Is Li Zhi Living the Easy Life Today?

Prince Li Zhi of Jin was innocent, filial, honest, and adorable, with absolutely no talent for scheming.

From the emperor and his consorts to the palace maids and eunuchs, the entire palace firmly believed it.

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, said to his attendants, "I have to live a long, long time, so no one takes advantage of Zhinu."

Crown Prince Li Chengqian believed all his younger brothers were eyeing his position, except for Prince Li of Jin.

Prince Li Tai was ambitious, but even as he vied for the throne, he remembered to share delicious food with Prince Li of Jin. "Zhinu likes this best. If you run out, Fourth Brother has more."

Li Zhi, whose face had earned him the label of a sweet, clueless boy: ...

One day, before dawn, Li Zhi got up to study. Halfway through, he closed his eyes and fell into thought.

Outside the window, Li Shimin instinctively grew angry. A prince dared to slack off right under his nose! But his anger quickly faded, and the emperor softened his voice. "Zhinu, instead of sleeping, how about Father takes you horseback riding?"

Li Zhi looked up and met his father's loving gaze, as if the emperor saw right through him.

Li Zhi: ...

Li Zhi tried to change the way everyone saw him. He failed.

He set his sights on the throne, but was still wondering how to make his move when his elder brother declared to Fourth Brother, "I'd rather Zhinu become crown prince than let you have it, Qingque!"

Li Zhi was shaken. What shook him even more was that their father accepted the suggestion.

The crown prince's position had fallen right into his lap. Li Zhi, who'd gotten there by doing nothing, wore a cold expression.

I'm tired. Let's just destroy everything.

*Blurb written on March 1, 2023.

*A story set in a parallel world, not official history. A lighthearted tale. The male lead is a strong, healthy version of a black-hearted schemer. He wants to make everyone work hard, but they keep making him take it easy. The female lead, Wu Zetian, is reborn and helps her husband keep lazing around. (Despairing Li Zhi: ...)

[Bonus Scene]

At a flower-viewing banquet at a princess's residence, Li Zhi suddenly noticed someone watching him strangely.

The gaze was filled with joy and longing, as though he'd already died.

The person behind that gaze later became his wife. She cared about state affairs even more than he did, always afraid he'd get a headache or fall ill. When Li Zhi once again stayed up all night handling government affairs, she slammed her hand on the table in anger. "Your Majesty, are you trying to make me worry myself to death?!"

Li Zhi got mad for a moment. "How dare you! Empress, don't be angry. Here, you do it."

Wu Zetian rolled her eyes at him. Honestly! She'd said she wouldn't let her husband tire himself out in this life, so why was His Majesty still working so hard?

Li Zhi was aggrieved. Why didn't even his wife understand him?

He didn't want to laze around!!

Theme: Build a bright and prosperous Tang dynasty with a positive spirit.