Chapter 132: A Nighttime Conversation

That night, Li Yi went to the Jin Ding headquarters and found Changle and Li Xueyan. Normally, the two women should have been happy to see Li Yi, but from the lines of worry etched on their faces, he sensed a trace of sorrow.

Li Yi hurried forward and gently took their hands, quietly asking, “What’s wrong?”

Though their spirits had been low, the moment Li Yi held their hands, a wave of reassurance washed over them. Especially Li Yi’s calm and steady voice, which gave them great confidence.

Changle dispelled the gloom clouding her heart and revealed a faint smile. “Nothing much. How was your day?”

Li Yi furrowed his brows. “What exactly happened? Why have you been hiding it from me? Xueyan, tell me.”

Li Xueyan puffed out her cheeks like a steamed bun. Hearing Li Yi’s question, she huffed, “Brother Yi, does this mean the orphanage and the nursing home have nothing to do with us anymore?”

Li Yi immediately understood. It must have been the conversation between him and Li Er during the day that the two women overheard. After all, they had discussed it at the fan shop under the charity foundation, and Changle, as the foundation’s president, couldn’t possibly have been unaware.

Li Yi smiled slightly. “So that’s it! Yes, this matter is indeed a bit unexpected.”

At once, the two women’s faces drained of color. No one knew how much they had devoted to the charity foundation, especially regarding the nursing home and orphanage. To be certain, they had spent five whole days touring the entire city of Chang’an, gathering comprehensive information on every widowed, orphaned, and lonely person. They had already drafted detailed plans for both institutions, down to the last penny, and were just about to break ground. But now, to be told they had no part in it, how could they not feel angry and heartbroken?

Li Yi gently pulled their hands closer. “Don’t worry, I’m here! Who am I? Is there anything in this world that can defeat me? Haha, I promise you, those orphanage and nursing home projects belong to you. No one will snatch them away—not even the president of this charity foundation, Changle. If anyone dares to undermine you, I will make them pay a price they cannot bear!” A glint of resolve flickered in Li Yi’s eyes. He would not allow anyone in either the charity or the business alliance to act recklessly.

Li Xueyan trusted Li Yi without question, so upon hearing his assurance, she immediately brightened. But Changle was less optimistic. Unlike Li Xueyan’s sharpness and innocence, she was a girl in whom sensibility and reason coexisted, both virtuous and shrewd—much like Empress Zhangsun. Though she trusted Li Yi deeply, she also had her own analysis and judgment.

Changle said, “Are you really confident? The one opposing this is Father Emperor. I know him well. If he’s not strongly opposed to something, he wouldn’t express outright disagreement. At most, he would hesitate and wait for his ministers’ opinions before deciding. But today he opposed it so decisively, which means unless there’s a big surprise, this matter is already settled.”

Li Yi glanced at Changle, surprised to hear her serious analysis after so long. She was remarkably accurate.

Li Yi said, “I didn’t expect it! You really understand your father well. You’re right—he is strongly against this. But as you said, if nothing unexpected happens, it will be settled. However...” Li Yi locked eyes with Changle and said, “For them, I am the biggest unexpected factor.”

They stared at each other for three seconds, then suddenly both laughed. Changle exhaled, smiling, “I believe you.”

Li Yi chuckled. “That’s the spirit! Come, let’s sit down and talk.”

He entered Changle’s office, brewed three cups of tea, poured two for the women, and sat on the bench. They took their seats on either side of him.

“By the way, Changle, how are you handling things inside the foundation?” Li Yi was now concerned whether Changle could control the entire foundation. After all, the vice president of the foundation was the wife of Changsun Wuji—a crafty old fox certain to make moves against it.

Changle replied, “So far, nothing unexpected. After all, all the grassroots staff in the foundation were trained by you, so they listen to me. As for the other members, most of the ladies from various households are either on good terms with the Li family or with you. Though they don’t openly support me, they lean my way behind the scenes. Plus, with Aunt Cui’s help, my words still carry weight.”

“Impressive!” Li Yi was surprised. This was Changle’s first time handling such matters, and she was so young. He hadn’t expected her to truly solidify the president’s position.

Blushing, Changle said, “Not at all! I learned all this from Mother!”

If it was Empress Zhangsun who taught her, it was no surprise. Empress Zhangsun was a renowned virtuous empress in history—her presence commanded respect from everyone in the palace. Among the women of the Tang dynasty, apart from the young Wu Meiniang, Li Yi admired Empress Zhangsun the most. For such a formidable figure to teach Changle how to handle these matters was no trouble at all.

“I see! But my Changle is formidable indeed. Had it been someone else, even if Zhuge Liang were resurrected, they might not have handled this so well.” No matter the time, Li Yi always made sure to encourage his wife, because except for him, no one else’s concern mattered to her. Sometimes, all it took was a single phrase.

Changle blushed deeper and teased, “Don’t talk nonsense! Who’s yours?”

Li Xueyan chimed in, “Brother Yi, what about me?”

Li Yi quickly soothed her, “You’re amazing too! I’ve heard Aunt say you’ve done a lot for the charity’s shops. Aunt praised you plenty in front of me!”

Proudly, Li Xueyan lifted her head. “Of course! Who am I, if not fabulous?”

Li Yi affectionately ruffled her hair.

Then, turning back to Changle, he said, “Changle, even though you’ve got things under control, don’t let your guard down with Lady Changsun. Changsun Wuji will definitely try to make a move on the foundation. He’s silent now partly because you’re Empress Zhangsun’s daughter—your own uncle—so he still cares for you somewhat. Also, he’s unfamiliar with charity matters and hesitant to act rashly. But once he figures everything out, he’ll definitely target the foundation.”

Changle asked, “You mean he’ll try to get rid of me?”

Li Yi shook his head. “No, he won’t. As long as you survive this stage, no one can easily remove you. What he wants is to sideline you, to make you a puppet. And I believe this time, he’ll fully support you—or at least won’t oppose you—because sidelining you is easier than sidelining others, especially since he can play the family card.”

Seeing the worry on Changle’s face, Li Yi reassured her, “Don’t worry! Even if he tries, it will be later. By then, if you have the orphanage and nursing home up and running, your position will be rock-solid. No one can shake you easily. Plus, you have me. Maybe I’m no match for him politically, but in business? I can utterly defeat him. And with your mother and Aunt’s support, we have nothing to fear.”

Changle gained confidence. After all, she was Li Er’s daughter—some confidence was natural.

Li Xueyan also added, “Don’t worry, Sister Changle. I’m here too! If he dares cause trouble, I’ll go make a scene at their home. Let’s see what he can do to me!”

Li Yi chuckled. “Exactly! The three of us will go together—eat their food, drink their wine, and wear them down!”

The two girls’ teasing made Changle laugh, easing her mood considerably.

“By the way, Brother Yi, why doesn’t he make a move on the business alliance?”

Li Yi’s eyes narrowed, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Because he doesn’t dare.”

“Doesn’t dare?”

“Yes. Charity ultimately helps the court solve problems, so even if he intervened, your father would only commend him for his patriotism. That way, he gains both face and credit. But the business alliance is different—its core is money. Uncle Li has repeatedly emphasized that no official is allowed to interfere with the alliance; it’s a strict taboo. He won’t risk touching it. I’m an exception. Though I’m an official, I’m a sinecure with no real power, and the alliance can’t do without me. So, no worries.”

Changle nodded, half understanding.

Just then, Li Yi spotted Luo Pangzi passing by and called him in.

Luo Pangzi entered immediately, respectfully greeting Li Yi. The man looked like a jovial Buddha, round-bellied, eyes nearly closed, grinning broadly. Managing such a large enterprise and earning so much money in just one day had made him proud to have found a role that showcased his value. Now, anyone meeting him had to call him “Lord Luo.” His gratitude toward Li Yi was profound, as if he had been given a new lease on life. Otherwise, he would still be a lowly clerk in the prince’s mansion, not someone before whom officials below fifth rank dared not act arrogantly.

Li Yi smiled and invited him to sit. “There’s no particular matter, just some advice. The business alliance is still in its infancy, and the steps we’ve taken are a bit large, so laying a solid foundation is key. For now, don’t bring any other business into the alliance. Your job is to stabilize its current state. The alliance’s establishment has already stepped on many toes, so troublemakers will appear. Handle these perfectly. If you need help, talk to Prince Shu—he’ll support you. In short, don’t aim for perfection, just stability. Understand?”

Luo Pangzi nodded seriously. “Young Master Yi, rest assured, I will handle it well!”

“Good. I trust you.”

Those four words deeply moved Luo Kaiyuan, filling him with confidence.

“By the way, Young Master Yi, what if you’re not around for a while?”

Li Yi’s eyes narrowed. “I might have to attend to something very important. So be prepared for my absence.”

Luo Pangzi’s expression instantly grew solemn. Without Li Yi, they would lose their backbone. He could not help but take the matter seriously. “Young Master Yi, rest assured, I will be careful!”

“Good.”