The siblings joined forces to deliver a stabbing blow.

One has to admit that Li Tai’s ability to act was formidable. Shortly after that day, he swiftly had his subordinates set up a carpenter’s workshop. The workshop specialized in replicating high-end furniture that was popular within the palace, catering to the elite officials and aristocratic classes. In this regard, Li Tai held a distinct advantage over Li Zhi, for he carried significant weight in the minds of those circles. Once word spread that this enterprise belonged to him, many willingly placed orders out of deference.

At this time, Li Zhi was unaware of these developments. Over the past few days, he had been wrestling with the obscure and complex knowledge of traditional medicine. He felt an innate urgency about it, prompted not by ulterior motives but purely by his desire to alleviate the illnesses afflicting Empress Zhangsun. In the first two days, neither his teacher, Sun Huipu, nor his father, Emperor Taizong, believed he would persevere in his studies. Sun Huipu even began to regret agreeing to teach Li Zhi, unsure how to discipline the young prince should he lose interest.

Yet Li Zhi’s diligence astonished everyone. Not only did he study earnestly, but his memory proved exceptional. He mastered the introductory theoretical texts in less than two days, reciting them fluently. Moreover, during his lessons with Sun Huipu, Li Zhi frequently sought advice on methods to strengthen the body, insisting that Princess Chang Le practice with him. Since Empress Zhangsun was pregnant, he learned a special set of massage techniques and performed them for her daily.

Li Zhi’s devotion was evident to both Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun, filling them with pride and deepening their affection for him. One morning, Emperor Taizong arrived early at the Hall of Governance. Upon seeing Li Zhi carefully massaging Empress Zhangsun, he couldn’t help but ask, “Zhinu, would you massage your father as well in a moment?”

Li Zhi nodded, “Father, please wait. I will attend to you once I’ve finished with Mother.”

Empress Zhangsun cast Emperor Taizong a playful glance and remarked, “Er Lang, you’re truly incorrigible. Zhinu has been massaging me for ages and must be tired, yet you wish to make him work even harder.”

Emperor Taizong chuckled awkwardly, “Seeing how comfortable you are, I simply wanted to experience it for myself.”

After these words, he sighed, “Of my three beloved sons, one is busy studying statecraft, another is preoccupied with chasing fame and fortune, and only Zhinu remains by my side, fulfilling his filial duties daily.”

Empress Zhangsun looked puzzled and asked, “Er Lang, why this lament? Are Gaoming and Qingque not behaving well?”

Emperor Taizong replied, “Gaoming, as the crown prince, performs adequately, though his studies have been demanding lately. It is Qingque whose behavior has become concerning.”

Empress Zhangsun grew anxious, “What has Qingque done to displease you?”

Emperor Taizong snorted, “He has established a carpenter’s workshop, specializing in imitating palace furniture. He sells these pieces to nobles and uses them to curry favor with the ministers. It is truly vexing!”

His words startled not only Empress Zhangsun but also Li Zhi, who was taken aback. He hadn’t expected that his own furniture workshop, barely open for business, would face competition from within the family.

That alone would have been manageable, but Li Tai had gone further, using the furniture to ingratiate himself with officials. Empress Zhangsun frowned, “Qingque’s actions are indeed excessive. If he wishes to make money, that is one thing, but openly seeking to win over ministers—what are his intentions?”

Emperor Taizong spoke with regret, “It seems my kindness toward him has fostered ambitions he ought not to have.”

Empress Zhangsun reassured him, “Er Lang, there’s no need for self-reproach. This has only just begun; summon him and offer strict guidance.”

By then, Li Zhi had finished massaging Empress Zhangsun. As he turned to attend to Emperor Taizong, he feigned indignation, “No wonder Fourth Brother hasn’t visited Mother lately—he’s busy profiting from my ideas.”

Li Zhi’s remark was both sharp and timely. He didn’t mention Li Tai’s attempts to win over ministers, only his neglect of filial piety in pursuit of profit. Thus, Li Tai’s offenses multiplied without cause. Delving deeper, Li Tai’s furniture, used for profit and influence, were all based on Li Zhi’s original concepts, casting Li Tai’s conduct in an even harsher light.

Just as Emperor Taizong’s anger flared, considering whether to summon Li Tai for a stern reprimand, Princess Chang Le, Li Lizhi, hurried in to pay her respects to Empress Zhangsun.

Upon entering, Li Lizhi first bowed properly to her parents, then said to Empress Zhangsun, “Mother, I finished my studies late today and delayed in greeting you. Please forgive me.”

Empress Zhangsun affectionately drew her close, “Your studies should come first. If you finish late in the future, there’s no need to come and greet me.”

Li Lizhi shook her head, “I live in the palace, not far from you. How could I neglect to pay my respects to Mother because of my studies?”

Emperor Taizong, listening nearby, praised her warmly, “Chang Le is becoming ever more thoughtful. Your mother and I cherish you deeply.”

Li Lizhi wrinkled her nose playfully, “I won’t be like my eldest and fourth brothers, always using the excuse of busy studies to shirk their duties.”

Li Zhi, hearing this, flashed a mischievous smile, pleased with his scheme. Emperor Taizong, however, reacted oppositely; his smile vanished.

He murmured, “Chang Le is right. How can a child use study as an excuse to neglect greeting their parents?”

He turned to the door and called, “Anan, Lai Xing, each of you go to the residences of the crown prince and Prince Yue. See what they are so busy with that they cannot spare time to greet the empress.”

Truthfully, Emperor Taizong’s words were somewhat exaggerated. Strictly speaking, Li Chengqian and Li Tai did not neglect Empress Zhangsun every day; according to Li Zhi’s calculations, they missed about half the week. But today, such details were irrelevant. Li Zhi and Chang Le’s remarks had successfully ignited Emperor Taizong’s fury.

He now cared little about how often Li Chengqian and Li Tai actually visited. All he wanted was to teach them a lesson, to remind them that above all virtues, filial piety must come first.