kvmb How long can be preserved depends on fate; it is advisable to announce that the princess has passed
How long can be preserved depends on fate; it is advisable to announce that the princess has passed
"This illness can't be hidden anymore; we have to think of a way," my father said to my brother Zhinu with a sigh.
Indeed, there is a way to protect his younger sister. The younger brother, Zhinu, twirled the teacup in his hand while taking a small sip:
It's very simple. We just need to wait a few years until the right time, then announce the princess's death, effectively allowing her to continue living.
Zhi Nu lowered her voice, her expression both serious and cautious.
Li Shimin nodded in agreement: "Her illness is quite unusual and difficult to understand. I have never encountered or heard of such a perpetually adorable baby. How can I possibly concoct a miraculous elixir to help her grow up?!"
Brother Zhinu: Father, there's no need to worry. Everything that exists has its reason, and we should just accept it. This little rascal is adorable and innocent, which may not be a bad thing. Besides, she has so many extraordinary qualities; she doesn't seem to be from our world.
……
Li Shimin nodded again: Good, indeed there is no need for such complicated worries. In a few years, find a suitable opportunity to announce that the princess has passed away, and see if Si Zi can change her name in the palace and live in seclusion behind the scenes. As for how long she can live, that is entirely up to fate.
Brother Zhinu nodded in agreement: "Yes, this move is sure to work. It's safe and secure. At least, protecting the rhinoceros will ensure a clean record in history."
Then Zhinu winked at Aye a few times, and said thoughtfully:
However, for such a big matter, shouldn't we find a few reliable ministers to help keep it a secret and then let public opinion sway us?
Yes, definitely. We need to tell the truth to some reliable and honest people who can also protect Sizi. Who would be suitable?
Aye looked at Zhinu, waiting expectantly for the answer.
……
Twenty-six years later. 670 AD. The first year of the Xianheng era of Emperor Gaozong of Tang.
A little girl who looked like Xiao Sizi when she was young had wet her underwear and blankets again.
The head maid shook her head helplessly: "My little darling, taking medicine every day is useless, he keeps getting wet with urine."
She brought the wet undergarments and bedding to the laundry department.
Granny Ling from the laundry department was always asking questions: "Hey, Xiao Chang, have you heard anything interesting about Li Ji?"
Xiao Chang: Li Ji? You mean Lord Li?
Yes, yes.
You're not trying to find out about that guy who was once affectionately called "Little Pork Tenderloin Gentleman" by Princess Jinyang, are you?
Poor-looking Granny Yi: Hahahaha, yes! Yes, that's the person. The name is so endearing!
Xiao Chang: Don't let Lord Li's seemingly ordinary nickname fool you; he's a very powerful and influential figure. He's held all sorts of prestigious positions, including the third rank of the Chancellor, Minister of Works, and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and he was even granted the title of Duke of Ying!
While pounding the clothes, Granny Ling exclaimed, "Tsk tsk tsk, oh my, wouldn't that be a 'Manchu Han Imperial Feast'?!"
Granny Yi: That's right! But all good things must come to an end. I heard that last year, in the second year of the Zongzhang era, he passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-six.
Ling, the shrewish old woman, continued, "It's not easy. After enduring so long, at least the high-ranking official didn't suffer in vain. When will we poor working people ever see the end of our lives?!" She then added, "It's that word Princess Jinyang coined—'retirement.'"
Xiao Chang, still somewhat doubtful, asked: Retirement? What does retirement mean?
Granny Qing, who usually liked to read, said, "It means being free from worldly labor. In old age, when you're no longer useful, you can finally take a break."
Xiao Chang, being a bit too talkative, said: "Oh, I heard that this young man from the pork tenderloin family was quite something even after retirement. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of Grand Commandant and Grand Governor of Yangzhou, and given the posthumous name 'Zhenwu.' He was even placed in the VIP area of Zhaoling Mausoleum! Even Emperor Gaozong's temple prepared a 'worship package' for him, with the sacrificial rites being top-notch!"
Granny Yi pressed further: Who told you that?
Xiao Chang hesitated, which was quite clever of her, because she had overheard these words during a role-playing conversation while listening to her little master play.
Xiao Chang changed the subject, saying, "I have never had the privilege of seeing Princess Jinyang's true face. However, the old nannies always describe to me that the young mistress, Xiao Jiu, who is now deeply favored and pampered by the Emperor, looks exactly like the former Princess Xiao Si. But is that so?"