Chapter 17: With Such a Splendid Realm, Who Could Bear to Leave?

Chapter 17: Such a Kingdom, How Could One Not Be Attached?

It must be said that Li Shimin’s emotions were entirely genuine, not an act.

After all, historically, when Princess Jinyang passed away, Li Shimin wept dozens of times a day, barely able to eat. This heartbreak lasted about a month, a fact solidly recorded in the annals.

However, since Princess Jinyang died young, the historical records did not note her birth and death dates, only leaving behind a brief yet extraordinary life.

Among Li Shimin’s daughters, Li Mingda was arguably one of the most outstanding. She was kind-hearted and gentle in nature. Whenever Li Shimin was enraged by his ministers, it was Li Mingda who intervened, soothing her father with the tenderness of a loving daughter, helping him regain his composure.

There is also a famous anecdote in unofficial histories about a boomerang effect. It is said that when Changsun Shunde’s daughter died from illness, he fell ill from grief. Li Shimin once remarked that Changsun lacked strength of character. Yet when the boomerang returned to himself, he forgot his earlier criticism entirely and was even more afflicted. Truly, the boomerang hit him square on the head.

Moreover, even if historical texts could deceive, genuine emotions could not be faked.

So, one can only feel sorry for Brother Li, bearing the blame alone.

Li Qing adjusted his expression and sighed deeply. “It’s not just Princess Sizhi. Your eldest legitimate daughter, Princess Changle, had a similar fate—she died young in the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era...”

“What?! Even the beautiful one...”

Li Shimin felt the world spin. As a doting father, he could hardly bear such blows; the continuous stream of bad news nearly shattered his spirit.

He didn’t doubt Li Qing’s words, since it was something easily verifiable next time he casually inquired with Li Zhi in the sixth year of Yonghui. Li Qing had no reason to deceive him.

“Brother Li, stay strong.” Li Qing pressed on Li Shimin’s shoulder, feeling truly apologetic. After hearing such news, not even a small emotional boost could warm him up—he could have bought ten smartphones with all the emotional energy spent.

“Actually, regarding the health of your two nieces, Brother Li, you need not be overly anxious,” Li Qing comforted him. “There’s still several years ahead. No need to rush. As long as the mindset doesn’t falter, there are always more solutions than difficulties, isn’t that so?”

“I was too anxious and confused. After all, I have you, my virtuous younger brother.” Li Shimin suddenly remembered Li Qing. “You wouldn’t want to see my two nieces die young, would you?”

Li Qing: … Could it be that the whole little life philosophy was learned from the Tang Dynasty? Impossible.

“Though that is true, Brother Li,” Li Qing sighed, “relying on mountains may lead to their collapse, relying on others may lead to abandonment. Only what is controlled by one’s own hands truly belongs to oneself.”

“What do you mean, virtuous brother?” Li Shimin immediately grasped Li Qing’s meaning, but dared not believe it—after all, even the legendary physician Sun had no cure for the respiratory ailments and wind diseases, unless divine methods were employed...

Could it be that my virtuous brother intends to teach me cultivation?

At that thought, Li Shimin felt a flicker of hope. Cultivation! Cultivation would grant longevity. The Tang Dynasty has only ruled for a little over a decade, hardly enough to settle in.

Such a kingdom, how could one not be attached?

“Science, Brother Li! It’s all about developing science!” Li Qing’s tone was tinged with heartfelt urgency. “Medicine is a form of science. In today’s Tang, many previously incurable diseases have become minor issues thanks to advanced and refined medicine... For example, ailments like wind-cold, lung heat, and respiratory illnesses—there’s nothing science can’t handle if you can only imagine it.”

Indeed, Li Qing’s words were correct: with scientific progress, more diseases will surely be conquered.

There is also a common misconception that modern medicine is synonymous with Western medicine, which is incorrect. Western medicine, contrasting with traditional Chinese medicine, in this era still relied on practices like bloodletting, which treated more than cured. Modern medicine, however, is a precise science and quite distinct from Western medicine as known then.

“In any case, trust science. Don’t fill your mind with thoughts of cultivation,” Li Qing suddenly shifted tone. “Brother Li, did you raise a bunch of Taoist alchemists to concoct pills?”

“That is true.” Li Shimin didn’t understand the implication but had nothing to hide, so he admitted it without hesitation.

“Stop taking those things! They’re full of heavy metals. If you keep eating them, you’ll be dead in a few years. If that happens, who will I turn to for reforming the Tang...?”

Almost letting the truth slip, Li Qing swallowed hard and rephrased, “Who else but you—your eldest son who likes effeminate boys? Or the chubby little green sparrow? Or Li Zhi, who competes with you for women?”

*Emotional value +578*

Those words were truly infuriating. If anyone else said them, Li Shimin would have slapped them long ago, but fortunately, it was Li Qing.

“Virtuous brother, are you serious? Those pills really are poisonous?” Li Shimin believed it, but a glimmer of hope remained.

Which emperor does not desire immortality?

“Stop being superstitious. Believe in science,” Li Qing said, pulling out a pile of pills from the system. “Here, take these instead. This small bottle is a disease-removing pill. This one is a marrow-cleansing pill. For Sizhi or your beautiful eldest niece, I suggest starting with the disease-removing pill. Once their bodies are free of ailments, then take the marrow-cleansing pill to strengthen the body.”

Li Shimin gazed at the pills on the table, momentarily lost in thought.

Goodness, you tell me not to believe superstition and trust science, then immediately show me a bunch of pills?

He didn’t hesitate and pocketed the pills, thanking Li Qing. “No need for formalities; I’ll keep this in my heart.”

“No need to thank me. If you really want to show gratitude, just reform your Tang well,” Li Qing waved off the thanks lightly. This was a small favor; the emotional energy spent was nothing compared to Li Shimin’s blood pressure rising once.

“Ah, it’s a pity that the beautiful one is already married. Otherwise, she would be just right for my virtuous brother,” Li Shimin lamented.

Li Qing rubbed his temples. Good grief, is this the essential daughter-in-law for anyone traveling to the Tang Dynasty?

“I treat you as a brother, and you want to become my father-in-law?” Li Qing gave Li Shimin a look that could only be described as disgusted.

“Just a pity, no other meaning,” Li Shimin laughed heartily. Having resolved a great worry, his mood was excellent.

“If only you had come earlier, virtuous brother. Guanyin Maid...” He suddenly recalled Empress Zhangsun, who passed away last year, then shook his head with a light smile. “It is I who am too greedy. If I can save even a few sons and daughters, I would be very satisfied.”

“Don’t look down on me, brother,” Li Qing pulled out a can of cola and handed it to Li Shimin. “But due to certain restrictions, you can only bring back one person. More than that is impossible.”

Hearing this, Li Shimin lost all composure; the can of cola slipped from his hand onto the floor with a clatter. He jumped up excitedly and asked, “Really?!”

(End of Chapter)