noticed that although Su Li wasn't as skilled at bathing as she was, he was being careful and serious. Moreover, he didn't seem disgusted at all.
The lady officer also realized that she genuinely approved of Su Li in her heart. Despite witnessing all the hardships that Princess Changle had endured, Su Li accepted and cared for her without reservation.
"I…" The lady officer began, but Su Li interrupted gently.
"After all, I am a son-in-law, aren't I? This is what I should do."
The lady officer was momentarily stunned, but as she looked at Su Li's sincere expression, she couldn't help but smile. She then bowed in salute.
"Yes, you are the consort of the Princess Mansion!" she emphasized once again.
"However, as the son-in-law, you shouldn't be undressing her. I have taken care of the princess until now. I instructed the maids to prepare the bathing necessities, and I also advised you to take a bath and rest," the lady officer said, smiling.
"Huh? Do I look dirty?" Su Li realized, in a daze, that he had been so absorbed in earning points for over a month that he had neglected his personal appearance.
"Your son-in-law should take a look in the mirror…" The lady officer smiled and pointed at the bronze mirror, exhibiting the affectionate demeanor of an aunt caring for a younger relative.
Being almost forty years old, she had watched Princess Changle grow up. Now, witnessing Su Li's devoted care for the unconscious princess, even assisting her with bathing without showing any discomfort, the lady officer fully acknowledged Su Li's role.
Su Li heard her words and looked at the bronze mirror. Goodness… his hair was messy, his overall appearance disheveled, and his beard unkempt…
Under these circumstances, he truly needed to tidy up his personal image. Although scoring points was important, he realized it was also necessary to take care of his own appearance. After all, it would take some time before he could accumulate enough points.
Su Li could also sense the lady officer's warmth. When she had instructed the servants in the mansion to prepare for the bath, Su Li knew that he had solidified his position as a son-in-law in the princess's mansion.
Well… he deserved a bath to celebrate.
Although, Su Li didn't leave immediately but planned to have another conversation with Princess Changle. After all, she had just experienced a humiliating incident.
"You should summon the minister!" The lady officer, who happened to be a minister in the Princess Mansion, stopped Su Li with a smile. It was worth mentioning that she held a prominent position within the mansion.
"My son-in-law, please go and take a bath," the lady officer urged.
"Changle…" Su Li attempted to speak, but the lady officer interrupted.
"I understand, son-in-law. Hurry up and don't keep the princess waiting," the lady officer responded, her face displaying a kind smile as she looked at the freshly cleaned and dressed Princess Changle, whom Su Li had attended to.
"Hmm…" Su Li nodded and exited the room.
Once Su Li left, the lady officer settled down slowly beside the bed, holding Princess Changle's hand.
The lady officer was an introverted individual, always speaking sparingly but giving her utmost effort. She had been appointed as the governor of the Princess House by Zhangsun Wu Fei and had become the housekeeper in Princess Changle's household.
When Changle was merely six years old, it was the first time she had slept in a separate bed from her mother. The female officer had embraced and comforted little Princess Changle for a long, long time.
From that moment onward, she watched Princess Changle grow up step by step.
Princess Changle seemed to have inherited Zhangsun Wu Fei's character flawlessly—never frivolous or overbearing, knowledgeable in her studies and etiquette, well-mannered, and beautiful.
Although the female officer was merely a courtier, she quietly regarded Princess Changle as her own child. She observed Princess Changle's growth every step of the way from her early years.
One day, Princess Changle decided to enter into a marriage contract. On that day, she approached a female officer and asked her about the meaning of marriage. The female officer, who was also unmarried, confessed that she did not know what marriage entailed. Changle then expressed her reluctance to marry her cousin. However, this marriage seemed ideal to many due to Zhangsun Chong being the eldest son of Zhangsun Wuji who was the brother of Empress Zhangsun Wu Fei, as well as being highly regarded and attractive. The female officer did not believe Zhangsun Chong was a suitable match for Princess Changle.
Despite Zhangsun Chong's prestigious background, the female officer felt that his lack of genuine care for Princess Changle made him an unsuitable partner. However, as a mere female officer in the Princess Mansion, she had no authority to voice her objections. No one could challenge the decisions made by the Queen, the King, and Zhangsun Wuji.
Later on, Princess Changle suddenly fell into a coma, and a person named Su Li appeared. The female officer was particularly dissatisfied. Su Li and Zhangsun Chong were complete opposites. Although she denied Zhangsun Chong's sincerity towards the princess, she had to admit that Su Li was incomparable to him. Su Li was merely a peasant, but the only aspect where Zhangsun Chong could compete with him was in terms of looks.
As time passed, the female officer witnessed Su Li's constant thoughtfulness, gentleness, and meticulousness.
She couldn't help but say with a smile on her face, "Princess… I think… This son-in-law is truly remarkable!" She spoke softly while looking at the still-sleeping Princess Changle.
...
On the other side, Su Li entered the bathing area, where a maid was already waiting. Upon entering, the maid began to undress him. However, Su Li declined their assistance, indicating that he would handle it himself. The maids respected his wishes and stepped back. Su Li removed his clothes and untied his hair, taking a moment to comb through the tangles. With a smile, he stepped into the barrel of water, which had the perfect temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
The warmth of the water enveloped Su Li's body as he leaned back against the wooden barrel, a hint of regret in his eyes. Recently, he had been somewhat absent-minded in his quest to earn points. It was because Su Li felt that once Princess Changle woke up, he might not have the opportunity to earn points like this again.
He reminded himself to seize the chance and focus on improving himself. Suddenly, a message from the system appeared.
[Congratulations to the host, unlocking new intimate actions and gaining the skill: Never Lost! (Your sense of direction is so strong that every step you take is a map, you won't get lost even if you close your eyes, no matter where you go, and it's like coming home to you! What are you waiting for? (Seal the wolf and go!)]
Su Li's eyes lit up with excitement. He wasn't aware of the skill's exact value, as he needed to refresh the system's product page. Nevertheless, just hearing the description made it seem like a miraculous skill, especially considering his newfound knowledge of the art of war and his military background.
For military strategists, this skill was undoubtedly a dream come true. It reminded Su Li of the feats achieved by legendary generals like Huo Qubing, Li Jing, and Lan Yu. Their accomplishments, such as crossing borders that the Xiongnu couldn't breach, paled in comparison. Su Li realized that sealing a wolf into a house, an expression often used to describe extraordinary achievements, was no longer difficult for him. With his comprehensive understanding of the art of war, he could appreciate the true difficulty behind such accomplishments.
First and foremost, let's discuss the marching route…
People often described Huo Qubing as venturing deep into the Xiongnu hinterland. Even in modern times, Huo Qubing's remarkable success was attributed to his capture of the Xiongnu's guide. Although, those who drew such conclusions were often mistaken.
Li Guang, for instance, didn't know how to capture the Hun guide, did he? The Huns themselves weren't particularly clever either, lacking the foresight to fortify vulnerable areas against enemy penetration. If it were as simple as that, Huo Qubing wouldn't have needed to wait until reaching the hinterland. Furthermore, there wouldn't have been just one Huo Qubing throughout the entire Han dynasty capable of preventing the wolves from encroaching.
Where did Huo Qubing march? The desert and Gobi Desert were not grasslands. That place could be considered a forbidden zone for humans. Even the most seasoned merchants from the Western Regions would lose their way there.
What was even more astounding was that Huo Qubing, as a native Han Chinese, navigated this treacherous terrain effortlessly, as if he had a built-in GPS system in the desert and Gobi Desert, where the Huns were too afraid to tread in large numbers. The desert and Gobi Desert served as both a natural defense for the Huns and a precarious position like a city with its back against the cliffs.
Huo Qubing's march through the desert and Gobi Desert was as challenging as scaling a cliff to attack an opponent's city. The vastness of these regions made it difficult for the Huns to defend themselves effectively. Moreover, a Han general leading a raid from within was similar to parachuting an elite army into the enemy's hinterland, employing strategies that seemed like magic.
If the Xiongnu were to send generals capable of leading troops to appear in the Central Plains' hinterland without disturbing the three outer passes, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty would have been left with no choice but to concede defeat.
Huo Qubing's exceptional ability lay in his seemingly innate sense of direction. He possessed knowledge of traversing the boundless yellow sand that surpassed even that of the local Huns. He could anticipate the Huns' positions better than the locals themselves.
Wouldn't it be… if I were to mention ninety… and never lose my way… and be reborn as a wolf?, Su Li thought.
From the west to the north of the Central Plains, vast deserts and limitless permafrost stretched out. These were untamed regions that no native had truly explored and understood. If one could overcome the challenge of losing their way, Su Li, for instance, could completely sweep through the sparsely populated northwest direction of the vast land, becoming their worst nightmare.
Take another look at Su Li's own attributes… Being not far from ninety meant that sealing the wolf was just within reach.
Which man had never dreamed of riding into battle? However, Su Li remained a diligent person. If his attribute points were not at their maximum, he would simply think about it. After acquiring the life experience of a seasoned warrior, Su Li finally understood that real combat was unpredictable. Besides falling on the battlefield, there were numerous peculiar ways to meet one's death. Sometimes, even a minor wound infected with tetanus could lead to death. Su Li decided against stocking up on additional medicine and instead focused on improving his physical fitness. He had no intention of venturing onto the battlefield.
Furthermore, during the early years of the Tang Dynasty, opportunities for glory were abundant, and even if Su Li were unbeatable, it would be merely a bonus. Besides, he was not eager to rush into the battlefield like a frantic mite. What was the hurry?
Su Li scrubbed his body after soaking in jujube water for a while. It had become quite filthy after not showering for over a month. The grey filth scraped off his body could have been used to make noodles. Once he thoroughly washed his hair, Su Li changed his clothes and emerged from the inner room.
Upon leaving the inner room, several maids were already waiting in the outer room. "Sir, please have a seat!"
Su Li knelt down and took a seat while the maids brought towels one after another. They carefully separated Su Li's hair into strands, washing and drying them carefully. In ancient times, hair dryers didn't exist, and everyone typically had long hair. Even after wiping it, Su Li's hair remained damp, so he had to wait for it to dry naturally. Of course, this was the practice of the less fortunate. In wealthier households, servants would usually hold towels with excellent water absorption, carefully separating and drying the strands of hair. It was time-consuming, but the less fortunate couldn't afford such luxuries.
Ah… Who wouldn't know about the corrupt life of feudalism… Su Li thought. No wonder everyone hated corruption, it was like everyone wanted a taste of it, didn't they?
This was the first time Su Li experienced the treatment he deserved as a son-in-law. It felt pleasant, but Su Li didn't allow himself to pamper. He believed it was better to focus on earning points. After drying his hair, Su Li hastily departed.
When Su Li arrived, the female officer who had been taking care of Princess Changle was the one present. Upon seeing Su Li's arrival, the female officer tactfully stepped back.
Su Li continued with the rehabilitation treatment for Princess Changle, as he had been doing all along. He diligently carried out the treatment as usual, following the established routine.
During the noon mealtime, Su Li proceeded to feed Princess Changle, ensuring she received her nourishment. He adhered to the regular feeding schedule, ensuring the princess was well cared for.
In the afternoon, Su Li maintained his practice of holding Princess Changle and captivating her with stories. He kept her company and entertained her with engaging tales, as he had done before.
Su Li couldn't help but notice a significant change in the female officer's attitude toward him. He sensed that her respect for him was merely superficial and lacked sincerity. However, Su Li chose not to complain about it. After all, he recognized that as the governor of the Princess Mansion, the female officer held a prestigious position. The queen had personally appointed her as the housekeeper of the Princess Mansion.
In light of these circumstances, Su Li silently endured this arrogant behavior and occasional embarrassment. Being shown superficial respect already exceeded his expectations, considering the hierarchies at play. However, he noticed a distinct shift in the female officer's behavior towards him, indicating a more cordial approach.
For instance, during meals, the female officer took the initiative to inquire about Su Li's preferences and catered to his tastes. She even went so far as to ask if he needed anything regarding shopping. Moreover, when conversing with Su Li, her tone became noticeably gentler, and her respect seemed to emerge from a deeper place rather than being merely superficial.
Su Li, didn't exploit these changes to make additional demands. He remained content with the abundant food provided in the Princess Mansion. Given the limited choices available, it made more sense to have some say in what he ate each day instead of relying on randomness. Anyway, the food in the Princess Mansion was worse than eating cornbread in the field.
As for shopping, Su Li had no real needs beyond managing his scanty savings. He saw no reason to make any lavish requests.
And so, the days passed swiftly, each one blending into the next, following the familiar routine with a few subtle differences. Nightfall arrived, and Su Li carefully carried Princess Changle to her bed, then picked up his small stool and naturally sat by her bedside.
To be honest, sitting on a small stool and sleeping by the bedside was truly uncomfortable. The discomfort and stiffness in his body were undeniable, leaving him without any true restful sleep experience.
When Su Li woke up the next day, his entire body ached, and his back was sore from the uncomfortable sleeping. However, he persisted, knowing that this was his duty and the way to earn more points.
The notable advantage for Su Li was his ability to gain attribute points periodically. Currently, his physique and strength attributes surpassed those of ordinary individuals, so the less-than-ideal sleeping conditions in such a restful environment didn't have much impact.
Nevertheless, sleeping on a small stool was certainly less comfortable than a bed, even with his heightened physical attributes. However, Su Li didn't mind because he woke up full of energy, and Princess Changle was still asleep. Since there was more than one bed in the room, Su Li had the option to sleep on a bed if he wished. No one forced him to endure such discomfort. Princess Changle simply slept in a separate bed.
For the sake of gaining attribute points, Su Li considered the minor discomfort insignificant. He would willingly endure it to accumulate seven or eight thousand points steadily. The long nights seemed to pass by swiftly.
Su Li remained calm as he sat down, took hold of Princess Changle's little hand, and lay down next to her bed. The female officer had become accustomed to this sight. Su Li performed this ritual every night, even if it meant sleeping on a small stool.
Initially, the female officer believed that Su Li was merely putting on a show. She even anticipated his distressed appearance the next day when he would reluctantly return to his own bed with a sore back and aching legs.
However, that was not the case. Night after night, Su Li continued this routine, and each morning the female officer could hear the sound of Su Li's stretching exercises, unique music playing in the background.
What exceeded the female officer's imagination was that Su Li not only chose to sleep on the small stool but also held Princess Changle's hand. Apart from necessary trips to the washroom, Su Li remained by Princess Changle's side almost constantly throughout the day.
It seemed as if Su Li couldn't bear to be separated from Princess Changle even for a moment. This had been going on for a month now. Su Li never displayed any reluctance. As a woman, I could sense that Su Li was not only willing but eager.
"My son-in-law, go to bed and get some rest," the female officer said softly, looking at Su Li lying beside Princess Changle's bed.
"Um?"
"Um?"
Su Li turned his head, disbelief etched on his face.
"My son-in-law, you have been taking care of the princess during the day, and I'm afraid your body won't be able to handle it much longer," the female officer explained.
She understood that Su Li preferred sleeping on the stool rather than in a separate bed, so she tactfully avoided mentioning it.
Happiness had arrived so suddenly that Su Li found it hard to believe. Yet, when he thought about it more carefully, it made sense. He was the son-in-law and husband of Princess Changle, so it was only natural for husband and wife to share a bed. The only reason things were different now was because of Princess Changle's special condition, which required time for the female officer to accept and understand Su Li's character.
Now that the female officer, and even the entire princess mansion, acknowledged him, why shouldn't he sleep in the bed? Besides, going to bed didn't mean the female officer would leave. After all, Princess Changle was still in a coma, so it was out of the question for anyone to leave her unattended except for Su Li.
Even though he was being monitored, it was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Su Li.
I've done good deeds my whole life, and this is my reward! Su Li grinned, and without any hesitation, he rolled onto the bed. COMMENT
When Su Li lay on the bed and tightly embraced Princess Changle, he felt a fluttering sensation in his heart. Princess Changle's body was incredibly soft and warm, radiating a pleasant heat. As Su Li watched the clock ticking every two seconds, a sense of contentment filled his heart. This moment was equally thrilling for Princess Changle. She could clearly sense Su Li lying beside her, and a myriad of peculiar ideas rushed through her mind.
Young Changle knew that husbands and wives slept in the same bed, so she sometimes wondered if she and Su Li were a genuine couple. After all, they had yet to share a bed together. Despite gradually growing accustomed to the warmth and care Su Li bestowed upon her, little Changle would occasionally entertain embarrassing thoughts in her heart. When would she wake up and sleep on the same bed as Su Li, like a true couple?
Princess Changle could feel Su Li holding her hand by the bedside at night, so where did he sleep? Was it on the floor? But now… Su Li was lying on the bed, sharing the same sleeping space with her. They had become a genuine couple. Of course, young Changle didn't understand the intricacies of romance between men and women. She simply believed that couples slept together in one bed and eventually had children.
Then… will I have a baby too? A strange notion sprouted in Princess Changle's mind. After all, she was already sharing a bed with Su Li. But she was still unconscious. How could she have a baby?
Oh, what will it be like if we have children? Will they resemble me or my husband? Changle thought.
Shyness and a plethora of peculiar thoughts overwhelmed Princess Changle's mind. In the midst of her chaotic thoughts, Princess Changle felt a large, warm hand supporting her head, and Su Li gently cradled Changle's head in his arms. He placed the palm of Changle's hand on his chest, seeking comfort and reassurance.
Hmm… This way, I won't have to worry about losing points for getting too close while I sleep, Su Li happily pondered after adjusting his posture.
For Changle, what she experienced was an incredibly warm chest. It felt hot, and she could even feel her hand resting on Su Li's chest. Where was his heart beating? It throbbed strongly and powerfully.
I really want to touch it… Princess Changle secretly yearned, desiring to physically connect with Su Li. Although she couldn't fulfill this wish and it remained impossible, the night was still sleepless for Princess Changle.
On the other hand, Su Li slept soundly, finding the bed much more comfortable than a small bench. Moreover, he had Princess Changle's relaxed body in his embrace. And with the rapid rise of his points, he was enjoying a double harvest in his career and love life. Although he had to wake up occasionally to adjust Changle's sleeping position during the night, it was still a restful night for him.
Upon awakening the following day, Su Li stretched his body, feeling refreshed without the usual groaning of muscles and bones. He felt transparent and comfortable, free from the stiffness of sleeping on a small stool.
"The son-in-law's breakfast is ready," the female officer remarked upon seeing Su Li stirring.
"Feed Changle first, and then I'll eat," he replied.
The female officer nodded and left the room to instruct the maid to bring the liquid food for Princess Changle. Taking advantage of the moment, Su Li glanced at the products that had been refreshed by the system that day.
[Product 1: A box of Coke (Fat House Happy Water) Value: 2 points!
Commodity 2: A roll of toilet paper (to save you from the distress of going to the toilet) Value: 1 point!
Commodity 3: A serving of barbecue dipping sauce (eating roast beef is a beautiful thing) Value: 1 point!
Commodity 4: Attribute point gift pack (1-3 free attribute points will be given randomly!) Value: 10,000 points!
Commodity 5: A serving of hot pot base (just hot pot and hot pot) Value: 1 point!
Available credits: 72342!]
"It's all rubbish…" Su Li spat and then emptied the system store.
They were all meaningless sundries. Although, he considered that when Princess Changle woke up, they could enjoy coke, barbecue, and hot pot together, which were likely food items. While palace cuisine could be visually stunning, excessive indulgence in it became monotonous. In this era, there were no rich condiments or exciting flavors, not even stir-fried dishes.
With the abundance of spices, culinary techniques, and his own efforts, Su Li believed he could open a restaurant. However, since Changle had not yet awakened, he didn't have the opportunity to enhance the food. It wouldn't be lavish, and it wouldn't go to waste if he purchased some seasoning.
He also obtained another small gift pack of attribute points, which was acceptable. Rubbing his hands together, he held Princess Changle's little hand with one hand while using the other to open the gift pack with a click.
[Congratulations to the host, the luck is overwhelming, and you get three free attributes!]
It was still a combination of physical strength and balanced development. Physique and strength reached 86 points simultaneously.
People like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei will probably surpass 90 in innate attributes. But you can't rush into the battlefield. Set a small goal and raise it to 100 before considering fighting! Su Li thought.
He was now the consort of a high-ranking man, and the Tang dynasty had once again achieved a state of peace. Ever since Li Jing had defeated the Turkic peoples, the Tang dynasty had entered an assertive and open period.
While Su Li didn't want his family to suffer while the country flourished, he still yearned to fulfill his dream of being a warrior on the battlefield. Naturally, he aimed to increase his attribute points to avoid being caught off guard. Feeling somewhat fortunate today, he received a small gift package of attribute points for two consecutive days, with three attributes being granted each time.
Su Li happily accepted the porridge prepared for Princess Changle from the maid. The porridge was different from the usual millet porridge. It contained chopped vegetables, seasonings, and crushed egg whites. In short, it tasted absolutely delicious, with a different flavor each day.
After finishing the porridge, a glass of fruit juice awaited her. Su Li followed his usual routine, serving the porridge to cool down and gently placing it on Princess Changle's lips. As she instinctively swallowed, the warm porridge made its way into Princess Changle's stomach, gradually awakening her consciousness through the physiological stimulation.
Last night marked the first time she shared a bed with Su Li. Princess Changle had been contemplating the matter of conceiving a child, consumed by worries and unable to sleep. Consequently, she even dozed off before having her meal.
Observing the heartwarming scene before her, the female officer looked at her son-in-law, whom she fully approved of, as he tenderly fed the princess warm porridge. Wasn't this the perfect match she had envisioned for Princess Changle?
However, the serene moment was abruptly interrupted by a call.
"Governor… Young Master Zhangsun Chong is here to visit…"
As soon as the maid's voice trailed off, footsteps echoed through the courtyard, accompanied by Zhangsun Chong's voice.
"Cousin… I've come to see you!"
There was a hint of coldness on the face of the female officer, indicating her displeasure. What angered her was the fact that even though Princess Changle was now married to her son-in-law, then how could Zhangsun Chong still enter the princess's mansion without any prior notification.
Previously, Zhangsun Chong was Princess Changle's cousin, and the current queen was Zhangsun Chong's biological aunt. Additionally, Zhangsun Chong had a marriage contract with Princess Changle, which allowed him to enter the inner courtyard of the princess's mansion without the need for notification. This arrangement was considered acceptable in the past.
However, now that the princess was married, Zhangsun Chong had become an outsider from all perspectives. This indicated that the guards of the Princess Mansion didn't view Su Li as a legitimate son-in-law nor did they take him seriously. It was a serious neglect of their duty.
As the governor of the Princess Mansion, she theoretically had the authority to control personnel transfers throughout the mansion. But with Zhangsun Chong being able to freely access the inner courtyard, it was not only a humiliation to the son-in-law but also a personal affront to her.
The female officer didn't possess a complex mind. She simply wished the best for Princess Changle and had approved of Su Li as her son-in-law. Naturally, she acknowledged his status as the male master. However, Zhangsun Chong's sudden visit was unacceptable for her as the governor of the Princess Mansion.
"My son-in-law… I must decline…" The female officer appeared embarrassed as she bowed to Su Li with a tinge of guilt.
"It's alright…" Su Li waved his hand, assuring her.
After a month of interaction, Su Li understood that the female officer was stern on the surface but had a warm heart. Considering that she had accepted his position as the male master, it was highly unlikely that she would deliberately try to counteract him.
There were only two possible reasons for the current situation. One possibility was that although Su Li had gained approval from the maids and female officers in the inner court, he had yet to gain recognition from the outer court. This was understandable since Su Li hadn't ventured outside the inner court since his marriage, and people in the outer court were unfamiliar with him.
The other possibility was simply a matter of conventional thinking…
Su Li was aware of the historical engagement between Zhangsun Chong and Princess Changle, as well as Zhangsun Chong's privileged status as the Queen's biological nephew. Due to his influential background, Zhangsun Chong had developed a sense of entitlement and continued to view Princess Changle as unmarried, disregarding the fact that she had already wedded another.
"Allow him to enter… After all, he is Changle's cousin," Su Li said, recognizing that aside from the annulled marriage contract, Zhangsun Chong held a legitimate familial connection to Princess Changle. There was no rational basis to criticize his presence.
"I apologize…" The female officer saluted once again. Su Li simply smiled and gestured for her to leave.
Once the female officer exited the room, she greeted Zhangsun Chong and hurried inside.
"How is she? How is my cousin?" Zhangsun Chong approached the female officer and inquired anxiously.
To be honest, Zhangsun Chong had no desire to be there. After all, his cousin was already married. However, he had been compelled to come by his father's orders. From Zhangsun Chong's perspective, Su Li, his cousin's husband, was a mere puppet. He believed that he might not even have the opportunity to see his cousin, viewing her an unlucky individual tied to a peasant.
"She has yet to regain consciousness. The son-in-law is attending to her in the room. Please go inside," the female officer responded with indifference.
Her words struck Zhangsun Chong like a blow.
"What?" Zhangsun Chong's expression transformed!
How could that lowly peasant dare to do such a thing?
Despite his cousin's marriage, Zhangsun Chong still believed that Su Li was nothing more than a lowly peasant. In his eyes, Su Li's status in the mansion was likely inferior to that of a servant. Although the marriage contract had been nullified, the revelation that a humble peasant was caring for his once-beloved cousin was unbearable for Zhangsun Chong.
There were incredible doubts and indescribable anger.
That… was Princess Changle's bedroom!
Although Zhangsun Chong used to be able to enter the inner courtyard of the princess's residence without notice, he had never been to Princess Changle's bedroom before.
That was a place he had never set foot in!
In Zhangsun Chong's heart… some terrible thoughts arose!
How could he step into his cousin's bedroom? How did he even have the courage to provide for his cousin? Where the hell was he when he wasn't taking care of her? Was he sleeping here as well?
"Who is your son-in-law?" The female officer hesitantly looked at Zhangsun Chong's bewildered expression, moved his feet, and opened his mouth to ask.
"No… I mean, you are not responsible for the daily care and feeding of my cousin…" Zhangsun Chong looked at the head of the princess's residence standing in front of him.
Zhangsun Chong was very familiar with the head of the Princess Mansion. After all, she was the steward of the Princess Mansion and had been appointed by the Queen.
Therefore, Zhangsun Chong used to be very obedient, and the female officer's attitude towards him wasn't as good as it used to be.
Um…Is it not disrespectful? Zhangsun Chong thought.
Don't female officers always salute when they see him? Zhangsun Chong suddenly realized something.
"As the husband of a princess, the son-in-law works tirelessly day and night to serve her. Isn't that natural?" the female officer said calmly.
The corner of Zhangsun Chong's mouth twitched, and he looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar head of the Princess Mansion in front of him.
There is nothing technically wrong with what the female officer says, but he really wants to ask why? Isn't Su Li just a humble peasant? Why? How does he deserve to serve the princess? He is merely a lowly peasant to be buried with. Do you, the head of the Princess Mansion, truly consider him a son-in-law? Zhangsun Chong thought.
But with only a twitch of his mouth, Zhangsun Chong couldn't bring himself to say it. After a long moment of silence, Zhangsun Chong finally entered the room.
Upon entering, his eyes were met with a scene that shattered his heart. Sitting beside Princess Changle's bed, Su Li gently spooned porridge into her mouth. He blew on it softly before bringing it to her lips, even using his fingers to delicately wipe away any traces left behind.
Su Li turned his head and smiled at Zhangsun Chong.
Hmm… He is a rather handsome young man if not for his pale complexion. He's quite presentable. Zhangsun Chong thought.
Zhangsun Chong couldn't help but gaze at Su Li, and upon closer examination, he realized that Su Li's appearance was flawless. Comparing himself to Su Li, Zhangsun Chong had to admit that Su Li was more attractive.
"My esteemed elder cousin has graced us with a visit, and the room is filled with splendor. I have some matters to attend to and cannot welcome you properly," Su Li said with a smile.
"You…" Zhangsun Chong began, wanting to say something, but remembering his father's stern expression, he ultimately chose to remain silent.
"My cousin's complexion has improved greatly… I still remember how my cousin used to play with me before falling ill, but now things have come to this… I heard from the head of the residence that you've been working tirelessly day and night to care for my cousin. It seems your efforts have paid off," Zhangsun Chong remarked.
Su Li glanced at Zhangsun Chong and could sense the hidden sarcasm in his tone. He was suggesting that Su Li was a fortunate peasant who lucked into marrying the princess because of his cousin's illness. In the end, Zhangsun Chong even commended Su Li for his supposedly great contributions, all in a masterful tone…
But…, It was quite weird.
Su Li didn't feel angry about Zhangsun Chong's sarcastic remarks. On the contrary, he found them somewhat amusing. In his second life, Su Li thought that Zhangsun Chong was incompetent and infuriating at best. Deep down, Su Li couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he, 'a commoner' had taken Zhangsun Chong's place as Princess Changle's husband.
Well… Although Zhangsun Chong might not be willing to marry a princess who was in a vegetative state, seeing his former fiance leaning in someone else's arms would likely leave a bitter taste in his mouth.
Princess Changle did not like Zhangsun Chong, their secret marriage contract hadn't been made public yet. Given the lack of significant progress between them, it wasn't surprising for Zhangsun Chong to react in such a manner.
After all, in the context of a romantic novel, this would be a case of the green plum being no match for a heaven-sent one. In terms of the storyline, it would be a case of the main character tragically falling victim to the cunning actions of others.
Su Li didn't even bother responding to Zhangsun Chong's inexplicable hostility.
Before Su Li could speak, the female officer interjected, "The princess's improved complexion is undoubtedly the result of her son-in-law's significant contributions."
The smart female officer sensed the underlying bitterness in Zhangsun Chong's tone. Even if she hadn't recognized Su Li's true identity, she still intended to defend him. After all, Su Li held the official position of the princess mansion's male master, representing the princess's reputation.
The female officer didn't particularly like Zhangsun Chong, especially after witnessing Princess Changle's collapse. Zhangsun Chong was left speechless by the female officer's comment casting a resentful gaze toward Su Li. However, he soon realized that Su Li had no intention of engaging with him. He was being completely ignored. An indescribable anger welled up within Zhangsun Chong, but he knew remaining silent was better than to respond because his stern father loomed at home, ready to punish him severely if he dared to cause trouble in the Princess Mansion.
For a while, the atmosphere grew tense and silent. Zhangsun Chong stood there silently, his gaze fixed on Su Li. Su Li continued to ignore him, focusing solely on feeding Princess Changle.
After breakfast, Su Li followed his usual routine and hugged Princess Changle.
Zhangsun Chong suddenly interjected, asking, "What are you doing?"
"I'm taking Changle out to stretch her muscles and enjoy the sunlight," Su Li replied with a smile.
Zhangsun Chong became furious, unable to bear the sight of his former love being attended to by another man.
"Changle is still unconscious," he protested.
"The imperial doctor has recommended this as beneficial to the princess's condition," the female officer intervened, stopping Zhangsun Chong before he could take any further action.
Helplessly, Zhangsun Chong could only watch as Su Li carried Princess Changle out of the room and into the yard, feeling defeated and unsure of what to do next. But then, he witnessed a scene that made him even more dizzy.
Su Li gently manipulated Princess Changle's body, treating her like an exquisite puppet. He hugged her and guided her movements, allowing her feet to touch the ground. This sight was unbearable for Zhangsun Chong, and he couldn't remain passive anymore. He hastily fled the scene.
"Please see off Young Master Changsun," Su Li casually waved his hand and smiled.
The female officer's eyes glimmered with a slight smile. As she observed Su Li's warm smile, she understood deep inside that he was a gentle and kind son-in-law.
"Yes!" she responded with a smile and followed Zhangsun Chong to bid him farewell.
"No… there's no need to see me off," Zhangsun Chong waved his hands hurriedly before leaving.
Only Su Li remained in the courtyard and couldn't help but burst into laughter. Well, such behavior could be seen as inappropriate for someone of his humble background, despite Zhangsun Chong's arrogance. After all, Princess Changle had never loved him. Their engagement was merely a marriage of convenience and a compromise for power, with Changle being nothing more than a casualty.
In truth, no matter how you looked at it, Changle was a pitiful victim. After all, she and Zhangsun Chong were close relatives, even within three generations. Reflecting on this, Su Li felt a sense of superiority.
"The fault lies with me as a minister…" The female officer returned, and her smile vanished, replaced by deep self-blame. "The Princess is married now, and even if Zhangsun Chong is her cousin and his aunt is the Princess's biological mother, he still doesn't have the right to enter the Princess Mansion freely. In the whole world, only His Majesty and the Queen can come and go without notice."
As a son-in-law, Su Li hadn't had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the people and circumstances within the mansion. As the governor of the Princess Mansion, he would bear the greatest responsibility for allowing Zhangsun Chong to enter without notification.
"It's alright… I've only been here for a month," Su Li shook his head and smiled.
"Since the Princess is married, nobody should be able to enter the Princess Mansion directly. I will handle this personally. Please don't worry," the female officer said earnestly.
"It's alright…" Su Li smiled but was interrupted by the female officer before he could finish speaking.
"The Princess Mansion is not only the princess's residence but also the son-in-law's residence. You've only just arrived, and the servants were disrespectful. I want them to understand this truth," the female officer declared.
Su Li shook his head and chuckled. His original intention was to say that it was fine and he would deal with it later, but the female officer displayed her loyalty.
Yet, this also indicated that the governor of the Princess Mansion, the female officer in front of him, had fully recognized his authority. It was a good thing. After all, being a member of the imperial family brought about a multitude of troubles. No matter how high your official position was, you had no control over the princess.
The princess's mansion and the court were two completely separate systems. She still had a lingering air of favoritism hanging over her head. The Princess of the Tang Dynasty was open-minded, while the Governor of the Princess's Mansion was arrogant and controlling as the housekeeper. The female officer returned to her senses, which saved her from future troubles. After all, the Queen personally appointed the female officer as the housekeeper of the Princess's Mansion, giving her full control over finances and personnel within the mansion. Only when the female officer regained her composure could Su Li truly be considered the head of the family.
As for Princess Changle, who was in Su Li's embrace, her mind was filled with confusion. Zhangsun Chong…? Her cousin? The one she was engaged to? It all seemed so distant. Since she fell into a coma, Princess Changle hadn't heard Zhangsun Chong's voice. Even with Su Li's constant presence, she had almost forgotten about him. She didn't like Zhangsun Chong, but there was no denying that she had once been promised to him in marriage. This fact made Princess Changle extremely uncomfortable.
She grew more accustomed to Su Li's company with each passing day and became more concerned about his thoughts and feelings. Yesterday, when she lost control of her bodily functions and Su Li personally cared for her, her emotions overwhelmed her. Today, the arrival of Zhangsun Chong didn't bring her the joy of meeting a relative.
Her primary concern was Su Li's feelings. She desperately wanted to tell Su Li that, despite the marriage contract with Zhangsun Chong, she had never harbored any affection for him or even had any physical contact with him. In her daydreams and fantasies, Zhangsun Chong never made an appearance. She cared too much about Su Li's thoughts, especially when she found herself in a perplexing situation.
What is the most noticeable change when someone falls deeply in love with another person? They begin to examine themselves and worry about the other person's attitude.
However, Changle couldn't voice her thoughts. If she could speak, the only words she would utter to Zhangsun Chong would be, Cousin, please don't come. I'm afraid Su Li might misunderstand!
Of course, Su Li didn't misunderstand…
Certainly, Princess Changle couldn't prevent her cousin from coming over. Although, she was growing increasingly anxious to awaken from her state. Even though she was still unable to move, being able to converse with her husband brought her some solace. Unlike her current situation, where she was becoming more and more dependent on her interactions with Su Li, she yearned for more contact with him.
Su Li was unaware of Princess Changle's thoughts. He was preoccupied with how to earn favor once Changle woke up. It was uncertain how much Changle understood about his efforts.
Who could guarantee that Changle would truly form a positive opinion of her husband, whom she had never met? Even if they didn't sleep separately, there was no guarantee that she wouldn't reject him directly. Su Li would be grateful if she even accepted him reluctantly.
However, the timing of Princess Changle's awakening remained unknown, and Su Li still had plenty of time to accumulate points. Thanks to the comprehensive medical treatments she received, Changle's health would not deteriorate, and she was much healthier than the average person.
While Su Li continued caring for Princess Changle, the female officer left the courtyard after Eldest Grandson Chong departed. The female officer was displeased by Eldest Grandson Chong's direct entry into the inner court. Su Li couldn't help but tidy up, so the officer took the initiative to assist him. She wanted everyone in the Princess Mansion to know that Su Li was the son-in-law and male master of the mansion, as well as Princess Changle's husband, despite his peasant background.
Only Su Li, Princess Changle, and a few maids were left in the courtyard. It was worth mentioning that Su Li now attended to Princess Changle's physical needs, including bathing her body and so on…
The role of the female officer on Princess Changle's side had transformed from one of surveillance to companionship. Her primary responsibility was to assist Princess Changle in case of any emergencies. With the departure of Zhangsun Chong and the female officer, the surroundings became unusually calm.
To be honest, Su Li found Zhangsun Chong's behavior quite embarrassing. While in most Tang-era texts, Zhangsun Chong played the role of the male protagonist's primary antagonist. Su Li lived two lives and experienced a prolonged period of wasted existence as a peasant in this life, and didn't feel the urge to engage in mischief.
From Su Li's perspective, Zhangsun Chong's odd ambiguity and hasty retreat were nothing more than a joke. Su Li couldn't bring himself to pretend to be antagonistic toward a spirited young man like Zhangsun Chong. On the contrary, it embarrassed Su Li as if he were being forced to act out a pointless scene.
Instead, Su Li desired to spend more time with Princess Changle and strengthen their friendship. However, as they said, wishes were often unfulfilled. Just as Su Li hadn't finished stretching Princess Changle's body after about an hour, another esteemed guest arrived in the yard—Princess Changle's mother, 'Empress Zhangsun'.
Empress Zhangsun had visited the princess's residence on previous occasions. In comparison to the busy state of Li Er (presumably referring to Emperor Taizong, Princess Changle's father), as the mother of Princess Changle, Empress Zhangsun would occasionally come to visit. Li Er's visits were not frequent, as he was occupied with state affairs, and his emotional instability could potentially affect Princess Changle's well-being, as warned by the imperial doctor.
In contrast, Empress Zhangsun could control her emotions, adhere to the doctor's instructions, and calmly share stories and interesting tales with Princess Changle. Her emotional state was much more stable than that of Li Er 'the ruler of the country'. Hence, she visited her more frequently.
Although Empress Zhangsun visited more often than Li Er, Su Li preferred her presence over his. The main reason was that Su Li found Li Er quite bothersome. Every time Li Er visited, regardless of what Su Li was doing, he would interrupt and send Su Li away to have a private conversation with his daughter. Furthermore, Li Er couldn't control his emotions while talking, and the conversations tended to be lengthy and unpleasant. The worst part was that they lasted for hours, during which Su Li was not allowed to indulge in any form of entertainment.
In short, when Li Er visited, Su Li couldn't enjoy any entertainment or gain any points, as his primary duty was to stay out of the way.
In comparison, Empress Zhangsun was much more reasonable. Upon her arrival, if he was stretching Princess Changle, Empress Zhangsun wouldn't bother Su Li. Instead, she would sit aside and engage in storytelling with the unconscious Princess, sharing recent interesting events. Empress Zhangsun didn't shy away from Su Li, who could learn a great deal of common knowledge through the Empress's words.
Empress Zhangsun was truly kind-hearted and possessed a discerning mind. For instance, she would discuss intriguing occurrences in court. Despite Su Li's lack of understanding of official positions and court operations, Empress Zhangsun noticed Su Li's confusion. She took it upon herself to intimately explain the identities and responsibilities of the officials she mentioned. From that moment on, Empress Zhangsun seemed to realize that Su Li, being a peasant, was unfamiliar with the court's system and workings.
During storytelling sessions with Princess Changle, Su Li keenly observed that Empress Changsun's narratives began to focus on court affairs. Whenever a new official position was mentioned, the Empress would always provide an explanation, eliminating the need for Su Li to inquire. Su Li could simply sit in Empress Changsun's presence and gather a wealth of useful information.
Thanks to Empress Zhangsun, Su Li gained a comprehensive understanding of the official system in the Tang Dynasty, including the specific roles and names associated with each position. This knowledge proved immensely valuable. It was essential for anyone aspiring to enter the court and become an officer to grasp the hierarchical structure and responsibilities of each position. Even in less favorable circumstances, should Su Li encounter a situation where his name was brought up, he could listen to the official position mentioned by the other party and assess whether he could withstand the implications.
"Your Majesty…" Su Li hastily stood up upon the arrival of Empress Changsun. Of course, it was merely a gesture to show respect. He continued to cradle Changle, pretending to maintain decorum.
When a leader arrives, one must display the utmost decorum. It is necessary to demonstrate unwavering care and respect for the leader, regardless of one's duties.
A reasonable leader like Empress Zhangsun would decline such excessive respect, as she would not want to impose any difficulties on Su Li, even if she deserved the respect. On the other hand, an unreasonable leader like Li Er would take charge of Princess Changle from Su Li, naturally expecting and accepting Su Li's deference and then dismissing him.
"There's no need to salute. I came to see Changle. Please continue your work," Empress Zhangsun said with a smile.
Su Li nodded and resumed stretching Changle.
Empress Zhangsun observed her drowsy daughter. She managed to control her emotions not because she didn't love her daughter but because she loved her too much. How could any parent feel at ease seeing their daughter sleep-deprived, pale, and weak?
However, Empress Zhangsun had to regulate her emotions well. If her daughter could sense her distress, she certainly wouldn't want her mother to appear before her with a gloomy attitude.
While gazing at Little Changle's pale face, Empress Zhangsun suddenly noticed that her complexion seemed more vibrant and healthy than before. How come she looked so much better this time, with rosy cheeks and a lively appearance, compared to the last time she saw her.
Empress Zhangsun had passionately prayed for Changle during the eleven or twelve days she hadn't visited. She wished that this time would be different, and her prayers seemed to have been answered.
Empress Zhangsun did not know that during her absence, Su Li had been fortunate enough to procure therapeutic products and administer them to Changle for five consecutive days, replenishing her blood. Furthermore, Su Li had even treated Changle for asthma, ensuring her overall well-being.
Empress Zhangsun was astounded by the remarkable change in Changle's complexion. If the imperial physician were here, after feeling the pulse, they would probably exclaim that this was not only due to traditional Chinese medicine.