The Leisurely Life of the Prince of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 185 It Really Became a Good Omen
Everything in the East Palace is new and novel, like a world that Xiao Wu and Xu Hui have never seen before.

So much so that Xu Hui, who had always been proud, put her hands in her sleeves with a sense of shame and inferiority.

Li Lizhi said, "It's considered reading comprehension."

Now Xiao Wu was even more confused.

Dongyang said: "Xiaowu and Huier can come to the East Palace more often in the future. We haven't had any guests in the East Palace for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Yinggong Wu Shigui said, "How dare I bother you so much."

Li Lizhi smiled and said, "How can you say it's a bother? Mr. Ying is joking."

Xu Xiaode looked troubled by Princess Changle's conversation.

Li Yuan looked at his granddaughter's words and was stumped by Wu Shigui and Xu Xiaode. This granddaughter had always been outstanding in her conversation and her clever words and deeds were not inferior to those of her elders.

The eldest daughter who runs the household is becoming more and more arrogant.

This is what the children of the Li family should do.

Li Yuan stroked his beard, with a smile on his face and a serious look in his eyes, and said, "Li Zhi, please don't embarrass the guest."

Only then did Li Lizhi sit down obediently and whisper girlish words to Xiaowu and Huier.

Neither Li Lizhi nor Dongyang explained how to write reading comprehension and argumentative essays, but instead talked about topics that ordinary girls should talk about.

After noon, when the two girls left the East Palace, they still looked thoughtful.

Wu Shigui asked, "Did you observe etiquette in Chongwen Hall today?"

Xiao Wu walked beside her father, thinking as she walked. The images and conversation of Princess Changle and Princess Dongyang as they loudly discussed the current governance strategies kept lingering in her mind.

This was undoubtedly the most impactful day for her since she was a child.

Xu Xiaode walked behind with his daughter. Compared to Xiao Wu, Xu Hui had rounder cheeks and was not as thin as Xiao Wu.

The two girls were only about twelve or thirteen years old and had not yet grown up.

If we really have to say the difference, perhaps this is a child raised in a royal family.

Xu Hui thought to herself, and said to Xiao Wu: "Her Royal Highness the Princess must have read more books than us. She is different from us."

Xiao Wu nodded heavily.

It was not until today, after meeting Her Royal Highness the Princess, that she realized that her self-proclaimed pride was nothing more than this.

Xu Xiaode said: "Mr. Ying, it is better to bring less family members to the Eastern Palace in the future."

I had thought that each family would bring their daughters to relax the emperor and have some fun together.

Moreover, the retired emperor was very concerned about their old relationship, so he took his daughter to tell her that everything was fine at home and asked him to rest assured.

But thinking that the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace is only seventeen years old, and His Majesty and the Queen have not appointed a Crown Princess, Wu Shigui nodded and said, "Xiao De reminded me of this."

In the imperial city, officials were coming and going in a hurry.

Yan Qinli came over quickly and said, "Minister Xu, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ordered you to go to the Secretariat to discuss important matters."

Xu Xiaode looked at his daughter beside him and said to the warrior beside him: "Please take care of my daughter for a while."

The two families are usually close and both work for the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.

Wu Shigui stroked his beard and said with a smile: "It's okay, you can go now. I will stay at my house in Chang'an and rest for half a month."

Xu Xiao bowed to express his gratitude, gave a few words of advice to his daughter beside him, and then left quickly.

Xiao Wu and Xu Hui walked together along the way, and the two girls got along very happily.

Xu Xiaode hurried to the Secretariat, where many people were present, including the Minister of Works Yan Liben, the Junior Architect Yan Lide, the Duke of Zhao Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xiang, as well as several vice ministers in the court.

Everyone was discussing the flood in Luoyang.

There are many opinions about flood control, and at the moment there is a lot of discussion in the Secretariat, with everyone contributing their own ideas.

Xu Xiaode found a seat and sat down.

Li Chengqian listened to everyone's discussions with a worried look on his face.

Yan Liben said: "Repairing the Luo River will cost a lot of money."

"Master Yan, rest assured. I will make the arrangements."

Since the prince said that there is no problem with money and grain, and the allocation of money and grain in the rear can be guaranteed, the only issue left now is how to repair it.

The newly appointed Imperial Censor Quan Wanji sat aside, and his eyes occasionally glanced at the Crown Prince beside Prime Minister Fang.

The flood in Luoyang this year was not serious. A memorial to the emperor could make His Royal Highness the Crown Prince take it seriously, making Quan Wanji feel that his worries were worthwhile.

It seemed that the discussions within the Secretariat were not stopping.

Li Chengqian stood up and walked to the door of the Secretariat again. He stood in front of the steps, with the cold wind blowing in his face, and his thoughts became much clearer.

When the autumn wind blows, the wide sleeves flutter.

Looking up, I saw that the officials in the distance were busy with their own affairs.

The debate within the Secretariat continued, and Qiu Xinggong's head was finally taken down.

Li Chengqian was alone, walking back and forth in front of the door with his hands in his pockets.

Suddenly, someone came to report that envoys from Gaochang had arrived and had started a quarrel with officials from the Honglu Temple because the price of soap in the trade had doubled and the soap supply was no longer available.

Li Chengqian scratched the stubble on his chin.

Zhang Sun Wuji in the Secretariat was also stunned. Before things here were settled, something happened in the Honglu Temple again.

Li Chengqian raised his head slightly to look at the sky, thinking that although Li Baiyao was old, he was a good quarreller. The words he used to call the Tubo envoy a ditch were still ringing in his ears.

In less than half an hour, news came that Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng went to the Honglu Temple.

Another minor official came to report, and he walked into the central government and said, "Reporting to Prime Minister Fang, the Prince of Gaochang went to the Honglu Temple, and Li Baiyao ordered him to apologize."

Ma Zhou nodded and said, "Have you apologized?"

"Prince Gaochang not only apologized, but also gave an ingot of gold as a token of his apology."

Fang Xiang looked at the prince who was still standing in front of the door and ordered, "If there are any changes in this matter, report back."

The clerk who delivered the message bowed to the prince outside the door.

Li Chengqian waved his hand to indicate that it was okay, and then continued to pace back and forth with his head down, thinking.

Breathing in the cool air, I wondered what my uncle would do when faced with something like this?
Li Chengqian suddenly smiled. Although his uncle didn't teach much, it was very useful to think about it carefully. He immediately said, "Young Master Yan."

Yan Lide stood up and said, "I am here."

"Please ask Yan Shaojian to lead thirty craftsmen from the Ministry of Works to the banks of the Luo River to inspect the water conditions and report back every ten days."

"Here."

Li Chengqian ordered again: "Quan Yushi."

Quan Wanji bowed and said, "I am here."

"Since the censor has reported the flood of Luo River, I will let you lead the team to investigate."

"Here."

"What do you think, teacher?"

Fang Xuanling said: "The Acting Censor can act at his discretion and mobilize the prefectures to organize manpower if necessary." One thing was arranged in this way. The flood problem of Luo River has been a problem for some time. Now the court wants to control the flood. Although it cannot cure the entire Yellow River, it should at least alleviate the flood pressure in one area.

It was not until the next day, when the imperial edict was issued at the morning court, that Li Chengqian learned that his father had asked Li Ke and the Censor Ma Zhou to go together to control the flood.

Originally, Quan Wanji was the chief secretary of Li Ke. Having a prince follow him would also give the officials sent by the court more say.

In addition to the prince, people from the Censorate must also be sent.

After the court session, outside the Taiji Hall, Li Chengqian looked at Li Ke, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Go and spend more time with the villagers, and have someone send letters to the East Palace every few days."

Li Tai said: "Wei Wangfu can also send a few scholars to help."

The three brothers stood in front of the Taiji Hall, talking in low voices.

After the court session, Li Shimin took one more look, frowned and paused for a moment. What were these three brothers plotting at the moment?
Li Chengqian warned, "I still say the same thing, go there in person and talk to the local villagers in person. Sometimes the local government's words are somewhat perfunctory, and you may not believe their words completely. Maybe they want you to relax."

"When you arrive in Luoyang, in addition to listening more and observing more, you must always remain vigilant and never let others take advantage of you and manipulate you."

Li Ke smiled and said, "Don't worry, my brother."

Li Chengqian said: "Be firm!"

"Yes!" Li Ke responded loudly with his fist clasped.

Li Chengqian, the emperor's elder brother, was relieved and nodded, saying, "Quan Yushi can also help you. You don't have to be afraid of anyone when you arrive in Luoyang. You can beat or scold anyone who dares to embarrass you. I and Qingque are your strongest backers. I want to see who dares to act rashly! Anyone who dares to obstruct us is going against us brothers and our entire family."

Li Tai added: "Brother, wherever there is a flood, there will be human disasters. It is not only about controlling the water, but also about controlling the people."

Li Ke clasped his fists and said, "I will say goodbye to my mother first and leave for my new post today."

Li Chengqian nodded slowly and said with a smile: "It's okay if you can't do it. I will send someone to avenge you when you come back."

Li Ke, who had not walked far, felt his legs suddenly go weak when he heard the words and almost fell on the spot. After that, he walked more firmly in the autumn wind.

This is the lesson I learned from my uncle: instead of looking around, it is better to remove the firewood from under the cauldron.

Just like my uncle sent Xu Jingzong to Jingyang.

The methods of heroes and great men are truly beneficial.

Li Tai said: "Brother, Qingque will go back first."

Li Chengqian stopped him and said, "Wouldn't you go with me to see the Emperor?"

"I just got the news that General Chai went to see the emperor today, so I dare not disturb him."

After saying this, Li Tai left in a hurry, and the fat on his face moved with him as he walked.

Is this brother losing weight?

Outside Ganlu Palace, Li Chengqian stopped and heard the voices inside the palace, thinking that he had nothing to do today.

Recently, I, the prince, have been getting more and more idle.

The prince's figure flashed past the palace.

Li Shimin asked: "What is this kid going to do?"

Taijidian outside the palace said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has gone to the Taiye Pond to fish."

Chai Shao cleared his throat and said, "Your Highness is really..."

Li Shimin looked unhappy. "This kid likes fishing on weekdays. He is not happy in Taiye Lake, so he goes out to fish. Is there any place on the banks of rivers in Guanzhong counties that he hasn't fished?"

Chai Shao said: "Your Majesty, please don't blame the prince. His Highness seems to be a very patient person."

Li Shimin stood up and said, "Don't speak for this kid. I know his worth."

Chai Shao smiled and said nothing.

The Taiye Lake is very bleak in autumn, and the lotus flowers and lotus leaves in the distance have withered.

"Cook the tea eggs and tea, and stay away from them."

"Yes." The two young eunuchs responded tremblingly.

At this moment, outside the city of Chang'an, Li Ke led a team of 300 soldiers under the Left Army. These soldiers had been with him for several years since he was young in the army.

Quan Wanji and Ma Zhou mounted their horses, and the officers and soldiers gathered in Chang'an. The Qianniu Guards brought another two thousand soldiers and horses, led by Chai Shao's son Chai Zhewei.

Chai Zhewei said loudly: "Your Highness, the army is ready."

Li Ke nodded.

Quan Wanji said, "I have something to tell the King of Wu before I go to Luoyang."

Li Ke said: "Sir, please speak."

"There are some powerful people in Luoyang who become very rich every time there is a flood."

A fierce light flashed in Li Ke's eyes, and he remembered Li Tai's words. To control the flood is to control the people. He said loudly: "Ke wants to see how these people become rich every time there is a flood. Go!"

A group of officers and soldiers kicked up a cloud of dust and headed towards Luoyang.

I put a fish hook with a worm on it into the lake, sat down against the pillar of the pavilion, looked at the water quietly, and heard footsteps.

Listening carefully, the footsteps were very heavy, unlike the usual cautious footsteps of the eunuchs. The difference could be heard immediately.

Reflections appeared on the lake, it was my father and my uncle Chai Shao.

Li Shimin said in a deep voice: "Are there any fish?"

Li Chengqian shrank his neck in the cold wind, bowed slightly to his father and uncle, and said, "I just put down the hook."

Chai Shao smiled and said, "I have often heard rumors about the crown prince in Chang'an these days. I heard that the crown prince is in charge of Jingzhao Prefecture and has been quite effective in managing the agricultural affairs in Guanzhong. He is also in charge of the expenses of the court. He has not deducted or delayed the salary. The crown prince is wise and all the officials say that this is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty."

Li Chengqian sighed with emotion and thought to himself that I have indeed become a good omen for the Tang Dynasty.

Seeing that Chai Shao was becoming more and more satisfied with his nephew, Li Shimin interrupted and said, "This kid is still not calm enough. For example, the matter of Luoyang flood control should have been told to me first, and I would have arranged the personnel. Otherwise, there would not be such complaints in the court."

Li Chengqian folded his hands and said, "Father is right. I will work hard on this."

Chai Shao was middle-aged, but his temples were already gray. His voice was a little hoarse as he smiled and said, "Your Majesty should be strict in educating your son."

Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction.

Li Chengqian asked with his hands in his pockets: "Uncle, can you tell me about the battles you fought in those days?"

"Hahaha..." Chai Shao laughed happily and said, "Of course you can."

Li Shimin saw that the stove was boiling tea eggs, so he opened the lid, fished out one, and sat aside to peel it.

Chai Shao's love for his nephew was evident in his words, and he was about to give his uncle's title of General of the Zhenjun Army and military power to Cheng Qian.

I don't know why this atmosphere was like this. It was clearly a conversation between an uncle and his nephew, and the atmosphere was very good, but as a father, I always felt a little uncomfortable listening to these words.

Cheng Qian was a mature child and he knew the importance of things, so he did not mention his aunt at this time.

If this kind of thing is said, the current atmosphere will be ruined.

Yuchi Gong came quickly, stood outside the waterside pavilion, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the King of Wu has already set off."

Li Shimin asked again: "Have the troops in Mount Xiao been arranged?"

"Your Majesty, the arrangements have been made. If there is any change, we can surround Luoyang in one day and one night."

(End of this chapter)