Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 211 When handling official business, officials are referred to by their official titles.

"It can't be said that he forgot, but after he made a contribution, he was not promoted for twenty years."

Wen He felt it was a pity that Xue Wanche, Su Dingfang, and Xue Rengui, these three valiant generals, were present when Li Shimin later conquered Goguryeo.

That would likely make the battle much smoother.

"Twenty years, cough, have I really forgotten him?" Li Shimin felt he shouldn't have done that.

He knew Su Lie's ability and courage; daring to charge straight at the enemy chieftain amidst thousands of troops was not something that could be achieved simply by force.

How could he forget such a valiant general?

This is actually a bit embarrassing to talk about.

Wen He smiled.

"Well, later generations analyzed that, firstly, it was because Dingfang was punished for allowing his troops to plunder during the war to destroy the Eastern Turks, and secondly, it was because you had too many fierce generals under your command."

"We don't need to mention Yuchi Gong, Zhang Shigui, and Xue Wanche. Later, Xue Rengui, Qibi Heli, and so on—you have no shortage of generals, so you'll definitely forget about him soon."

"Fortunately, your son employed him. Later, he destroyed the Turks in the west, pacified Baekje in the east, and suppressed Tibet in the south. He traversed thousands of miles, destroying three kingdoms and capturing their rulers alive. This made the kingdoms of the Western Regions tremble and submit."

Unfortunately, this formidable man was portrayed as a treacherous minister in later historical novels.

It was even adapted into a TV series in later generations.

Even his son was not spared; he was portrayed as a traitor who defected to Xiliang, and was made to fawn over a fictional character.

"Oh, he has such achievements." Li Shimin nodded in approval, secretly noting Su Dingfang's name in his heart.

"I understand, but his unruly nature needs further tempering. I intend to expand the cavalry force by a hundred..."

"His Majesty!"

Wen He quickly advised.

What does Li Er think the Hundred Riders are? He's throwing all sorts of people into them.

That's Su Dingfang, and he should be at least a fifth-rank military officer now.

"Your Majesty, this is not appropriate. The temple is too small for a hundred cavalrymen. Xu, the military advisor, is enough."

The term "hundred riders" refers to a force of one hundred men, and Xu Jingzong, a fourth-rank official, was sufficient.

If another one comes, then the hundred riders will become bloated.

Moreover, it was Su Dingfang who came.

"It's alright. I originally planned to promote him to Left Martial General, which is only a military post of the fourth rank. But now I've changed my mind and will send him to the Hundred Cavalry as Inspector General. You can take my place and properly temper his temperament."

Even a mere hundred cavalrymen need a lieutenant general.

Wen He felt that Li Shimin had gone a bit too far with this joke.

“One hundred riders means one hundred men,” Wen He whispered a reminder.

If this gets out, I'm afraid those censors will come out and impeach me again.

We might even see Wei Zheng come out and say that Li Shimin is absurd.

"Therefore, I intend to expand the Hundred Cavalry to a thousand men. The Xuanjia Guard will be transferred out of the palace guard, and their duty of defense will be assigned to the Hundred Cavalry. However, the name of the Hundred Cavalry will remain unchanged."

After Li Shimin finished speaking, Wen He was extremely surprised.

He even felt that this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision by Li Shimin, but rather a long-planned scheme.

It's just that they brought it up now because of Su Dingfang's situation.

Seeing his surprise, Li Shimin smiled and explained, "I felt before that the Hundred Cavalry had too many tasks to handle and were short-handed. Xu Jingzong led his troops to Youzhou and needed to rendezvous with Li Shiji."

"If the 100 cavalry are well-managed, and if this happens again, then I will not need to appoint anyone else."

Wen He understood.

Li Shimin was worried that someone might conspire against him in the future.

He has only been on the throne for a short time, yet he has already encountered two attempts to rebel. Even he must feel insecure now.

That's why he's so eager to strengthen the Hundred Riders.

"But Su Dingfang, Your Majesty, I can't control him. It's already good enough that he doesn't test me."

That's a formidable man, and he didn't even come from the Imperial Guard.

They wouldn't care at all whether Wen He was a favorite of Li Shimin.

Dealing with him is not as simple as dealing with the other members of the Hundred Riders.

"That depends on your abilities. But there's no rush. The formal appointment will have to wait until after New Year's Day. For now, you should focus on handling that bidding process, as well as the tea and paper matters."

Li Shimin smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

Wen He looked gloomy.

So Li Er knew he had a lot on his plate.

He had to help Li Shimin deal with those powerful families and people from Guanzhong, and he also had to help him train hawks.

I can't live this day.

Seeing his reaction, Li Shimin laughed in exasperation and shook his head helplessly.

"Alright, after New Year's Day, I will increase your salary by another hundred strings of cash. Also, I have someone buy the house next to your residence for you. I will have it repaired in the spring, and you can open it up later."

Upon hearing this, Wen He's eyes lit up.

They're giving away money and houses.

Does Li Er think I, Wen He, am the kind of person who only cares about money?
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will do these things well and will definitely not let you down."

"Ah."

Li Shimin smiled and patted Wen He on the shoulder again, then dismissed him.

After Wen He left the Lizheng Hall, the smile on Li Shimin's face vanished instantly.

He gazed at the sunlight streaming in from behind the main hall, then clenched his fist behind his back.

……

Wen He left the Lizheng Hall and was stopped at the Taiji Gate.

Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and walked towards him with measured steps.

A pair of eyes gave Wen He a meaningful once-over.

Judging from his appearance, he must have been waiting for Wen He here on purpose.

The latter steadied himself and forced a smile as he went to greet them.

"Brother Changsun, what are you doing here? Didn't you go to the Ministry of Works?"

Just as Changsun Wuji was about to speak, upon hearing the words "Brother Changsun," the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

But instead of getting angry, he laughed and said, "It seems that the young master is unwilling to marry the princess."

He stroked his beard with an air of nonchalance.

His words hit Wen He's weak spot.

The latter gritted his teeth and forced out two words: "Uncle."

“Oh, that’s more like it. Uncle, I’ve been waiting for you here. Since His Majesty has asked us to go to the Ministry of Works together, I naturally have to wait for you.”

He kept calling him "uncle," and Wen He stared at his beard, wishing she could pluck each and every hair off.

However, he quickly calmed down.

It seems there's nothing wrong with calling Changsun Wuji "uncle." Putting aside Li Lizhi's relationship, he's over a thousand years older than Wen He, so calling him "uncle" isn't a bad thing.

"Then thank you very much, Uncle. But since I call you Uncle, here is a small gift for our meeting."

As Wen He spoke, she reached out her hand.

Changsun Wuji was stunned, not expecting Wen He to be so shameless.

Who asks for a gift so bluntly?

"In my hometown, there's always a 'change of address fee' (gift for addressing someone by their father's name). His Majesty gave me two houses. As the saying goes, the maternal uncle is the greatest in the world. Surely you, as his maternal uncle, didn't give less than His Majesty?"

Since you're asking me to call you uncle, it wouldn't be right for you, as the uncle, not to give me some benefits.

Changsun Wuji was taken aback.

He had intended to tease Wen He on purpose, but he didn't expect that this brat would not only admit it, but also ask him for some kind of change of address fee.

If he doesn't give him the money, I'm afraid this brat will talk badly about him in the future.

"Well, well, I'm penniless and from a poor family."

"No need for much, just give me 100,000 or 200,000 strings of cash."

As a joke, Changsun Wuji came from a poor family.

Regardless of whether he embezzled or not, the rewards Li Shimin bestowed upon him during the period of his ascension to the throne were already considerable.

While it's impossible to come up with 100,000 or 200,000, several thousand strings of cash are certainly possible.

"Ahem, you and the princess are engaged, so we can discuss changing your address later. In official matters, please use your official title."

"Tch, stingy."

He wouldn't dare to confront Li Shimin, so he wouldn't dare to confront you, Changsun Wuji.

The latter's face immediately turned ashen, like a piece of pig liver.

"Vice Minister Changsun, it's getting late, shall we go?"

Before he could get angry, Wen He suddenly changed the subject, forcing Changsun Wuji to swallow his anger. "Hmph, let's go."

Changsun Wuji snorted and strode ahead of Wen He.

The two left through Xuanwu Gate, circled around, and headed towards the Ministry of Works.

The imperial city of the Tang Dynasty did not only refer to the Daxing Palace or Taiji Hall; the Six Ministries and the Ministry of Personnel were also located in the imperial city.

There was only a city wall separating them.

I don't know who was so clueless as to design such a set of etiquette.

They could have come out directly from Chengtianmen or Changlemen, but instead they made people come out from Xuanwumen and go around in circles.

It states that the Chengtian Gate must not be opened except for major ceremonies or rituals.

What's the difference between this and taking off your pants to fart?

As a ninth-rank official, he was not even allowed to ride in a carriage within the imperial city.

Fortunately, he managed to hitch a ride in Changsun Wuji's carriage; if he had to walk, he would have preferred to go home.

They arrived at the Ministry of Works.

The servant at the gate recognized Changsun Wuji and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him with flattery.

Is Minister Yan here?

"Yes, yes, I just returned from an inspection not long ago," the servant said with a fawning smile.

Changsun Wuji didn't even glance at him, and walked inside on his own.

The servant didn't mind and smiled as he bowed to Wen He again, saying, "Greetings, Magistrate Wen."

"Thank you for your courtesy."

Wen He smiled and nodded at him, then stepped inside.

Yan Lide had indeed just returned, and he hadn't even changed his clothes.

When he came out, his robes were still covered in mud.

"Minister Yan."

"So it's Brother Fuji, nice to meet you."

Although Yan Lide was the Minister of Works, a rank higher than Changsun Wuji, he was well aware of the situation.

Changsun Wuji's position as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is only temporary.

Can't you see that the Ministry of Civil Affairs is now entirely controlled by Changsun Wuji?

The other vice minister is now almost a marginal figure, the most idle person in the Ministry of Revenue.

Therefore, he did not address Changsun Wuji as a vice minister, but instead addressed him as a brother.

After all, he is His Majesty the Emperor's brother-in-law; it would be good to get closer to him.

"Minister Yan," Wen He greeted him as well.

Yan Lide chuckled upon hearing this: "Jiaying, why are you acting like this today? I haven't offended you at all."

"Minister Yan has misunderstood. Just now, Vice Minister Changsun reprimanded me, saying that when handling official business, one should use one's official title."

Wen He glanced at Changsun Wuji deliberately.

The latter's face darkened considerably.

Yan Lide was somewhat taken aback. He glanced at Wen He, only to see the latter give him a look.

"Oh, I see. Then please, Magistrate Gaoyang and Vice Minister Changsun."

Yan Lide smiled and gestured for him to proceed.

Changsun Wuji chuckled awkwardly twice and entered the government office with Yan Lide.

Wen He couldn't help but feel cheerful.

It's rare to find someone who can make Changsun Wuji suffer a setback.

Upon entering the government office, Yan Lide personally served tea.

"This was specially sent to the Ministry of Works by the magistrate of Gaoyang County. Vice Minister Changsun, would you like to take a look?"

He personally brewed the tea, and Changsun Wuji accepted it with both hands without any presumption.

He is still only a vice minister at the moment.

“You, sir of Gaoyang County…”

“Brother Lide, I’m an easygoing person, please just call me by my name.”

When Yan Lide called her that, Wen He felt a chill run down her spine.

He said those things to make Changsun Wuji feel bad, not to make himself feel bad.

Upon hearing this, Yan Lide chuckled and nodded.

"How about I have someone prepare some honey water for you?"

"Thank you very much."

Yan Lide remembered Wen He saying that he was too young to drink too much tea.

So the best honey he had previously given Wen He was still kept in the Ministry of Works.

It will be given to Wen He after he takes office at the Ministry of Works.

Before long, someone served her a bowl of honey water, which Wen He gulped down.

He didn't even drink a drop of water after saying those words to Li Er.

"Slow down."

Yan Lide chuckled, worried that he might choke.

"That feels so good." Wen He let out a long sigh of relief, which made Yan Lide burst into laughter.

This scene, witnessed by Changsun Wuji, greatly surprised him.

To his surprise, Wen He, that brat, had somehow become so close to Yan Lide.

His Majesty said they were a family, but Changsun Wuji felt that the two people in front of him were more like a family.

"Ahem, Minister Yan."

Changsun Wuji coughed lightly, drawing Yan Lide's attention.

"Hehe, my apologies. Jia Ying and I hit it off immediately, so we ended up exchanging a few more words. May I ask what brings you here today, Vice Minister?"

Yan Lide asked with a smile.

Changsun Wuji sighed inwardly, then solemnly recounted the instructions Li Shimin had given him.

"Tender?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Lide looked at Wen He with a puzzled expression.

"Jiaying, this is not a good situation. Although those merchants are wealthy, what if they try to profit from it?"

Yan Lide's words were indeed spot on.

The Ministry of Works was the one that dealt with merchants the most among the six ministries.

That's why Li Shimin appointed Yan Lide to oversee this matter.

"kill."

Wen He uttered a single word without hesitation.

"That's too violent," Changsun Wuji retorted with dissatisfaction.

Wen He chuckled lightly: "This time, we've asked them to build water conservancy projects, which are related to people's livelihoods and the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. If they dare to seek personal gain, killing them would only be too lenient."

“That makes perfect sense.” Yan Lide nodded in agreement after a moment of contemplation.

"Then the Ministry of Works will send someone to supervise this matter, and the Ministry of Revenue will be in charge of summoning the merchants?"

The Ministry of Works could actually handle these two things well.

Yan Lide only split one matter into two because of Changsun Wuji's sake.

“Very well, but I think this matter should not be limited to merchants. We can also involve nobles and great families. If we rely on their reputation, this matter can be twice as effective.”

After Changsun Wuji finished speaking, he took a sip of tea, then looked up at Yan Lide with a smile.

'He genuinely believed that Li Shimin held no grudges against him!'

Wen He glanced at him almost imperceptibly, then picked up the honey water and drank it.

He didn't mind; it wasn't a bad thing to involve people from Guanzhong and the gentry.

They have people and money, so they can definitely do a better job.

It's just that the Ministry of Works can't supervise it.

Moreover, those people are unlikely to wholeheartedly serve the lowly people they speak of.

However, if any of them make a mistake, Li Shimin will have an excuse to eliminate a few families.

Ultimately, the decision on how to handle this matter rested with Li Shimin.

I wonder what he'll think when he finds out that it was Changsun Wuji who proposed this.

(End of this chapter)