Chapter 514: Guilt

Even though Li Lizhi said nothing, this was already the best answer.

He vaguely recalled that, in the past, Chen Yan once told Li Yuan that a bowl of water can never be kept level.

But Chen Yan always thought in his heart that he should keep the bowl of water level when dealing with Li Lizhi and Gao Yang.

In reality, he indeed treated Gao Yang much better, whether in daily details or casual conversation, he always accommodated Gao Yang more.

Chen Yan didn't want to be like that, but there was no way; Gao Yang was his first wife across two lifetimes, also the first wife to bear him children.

In terms of companionship, being with Gao Yang was also more fun.

He once even said that if he had to choose one of the two to spend his life with, he would definitely choose Gao Yang.

That wasn't a falsehood to placate Gao Yang; Chen Yan truly thought so.

While the two were silent, Qing'er, accompanied by a maid, entered carrying two basins of foot‑soaking water and knocked on the door.

"Young master, shall I wash for you?" Qing'er set down the wooden basin and asked softly.

"No need, Li Lizhi and I are tired from walking today and want to soak our feet quietly; you may go out first," Chen Yan said lightly.

"Oh~"

Qing'er blinked, glanced at the two quietly, sensed the atmosphere was off, said nothing more, obediently left with the maid and closed the door.

"Husband, I just thought that if you ever have free time, taking me out for a walk would already satisfy me; I wouldn't feel aggrieved."

Li Lizhi inhaled gently and mustered the courage to speak.

Chen Yan's mood grew even more complicated upon hearing that.

What a simple request—just take her out for a walk when you have time, spend a little time with her.

And yet it was she who mustered the courage to say it.

I really am damned!

"....... Fine!"

Chen Yan's voice sounded slightly hoarse; countless thoughts swirled in his mind, yet he only managed to utter a single "Fine".

He recalled the fourth year of the Zhenguan era, when the woman before him was determined to marry him, even pleading with Li Yuan, who then publicly declared his stance at Empress Changsun's birthday banquet.

She even told a clumsy lie, asking him to help devise a plan.

Back then, he merely watched Gao Yang and Li Lizhi vie for attention, eventually enjoying the blessings of the Qi people, yet he never gave Li Lizhi special regard.

The more he thought, the more uneasy he felt.

"Alas!"

Chen Yan let out a slight sigh, rose, approached Li Lizhi, crouched slowly, and reached out to grasp her foot.

She instantly widened her eyes, already guessing what he intended.

"No, no, no... not allowed, husband," Li Lizhi hurriedly tried to pull her foot back while bending down to stop him.

"I have pressed your foot before, so why the sudden refusal? You owe me a chance to make up for it, don't you?"

Chen Yan laughed, "You must be thinking that this is my debt to you; after all, I treat Gao Yang far better than I treat you, so giving you a foot massage is only natural."

"What kind of reasoning is that?" Li Lizhi said, half laughing, half crying, but she no longer resisted.

In truth, she was subtly swayed inside.

She glanced at him quietly, exhaled, and thought, "Just this once, today only; never let husband do this again."

Chen Yan gently removed her shoes and socks, revealing her petite, fair feet, and washed them attentively.

The room fell silent at once; neither spoke again, and Li Lizhi stared quietly at him, thoughts flashing through her mind like meteors.

Suddenly, she thought of something, pursed her lips, and whispered, "Husband, what is the title of the poem you wrote for Gao Yang, 'Clouds Imagine Garments, Flowers Imagine Beauty'?"

"I think it's fine; I want to remember it,"

Chen Yan's gaze shifted slightly as he looked up at her, his expression rather odd.

This hint seems a bit obvious, doesn't it?

He teased, "Do you really just want to know the name? If so, telling you is no problem; if not... you could just tell me directly."

"It's not like I can't satisfy you,"

Li Lizhi fell silent for a moment, then said softly, "'Clouds Imagine Garments, Flowers Imagine Beauty', 'The sash widens yet I do not regret'—just these two lines, which woman wouldn't be envious?"

"If I were just a bystander, that's fine, but I'm also your wife bound by hair,"

"I understand," Chen Yan nodded, "If I were you, I'd also feel uneasy, but such matters truly depend on fate; it's not that I can write it just because I want to."

"The prose is formed by Heaven, a skillful hand obtains it by chance."

"That line, 'Clouds Imagine Garments, Flowers Imagine Beauty', sprang into my mind the day Gao Yang married me."

Li Lizhi's eyes suddenly sparkled.

Such a poem can't be written instantly; she understood well, after all, many poets bleed over a single character without success, let alone a poem destined to endure for ages.

But Chen Yan's words, "The prose is formed by Heaven, a skillful hand obtains it by chance," amazed her again.

Just hearing that line made her feel today was worth it.

"It's fine, husband; as long as you remember, I don't mind whenever,"

Li Lizhi's mouth curved into a pleasant smile, not only because of Chen Yan's promise but also because the massage felt truly comfortable.

She exhaled, speaking sincerely, "Husband, before I married you I never intended to compete with Gao Yang; I just wanted to hold a place in your heart."

"But sometimes I can't help feeling jealous, a sourness in my heart; I'm not causing trouble nor demanding much—just keep me in your thoughts, and I'll be truly content."

"Strolling as we did that day, and spending moments together like today, I find it more beautiful than any poem."

Chen Yan listened quietly, his hand's motion unknowingly halted.

He lifted his head, meeting Li Lizhi's clear, sincere eyes, the light within warm enough to pierce the heart.

At this moment, he truly wanted to utter a sigh.

Having a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?

"I......"

Chen Yan opened his mouth to speak, but at that moment the door was pushed open.

Gao Yang walked in, glaring at Li Lizhi, "I was just out there listening for ages, why are you still the same as when you were a child, not responsible at all?"

"The more obedient you are, the more he bullies you!"

"If you ask me, if he treats you badly, you just ignore everything every day, let the house become a mess, and then he'll realize how good you are."

"If that still doesn't work, then go tell Mother Empress, let Mother Empress decide for you!"

Li Lizhi was stunned at that moment.

It wasn't because of Gao Yang's words, but because, when she was alone with Chen Yan, why was there always someone eavesdropping from outside?

It used to be Xiao Sizi, now it's Gao Yang.

"Is it never ending?"

"....."