NOVEL WEB Chapter 34: Empress Zhangsun’s Expensive Thermal Underwear!
“Grab your stuff and head to the Lizheng Hall with me!” Li Lizhi picked up a few sets of warm undergarments.
“Yes, Your Royal Highness!” Yushu quickly grabbed the thermal underwear and followed Li Lizhi.
Xiao Ran returned home in good spirits, ready to start earning money. Thanks to Li Lizhi’s initiative, the next steps became much easier.
Xiao Ran turned on the computer to check events from the seventh year of the Zhenguan era. If possible, help me with this matter. It could win Li Lizhi’s affection and potentially make a profit!
This benefited me as well. It was not a small advantage. Xiao Ran could supply some thermal underwear, but the quantity was limited. Too many would-be impractical with the numerous residents in Changan City.
…
Soon, Li Lizhi arrived at Lizheng Hall with her belongings. Empress Zhangsun, surprised by Li Lizhi’s quick return, set aside her books. Seeing the items in their hands, Empress Zhangsun understood the situation.
“My son greets the Queen Mother!”
Empress Zhangsun helped Li Lizhi up, bewildered by the abundance of items. Empress Zhangsun was amazed!
Li Lizhi explained, “These are for Father, Big Brother, and Grandpa Emperor.”
She picked up a smaller set and added, “This one is for the Fourth Brother!”
Empress Zhangsun was pleased to see Li Lizhi’s consideration for other family members.
“Thank the skilled individual appropriately for such generosity,” Empress Zhangsun advised.
Li Lizhi felt awkward, “I haven’t figured it out yet. I offered him money, but he refused to accept it.”
Empress Zhangsun reassured, “In the future, let your father reward him!”
Empress Zhangsun took the leopard-print undergarment, contemplating its design. “Why is it like this?”
Li Lizhi, unable to explain, said, “It’s worn inside. It doesn’t matter.”
Empress Zhangsun agreed, “True!”
Li Lizhi pulled Empress Zhangsun to sit, “Mother, I want to sell thermal underwear in Changan City. What do you think?”
“That’s excellent! Thermal underwear is a good item. There’s no worry about selling such a good thing,” Empress Zhangsun remarked.
“This way, I can help you cover the expenses of the harem,” Li Lizhi said.
Empress Zhangsun nodded approvingly, “Well done, daughter.”
Li Lizhi then presented a leopard-print set to Empress Zhangsun, who pondered its design. “Why is it like this?”
“I don’t know. As long as it keeps you warm,” Li Lizhi replied.
Empress Zhangsun nodded, “Fair enough.”
Li Lizhi asked, “Mother, how much silver do you think is appropriate for this?”
“What’s the cost?” Empress Zhangsun inquired.
Li Lizhi pondered and showed a set prepared for Li Shimin, saying, “This quality costs about two hundred and fifty articles.”
“That seems too cheap!” Empress Zhangsun expressed her surprise.
Li Lizhi agreed, “If I didn’t know the cost, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“How about ten taels of silver for a set?” Empress Zhangsun suggested.
Li Lizhi was startled, considering the cost Xiao Ran mentioned.
Empress Zhangsun continued, “Ten taels are too little. How about fifteen taels of silver?”
“No, Mother, isn’t it too expensive?” Li Lizhi hesitated, not revealing the actual cost.
Empress Zhangsun shook her head, “It’s a good item. People with money will buy it. Ask your father or others in the harem, they will surely pay twenty taels of silver.”
Li Lizhi suddenly felt her perspective was limited.
“The queen mother is right!”
Empress Zhangsun considered, “Ordinary people can’t afford it. Since it’s for wealthy individuals, no need to make it cheap.”
“A slightly higher price gives it a sense of preciousness and class,” Empress Zhangsun suggested. “How about twenty-five taels of silver for a set?”
Li Lizhi was shocked!