Chapter 83: The Divine Elixir

Empress Changsun had once heard Emperor Taizong recount how even the Prime Minister Du, whose illness had baffled the imperial physicians, was cured by Li Yi. Therefore, when she learned that Li Yi had entered the palace, a glimmer of hope unexpectedly rose in her heart. Yet, upon recalling how faint that hope was, she let out a resigned, bitter laugh and shook her head. “Your Majesty, this old ailment of mine is hard to cure,” she said, her tone laced with helplessness.

Empress Changsun understood her condition well. It was a chronic malady that flared up unpredictably, and the palace physicians merely suppressed it with medicine, never able to root it out completely. No matter how skilled Li Yi might be, her chances seemed slim.

Emperor Taizong knew full well what weighed on her mind. With a gentle shake of his head and a light-hearted smile, he walked over and personally helped her back to her seat, offering comfort in a soft voice, “Guanyin, don’t worry. If young Li Yi can’t cure you, then I’ll have to punish him myself!”

Half jest, half reassurance, his words brought an immediate smile to Empress Changsun’s lips, and she laughed, covering her mouth. “Your Majesty, that’s hardly proper,” she chided, her eyes twinkling.

“Rest assured, Guanyin,” Taizong replied, his demeanor suddenly earnest as he gazed at her. “I believe that Li Yi will surely cure you.”

She nodded quietly and said no more, for at that moment, Li Yi entered the imperial study accompanied by Li Lizhi.

“Your son and daughter pay respects to Father and Mother,” Li Lizhi greeted them, her voice sweet and lively, her smile radiant as a blooming peony.

“A humble subject greets Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress,” Li Yi bowed politely in turn.

“Rise,” Emperor Taizong gestured, his tone even.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress.” Li Yi replied with a bow.

Li Lizhi, having expressed her thanks, pursed her lips in a gentle smile, her large eyes glancing at Li Yi before she quietly took her place at the side, saying nothing more. Yet the smile on her face was impossible to hide, and when Li Yi caught her furtive gaze, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat bewildered.

“Could it be that the princess brought me into the palace for some hidden scheme?” he wondered to himself, though he couldn’t begin to guess what it might be.

—A woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea.

Thinking of this, Li Yi decided to give up speculating—no use wasting energy.

Before Li Yi could speak, Emperor Taizong turned to him with a warm smile, asking after his health. “Li Bo’an, how has your father been lately?”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. My father is in good health, as always,” Li Yi replied.

“And your father-in-law—has his illness improved?” the emperor pressed further.

“He is well too. As his son-in-law, I thank Your Majesty on his behalf.” Li Yi’s answer was calm, though inwardly he felt more and more perplexed.

To begin a conversation by asking after your father’s well-being—no matter how he heard it, Li Yi couldn’t help but sense a hint of sarcasm in it. After all, his father, Li Jing, had only come from court that very morning—surely Emperor Taizong knew his condition perfectly well. As for his father-in-law, Prime Minister Du, Li Lizhi had been visiting him frequently in recent days; the emperor would certainly be aware of the situation.

Reflecting on this, Li Yi realized that Emperor Taizong was merely struggling to find a way to begin the conversation. With that, his mind eased.

Just then, Li Lizhi, who had been quietly standing to the side, suddenly stepped forward. With a cheerful smile, she said, “Father, Mother, when I saw Li Bo’an coming into the palace, he had people carry something inside. Why not have them bring it up for us to see?”

“Oh?” Emperor Taizong feigned surprise, glancing at Li Yi. “Li Bo’an, you even brought something to the palace?”

Of course, Emperor Taizong understood Li Lizhi’s hint, but he played along, pretending to be unaware and looking genuinely astonished.

Li Yi was speechless.

The two of you, father and daughter, performing a duet before my very eyes—was this really appropriate?

He could only complain inwardly. Since they had already begun their act, Li Yi could hardly spoil the scene by blurting out the truth.

That would be no different from courting disaster.

So, with the utmost respect, Li Yi bowed and offered a sincere smile. Unhurriedly, he said, “Your Majesty, my father is well aware of how tirelessly you work for the realm. He instructed me, when coming to the palace, to bring two jars of medicinal wine as a humble gift, hoping it might ease your fatigue.”

Emperor Taizong was momentarily taken aback, a gleam of surprise flashing in his eyes as he looked at Li Yi. Clearly, he had not expected such a response.

Li Jing, offering him a gift? That was impossible! Based on his understanding, Li Jing’s upright and frugal nature would never allow for such a thing.

Yet Emperor Taizong understood perfectly that Li Yi was speaking up on Li Jing’s behalf—something that caught him off guard.

He broke into hearty laughter, but did not expose the ruse. Instead, with a satisfied glance at Chamberlain Gao, he said with a smile, “Since the physician is so thoughtful, let’s have it brought up for a look.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Chamberlain Gao straightened, then called out in a sharp voice toward the hall entrance, “By imperial command, bring forth the medicinal wine offered by Minister Li.”

At once, the guards who had been waiting outside entered the imperial study, carrying the jars. Emperor Taizong, seeing that there was nothing but these two jars—no sign of the “Orleans feast” he had been hoping for—could not help but frown slightly in displeasure.

“That rascal Li Yi—so stingy he didn’t even bring me the Orleans feast I wanted!” the emperor cursed inwardly.

Still, he quickly composed himself, smoothing any trace of annoyance from his face.

“Bring it here, let me taste it,” he ordered, expressionless.

Chamberlain Gao, cup in hand, went down to the guards, who helped him open one of the jars and pour a small measure.

The moment the seal was broken, a mellow, captivating fragrance spread through the air—the scent of fine spirits mingled with the wholesome aroma of grains and a subtle, pleasant herbal note, not the least bit off-putting. It was as if a celestial wine, long hidden in the heavens, had suddenly been opened on earth.

The aroma was gentle, mellow, yet extraordinarily enticing. As soon as it wafted through the study, everyone present felt as though they had been transported to a paradise on earth.

This wine’s bouquet cleared the mind and refreshed the spirit, leaving everyone inwardly astir with amazement.

Second update. Wishing all our esteemed readers a happy New Year, may your families be joyful and all things go your way.

(End of chapter)