NOVEL WEB Chapter 28: The Empress’s Thoughts!
“Mother, your health has not been good lately. From now on, three meals a day!” Li Lizhi quickly said.
This was what Xiao Ran suggested, and Li Lizhi trusted his advice. In Xiao Ran’s era, having three meals a day made sense, even more than a thousand years later.
“Silly girl, it’s still two meals a day, and it’s the same for the queen mother,” Empress Zhangsun corrected.
Li Lizhi shook her head, “This is what the expert I met earlier said. It’s beneficial for your health, mother.”
“Even the expert mentioned this?” Empress Zhangsun was somewhat surprised.
Li Lizhi opened the food box, and Empress Zhangsun caught a faint fragrance. The other court attendants also looked expectantly at the food box Li Lizhi brought.
“Mother, try this. It’s still hot.” Li Lizhi lifted a bowl of sweet potato porridge, “The expert said to eat well in the morning, be full at noon… and eat less at night. It’s good for your health.”
Empress Zhangsun smiled, not agreeing. Empress Zhangsun tasted the porridge, finding it different from the usual palace porridge.
“I added something called sweet potato in it. It’s soft, sticky, and sweet. Very delicious,” Li Lizhi explained as she scooped up the porridge, “Mother, give it a try.”
Empress Zhangsun nodded, trying it. Having eaten Xiao Ran’s cooking twice before, she wasn’t surprised. It was normal for it to be so tasty. She was satisfied with the taste.
Li Lizhi brought up the subject of eggs, and Empress Zhangsun found the heart-shaped egg amusing.
“Heehee, this is a loving breakfast, naturally shaped like a heart,” Li Lizhi chuckled.
Seeing Li Lizhi’s behavior, Empress Zhangsun observed that her attitude towards the expert and the chef was becoming more unusual.
Empress Zhangsun was also pleased with the taste.
“Mother, Father hasn’t been here recently?” Li Lizhi asked as she fed Empress Zhangsun.
“Your father has been busy recently…” Empress Zhangsun suddenly remembered Li Lizhi’s connection with the expert, “The weather is getting colder, and this year is colder than usual. The aristocrats are manipulating prices, not only for heating materials like charcoal but also for food.”
Empress Zhangsun’s expression showed her worries. “More commoners are freezing and starving. Your father is too busy, and the treasury is short of money… Your wedding is approaching, requiring a significant amount of money.”
Li Lizhi thought of Xiao Ran naturally, someone who could solve these issues. Realizing this, Li Lizhi’s eyes lit up, feeling joyous.
Seeing Li Lizhi’s reaction, Empress Zhangsun understood that her words had an impact.
Li Lizhi is respectful and wants to share Li Shimin’s and Empress Zhangsun’s burdens. If there’s a solution, she will indeed mention it.
Empress Zhangsun shook her head, “The queen mother is full.”
Li Lizhi put down the bowl, “Mother, I won’t disturb you. You’ve just recovered and need more rest.”
Li Lizhi was eager to return and ask Xiao Ran about this problem.
“How can I help my Father and Mother resolve these tricky issues?”
Empress Zhangsun nodded, realizing Li Lizhi’s intentions.
“The road might be slippery. Be cautious!” Empress Zhangsun lovingly looked at Li Lizhi.