Chapter 89: 9
9
Throughout the history of various dynasties, plenty of emperors expanded territory, but even the mightiest dynasties hadnt managed to prevent starvation.
The key was that promoting food wasnt just about breeding. It also involved how to promote it, where to promote it, and how to make the people accept it. These were no small challenges.
Li Er had been mum about how to reward Su Li, even until he left. This behavior puzzled even Empress Zhangsun, who understood him the most. Li Er was known for his generosity towards subordinates, and he usually rewarded them on the spot for their merits.
If Su Li were just an ordinary subject, Empress Zhangsun wouldnt have said much about it. But as a consort and a member of the imperial family, Su Lis position was different.
Moreover, Su Li had been chosen as a consort by Li Er and his wife as a form of compensation for a past incident. It would be a straightforward solution if Changle refused this marriage when she woke up.
However, Changle had recognized Su Li as her husband, and their relationship was so close that they were inseparable. Their bond was the envy of others.
Empress Zhangsun could sense that Su Li seemed to harbor resentment towards Li Er and herself from their previous experience. She felt that Su Li cared more about how Li Er and she viewed him.
Empress Zhangsun believed that if they truly treated him as family, any past unpleasantness would naturally fade away with time. By then, asking him to do anything or giving him something wouldnt be an issue.
Li Er treated his subordinates with courtesy and respect, but this approach didnt work for Su Li. Su Li wasnt a common person, he was a consort and interacted with Li Er often. He knew Li Er too well to be awed by him like an ordinary person would.
Empress Zhangsun reminded Li Er to consider Su Lis feelings and treat him as family. Li Er needed to acknowledge that gifts and compliments wouldnt easily sway Su Li.
Li Er couldnt help but sigh and said, How could I forget? This divine food is like an elixir of immortality to me. But how to reward Su Li is actually a problem!
Hearing a slight tone of complaint in Li Ers voice, Zhangsun Wu Fei couldnt help but be surprised, Can rewards also be a problem?
Reluctantly, Li Er let out a long sigh. Given his nature, he was always generous, rewarding those who deserved it. What Li Er hoped for the most was that Su Li would take the initiative to make a request.
As long as the terms were acceptable, Li Er would certainly be generous. However, Su Li gave him potatoes and sweet potatoes without asking for anything.
Failing to reward merit was not the behavior of a wise ruler!
Li Er laughed heartily, realizing he had a solution to the problem of rewarding Su Li. He already had a rough idea of how to do it.
Time passed day by day.
In the following days, as Su Li had predicted, Li Er didnt visit the Princess Mansion much. He seemed consumed with his newfound passion for sweet potatoes and potatoes. Su Li heard that Li Er had even gone to great lengths to cultivate them, uprooting all the flowers, plants, and trees in the imperial garden to make space for them. He would personally tend to the crops, even standing in the fields during rain to protect them with an umbrella.
Li Ers interest in sweet potatoes and potatoes had reached an extreme level. He would spend time gardening and cultivating them himself and even ask for advice on how to grow them effectively. Su Li found this amusing, as the emperor was getting his hands dirty for these crops.
Su Li also discovered that Li Er was no longer pushing Su Li to join the military. Instead, Li Er was interested in effectively cultivating sweet potatoes and potatoes. Li Er seemed to have taken Su Lis advice about the crops being drought-resistant but not flood-resistant to heart. Whenever it rained, Li Er had people stand in the fields with umbrellas to protect the crops.
With Li Er occupied and no longer bothering him, Su Li finally found peace. After finishing his crossbreeding work, he began large-scale trials. He estimated that Li Er wouldnt disturb him for quite a while.
In the meantime, Su Li resumed his days of closeness with Changle, spending most of their time together. Even Little Princess occasionally joined them for a meal or playtime, allowing Su Li to continue earning points. The points he accumulated grew significantly, making him feel satisfied.
He even bought the Fixed Beauty Beads, which had been pinned at the top for a while and gifted to Changle. Their close relationship continued, and they enjoyed each others company immensely.
During this period, Su Li also collected potions, which he gave Little Princess to improve her health. Her condition gradually improved, and she became healthier.
One evening, Changle sat at her desk in the study while Su Li stood behind her. A gentle breeze blew in through the half-covered window, causing the paper to rustle. Changle held a pen while Su Li supported her hand, helping her write something on the paper. The scene was intimate, and the couple was lost in their shared moment.
After a while, Changle smiled softly as Su Li held her hand, helping her write a short poem. The breeze brushed the paper as the words flowed smoothly. The poems verses were elegant and powerful, capturing their emotions and connection.
Delicate clouds play tricks, stars carry sorrows, and the Milky Way stretches far in the dark.
Golden Wind and Jade Dew meet once, surpassing countless love stories in the mortal world.
Affection as tender as water, a perfect meeting like a dream, endure the journey back over the Magpie Bridge!
If our love is enduring, what matters if we spend morning and night apart?
The verse beautifully captured their feelings and commitment to each other, a testament to their deep love.
