NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39: The Worship of Princess Changle!
Watching Empress Zhangsun depart, Li Chengqian stood at the Prince’s Mansion gate for a long time.
This is Li Chengqian’s greatest support!
Seeing Empress Zhangsun’s improving health, Li Chengqian was genuinely happy.
“Your Highness, it’s cold outside. Let’s go back!” Prince’s companion Chen Zhengtai hastily suggested.
Li Chengqian looked at the soft thermal underwear in his hand, feeling its warmth, which paled to the warmth he felt inside.
…
Empress Zhangsun, upon reaching Taiji Palace and learning that Li Shimin was discussing state affairs with others, chose not to disturb and instead waited for Li Shimin in a side hall. Meanwhile, Li Lizhi and Xiao Ran happily enjoyed their meal.
“Xiao Ran, why is your cooking so delicious?” Li Lizhi asked, savoring the fish soup.
“Actually, my cooking skills are average. The key is good seasoning… and, well, Tang Dynasty cuisine is not great, so naturally, mine seems exceptionally tasty.”
Tang Dynasty’s incomparable cuisine makes Xiao Ran’s skills stand out.
Having Xiao Ran cook in the imperial kitchen might not surpass the palace chef’s expertise.
“Seasoning?”
“Don’t say anything. Salt makes all the difference!” Xiao Ran returned with salt, placing it in front of Li Lizhi.
Li Lizhi, never having seen fine salt before, asked, “Is this salt?”
“Yes, this is the salt nowadays. Try it.”
Li Lizhi, amazed, dipped her finger into the snow-white salt and tasted it.
“Surprisingly, it looks good but is not as flavorful.”
“Exactly!”
“Xiao Ran, can you do this?” Li Lizhi asked eagerly, pointing to the fine salt.
“Of course, why not? Otherwise, what’s the use of the salt mine!”
Li Lizhi was both surprised and delighted. She never expected Xiao Ran to possess such skills, her admiration evident in her eyes.
To produce edible salt from mineral salt, removing minerals, is impossible for Tang Dynasty people but straightforward for someone from the 21st century.
It’s a task achievable by someone with a basic understanding of junior high school chemistry.
Coincidentally, Xiao Ran’s knowledge of chemistry is only at the level of the third year of junior high school. No matter how much it is, it is really lacking.
Li Lizhi’s eyes brightened, contemplating that revealing such information would likely make the salt from prestigious families challenging to sell.
“Will this salt be costly?” Li Lizhi hoped for a more affordable option.
“Not expensive. I hope most ordinary people can afford fine salt,” Xiao Ran replied.
“I understand!” Li Lizhi was pleased.
“Changle, don’t inform others about this beforehand. Give His Majesty and the Empress a surprise when it succeeds.”
“Okay, got it!”
…
After the meal, Li Lizhi took the food box and went to Lizheng Hall again, not only looking for Empress Zhangsun but mainly for Li Shimin.
Confirm the location of Yujiagou sooner. Li Lizhi also realized it was a valuable treasure, especially after learning that Xiao Ran could transform poisonous salt into fine salt. Not only could it generate immense wealth, but it was also crucial for the country and its people.
In the Lizheng Hall, Li Lizhi discovered that Empress Zhangsun had gone out, so she went directly to Taiji Palace. Considering Li Shimin’s presence, she prepared extra meals.
Upon arriving, a eunuch stopped Li Lizhi, “Your Highness, His Majesty is discussing state affairs, and it’s inconvenient to meet you. Please go to the side hall; the empress is there.”
Li Lizhi nodded, “Understood!”
She proceeded to the side hall. Empress Zhangsun was surprised to see Li Lizhi and delighted by the presence of the food box.
“Mother!”
“Why are you here?”
“I have something to discuss with Father!”
Empress Zhangsun smiled, “What’s the matter? Share it with your mother.”
“I want the land in Yujiagou in the west of the city,” Li Lizhi said.