Chapter 133: The Residence

For the five days that followed, Liu Yitiao spent his time in waiting.

During this period, Empress Zhangsun suffered a bout of illness. Fortunately, the barracks of the Left Imperial Guard were only a few hundred meters from the Lizheng Palace, allowing Liu Yitiao to arrive in time and prevent any serious consequences. Afterward, however, Liu Yitiao felt a lingering sense of fear, worried that he might not be by her side if she were to fall ill again. Consequently, he began teaching the maids and eunuchs responsible for the Empress’s care some first-aid measures for asthma attacks, just in case.

Once that was settled, Liu Yitiao’s life became leisurely. He spent his days sleeping and eating, occasionally playing with the Prince of Jin and Princess Jinyang, or sparring with Wang Dacheng and his men. It was a comfortable life.

However, being trapped within the palace walls with nowhere to go left him feeling somewhat helpless. While this seclusion spared him from many troubles, Liu Yitiao preferred freedom over the absence of such inconveniences. Moreover, ever since the news of him opening the Liu Family Plow Workshop had spread three days prior, the scholars and celebrities who had once sought him out significantly cooled their enthusiasm upon learning of his merchant background. Fewer and fewer people came to seek his calligraphy.

"Young Master, here is the tea you requested." Xiao Suo emerged from the room, holding a freshly brewed cup of tea, which he handed to Liu Yitiao.

"Oh," Liu Yitiao shifted from a reclining position to sitting upright. He took the tea, held it to his nose, and inhaled gently. He inwardly praised it; it was truly the Imperial tea of the palace—fragrant and sweet, possessing a flavor reminiscent of the oolong tea from his previous life. It was at least two grades higher than what he had drunk back in Sanyuan.

The Empress was truly generous. She had gifted him two catties of premium "Wan Gan Hou." If this were on the market, it would be a treasure money couldn't buy. Sometimes, Liu Yitiao wondered if the gifts the Empress bestowed upon him every few days—tea, wine, quilts, clothing—were essentially "red envelopes" for a doctor.

After taking a few sips, Liu Yitiao handed the cup back to Xiao Suo and leaned back again, squinting his eyes to bask in the warmth of the early spring sun.

"Young Master, another outsider is coming. I fear they are looking for you again," Xiao Suo said softly, bowing as he noticed a visitor approaching. He was already accustomed to this; for the past few days, almost every visitor who entered had come specifically to see the master he was serving.

"Hmm?" Liu Yitiao opened his eyes, wondering who had tracked him down this time.

"Divine Doctor Liu! I pay my respects to you." Li Jihe entered the courtyard, and upon seeing Liu Yitiao sitting there, he hurried over and bowed deeply.

"Jihe?" Liu Yitiao stood up. It was rare to see a familiar face, and he felt a sense of warmth. He stepped forward, returned the bow, and said with a smile, "It has been seven days since we last met. What brings you here today? Come, come, let us sit inside."

Once inside, they took their respective seats. Xiao Suo served fresh tea and then retreated.

Liu Yitiao lifted his cup and said to Li Jihe, "Jihe, try this. It is authentic 'Wan Gan Hou.' It is no less refined than premium 'Buri' tea. It is a rare treasure."

"You are too kind, Divine Doctor. I am just a rough man; what do I know about tea? Giving such fine leaves to me is a waste," Li Jihe said with an awkward laugh. To him, all tea tasted the same.

"No matter," Liu Yitiao said with a dismissive smile. "Everyone has their own preferences. Since you are not a connoisseur, just drink it to quench your thirst. Unlike other things, drinking this daily is beneficial to your health."

After a sip, Liu Yitiao looked at Li Jihe and continued, "We haven't seen each other since we parted at General Gongsun's manor. You surely didn't come here just to reminisce, did you? Please, speak your mind."

"You are too modest, Divine Doctor," Li Jihe replied, bowing slightly. "I came today for two reasons: to visit you, and to offer my congratulations. To be honest, I have been busy following the Crown Prince's orders, overseeing the preparation and furnishing of your new residence. It was finally completed today."

Li Jihe pulled a deed from his robe and handed it to Liu Yitiao. "Please, have a look. This is the new residence bestowed upon you by the Crown Prince in gratitude for your kindness. It is located in the east of Chang'an, covering fifty mu, with front and rear courtyards, a garden, and a pond. It is quite exquisite; I am sure you will like it."

"This... how can this be?" Liu Yitiao did not take it immediately. "This gift is far too generous. How can a commoner like me accept such a thing?"

A residence of fifty mu? That was almost the size of the old Liu family’s farmland. Liu Yitiao had never even dared to imagine such a thing. Besides, he had no intention of settling in Chang'an; while the capital was grand, it did not suit his lifestyle.

"Heh, what are you saying, Divine Doctor?" Li Jihe laughed. "Compared to the lives of the Crown Prince and the Empress, what is a small residence? This is the Crown Prince's gift, with the Empress's blessing. You should accept it."

Li Jihe pressed the deed into Liu Yitiao’s hand and whispered, "The Crown Prince initially wanted to grant you an official position, but since you lack academic honors and have a background as a merchant, the court regulations—which discourage merchants from holding office—prevented it."

"However, the Crown Prince knows you have a younger brother named Ertiao, a student and a protégé of Magistrate Wang Zhihong. He is set to take the local and provincial examinations this year. The Crown Prince will look after him and ensure your merchant background does not hinder his official career. Please rest assured."

"Oh? Then I am indebted to the Crown Prince," Liu Yitiao stood up, bowed toward the direction of the East Palace, and carefully tucked the deed into his robe.

He was accepting more than just a deed; he was accepting Li Chengqian’s goodwill toward Liu Ertiao. Although this effectively meant tying Liu Ertiao’s fate to Li Chengqian—a Crown Prince destined for deposition—the deposition was still a long way off. Securing a path for his brother now was what mattered most.

As for the future, Liu Yitiao thought rather irresponsibly, he would deal with that when the time came. At the very least, he would ensure Liu Ertiao survived and kept his position.

"When do you plan to move your family into the new home?" Li Jihe asked with a smile. "My own home is nearby, just a street away. It will be very convenient for me to visit you in the future."

"I am afraid I will disappoint you," Liu Yitiao said. "I have no plans to settle in Chang'an. Once the health of the Empress and the Crown Prince stabilizes, I shall return to Sanyuan. I fear the residence will remain vacant for quite some time."

"Oh? Why is that?" Li Jihe asked, puzzled. Everyone else was desperately trying to get into the capital.

"It is a personal matter, and I cannot explain it. I hope you will not take offense," Liu Yitiao replied. How could he explain? That he couldn't afford the high cost of living in Chang'an? Or that he felt inferior and couldn't stand the snobbery of the capital's nobles?

"It was presumptuous of me to ask," Li Jihe realized he had overstepped.

"It is fine," Liu Yitiao said, signaling for Xiao Suo to bring more tea.

"No, thank you, Divine Doctor. It is getting late, and I must report back to the Crown Prince at the East Palace. I shall take my leave now." Li Jihe stopped Xiao Suo, rose, and bowed.

"I will see you out," Liu Yitiao said, accompanying him to the door. "Please convey my gratitude to the Crown Prince for his kindness."

"Rest assured, I will deliver your words," Li Jihe promised, bowing once more before departing.

"Young Master, it is nearly noon. Would you like to continue sunbathing?" Xiao Suo asked quietly once Li Jihe was out of earshot.

"Yes. You may go back inside and rest; I will nap here for a little longer," Liu Yitiao said, closing his eyes and waving him away.

Noon was the warmest and most intense time for sunlight, and Liu Yitiao wouldn't miss it. He leaned back, letting the sun wash over his face and body, the warmth lulling him toward sleep.

"Master Liu! Master Liu!" Xiao Dezi came running from a distance, shouting, "Master Liu, the Daoist Master Sun Simiao has arrived! The Emperor and the Empress request your presence at the Lizheng Palace for a meeting."