After Marrying a Vegetative Princess, I went crazy with joy! - Chapter 130

Chapter 130

In the Tang Dynasty, his family considered a man’s departure for battle extremely honorable. Regardless of any conflicts they might have had, during times of war, the whole family would bid farewell under the guidance of the household’s matriarch.

Changle understood that, even as a princess, she couldn’t let her emotions ruin this honor. However, the thought of being separated from her husband was causing her immense pain.

After crying for a while, Changle appeared emotionally drained. Su Li tried to console her for a while, and eventually, she drifted into a deep sleep.

Late at night, Li Er put down his brush in the palace and suddenly felt restless. Maintain composure in the face of significant matters!

As the ruler of the nation, he dealt with weighty affairs daily. Logically, Li Er should have attained a level of emotional resilience where even the collapse of Mount Tai would not disturb him. However, since Su Li’s departure earlier today, Li Er became increasingly agitated.

He kept wondering, what decision would Su Li make?

Of course, Li Er hoped that Su Li would agree. After all, Li Er wasn’t irrational.

Facing an aggressive foreign power like Tubo, capable of invading and conquering their land, why should they resort to a diplomatic marriage?

This matter of diplomatic marriage, no matter how much benefit it might bring, was ultimately not honorable.

Marriage to a foreign country?

It was just something that sounded good, but really, what good would it do for Li Er to marry off a princess from the royal family?

Counting on Li Jing’s group of veteran generals seemed to be futile. But if Su Li agreed to go on the expedition, he was confident of victory.

Li Er would undoubtedly keep his promise, just as he assured Su Li, giving him whatever he asked for without question.

In the evening, a female officer from the princess’s household came personally to request a full map of the Great Tang Dynasty from Li Er on behalf of Su Li.

Since then, Li Er’s anxiety had grown even more.

“Has that young man already decided to go on the expedition? Otherwise, why would he need the map of the Tang Dynasty?”

“Not necessarily. Su Li has a wide range of interests and doesn’t seem interested in anything, but no one knows what he’s busy with at the princess’s residence daily. Perhaps he’s taken an interest in the geographical landscape of the Tang Dynasty recently?”

The so-called excessive concern could lead to confusion.

At this moment, Li Er found himself wavering in his thoughts.

Until now, Su Li hadn’t given a clear answer, and it was clear that Li Er couldn’t wait any longer for his response today.

Thinking about this, Li Er surprisingly felt a touch of disappointment.

He even began to doubt himself. Could it be that what I promised was too extravagant, so the young man couldn’t see my determination? I need to come up with a way to pique his interest!

In the days that followed, Li Er sent people to Su Li’s residence almost every day to inquire, asking three times a day.

But Su Li’s responses remained vague, and he never gave a definite answer.

Su Li’s point was simple – his child hadn’t been born yet.

Even if he were to go on an expedition, he wanted to see his child before departing.

Besides, the Tubo people weren’t in a rush.

They had descended from the plateau and directly advanced to the Tang Dynasty’s border.

Not to mention anything else, the pleasant climate alone would probably keep them content.

Perhaps the current Songtsan Gampo was still dreaming of a diplomatic marriage and awaiting a response from the envoy. Delaying him by two or three months wouldn’t be a significant issue. Su Li remained as steadfast as a mountain, eventually making Li Er uneasy.

On that day, Li Er once again visited the Princess Mansion. After visiting Changle, he immediately pulled Su Li aside.

“How have you been considering the Tubo matter?” Li Er asked with an air of calmness, although he was quite anxious.

Su Li glanced towards the room and then replied with some hesitation, “Your Majesty, Changle is about to give birth. At this time, I really don’t have the mental capacity to think about other matters.”

Li Er gave a cold snort, assuming the role of a stern father-in-law, and admonished, “A brave man aspires to great deeds in all directions. Focus on making achievements! Changle is my daughter, and I care for her no less than you do. What is there for you to worry about at home?”

Su Li looked at Li Er strangely, thinking, Your Majesty, even though what you’re saying makes sense, imagine this, once my child is born, Changle would undoubtedly want the child’s first sight to be me, not your imposing face.

While his thoughts lingered in this direction, Su Li couldn’t voice them, so he kept quiet.

Li Er, noticing Su Li’s lack of response, felt compelled to continue the conversation. “You’re incredibly talented, and I also don’t want to waste your skills. I trust you enough to wonder why you’re hesitating.”

Seeing Su Li’s unresponsive expression, still unreadable as ever, Li Er couldn’t hold back any longer. Clenching his teeth, he continued, “Although there’s no precedent in the Great Tang for titles outside the royal family, you are Changle’s husband and my son-in-law. If your accomplishments are significant enough, I might even consider granting you a title from a different lineage!”

These words were spoken openly, almost a semi-public declaration. After all, one didn’t joke about these matters. Considering the people present, if even one of them had a loose tongue, it wouldn’t be long before the whole of Changan knew about it. Li Er was truly getting anxious.

However, Su Li didn’t react, maintaining his expressionless demeanor, much to Li Er’s frustration. Having spent so much time with Li Er, Su Li had become immune to Li Er’s sugar-coated cannonballs.

After listening to Li Er’s plea, Su Li’s thoughts were clear. Your Majesty, even though your words seem sincere, I wouldn’t believe them for a second.

He knew that political creatures were rarely straightforward, especially not at the level of the emperor, who was often thick-skinned and shrewd.

Li Er’s statement appeared sincere on the surface, but Su Li didn’t believe into it. The emperor held the ultimate authority in determining what achievements were substantial enough to warrant the promised reward.

In Su Li’s view, Li Er’s intentions were no different from dangling a carrot in front of a donkey. This time, “You’ve achieved something, but it’s not enough. Achieve more, and then we’ll talk.”

Su Li realized that if he fell into this trap, it might never end. Thus, he decided to remain silent, leaving Li Er to his own thoughts.