Chapter 61
“Any other good items?” Zhangsun Wuji inquired.
Li Shimin picked up two warm undergarments and tossed them to Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling. Curious, they touched the soft fabric and realized it was something special.
The other side is fleece-lined, ensuring excellent cold resistance.
“These are thermal underwear, providing exceptional warmth. Once you wear them, you won’t feel cold,” Li Shimin explained.
Fang Xuanling examined closely, asking, “Where is this material from? I haven’t seen it before.”
“I haven’t either. It’s the work of a skilled artisan,” Li Shimin replied.
Zhangsun Wuji nodded, “This is fantastic. If we equip the Tang army with these, we won’t worry about freezing in winter.”
Fang Xuanling agreed, “Indeed, the warmth retention is remarkable!”
“Do you like them?” Li Shimin asked Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling.
“We certainly do,” Zhangsun Wuji replied, setting aside formalities as Li Shimin was his brother-in-law.
“If you like them, take them with you,” Li Shimin offered.
Fang Xuanling and Zhangsun Wuji expressed gratitude, but Li Shimin added, “No need to thank me. Each set is fifty silver coins!”
Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling were taken aback. They exchanged glances and refrained from speaking.
Zhangsun Wuji hesitated, “Your Majesty, are you not gifting these to us?”
“If they were mine, I would surely give them to you. The issue is, they are not mine,” Li Shimin explained calmly.
Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling were utterly speechless.
It’s been a while since they felt this speechless.
“Fifty taels of silver?” Fang Xuanling was shocked by the price. It was a great product, but fifty taels of silver was quite expensive.
“These are priceless. If you don’t like them, just leave them!” Li Shimin remarked.
…
Fang Xuanling and Zhangsun Wuji reluctantly spent fifty taels of silver to purchase the thermal underwear. Considering how cold the winter was, it was a bit of kindness to themselves! Exiting the Taiji Palace, both were still in disbelief.
“Though a bit costly, the effect should be good. I’ll have to try it at home!” Zhangsun Wuji commented.
Fang Xuanling nodded, thinking about the fifty taels of silver spent with a hint of regret.
…
In the Lizheng Hall, Empress Zhangsun watched Li Lizhi leave with a heavy heart, feeling worried. Having been through similar situations, she understood the implications of Li Lizhi’s reaction.
Empress Zhangsun turned to the embroidered lady and said, “Spread the word. Announce that my palace has acquired a batch of extremely warm clothes, and there’s still some in stock.”
Empress Zhangsun took the initiative to advertise.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Previously, Xiao Ran’s first batch of gifts was also a form of advertising. A small number of people were already aware. In the harem, conversations about this matter occasionally surfaced.
Empress Zhangsun said, “Go to the East Palace!”
She needed to fulfill her promise to Li Lizhi. This matter was also beneficial for the royal family. The sooner it was addressed, the better. It was also a rare opportunity for Li Chengqian to enhance his political achievements.
Empress Zhangsun soon arrived at the East Palace.
Li Chengqian limped out, “I have seen Mother!”
Empress Zhangsun, with a smile, said, “Come inside!”
“How is your health, Mother?” Li Chengqian asked with concern.
“It’s better now.” Though not curable, it would recur periodically, and Empress Zhangsun had grown accustomed to it.
“I can’t accompany you often; I feel ashamed,” Li Chengqian expressed regret.
“You are the crown prince; you have many responsibilities,” Empress Zhangsun reminded.
Thinking about his position as the crown prince, Li Chengqian felt uneasy due to his leg condition, fearing it might compromise the royal dignity and jeopardize his position.
Empress Zhangsun had been supportive, but Li Chengqian understood her health situation.
The current position was secure, but without Empress Zhangsun, Li Chengqian lacked confidence.
“How about those clothes? Are they suitable?” Empress Zhangsun inquired.