allonlinenovel Chapter 16 No "Frost" in the World, a Henpecked Husband
Chapter 16 No "Frost" in the World, a Henpecked Husband
In the early years of the Zhenguan era, it was established in the Zhengzheng Hall.
Li Shimin was processing memorials, while Empress Zhangsun was discussing state affairs with him.
Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang) sat somewhat obliviously on his imperial chair, holding a memorial in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed, clearly having encountered some thorny political issue.
Empress Zhangsun (enters with a smile, holding a book): "Your Majesty, the way you're frowning makes me wonder if you're reading memorials or reflecting on some painful experience after eating something extra spicy or numbing?"
Li Shimin (with a wry smile): "I am truly tormented by the arguments of these ministers. Everyone has their own reasons, and I don't know whose advice to take."
Empress Zhangsun (sits down, winking mischievously): "Then why not listen to me! I've been a history and literature enthusiast since I was a child, so this kind of question is a piece of cake for me!"
Li Shimin (somewhat curiously): "Oh? You history buff, where are you planning to find an ancient story to enlighten me this time?"
Empress Zhangsun (feigning mystery): "Let me tell you slowly. Your Majesty, do you remember Empress Dowager Dou from the Han Dynasty? She was a master of governing the country with virtue and often told Your Majesty stories of benevolence from ancient times. If you listen to my advice more, perhaps the affairs of state will not be so painful."
Li Shimin (can't help but laugh): "Empress Dowager Dou is quite capable, but if you tell me stories every day like she does, I'm afraid my ears will get calluses and I'll suffer from the pain."
Empress Zhangsun (smiling and gently tugging at Li Shimin's ear): "Don't worry, I won't talk about it every day. I'll only talk about the key points and the important ones."
For example, look at this matter in the memorial. I think you don't need to worry about it. Let those ministers argue back and forth; leave the problem to time. Time is the best judge.
Li Shimin (nodding thoughtfully): "Hmm, that makes sense. I really should learn your strategy of 'using stillness to control movement'."
Empress Zhangsun (suddenly changing the subject, with a mischievous smile): "Speaking of which, when I married you, you really found a brilliant and precious girl! Do you remember? I was thirteen years old, a beautiful young girl in my prime!"
Li Shimin (laughs heartily): "Of course I remember! I was so nervous back then that my palms were sweating, thinking about how to please my clever and precious little darling!"
Empress Zhangsun (winks, her smile widening): "And what happened? In the end, the Emperor was still subdued by me!"
Li Shimin (feigning helplessness): "Ah, yes, ever since the Battle of Xuanwu Gate, you have not only been my empress, but also my strategist! Every time you encourage my soldiers, I have to secretly admire you."
Empress Zhangsun (half jokingly, half seriously): "Who told Your Majesty to be so fortunate as to choose such a clever empress? However, my cleverness is not for overpowering anyone, but for assisting Your Majesty in governing the Li Tang dynasty well."
Li Shimin (with a gentle look in his eyes and a soft sigh): "You have always been my wise and capable helper. You not only helped me correct my mistakes, but also protected those loyal ministers. Without you, it would be difficult for me to deal with those complicated interpersonal relationships all by myself."
Empress Zhangsun (shaking her head with a smile): "Oh dear, Your Majesty, please don't be so sentimental. I only did a little bit. By the way, I recently wrote a side story for 'Spring Outing Song,' would you like to hear it?"
Li Shimin (feigning surprise): "Oh? There's even a new work? I'm all ears."
Empress Zhangsun (cleared her throat lightly and began to recite softly)
Li Shimin was delighted: "They say I'm afraid of my wife, but they don't know that being afraid of one's wife is also a way of loving one's country. Don't underestimate it!"
(Just then, Little Sizi came bounding in, panting and shouting.)
Little Sizi: "Father! Mother! I have some incredibly important news to tell you!"
Li Shimin (turning his head with a smile): "Oh, what important matter has our little prince brought this time? Tell me quickly, let me hear it too."
Little Sizi (whispering mysteriously): "I just overheard the ministers talking outside the palace, saying something about 'no frost in the world.' Father, Mother, what is 'frost'? Is it terrible if we don't have it?"
Empress Zhangsun (covering her mouth and laughing): "Sizi, 'unparalleled under heaven' means there is no other, it means unique, not what you think of as 'frost'."
Little Sizi (looking puzzled, scratching her head): "Then...then they also said that Father Emperor has 'appointed' people 'one after another', does that mean Father Emperor has 'appointed' and 'appointed' these big soy sauce makers one after another? 'Appointing big soy sauce makers must be so prestigious, right??!!'"
Li Shimin (laughs loudly): "Hahaha! Sizi, it's not that I have a general named 'Renyong,' but rather that I 'employ the virtuous and capable,' employing talented people. 'Xuxu' isn't a person's name either, but rather means continuous and uninterrupted!"
Little Sizi (suddenly realizing, she smiled mischievously): "Oh~ so that means Father is super powerful, not a lone wolf 'fighting alone,' but relying on 'a continuous stream of big sauce-makers,' right?"
Empress Zhangsun (unable to suppress a laugh): "Haha, Sizi is truly clever; that's quite an interesting understanding. But your father was indeed able to govern the empire thanks to the loyalty and unity of these virtuous and capable individuals."