NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53: Li Shimin’s expectation: wait for anthracite!
In the morning, Li Lizhi opened her eyes, feeling exceptionally rested. Glancing around, she didn’t spot Xiao Ran.
Li Lizhi suddenly lost her drowsiness upon realizing she had ended up in Xiao Ran’s previous spot. Xiao Ran wasn’t in bed. He had already gotten up.
Regret consumed Li Lizhi as she hastily checked her clothes, relieved to find everything in order. She struggled to sleep excitedly last night, and it was late when she finally did. Consequently, she woke up late and felt a bit down.
Worried about explaining herself to Xiao Ran, Li Lizhi quickly inspected her clothes, glad to find everything intact. She decided against returning to her dorm to change, opting to dress on Xiao Ran’s bed.
Unperturbed by Xiao Ran’s absence, Li Lizhi felt a sense of relief. Without bothering to return to the dormitory, she retrieved her clothes, sat on Xiao Ran’s bed, and began dressing.
The morning chill in the dormitory made Li Lizhi reluctant to return. After dressing, she refrained from heading to the vanity table, finding Xiao Ran’s bathroom sink more convenient with everything readily available, including hot water.
Entering the bathroom, Xiao Ran smiled, “Hurry up and freshen up! Are you still meeting the empress?”
“Yes! Father mentioned it last night. He’s going to Lizheng Hall and wants me to bring coal. He wants to see it,” Li Lizhi replied without forgetting.
“Then go freshen up quickly. Don’t keep the empress and His Majesty waiting for long,” Xiao Ran encouraged.
Li Lizhi seized Xiao Ran’s arm, “Xiao Ran, take me there!”
Xiao Ran nodded and followed Li Lizhi into the bathroom. Adjusting the water temperature for her, he asked, “Is this temperature suitable?”
Li Lizhi tested it with her fingers, “Just perfect!” Xiao Ran squeezed toothpaste onto the brush and handed it to her.
While combing her hair, Xiao Ran complimented, “Changle, your hair is really nice!” Li Lizhi watched him with a slight smile, appreciating his earnestness.
“Changle, your hair is great!” Xiao Ran couldn’t resist running his fingers through her hair while combing it. He even caught a faint fragrance.
“Mother and the others also mentioned the same,” Li Lizhi confirmed.
After the meal, preparations were made to bring food to Empress Zhangsun. This time, extra care was taken, considering the presence of the future father-in-law. The most crucial item was the brazier, as the one from the previous night had extinguished. A new one was set up, initially burning charcoal but now switched to coal. Li Lizhi covered the brazier for privacy.
With the preparations almost complete, Xiao Ran said, “Alright, this should be good. I’m heading back.”
Li Lizhi nodded, and Xiao Ran returned to his room. Li Lizhi enlisted two eunuchs to carry the brazier and had Yushu carry the food box, preparing to go to Lizheng Hall.
At Lizheng Hall, Li Shimin eagerly shared the previous night’s events with Empress Zhangsun. She, too, was surprised and started to take Li Lizhi’s words about the skilled individual more seriously.
Impatiently waiting for Li Lizhi, Li Shimin occasionally glanced towards the gate. Empress Zhangsun reassured him, suggesting he return if urgent and wait for Li Lizhi to come to him later.
Li Shimin dismissed the idea, determined to stay until he saw the smokeless coal that Li Lizhi had mentioned. He couldn’t contain his excitement when informed of her arrival and rushed towards the gate.
Seeing Li Lizhi with Yushu, carrying a food box, and two eunuchs with a brazier, Li Shimin’s excitement intensified. They reached Lizheng Hall, and before Li Lizhi could bow, Li Shimin exclaimed, “No need for formalities. Come in quickly!”
“Thank you, Father!” Li Lizhi entered Lizheng Hall, holding onto Empress Zhangsun and Li Shimin.