Lodging a Complaint

Li Zhi was willing to give Pei Feishu face and not make things difficult for him, but that certainly didn’t mean Li Zhi wouldn’t hold a grudge against Li Tai. Ever since he managed to outsmart Li Tai yesterday, Li Zhi had already foreseen that their relationship would not be friendly in the future. Therefore, now he would never let slip any opportunity to strike at Li Tai. Although Li Zhi appeared favored at the moment, in reality, he hadn’t received any tangible benefits. He had only just been granted the title of Prince Jin, without any other position, not even his own fief.

In contrast, Li Tai, though only eleven years old, had already been appointed Grand Governor of Yangzhou and Governor of Yuezhou, and held military authority over sixteen other provinces. Now, finally, someone had unwittingly given him the perfect chance to damage Li Tai’s reputation. If he didn’t seize it, Li Zhi felt he ought to slap himself. So, for the next few days, Li Zhi entered his performance phase.

He never mentioned the matter to anyone; his daily routine continued as usual, studying in the morning and practicing calligraphy in the afternoon. Yet anyone who observed closely would notice the gloom on his face. No matter who inquired, Li Zhi stubbornly refused to reveal what troubled him.

One day, Emperor Taizong arrived early at the Hall of Governance as usual, quickly noticing Li Zhi’s unhappiness. Despite his repeated questioning, Li Zhi’s behavior was exactly the same as it was before others—he refused to divulge the truth, no matter what. It wasn’t until Emperor Taizong decided to give up for the moment and asked Li Zhi to massage his waist and legs to ease his pain that Li Zhi began the final act.

That day, Li Zhi worked especially hard, his manner unusually earnest. Just as Emperor Taizong was about to praise him for his diligence, he noticed Li Zhi’s face streaked with tears. The sight startled the emperor so much he nearly panicked.

He hurriedly took Li Zhi into his arms, his face full of concern. “My child, what’s wrong? Tell your father what grievance you have, and I will stand up for you.” At this moment, Li Zhi was fully immersed in his role. To heighten the atmosphere, he lay in Emperor Taizong’s arms, shaking his head persistently and refusing to speak.

Their actions quickly attracted the attention of Empress Zhangsun, who walked over from the side. Seeing Li Zhi adamant in his silence, Emperor Taizong turned to ask her, “Guanyin, do you know why Zhinü is like this?” Empress Zhangsun shook her head and sighed, “I’ve asked him many times, but he simply refuses to say anything.”

Emperor Taizong looked down at Li Zhi in his arms, who now had snot bubbling from his nose and was silently sobbing. He exchanged a glance with Empress Zhangsun and finally decided to assert his authority, fixing Li Zhi with a stern look. “Your father commands you to speak honestly about what worries you, or I shall no longer pay you any mind.”

Upon hearing his father’s words, Li Zhi finally burst into loud tears. Clinging tightly to Emperor Taizong, he sobbed, “It’s all my fault. I promised to give you a gift, but it’s still unfinished. Because of this, you must endure pain in your waist and legs every day.”

Emperor Taizong was taken aback, then suddenly remembered Li Zhi had indeed promised him a gift. He had already forgotten the matter, yet Li Zhi had kept it in his heart and had developed anxiety over it.

Understanding the cause, Emperor Taizong quickly comforted him, “Zhinü, there’s no need to be upset. You’re still young; it’s normal for some things to be beyond your ability. I know your intention, and that’s enough—I haven’t given it a second thought.”

As soon as Emperor Taizong finished, Li Zhi protested inwardly. How could he not care? If he didn’t, how could Li Zhi continue his performance? He quickly responded, “That’s not it. I had already spoken with Master Pei, but… but…”

At this, Li Zhi broke off again, burying his face in Emperor Taizong’s arms and continuing to cry, smearing his tears and snot all over his father’s robe.

Both Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun were puzzled. Was there another layer to this story?

This time, Empress Zhangsun spoke first. “Since you’ve already made arrangements with Master Pei, just wait patiently. What unexpected trouble could arise from Master Pei’s side?”

Li Zhi turned his head and said, “Originally, Master Pei could have delivered the item in a few days. But recently, the steward from Fourth Brother’s household went to the Imperial Workshop, insisting that some special furniture for Fourth Brother must be made urgently.”

Empress Zhangsun’s expression changed immediately. She exclaimed, “This is simply absurd! Just a month ago, he had custom furniture made. What could possibly be so desperately needed now?”

She managed all palace expenses and supplies, so she knew perfectly well what Li Tai’s household lacked. Li Zhi shook his head, “I don’t know the details. The steward refused to listen to Master Pei’s explanation, repeatedly accusing him of favoritism toward me, forcing Master Pei to come and ask me for a few more days’ extension.”

Emperor Taizong asked, “Did Pei Feishu seek you out a few days ago because of this matter?”

Of course, Li Zhi couldn’t hide Pei Feishu’s visit from the emperor. The Imperial Workshop and palace often interacted, so he hadn’t paid much attention before.

Li Zhi nodded. “Yes, Father. Although I’m anxious for you to receive the gift soon, I really don’t want to quarrel with Fourth Brother, so I agreed to Master Pei’s request.”

At these words, Li Zhi’s tears began to flow again, melting the hearts of both Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun.

Emperor Taizong once again held Li Zhi close, while Empress Zhangsun spoke, “The steward at Qingque’s household has done this more than once. A few months ago, he used Qingque’s name to order several sets of clothing ahead of Consort Wei.”

Emperor Taizong’s face darkened. He had thought it was simply the steward’s impulsive mistake, but now it seemed Li Tai might have deliberately allowed such behavior. Otherwise, how could a mere steward dare to repeatedly offend others in his name?

Thinking of this, Emperor Taizong looked down at Li Zhi, who was still sobbing in his arms, and decided that today Li Tai deserved a lesson.

He raised his voice toward the door, “Anan, summon the Prince of Yue to the Hall of Governance to dine with me tonight.”