Chapter 95:
Who could have predicted that Changle would suddenly fall seriously ill? Under such circumstances, if Zhangsun Wuji still insisted on having Zhangsun Chong marry Changle, it would be foolish. When Li Er and his wife learned about this, how would they view the Zhangsun family?
However, Zhangsun Chong believed Su Li was responsible for Changles misfortune. Though Zhangsun Chong seemed to tarnish Su Lis reputation, he believed it was justified. Yet, since Su Li was Changles consort, if his reputation suffered, how would it reflect on Changle?
Seeing Zhangsun Chongs silence, Zhangsun Wuji continued to persuade him. I know youre not willing, but the fact remains that Su Li is Changles consort, and the outcome cant be changed. A true man needs to have the courage to accept and let go. Continuing to dwell on this will only make people look down on you.
Zhangsun Chong and Su Li were from different worlds. He was just a peasant who got lucky and became a consort. This was already his biggest stroke of fortune, his lifes pinnacle achievement.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
But youre different. Youre the successor of the Zhangsun clan, and your future is boundless. Wealth and power come effortlessly to you. The gap between you and Su Li will only grow wider. Hes like a sparrow perched on a branch while you were born to be an eagle soaring high above the earth. Why even consider him a rival?
Zhangsun Wujis words carried genuine emotion. He sincerely hoped that Zhangsun Chong would awaken to these truths. In the aristocratic society of the Tang Dynasty, grooming the eldest son was of utmost importance. Just like Zhangsun Chong, at a young age, he had already entered official service and became the Deputy Minister of Rites. If he followed the established path without making mistakes and steadily advanced, he would inevitably achieve high status without any surprises.
However, if he couldnt let go of this matter, others might perceive him as narrow-minded, as Zhangsun Wuji pointed out. Indeed, in the eyes of the Tang Dynastys elite, Su Li was a sparrow, while Zhangsun Chong was an eagle. Why would an eagle consider a sparrow its rival? Holding onto such a limited perspective could leave a negative impression on others.
Zhangsun Wuji was aware of the incident when Li Er consulted Yuan Tiangang to predict Su Lis destiny. Even the conversation details between Yuan Tiangang and Li Er were crystal clear to him. Zhangsun Wuji considered the idea of Su Li being an auspicious omen for the Tang Dynasty as baseless.
He believed that such notions resulted from ignorance among the common people, with individuals like Yuan Tiangang exploiting them under the guise of divination. Zhangsun Wuji and most elites never put any stock in such beliefs. Their positions and power resulted from vast family legacies built up over centuries or hard-fought struggles through generations. Whether someone succeeded depended first on their lineage and second on their abilities.
But Su Li, an initially penniless peasant, had nothing to worry about regarding reputation. What was the point of attacking him with things he didnt care about? What result could that possibly yield?
The truth was that Zhangsun Chong was simply venting his frustration through these actions.
Especially since the rumors had been circulating for so long, even the thickest-skinned person would react to some extent. At the very least, those rumors might affect Su Lis mood. That would be even better if he got upset and did something out of character due to his emotions.
However, the reality was that all his efforts were in vain. Su Li remained holed up in the Princesss Mansion, not reacting to any of it. It was as if Zhangsun Chongs actions were punches thrown into thin air, his strength useless, leaving him nearly breathless with internal frustration.
Even without Zhangsun Wujis advice, Zhangsun Chong was already starting to feel that it was all rather pointless. So, when Zhangsun Wuji persuaded him, Zhangsun Chong readily agreed. He truly took his fathers words to heart.
Indeed, he and Su Li were from entirely different worlds. The only aspect that had caught his attention was becoming Changles consort.
Regarding capability, Su Li didnt warrant the amount of attention Zhangsun Chong gave him. Even if Su Li never left the Princesss Mansion, did he not know about the rumors circulating outside? Zhangsun Chong didnt buy it.
Now, it seemed that Su Lis lack of reaction wasnt due to a lack of willingness to fight back but rather a lack of capability to resist. He was just a consort, after all
At this moment, Zhangsun Chong felt like he was finally letting go.
