"Changle is much calmer now!" exclaimed the Empress, a look of joy lighting up her face. " You've taken care of her!"

In truth, Empress Zhangsun didn't hold the same level of disrespect for Su Li as Li Er did. Men and women always have different perspectives. Li Er believed that his precious and exceptional daughter had been forced to marry Su Li, someone he considered entirely unworthy of Princess Changle.

However, in the eyes of Empress Zhangsun, Su Li proved to be a suitable son-in-law by genuinely caring for her daughter and accepting her current unconscious state.

"The princess has been making remarkable progress in her recovery lately," Su Li smiled as he spoke. "Furthermore, I can't really complain about the hardships. I've been staying up all night to take care of the princess."

The Governor of the Princess's residence, a female officer, indeed had a more challenging role than Su Li. Initially, she hardly slept at night, ensuring Princess Changle was attended to prompt, even during bodily functions.

Now that everything was entrusted to Su Li, the female officer would still be present at night to handle any unexpected situations. However, unlike before, Su Li had demonstrated sufficient responsibility and commitment. Perhaps due to this, the female officer had begun to relax and even doze off occasionally, trusting that Su Li would handle things well.

Traditionally, women were accustomed to sleep during the day…

Compliments were cheap, and many people could carry a luxurious carriage. Nonetheless, Su Li genuinely appreciated the hard work and wholehearted dedication of the female officers responsible for the princess, as he had witnessed it firsthand.

The female officers now fully recognized Su Li and even took the initiative to protect his status as the male host in the Princess House.

Today, with an insinuating tone, Zhangsun entered the room, but before Su Li could even intervene, the female officer retorted back at him. Clearly, the female officer was now under Su Li's care, and praising her was similar to praising himself.

When Su Li didn't take credit for the accomplishment, Empress Zhangsun simply smiled. The female officer had been personally selected by Empress Zhangsun as the governor of the Princess's residence and had initially served her. Naturally, Empress Zhangsun was well aware of the female officer's character.

She was instead surprised by Su Li's indifference to honor and all, Su Li was just a peasant, and initially, when Empress Zhangsun and Su Li interacted, there wasn't much contact between them.

However, as Empress Zhangsun started visiting more frequently, she realized that although Su Li had the appearance of a true peasant, he didn't possess much systematic knowledge and didn't even understand the officer system of the Tang Dynasty.

But the young man could read and write. According to Su Li himself, he had taken the initiative to seek advice from passing scholars. Su Li's family didn't even have a proper school or teacher, only a tattered book of poetry, yet he had learned to read and write.

Furthermore, Su Li always displayed a keen interest whenever the officer system of the Tang Dynasty was mentioned. This indicated that Su Li possessed a high level of personal initiative and an ability to learn actively.

In terms of character, the perceptive Empress Zhangsun also noticed that Su Li, despite being a humble peasant, treated her with respect but not excessive fear. His composure and calmness surpassed that of most people.

As Empress Zhangsun, even a county magistrate who could maintain a composed thinking and communicate fluently with her was considered to have a good mentality. And here was a peasant like Su Li exhibiting the same qualities.

She was Empress Zhangsun, revered as the Mother of the Nation. The thoughtful and perceptive Empress held a completely different perspective on Su Li as a peasant son-in-law compared to Li Er.

Empress Zhangsun believed that Su Li was not an ordinary individual. Of course, she didn't express it or forcefully continue to praise Su Li. Instead, she changed the subject and told Princess Changle some interesting stories about the palace.

While she could obtain the information she desired through the female officers, it was too early to discuss anything since Princess Changle hadn't awakened yet. For now, her attention towards Su Li was slightly more than usual.

Empress Zhangsun had extended her stay this time, and Su Li had gleaned a wealth of information from her. It was evident that some of the stories she shared were intended to show him a favor. Thanks to the Empress, Su Li's understanding of the power dynamics within the Tang Dynasty had become increasingly clear.

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty!" Su Li's gratitude was sincere as he respectfully bowed to Empress Zhangsun, who also happened to be his mother-in-law.

Indeed, one should always appreciate the kindness shown to them. "Thank you for your words, Your Majesty," Su Li responded with utmost respect. "Each of your stories and phrases has sparked deep contemplation in me, and I have gained invaluable insights from them."

"Some merely hear a tale, but you possess the ability to discern something beyond. That is your talent," Empress Zhangsun dismissed his gratitude with a wave of her hand.

Su Li bowed deeply and bid farewell, saying, "Farewell, Your Majesty!"

As Empress Zhangsun slowly departed from the courtyard, she abruptly halted and turned back to gaze at Su Li before leaving. "In the future, you must address me as 'Your Majesty'…" she smiled.

This child had truly impressed Empress Zhangsun and exhibited great self-motivation. In her eyes, his qualities were noteworthy. However, what mattered most was that Su Li took exceptional care of Princess Changle. Her tremendous growth within a mere ten days had filled Empress Zhangsun's heart with immense joy.

Empress Zhangsun, her connection with Su Li was established through Princess Changle. Su Li's eagerness to learn and his numerous exceptional qualities, though admirable, were secondary to the fact that he was first and foremost Princess Changle's husband and, subsequently, Empress Zhangsun's son-in-law. Only after that did his ambition and youthful vigor come into play.

The greatest bonus point for Su Li was his ability to be considerate and care for his wife. Otherwise, if Princess Changle were in such a situation, Su Li would have been regarded as a genius. Even if he complained about the immobile Princess Changle, the Empress still wouldn't accept him.

"I obey!" Su Li bowed again to show his respect.

"Take good care of Princess Changle!" Empress Zhangsun waved her hand and gestured for the female attendant to follow her out first.

Once the female attendant and Empress Zhangsun had left, Su Li straightened up and let out a long sigh of relief.

Empress Zhangsun truly deserved to be remembered for generations. Her every move could exert immense pressure with her constant demands. She was straightforward and didn't beat around the bush, expressing her appreciation for him and making it clear that he held an important position as the imperial family's son-in-law and Princess Changle's husband.

"How did Princess Changle's complexion recover so quickly?" Empress Zhangsun asked the female attendant once they were out of the courtyard.

"It's all thanks to the attentive care of the son-in-law," the female officer earnestly replied.

Empress Zhangsun took a serious look at the female officer and then nodded. The Governor of the Princess's residence was personally selected by Empress Zhangsun, who knew the character of the female attendant. Even if Su Li was more talented, it would be useless if the attendant was dishonest. In this respect, the attendant would never deceive her.

"What do you think of the son-in-law?" Empress Zhangsun asked again.

"I dare not speak rashly… but in this past month, the son-in-law has taken care of the princess with utmost dedication. He never undresses or sleeps in bed, and only yesterday he took his first bath since entering the household. The maids in the household even joked that the dirt he scrubbed off could make a basket…" The female attendant recounted Su Li's actions in detail.

Empress Zhangsun looked straight at the female attendant.

"It is not easy, not easy at all, to receive such high praise from you," Empress Zhangsun responded.

To be able to convince the female officer from the bottom of her heart, Su Li must be genuinely good to Changle, and it would be impossible to deceive her halfway.

Based on Su Li's actions, even if he was just putting on a show, he still put in a lot of effort. To win over the trust and admiration of the maid, he must have been genuinely dedicated to taking care of Princess Changle.

That was enough… to be able to treat my daughter well and have a sense of self-improvement.

The female officer was still talking about what Su Li had done until, in the end, she suddenly thought of something.

"By the way… Your Majesty, this is a calligraphy piece that the Duke left on the desk earlier." The female officer took out a piece of half-torn paper from her pocket.

It was the calligraphy piece that Su Li left on the desk after practicing Yan Gong's regular script.

On the torn half of the rice paper, there were two lines of large, square characters, vigorous and majestic.

"The belt gradually widens, but no regrets at last. For her, I become haggard!"

As she slowly recited, Queen Zhangsun's voice was gentle…

As for why this piece of paper was torn in half?

Su Li originally intended to write a whole poem… but he couldn't remember it. He suddenly realized that he could only remember the classic lines from many poems, and he couldn't recite them in full anymore…

Trying to piece together a poem with his limited knowledge didn't leave Su Li with a good feeling, so he decided to tear up his poor attempt and left only the original two lines.

"Some of them don't conform to the rhyme and tone…" Empress Zhangsun's expression revealed a hint of doubt. Liu Yong's words didn't match the current style of Tang poetry. The modern term for Tang poetry, Song lyrics, and Yuan opera collectively referred to these traditional forms of literature. Although, in reality, there were differences in the mainstream literary styles of each era.

Therefore, taking two lines from the poem "Butterfly Love" and looking at them in the eyes of modern people, they might appear to have seven characters each, but they did not conform to the rhyme and rhythm of modern seven-character poetry.

Thankfully, during the early Tang Dynasty, there was chaos during the Northern and Southern dynasties. The current emperor, who hailed from a noble family in the Longyou region, wielded significant influence over the literary world with the support of the 'Five Surnames and Seven Worthies.' However, as opinions were yet to be settled, it might take some time to reach a definitive conclusion.

"I do think these two sentences are very good." Being a female officer in the palace, the magistrate of the Princess Residence was undoubtedly competent in both appreciation and literature. Naturally, she could discern the variation between the two sentences.

"The son-in-law was previously a common peasant and had never studied phonetic notations. Although it doesn't conform to the rules of phonetics, it surprisingly fits perfectly," the female officer spoke up.

"The two incomplete poems exude deep affection, and it is not necessary to focus on the rhyme for them to be beautiful. Moreover, this word is also excellent." Empress Zhangsun gazed at the female officer for a while, then smiled, clutching the half sheet of rice paper in her hand, and departed with a smile.

The female officer hadn't noticed Su Li's handwriting, which was already exceptional. After all, she was just a female officer. In appreciating calligraphy, she could only perceive that Su Li's writing was neat, rigorous, and aesthetically pleasing without recognizing its great fame.

Font appreciation was more challenging than poetry appreciation as it required higher levels of knowledge and understanding. When it came to appreciating poetry, one could make a simple evaluation by memorizing the rhyme and tone. With a quick glance, it was possible to determine whether a poem adhered to the prescribed format. However, there was no fixed formula for appreciating calligraphy. To develop a certain level of appreciation, one had to extensively study the works of renowned masters.

As a mother of the nation, Empress Zhangsun possessed a certain level of calligraphy appreciation ability.

"The traces of the brush strokes resemble those of Chu Suiliang!" Empress Zhangsun looked at the two lines of large characters in her hand, her face filled with doubt.

The Four Great Calligraphers of the Early Tang Dynasty had a profound impact on the world of calligraphy. Yan Zhenqing's Yan style bore the influence of the Four Great Calligraphers, particularly that of Zhu Suiliang.

The Four Great Calligraphers of the Early Tang Dynasty were Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan, Zhu Suiliang, and Xue Ji. Among them, Yu Shinan had already passed away due to illness, Ouyang Xun was advanced in age, Zhu Suiliang was in his prime, and Xue Ji had not yet emerged as a prominent figure.

Currently, Empress Zhangsun's primary task was to transcribe Li Er's daily records, which involved documenting his activities. Although Zhu Suiliang had not yet reached the pinnacle of his career, he had already gained a significant amount of fame. Compared to Yu Shinan and Ouyang Xun, Zhu Suiliang was considered a latecomer, but his reputation was catching up with that of the two esteemed calligraphers. Despite being young, Zhu Suiliang possessed a versatile style that earned him praise in literary circles.

Zhu Suiliang inherited the tradition of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, known for its outward softness and inward firmness, rounded brushstrokes, and high esteem. Li Er, too, greatly admired Wang Xizhi's calligraphy and held Zhu Suiliang in high regard. Empress Zhangsun had the opportunity to view Zhu Suiliang's masterful calligraphic works on multiple occasions. Hence, she could identify traces of Su Li's font resembling those of Suiliang.

"No… This is too different…" the Queen frowned.

Although there were some hints of Zhu Suiliang in the Yan-style calligraphy, it was minimal. After all, Yan-style calligraphy stood as a distinct style on its own. If it were entirely influenced by Zhu Suiliang, it would not be sufficient to establish a new school.

However, even Empress Zhangsun couldn't perceive much at the moment. Appreciating calligraphy required passionate enthusiasm to truly develop a discerning eye. Her husband, Li Er, was a passionate enthusiast in this regard.

The Lotus stepped lightly as Empress Zhangsun returned to the palace. Li Er was dealing with state affairs in the Ganlu Temple.

"How is Changle?" he asked as he heard the footsteps and looked up to see the Empress. He knew that today his goddess of mercy had gone to visit his daughter.

"She looks great. She doesn't appear sick. If it weren't for the fact that she hasn't woken up, I would genuinely think she's fine. She never looked so good before she passed out…" Empress Zhangsun spoke up, recounting every detail of what she had seen and heard that day to Li Er, word for word.

Amidst her account, she mixed in positive praise of Su Li, emphasizing his performance in taking care of Changle for a month without any mishaps. She believed Su Li to be a trustworthy and responsible child whom she could entrust with Changle.

"His clothes aren't even properly fastened?" Li Er chuckled but didn't express any further opinion. He understood that the male and female perspectives were different, and he felt that Su Li was merely putting on a show. He considered himself a slightly clever peasant who didn't deserve his daughter. She was truly a proud daughter of heaven.

"By the way, I found this broken piece of calligraphy paper at Lizhi Palace. It has a great aura, and the palace maid said it's made by the son-in-law. I haven't looked into it much, but I brought it for you to take a look," Queen Zhangsun said with a smile as she handed Li Er the two lines of Su Li's incomplete poem.

"A peasant's son may not even know all the characters. What good words can he write?" Li Er sneered and took them. Then, his gaze turned thoughtful.

Unlike Empress Zhangsun, Li Er loved the art of calligraphy, especially the works of Wang Xizhi. Although his own calligraphy was mediocre, his ability to appreciate it was outstanding.

The palace maid only thought the characters looked good. Empress Zhangsun thought they were quite good, but she couldn't explain why. Li Er, on the other hand, was different.

"I see the brush strokes. They resemble those of Zhu Suiliang…" Empress Zhangsun spoke up. As Li Er's close confidante, she had encountered Zhu Suiliang's ink treasures many times, so she could easily perceive the brush strokes resembling his. But she couldn't see anything more.

"Not only that…" Li Er waved his hand and frowned, gently smoothing the paper with both hands and leaning closer. Empress Zhangsun's face showed a hint of surprise. As someone who had seen countless works by famous calligraphers, she knew that Li Er would only assume this posture when he encountered a truly outstanding work.

Empress Zhangsun didn't interrupt but began to ponder, How can a peasant's son possess calligraphy that even her husband will admire?

"If I'm not mistaken, there are only one or two strokes that resemble those of Zhu Suiliang, but there are also traces of Cai Yong, Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, and Chu Suiliang's calligraphy," Li Er spoke as he examined the writing.

As someone who had studied the works of famous calligraphers, Li Er immediately recognized the extraordinary qualities of the writing.

"Not only that, but he has a deep understanding of the calligraphy of Cai Yong, Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, and Chu Suiliang, and it is not an exaggeration to say that he has mastered it."

"But if that's all, it's just copying others' works… Each of his calligraphy and painting strokes, whether horizontal or vertical, has its own form, style, and structure. It has truly become a unique style! He should be recognized as the pioneer of a new school!" Li Er spoke with confidence.

This was the perspective of a passionate amateur calligraphy enthusiast who had studied art for many years. It was hard to determine the quality of the writing, but in terms of appreciation ability alone, even Zhu Suiliang would have to acknowledge Li Er's skills.

"Your Majesty, even Zhu Suiliang wouldn't receive such high praise!" Empress Zhangsun exclaimed in surprise.

"Zhu Suiliang has been immersed in calligraphy for many years and has thoroughly studied the essence of the calligraphy sage. He also has his own style and has created his own school, so he is not far from it. But this writing is still superior to his!"

Li Er's gaze then turned to Empress Zhangsun. "Are there any other samples?" he asked.

"There is only this one," Empress Zhangsun replied.

"I'll go check on Changle." Li Er's eyes flashed with doubt.

It was evident that Li Er didn't believe that Su Li's hand could have created such calligraphy. With Li Er's discerning eye, it was clear that this was a pioneering and distinctive calligraphy style.

As Li Er had mentioned earlier, Zhu Suiliang had been immersed in the art of calligraphy for many years, fully grasping the essence of the calligraphic masters. With his own style, he had the potential to establish a new school of calligraphy. However, there was still a gap in the level of calligraphy displayed in the two lines of residual poetry by Su Li.

And who was Su Li? A peasant! Li Er thought.

Su Li's calligraphy was unique, yet it also carried the influence of Cai Yong, Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, and Chu Suiliang. It was the kind of calligraphy that made sense.

But how could a peasant acquire these masterpieces of ink from renowned artists to observe and learn from?

Moreover, how old was Su Li?

According to Li Er's investigation, Su Li was only twenty-three years old when he was brought in for the wedding.

And according to the investigation, Su Li's family moved to Longyou in the sixth year of the Wu De period, and Su Li himself did not receive any formal education. So the question arises… How did an uneducated peasant like Su Li learn to read and write?

Setting aside reading and literacy, how could an uneducated peasant possess calligraphy skills that even Zhu Suiliang, who had immersed himself in calligraphy for many years, could not match? How could Su Li even create his own style?

Furthermore, it was worth considering that before this, Su Li was a simple peasant. However, he was able to convince the imperial physician to change the way Princess Changle was cared for. The physician even acknowledged Su Li's limited knowledge of medicine.

Initially, Li Er didn't pay much attention to this, as in this era, it was quite common for peasants and common people to have some knowledge of medical books and prescriptions, especially given the difficulty and expense of seeking medical treatment.

Indeed, the situation was quite different now. Su Li had mastered a unique and powerful calligraphy style that was enough to establish his own school.

And it was a unique calligraphy that Li Er had never seen before, clearly not belonging to anyone else. Truly, it was highly unlikely for an ordinary peasant to master such a unique skill as calligraphy. He couldn't achieve that even if he were wealthy. Copying so many ancient works of art required more than just money.

It was worth noting that under Su Li's care for a month, Princess Changle's complexion improved significantly, even surpassing her previous condition before she fainted.

Li Er was overcome with suspicion and confusion as he hastily walked out of the palace gate but suddenly halted in his tracks.

"Summon the imperial physician at once!" he commanded.

Following that, he departed from the palace accompanied by the imperial physician.

...

The Princess's residence… At this moment, Su Li had finished the daily massage and care for Princess Changle and was holding her as usual, telling her stories to earn extra points.

Suddenly, a female court attendant hurriedly arrived. "Your Highness has arrived, Lord Husband…"

Su Li couldn't help but display a hint of helplessness on his face. Today was turning out to be quite peculiar—first, Princess Changle's mother paid a visit, and now the Emperor.

The Empress's visit wasn't an issue since it wouldn't affect Su Li's accumulation of points. Plus, he could gain a deeper understanding of the politics of the Tang Dynasty through her presence.

But what about Li Er?

Upon arrival, he immediately wanted to dismiss Su Li and have a private conversation with Princess Changle. This had no benefits for Su Li and even delayed his point-gathering activities. What bothered Su Li the most was that Li Er didn't even spare him a proper glance, making Su Li naturally dislike him.

However, whether he liked it or not, Su Li had no right to refuse… Well, it's more appropriate to say, "After all, he is Princess Changle's biological father, Su Li's father-in-law, and the chairman and CEO of the Tang Dynasty Corporation."

"Greetings, Your Majesty…" Su Li respectfully stood up while still holding Princess Changle.

Li Er didn't hesitate and took Princess Changle from Su Li's arms, just as before.

Su Li had no choice but to bow respectfully.

"For now, step back…" Li Er glanced at Su Li and spoke.

Su Li had no option but to leave…

Whenever Li Er came, he wanted to have a private conversation with Princess Changle. Su Li had grown accustomed to it. After all, Li Er was known in history for being a person with direct and passionate emotions.

According to historical records, this is how Li Er wrote to his daughter Li Zhi in two letters that were posted within the palace.

"I have received two imperial decrees but have not seen your letter. Your father is worried, sick and feels like dying. I have received news from Liaodong, and I am sending a letter in response. I recall that you once expressed a desire to die but did not know how. Your father gives you his command."

During his expedition to Goguryeo, Li Er and his daughter Li Zhi lived apart and corresponded through letters. As a result, there were two occasions when Li Er received the internal memorials but did not see Li Zhi's letter. Li Er wrote down his thoughts twice.

Well, it was somewhat like this:

"My daughter, I have received two copies of the big internal memorial, yet I still have not received a letter from you. Your father is deeply worried. However, just now, I unexpectedly received a letter from you, written in your own hand, informing me about your mother's illness. Instantly, my worries and fears vanished. It felt as if I had been brought back from the dead. Henceforth, if you experience headaches or fall ill, immediately write and inform me. Similarly, I shall do the same for you if I become unwell. Today, I received news from Liaodong, and I am sharing it with you. I miss you greatly and long for the day we can be reunited. That is all I have to say, Father."

Interesting! It appeared that in a previous life, Su Li had the opportunity to read the original text of "Li Er's Two Letters" and found it amusing, particularly the part where he expressed, "Thinking of you makes me want to die," which was rather cheesy.

From this, it could be deduced that when Li Er had private conversations with Changle, he probably wanted to express some cheesy words but felt embarrassed to let his son-in-law hear them.

Alright, let's set aside Li Er's terrible deeds, such as killing his brothers and forcing his father to abdicate the throne. However, on the other hand he seemed to possess a down-to-earth nature.

In terms of his personality, Li Er was known for being both romantic and vulgar in his language, as well as having a tendency to show off. Nevertheless, compared to other emperors, he was considered to have a relatively decent personality.

"Beautiful maiden…" Li Er embraced Princess Changle and began his unique expression of affection for her, which was exclusive to him as the Phoenix.

"Yeye is occupied with state affairs and has been visiting less frequently lately, but Yeye still holds Lizi dear in his heart…"

(ED Note: The term "Yeye" is used by Li Er to refer to himself as the father or grandfather, expressing affection and familiarity.)

Li Er's expressions were filled with purity and sincerity. One of his famous lines was, "I miss you so much that I'm dying to see you."

There were numerous emotional expressions from Li Er, ranging from happiness upon seeing Changle's improved complexion to sadness when she remained in a coma. His expressions often conveyed extreme distress.

Compared to Changsun Wu Fei, Li Er seemed to display more resentment, resembling a woman overwhelmed by emotions. Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes as he spoke, reflecting his profound emotions and a strong sense of duty.

Initially, Changle was deeply moved by Li Er's genuine feelings. After all, she was in a state of panic and easily swayed by the affection of her beloved father. However, when Su Li came into her world, he instilled inner peace within her and granted her the courage to face everything. Su Li also stirred a newfound desire within her.

Although she couldn't see or touch him, she began to develop feelings for Su Li's presence and found herself unable to extricate herself from his influence.

"Now we come to this…"

If Princess Changle could make a facial expression, it would be happening right now. Changle preferred being held in Su Li's arms and listening to his stories rather than experiencing the discomfort caused by her father's actions. She wished Su Li would just stay by her side without saying anything, providing her comfort.

Unfortunately, every time her father came, he would drive Su Li away. At this moment, Li Er's rich emotional expressions did not realize that his little secret had begun to leak.

Li Er was expressing his feelings, and Little Changle was bored… COMMENT

Father hasn't finished yet… Changle thought.

Li Er hadn't finished speaking either, as his emotions were incredibly sincere and vibrant. He chatted for over an hour before Li Er finally stopped.

Changle felt a surge of excitement in her heart. Based on past experience, once her father finished speaking, he would likely leave, and she could then be held by her husband 'Su Li' and get close to him again.

"The imperial doctor came in," Li Er said, not forgetting the purpose of their visit. He had brought a doctor along.

After a while, the imperial doctor entered the courtyard. "Come and see Changle's condition," Li Er said.

The imperial doctor first examined Princess Changle's complexion, noting her rosy cheeks and smooth skin. Then, the doctor listened to her breathing, which was calm and powerful.

"Strange…" The imperial doctor furrowed their brow slightly. Princess Changle had a congenital condition that caused respiratory ailments. The imperial physicians had diagnosed her condition multiple times, so they were well aware of her previous physical condition.

"Respiratory ailments" referred to respiratory diseases, and Princess Changle had never had as stable and powerful breathing as she did now.

Feeling hesitant, the imperial doctor took her pulse and made a diagnosis. As they felt the steady and strong pulse, the doctor's brows furrowed even more, filled with doubt.

It was truly perplexing. Princess Changle's pulse was steady and healthy, showing no signs of any respiratory ailment. But this was completely unreasonable.

Since childhood, Princess Changle had been examined by imperial physicians for her respiratory ailment. Yet now, after just one month without seeing her, there was no indication of any respiratory disorder in her pulse.

Even setting aside the respiratory ailment, Princess Changle's pulse had always been weak, and she had been physically frail since childhood. But now it seemed that her pulse condition was better than that of most adults.

If we were to discuss an improvement in Princess Changle's overall health, it would be understandable. Still, the sudden disappearance of the respiratory ailment seemed to contradict the knowledge and experience of the imperial physicians.

"This…" The imperial physician was perplexed. This respiratory ailment had been with Princess Changle since birth, similar to Empress Zhangsun. It could be said that the imperial doctors in the entire palace were at a loss, unable to find a cure and only able to suspend treatment without any radical solution.

There was no record in the medical books or ancient texts of a cure for this respiratory ailment(asthma), and it was not heard of Princess Changle's condition suddenly improving in such a manner.

"How is that possible?" Li Er hurriedly inquired after the imperial physician finished checking her pulse.

"The Princess's health is excellent, even better than an average person," the imperial physician replied.

Li Er looked at the imperial physician with confusion, as the physician's expression was serious just moments ago. "Why…" he started to ask.

"The reason for my earlier expression is exactly what I wanted to discuss, Your Highness," the imperial physician began. "Princess Changle is not only in good health, but her long-standing respiratory condition has completely disappeared. I made such a fuss because I have searched through medical books and records, and there is no mention of a cure for respiratory conditions, let alone one that disappears without any apparent reason." The imperial physician stroked his graying beard, puzzled and unable to understand the situation.

The imperial physician nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Highness. The Crown Prince Consort possesses some knowledge of medicine."

"Yes, the Prince Consort does have some knowledge of medicine, but it is limited to basic prescriptions and herbal remedies. It is hard to imagine how he could cure a respiratory illness like asthma," the imperial physician expressed profound puzzlement.

The imperial doctor was aware that Su Li had some medical skills and had accepted his suggestions in the past. The doctor had also witnessed Su Li giving Princess Changle a massage. However, despite having a solid foundation, Su Li's technique was not particularly refined. As an experienced physician, the imperial doctor could perceive Su Li's actual level of skill.

After listening to Li Er, the imperial physician lightly clasped his fingers and pondered for a moment.

"Summon Su Li to come!"

...

After some time, Su Li arrived at the courtyard. Glancing around, he noticed the imperial doctor standing there with a puzzled expression, and Su Li immediately understood the situation. Being somewhat skilled in medicine, he might not excel in treating complex ailments, but assessing Princess Changle's pulse was not a difficult task.

Through pulse diagnosis, Su Li had already determined that Princess Changle's respiratory illness had completely recovered, thanks to the systemic medication she had been taking. It seemed that the imperial doctor had also discovered this fact.

"Did you cure Princess Changle's respiratory ailment?" Li Er asked Su Li, gazing at him intently.

Su Li knew this question was bound to arise, but he couldn't provide a truthful answer. While he possessed medical knowledge, his ability to treat serious illnesses was limited. Princess Changle's recovery was solely due to the effects of the system's medication and had nothing to do with Su Li's medical skills.

What if Li Er asked Su Li to treat Empress Zhangsun's respiratory ailment once again? Su Li currently had no medicine at his disposal, as the system's products were randomly refreshed, making their availability uncertain.

"Not exactly…" Su Li understood that his secret wouldn't remain hidden for long. After all, Su Li was determined to save Princess Changle and, as a peasant's son, possessed a mysterious system within him. It was inevitable that he would need to come up with an explanation.

However, before Su Li could utter a single word of his carefully crafted excuse, Li Er interrupted him with a dismissive gesture.

"In that case, take good care of Changle. If there are any abnormalities, report them immediately." Li Er waved his hand, showing no interest in probing further. Instead, he provided instructions and departed with the imperial doctor.

Su Li's elaborate fabrication went unheard, leaving him flustered and unable to find his footing.

...

On the other side, Li Er looked at the imperial doctor after leaving the princess's mansion.

"I am not knowledgeable in the art of medicine. In your opinion, who could have cured a respiratory ailment?" Li Er asked.

"Well, I searched through ancient books and scrolls, but I didn't find the method… However, medical skills are extensive and profound, and there may be a method for curing the respiratory ailment that has not been passed down to future generations…" The imperial doctor replied honestly.

At least, in this era, no one could cure the respiratory ailment.

Including Sun Simiao!

Li Er had asked Sun Simiao to treat Changle and Princess Zhangsun's respiratory ailment.

"Are you suggesting that Su Li's medical skills are extraordinary, and he has been hiding them?" Li Er asked again.

"I understand. It is indeed possible that Su Li's medical skills are exceptional, and he has been hiding them. Although his skills in massage and manipulation may seem ordinary, he has a strong foundation and is knowledgeable in various medical books… However, considering his young age, just past twenty…" The royal physician also picked up on Li Er's implications.

Li Er asked the royal physician himself this twice, and a trace of doubt emerged in his heart.

Recalling Su Li's suggestion that day, although the method was relatively ordinary, during the conversation, Su Li had a deep foundation, quoted scriptures, and even involved some very unpopular medical books. Leaving aside medical skills, his knowledge reserve was beyond the comparison of ordinary doctors.

Just practicing medicine, no matter how talented he was, he needed to work hard, and Su Li was only twenty-three… This was different from common sense.

However, Princess Changle's inexplicable recovery from her respiratory ailment did not conform to common sense. After Li Er's questioning, the imperial doctor couldn't help but have a conjecture in his mind.

"It seems so," replied the royal physician, nodding in agreement. "Based on his skills and knowledge, as well as his ability to treat Princess Changle's previously untreatable condition, it is possible that Su Li is a medical prodigy in his own right."

"Indeed, in this era, the practice of medicine often involves various beliefs, including spiritual and metaphysical aspects," agreed Li Er, deep in thought. Su Li's fortunate encounter with Yuan Tiangang and his exceptional medical skills could indicate his innate talent and potential in both conventional and unconventional approaches to healing.

Yuan Tiangang… that was really something.

And Li Er… he felt even more dignified.

Calligraphy could be a school of its own… It might be the medical skills that could cure Changle's respiratory ailment or even those two broken poems that didn't rhyme…

The physician nodded, recognizing the lines from Su Li's calligraphy. "Indeed, those lines were not only visually stunning, but their meaning holds deep wisdom. Perhaps there was more to Su Li's abilities than meets the eye. It might be worth delving into his unconventional methods and exploring how they could potentially help Princess Changle."

Reading it again at this moment, the more he read it, the more different it became. Although it did not match the rhyme, it had a special flavor!

Besides… Yuan Tiangang's hexagrams… and joy!

Li Er pondered, Su Li 'this kid'… something is wrong!

Something is wrong!

When Changle returned to Su Li's embrace, the young twenty-two-year-old girl failed to notice that there seemed to be another place in her heart reserved for her few remaining relatives. Nonetheless, at this moment, Su Li had completely occupied her heart.

Whether the duration of one month felt long or short, each day, she woke up and went to sleep with the constant presence of her husband, who she had never met before. It felt as though he was always by her side. Although she couldn't see him, she could vividly sense his body temperature, his warm and calloused hands, and even his breathing.

I wish I could wake up for real… Princess Changle thought.

However, her shyness seemed to have significantly diminished, so she no longer felt embarrassed about having Su Li help her bathe.

But as Su Li embraced Princess Changle, he furrowed his brow. This is a significant problem, he thought.

He was a peasant, a genuine peasant! While he could earn rewards due to Changle's presence, which allowed him to obtain various resources for self-improvement, he still had to confront an unavoidable issue—his growth couldn't continue indefinitely.

This was the real world, not a novel where supporting characters' intelligence could be forcibly lowered. As he acquired more and more things, Li Er, being the emperor, would undoubtedly notice his abnormality keenly.

And what about himself? How could he explain it?

The sudden inexplicable recovery of Empress Changle's illness was difficult to rationalize. Even Su Li, who possessed medical knowledge, couldn't come up with a plausible explanation. In the end, Li Er decided to cease probing further for unknown reasons.

But… what if he revealed something that even Li Er couldn't overlook?

For instance, if he demonstrated his expertise in salt and steel production…

It doesn't matter. I'll come up with an excuse, Su Li pondered for a long time, yet he couldn't find a satisfactory solution.

The main issue was that his history, since crossing over, left traces. He had been nothing more than an elderly peasant struggling for food in the fields. Suddenly becoming uncontrollable after marrying Changle was difficult to explain reasonably. There was no reasonable way to explain such doubts.

Regarding the identity of the time traveler mentioned in the novel who supposedly self-destructed, claiming to be a time traveler in ancient times would be even less credible than claiming to possess profound wisdom.

Su Li sighed, thinking, Well, I'll just make up something random then . He didn't mind making the most conservative guess about Li Er, even though history portrayed him as a down-to-earth monarch.

Although Li Er often displayed a more emotional side, he wasn't the type to indiscriminately kill heroes after ascending the throne. However, considering his history of killing siblings, Su Li knew he had to be cautious and not be foolishly swayed by promises of prosperity and wealth.

After all, Li Er was an emperor!

Even if Li Er appeared friendly, his role as an emperor meant that he could turn ruthless and resort to any means to pursue his interests if given enough incentive.

Come to think of it… with the attribute bonuses I've been receiving for a month, I'm already approaching a total of ninety. If I continue like this for another month, I might surpass human limits and be on par with Xiang Yu. And if I wait for another two or three months… Su Li stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Ah, praise this feudal society, Su Li suddenly smiled, realizing he was overthinking.

After all, this was just an ancient society without guns. Moreover, Su Li's attributes were growing too rapidly. Giving him another month would already make him comparable to Xiang Yu.

Given two or three more months, Su Li would step into a realm never before attained by humans. In modern times, heavy weapons might pose a threat to him, but in ancient times, he would be an invincible existence.

If my attributes go above two hundred… then it's likely the Tang Dynasty will become a cakewalk for me, with no one able to match my prowess , Su Li thought.

Well, thinking about it this way, I don't have to worry too much about Li Er betraying me for his own interests. Who knows, by the time Changle wakes up, I might even have the upper hand and be able to defeat Li Er , Su Li chuckled.

With these thoughts, Su Li's worries dissipated, and he happily carried Princess Changle to earn points.

Su Li didn't dream of becoming an emperor. Being an emperor was too burdensome, and he simply desired a peaceful life with his wife and children. Additionally, he wanted enough strength to protect this tranquillity from external threats.

Hmm… Praise again that this is a feudal society, Su Li thought.

...

On the other side, Li Er had already returned to the palace and found Empress Zhangsun embroidering with a serious expression. She was startled by the sudden change in Li Er's demeanor and quickly stood up.

"Is something wrong with Changle again?" inquired Empress Zhangsun.

Li Er explained, "No, it's not about Changle. I was simply lost in my thoughts and lost track of time. There's no need to worry about Changle." He tried to reassure Empress Zhangsun, although his worried expression persisted.

"Changle is fine…" Li Er waved his hand and helped Empress Zhangsun Wu Fei to sit down. He spoke somberly, "The imperial physician just examined her pulse and confirmed her recovery…"

"What?" Empress Zhangsun beamed with joy.

"Well, that's good news… Why do you look so sad?" Zhangsun Wu Fei asked softly.

Empress Zhangsun, who had also experienced respiratory ailments, understood the suffering associated with such diseases.

"What I want to discuss is Su Li…" Li Er tapped on the table, his face filled with seriousness, and picked up the fragments of a poem lying on the table.

"His calligraphy possesses a unique style that even Zhu Suiliang cannot rival!"

"Not only that, but he is also skilled in medicine. The imperial doctor mentioned his extensive knowledge, suggesting that Su Li might have played a significant role in curing Changle's respiratory illness."

"Even these two fragmented poems, despite not conforming to the current rhyme scheme, become more flavorful the more you read them. Upon careful consideration, they seem to possess a different rhythm altogether."

A smile appeared on Zhangsun Wu Fei's face. "Since Changle is married to Su Li, wouldn't it be beneficial for him to meet more people?"

Li Er shook his head and responded, "That's precisely what I wanted to discuss. If he were born into a noble family, it wouldn't be too surprising for him to establish his own school at such a young age. It wouldn't be uncommon for him to delve into various fields of medicine."

"But he's a peasant!"

"After consulting Yuan Tiangang's divination, I conducted an investigation and discovered that the Su family relocated to Longyou in the sixth year of the Wu De era. Su Li has received no formal education or training."

"And Su Li is only twenty-three years old!"

A twenty-three-year-old guy was a master of calligraphy. One could say he was a calligraphy prodigy.

A twenty-three-year-old guy was a master of medicine as he could cure respiratory diseases. So, one could say he was a medical prodigy.

But a twenty-three-year-old guy who had never read a book had accomplished both of these achievements simultaneously.

"Your Majesty, are you suggesting that Su Li has an extraordinary talent?" Zhangsun Wu Fei said with a smile.

"I'm saying he's peculiar!" Li Er gave Zhangsun Wu Fei a skeptical look.

"Let's not joke about Su Li, the Guanyin maid. If he were truly a genius, his reputation would have already soared in the past few years. Not to mention calligraphy, which we'll set aside for now. Upon my return, I inquired with the imperial physician, and it's known that expertise in medicine can't be solely attained through extensive book learning. Furthermore, the people I sent to investigate all mentioned that Su Li comes from a respected family and is usually occupied with agricultural work, leaving no time for such studies."

Li Er's expression turned serious as he continued, "Moreover, there was Yuan Tiangang's divination beforehand. I was desperately ill at that time and sought treatment hastily, without paying much attention to it…"

"It seems that he suddenly gained knowledge without a teacher after marrying Changle…"

"That doesn't sit right with me." Li Er frowned.

As a king, he despised things that were beyond his understanding and couldn't be explained.

"Your Majesty, you have misjudged him…" Zhangsun Wu Fei reassured Li Er, patting his hand.

"Your Majesty, he is your son-in-law, Changle's husband."

Upon hearing this, Li Er was momentarily taken aback. Finally, he shook his head.

"I still intend to investigate this young man's background…"

Li Er spoke quietly.

"I don't know the specifics. It's truly difficult for me to entrust Changle to him…"

Once people formed a preconceived impression, it became difficult to change it. For example, Su Li's caring attitude towards Changle deeply touched the heart of the Empress and even the female officer. They believed Su Li would never leave and take good care of her. However, in Li Er's eyes, it was all an act…

Li Er was uncertain and suspicious, especially due to Su Li's peculiar behavior. This only fueled his doubts, fearing that Su Li might be a deceptive individual with hidden motives. Despite Empress Zhangsun's valid points and Changle still being unconscious, Li Er couldn't fully dismiss these thoughts. He had to temporarily suppress them.

Nonetheless, Li Er didn't relax. On the contrary, given the numerous anomalies, he intensified his investigation into Su Li. Initially, they had someone continue looking into Su Li's background and life experiences. However, since Su Li's family had moved to Longyou several years ago, during the sixth year of the Wu De era, it was challenging to gather detailed information before the war broke out. Now that Su Li's behavior had become suspicious, Li Er naturally intensified the investigation.

Furthermore, Li Er repeatedly summoned Yuan Tiangang to inquire about his plans regarding Su Li. Unfortunately, Yuan Tiangang's responses were evasive and lacked substantial information, deepening Li Er's suspicions.

Days passed, one after another, and while Li Er remained doubtful, Su Li's life grew increasingly comfortable. His confidence soared, especially as he observed his points rising and his attributes improving.

Each passing day mirrored the previous one. Compared to Li Er, who harbored doubts, Su Li's life was much more contented.

Su Li, who had been preparing to present a serious demeanor, couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions. He believed that if he continued to grow at this rate, even if Li Er didn't believe him, he wouldn't be able to harm himself. People continued to visit Changle during this time, especially as her complexion improved. Some of her siblings, like Crown Prince Li Chengqian, Prince Li Ke, and Li Tai, as well as the future Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, came to visit.

Today, a new guest arrived once again—Princess Gao Yang, a young girl of around ten years old. The female officer tried to stop her, saying, "The son-in-law is attending Princess Changle's bath. Please wait a moment."

However, Princess Gaoyang, despite her young age, emerged an air of arrogance and dominance. She showed no respect for the female officers and confidently entered the princess's residence with a few maids in tow. She paid no attention to their attempts to stop her and made her way directly toward the inner courtyard.

"Sister… I've come to see you!" Princess Gaoyang's voice, like that of a clear bronze bell, resounded through the air. Princess Changle, who was currently being bathed by Su Li, felt a slight tremor in her heart. She recognized that voice—she was her younger sister, Princess Gaoyang, whom she loved dearly.

Changle vaguely remembered playing with her sister in the forest garden that day. It could have been due to excessive exercise or her vulnerability to asthma attacks in the winter. In a careless moment, she lost her breath and collapsed to the ground. Changle had congenital asthma and was fragile, so she always carried pills for sudden asthma attacks. It wasn't the first time she experienced such an attack, and she had her medicine with her.

Unfortunately, due to the hasty fall, the pill slipped from her grasp and fell to the ground. Changle struggled to breathe while the maids rushed to her aid, frantically searching for the medicine. Amidst the chaos, Princess Gaoyang, Changle's own sister, secretly kicked the bottle of medicine into the nearby lake.

Initially, even if the medicine had been lost, Changle's maid would have had another set of medicine with her. However, on that particular day, Changle's maid was left behind at Princess Gaoyang's residence and did not accompany them. Changle observed everything clearly, but she was unable to utter a word. She didn't even have time to process the fact that her beloved sister, whom she adored, could be so cruel. Tears streamed down Princess Gaoyang's face as she lay on top of Changle, sobbing inconsolably after kicking the bottle of medicine into the lake.

Changle's acute asthma attack worsened, causing severe oxygen deprivation. Perhaps due to damage to her brainstem or other factors, Changle slipped into a coma and never woke up again. As a result of this tragic incident, Changle's maid was sentenced to death.

Until now, Changle had never imagined that her once cute and adored younger sister could harbor such viciousness within her. Even after causing Changle's suffering, Princess Gaoyang pretended to be distraught, falling on Changle and crying bitterly. Their father scolded the maid beside Changle for neglecting her duties and regretted that Changle hadn't brought her medicine. But Changle knew that things were not as they seemed.

Princess Changle and Princess Gaoyang had been very close. Whenever Changle visited Gaoyang to play, Gaoyang would always dismiss her personal maid and request her to stay in the palace. Changle had indeed brought her medicine that day, but her own sister had callously kicked it into the lake. The once well-behaved and lovely Gaoyang had transformed into a hideous demon, instilling fear and dread in Changle whenever she was near.

In this moment of panic and fear, Changle longed to grab Su Li's hand and reveal the truth. She wanted Su Li to protect her, as their relationship had shifted from affection to terror and estrangement.

The dark psychology of a ten-year-old girl filled Changle with unexplainable terror. Compounding her distress was the fact that Su Li was still assisting her in bathing, leaving her completely naked. Princess Changle, with her pure heart, couldn't understand how Gaoyang could casually visit her as if nothing had happened. Changle desperately didn't want to see Gaoyang, nor did she want Gaoyang to witness her current vulnerable state. She felt like a naked and helpless individual, easily manipulated by others. Fear gripped her, intensifying all the negative emotions flooding her mind.

Amidst her anxiety, Changle could hear Gaoyang's voice drawing nearer, along with the sound of her footsteps and laughter. Gaoyang sweetly called her "sister," radiating the same innocence as before. The scene was overwhelming. Just then, a warm voice broke the tension.

"Stop her…" Su Li didn't raise her head but directed her gaze at the maidservant in the room. She whispered, "Didn't you see that I was bathing the princess?" Su Li frowned.

Upon hearing these words, the two maids in the room hurriedly rushed out to intercept Gaoyang. Changle was in a delicate situation. Even though Gaoyang was also a girl, it was inappropriate for anyone to casually witness her naked body. Moreover, at this moment, when Changle had lost control over her bodily functions, even if she were conscious, being seen by another female would be an immense humiliation.

The palace maids and female attendants within the mansion were more acceptable, as they served as close attendants and servants to Changle. However, Gaoyang held a different status. As a princess, she shared the same rank as Changle, further increasing Changle's embarrassment and degradation

"Gaoyang!" Su Li murmured softly, finally understanding why Gaoyang displayed such arrogance and dominance, forcefully intruding into the inner courtyard. Su Li's frown deepened as he hastened his efforts to clean Changle.

Changle could only feel the warmth in Su Li's hands, which provided her with an appearance of courage among her turmoil.

"I've come to visit my sister. Why are you stopping me?" Gaoyang showed no fear toward the two maids attempting to stop her. Due to her noble status and young age, she believed she had the right to interrupt.

The maids, hesitant to use force, could only try to physically obstruct Gaoyang.

Su Li interjected while attending to Princess Changle, "Stop her!"

"Do you really think you can stop me?" Gaoyang's arrogant voice echoed as she persisted, pushing her way in with almost half her body inside.

Su Li furrowed his brow, pausing for a moment to think before rising to his feet. Just as Gaoyang's entire body was about to enter the room, Su Li swiftly placed his hand on Gaoyang's forehead, making it impossible for her to move any further.

"Both of you may leave," Su Li gestured towards the two maids, silently conveying that he didn't hold them responsible. The maids, unable to stop the determined young princess, exited without interference. They understood their insignificance as mere servants compared to Gaoyang, who held the title of princess.

"Get out…" Su Li gently pushed, causing Gaoyang to stagger backward and ultimately plop onto the ground. Su Li furrowed his brow. He knew Gaoyang was a princess, so he deliberately restrained her strength. Although Su Li possessed unique abilities, he had long mastered the art of control. Accidentally pushing Gaoyang to the ground was impossible.

"You… How dare you push me?" Gaoyang exclaimed, her voice brimming with anger. Just as Su Li had anticipated, Gaoyang's reaction matched his expectations.

Gaoyang's face twisted with a mixture of disgust and anger as she continued hurling insults at Su Li. Her words made Su Li thought she was an arrogant, impulsive, and brainless drama queen.

Su Li found himself at a loss for words to describe Gaoyang accurately. He sighed, realizing that Gaoyang's behavior perfectly matched the reputation of being a spoiled and arrogant princess. She continued to hurl insults and curses, leaving Su Li feeling disappointed.

Recalling the historical records of Gaoyang's actions, Su Li couldn't help but feel. It was rumored that after her marriage to Fang Yiai, Gaoyang became even more arrogant and unruly, openly engaging in extramarital affairs with monks. This tarnished the royal family's reputation and brought shame to the Tang Dynasty princesses.

Even Fang Yiai, her cuckolded husband had to stand guard at the door when Princess Gaoyang was having an affair. If that was the extent of it, one could argue that Gaoyang simply didn't care about her private life. But she also encouraged Fang Yiai to rebel, which ultimately led to his execution by Li Er.

It was clear that Gaoyang hadn't enjoyed favor from Li Er since childhood. After all, Prince Li Chengqian's rebellion only resulted in his exile. Considering Li Er's personality, if he had any fondness for Princess Gaoyang, he would have likely shifted the blame onto Minister Fang Yiai to protect his daughter's life. Gaoyang's fate was a consequence of her arrogance, bad reputation, and failure to gain favor from Prince Li, the heir to the throne.

Indeed, Su Li believed that Prince Li would easily detect Gaoyang's exaggerated acting and cunning schemes. Moreover, Gaoyang wasn't even a legitimate child of Empress Zhangsun. At such a young age, with such devious schemes, Prince Li was highly unlikely to genuinely like her.

As rumors of her infidelity spread throughout the city, tarnishing the royal family's reputation, Gaoyang sealed her own fate. Su Li frowned, realizing the gravity of the situation. He only knew from historical records that Gaoyang's private life was notoriously chaotic and thoughtless after her marriage. However, he didn't expect the ten-year-old girl in front of him to act in such a manner.

"In the beginning, humans are inherently evil…" Su Li muttered, attributing Gaoyang's troublesome personality to her upbringing. After all, her acting skills were clumsy and she caused a commotion at the princess's mansion while Princess Changle was still in a coma.

Su Li frowned, still thinking how to handle Princess Gaoyang, who sat on the ground. Suddenly, Gaoyang's voice ceased. In truth, Gaoyang knew that her elder sister, Princess Changle, had gotten married to a commoner. This revelation filled Gaoyang with indescribable joy and happiness. It dawned on her that she was not the favored firstborn daughter and would never receive the same love as her sister.

Her parents frequently criticized her, while everyone lavished praise on Princess Changle. Unbeknownst to her, jealousy had taken root within her heart. It intensified even more when she discovered that her sister was engaged to Zhangsun Chong, the person Gaoyang secretly admired. Although Zhangsun Chong seemed pleasant enough and shared a familial bond with Changle, Gaoyang didn't perceive him as exceptionally remarkable. Yet, Zhangsun Chong's attention toward Changle captivated Gaoyang's envy.

Admittedly, Gaoyang didn't truly understand love at such a young age. Her feelings toward Zhangsun Chong were merely driven by sibling rivalry. In short, her jealousy toward Princess Changle grew more profound over time.

However, an unexpected turn of events later occurred. It truly was an accident. Who would have predicted that her sister would suffer from an asthma attack? Who was to blame for her sister dropping the medicine bottle on the ground once again? Gaoyang acted impulsively without considering the consequences. With a mere nudge of her foot, the bottle accidentally fell into the lake.

Subsequently, Gaoyang became consumed by fear, not because she believed she had harmed her sister but because she dreaded her sister waking up. She knew that her sister had witnessed the incident. However, her sister remained unconscious. Each time the imperial physician emerged with a concerned expression, Gaoyang's anxiety heightened. To her delight, she even discovered that her sister's joy over the incident had led to her impending marriage to a commoner—a peasant!

Gaoyang's happiness knew no bounds.

My dear sister, who had been so favored, was now going to marry a peasant and would never awaken again. Gaoyang desired to witness her sister's distress and relish the thought of her sister marrying a peasant. But what did it mean to be a peasant? Ugly? Coarse? Dark and short? However, a sense of guilt washed over Gaoyang as she had not received any news of her sister's awakening. Finally, summoning her courage, she entered her sister's residence.

She yearned to see the vulgar peasant her sister had married, an experience that would bring her immense happiness for a long time. However, Gaoyang's harsh words involuntarily ceased as she surveyed her surroundings. She couldn't help but acknowledge that Zhangsun Chong, whom she secretly admired, appeared quite handsome. Among the noble and prominent figures in the Great Tang Dynasty, Zhangsun Chong could be considered attractive and capable. Yet, compared to Su Li, the disparity was significant. Indeed, the difference was quite substantial.

Su Li's appearance was so remarkable that even Li Er, an old man with strong opinions, had to admit that she was not bad when belittling Su Li. It was natural for a woman who was inherently envious and jealous to move on when encountering a more attractive man. At that moment, a question arose in Gaoyang's mind: Why? Why was my sister, Princess Changle, so fortunate? How could she have such beautiful skin when marrying a peasant? Even though she lies in a deep slumber and will never awaken!

There was no point in daydreaming anymore. Su Li sincerely felt that Gao Yang seemed suspicious, but she wasn't in a hurry. He instructed the maid to directly reject Gao Yang if she came again.

Su Li furrowed his brow, and a troubling thought crossed his mind. No wa y…

Before Su Li could delve further into his thoughts, he noticed Gao Yang's expression changed. She suppressed the arrogant smirk on her lips and stood up from the ground.

She spoke softly, "Brother-in-law, I came to visit my sister!"

Despite Gao Yang's words, her footsteps showed no intention of going inside to visit Princess Changle. Instead, she remained fixed in place, gazing intently at Su Li's handsome face.

Su Li's appearance was undeniably top-notch and strikingly handsome. Years of living as a peasant had left his complexion less fair and delicate, but it exuded masculinity. He possessed a captivating face with sharp features, a pair of well-defined and piercing eyes, and an angular jawline—a face that adhered to the standards of mainstream male aesthetics.

Su Li frowned as he looked at the obsessed Gao Yang standing before him, finding it difficult to understand her behavior. She was only ten years old…

Though ten-year-old Gao Yang was already quite attractive, being Li Shimin's daughter ensured her possession of excellent genes, guaranteeing she wouldn't grow up to be unattractive. But that was the extent of it. Su Li couldn't understand how a ten-year-old girl could behave so outrageously.

Su Li refrained from starting a fight with Gao Yang and instead guided her into the inner room to visit Princess Changle. Following the commotion at the door earlier, the maid had already cleaned up Princess Changle and dressed her in proper attire.

Once inside, Gao Yang's attention wasn't on her elder sister 'Princess Changle', but rather on Su Li, eager to engage in conversation. Her words were intense and even provocative. It was difficult to understand that she was a ten-year-old girl.

Su Li frequently furrowed his brow, choosing not to respond to Gao Yang's attempts at conversation. He focused on taking care of Princess Changle, paying no heed to Gao Yang's persistent presence.

For Princess Changle, this felt more like a nightmare. After experiencing such a situation today, she could no longer consider her younger sister, 'Princess Gao Yang' as naive. Now, she could even sense Gao Yang sitting comfortably by her bedside, shamelessly chatting with Su Li, and even flirting.

Princess Changle, relying on her intuition as a woman, keenly sensed Gao Yang's ill intentions and speculated about her with utmost hatred.

She thought, This foolish woman…

Su Li noticed Gao Yang getting closer and subtly moved away. He couldn't understand how someone so foolish could exist, but it didn't surprise him that she could engage in an affair with a monk, manipulate her husband into rebelling, and ultimately end up getting him killed.

Although Gao Yang's words were cryptic, her body unconsciously moved closer…

One must remember that he was Princess Changle's husband, Gao Yang's brother-in-law, and Princess Changle was lying on the bed at that moment.

"What kind of princess engages in such behavior…" Su Li said while furrowing his brow. Su Li's understanding of something lead the female officer to mention Princess Gao Yang, which implied that the female officer and Princess Gao Yang were friendly with each other.

Could it be that they were fake sisters? Su Li thought.

Su Li simply hated Gao Yang's hypocrisy, and it was undeniably a nightmare for Princess Changle. She couldn't put a stop to it all. She could only bravely attempt to draw her husband's attention while keeping the culprit in mind.

Thankfully, Su Li continued to provide her with comfort, as he always did. He held her hand, and Princess Changle could sense the indifference in his words—a distance usually reserved for strangers. This was an indifference she had never encountered before.

In the past, every word spoken by Su Li by her side was gentle, warm, and reassuring. Regardless of the situation, Su Li's tone was consistently gentle. There had never been such indifference before. Changle wondered if her own husband sensed something.

It was the first time Changle felt such a cold gesture from her husband, which oddly made her feel more at ease compared to his previous gentleness. Su Li's steadfast indifference now served as her strongest barrier and fortress.

Su Li glanced at the increasingly arrogant Gao Yang in front of him, feeling extremely disgusted.

Suddenly, he spoke in a cold and icy tone, addressing Gao Yang, "Next time, Changle will undergo treatment. It is inconvenient for others to be present. Please go back, princess."

Gao Yang's warm expression paused, and she looked at Su Li's hand tightly clasping Changle's, showing a trace of jealousy.

This is my elder sister. Do I still need to be cautious about it? Perhaps it's wounded pride? Or perhaps it's something else? Princess Gao Yang thought.

Gao Yang was very displeased with Su Li's attitude. After all, he was just a commoner. How could he be so indifferent, relying solely on his attractive appearance? Why not? He was just a lucky guy.

Of course, Su Li could sense Gao Yang's alienation and indifference.

"Princess, please forgive me. Allow me to see off the guests," he said, not wanting any further communication with Gao Yang.

The current situation clearly revealed that the friendship between Gao Yang and Princess Changle was merely for appearances, and Gao Yang was nothing more than a fake sister to Princess Changle. There was no need to argue with her.

The female officer dutifully carried out Su Li's order. It wasn't until the officer returned to the room that Su Li suddenly spoke up. "Are Changle and Princess Gao Yang very close?" he asked.

"Princess Gao Yang lost her mother at a young age, and His Majesty does not favor her. Princess Changle has always been close to her," the female officer replied.

"Hmm…" Su Li nodded.

"By the way, I've been here for so long, and I still don't know how Princess Changle fell into a coma," Su Li said, looking at the female officer.

"Princess Changle is always close to Princess Gao Yang…" the female officer began.

In short, Princess Changle's maid stayed at Princess Gao Yang's mansion that day, and Princess Changle had an asthma attack, coincidentally without her medication.

It could be too late when the imperial doctor arrived , Su Li thought.

An asthma attack could easily lead to suffocation, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the brain and causing nerve damage. This explained why Princess Changle became comatose after the incident. It seemed like an accident, but upon careful consideration of Princess Gao Yang's hypocrisy, Su Li couldn't help but doubt its true nature.

However, Su Li didn't believe that Gao Yang's less-than-intelligent mind could have orchestrated such a thing openly.

There must be something useful, Su Li mused, looking at her collection of miscellaneous items.

In the past few days, he had acquired various things that might prove valuable in the long run, apart from seasonings. One item caught his attention, the Truth Telling Potion. It had the power to compel the person who consumed it, to tell the truth when asked a question, with the option to activate its effects at a chosen time.

But then Su Li reconsidered. Changle was still unconscious, and causing further disturbances might only hinder her recovery. Moreover, as a victim, Changle might already know the truth. There was no need to resort to the truth-telling potion based solely on suspicion.

I'll wait until Changle wakes up, Su Li thoughtfully decided while frowning.

Once Changle regained consciousness, he could directly ask her about the incident. If Gao Yang truly had a hand in it, he could use the truth-telling potion to uncover the whole truth. Changle's testimony and Gao Yang's confession would be more substantial evidence.

Su Li didn't want to waste too much time dwelling on Gao Yang. "By the way, when Gao Yang visits in the future, make excuses to avoid her," Su Li instructed.

He knew it was better to focus on Changle's recovery and gather concrete evidence before taking any further actions.

It was fruitless to indulge in wild thoughts at this moment. Su Li sensed that something was amiss with Gao Yang, but he didn't feel rushed. Instead, he instructed the maid to inform Gao Yang to return and promptly declined her presence.

Jumping to conclusions about Gao Yang's character solely based on assumptions and negative impressions would be incorrect. Furthermore, Princess Changle was still unconscious, and Su Li did not want any trouble.

The following days remained uneventful. Su Li continued to diligently attend to Princess Changle's needs, scrubbing her body and occasionally administering medicinal potions to aid her recovery.

Princess Changle's complexion improved day by day, reaching a state of unparalleled health. Su Li examined her pulse and found it to be as follows, using the descriptions found in martial arts novels.

Her blood surged with boiling anger. Even a well-nourished, robust adult male couldn't match the vigor and vitality coursing through Changle's body.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. The tranquility within the Princess Mansion remained undisturbed as nothing noteworthy occurred. Since Princess Changle had yet to awaken, Su Li maintained his seclusion and strictly adhered to male virtues. Even if any incidents occurred outside, they would not affect Su Li.

However, within the palace, peace was not the prevailing sentiment. Ever since Li Er grew suspicious, he intensified his investigation into Su Li.

Initially, the investigation focused on Su Li's social connections. It revealed that Su Li had no notable affiliations. Since relocating to Longyou in the sixth year of Wu De, Su Li had dutifully and peacefully farmed alongside his parents.

In the eighth year of Wu De, Su Li's parents fell victim to illness, leaving him to farm the land alone, relying on the support of the villagers to survive.

Su Li's ventures were limited to the county seat without ever setting foot in Changan City. Without any scholarly pursuits, his life was that of an ordinary peasant.

Despite an extensive investigation into Su Li's life experiences since his family relocated to Longyou in the sixth year of Wu De, Li Er couldn't find anything unusual. However, while continuing his investigation, he came across a piece of news in the village. It turned out that Su Li's family had fled to Longyou to escape the war, and his parents didn't appear to be his biological parents. This revelation raised Li Er's suspicions, prompting him to delve further into this clue.

Given that their migration occurred during a turbulent period, with unrest prevailing in the six years of Wu De, the trail of clues abruptly vanished after a few initial inquiries. However, a breakthrough came when Li Er stumbled upon a pawn shop. Su Li's parents had hocked a sword when they fled with him, and what made it notable was the sword's maker, a renowned artisan from Jizhou. The sword bore his name, connecting the dots of the investigation.

Unfortunately, the swordsmith had passed away as early as the second year of Zhenguan, and his son had not continued his craft. After significant effort, Li Er managed to locate the former student of the swordsmith. After several identification attempts, the student finally recognized the sword and revealed that Su Chao, a powerful local figure in Shiping County, had commissioned it.

Upon further investigation, the pieces fell into place for Li Er, as he personally knew Su Chao, the influential figure in Shiping County. It was revealed that Su Chao had a son who happened to be working under Li Er. While Su Chao's reputation wasn't widespread, his son had a connection to Li Er. It was further discovered that Su Dingfang, a Lieutenant General of the Left Guard, was Su Chao's son.

Su Dingfang…

Su Li…

Li Er pondered, tapping on the table.

Though Su Dingfang's name might be unfamiliar to most people today, his accomplishments were noteworthy. However, during the Zhenguan period, Su Dingfang hadn't been given significant opportunities to showcase his abilities. Moreover, Su Dingfang wasn't directly related to Li Er. Before Li Er ascended to the throne, Su Dingfang had served under Dou Jiande and Liu Heita, who rebelled against the central government.

After the rebellion led by Liu Heita was quelled, Su Dingfang spent several years living a low-profile life. He eventually regained his position and received a new role through Li Jing's recommendation. In essence, Su Dingfang initially followed Dou Jiande. After the Tang Dynasty pacified Dou Jiande, Su Dingfang joined Liu Heita, but the latter eventually rebelled with Dou Jiande's old troops. Surviving such a tumultuous career trajectory was already considered fortunate.

Later, following the complete unification of the Tang Dynasty, Su Dingfang was reintegrated into service based on Li Jing's recommendation. However, Li Jing's position within the Li Tang dynasty was precarious. Despite being honored with the title of "God of War," he couldn't earn Li Er's trust. This was because, during the critical moment of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Jing failed to take a clear stance and support Li Er in eliminating his brothers and seizing power. Thus, Su Dingfang's return to prominence was a rather awkward situation.

Li Er took a moment to reflect on the complex connections and histories surrounding Su Dingfang and Su Li. The pieces were finally coming together, presenting a compelling puzzle that demanded further investigation.

In the fourth year of the Zhenguan era, Li Jing launched a war against the Turks, following the instructions of Li Er. Su Dingfang, a distinguished military officer, served as a vanguard and achieved great military exploits, contributing to the destruction of the Turks. However, despite his significant accomplishments, Li Jing faced impeachment by numerous civil officers.

Grand Secretary Wen Yanbo falsely accused Li Jing of lacking discipline in his army, alleging that valuable treasures had fallen into the hands of unruly soldiers. This was merely a ploy to target Li Jing, but Li Jing had ensured Su Dingfang's survival. Consequently, even though Li Jing had achieved a great victory against the Turks, he was awarded the title of Zuo Wu Huan Zhonglang General.

Unfortunately, this sealed Su Dingfang's fate within the Zhenguan Dynasty. It was not until Li Er passed away and Li Zhi ascended the throne that Su Dingfang, a renowned general known for his later achievements, had the opportunity to showcase his remarkable abilities. During the chaos involving the Western Turkic and Pingcongling, Su Dingfang, the illustrious general who had defeated Baekje, conquered Goguryeo, and pacified Tubo, emerged.

Due to his unfavorable background, Su Dingfang faced limited prospects within the Zhenguan Dynasty and remained in the Zuo Wu Hou Zhonglang General position, which was a relatively idle role as the fourth-ranked officer. Su Dingfang did not dare to strive for real authority without actual power to command troops. His teacher, Li Jing, had already warned him not to pursue real power or lead troops into battle unless he could remove Li Jing from the picture.

However, Su Dingfang held onto his sense of righteousness. If not for this, he would not have continued to rebel against Liu Heita without hesitation after Dou Jiande's defeat. Additionally, when his teacher, Li Jing, achieved great military exploits but faced impeachment, Su Dingfang, a minor vanguard officer, even vented his anger towards Doctor Yu Shi in court. Su Dingfang had no regrets.

Today was the day Su Dingfang was supposed to start working, yet he remained at home. For a man whose future seemed destined for gloom, it seemed meaningless not to seek employment. His past experiences had already determined that no matter how hard he tried, he would not be able to gain the trust of the Emperor.

Rather than taking risks and pursuing a military career, Su Dingfang might as well have stayed at home and enjoyed the stable income of a fourth-ranked officer. However, a special guest arrived at Su Dingfang's mansion on this particular day.

"By order of His Majesty, it is announced that Zuo Wu Hou Zhonglang will bring Su Dingfang to the palace for an audience!"

Su Dingfang, who was drinking at home, was taken aback by the sudden visit of this esteemed messenger. As someone who appeared insignificant in the grand scheme of things, he couldn't understand why the Emperor would remember his existence.

An absurd thought crossed his mind, perhaps muddled by the effects of the drink. Could it be that His Majesty had recognized his peerless talent and couldn't bear to let such a valuable asset go unnoticed?

Along the way, Su Dingfang's mind was filled with chaotic thoughts. While he didn't regret his actions and wasn't bothered by being rejected, as he cherished his training with Li Jing and didn't want to separate that relationship, he couldn't easily let go of the idea of galloping on the battlefield and achieving greatness. After all, he had spent several years as a warrior, and it was difficult for him to abandon the desire for glory.

It was true that Su Dingfang had been a mere victim of Li Er's suppression against Li Jing, and he was nothing more than a small pawn in the grand scheme. His most notable accomplishment so far was his bravery in battle, and his official rank was only Fourth Class. He lacked the qualifications to participate in the power struggles among the influential figures in court.

Consequently, after being sidelined, Su Dingfang rarely saw Li Er (Emperor Taizong) and had no involvement in the court's power dynamics. The sudden summons from the Emperor to enter the palace left Su Dingfang bewildered, unsure of what to expect. Various thoughts raced through his mind, ranging from concerns about his teacher Li Jing's well-being to the possibility that the Emperor had recognized his talent.

Only upon meeting Li Er in the palace did Su Dingfang's slightly intoxicated mind become clear. He bowed respectfully and paid his respects to the Emperor, showing his respect. Li Er waved his hand and dispensed with formalities, indicating that they would not discuss state affairs that day.

"You see, do you recognize this sword?" Li Er gestured to the eunuch standing beside him, who handed the redeemed sword from the pawnshop to Su Dingfang.

Initially puzzled, Su Dingfang's face displayed confusion as he accepted the sword. Its style was rather common, resembling an ancient sword imitating those from the Han dynasty, which were popular in this era. As a martial artist, Su Dingfang owned many similar swords at home. He couldn't understand why the Emperor was showing him this particular sword, but he carefully examined it.

To his surprise, he felt a familiar but indescribable sensation. Su Dingfang noticed familiar sword marks on the hilt, as renowned swordsmiths of this era often left their unique imprints for identification, similar to how scholars would stamp their seals on completed calligraphy or paintings.

"Hmm? Was this sword made by Cao Gong?" Su Dingfang exclaimed in surprise.

He had discovered Cao Gong's distinct sword marks on the hilt. Cao Gong was a locally renowned swordsmith in Shiping County, and he crafted most of the swords used by local elites. Su Dingfang remembered that his father 'Su Chao' had gifted him a sword made by Cao Gong when he was born.

Being a local elite, Su Chao presented each family descendant with a sword made by Cao Gong, including Su Dingfang and his half-brother…

As a local tyrant, Father Su Chao indeed bestowed a sword upon every family descendant, including Su Dingfang and his half-brother from the same father. Realizing this, Su Dingfang's brow furrowed slightly, and the effects of his intoxication quickly faded away.

He swiftly unsheathed his own sword and meticulously examined the marks on the blade. As expected, there was a distinct notch approximately three inches from the sword's edge, a mark created by his younger brother during their childhood play and sword sparring sessions when they were merely six years old.

Shock surged through Su Dingfang, instantly sobering his mind. The Su family had originally been a powerful local clan in Jizhou. However, they were forced to migrate westward toward Changan due to conflicts and wars. Tragically, they encountered thieves along the way, and Su Dingfang's younger brother, only seven years old at the time, went missing.

The Su family consisted of only a father 'Su Chao' and two sons. After their arrival in Changan, both the father and sons relied on each other. However, Su Chao eventually rebelled, and in the ensuing chaos, Su Dingfang joined the rebel army of Dou Jiande. Following Dou Jiande's defeat at the hands of the Li Tang forces, Su Chao fell victim to his injuries after lingering for half a year. Su Dingfang subsequently aligned with Liu Heita in another rebellion, only to face defeat once again.

Surviving these difficult situations, Su Dingfang caught the attention of Li Jing, the general who had defeated Liu Heita. Li Jing took him under his wing and imparted military strategy, yet unofficially, making Su Dingfang his disciple.

In the fourth year of Zhenguan, Li Jing appointed Su Dingfang as a vanguard officer to combat the Turks, where he achieved fame through his exceptional military exploits in a single battle.

However, as Li Er became the court officials' target, Su Dingfang was sidelined. Even in his final moments, Su Dingfang's father 'Su Chao' had murmured about his lost younger son. Although Su Dingfang and his brother did not share the same mother, the scarcity of family members in the Su household prevented any sibling rivalry or petty disputes. Despite their decade-long age difference, the two brothers had a deep bond, with Su Dingfang often assuming the role of a father figure due to their father's frequent absence from home.

Their brotherly relationship remained strong, and the memories of their time together lingered in Su Dingfang's heart.

When the family moved from Jizhou and his younger brother went missing, it became a regret for the whole family. Su Dingfang later searched for his younger brother several times during his battles, but there was no news due to the ongoing wars in the country. And now… to see the sword his father had given his younger brother, how could Su Dingfang not be moved?

"Your Majesty… I… dare to ask Your Majesty, where did this sword come from?" Su Dingfang prostrated himself on the ground.

"Do you recognize this sword?" Li Er frowned.

"This sword is indeed my younger brother's sword!" Su Dingfang's face was filled with grief as he slowly recounted the hardships his family had experienced.

"In that case, you still have a younger brother who is lost?" Li Er asked.

"Exactly. My younger brother is ten years younger than me and should be twenty-three years old now." Su Dingfang nodded.

Li Er's heart trembled slightly…

If that was the case, then it was highly likely that Su Li, despite his different appearance, was indeed the younger brother that Su Dingfang lost. However, Li Er's brows remained furrowed because he still hadn't obtained the answers he was seeking.

Su Li, even though was Su Dingfang's younger brother, his family background was not prominent before, as he came from a wealthy local family. Even Su Dingfang himself only holds a relatively low-ranking official position of the fourth rank. This could not explain the remarkable calligraphy skills displayed by Su Li, as well as the sudden improvement of asthma in Changle. Unless… Something happened during the time when Su Li unexpectedly lost his way and settled in Longyou.

"Take him to the Princess Mansion to verify his identity…" Li Er sighed.

Li Er's expression was not very good. After all the efforts, nothing was found, and instead, Su Li recognized a relative as if punching into thin air.

"Your Majesty, is my younger brother still alive?" Su Dingfang's face was filled with joy as he received the news of his long-lost younger brother.

"Let's go and see first… I can't say for sure if he is your brother," Li Er waved his hand.

This turned out to be a fortunate accident, and Li Er seemed to have unintentionally gained some credit…

"I… Thank Your Majesty!" Su Dingfang was overjoyed, and then a sudden thought came to his mind.

Wait a minute… Why go to the Princess Mansion? Could it be that his younger brother became a servant in the Princess Mansion?

Regardless, Su Dingfang, as a fourth-ranked officer, could take his brother back home to take care of him, no matter what his brother's status was.

Well… calculating the age, his younger brother was already twenty-three years old, the age when he should be starting a family.

After taking his younger brother out of the Princess Mansion, as the eldest brother, Su Dingfang should start preparing for his brother's marriage.

Compared to the local landlords of a small country in the past, Su Dingfang was now only a fourth-ranked officer, and might not be considered much in the court. However, he was already a distinguished figure. Although his future might be uncertain, it was easy for him to arrange a marriage for his younger brother.

The Su family lacked enough descendants, as Su Dingfang himself only had two children. So, it was important for his younger brother to quickly marry and have children to ensure the prosperity of the Su family's lineage.