"Ah~ Husband~~ Husband~~ It's coming out soon~~ Your concubine is about to~~ about to give birth!!!"
Li Ying tightly gripped my palm, giving birth with a pained expression on the bedsheets as pure as white lilies. A midwife whose face was unclear was rummaging around my beloved wife's lower body. Abu and Zaha also waited anxiously at one side. Behind them was a dense crowd of Kunlun slaves; the ones standing at the front were familiar faces from the manor.
Each one stared hopefully at Li Ying's little hole, hands clasped, praying for the arrival of new life.
Behind me, Zhen Jing, Ting'er, and Lin'er all leaned on my back, indicating for me not to be too nervous. I even saw Princess Xiangcheng, wearing clothes from my manor, gracefully leaning to one side, anxiously helping my beloved wife to regulate her breathing.
"Husband~~oh~~ It's coming out~~ Oh!!!"
I looked towards Li Ying's lower body; a mass of black flesh emerged from Li Ying's cunt hole, its tip protruding, one cun, two cun… Suddenly, a voice like a drake's quack sounded behind me.
"Imperial Tutor, please come this way, your old servant will lead the way for you."
The sharp, thin voice was like grating electromagnetic noise; a eunuch was leading me around the palace while speaking.
This was the third time my thoughts had scattered; I kept remembering last night's dream…
Perhaps what one thinks of by day, one dreams of by night. In the dream, all the women I loved stood by my side, watching the process of my beloved wife giving birth to a black child. But Princess Xiangcheng entering my dream was something I didn't expect.
It seems last night's lewd play was too memorable; not only did it appear in my dreams, but it also repeatedly came back to my mind…
Recalling the scene before I left the night before last, I listened to the sounds of teasing that came in waves from the room; bitterness and excitement mixed in my heart.
Then, I returned alone to Lin'er's small room. The moment I lay on the small bed, I could no longer suppress the desire in my heart, envisioning in my mind how they would "play games" tonight. When I suddenly thought of an exciting part, I actually ejaculated directly.
After ejaculating, a wave of weary drowsiness slowly arrived. Too lazy to clean the semen on the bed, I fell into a deep sleep... I wonder what expression Lin'er would have when she saw it. I wonder how she would torment me tonight...
Time returned to early morning.
Even before I left the house, the imperial eunuchs were already waiting outside my manor. They didn't knock in advance to disturb me, but merely stood outside the door, holding their breath and concentrating, showing me ample respect.
When I came out and encountered these eunuchs, who stood like door gods, seeing their motionless posture, I almost thought they were hell-guards...
During Li Shimin's reign, all civil and military officials of the capital's departments, from the ninth rank upwards, were to attend court on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month. Officials of the fifth rank and above, as well as the 'Gongfeng Guan' (Officials for Imperial Service), 'Yuanwai Lang' (Director), 'Jiancha Yushi' (Censor), and 'Taichang Boshi' (Grand Scholar of Rituals), attended court daily.
As the Imperial Tutor, my position was relatively vague. There was no specific official duty assigned, nor any concrete arrangement for meeting the Emperor. However, according to court regulations, I also needed to attend court, so I left early, at least to wait at the palace gates for instructions. The appearance of the eunuchs cleverly broke my awkwardness and helplessness. It couldn't help but make me develop a slight favorable impression of Li Shimin; after all, historical records and personal experience are always very different.
At this moment, I was following this 'Eunuch Wang' towards a place of spiritual beauty and natural grace.
"Imperial Tutor, the Emperor values you highly. Although it hasn't been highly publicized, it's also out of concern that evildoers might frame you. Therefore, the Emperor has commanded you to instruct the imperial princes. This old servant will now lead you to Zishantang. At that time, you must perform well, and not let down the Emperor's painstaking efforts."
My heart was greatly shaken. Originally, being able to teach even one imperial prince was a height many people could barely hope to reach. I actually get to teach many imperial princes simultaneously; this was something I hadn't expected.
At the same time, a trace of doubt surfaced. The Emperor's arrangement showed too much trust in me. Even with Li Erlang's recommendation and those hundred poems from that night, it shouldn't warrant such a heavy responsibility. This kind of arrangement... seemed a bit strange.
"Eunuch Wang, did the Emperor give any instructions? Having me alone responsible for so many imperial princes... I'm afraid it might be a bit too much..."
As I spoke, I slipped a gold ingot into Eunuch Wang's sleeve.
Instantly, his expression turned flustered, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat. He quickly and respectfully returned it, and told me a single character—"He".
He?
Suddenly, I remembered the Tang Dynasty dramas I had watched in my previous life... it seems this dynasty was fond of forced abdication...
With that, I roughly understood the Emperor's intention.
From the records of "New Book of Tang" and "Old Book of Tang", Emperor Taizong had a total of fourteen sons. Among them, Empress Zhangsun gave birth to Crown Prince Li Chenggan, Li Tai, and Li Zhi. Consort Yang gave birth to Prince Wu Li Ke and Prince Shu Li Wu, Consort Yin gave birth to Prince Qi Li You, Lady Wang gave birth to Prince Jiang Li Yun, Consort Yan gave birth to Prince Yue Li Zhen and Prince Jiang Li Xiao, Consort Wei gave birth to Prince Ji Li Shen, Consort Yang gave birth to Prince Zhao Li Fu, and another Lady Yang gave birth to Prince Cao Li Ming. Additionally, there were two sons whose mothers' surnames were unknown: one was Prince Chu Li Kuan, and the other was Prince Dai Li Jian.
Although Emperor Taizong Li Shimin was a wise ruler in our country's history, yet, out of his 14 sons, apart from Li Fu and Li Zhi, 12 actually "died unnatural deaths". The author of "Old Book of Tang", discussing Emperor Taizong's many sons, lamented: "Sons and brothers acting as feudal lords, solid as a rock to guard the capital."
And the main reason for these imperial princes' deaths was largely due to the struggle for the throne...
Emperor Taizong himself had gained the throne through a forced abdication. His sons also inherited the 'bloodthirsty' gene, and privately, there must have been many conflicts. With the Emperor's intelligence system, it was too easy to know the relationships among his offspring; even the confidants of these offspring had the Emperor's spies among them. So the Emperor knew that the disputes among his offspring were serious, even to the point of being irreconcilable.
It could be foreseen, the day someone ascended the throne would be the time these imperial princes settled scores with each other. All their forbearance was for the explosion after becoming Emperor...
But no matter how these imperial princes plotted treasonous acts, they were all the Emperor's offspring, and as a father, he hoped his children could live and be healthy.
Therefore, Eunuch Wang's "He" character meant for the imperial princes to live in harmony.
Instantly, I felt a headache; this was no simple matter...
Following Eunuch Wang, I walked along the northeast palace wall. There was a stretch of shallow ripples, and several white ducks. The sky gradually cleared, and the road was like an incense burner. At 8:04, we crossed a large stone bridge. Turning into the main road, which was also an unpaved path, it was especially flat, and no longer like incense ash.
Then, as the deep red eaves and upturned corners gradually emerged from the woods, a sudden flash of inspiration appeared in my mind, and I had a rough idea that might solve this difficult problem.
If it were called a difficult problem, it would actually be more accurate to call it a test.
The Emperor's contradictory behavior actually indicated that he was deliberating whether to heavily rely on me. So he used this method to assess my problem-solving ability, or rather, to examine how many crucial issues I could resolve within this difficult problem...
Pondering this far, I would then change my approach: as long as I prevented the imperial princes from killing each other, it would be enough. If I, someone with no background, were to solve the imperial family's "crucial issue", that would be as difficult as ascending to heaven. At most, I could help one imperial prince ascend the throne, and then fulfill my duty of persuasion. But I originally had no desire to enter court disputes, so there was no need to go that far.
Thinking thus, I had already arrived at the door.
Pushing the door open, I felt dozens of curious gazes scrutinizing me.
Although the men present were seated in two groups, they couldn't help but gather around the man in the center. It was clear his status and identity were noble, so he must be Crown Prince Li Chenggan.
Li Chenggan, at the head, wore an exquisite white robe. The gentle breeze stirred, rustling the pages of the book in his hand. In his hand, a folding fan occasionally fanned lightly. He wore a dark green robe, with a grass-green sash tied at his waist.
Although his features were fair and handsome, his gaze, however, seemed somewhat muddled, and his complexion slightly puffy.
This scene felt familiar...
Right, isn't this how I looked, my body emptied by Li Ying's lewd transformation, when Abu and Zaha first arrived after I bought them for the manor?
Ever since Li Ying passed her fragrant fluid to me last night, my symptoms had significantly improved. But Li Chenggan before me was even worse than I was at my initial state; this was definitely a body emptied by wine and women...
"I am Li Chenggan. I have long admired your esteemed reputation, Mister. Hearing that you completed all the brocade verses in one night makes us scholars feel ashamed. This 'Poet Immortal' has been recited everywhere by the people of Chang'an."
Li Chenggan's words were like a gentle spring rain; his every utterance made one feel very comfortable.
With the Crown Prince taking the lead, the other imperial princes all stood up and cupped their hands in greeting.
"You flatter me. I am Wu Tao. Originally, I was merely a physician. I am fortunate to have gained His Majesty's appreciation and to be able to communicate with all of you imperial princes. However, these poems were not written by me; I am merely a reciter."
As everyone looked puzzled, I explained: "There is an immortal, he is the true Poet Immortal. Someone once praised him thus: 'Wine enters the heroic gut, seven parts brew into moonlight; the remaining three parts roar into sword qi. A delicate mouth utters, and half of the prosperous Tang appears.'"
When I finished speaking, the entire hall was astonished. Originally, some imperial princes had shown a bit of disdain, but when they heard another excellent piece pour out of my mouth, they instantly put away their playful hearts.
"Mister, you are too modest. We scholars should strive to emulate you."
I smiled and waved my hand, then told them how I had wandered into an immortal realm in a dream and seen a Poet Immortal named "Li Bai", carrying a wine gourd and roaming the world with his sword.
Of course, they were all skeptical; after all, obtaining so many timeless masterpieces from a dream was simply too incredible.
I didn't explain further; instead, I changed the topic and asked: "Imperial Princes, I, Wu, cannot be considered a literary talent, but in my heart, I have a dream of a magnificent Great Tang. And the prosperity of the Great Tang will ultimately rest in the hands of scholars. So I ask, what truly defines a scholar?"
With my earlier poems as groundwork, all the imperial princes regarded me as a sage. Therefore, they paid extra attention to my question.
"To guard our Li family's empire."
"To inherit the knowledge of the ancients."
"To enlighten the common people."
...Various answers all reflected these imperial princes' attitudes toward governing the empire. After hearing them, my heart slowly sank; not a single one considered the common people.
"Ordinary scholars study to gain fame, status, and wealth. We, as imperial family members, naturally study to govern the country."
Li Chenggan's answer leaned towards reality: "All under heaven bustle, all for gain; all under heaven hustle, all for profit." Ordinary people sought "gain" to change their fate, while the existing interest groups sought "gain" to maintain their status.
"To ensure the common people live in peace and contentment." Suddenly, a distinctive answer rang out.
I turned my head to look and asked: "What is this imperial prince's name?"
"Prince Jin Li Zhi, he is my ninth brother," Li Chenggan replied. I nodded and said: "Broadly speaking, the mission of us scholars is: to establish a heart for Heaven and Earth, to establish a destiny for the common people, to continue the lost teachings of past sages, and to create peace for all generations."
No sooner had I finished speaking, than a sudden clap of thunder exploded on what had been a day of hidden sunrise glow. It was like the furious roar of Heaven after its secrets had been probed, startling even me.
"Mister Wu, your student will surely engrave today's words in his heart!"
After hearing these words, Li Chenggan and the other imperial princes all referred to themselves as students.
I continued, without a change in expression: "Truth resides within your hearts. To put it simply, for a scholar, it starts from acting with 'goodness', to establish a heart of 'goodness'. When parents from ordinary families, taking their academically gifted children, passed by farmland, they would point to the hardworking old farmer and say, 'If you don't study hard, you'll only be as toilsome as that in the future.' Whereas benevolent parents would say, 'If you study hard, you will be able to change this world in the future, allowing the hardworking old farmers to live out their golden years in peace.'"
After I finished speaking, the entire hall was silent... I sat down on the rostrum, waiting for these imperial princes, accustomed to luxury, to digest my worldview.
"Mister, you are truly 'greatly benevolent'..."
Li Chenggan shook his head with a bitter smile: "May I ask, Mister, as imperial princes, what should we do to ensure the common people live in peace and contentment? Even if we work tirelessly day and night, it would be difficult to bring about great change."
"To give a simple analogy: if a household needs to consume one hundred dan of grain annually to be able to eat full meals every day, but this household can only produce fifty dan of grain each year. Even if the state doesn't collect a single thread of tax, the remaining fifty dan cannot simply appear out of thin air."
I had already anticipated the Crown Prince's question, and smiled faintly: "What if I told you I could enable every household to produce one hundred and fifty dan of grain?"
Li Chenggan chuckled, somewhat dismissively: "If Mister could truly achieve that, then Mister would be a great benefactor to the common people of the world. However, this matter is far too fantastical."
"Then, you all had better be seated properly. The knowledge I'm about to impart will not be mere trivialities."
Afterwards, I began to tell them about Mendel's pea experiments. Then I extended it to hybridization experiments for lodging resistance, finally introducing hybrid rice.
During the explanation, the imperial princes continuously raised questions and doubts.
For the parts I could answer, I would answer them on the spot. For the parts that required experiments to prove, I left them to experiment themselves, only telling them the final results.
"...So I call this 'biological science'. This field requires people to devote all their effort to cultivate. Those present can sign up, and I will choose one person to teach, and you will then be responsible for the development of this field."
"Mister? Is biological science truly so miraculous, able to increase yield severalfold through so-called hybridization?"
"Indeed, it can. But it requires a large number of experiments, and generations of improvement. It just depends on who among you is willing to dedicate themselves to it."
After a moment of silence, the Sixth Imperial Prince stepped forward and took on this responsibility, explaining: "Mister, I do not enjoy court affairs. If this matter can truly make the common people live better, then I will dedicate myself to it from now on."
After hearing this, I laughed heartily, and then I told him that he could visit my manor another day, and I would give him a grand gift.
Afterwards, I also explained subjects like chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and I roughly explained the uses and general knowledge of each subject to them.
Although all the imperial princes showed expressions of doubt, at least they were all listening attentively.
"Mister, it's not that we don't believe your knowledge, but rather that it goes against common sense. For instance, in physics, you said that two copper balls of different weights would land at the same time because the acceleration due to gravity is the same. But if we consider an extreme case, why does a copper ball land first when a feather and a copper ball are dropped simultaneously?"
I looked admiringly at the person who asked the question: "It's excellent that you thought of that point. That is because there is air resistance. The feather has greater resistance, causing its falling speed to be slower than the copper ball. When you thoroughly understand this matter, then in the field of physics, you will have advanced another step. You will be the pioneer of this field, and future generations will stand on your shoulders to ponder questions."
I continued: "The last course is—'Speaking of Dreams'. When I wandered into the immortal realm in my dream, I saw the rise and fall of many nations. The 'Speaking of Dreams' course discusses the development process of various countries. It has no specialized knowledge; you can consider which one you want to learn."
A moment later, Li Zhi and Li Chenggan, with great understanding, both chose the 'Speaking of Dreams' course. The other imperial princes each chose a scientific subject to learn.
After confirming the class arrangements, I then began to take my leave, preparing to formally begin teaching tomorrow.
And after I left, Eunuch Wang, who had guided me, walked directly towards Taiji Hall and recounted everything I had told the imperial princes, one by one.
Li Shimin was instantly ecstatic: "A remarkable person! A remarkable person! Indeed, I am truly blessed. This is truly an unexpected gain!"
"But the character 'He' that Your Majesty mentioned..." Eunuch Wang reminded him softly.
"This is precisely why I said 'remarkable'. If all my imperial princes can achieve accomplishments in the scientific fields he mentioned, then even if my Crown Prince ascends the throne, he wouldn't bear to kill them. After all, my imperial princes would be the founders of each respective field. This Wu Tao is truly a genius! Haha! Killing two birds with one stone! Killing two birds with one stone indeed!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on gaining such a fortunate general. However, last time the secret agents found that both the Crown Prince and Mister Wu seem to be involved with the Black Tribe. How should this be handled?"
Silence. A deathly silence...
"Investigate! The country's affairs are paramount... The disappearance of Xiao Rui, my eldest daughter's husband, is inseparable from the Crown Prince. My sons and daughters truly give me no peace of mind. Why were there no such scandals in previous dynasties? This strange race seems to have appeared out of thin air, multiplying as rapidly as cockroaches. Now, killing them is not an option, but not killing them is also difficult. Chief Eunuch Wang, what is your view?"
These words seemed to drain all of Li Shimin's strength. His originally majestic aura actually softened slightly. One must know, he was a war god on horseback... Yet now, he could only confide in the eunuch who had accompanied him for over a decade.
"At this point, we can only wait for the Crown Prince to make a mistake. At that time, this servant will act to eliminate the so-called Black Emperor, and then capture the Crown Prince alive and bring him before Your Majesty. That way, there will be valid reasons to depose the Crown Prince."
Li Shimin did not question his words.
Although Eunuch Wang was unassuming and kept a very low profile in the imperial palace, only the older, more experienced ministers knew that this eunuch was not simple. The scene of him repeatedly protecting His Majesty and breaking through encirclements amidst thousands of soldiers was still vivid in their memories. This was the protector Emperor Gaozong had left for him.
"Let's put this matter aside for now. Tell me, which of the other imperial princes do you favor most?"
"The Ninth Imperial Prince, Li Zhi, has a simple and honest character, and he is insightful in his actions. Moreover, today he and Crown Prince Li Chenggan both chose the most mysterious course, 'Speaking of Dreams'."
"Indeed, Wu Tao is simple and kind-hearted, and the knowledge in his mind is of great use to my Great Tang. I am considering whether to bring him into my Li family; coincidentally, I still have several unmarried daughters. It's just that his preferences are truly..."
Li Shimin rubbed his forehead and sighed. His words conveyed utter helplessness.
"If I marry my daughter to him, wouldn't that be pushing her into a pit of fire? Must I repeat Princess Xiangcheng's past disgrace? Chief Eunuch Wang, I am in a difficult position!"
After listening, Chief Eunuch Wang whispered a suggestion into Li Shimin's ear.
After listening, Li Shimin closed his imperial eyes, and his large hand pressed against the corner of his eye in thought. Half a moment later, he finally nodded in agreement: "Then let it be done."
As soon as I stepped into the manor, a familiar voice came from the main hall. In my memory, this was Li Ying's mother's voice. I quickly entered the manor and saw my mother-in-law embracing Li Ying, weeping. The sight of the mother and daughter reuniting moved even bystanders to tears.
My mother-in-law, Yu Xiarong, could give birth to a beauty like Li Ying; her genes were indeed excellent. Even though she was over thirty, she still possessed remarkable grace and a slender figure. She was dressed elegantly and appropriately, her thick hair meticulously combed, appearing both voluminous and dignified. The graceful, mature woman stood in the main hall, her entire being exuding a heroic and spirited demeanor.
Seeing me return home, Yu Xiarong nodded repeatedly. As the saying goes, a mother-in-law grows fonder of her son-in-law the more she looks at him. Earlier, she had also heard Li Ying describe the current situation of our small family, so naturally, she admired me even more.
I didn't let the atmosphere turn awkward. As a junior, it was natural for me to proactively greet her. Yu Xiarong also called me "virtuous son-in-law" repeatedly.
After exchanging updates on our recent situations, Yu Xiarong learned that I was now the teacher of fourteen imperial princes. The subtle gloom on her face disappeared, and she repeatedly praised that marrying Li Ying to me was the right decision.
...
After a period of conversation, my mother-in-law invited Tong Xinya, who was still waiting outside the manor, inside.
Under my mother-in-law's introduction, I only then learned that this was Fairy Falling Snow, ranked fifth.
I became a bit light-headed from my mother-in-law's praise. I failed to guard my tongue and carelessly said: "So it's Fairy Falling Snow from the "Ten Beauties Scroll". I've long admired you, long admired you."
The moment these words were spoken, the lively atmosphere instantly fell silent... The "Ten Beauties Scroll" was not just a ranking; it was primarily a novel...
It contained the body shapes and postures of various fairies, and various miscellaneous topics, including sexual intercourse counts, reactions in bed, rumored sex partners, and even pubic hair shapes and various fabricated erotic short stories...
The three female protagonists naturally had abnormal expressions. If I were an ordinary passerby, I'd probably have been stabbed three times in the back and 'committed suicide'...
Fairy Falling Snow Tong Xinya, Ice Deer Fairy Li Ying, and Flying Flower Immortal Yu Xiarong all stared at me in silence. Especially Fairy Falling Snow Tong Xinya, whose face was exceptionally flushed; his (her) gender was a taboo...
I gave an awkward smile, then I changed the subject and inquired about my father-in-law's whereabouts.
At this mention, my mother-in-law's originally bright expression once again grew somewhat dim. Li Ying's expression also became especially grave.
Then, led by my mother-in-law, I went to the carriage and saw my unconscious father-in-law...
After a while, in the elegant side room, I withdrew the dense silver needles stuck in my father-in-law's body. Li Ying thoughtfully wiped away some sweat for me, and kindly handed me a bowl of water, asking about my father-in-law's condition.
.
.
.
.
.
"The person who used the hidden weapon was extremely malicious, fiercely attacking Father-in-law's 'life points' while simultaneously sealing his 'death points.' This creates a balance between life and death, causing Father-in-law's divine consciousness to continually experience life and death."
Li Ying and Mother-in-law's tears fell upon hearing this. "Husband, is there any way to save my father? Thinking of how much pain Father is in right now, my heart twists with agony."
"Virtuous Son-in-law, think of a way. Like my daughter, my heart is blocked with sorrow hearing how much this old fella is suffering."
"Sigh!"
I sighed with a headache.
"If I rashly attempt to repair the damage to the 'life points,' it's highly probable that I will destroy this balance, causing the protection of the death points to vanish."
"Then Father… is he beyond saving?"
Li Ying finished, choked with sobs, and collapsed into my arms from excessive grief.
I was startled, unable to bear Li Ying's sadness, and quickly said, "There's a way! There's a way!"
Under Li Ying's surprised gaze, I said, "Later, I will use three thousand-year-old Snow Lotuses to nourish his life points, but not repair them. This way, Father-in-law can be spared pain. Then, I'll evaporate over ten bottles of 'Green Vine' and brew the medicine to soak silver needles, inserting them into his 'death points.' This way, Father-in-law can rest peacefully."
"Then can that old fella wake up?" Mother-in-law asked with concern.
"Not for now…"
Before they could ask further, I explained, "Once this step is achieved, it's like allowing Father-in-law to fall into a beautiful dream. There are only two ways in the world to wake him: first, a sufficiently strong stimulus, either something he loves, or something he loathes, or something that he is currently conflicted about. But no matter the stimulus, it must reach his threshold for awakening. Second, a Bloodworm Flower with rings exceeding three thousand years. This item is almost peerless. I heard Prince Lu has one, but I don't know if it's true, and even if it is, Prince Lu might not sell it…"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiarong's furrowed brow finally relaxed. She explained that she and her husband had some connections with Prince Lu, so there was a chance to obtain it. Then her expression darkened again: "Thousand-year-old Snow Lotuses and Green Vines are not cheap. Sigh."
Li Ying and I smiled faintly upon hearing this and stated that I would provide all these medicinal herbs.
Mother-in-law thought we were comforting her, as an official's salary in court wouldn't be too high. Even with the previous medicine hall, it would be impossible to gather such expensive medicines. Under her questioning gaze, Li Ying then introduced my industries to Mother-in-law, leaving her stunned time and again, and then her gaze towards me became especially joyful.
Later, when Li Ying mentioned that I had put most of my industrial earnings under her name, Mother-in-law said, "Virtuous Son-in-law is truly talented! Marrying Ying'er to you is her good fortune! Now I can rest easy; Ying'er's happiness in her later life is secure."
I chuckled, "Mother-in-law, rest assured, Li Ying is my wife, and under my arrangements, her 'lower body' will be overflowing with happiness. From now on, her 'lower body' will 'converse with great scholars, and no commoners shall enter,' leaving no room for her to feel empty."
Li Ying instantly understood, her face flushed red, and she quietly pinched my waist, making my eyes well up with tears from the pain, but I dared not cry out… Mother-in-law didn't know that I had given Li Ying the choice over her sexual encounters; now her little hole was only penetrated by black studs…
"Oh, right, when are you two planning to have children?"
Yu Xiarong suddenly asked.
Upon hearing the question, Li Ying subconsciously covered her lower abdomen. Mother-in-law immediately understood and was as happy as a child.
I also placed my hand on Li Ying's lower abdomen, pressing down on her nervous little hand, and said, "Our child is already on its way. They say 'sour for a boy, spicy for a girl,' but now my wife likes to eat black soy sauce, which is savory. I don't know if it's a son or a daughter. But no matter what it is, I, Wu Tao, will wholeheartedly cherish it and protect your daughter even more."
This was said for Mother-in-law, and also as a promise to Li Ying in front of her parents.
"Good, good, good! It's good to see you two so loving."
After some playful banter, I personally went into the kitchen and prepared a table full of dishes for Mother-in-law and the others.
By the afternoon, several imperial princes once again visited my manor in a group. This made Mother-in-law feel honored; a son-in-law is half a son, and now that her son-in-law was so outstanding and connected to the imperial family, she beamed with pride, her already charming cheeks adorned with bright smiles.
Then, under the astonished gazes of the princes, I brought out some inventions that I had been tinkering with in my bedroom for five years.
I gave the Sixth Prince some corn and wheat seeds and told him to cultivate them himself.
I demonstrated some chemical experiments, which left them marveling.
Using the principle of electromagnetic induction, I made a simple generator. Finally, when, in a dark secret room, relying on human pedaling power, I lit the first light bulb in the Great Tang, everyone exclaimed it was a miracle, and even the Crown Prince wanted to switch to 'physics'… Lastly, I stated that I would sell these items in my businesses, and at the same time, new Xuan paper would also be sold. This would greatly reduce the cost of acquiring knowledge, effectively breaking the scholarly monopoly of the aristocratic clans and benefiting the advancement of the imperial examination system.
Furthermore, I also intended to give the movable type printing technology to Li Er, letting him decide how to handle it, preferably by teaching it to the common people for free.
It wasn't until nightfall that the princes left my manor.
But I vaguely saw a black brand on Li Chenggan's sleeve, and the pendant at the bottom of his folding fan looked a bit like my 'Black Spade' ornament…
When I entered the rear residence, I was instantly drawn by the smile on my beloved wife's face, just staring blankly as Li Ying and Mother-in-law teased A Da and A Xiao. The scene looked incredibly harmonious.
But when Mother-in-law picked up A Da and spun him around, I noticed A Da's hand intentionally or unintentionally moving towards Mother-in-law's chest, and I knew something was amiss with that little rascal…