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

Chapter 222 How does this person compare to me?
Outside the Lizheng Hall.

Tang Jian stood there anxiously, his hands, hidden in his sleeves, twisted together in a knot.

"Auxiliary machine, you've really got me in trouble! Why didn't you mention a word about the gunpowder to me?!"

Looking at Changsun Wuji, Tang Jian felt an urge to give him a good scolding.

When Changsun Wuji came to see him before, he told him about the demands made by Goguryeo. He had seen the list, and most of the items on it were unimportant.

For example, the Ministry of Civil Affairs already had stockpiles of tea and glass, and Goguryeo didn't need much of them.

Although there were still 3,000 catties of iron at the end of the list, Changsun Wuji said that the Changsun family would bear the cost and it would not be taken from the national treasury.

Tang Jian agreed upon hearing this.

If this can help stabilize them and prevent them from harassing the border, it will be an achievement for the Ministry of Rites.

But to everyone's surprise, this has now escalated into a gunpowder-related incident!

If he agrees to this list, he will have a hard time explaining himself to the emperor.

“This matter was decided by Chong’er himself, and what he gave was not the Wenhe brand, but the kind that could only be lit from the Ministry of Works’ inventory. Brother Maoyue, I apologize to you.”

Changsun Wuji didn't say anything; in fact, even he himself was kept in the dark.

Gunpowder was not mentioned on the list that Changsun Chong had given him before.

But it's no use saying all this now; he can only try to make amends for his son.

His Majesty has summoned them here, but they have not appeared for a long time.

Changsun Wuji knew that His Majesty was truly enraged.

"What's the use of saying all this now? His Majesty has repeatedly ordered that gunpowder must not be sent to other countries. Alas, it seems that the best outcome for me this time is to be demoted to a lower prefecture."

Tang Jian flicked his sleeves and moved a few steps to the other side, putting distance between himself and Changsun Wuji.

Upon seeing this, the latter was about to speak up and explain.

at this time.

Two figures walked in from outside.

"Minister Tang, what a coincidence, you're here too."

It was Li Daozong and Wen He who arrived; they had seen Changsun Wuji and Tang Jian from afar.

They immediately understood why His Majesty the Emperor had summoned them today.

However, the fact that Li Shimin learned of the news so quickly means that he also had people in the Court of State Ceremonial.

"The Prince of Rencheng, the Viscount of Wen County."

Tang Jian forced a smile and went to greet the two. Just as he was about to bow, he saw the two people in front of him tacitly avoid him.

"Prince Rencheng".

Changsun Wuji also came up.

Li Daozong didn't even glance at him, but said to Tang Jian, "It seems that Minister Tang thinks I am not doing a good job as the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, so he sent a subordinate to me. Why not just let me resign?"

“Prince Rencheng, our Tang Dynasty’s chief official can now handle foreign affairs. What’s the point of having the Court of State Ceremonies? Why not just hand it all over to the chief official?”

As soon as Li Daozong finished speaking, Wen He followed up with a question.

Tang Jian's facial muscles twitched involuntarily.

He knew that the two people in front of him were mocking him, but the whole thing was his fault.

"This matter is my fault, not Minister Tang's fault," Changsun Wuji said, forcing himself to speak.

He had to stand up.

If this matter were entirely attributed to Tang Jian, he would be despised by everyone in the court.

You, Changsun Wuji, paved the way for your son, causing Tang Jian to be punished, yet you just stood by and watched.

Who will come to his aid in the future?

"Vice Minister Changsun is here too." Li Daozong seemed to have just noticed him and asked jokingly.

"Prince Rencheng".

Changsun Wuji was seething with anger, but he could only suppress it.

Wen He simply pretended not to see him, turned her head, and walked towards the Lizheng Hall.

"Wenxianzi, please wait."

Upon seeing this, Tang Jian quickly chased after her and stood in front of Wen He.

"May I ask how the negotiations went?"

"Why is Minister Tang asking me? Shouldn't you be asking Changsun Chong? I seem to be currently working in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War, so this has nothing to do with the Ministry of Rites."

Wen He smiled gently, then walked past Tang Jian.

At the entrance of the Lizheng Hall, a palace attendant saw this and turned to go inside to report.

Not long after, Gao Yue came out.

"His Majesty summoned the Viscount of Gaoyang County to an audience."

"The minister obeys the order."

Wen He cupped his hands in greeting and walked into the Lizheng Hall under the watchful eyes of the three people behind him.

Upon seeing this, Tang Jian's expression changed drastically, and his heart turned to ashes.

"It's over."

He had hoped that Wen He could put in a good word for him, but now it seemed that it would be good enough if the latter didn't exaggerate the situation.

"We, the high-ranking officials, also wish to request an audience with His Majesty."

Changsun Wuji stepped forward a few paces.

Gao Yue, standing on the steps, turned back to look at Changsun Wuji and said with a faint smile, "Minister Changsun, wait a moment. His Majesty said that he wants to see Wen Xianzi first to ask what happened at the Court of State Ceremonies."

He hadn't forgotten the time when Changsun Wuji had scolded him.

You're the emperor's brother-in-law, that's impressive.

But he was also the emperor's personal eunuch, representing the emperor's face. How dare you reprimand him like that!
Gao Yue turned around, her face instantly turning icy cold.

at the same time.

Wen He entered the Lizheng Hall.

Upon closer inspection, he realized that Li Shimin was not sitting on the throne, but rather on the imperial steps.

"minister……"

Wen He was about to bow when Li Shimin interrupted her, saying, "No need for bowing, come and sit here with me."

Li Shimin pointed to the seat next to him.

Seeing this, Wen He knew he was in a bad mood. If she refused now, she would definitely be scolded severely.

Seeing this, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and sit down next to Li Shimin.

"Did the auxiliary machine say anything to you outside just now?"

Wen He had just sat down when she heard Li Shimin ask a question.

He shook his head and said, "I ignored him."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin fell silent. After a long while, he finally spoke, saying, "I didn't want you to become irreconcilable enemies, but I didn't expect you to end up like this."

"The auxiliary machine really can't tolerate you!"

As a mentor and friend for so many years, Li Shimin knew Changsun Wuji's character very well.

He was capable, and therefore a little proud.

Of the eighteen scholars in the Prince of Qin's mansion back then, apart from Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, none of them could catch his eye.

The former two were indeed more capable and more experienced than him, which is why Changsun Wuji tolerated them.

But Wen He, a farmer's son, actually surpassed his son because he knew about the future.

"I am sorry for this. A year ago, I mentioned to Guanyinbi that I wanted to marry Lizhi to Changsun Chong. Although it was not told to outsiders, the people around Guanyinbi actually spread the news."

"I only learned about this recently."

Li Shimin exhaled a breath of stale air, his gaze slightly narrowed.

"Regarding the Wangchun Tower incident, both Li Daozong and you were used. Those people wanted to alienate Fuji or you from me, and Shangguan Yi was the person they placed by Changsun Chong's side."

Upon hearing this, Wen He couldn't help but be surprised.

There are so many twists and turns in this?

He knew that Li Daozong had deliberately taken him to Wangchun Tower in order to avenge his previous humiliation.

But unexpectedly, the whole thing was related to a powerful family.

"However, they didn't expect that you would dare to attack Changsun."

Li Shimin turned his gaze over.

Wen He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

"This is not my fault. Besides, you've already grounded me and fined me a year's salary."

The thought of losing those three thousand strings of cash made Wen He feel a pang of heartache. "Today's events were also caused by those people approaching Fu Ji, who were willing to let Tang Jian help him. As for what they exchanged, I don't know yet."

Li Shimin clenched his fists involuntarily.

The Changsun family's 100 cavalrymen did not assign any personnel, but those people already had his men in their residences long ago.

Now, another hundred riders have infiltrated.

Wen He suddenly felt a little cold.

Historically, Changsun Wuji didn't act so recklessly.

He probably wouldn't have had such audacity when Li Shimin was still alive.

Is it because of myself?
That day, he described Changsun Wuji's future, which made his ambitions swell prematurely?
"Fortunately, he didn't tell anyone about you."

This was the only thing that brought Li Shimin some comfort.

This at least shows that Changsun Wuji was still loyal to him.

Wen He did not answer; he was simply a listener.

“I watched Chong’er grow up. His temperament is similar to his father’s, just like Fu Ji when he was young. They are both a bit impatient.”

Wen He frowned upon hearing Li Shimin's words.

Could it be that Li Er is going to plead for Changsun Chong?
But you are the emperor. If you want to let Changsun Chong go, you don't need to ask my opinion.

His furrowed brows caught Li Shimin's eye, who immediately glared at him and slapped him on the head.

"I am not one to show favoritism!"

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty is truly wise."

Wen He covered her head and gave a dry laugh.

Then why are you suddenly saying all this?

“He is now engaged to the eldest aunt, and there is no turning back. For the sake of the eldest aunt, I cannot punish him severely.”

Although she was a concubine's daughter, she was still his biological daughter, and Li Shimin still loved her dearly.

If Changsun Chong is demoted or punished because of this, it will be his daughter who suffers in the future.

"I intend to transfer him there..."

"Your Majesty, the hundred cavalrymen are full; no more can come!"

Upon hearing this, Wen He quickly interrupted Li Shimin.

Changsun Chong is different from Dugu Chen and the Wu brothers.

The three behind them were just spoiled brats; they didn't have any major conflicts with Wen He.

But Changsun Chong is different. Because of him, the Changsun family and Wenhe will be mortal enemies in the future.

"He is the future imperial son-in-law, so naturally I will not let him join the Hundred Cavalry. What's the rush?"

Li Shimin glared at him irritably and continued, "Fine, let him stay in the Ministry of Rites."

Ha ha!

What wouldn't make him go to the Hundred Riders?

If Wen He hadn't refused so quickly, Li Shimin would definitely have done it.

He was also hoping to help Wen He ease tensions with the Changsun family.

This is absolutely impossible!

He is still young and cannot defeat Changsun Wuji.

He can't even defeat Changsun Chong?

"How is the situation with Goguryeo?"

Having finished the small talk, His Majesty the Emperor finally got to the point.

Wen He repeated what the Honglu Temple official and the Goguryeo envoy had just said.

"Yeon Gaesomun? I know this man. He is the son of Yeon Taejo, a powerful minister in Goguryeo, and is now the Grand General of Goguryeo, holding military and political power."

Even before the Tang Dynasty was established, Li Shimin harbored deep hostility towards Goguryeo.

Hundreds of thousands of Sui soldiers perished in Liaodong that year, including many of Li's generals.

"How does this man compare to me?"

Li Shimin asked.

"Trash," Wen He said.

The former looked at him in confusion, and Wen He then came to his senses and smiled, "It means that I can't compare to Your Majesty. You are the bright moon in the sky, and he is just dust on the ground."

"Then why do you attach so much importance to it?" Li Shimin asked.

Wen He raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled.

"Well, firstly, it's because Goguryeo is too united right now. Go Geonmu has only been in power for a short time and still relies on Yeon Gaesomun, but he definitely wants to get rid of this powerful minister. So I thought I'd try to sow some discord."

"Secondly, let's provoke Yeon Gaesomun and make him unable to eat or sleep well in Goguryeo. Anyway, a chaotic Goguryeo will definitely be beneficial to the Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin shook his head.

"This tactic of sowing discord is too clumsy."

Wen He's meaning was all too obvious.

Therefore, Li Shimin did not think Gao Jianwu would be fooled.

Wen He laughed and said, "But in history, Gao Jianwu did indeed try to take action against Yeon Gaesomun, but he failed and was killed. After that, Yeon Gaesomun became the de facto ruler of Goguryeo."

"The Goguryeo king he later supported, named Gao Zang, was a puppet. This man had always coveted the Tang Dynasty and was always thinking of unifying the peninsula before marching westward."

Yeon Gaesomun did the same thing in history.

It's just a pity that he met Li Shimin.

The Tang Dynasty's first campaign against Goguryeo nearly destroyed the country.

Unfortunately, the weather caused a shortage of supplies, which forced Li Shimin to retreat.

"I remember you said before that the reason I failed in my campaign against Goguryeo was because of the lack of supplies. Is there any way to solve this problem in the future?"

He was determined to destroy Goguryeo.

Otherwise, how could he prove that the Tang Dynasty was far superior to the Sui Dynasty?

"Let's take the sea route."

Wen He had already thought about this matter.

"Moreover, if we can attack from the sea, we can also cut off Goguryeo's rear."

Didn't that five-star general in later generations do just that?

He was once extremely proud of this, boasting every day that the landing operation had turned the tide of the war.

Unfortunately, he encountered that great general who stood tall and imposing.

"Sea route... You told Gao Ming before that if there were ships that could sail the seas in the future, could you build them?"

Li Shimin's gaze suddenly turned intense.

The Tang Dynasty had a topographical map of Goguryeo, so when Wen He said they would set off by sea, he pondered it for a moment.

"Well, I'll need some time. I'll have someone research it. Your Majesty, I only know the theory; you can't force me to do something I don't understand."

Wen He was worried that Li Shimin would give him another deadline to build the ship in a short period of time.

Do you really think he, a time traveler, can build warships by hand?

"Snapped!"

Li Shimin raised his hand and slapped him on the head again.

"You brat, do you really think of me as the kind of person who's eager for quick success and instant benefits?"

"I will give you five years. In these five years, I will pacify the Turks and stabilize the Western Regions. After five years, I wish to take a look at Goguryeo."

He didn't mention that Goguryeo would be destroyed five years later, and Wen He immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

The Tang Dynasty at that time was not like the Tianbao era; it was still very poor.

If we really go to war against Goguryeo, we might end up like Yang Guang.

"Alright, go and call those three people outside in. It's time to get to the bottom of what happened today."

Li Shimin gently nudged Wen He, who stood up and pouted resentfully.

This is treating him like a palace attendant.

Seeing his dissatisfaction, Li Shimin kicked him in the buttocks.

Wen He dodged the kick and exclaimed excitedly, "Hey, I missed!"

"You brat!"

Li Shimin pointed at him, somewhat amused and exasperated.

Wen He scurried outside and called Changsun Wuji, Tang Jian, and Li Daozong in.

(End of this chapter)