Chapter 77: Gao Yang Is the Ever‑Proud Sun

In recent years, Empress Changsun has managed the harem so orderly that the beautiful consorts, each more striking than the last, are impressed.

She relies not on Li Shimin's favor, but on her own wit and spirit.

In terms of verbal palace intrigue, the two are far too inexperienced before her.

After recovering from her initial guilt, Empress Changsun began to suspect that Li Lizhi might have set her sights on Marquis of Weinan Chen Yan.

Since then the two sisters have clashed head‑on, confirming this for her.

Nevertheless, she does not intend to intervene in anything.

In the past, her desire to have Li Lizhi marry Changsun Chong surely harbored selfish motives.

But she is not a woman who cannot discern the gravity of matters.

As long as it does not affect the imperial authority, her husband or children, she does not mind lending a hand to the Changsun family.

If it involves her daughter's happiness or even safety, she would feel embarrassed to do so.

Having married into the Li clan, by protocol she is now the Li family's Lady Changsun.

Empress Changsun gave a faint smile, then turned and cast a glance at the lady‑in‑waiting.

The lady‑in‑waiting understood, respectfully approached to pour tea for Li Shimin and his wife and the two princesses.

Li Lizhi lifted her teacup, took a sip, and sighed lightly, "Sister Gao Yang, you speak heavily; precisely because Marquis of Weinan is your fiancé, I must take extra care."

"We are all one family; Marquis of Weinan has given most of the tavern's profits to Father Emperor. As a daughter and an elder sister, how could I watch Marquis of Weinan toil alone?"

"If we don't lend a hand and word spreads, wouldn't that 'stain the Imperial Family's reputation'?"

Gao Yang's mouth twitched; how could she not hear Li Lizhi's veiled reference to the few times she kicked the Marquis of Weinan's mansion gate?

Gao Yang was not angry; she fully understood that in this duel, whoever rushes first loses.

One must keep composure.

Gao Yang said calmly, "Earlier, sister indeed misunderstood 'Mr. Chen', which led to some unpleasant incidents between me and 'Mr. Chen.'"

"Since the day before yesterday sister had a proper conversation with 'Chen', and after heeding Mother Empress's counsel, sister now realizes that her previous actions were indeed improper."

"It not only caused 'Chen' to lose face, but also made Father Emperor and Mother Empress worry, bringing shame upon the Imperial Family."

"Here, I must offer an apology to Father Emperor and Mother Empress."

Speaking thus, Gao Yang rose, and solemnly performed the highest female 'solemn bow' before Li Shimin and his wife.

"I, a foolish son, have failed to conduct myself, disobeyed the holy teachings above and disgraced the court's instruction below. I beg His Majesty's thunderous wrath to pause, allowing me to cleanse my heart and amend my ways."

This bow left Li Lizhi's mind completely stunned.

"What? Sister?"

"What's the fuss?"

"Everything was fine, why did you admit a mistake now?"

When Li Lizhi finished speaking, she had already prepared for Gao Yang's sarcastic retort.

For this, she had already devised a response while speaking.

But she did not expect Gao Yang to break the script, actually taking her insinuation and immediately apologizing to Li Shimin and his wife on the spot.

"Is… this really Gao Yang herself?"

"......"

Li Shimin could only laugh, said nothing more, and left the matter entirely to his wife.

Empress Changsun glanced at Princess Gao Yang, smiled meaningfully, "The Zuo Zhuan says: recognizing a mistake and correcting it is the greatest virtue."

"Since you have recognized the error and intend to amend, how could Mother Empress cling to it?"

"Zi An is a good child; if you get along well with him and fulfill your duties as a wife, Mother Empress will be pleased."

These words were addressed not only to Princess Gao Yang but also to Li Lizhi.

How could Empress Changsun not see that Princess Gao Yang was using retreat as a tactic to advance?

First step back, admit one's fault, then strike to win.

She had long grown tired of these little tricks and grown bored of playing them.

She knows that Li Lizhi likely truly fell for Marquis of Weinan Chen Yan.

To that, Empress Changsun is fully understanding.

Since ancient times, talented scholars and beautiful ladies.

Facing a talent like Marquis of Weinan Chen Yan, which maiden would not be moved?

However, Chen Yan is ultimately Gao Yang's fiancé; in this regard she cannot favor Li Lizhi and must state her stance.

Plainly telling Gao Yang to fulfill her duties as a wife is her attitude!

Li Lizhi's eyes dimmed slightly; before she could speak, Gao Yang again solemnly said, "I thank Mother Empress for her great kindness."

She added, "Recently, while reading Strategies of the Warring States – Chu Strategy Four, a particular sentence left a deep impression on me."

"Mending the pen after the sheep are lost is not too late!"

"I know I erred; even if Mother Empress does not blame me, 'Chen' must still harbor some resentment."

"I request Father Emperor and Mother Empress to entrust the tavern business to me, granting me more opportunities to interact with 'Chen', so that I may have a chance to mend things before the grand wedding."

Li Lizhi's eyes widened sharply.

At this moment, she finally understood why Gao Yang suddenly admitted fault.

It turned out to be this very scheme!

Unfortunately, she realized too late; Gao Yang's words had already been spoken.

Combined with the earlier setup, it was undoubtedly a killing blow for her!

"Father Emperor…"

Li Shimin gently raised his hand, cutting off Li Lizhi's words.

The emperor surveyed his two grown daughters, one hand resting on the table, his fingers tap‑tap on the tabletop.

Each time it seemed to strike their hearts.

It made the two of them involuntarily start to feel nervous.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Shimin spoke slowly: "The restaurant business, though I ordered it from behind the scenes, was actually negotiated by your elder sister personally with Zi An."

"If I were to transfer it to you, it would be unfair to your elder sister."

"Then, from now on, whoever will be responsible for managing the restaurant with Zi An shall be decided by a draw between the two of you."

Not giving the two a chance to refuse, Li Shimin ordered someone to bring a copper coin, which he held in his hand.

Then he placed both hands under the table, avoiding the gaze of his two daughters.

"Alright, I have a copper coin in one of my hands; whoever selects the hand holding the coin will from now on handle the restaurant affairs, okay?"

Princess Gao Yang remained silent for a moment, and, under the astonished gazes of the crowd, shook her head, "Previously, I was unaware that the restaurant business with 'Chen Lang' had been negotiated by my elder sister, so I was thinking of borrowing a business matter to create an opportunity to contact 'Chen Lang'."

"Father Emperor is right; if I take the restaurant business, it would be unfair to my elder sister."

"Therefore, I voluntarily give it up; there's no need for a draw."

Princess Gao Yang graciously performed a bow and said, "I recall I still have matters today, so I will take my leave now!"

As she turned to leave, her silhouette remained proud.

From childhood to now, anything she sets her eyes on cannot be taken away by anyone.

She is equally confident; no one can snatch any object, possession, or even a person from her grasp.

She does not believe in destiny, does not gamble on luck, and will not bow her head to anyone.

Li Lizhi wants to fight? Then let her fight.

What she wants has never been a handout won by luck, but a proper, thorough victory.

Gao Yang is the eternally proud sun!

"......"