Chapter 96: Li Lizhi: Yes, yes, yes—Chen Yan and I are a match made by heaven and earth

Li Yuan's words fell, and the hall instantly fell into silence.

Except for Li Shimin and his wife and the two revelers in the corner, everyone else bowed their heads.

A few days ago, Li Shimin had just explained clearly the dangers of close‑kin marriage, and presented evidence ordering a ban on all such unions.

For this, Li Shimin even executed two court officials.

As Li Shimin's daughter, Li Lizhi naturally must set an example for the realm and could never marry Changsun Chong.

Whether Li Yuan knew or not, his raising the issue clearly shows he pretended not to know the dangers of close‑kin marriage.

And a Retired Emperor who cannot even receive such news is indeed thought‑provoking.

Li Shimin and his wife exchanged a glance, clearly aware of the problem, and sighed silently.

Whatever they say, the outcome will probably not be good......

Just as Empress Changsun was about to step forward to explain and take the blame, Changsun Wuji suddenly rose and made a deep bow to Li Yuan.

"The Retired Emperor may be unaware: a few days ago a coincidental event occurred, Marquis of Weinan Chen Yan told us that both cousins and clan‑relatives are considered close kin and cannot marry."

"If forced marriage occurs, it may incur heavenly punishment and bring disaster to future generations."

"Therefore, Chong'er's marriage to Princess Changle must never happen."

"Is that so?" Li Yuan said with a surprised expression, "Did I really not know this?"

He then asked, "Is there evidence proving cousins cannot marry?"

Li Lizhi's eyes twitched at the words; she had already told Li Yuan that close‑kin marriage was prohibited.

Now the other party pretended ignorance, clearly having his own plan.

Li Lizhi felt she had lost control of the situation.

Originally she invited Li Yuan over to ease his relationship with Li Shimin and to resolve a matter on Li Shimin's mind.

Secondly, she wanted Li Yuan's assistance regarding her affairs with Chen Yan.

She didn't need Li Yuan to have Li Shimin issue an edict permitting her to marry Chen Yan; she only needed Li Yuan to state a stance that would stop the couple from opposing her.

Li Lizhi's plan was sound, for in this world the only one who could unconditionally support her now seemed to be Li Yuan.

Only… the current situation seemed a bit different from what she imagined.

Li Lizhi tried hard to signal Li Yuan, but he pretended not to see and stared at Changsun Wuji with interest.

Changsun Wuji had no choice but to reveal Li Shimin's investigation results.

Li Yuan shook his head and sighed, "The dangers of close‑kin marriage are indeed that severe; if you hadn't told me, I would have remained deceived—truly foolish and ignorant."

With those words, the banquet fell silent again; no one dared to speak, not even Li Shimin and his wife, who were at a loss for a reply.

Li Yuan surveyed the room, gave a slight glance at Li Shimin's expression, and said calmly, "Er Lang handled this correctly; the chaos of close‑kin marriage must be strictly prohibited."

"Otherwise, it could severely hinder Tang Dynasty population growth."

"Er Lang… this emperor is actually doing quite well."

Li Shimin was slightly startled, glanced at Empress Changsun, and his emotions rose.

"Is this… a veiled acknowledgment of him?"

"Or is it in front of all the imperial relatives!"

Before he could speak, Li Yuan quickly changed the subject, "Of course, since close‑kin marriage is impossible, Li Lizhi's marriage to Changsun Chong should be called off."

He paused, "By the way, I recall Li Lizhi mentioning that not long ago my little Sizi was gravely ill and was taken for treatment by the Chen family youth."

"Today, he didn't bring the little Sizi?"

"It's here; Zi An has the little Sizi a little behind, I'll summon the little Sizi right away."

Li Yuan said, "Bring the Chen family youth over as well; I've heard he's young yet skilled in medicine and can speak eloquently, composing timeless verses with a single chant."

"I'm truly very curious about him."

Li Shimin immediately looked down at Chen Yan, raised his voice slightly and shouted, "You boy, what are you still leaning there for?"

"Aren't you coming quickly?"

Chen Yan reluctantly stood, cradling the little Sizi as he walked forward.

He had originally intended to sit quietly in the corner and enjoy the show, but now the show was missed and he was the one being watched.

At the table, the little Sizi obediently called out, "Your Majesty, good duck~"

"Ah, the little Sizi is truly obedient." Li Yuan smiled kindly, examined the Sizi closely, and nodded approvingly.

"Indeed, the Sizi's complexion is far better than before; the Chen family youth has some skill."

Empress Changsun echoed, "Yes, Father Emperor is right; Zi An's medical art has even been praised by the Imperial Medical Officer and His Majesty as celestial technique."

"Last time, Cai Duke Du Ruhui suffered from intestinal gangrene, was near death, and the Imperial Medical Officer said that even Sun Simiao would be powerless."

"Yet Zi An managed to save him, and it is said he has now recovered and is convalescing at home."

"Oh?" Li Yuan was truly surprised this time; he had not heard Li Lizhi mention such a matter.

Chen Yan shook his head, "Your Majesty, the Empress overpraises; I only know a bit of medical arts, not for public display."

Li Yuan laughed, "What's wrong with medical arts? Without your skill, my little Sizi would be in danger!"

"That so‑called Du Duan, Cai Duke, may already have passed away abruptly."

"If you ask me, there's nothing wrong with medical arts; you're still young, great prospects lie ahead."

Li Yuan finished, then suddenly added, "By the way, you are still unmarried, aren't you?"

"Hmm?" Chen Yan hesitated a moment, as if guessing, then replied honestly, "Retired Emperor, I am currently unmarried, but…"

"Unmarried is fine," Li Yuan slammed the table, cutting Chen Yan off, "Earlier I mentioned Li Lizhi's marriage, didn't I?"

"Since Li Lizhi cannot marry Changsun Chong due to cousin relations, the Chen family youth has no such issue, right?"

"I find his appearance outstanding, his temperament extraordinary; together with Li Lizhi they are a match made by heaven and earth."

"What do you all think?"

His voice was not low; the Princess Gao Yang sitting in the corner heard every word.

She gritted her teeth, finally realizing where that ominous premonition in her heart just now came from.

Good!

Well done, Li Lizhi!

If Father Emperor and Mother Empress won't help you, you're going to call Grandfather Emperor, right?

You really are something!

At the same time, after hearing Li Yuan's words, Li Shimin and his wife fell silent for a moment, finally understanding why Li Lizhi insisted on summoning Li Yuan.

So that was the plan.

Unlike everyone else, at this moment Li Lizhi's heart was overjoyed.

Exactly, exactly, exactly!

What Grandfather Emperor said is right!

What Grandfather Emperor said is great!

I and Chen Yan are a match made in heaven!

"......"