Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 89 The King of Chess's Grand Move

"My husband is amazing," Shen Li said sincerely as she climbed back onto the bed.

She knew Ying'er would find all sorts of reasons to come back, but two days would be enough. Once Gu Chang'an went to court, she wasn't worried about being monitored.

"These are just petty tricks from the marketplace; I'm afraid they're laughable to you, Madam." Gu Chang'an could only shake his head in shame.

Shen Li opened the brocade pouch, inside which was a piece of brocade cloth with names written in tiny, fine characters—it was a list.

There were dozens of people. Although she didn't recognize their names, she was experienced and used the same methods as in her previous life.

She recalled it and felt nothing but disdain. When she looked up, she found Gu Chang'an focused on the book in his hands, as if he didn't care at all what she was holding.

"Isn't my husband curious?" Shen Li asked.

"Just curious," Gu Chang'an replied briefly. "But that's for A-Li, you don't have to tell her."

"How could I possibly distinguish between you and me so clearly?" Shen Li handed it forward: "Take a look, you should be familiar with it."

Gu Chang'an reached out and took it, appearing calm, but the joy in his eyes was barely concealed.

Shen Li chuckled; this man's little schemes were truly adorable.

“They are all officials in charge of taxation in various regions, and it seems they are all part of the King of Chess faction.” Gu Chang’an concluded after a glance.

"Although oversight is the responsibility of the Censorate, ultimately, the Ministry of Revenue decides where to conduct the tax inspection," Shen Li said, sipping her tea.

“Now that the first batch has been sent down, there will be a second and third batch. If the imperial censors are all sent down according to the list, the power of Prince Yi outside the capital will be uprooted.”

“Exactly.” Gu Chang’an looked at the list more carefully the second time and said, “That’s ruthless enough.”

"So what does my husband plan to do?" Shen Li asked.

"Whatever A-Li says goes. If A-Li gives it to me, I'll probably do as he says." Gu Chang'an put down the silk cloth.

This instruction was too clear. If he didn't do it or investigated the Crown Prince's people, the Crown Prince would inevitably suspect his motives.

To put it bluntly, this can be considered Li Heng's test.

However, it would be unwise to stand against Li Heng at this moment.

"What do you think, Ah Li?" He felt a little flustered when he saw that Ah Li was just looking at him without saying anything, so he decided to ask her.

“My husband’s method is certainly the best one.” Shen Li saw that he was too serious, so she thought of teasing him.

"Ah Li." Gu Chang'an was both annoyed and amused.

Shen Li was interrupted before she could speak again. Peony, who was at the door, came in and said, "Miss, sir, Princess Yi has arrived. She says she has come to visit you."

"You arrived really quickly," Shen Li chuckled.

Gu Chang'an looked at her earnestly and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam."

"Don't worry, I'll go this time. Husband, please rest." Shen Li agreed this time. She calmly got off the bed, tidied herself up, and led Shaoyao to the flower hall.

"Miss, she won't come looking for revenge, will she? If she brings you food, please don't eat it," Peony whispered to her.

She still vividly remembered the scene where the young lady threw people into the water; if the palace staff had arrived any later, some people would have drowned in the pool.

Now that Xia Shiyin has come again, she feels that the other party has ill intentions and is likely there for revenge.

Shen Li chuckled upon hearing this, and seeing her serious expression, couldn't help but tease her: "How many people are you going to tell about this?"

"Miss, I'm innocent! I didn't even tell Sister Lianqiao, and I didn't tell her anything about what happened in the palace." Peony said with some distress, "It's just that keeping this bottled up is a bit uncomfortable."

"I'll reward you later," Shen Li said with a smile.

Xia Shiyin was even a little restless in the East Flower Hall, which was filled with gifts, but she, as the one giving the gifts, was both nervous and angry.

She was nervous because she was worried that Shen Li wouldn't help, and angry because she actually wanted to ask Shen Li for help!

"Greetings, Your Highness." Shen Li entered and was about to bow.

“Sister, there’s no need for such formalities. This place isn’t like the palace with its strict rules, so we sisters don’t need to go through these empty formalities.” Xia Shiyin quickly helped Shen Li up, preventing her from bowing.

This way, she could not only build a closer relationship but also explain why she had Shen Li perform the proper courtesies in the palace.

The maids were all a little puzzled, but Shaoyao was completely unfazed. She thought that this must be because she wanted something from her young mistress, and even her smile was exactly the same as the one she had seen in the palace last time.

"You may all leave. I need to speak privately with the Princess." Shen Li knew she wanted to speak, so she dismissed the servants.

Peony became even more familiar with the place, and this time she had no reservations and left with the others.

She wasn't worried at all about her young mistress suffering a loss; even if Xia Shiyin had a few more lives, she probably wouldn't dare to make a move.

"Sister, is Lord Gu feeling any better?" Xia Shiyin asked with a forced smile, surprisingly not stiff at all.

Shen Li acted as if nothing had happened and said calmly, "I'm much better. Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

"It's not me who's worried, it's His Highness who's concerned about Lord Gu's injury. But with the birthday banquet approaching, he's too busy with palace affairs to leave, so he sent me."

Shen Li knew perfectly well why she had come, so she simply responded politely without saying much.

“These are a small token of His Highness’s appreciation. The tonics are secondary; what’s important are these rare, out-of-print ancient books.” Xia Shiyin opened a box and introduced, “Among them, a medical book and a rubbing of inscriptions are the most precious.”

Although Shen Li's expression remained calm upon hearing the ancient text, her heart was already drawn to it. Just how many treasures did this King of Chess have hidden away?

"Your Highness is too kind. My husband has done nothing to deserve such a reward, and I really dare not accept it."

"Sister, what are you saying? You helped the prince last time, and he hasn't thanked you yet. These are all gifts for you." Xia Shiyin said, taking a cloth bundle and saying, "This is what the prince gave to you, sir."

She stepped forward and placed the bundle on the table between the two of them. She unwrapped the bundle layer by layer, revealing the dark, gleaming contents inside. Although it was pure black, it seemed to shimmer with a precious light.

Shen Li narrowed her eyes; she recognized the thing.

In his previous life, King Yi was forced to rebel, fighting his way from his fiefdom to the capital. He was surrounded dozens of times but remained unharmed. At that time, the people were in favor of him, saying that King Yi was invulnerable to swords and spears and was the true Son of Heaven.

After he was captured and brought to the capital, it was discovered that he was wearing a black shimmering robe over his inner garment, which could block swords and blades. It must be the one in front of us.

"This is the Black Silkworm Robe. Once worn, it makes one impervious to swords and spears, and immune to water and fire. The Prince is giving it to you, Lord Gu." Xia Shiyin said, her voice tinged with heartache, "Lord Gu is a minister of the state; he should not be allowed to venture into dangerous situations again."

Shen Li reached out and touched it; it was cool and smooth, and just by looking at it, she could tell it was a treasure.

The King of Chess's move is truly grand.