LFHYB -Chapter 28 After Receiving Her Name, Third Sister Gets Married

When Yang Zhao set out, Li Yuan had already arrived in Luoyang.

“Your Highness values Sanlang, and I am very grateful. But Sanlang has been weak and sickly since childhood. I truly cannot bear to have him enter the palace as a companion student,” Li Yuan choked with emotion. “A companion student must rise before dawn, attend school alongside the prince, and even take punishment on the prince’s behalf. My Sanlang’s health simply cannot handle it. Could you send Erlang instead? That boy is tougher and can endure hardship.”

“That’s enough, enough, stop crying. Without my permission, the Crown Princess wouldn’t dare force your Sanlang into the palace anyway,” Yang Guang said, half laughing, half crying. “If Sanlang was not weak, I’d keep both Erlang and Sanlang by my side. So who would she have access to? And don’t push Erlang forward to take the blows. If you don’t want Sanlang to suffer, are you really willing to let Erlang suffer instead?”

Li Yuan pinched his nose with a handkerchief. “I… I cannot bear it, but the Crown Princess shows such kindness…”

“You are my cousin, and Lady Dugu is my aunt. A mere Crown Princess, she dares not do anything,” Yang Guang snorted. “As for the Crown Prince, what is he doing? Finding a companion student for a son who was only born last year? A child who cannot even speak properly—why bother with a companion student? Hmph.”

Li Yuan said, “The Crown Prince is kind, and the Crown Princess is loving. He simply cannot bring himself to refuse.”

“Indecisive and soft-hearted, like a woman’s kindness. How can such a person be Crown Prince!” Yang Guang scolded.

Li Yuan covered his ears.

Yang Guang: “…What are you doing?”

Li Yuan: “I cannot hear this. Your Majesty, you can scold your son all you want, but I will hear nothing.”

Yang Guang laughed at Li Yuan’s reaction. He waved his hand. “You look like you came here without sleep. Go rest first. Once you’ve rested, return quickly—your daughter is getting married soon. Don’t miss her wedding day.”

Li Yuan cupped his hands. “Yes, I shall return tomorrow!”

Yang Guang said, “You don’t need to worry about this matter. You may withdraw.”

“Yes… Ah, I almost forgot. Mother has a letter for Your Majesty,” Li Yuan said, pulling a letter from his chest. “Please read it.”

Yang Guang paused, then jokingly scolded, “Why didn’t you present it earlier?”

He walked down the steps and personally took the letter from Li Yuan, opening the envelope.

Li Yuan embarrassedly said, “Perhaps due to lack of sleep, I was a bit muddled.”

“You’re always muddled,” Yang Guang teased. After reading the letter, he sighed. “Great-Aunt says she never requests anything for future generations, but for this matter, she must ask me. The Duke of Tang’s household only wishes to serve the Emperor faithfully. Do not allow their children to become companion students or subordinates to any princes or imperial grandchildren.”

Li Yuan immediately lowered his head, trembling with fear. “Mother is old and muddled; may Your Majesty forgive her.”

“Old and muddled? Great-Aunt is the clearest-headed of all,” Yang Guang said. “She is my elder; speaking plainly is fine. Li Yuan, tell me what the Crown Prince really intends.”

Li Yuan hesitated, then whispered, “Your Majesty, do not tell the Crown Prince what I say. Our family is small; we dare not anger the Crown Prince.”

“Yes, yes, yes. A small family indeed,” Yang Guang said impatiently. “I promise you—I will listen.”

Li Yuan said, “The Crown Prince is magnanimous; he would not scheme against a child. But he knew Sanlang was weak, yet he still made a bet he would inevitably lose. He clearly supports the Crown Princess. Perhaps it was the Crown Princess’s maternal family who pressured him?”

Yang Guang sneered. “The Jingzhao Wei family, hmph. From their perspective, the Duke of Tang’s household must indeed seem like a small and minor family.”

Li Yuan said, “Exactly. So I had no choice but to come crying to Your Majesty.”

Yang Guang shook his head with a smile. “Alright, you’ve cried enough. Now go.”

Li Yuan bowed again and took his leave.

After Li Yuan left, the smile vanished from Yang Guang’s face. “Duke Xu, do you think the Crown Prince really had no choice?”

Yuwen Shu stepped out from behind the screen. Yang Guang handed the letter from Great-Aunt to him.

After reading the tearful letter, Yuwen Shu said, “Neither the Duke of Tang nor Great-Aunt mentions any fault of the Crown Prince. Perhaps he did have some ulterior motive. But the Crown Prince is indeed kind-hearted; he would not let weak and sickly Sanlang be drawn into palace intrigue. Perhaps he only intends to use the Duke of Tang’s household to restrain the Jingzhao Wei family, which is somewhat uncertain.”

“My son may seem easygoing, but in truth, he is calculating,” Yang Guang sighed. “After all, he was raised personally by the former Emperor and Empress. Even I have not had as much time with the former Emperor and Empress as he has.”

Yuwen Shu listened quietly.

Yang Guang said, “But a ruler should be dignified and upright, not oppress others with cunning. He is skilled in the harem, his methods overly subtle and soft. Such schemes cannot command respect. You see, even the Tang Duke’s household has grown somewhat resentful of him. Originally, I heard that Li Erlang and Li Sanlang had already become close to him because of Chai Shao.”

Yuwen Shu replied, “The Crown Prince is still young. With Your Majesty’s guidance, he will surely learn the proper way to be a noble and dignified ruler.”

A faint smile finally appeared on Yang Guang’s darkened face. “He is no longer a child—he is already the father of three. I know that You’er is his legitimate son, and he cherishes him. But Tang’er is also his eldest son, and he lost his mother from a young age. All his scheming—has he ever considered how much Tang’er suffers?”

Yuwen Shu said, “The Emperor’s eldest grandson is virtuous, wise, and treats the Crown Princess as his own mother. He would likely not feel distress.”

“Wouldn’t feel? Hmph, wouldn’t feel.” Yang Guang’s face darkened again. “The wives I arranged for Zhao’er were truly poorly chosen—one a Cui, one a Wei—none of them are any good.”

Yuwen Shu remained silent once more.

After Yang Guang cursed a few more times, Yuwen Shu spoke, “Your Majesty, this proves that the Tang Duke is indeed loyal to you and loyal to no one else. Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

Yang Guang’s mood improved slightly. “Yes. I saw him get along well with the Crown Prince and thought he might be dissatisfied merely being my cousin and was aiming for future wealth for his next generation.”

Yuwen Shu could not help but sigh inwardly at the Emperor’s words.

Although the Emperor trusted him deeply, seeing him harbor baseless suspicion toward others was unsettling.

The Emperor had just shown some trust toward the Tang Duke, and now, simply because the Crown Prince visited the Duke’s household several times, he was suspicious again.

The Emperor had just ascended the throne, and the Crown Prince, Renxiao, was still young. Why would he already resent other ministers interacting with the Crown Prince?

Yuwen Shu could never speak these thoughts aloud; he would always obey the Emperor’s will.

Yet, in obedience, he could still speak favorably for members of his own faction. Li Yuan and his son Yuwen Shi were close friends, naturally part of his faction.

“I’ve heard that Li Yuan’s eldest son has a good reputation among the noble families, possessing the bearing of the Tang Duke, elegant and straightforward; and the cleverness of Li Erlang and Li Sanlang, Your Majesty understands better than I. Considering the Li family’s children, there is no need to worry about their future wealth.” Yuwen Shu said, “Those in the court probably realize the next generation of the Li family is secure, which is why they are eager to draw them close. After all, the Li family is already weakened—one tree cannot support the forest.”

Yang Guang thought about it. Indeed, the Tang Duke’s household, once glorious, now really could not stand alone.

Li Yuan, being a late-born youngest son, had peers who had all passed, and the next generation had few outstanding individuals, mostly surviving under their fathers’ shadows. In the Li clan, only Li Yuan held high rank—it was truly a “one tree cannot support the forest” situation.

Such a person could only rely on imperial favor and was therefore the ideal candidate for a trusted confidant.

Yang Guang felt his resentment toward Li Yuan ease slightly after Yuwen Shu’s explanation.

Actually, if Li Yuan had not been close with the deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong back then, Yang Guang would have already employed Li Yuan heavily. Though Li Yuan was close with all the brothers, in Yang Guang’s eyes, it seemed like he was close even to his enemies, which naturally annoyed him.

Enough—one must be magnanimous as a ruler. He would let bygones be bygones. Yang Guang finally graciously forgave Li Yuan.

When Li Yuan departed, he took with him a cart of gifts Yang Guang had prepared “to add to your Third Daughter’s trousseau.”

Because Yang Zhao was overweight and could not travel quickly, Li Yuan and Yang Zhao missed each other. When Li Yuan returned to Daxing, Yang Zhao had just arrived in Luoyang.

“Father, it is my fault for letting these trivial matters trouble you.” Yang Zhao bowed immediately upon meeting, confessing. “I only intended to use the bet with Sanlang as a polite way to decline the Crown Princess’s request. I didn’t expect it would upset Auntie. I was unfilial. I will apologize to her when I return to Daxing.”

“Enough, enough, rise first.” Yang Guang replied gruffly. “It is the duty of a minister to report this to me. The matter of the study companion is my decision. You are only the Crown Prince.”

Yang Zhao looked anxious and uneasy. “Yes! I have never forgotten.”

He sighed inwardly. Li Sanlang said that Father feared him. Judging by Father’s tone, it seems it is true.

…

“I heard the Crown Princess went to the Eastern Capital, and neither Your Majesty nor the Empress received her. She didn’t even get the chance to apologize,” Lady Dou said casually while helping her married daughter arrange her dowry. “Your Majesty and the Empress even sent the Crown Prince’s eldest son, Yang Tang, to them, claiming the Empress was lonely at her knees, and personally raised the eldest grandson.”

Li Sanniang propped her chin on her hands. “The Crown Princess won’t hold a grudge against our family, will she?”

Lady Dou yawned lazily. “A grudge? Considering Your Majesty’s affection for the eldest grandson, she should be afraid our family will hold a grudge against her. The Wei family isn’t completely foolish either. They became arrogant with the birth of the Crown Prince’s son, and after a slap in the face, they should have woken up.”

Li Sanniang laughed. “Will they try to flatter us?”

Lady Dou said, “Who knows? Once you marry into the Chai family, remind Chai Shao not to get too close to the Crown Prince. There cannot be two rulers in the country—understand? The Eastern Palace’s honor and wealth are merely a stepping stone in his rise.”

Li Sanniang stopped smiling and replied seriously, “Yes. Mother, please rest assured.”

Lady Dou nodded. “I am confident in you.”

Li Sanniang rested her chin on her hands again. “After I leave home, no one will watch Erlang and Sanlang. I really worry about them.”

Lady Dou smiled. “You need not worry. Given their personalities, they will surely take advantage of being young and often come to the Chai household to see you.”

Li Sanniang laughed. “True. Sigh, Father said he would give me a courtesy name, but he has been back for two days and hasn’t told me yet?”

Lady Dou, remembering Li Yuan scratching his head, did not reveal it in front of her daughter. “He surely wants to wait until your wedding day to give you a surprise.”

At this moment, in Li Yuan’s study:

Li Xuanba, unwillingly held on Li Yuan’s lap, had a blank expression. “Ah? What? Da De? My courtesy name is Da De? Isn’t that too plain?”

Li Yuan tapped Li Xuanba on the forehead. “What do you mean by ‘common’? This was a good name that Father thought of after much consideration. ‘Da De’ is a respectful title for the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and virtuous monks!”

Li Xuanba first furrowed his brows, then helplessly raised them.

Li Xuanba had died too young, with very few records about him, and no one paid much attention. Though he had read what little there was, he had long since forgotten it. Now, when Li Yuan mentioned the name “Da De,” he finally remembered.

Sigh, Li Xuanba’s courtesy name really was “Da De,” meaning Buddha, bodhisattvas, or virtuous monks.

During the Sui dynasty, Buddhism was very influential. Emperor Wen of Sui and Empress Dugu were devout Buddhists. So naturally, nobles followed suit and often used Buddhist terms when giving courtesy names to their children.

For example, Li Jiancheng’s courtesy name was “Pi Sha Men,” referring to one of the Four Heavenly Kings, the northern guardian Vaishravana, also known in Indian mythology as the god of wealth.

Li Yuanji’s childhood name was “San Hu,” later also used as his courtesy name, referring to the Indian divine weapon, the trident, and by extension to concepts like the three divisions of the womb realm and the three paths of wisdom and view.

Li Zhiyun’s courtesy name was “Ji Hong,” also praising Buddhist teachings, but unlike the other sons, whose courtesy names were divine, this one distinguished him as a son of a concubine rather than the main wife.

Later, Li Yuan’s sons were born after he became emperor, and he no longer personally chose courtesy names. Occasionally, a prince or his mentor would select one, but these were ordinary Han cultural names.

His second brother, Li Shimin, certainly also had a courtesy name. Historical records note that when Li Yuan once complained about Li Shimin to his ministers, he referred to him by his courtesy name.

So, what was his second brother’s courtesy name…?

Li Xuanba wiped his face and forced out an awkward smile. “And Second Brother? What’s Second Brother’s courtesy name?”

Second Brother, why are you off playing with Changsun Wuji again? Don’t leave me at home alone to endure Father’s torment!

Li Yuan laughed. “Guess.”

Li Xuanba said weakly, “Da En.”

Li Yuan asked, “Huh? Why that?”

Li Xuanba replied, “To thank Father for your great grace and virtue.” Thank you for giving me such an atrocious name, your great ‘grace and virtue’!

Li Xuanba was very dissatisfied with his own name.

“Li Xuanba”—it literally meant “Li Three Strong.” Looking at his brothers’ names, which were all impressive, Li Xuanba truly wondered if Father had hit his head on the door when naming him.

Even if he prayed for his own frail health, there was no reason to name him Li Three Strong!

He had originally thought that having a courtesy name would improve things. In ancient times, courtesy names symbolized virtuous qualities, often elegant. By using his courtesy name externally instead of his given name, he could avoid the embarrassment of an ugly name.

But what happened? Li Three Strong and Li Da De… haha, crash!

Li Yuan chuckled, “You got half right.”

Li Xuanba: “…No, don’t give Second Brother an ugly Buddhist name! You can’t do this!”

Ignoring his son’s horrified expression, Li Yuan revealed Li Shimin’s courtesy name: “Shimin’s courtesy name is ‘Da Xiong.’ ‘Da Xiong’ also refers to the Buddha. See how thoughtful Father is? Your names are not only similar in characters but also in meaning.”

Li Yuan was immensely proud of the names he had painstakingly chosen for his twin sons.

If not for Third Brother’s name protecting him and improving his health compared to when he was younger, Li Yuan would have long given Li Xuanba a name similar to Li Shimin’s—something like Li Shi X and Li X Min.

Twins should have matching names; that’s the fun of it.

Thus, when Li Yuan chose courtesy names for Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, he was also fulfilling a personal regret. Twin names must immediately be recognized as twins.

He had initially wanted to find a pair of twin deities in Buddhism, but none were suitable, and the Chinese translations varied too widely. Ordinary people wouldn’t realize Li Shimin and Li Xuanba were twins.

Li Yuan and Lady Dou spent many nights poring over Buddhist scriptures until they finally selected “Da Xiong” and “Da De.”

Li Da Xiong and Li Da De—instantly recognizable as twins! And both names reflected the highest meaning: the Buddha!

Li Xuanba’s expression went blank.

Da Xiong… Da Xiong… Li Da Xiong…

No, Father, you can’t do this. You can’t give the Supreme General Tang Taizong Li Shimin such a name—even something like “Er Feng” would have been better!

“Hahaha, I knew you’d be surprised! Look at you, you’re giddy with joy!” Li Yuan laughed heartily, picking up Li Xuanba and heading outside. “Erlang should be back. Let’s go share this good news with him!”

Li Xuanba rested on Li Yuan’s shoulder, his mind utterly blank.

Da Xiong… Da Xiong… Li Da Xiong…

Father, why didn’t you name me Li Dora Li Ding Dong? That would have made me a better match for Li Da Xiong as a brother!

Li Xuanba, the “Second Phoenix” anti-fan, was having a mental collapse.

Li Yuan’s timing was precise. Holding the nearly soulless Li Xuanba, he stepped into the courtyard just as Li Shimin returned home, bouncing along to find Father and his brother.

Li Shimin leapt forward. “Father!”

“Erlang!” Li Yuan held Li Xuanba in one arm and lifted Li Shimin with the other. “Oh dear, Erlang is getting heavier. Soon, Father won’t be able to carry you and Sanlang at the same time.”

Li Shimin pressed against Li Yuan’s neck. “Father carrying my brother is enough. I can walk by myself, I won’t get lost.”

Li Yuan said, “Good. Now that you’ve grown, you can walk on your own. Father has chosen courtesy names for both you and Sanlang. From now on, Erlang, you are Da Xiong, which means Buddha.”

Li Shimin happily said, “It sounds wonderful! I like it! What about Third Brother? His name should be similar to mine, as I discussed with Father.”

Li Yuan replied, “Yes, it took some effort for your mother and me to search through books. Sanlang’s courtesy name is ‘Da De,’ also meaning Buddha. Are you satisfied?”

Li Shimin raised his arms in joy. “Yes! Amazing! My name is the same as my brother’s!”

Li Yuan smiled. “Exactly. Both are Buddhas, two little Buddhas!”

He lowered his head, brushing his beard against Li Shimin, who laughed uncontrollably.

Only Li Xuanba continued resting on Li Yuan’s shoulder, his soul detached from his body.

At this moment, the time traveler was lonely; the sadness of a traveler through eras was something the locals of the Sui dynasty could not understand.

How could the Sui locals consider “Da Xiong” (Great Hero) and “Da De” (Great Virtue), names symbolic of the Buddha, vulgar? They certainly wouldn’t know that, in later times, there would be a super-famous underdog anime protagonist also named “Da Xiong.”

Wait, Da Xiong wasn’t really an underdog—he was a hero who saved countless parallel worlds and was even a sharpshooter.

“Da De, aren’t you happy? The name sounds so nice! We’re still the same!” Li Shimin reached out and poked Li Xuanba on the back of the head.

Li Xuanba turned his head and said weakly, “Nice, happy… but just call me A-Xuan. I don’t want to call you Da Xiong either.”

Li Shimin laughed: “Alright, the courtesy names are for outsiders; we’ll still call each other as we always have.”

Li Xuanba hid the sorrow that only a time traveler could feel, forcing a smile and nodding repeatedly.

Yes, yes, yes, I am not Li Da De, and you are not Li Da Xiong.

The naming is cursed, Li Yuan, go rot! Mother, why didn’t you stop Father?!

Clearly, not only did Lady Dou not stop Li Yuan, she even thought the two characters were excellent choices.

Not just Lady Dou, but everyone who heard Li Yuan’s courtesy names for the twin sons thought the names were absolutely brilliant.

Li Yuan must have spent a lot of effort to come up with such a pair. He truly loved Li Erlang and Li Sanlang deeply.

Li Shimin was very proud, showing off his name to friends every day and insisting they no longer call him Li Erlang, but Li Da Xiong.

Li Xuanba felt self-conscious.

Fortunately, when their third sister got married, the name Li Yuan gave her somewhat eased his sorrow.

“Sanniang, Father didn’t give you a courtesy name; let Chai Shao give you a name. Father will give you a grand name.” Li Yuan, ignoring ceremony, personally pinned a pearl hairpin into his daughter’s hair. “My daughter’s talent is no less than a man’s, shining like the sun and moon. So, Sanniang, your single name is ‘Zhao’—bright as sun and moon.”

Li Sanniang, Li Zhao, tearfully said: “Yes, Father. Daughter’s name is Zhao—bright as sun and moon.”

Lady Dou wiped away her daughter’s tears, feeling bittersweet: “Don’t cry on this happy day. Don’t ruin your makeup.”

“Mm,” Li Zhao forced a smile.

“Make way, make way!” Li Shimin grabbed Li Xuanba and ran forward, pushing through the crowd. “Finally reached today. Almost became sister’s post-marriage gift. Look, Sister!”

Li Zhao took the small box from Li Shimin and opened it to see a peony made from thin shell pieces and delicate gold threads, lifelike in every detail.

Li Xuanba, bent over and hands on knees, panted: “Heh… heh… it can… can be pasted on the forehead.”

Lady Dou was surprised: “Is this the flower ornament you made for me last time?”

Li Shimin proudly said: “This one is even prettier and more precious!”

Lady Dou smiled: “Try it on quickly.” Her own flower ornament had been made from dragonfly wings and quickly withered; she had regretted it for a long time, but after returning home, she had no occasion to wear grand attire, so she never had another made.

Following Li Shimin’s guidance, Li Zhao placed the flower ornament on her forehead.

It was slightly heavy, but the special glue made from fish and bone gelatin held it firmly. Li Zhao moved slightly to ensure it wouldn’t fall.

Li Yuan watched for a long time, then adjusted the ornament slightly and said: “Zhao’er, the pearl hairpins on your head are too plain with this ornament. Lady, do you have any more colorful pins?”

Lady Dou pursed her lips, smiling: “Of course. There are all kinds of jewelry.”

She replaced Li Zhao’s plain hairpins with more splendid ones.

One of the phoenix pins had been prepared early by her late uncle for her coming-of-age ceremony.

Lady Dou had long, flowing hair since childhood. Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou had prepared countless rare pins for his beloved niece, waiting for her coming-of-age to wear them.

Unfortunately, he never got to see that moment.

The servants attending Li Zhao didn’t intervene; Lady Dou personally helped her dress and adorn herself.

The auspicious time arrived, and the sound of drums and gongs reached the inner courtyard.

Li Zhao picked up a round fan to cover her face and, led personally by Li Yuan, stepped out of the inner courtyard.

Chai Shao, who was joking with Li Jiancheng, was stunned to see his mother-in-law led out personally by her father-in-law, unable to speak.

Li Jiancheng first frowned, then sighed as he noticed his father’s reddened eyes.

“Father,” Li Jiancheng signaled with his eyes to those around him, cautioning not to overdo it, so as not to affect the reputation of the Tang Duke’s household.

Li Yuan sighed, let go, and returned to his proper place.

As Li Jiancheng was about to lead Chai Shao through the rest of the wedding ceremony, Li Shimin and Li Xuanba stepped forward, one on each side of Li Zhao, blocking everyone’s way.

Li Shimin crossed his arms: “Pass me first. I’ll test archery. If you miss, no one can take my sister away.”

Li Xuanba said: “Brother Chai, don’t forget the wedding-poem challenge.”

Li Jiancheng forced a smile: “Don’t fool around, or we’ll miss the auspicious time.”

Chai Shao immediately said: “We won’t miss it! I’ve been ready!”

He picked up the bow and arrows brought by Li Shimin’s orders and shot three arrows, all hitting the bullseye, the fletching nearly embedded in the target.

Li Jiancheng’s mouth twitched; he looked away.

Chai Shao seemed thrilled. Well, one wants to play, one wants to bear it—he didn’t care.

After passing Li Shimin’s test, Chai Shao immediately began reciting the wedding poem.

Li Xuanba squinted.

Although the poem wasn’t a masterpiece, it was far beyond what Chai Shao could compose on his own. He had clearly hired many scholars in advance, spending a fortune to obtain wedding poems.

At this point, it would be unwise to make things difficult. Too much difficulty would create resentment.

“Brother Chai, come closer and listen,” Li Xuanba beckoned, “I have a congratulatory message for you, for your ears only.”

Chai Shao bent over: “Thank you, Sanlang, for your message.”

Li Xuanba whispered into Chai Shao’s ear: “In the capital of Chang’an, it is already the Mid-Autumn Festival. Under the fence, chrysanthemums bloom in full; autumn glows like a mirror. Songs all around have ended, breaking the Chu tune; confined in the boudoir, tossing and turning. Forcing you into the role of a moth’s brow, yet you…”

“The body may be constrained, but a man’s spirit is fierce. The heart burns hotter than any man. In life, my loyalty and courage have always been strong, yet who among the common folk understands me? A hero reaches the end of the road, only to face trials. In this vast, chaotic world, where can one find a kindred soul? My green robe is soaked.”

Chai Shao was stunned.

Li Xuanba straightened his back and said, “This is a poem set to the tune Man Jiang Hong. I believe my brother-in-law must be the kindred soul my sister was hoping to find.”

He stepped aside and bowed slightly. “Please.”

Chai Shao rose and asked, “Third Brother, did you write this, or…”

Li Xuanba smiled: “Of course, it’s me.”

Chai Shao laughed and sighed: “Yes, yes, it must be you. Don’t worry, I will indeed be that kindred soul.”

Li Zhao held her round fan and cast a sidelong glance at Li Xuanba.

Li Xuanba slipped a silk pouch into her hand. “Some small treats. If Sister gets hungry on the road, she can have some.”

Li Zhao nodded and then stepped forward toward Chai Shao.

Chai Shao immediately grinned like a fool.

Li Zhao held Chai Shao’s hand and together they walked out the door toward the carriage.

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba followed to the gate and stopped, watching from a distance.

The moment Li Zhao stepped out the door, she was already a member of the Chai household.

Not only Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, but even Li Yuan and Lady Dou could not cross that threshold, could not follow Li Zhao to the Chai residence, watch her perform the wedding rites, or attend the wedding banquet.

Her family could only stay behind and watch from afar.

“Father, Mother, don’t be sad. In three days, Chai Shao and Third Sister will return to our home. Then we can see her again,” Li Jiancheng comforted his tearful parents.

Li Yuan wiped his eyes and held his wife’s hand. “Yes, in three days she will be back. Don’t cry—don’t let it ruin your health. Da Xiong, Da De, you too—stop staring.”

Li Shimin nodded dejectedly.

The melancholy on Li Xuanba’s face instantly hardened into a blank expression.

I hate this word. Absolutely hate it!

…

“Hmm, a note?”

Chai Shao rode his horse while Li Zhao sat alone in the bridal carriage, her fan set aside. She opened the silk pouch Li Xuanba had given her. Inside, besides bite-sized pastries, was a small note.

Li Zhao unfolded it: “Man Jiang Hong – Autumn Resentment”?

She read the poem quietly, her eyes shining with emotion.

She pressed her lips into a smile. “My sister wrote this at ten years old? Hah, that little trickster. The one Third Brother read to Chai Lang before—this must be the same poem.”

Her hand brushed gently over the characters.

“The body may be constrained, but a man’s spirit is fierce.”

“Who among the common folk understands me?” Li Zhao murmured to herself.

…

“Ah… Qiu Jin? Female hero? Overthrowing the monarchy?” Li Shimin was dumbfounded. “Is this a dynastic change?”

Li Xuanba: **[Not a dynastic change, it’s the complete end of the monarchy. From then on, there will be no emperor. This happens a thousand years later.]**

Li Shimin covered his ears. “Don’t tell me about things a thousand years from now! Such heretical things, I dare not hear them—if I do, I’ll have nightmares tonight! That could never happen, I don’t believe it!”

Li Xuanba: **[Listen carefully, I’ll explain.]**

“No, I won’t listen!” Li Shimin bolted, vanishing in an instant, sprinting far beyond the range of Xuanba’s voice.

Li Xuanba: “Tsk.”

For now, Li Xuanba let his second brother be and began preparing a gift for Teacher Gao Yong.

The emperor had warned the Wei family of Jingzhao and the Crown Princess. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess, thinking Li Zhao had joined in under the pretext of helping with makeup, came to Duke Tang Mansion to personally apologize to Old Lady Dugu.

Everyone thought the matter was settled.

But Li Xuanba had no intention of letting it rest.

His survival wisdom from his previous life told him clearly: if someone doesn’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them. But if someone does, unless you make them feel real pain, they—or others equally reckless—will repeat their insolence.

Not even a closed-door reflection had occurred—just letting the Crown Princess sit for a few days and lightly reprimanding her? Clearly, Yang Guang had no intention of defending Duke Tang Mansion. Then it was up to him.

“Lord Gao, my apologies. Please allow me to be your second spoiler victim.” Li Xuanba sighed sympathetically as he wrote out his spoiler draft in his private shorthand.

But he must not frighten Lord Gao—he would feel guilty if anything happened.