Chapter 183: |
Chapter 183
Changle's voice suddenly transformed, revealing a fierceness and determination that Su Li had never witnessed before. “You and Su Che mean everything to me. Anyone who opposes you is my adversary, regardless of their identity!”
After uttering these words, Changle seemed to have exhausted all her strength, her complexion paling. Her suppressed emotions now overflowed, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably as she cried.
She threw herself into Su Li's arms, sobbing, and said, “Nevertheless, I hope that we can avoid such a situation if possible...”
As Su Li gently comforted Changle, he experienced a mix of emotions. Changle's unwavering affection deeply touched him for him, and he felt a profound sense of sorrow.
Change was right. Growing up in such a family, she couldn't be oblivious to everything. She was more perceptive than most. Families like Li Er's were unsettling, even with a superficial understanding. In situations considered unimaginable by ordinary citizens, they could communicate without words.
Though different in many ways, the nine sons of the dragon shared a common title: “Sons of the Dragon.” Despite their young age, individuals like Li Chengqian had earned widespread praise from both the court and the common people. Everyone believed he would become an exemplary ruler in the future.
Compared to Li Ke and Li Tai, whom Su Li had encountered, and considering their age, they were already exceptional individuals. Not to mention Li Zhi, who was quietly growing and developing without drawing much attention.
The typically gentle and serene Change could be formidable when she displayed fierceness. Even Gaoyang, who wasn't particularly intelligent, had reportedly cursed the Emperor and Empress loudly when leaving Changan despite being dragged away by the Silla envoy.
Born into the royal family, regardless of personality or daily conduct, they seemed to possess an innate and unparalleled sense of boundaries. This was the formidable aspect of royalty, where the rules of the dragons differed from those of ordinary people.
Hence, Changle’s desired outcome appeared elusive. Su Li forced a wry smile and said, “Whether or not it comes to that depends not on me but on your father and elder brother.”
Hearing this, Changle felt even more disheartened. She knew that Su Li’s words held truth. Regardless of the circumstances, Li Er and Li Chengqian would never fully trust Su Li. Li Er alone might be able to put his mind at ease, but the situation was more complex.
With a dynamic Li Chengqian in the mix, Su Li couldn’t predict the future. Nevertheless, they needed to take things one step at a time.
In the blink of an eye, the first lunar month’s first day arrived. On this day, all the court officers, imperial princes, and princesses would enter the palace to pay their New Year respects to Li Er. Subsequently, Li Er would host a grand feast for his courtiers.
Since Changle had to enter the palace, Su Li couldn’t avoid it this time either. After paying their respects to Li Er as tradition dictated, they proceeded to the rather tedious banquet.
Li Er displayed no peculiar behavior during the banquet, maintaining his pleasant and approachable demeanor towards Su Li. In contrast, Li Chengqian seemed to struggle to maintain his composure. Throughout the banquet, he wore a cold expression and remained silent when facing Su Li.
Seeing his attitude, Changle also withheld any warmth. Surprisingly, the siblings didn’t exchange a single word. Soon, the festive New Year atmosphere dissipated, and Changan City returned to its usual tranquility. After the first day of the lunar year, the Princess’s residence shut its doors tightly, declining any visitors.
During these secluded days, Su Li and Changle enjoyed a leisurely life. They woke up naturally, savored meals, and spent time with Su Che.
On the other hand, after the New Year, Li Er became busier than in previous years. With the Tang Dynasty’s peace extending to all corners and nations from around the world coming to pay tribute, the court bustled with activity.
External wars yielded victory after victory, and the common people experienced peaceful and prosperous times. However, being a peaceful emperor was not Li Er’s desire. He remained restless, constantly seeking ways to keep himself occupied.
After the Lantern Festival, Li Er sat across from Yuan Tiangang in the same grand hall within the imperial palace. The scent of incense wafted from the desk.
Yuan Tiangang’s expression displayed complexity as he gazed at Li Er. At the beginning of the year, Li Er would summon him to the palace to discuss various matters, ranging from the nation’s state to the fate of newly born imperial princes or princesses.
However, Yuan Tiangang hadn’t anticipated that Li Er would pose such a troubling question this year.
“Sage, do you believe my intentions are improper?” Li Er raised an eyebrow, his expression seemingly like a half-smile.
Yuan Tiangang was shocked. At this moment, Li Er continued slowly, “I am still young and won’t squander the nation’s resources on the elusive path of immortality. My desire for immortality is only for peace of mind.”
Yuan Tiangang’s gaze flickered, and thoughts raced through his mind. Suddenly, he froze. Su Li?
Time passed quickly, and three years flew by. During this period, numerous changes occurred in the Tang Dynasty. After investing significant resources, Li Er successfully pacified the Western Regions. The entire Western Region was now integrated into the Tang Dynasty’s territory. Consequently, the Tang Dynasty had become the largest among all the central dynasties in the history of the land.
Even Wei Zhang, known for his straightforward and critical advice, praised Li Er for this accomplishment. He wrote that the vastness of the Tang Dynasty’s territory surpassed all previous dynasties. When the sun rose in the east of the Tang Dynasty, stars still glittered in the west. And even after the sunset in the east, it continued to shine brightly in the far west.