Chapter 76

Because she felt guilty, Empress Changsun did not pay much attention to her daughter's expression.

She took her hand and comforted, "Li Lizhi, you can rest assured; after I, your mother, find you a suitable husband, I won't disappoint you."

Li Lizhi's eyes flashed with a different hue, then half‑jokingly said, "Mother, I am not lacking a husband; the marriage can wait."

"Moreover, I first met a youth like Cousin Changsun, then encountered the natural talent Marquis of Weinan; how could I set my eyes on anyone else?"

"As for me, I now only wish to stay by your side and, together with the Marquis of Weinan, manage the business affairs, so I can help Mother share some of the pressure."

Empress Changsun was startled for a moment, blinked, recalled something Li Lizhi had said before, and finally sensed something amiss.

Earlier, Li Lizhi knew full well that she and Changsun Chong could not be together, yet she bluntly said that the people she interacted with most were Changsun Chong and the Marquis of Weinan, Chen Yan.

She also asked the couple which person they thought she favored.

At first, the couple subconsciously ruled out Chen Yan, believing Li Lizhi favored Changsun Chong.

Now, since they know a cousin cannot marry, the first to be ruled out should be Changsun Chong…

Knowing this, Li Lizhi's remark becomes worth pondering.

Li Lizhi could have refused to answer, stating she had no one she liked, but she instead named two candidates, one of which, Changsun Chong, could never be.

Only Chen Yan remained…

Empress Changsun intended to probe, but Li Shimin first said with satisfaction, "Li Lizhi has taken an interest; Princess Gao Yang has already become engaged to Zi An, and before the marriage is finalized, it's not proper to have too much contact with Zi An."

"Your elder brother and I are usually busy with affairs, unable to pay much attention to Zi An's side of the business."

"Indeed, this matter is more suitably entrusted to you."

Princess Gao Yang, hearing this, could not help but speak, "Father Emperor, Imperial sister has not yet left the palace; too much contact with 'Mr. Chen' may generate gossip, perhaps let me go instead!"

"Although I have not yet completed marriage with 'Mr. Chen', we have already set a marriage agreement; even if we interact more, others would probably think I am cultivating feelings with the Marquis of Weinan, which is nothing serious."

"Moreover, Imperial sister will eventually marry, and then she won't be able to help 'Mr. Chen' with business matters."

"I am different; I will marry 'Mr. Chen' next month, so why not let me directly manage the tavern for 'Mr. Chen', and continue to help with its affairs—wouldn't that be better?"

In the past, Princess Gao Yang indeed suspected that Li Lizhi would compete with her for Chen Yan.

But she only had a tiny doubt and did not take it to heart.

Her thinking was similar to that of Li Shimin and his wife; Li Lizhi, being well‑educated since childhood, should not do anything to compete for a husband with her.

Yesterday's incidents in the tavern were mostly her own sour feelings and wild imagination.

She did not expect that Li Lizhi seemed to be playing for real!

Thus, she could no longer just sit and wait for death.

"......"

Empress Changsun's expression grew increasingly uneasy, her gaze constantly shifting between Li Lizhi and Princess Gao Yang.

She then lowered her eyes, her thoughts unknown.

Li Shimin carefully considered Princess Gao Yang's words and felt they had some merit.

He paused, about to speak, when Li Lizhi and Gao Yang began to clash point‑by‑point.

"Sister Gao Yang, your statement is erroneous; as members of the Imperial Family, every word and deed must be observed."

"Even though you have a marriage contract with the Marquis of Weinan, the rites are there; before the formal marriage, it's best not to meet frequently."

"Although I have not yet left the palace, Sizi lives at the Marquis of Weinan's residence; as Sizi's elder sister sharing the same mother, visiting my sister is perfectly reasonable; who could point out a fault in me?"

"Compared with Sister Gao Yang, I seem more suitable!"

Li Lizhi's mouth still bore that familiar smile as she continued, "Furthermore, when the signatures were affixed, it was I, the Marquis of Weinan, and the three eldest sons of the Dukes who signed together."

"As for the tavern business… Sister Gao Yang would be better off not getting involved."

Princess Gao Yang slightly lifted her eyes, stared at Li Lizhi, and smiled lightly, "As far as I know, when the signatures were made, although Imperial sister's name was signed, the money actually came from Father Emperor."

"All the tavern's profits go into Father Emperor's pocket, and the one who truly makes decisions is also Father Emperor."

"In other words, Imperial sister is merely handling affairs for Father Emperor."

"Just handling Father Emperor's affairs; you and I, sisters, who else could do it?"

Li Lizhi shook her head, refusing to yield, "Handling Father Emperor's affairs, indeed either of us sisters could do it."

"However, I have previously run a tavern and have a certain understanding of its internal procedures."

"Compared with Sister Gao Yang, who knows nothing about tavern affairs, I am undoubtedly far more suitable!"

"Moreover, I have heard that Sister Gao Yang's relationship with the Marquis of Weinan is as antagonistic as fire and water."

"Yesterday, when I asked the Marquis of Weinan, he said that currently there is no romantic feeling toward Sister Gao Yang; it must be cultivated slowly after marriage."

"If Sister Gao Yang, while handling business matters, loses her temper and quarrels with the Marquis of Weinan, first the gossip will be unpleasant, second it will affect the mutual impression between you two, and third it will make cultivating feelings thereafter even more difficult."

"As your Imperial sister, I naturally want to help you avoid these."

The speech was downright righteous and justified.

As if Li Lizhi were truly considering Gao Yang's interests.

Princess Gao Yang silently sneered, her expression unchanged, "Imperial sister is right, but… 'Mr. Chen' is my fiancé, and 'Imperial sister' will be my future brother‑in‑law."

"I am afraid that Imperial sister's contact… isn't good…"

In the words "Imperial sister" and "Mr. Chen", Princess Gao Yang bites heavily, the implication obvious.

As a princess who grew up in the harem, the two have indeed witnessed countless scheming and intrigue.

Those concubines and noble consorts, knowing they cannot outcompete Empress Changsun, yet Empress Changsun does have inconvenient moments.

Such as when she is on her period or pregnant.

At such times, the harem's consorts would display all their tricks to vie for favor, with endless conspiracies, scheming, and sarcastic remarks.

Over the years, even though Li Lizhi and Gao Yang rarely interact, they have long learned to read each other.

Verbal sparring?

Who's afraid of whom!

You make a move, I counter it; after I counter, it's my turn.

After a round, no one can gain an advantage.

It left Li Shimin and Empress Changsun, who were standing nearby, staring in bewilderment.

At this moment, Li Shimin also sensed something was off and was about to speak to interrupt the two sisters, when Empress Changsun suddenly tapped his hand secretly, signaling him to stay calm.

He looked on in puzzlement and saw Empress Changsun shake her head, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.

She wants to see today just how far these two sisters will go to cause trouble for Chen Yan.

"......"