Although Verdant Green Maiden had changed her tune very quickly, Li Shimin believed she would never speak without cause.
"Many thanks, Heavenly Maiden!"
Li Shimin still bowed to Verdant Green Maiden.
Verdant Green Maiden waved her hand. "You really are strange. Having a child is between you and your wife—what are you thanking me for? The only help I can offer is prescribing some medicine. Rather than thank me, you should think about how to make it up to your wife once you return. After all, the princess consort of Qin has been waiting for you for quite some time."
"Of course!"
Li Shimin nodded and took his leave of Verdant Green Maiden.
Changsun Wugou was naturally overjoyed by Li Shimin's return. She and Li Shimin embraced tightly, yet when she learned that he still had to march east against Luoyang, worry inevitably rose in her heart.
"Luoyang..."
"But Husband has only just returned. Must you leave again?"
Seeing Changsun Wugou's worried expression, Li Shimin comforted her. "Guanyinbi, do not fret! Luoyang must indeed be taken, but there is no need to rush it now. I have only just returned, and Father Emperor surely will not press me to dispatch troops at once. We still have time."
Only after Li Shimin said this did Changsun Wugou nod. "If that is so, then all is well!"
After letting out a breath of relief, she brought up another matter.
"Husband, while you were away, I often visited the Heavenly Maiden with Pingyang. The Heavenly Maiden's learning and insight are rare in this world. I have an immature idea, and I wish to hear your thoughts on it."
"Speak freely."
Li Shimin listened quietly to Changsun Wugou's thoughts.
She said, "I think that once this child is born, we could have him take