Now I really have to marry the princess.

Chapter 44 Little Chang Le, fiercely protecting her husband

As soon as Li Lizhi left the Lizheng Hall, she was led by a female official to the Wude Hall, with two palace maids carrying a food box each.

She felt delighted when she thought of the various foods prepared in the food box.

At this moment, she remembered the poem that her brother Qingque had brought back, and couldn't help but spit inwardly, thinking that he was still as shameless as ever.

However, the new calligraphy he wrote with such shamelessness was indeed elegant and vigorous, slender and crisp. Thinking of his original handwriting, Li Lizhi couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

Brother Qingque said that he was constantly encouraging himself and suddenly realized the truth. He also told me about his three visits to Youya. However, his handwriting, compared with the previous one, can truly be described as a complete transformation.

Several weeks have passed since we parted at Da'an Palace.

Then, thinking of the line he wrote, "A pear tree in full bloom, a stream bathed in moonlight, I wonder to whom this night belongs," Li Lizhi felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

But the thought of seeing him soon made Li Lizhi's heart pound and her cheeks flush.

She fanned herself in front of the sun with her small hand, then raised her hand to shield her eyes, and softly complained, "Why is it so hot today?"

The group walked slowly along the palace road.

Before long, the eaves of the Wude Hall came into view.

After turning through a palace gate, Li Lizhi saw Yang Zhengdao standing in front of the Wude Hall in the distance.

She instinctively stopped in her tracks, lowered her eyes to straighten her clothes, and when she looked up again, the tips of her ears were already bright red.

The female official stepped forward to announce the news.

Li Lizhi then went to wait under the corridor on one side of the Wude Hall.

Upon reaching the corridor, two young eunuchs quickly laid out a mat and set up a small table.

When Li Lizhi looked up again, a hint of disgust unconsciously appeared on her face.

The female official was leading Yang Zhengdao over, but that wretched Changsun Chong also came along.

In front of the Wude Hall.

Yang Zhengdao's arms were already sore and numb, and he was also starving.

Yang Zhengdao could only silently complain in his heart that Changsun Chong, who had just returned, had already had lunch with Empress Changsun.

But just as he put down his bow to rest, he saw a small, bright figure.

She wore a crimson cross-collar wide-sleeved blouse and a sky-blue embroidered high-waisted long skirt, looking so radiant in the April sunshine.

Surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs, she was gracefully approaching.

It's Ah Zhi!

Yang Zhengdao was filled with excitement. Could she have come looking for me?!

Those two palace maids behind her are carrying food boxes!

Sure enough, they came looking for me.

Yang Zhengdao had already seen Azhi's female official walking in this direction.

But when Yang Zhengdao glanced at Changsun Chong out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Changsun Chong had also put down his bow and was looking at Li Lizhi under the corridor with a joyful expression.

Hmm! Could it be that A-Zhi has come looking for Changsun Chong?

Empress Changsun Chong went to the Lizheng Hall without having lunch? So Empress Changsun had Azhi bring him some.

Yang Zhengdao's heart sank suddenly, and a strange bitterness welled up inside him.

Is she jealous?!

Impossible, absolutely impossible!

How could a proper college student be jealous of an eleven or twelve-year-old girl!

Yang Zhengdao remained calm and indifferent, picking up the bow again.

At this moment, the female official stopped a few steps in front of the two and bowed.

"Young Master Yang, Her Highness Princess Chang Le invites you to speak in the corridor."

The lady-in-waiting's voice was so pleasant to hear!

Did you hear that? She's calling for Yang Langjun!

Yang Zhengdao couldn't suppress the smile on his lips, and even his chin unconsciously rose slightly.

Yes! I knew Ah-Zhi was looking for me.

Yang Zhengdao glanced to the side again and saw that Changsun Chong's smile froze on his face, and then his face turned ashen.

Yang Zhengdao cupped his hands in greeting to Jiang Cheng and the other captain: "Captains, I cannot keep His Highness waiting any longer. I will be right back."

Unexpectedly, Changsun Chong, who was standing to the side, also cupped his hands in greeting: "Two captains, since Princess Chang Le has come here, I will go and pay my respects."

Is this even allowed?! Are you just adding unnecessary drama to your role?!

Yang Zhengdao cursed Changsun Chong in his heart for being shameless, but he was also helpless about this guy who had come up to him on his own.

Jiang Cheng and the other captain exchanged a glance, each inwardly lamenting that in the end, only the two of them would miss out on lunch.

Li Lizhi, standing under the eaves, glanced at Changsun Chong who had followed behind her, then smiled at Yang Zhengdao.

Yang Zhengdao stepped forward, his eyes filled with deep affection, and softly called out, "Azhi, it's been so long!"

Li Lizhi's face flushed instantly, and she lowered her eyes shyly: "Cousin, it's been a long time!"

The female official standing nearby quickly coughed softly.

Changsun Chong, who was about to perform the salute, was completely stunned. He stood there dumbfounded, his hand, which was halfway through the salute, hanging in the air, unsure whether to raise it or lower it.

Upon hearing the female official's reminder, Li Lizhi's face flushed even more. Her voice was soft and gentle: "Cousin Zhengdao, you've worked hard practicing martial arts!"

With a wave of her hand, the palace maid opened two food boxes, and steam and fragrance wafted out.

The first thing presented was a plate of flatbread, baked until golden brown and crispy.

Then came various pastries such as Golden Milk Pastry, Jujube Cake, Jade Dew Dumplings, and Almond Spring Pancakes.

Next came stir-fried spring vegetables such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and shepherd's purse, as well as a steamed fish, a plate of venison, and two steamed pears.

Finally, there was a bowl of shredded chicken soup and a pot of honey almond drink.

Ah Zhi, that's enough! Changsun Chong is still watching from the side!

Yang Zhengdao was overjoyed, but he suppressed the urge to burst into laughter, maintaining a warm smile on his face, his eyes filled with emotion.

"Ah Zhi, you're so thoughtful."

As he spoke, his hand quickly rose and gently ruffled Li Lizhi's hair, much to the horrified look of the female official.

Li Lizhi opened her small mouth, and then her whole face burned. She let out a soft scolding and hurriedly dodged away.

What a shameless and rude person!

Her heart was pounding like a playful fawn, making her sweet voice tremble slightly.

"Cousin... hurry up... have lunch."

Seeing Li Lizhi bring such a lavish lunch to Yang Zhengdao, Changsun Chong, who was already burning with jealousy, lost his senses when he saw Yang Zhengdao reach out to touch Li Lizhi's head.

His pupils constricted sharply, and he shouted, "Yang Zhengdao, how dare you!"

Before Yang Zhengdao could react, Li Lizhi turned around abruptly and shouted, "Changsun Chong, how dare you!"

After she finished speaking, she glanced at the female official.

The female official immediately understood, stepped forward, and said in a deep voice, "Changsun Chong, the eldest son of the Duke of Qi, do you know proper etiquette?"

Changsun Chong then came to his senses. He glared fiercely at Yang Zhengdao, then gritted his teeth and respectfully bowed to Li Lizhi.

"Your subject, Changsun Chong, greets Your Highness, Princess Changle."

Li Lizhi glanced at him coldly and went straight to set out chopsticks and pour soup for Yang Zhengdao.

Changsun Chong had no choice but to maintain the posture of deep bowing.

Yang Zhengdao never imagined that the shy, gentle, and obedient Xiao Chang Le would have such a sharp and valiant side.

This display of fierce protectiveness towards her husband truly warmed his heart.

He raised his hand as if to ruffle Li Lizhi's hair again, but after seeing the female official's icy gaze, he awkwardly lowered his hand.

The female official finally breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself, "Young Master Yang, you can now enjoy your meal in peace."

Looking at the dishes laid out on the small table, Changsun Chong suddenly had an idea, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Your Highness Princess Changle, your subject Changsun Chong has reported that the food served in the corridor by Yang Zhengdao, grandson of Prince Sui, exceeds the permitted rank."