NOVEL WEB Chapter 79: Specializing in Stalking the Aristocratic Family!
Xiao Ran nodded, “Prominent families exploit the common people. We exploit the prominent families, and some earnings will be returned to the common people. For instance, making coal prices more affordable so ordinary folks can benefit.”
Li Lizhi agreed, “Exactly!”
Examining the gold in hand, Xiao Ran concluded, “This is the real treasure; the rest is just trivial.”
Whether in the Tang Dynasty or the 21st century, it holds immense significance.
“Is the investigation report ready?” Xiao Ran inquired.
“It should be, but I need to check. They are too slow,” Li Lizhi responded impatiently.
Yushu approached, presenting a stack of papers, “Your Highness, the investigation results just arrived. Please review them.”
Scanning the report, Li Lizhi remarked, “Well done. Each of you deserves a reward!”
“Thank you, Your Highness!” Yushu expressed gratitude.
With the report in hand, Li Lizhi headed towards the bedroom, eager to share the news with Xiao Ran.
“Xiao Ran, we have the results!” She exclaimed.
Curious, Xiao Ran leaned in, saying, “Let me take a look!”
Seated on the sofa, they delved into the report. Li Lizhi was shocked at the severity, while Xiao Ran remained unsurprised.
“It’s horrifying! I didn’t realize it was this serious,” Li Lizhi muttered.
Already hesitant about marrying Zhangsun Chong, the results solidified her decision against it.
Investigating a thousand households with marital ties, the Princess Mansion exceeded Li Lizhi’s expectations. She rewarded them with Tongyi money for their thorough efforts.
More than 600 children died, and there were even more stillborn. Additionally, over 200 children faced various problems after birth. Li Lizhi’s expression turned serious. She seemed genuinely startled.
Reflecting on these numbers is genuinely terrifying!
Li Lizhi unquestionably believed Xiao Ran’s words, but the impact wasn’t as profound as seeing the data. Having these statistics made the situation feel more real. Xiao Ran only knew that close relatives couldn’t marry but hadn’t encountered such specific data reports. After all, investigating so many cases of close relatives marrying wasn’t feasible in the 21st century Xiao Ran came from.
Xiao Ran was equally shocked, stating, “With this empress and Your Majesty, there shouldn’t be any embarrassment.”
Li Lizhi stood up urgently, declaring, “I have to go see the queen mother!”
“Wait a bit. It’s almost dinner time. I need to go out later,” Xiao Ran replied, still having to sell gold and restock.
“You focus on your work; I won’t eat now,” Li Lizhi said as she hurriedly left, visibly anxious. She was eager to inform the empress and cancel the engagement.
Xiao Ran nodded in resignation, watching Li Lizhi depart before picking up the gold to head out.
…
In Lizheng Hall, Empress Zhangsun and Xiu Niang was practising makeup when Li Lizhi left a set of trial cosmetics in Lizheng Hall. Noble Consort Wei flaunted it as expected, and others were likely to follow suit.
Empress Zhangsun, preparing to showcase her skills, was practicing with her embroiderer. Just as they were deeply engrossed, Li Lizhi returned in a hurry.
“Mother!”
Empress Zhangsun, momentarily stunned by Li Lizhi’s sudden entrance, could tell something was amiss.
Smiling, she asked, “What’s wrong, my dear?”
Xiu Niang briefly saluted Li Lizhi before leaving with the others.
Sitting beside Empress Zhangsun, Li Lizhi solemnly said, “Mother, my cousin and I are close relatives. Close relatives shouldn’t marry.”
Li Lizhi dropped a bombshell, surprising Empress Zhangsun.
Quickly, Empress Zhangsun inquired, “Close relatives can’t marry? Why haven’t I heard of this?”
Li Lizhi explained, “Marrying close relatives results in more harmful genetic combinations, leading to genetic and congenital diseases in offspring. It also causes physiological defects, weakened resistance, and other harm, not only to the children but also to the mothers. The chances of premature and deformed births significantly increase, elevating the mortality rate for pregnant women.”
Empress Zhangsun was equally astonished, having never heard of such information before. It sounded severe, and Li Lizhi seemed sincere.