Chapter 38: Li Shimin Arrives with a Crowd for a Visit

Inside the Weinan Bo Fu.

Chen Yan, holding Xiao Sizi, lies on a bamboo rocking chair, lazily basking in the sun.

Since two days ago, when Cheng Chu Mo and his three brothers, as well as Li Chengqian and Princess Changle, sent money, people, and a tavern over, he has been busy for a while.

At the same time, he had Xiao Shunzi locate the carpenter who had previously worked for him, and have him build dining tables and decorate the tavern according to his specifications.

Meanwhile, he also taught ten maidservants various reception etiquette, and had Zhang Yi train five junior kitchen assistants.

At the same time, Chen Yan used that money to purchase large quantities of liquor, then distilled the liquor and finally stored them in jars.

Today, he finally had some leisure and delegated everything to Qing'er.

Chen Yan estimates that in another two days, the tavern will be ready to open.

After all, the tavern Li Lizhi gave him is really nice; it's a three‑story large tavern, spacious inside, and many things are fully equipped.

It's just that it hasn't been opened for so long, so there's a lot of dust inside.

Once the dust is swept clean and a simple renovation is done, it will be ready to open.

Thinking of this, Chen Yan's mood brightened; he pinched Sizi's gradually round little face and said, "Sizi, in two days, big brother will earn a lot of money."

Xiao Sizi perched on Chen Yan's body, pouting her little bottom, and asked in a soft, mushy voice, "Big brother, is the money good?"

"You little glutton, why are you thinking about eating all the time?"

"Hehe, because it's yummy duck~"

Chen Yan helplessly explained, "Money can't be eaten, but money can buy a lot of tasty things."

"When big brother earns money, he can buy lots of tasty food for Xiao Sizi!"

"Really?"

Xiao Sizi's eyes sparkled.

She pouted her little bottom, climbed up, sat on Chen Yan's belly, clenched her fist, and in a baby voice said, "Then I also want to help big brother earn money, earn lots and lots of money~"

The reason Xiao Sizi doesn't call him brother‑in‑law now is that Chen Yan didn't like it, saying it was inauspicious, and insisted she call him big brother.

At first Xiao Sizi was unwilling, but under Chen Yan's playful, fleshy threat she eventually compromised and changed the address.

Chen Yan didn't discourage the child's enthusiasm, and said warmly, "Alright, with Sizi's help, big brother will definitely earn more money."

"Mm yeah, when big brother earns money, he can give me lots of tasty stuff~"

While the two were happily chatting and sunbathing, Qing'er suddenly arrived with a group of people.

The arrivals were none other than Li Shimin and his wife, Crown Prince Li Chengqian, the Duke of Qi "Changsun Wuji", the Duke of Xing "Fang Xuanling", and the famous Left Prime Minister—Wei Zheng!

Except for Du Ruhui, who was absent due to illness, three of Li Shimin's four great ministerial pillars arrived.

At this moment, Chen Yan, lying down, hadn't noticed them arriving.

It was Xiao Sizi, sitting on his belly, who instantly saw the newcomers.

"Ah ye, mother!"

The little creature shouted excitedly, hurriedly scrambled down from Chen Yan, and with short legs bounded into Empress Changsun's arms.

"Ah, my daughter's Sizi," Empress Changsun said, her eyes slightly red, crouching to catch her running daughter.

Though she didn't say it, after two days apart she had been deeply worried.

Li Shimin gave Sizi a few glances, seeing her healthy complexion and slightly rounder face, and nodded with satisfaction.

Chen Yan hurriedly rose from the rocking chair.

Turning around, he saw a group of people and felt a bit puzzled.

How did his home become so lively now?

People keep coming here every few days.

Nevertheless, puzzlement aside, he walked over and bowed, saying, "Your servant..."

"Enough, stop the 'your servant' talk; this time I have an important matter for you."

Li Shimin interrupted Chen Yan, asking seriously, "Regarding the method of raising pigs, I already know."

"However, what I don't understand is why you say the method of raising pigs cannot be announced to the world now?"

"What exactly does 'Risk Resistance Ability' mean?"

At that remark, Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Wei Zheng all stared at him intently.

Today, His Majesty suddenly summoned the three into the palace and threw Chen Yan's question at them.

After discussing for a while, the three still couldn't figure out why.

Changsun Wuji immediately suggested going straight to find Chen Yan, and also take a look at the castrated pigs.

Li Shimin gladly agreed.

Just before departing, he remembered his wife's longing for Empress Changsun, so he also brought her along.

"......"

Hearing Li Shimin's question, Chen Yan instantly understood why they had come to find him.

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty, shall we discuss it in the main hall?"

Li Shimin slightly nodded at the suggestion.

The group proceeded toward the main hall.

Chen Yan also instructed Qing'er to prepare tea.

Upon entering the main hall and taking seats, Changsun Wuji remarked in surprise, "These stools are rather peculiar, a bit like Hu stools, yet more comfortable."

Fang Xuanling felt it, nodded and agreed, "Indeed, the chairs in the Marquis of Weinan's house are much more comfortable."

Even Wei Zheng, who usually has to spray two remarks, said nothing to refute.

"Enough, let's cut the idle talk," Li Shimin said, looking at the newly seated Chen Yan, "Zi An, you can now answer my doubts, right."

Li Chengqian's mouth twitched at the words.

I had thought my Father Emperor was wise and mighty, and surely knew the answer to the question.

But it turned out the Father Emperor, like him, also did not understand why.

Even after convening three high officials of the court for discussion, they still reached no conclusion, and still had to go to the Weinan Bo Fu to seek an answer.

Chen Yan thought for a moment and replied, "Explaining this issue is actually very troublesome; I will start with the people's Risk Resistance Ability."

"If there is any offense, I ask His Majesty to forgive me."

Li Shimin immediately said, "No problem, go ahead and speak; if there is any offense, I pardon you of any guilt."

Chen Yan nodded, slowly explaining, "I'm sure everyone knows that during the reign of the previous Emperor Yang of Sui, the eastern capital Luoyang was built and the Grand Canal was constructed, causing the people to voice endless grievances."

"At the same time, he also frequently launched wars, attacking Goguryeo three times in succession and personally campaigning against Tuyuhun, which caused rebellions and great chaos throughout the realm."

"Later, the realm was struck again by His Majesty, and although it was to end the turmoil and overthrow the Sui dynasty, it is undeniable that the people indeed suffered a great deal in the process."

Li Shimin and his wife fell silent after hearing it, utterly unable to refute.

As those who had personally experienced it, how could they not know that the people suffered far too much then?

It is just that these events were unavoidable; suffering for a time is still better than suffering forever.

If it happened again, Li Shimin would still make the same choice.

Chang Sun Wuji and Fang Xuanling were both startled in their hearts.

This Marquis of Weinan… really dares to say anything.

Although it is the truth, His Majesty is right in front of us; you should at least be more tactful.

Wei Zheng was rather interested in this and urged, "Marquis of Weinan, please continue."

He even dares to point at Li Shimin's nose and scold him, so naturally he doesn't think there's anything wrong with those words.

Because it is all factual.

"......"