readytorunbook Chapter 291 The Heart of the Eight Trigrams
Chapter 291 The Heart of the Eight Trigrams
Caiyun even blushed a little from Shen Li's offensive and agreed without much thought: "Then I will make clothes for you, sir."
"I already told you not to call me 'Master' when no one's around. You can just call me Ah Li or Sister Li." Shen Li was visibly happy after leaving the person behind.
But when she changed her title, she didn't choose the title of "Big Sister" from her previous life. Back then, she said she had become stupid from studying too much, so she called her "Little Bookworm."
Caiyun still waved her hand. She dared not call him that. To this day, she still did not understand why this adult treated her so intimately, and why they seemed to have known each other for a long time, as if they were close sisters.
Of course, Shen Li wasn't doing nothing. She forcefully took over the task of preparing New Year's gifts from Gu Chang'an and would make arrangements when she had free time.
Although interpersonal relationships are complex, they are not difficult to manage as long as you use your brain and pay attention to details.
When Gu Chang'an returned, he saw Shen Li looking at last year's gift list, listing what she gave and what she received; there were two whole books.
"Ah Li, you've worked so hard." Gu Chang'an went behind her and massaged her shoulders, his words full of concern.
Shen Li smelled his faint pine scent and felt his large hands gently kneading her skin. She couldn't help but sigh comfortably. She placed her hand on his hand and said, "My husband is the one who has worked hard. I've been lying here for most of the day."
“It’s alright for a man to be a little busy.” Gu Chang’an then massaged her temples.
Shen Li leaned against him, feeling that life was really good, and she wished it could continue like this forever.
"Is something on your mind, Ah Li?"
"No, it's actually quite peaceful." Shen Li recalled the year or so since her rebirth. Even though she lived a more relaxed life in this one, she was always thinking about revenge.
Now that Li Heng is not far from death, she is not in a hurry to implement her next plan, so she naturally feels more relaxed.
"As long as A-Li is happy." Gu Chang'an bent down and kissed her forehead.
Just as Shen Li was about to get up and go back, her ears twitched, and she asked, "Husband, has Shadow returned?"
She clearly heard a faint sound leaving the courtyard.
"How did A-Li know?" Gu Chang'an asked, slightly surprised. "He just got back this afternoon."
Shen Li pointed to her ears, even a little embarrassed to show off: "Exceptionally gifted."
Gu Chang'an affectionately stroked her ear and teased, "I didn't just marry a wife, I married a treasure, she's a treasure from head to toe."
"You could say that," Shen Li readily admitted without any modesty, then asked, "Husband, let's get down to business. Did he discover anything on his trip to the Western Regions?"
“Winter came early this year, and there’s hardly any place left on the grasslands for grazing. The Rong and Di tribes will surely come to plunder our dynasty,” Gu Chang’an said.
However, this is not exactly news, because the Rongdi people do this every year.
In winter, the Rong and Di tribes would engage in a mix of raiding and trading, always trying to gain some advantage on the borders of the Great Zhao. However, in recent years, the Rong and Di had been constantly clashing with the northern deserts, both sides wanting to unify the other, thus expending a lot of resources and not launching a large-scale war against the Great Zhao.
Shen Li had no recollection of any major battles against the Rongdi. The most powerful enemy of the Great Zhao was the Great Liang. Other small tribes, including the Japanese pirates, only gained minor advantages.
“This year is different from previous years. The Rongdi and Daliang have been in frequent contact, and it seems that they are about to launch a major battle,” Gu Chang’an said, revealing the information he had gathered.
"Da Liang?" Shen Li raised an eyebrow slightly.
The situation here is different from the previous life. In the previous life, the Great Liang had already become the hegemon by occupying several states. Later, it conquered the northern desert, leaving only the Rong and Di tribes trembling in fear. There was no frequent contact or trade between the two countries.
The Liang envoy's attitude in the capital is unclear, and he is secretly colluding with the Rong and Di tribes, indicating that he has grand ambitions.
Gu Chang'an nodded slightly: "I have already informed Zhao Jing of the news. Once His Majesty informs us of the reinforcement of troops at the border, it will be an extra layer of preparation."
"My husband is reliable, but I've heard that this Hu princess is quite difficult to deal with." Shen Li thought of everything Lin Wan'er had said and was already somewhat impressed even before meeting her.
"I've never heard of that before. I've only heard that this princess has a very special relationship with His Highness the Ninth Prince." Gu Chang'an said, recalling all the information he had heard about Hu Ji.
Shen Li's gossipy nature was piqued, and she asked, "How did you know?"
Gu Chang'an shook his head: "I only heard one sentence, I don't know the rest."
“That’s true, you’re too busy to gossip.” Shen Li has already decided to take Shen Yue to the Cheng family tomorrow.
This kind of scandalous affair spread like wildfire among the ladies and young women of the inner quarters, and Cheng Ruojin must know about it and the details.
"I'll look into it for A-Li tomorrow," Gu Chang'an said, unable to bear seeing her curiosity.
Shen Li refused and urged him to go to bed, saying that he needed to get up early the next day.
Gu Chang'an didn't understand why he had fallen out of favor. After reflecting on it, he felt that it might be because he hadn't answered A-Li's question properly, and his information gathering was still too narrow.
Next time, he'll definitely ask for Ah Li before coming back to tell her; Ah Li will surely enjoy hearing that.
He fell asleep with that thought in mind.
The snow stopped that evening, but there was still a lot of snow on the road. Shen Yue yawned while hugging the heater in the carriage, feeling cold even though she was dressed like a ball of flesh.
"Sister, why are we going out in this weather?" Shen Yue leaned back, dozing off. "What could be so important?"
"Even if there's nothing specific, friends should still visit each other more often to strengthen their relationship."
Shen Li was dressed rather lightly, wearing only a single layer of cotton clothing. The pearl-white satin was embroidered with orchids, which made her look even more elegant and refined.
Shen Yue tightened her pink cloak even more, and said incredulously, "Sister, you can lie without blushing or panting now?"
Who would go out to foster a relationship on a day that has just snowed? It's simply impossible.
My sister must have something important that she can't say directly, so she's keeping it a secret from me.
Faced with this speculation, Shen Li could only shrug.
When Cheng Ruojin invited everyone to her boudoir, and Shen Li revealed the purpose of her visit, Shen Yue looked on incredulously.
Just because of a little rumor?!
This is even more unconventional than I imagined.
"It's true. His Highness Prince Rui is in charge of arranging the various envoys and the palace banquet in a few days. Once, when he went to the temporary palace, Princess Hu Ji saw him. Since then, Princess Hu Ji has frequently tried to curry favor with Prince Rui."
Cheng Ruojin spoke with great excitement, clearly having not had anything so noteworthy to talk about in a long time.
"How should we show goodwill?" Shen Li asked.
Shen Yue, who initially didn't understand, has now quietly picked up the melon seeds beside her and is listening very attentively.
"It's only been a few days, and Hu Ji has already invited the prince three times, saying she wants to cook for him herself."
"Why do you need to invite me three times?" Shen Yue asked sincerely.
Shouldn't we have treated each person to a meal in one go?