Chapter 106: Surprise

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Li Zhi paced around the sitting room, sampling many of the pastries.

"These are all from the First Tavern, right?" Li Zhi quickly recognized them.

Although the pastries of the Tang Dynasty and those from the tavern were not vastly different, some of the ingredients used were beyond the palace chefs' abilities.

For instance, fried minced meat and braised ham…

These were the specialties taught by Cheng Chubi, with extremely strict requirements on ingredients and cooking time.

"Huh?"

"How do you know that?" Empress Zhangsun asked.

"Your Majesty, the pastries at the First Tavern were all taught by His Highness, how could I not know? Hehe… I must try some too!" Luo Tong took the opportunity to eat a sweet cake, praising its deliciousness.

"Are you saying… the pastries at the First Tavern were taught by Zhi’er?" Empress Zhangsun was unaware of the First Tavern's affairs, let alone the fact that its behind-the-scenes owner was Li Zhi.

This was truly astonishing…

Li Zhi evaded, "I just gave them some suggestions, it’s not like I really taught them!"

"Oh…"

"Zhi’er, later your father will come, go and prepare!"

"Prepare what?"

Empress Zhangsun said, "Have you forgotten? Last year, during your birthday celebration, your father said he would test your literary skills. Since you have performed outstandingly recently, the test will surely be very rigorous. Go review the Records of the Grand Historian and bring honor to your mother!"

"Pfft!"

Li Zhi chuckled.

At his current level, did he really need to review the Records of the Grand Historian?

He doubted even Li Shimin would dare give him a difficult question.

Li Lizhi happened to overhear Empress Zhangsun’s words and came over, smiling, "Mother, you’re still worried about Brother Zhi? He’s not afraid of being tested. Whenever we’re in the royal study, it’s always the teacher who gets outsmarted; Brother Zhi never fails to answer a question!"

"Hmph!"

"Bragging!" Li Chengqian and Li Tai, two brothers, stepped out, displeased with Li Zhi’s favored status, quickly mocking him.

"If Brother Zhi is really so great, why does he still attend classes?"

"None of your business!" Li Lizhi snorted.

Her eyes fixed sharply on Li Tai.

This seemingly honest fellow was actually a schemer behind the scenes.

"Why are you all arguing?"

"Gao Ming, Tai’er, you should go to school…." Empress Zhangsun, sensing the tension, hastily sent Li Chengqian and Li Tai away.

Li Lizhi said, "Mother, Li Tai has targeted Brother Zhi several times! That assassination attempt on Brother Zhi was arranged by him!"

"Nonsense!"

"You have said this before but cannot provide evidence. How can you slander your own brother?" Empress Zhangsun scolded angrily.

She was about to punish her.

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Li Zhi quickly said, "Mother, don’t be angry. Today is my birthday! You can’t punish her just because of a joke, right?"

...

Empress Zhangsun soon calmed down.

She also sent Li Lizhi off to class.

The morning court session ended.

Li Shimin arrived at Lizhzheng Hall.

"Zhi’er… how are things going with the First Tavern and the merchants’ association recently?"

"I haven’t been to see yet, so I’m not very clear!" Li Zhi had a bad feeling.

Li Shimin’s question might have been coordinated with Zhangsun Wuji, coveting his merchants’ association. It wasn’t impossible they wanted to use it against the noble families.

Li Zhi grew wary!

"Father, have you ever eaten cake? Shall we have cake today?" Li Zhi changed the subject.

"Cake? What is that?"

"A very delicious food. Even Cheng Chubi can’t make it!"

…

Hearing the mention of food, Luo Tong’s mouth watered uncontrollably: "The cake His Highness mentioned must be delicious! I can hardly wait!"

"You’re just that simple!" Li Zhi teased.

Back and forth…

They diverted Li Shimin’s topic far away.

At this moment,

Empress Zhangsun grew curious: "Is cake a kind of pastry?"

"Uh…"

"Yes, it’s a kind of pastry!"

To avoid Li Shimin’s continued questioning about the tavern and merchants’ association, Li Zhi went to the kitchen and led the chefs in making a giant cake.

Four thin candles were placed on its surface,

Representing his fourth birthday.

"Father, the cake is ready, please take a look!" Li Zhi placed the cake on a stand and pushed it to the center of the sitting room.

After some explanation,

Li Shimin exclaimed, "Wonderful! This way of celebrating a birthday seems very meaningful!"

"It would be better to eat it in the evening for atmosphere! But since you’re busy every day, probably no time, so we can have it at noon…"

"I have time!"

Li Shimin interrupted.

"Tell the kitchen not to rush with the dishes. The celebration can be in the evening. I have some matters to discuss with Zhi’er!"

"What matters?" Empress Zhangsun asked.

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Li Shimin paused.

But did not answer.

"Father!" Li Zhi read his expression and understood Li Shimin’s intent, displeased, "If you’re here because Zhangsun Wuji covets the tavern and merchants’ association, I can’t help!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"The truth! Would Father deny that this isn’t about my tavern and merchants’ association?" Li Zhi challenged.

"You!"

"What tavern? What merchants’ association?" Empress Zhangsun frowned, "Can you please be clear instead of speaking in riddles?"

"Come with me!"

Li Shimin, hands behind his back, walked toward the inner chamber.

"Hmph, coming as you please…" Li Zhi was not intimidated and followed behind, determined not to give up the tavern or merchants’ association no matter what Li Shimin said.

"Father, please speak!"

"Sit there!" Li Shimin pointed to a seat beside him, then sat opposite, "Zhi’er, your father is facing difficulties and needs your help. What would you do?"

"I would… just watch quietly! I’m only a three-year-old… no, four-year-old child. How can I help Father?"

"Ahem!"

Unexpectedly, Li Zhi responded this way.

Li Shimin felt awkward, "If you don’t want to help Father, Father will have to beg you…"

"Zhangsun Wuji has encountered difficulties and needs the support of your merchants’ association to restrain some people and stand against the noble families! This is a matter of state, not to be refused!"

"Hmph!"

Hearing this, Li Zhi was furious!

What do you mean by not being allowed to refuse?

Has the First Merchants’ Association been forcibly requisitioned?

Li Zhi said, "Father, do you know what the merchants’ association runs on?"

"Immortal Wine?"

"Exactly! Immortal Wine comes from the newly established winery… Cheng Chubi manages the winery now. But he can’t brew wine; he needs me to supply the yeast! Throughout the Tang, only I can make the yeast!"

…

Li Zhi’s meaning was clear.

If you want to use force?

Then it will be a fight to the death!

"Father, why don’t you trust me? If you entrust me with dealing with the noble families, I guarantee success within two years! After all, Lord Zhangsun has encountered difficulties operating, while my merchants’ association is a powerful tool to punish the noble families! Therefore, Lord Zhangsun is not as capable as I am!" Li Zhi said.