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

Chapter 223 Guanyin's maid is so biased towards her son-in-law
"I will pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Once inside the Lizheng Hall, Tang Jian remained uneasy and dared not raise his head.

He didn't know what Wen He and His Majesty the Emperor had said, but he could sense that the atmosphere in the hall was clearly off.

"How long has Tang Qing been serving in the Ministry of Rites?"

Li Shimin didn't even lift his eyelids, and asked a question with a calm expression.

"Your Majesty, it has been more than two months." Tang Jian's voice trembled.

"Yes, Tang Qing, you've worked hard. With you in charge, the Ministry of Rites is running smoothly."

Li Shimin's words sent a chill down Tang Jian's spine.

He wasn't afraid of Li Shimin scolding him, but he was afraid of him speaking to him so kindly.

"Death penalty!"

Tang Jian knew that rather than waiting for Li Shimin to speak out, it would be better for him to confess directly, which might let His Majesty know his attitude.

"You've worked hard, Minister Tang. I was too eager to give you some experience, but I didn't consider that you might not be up to the task. I plan to send you to the Ministry of Justice for some training. Are you willing?"

Li Shimin asked with a smile.

While it seemed like he was asking for his opinion, Tang Jian understood that he had no choice but to resign from his position in the Ministry of Rites.

"Your subject dares not disobey."

"Yes, I am aware of Tang Qing's abilities. Go to the Ministry of Justice as a supervising vice minister. Do a good job and don't make any more mistakes."

Li Shimin's words were veiled, but Tang Jian knew they were a warning to him.

If there is a next time, he will either go to Lingnan or Longyou.

Tang Jian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that His Majesty was considering his past merits; otherwise, given his actions of abusing his power for personal gain and secretly exchanging favors with Changsun Wuji, it would have been a different story.

Being demoted from Chang'an to the position of prefect is considered a lenient punishment.

His Majesty has kept him in Chang'an, but only demoted him to the rank of Inspector General.

"Go back."

"Your subject thanks you for your grace."

Tang Jian bowed deeply to Li Shimin, then bowed and withdrew.

"You go out too. As for Goguryeo, just do as Wen He said. If they don't give them the people, then ignore them."

Li Shimin was referring to Li Daozong.

The latter was taken aback, then secretly breathed a sigh of relief and bowed to Li Shimin, saying, "Your subject takes his leave."

After he left, he winked at Wen He before walking out.

With Li Daozong gone, only Li Shimin, Changsun Wuji, and Wen He remained in the Lizheng Hall.

Even Gao Yue consciously withdrew.

"Now it's just our family here."

Li Shimin stepped down from the throne with a heavy gaze.

"Your Majesty, I am guilty."

Changsun Wuji bowed with his hands clasped.

Li Shimin walked up to him and helped him up.

"I know you did this for Chong'er, but this time you were really too reckless. Fuji, you and I have a deep bond, much deeper than this brat."

"Do you really think I would disregard our past relationship and let Chong'er suffer? He is my nephew and son-in-law."

He held Changsun Wuji's hand and spoke earnestly.

Changsun Wuji's eyes immediately reddened as he looked at Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, I was confused."

"It's not your fault, how could I blame you? It's all because of this brat, who went and provoked Chong'er for no reason."

Li Shimin suddenly glared at Wen He.

"You brat, why don't you apologize to your uncle!" he shouted.

Seeing the two of them display such superb acting skills in front of her, Wen He almost clapped and cheered.

They're all ancient foxes, why are you talking about Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio?

Wen He knew that Li Shimin was giving Changsun Wuji a way out, and incidentally, giving himself a way out as well, since he still couldn't do without Changsun Wuji.

If he can punish even his own brother-in-law at will, then others will fear him.

If an emperor can put aside his own family for the greater good, how would he treat his other ministers?
“Your Majesty, this matter is not the fault of the magistrate of Gaoyang County. It is my fault for not disciplining him properly. That rebellious son dared to send gunpowder to foreign countries without permission. I request Your Majesty to dismiss him from his post and let him reflect on his actions at home.”

Changsun Wuji was trying to get Changsun Chong to cut off his tail to save his life.

For a mere official in charge, being dismissed is nothing; it means nothing to the Changsun family.

Changsun Chong is only fifteen years old now; it's only a matter of time before he enters the Six Ministries.

Changsun Wuji seemed unconcerned about this.

"Alas, I originally wanted to let Chong'er gain some experience, but I never expected... It's all that brat's fault!"

Li Shimin raised his hand and slapped Wen He on the head.

"Apologize to your uncle now."

"Yes, Uncle, I was wrong." Wen He said, but in his heart he was already cursing.

You, Li Er, if you want to put on a show for Changsun Wuji, then why should I cooperate?

Do you think that by showing weakness, this old cunning bastard will stop targeting me?
“Why are you so upset, Gao Yang County boy? This is all your uncle’s fault. He failed to discipline that rebellious son, and you have suffered this injustice.”

Changsun Wuji turned around and said to Wen He with a look of fear.

"No, no, no, it's my fault. I hit him too hard and almost killed him."

"It's my uncle's fault. That unfilial son is so outspoken. Even if he's beaten to death, it doesn't matter."

The two looked at each other, their faces showing humility and remorse, but their eyes clearly held a hint of resentment.

'You old sly fox!'

'A country bumpkin!'

'You deserve to have your whole family exiled!'

'I will make you pay a hundredfold in the future!'

"Uncle, I was wrong."

"Jiaying, your uncle is wrong."

The two of them howled loudly.

Li Shimin stood aside, seemingly oblivious to their undercurrent of argument, and held their hands with a look of satisfaction.

"How fortunate I am to have Fuji and Jiaying. This is a blessing from Heaven for the Tang Dynasty. If you two can put aside past grievances, you will surely help the Tang Dynasty prosper."

"I am terrified."

Changsun Wuji bowed.

Wen He was a beat slow, but then he followed the old schemer's example and bowed to Li Shimin.

The latter patted Changsun Wuji's hand and said, "Chong'er is still injured, so he should rest at home first. As for the Ministry of Rites, he is still young and needs to learn first."

Li Shimin meant that Changsun Chong's position as the head of the Ministry of Rites was gone.

Moreover, he will not be given any official position for a long time to come.

Changsun Wuji had anticipated this, so he was not surprised. He bowed to Li Shimin and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

"As for you," he said, pointing at Wen He, "you've been confined for quite some time now. I think you must know you've made a mistake. You should take responsibility for the Ministry of Works. When will you produce the blank paper and the fried tea?"

The so-called confinement was just a show for Changsun Wuji.

Otherwise, Li Daozong wouldn't have been able to openly let Wen He out.

"Um, Your Majesty, I think..."

"Hmm, I know you must feel the punishment isn't enough. How about we lift the confinement and have you stay at the Left Guard for a few days?"

Li Shimin glared at him.

He knew that Wen He desperately wanted to rest for a few more days.

The latter quickly shook his head: "No, no, no, Your Majesty's words are quite right. The blank paper is a matter that benefits the world, so it cannot be delayed any longer. How about three days later?"

"Okay, then three days from now."

The first batch of paper had been made at the paper mill a long time ago, but since Wen He was not there, the people from the Ministry of Works did not dare to make decisions on their own, so it had been stored away.

Although Li Shimin knew about this matter long ago, he deliberately delayed it because Wen He was not present.

During this time, many members of prominent families were getting impatient, but dared not inquire.

They only dared to inquire, both openly and covertly, about how much longer Wen He would be confined.

When Li Shimin issued the decree, he did not specify a time.

This was all so that these aristocratic families would suffer the consequences of their own actions.

If you dare to scheme against Wen He, then don't blame me for scheming against you.

"It's getting late. I've asked the Empress to prepare a family banquet. You two can stay and dine together today."

Li Shimin smiled broadly and grasped the wrists of Wen He and Changsun Wuji, one on each side. The former was somewhat taken aback and wanted to refuse, but Li Shimin first warned him with a look.

The latter chuckled and replied, "As you command."

At the family dinner, everyone tacitly avoided mentioning Changsun Chong.

Even when Empress Zhangsun asked about matters at home, Zhangsun Wuji tactfully avoided the question, saying only, "Everything is fine at home, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Then Changsun Wugou also inquired about Wen He, and his answer was exactly the same as Changsun Wuji's.

"As the saying goes, harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things, and harmony between the ruler and his subjects brings peace and prosperity to the country," Li Shimin concluded.

"What your Majesty said is true."

A family dinner.

Wen He found the food tasteless.

Everyone has selfish desires. Empress Zhangsun is not a saint, and Wen He does not believe that she has no grudges.

But she still treated Wen He with a kind and gentle demeanor, which made the latter feel very awkward.

So he only ate a few bites of food before putting down his chopsticks.

When the time was right, I took my leave.

"That brat still harbors resentment."

After everyone else had left, only Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun remained.

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun laughed and said, "I'm afraid he thinks I have a grudge against him. In the past, when he came to my place, he would wolf down his food, but today he barely touched his chopsticks."

“Changsun Chong is, after all, your nephew. It’s understandable that he harbors resentment over this matter, but for him to treat you like this, he truly deserves a beating.”

Li Shimin had naturally noticed Wen He's expression earlier.

They just didn't make a fuss about it.

"That's true nature," Empress Zhangsun said with a smile, not taking Wen He's cold demeanor from earlier to heart.

"After all, he is a young man. I remember he was only in his early twenties and had no relatives to rely on, so he would inevitably think more than others."

"Your Majesty, I also like him. This time, Chong'er was instigated and said those filthy things to him, which really made him feel wronged. This time, my elder brother was so reckless and ruined his plans. It's a pity that he will have to be scolded by Your Majesty."

Empress Zhangsun actually spoke up for Wen He.

If he were here, he certainly wouldn't believe it.

However, Li Shimin had already gotten used to it.

Having been married for over a decade, he naturally understands the personality of the person beside him.

That's why we've arranged this family dinner today.

"He is now in charge of three ministries. I am not doing him any harm. Once he starts doing business with the aristocratic families, he will be making a fortune every day. It's a good deal for this brat."

The laws of the Tang Dynasty prohibited officials from engaging in business.

Wen He is an exception.

"His Majesty also has a share of this money. It's a pity that your son-in-law has to suffer for you," Empress Zhangsun teased deliberately.

Li Shimin was taken aback, and then said with a hint of resentment, "Is Guanyinbi so biased towards her son-in-law?"

"Your Majesty, I am acting in accordance with both reason and family."

"Enough, enough. It was wrong of me to deduct a year's salary from him. I will have someone from the Imperial Treasury send him 300,000 coins in a moment as a reward for this."

Li Shimin didn't say what kind of reward it was, so Empress Zhangsun didn't ask.

She never interfered in matters of state unless Li Shimin spoke of them.

Wen He's contribution in sowing discord in Goryeo deserves a promotion.

Unfortunately, he is too young now.

So all I can do is send some money.

Three hundred thousand coins? My money is back?

When the cart loaded with copper coins arrived at Wen He's house, he immediately ordered his men to open all the boxes.

"His Majesty said this is a reward."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

How much is 300,000 coins?
If all of it were poured out, it would be as high as a small hill.

"Brother, buy some candy."

Wenrou gently tugged at Wenhe's sleeve, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"purchase."

"Sir, I'm out of ink and brush."

Li Tai imitated a gentle manner, and Wen He's face immediately darkened. She slapped him on the head.

"You, the Prince of Wei, are trying to plead poverty with me?"

"Father won't give me any money," Li Tai said, feeling wronged.

He was penniless when he left the palace; if it weren't for Wen He providing him with food and lodging, he would have starved to death long ago.

"I want to eat, too."

When Li Taigang started complaining about being poor, Li You also came over, his hands clenched into a knot, looking aggrieved.

Helpless, Wen He turned to look at Li Ke.

He pursed his lips and blinked.

"Buy, buy, buy! Buy whatever the Yifu needs."

Li Yifu never expected that he would be included.

Although he acknowledged Wen He as his teacher, he had not yet formally performed the apprenticeship ceremony, and he always thought it was just wishful thinking on his part.

I never expected that the gentleman would still be thinking of me.

He was touched, but felt he shouldn't spend Wen He's money, so he politely declined.

"Sir, I still have some savings."

"Then you three can keep your meager savings to buy your own snacks. Today, I'm taking you shopping!"

Having been confined at home for so long, Wen He was already tired of staying at home.

"Let's go."

Upon hearing this, Wenrou excitedly grabbed Wenhe's sleeve and headed outside.

Upon seeing this, Wenzhong quickly prepared a carriage.

"His Majesty rewarded Wen He with 300,000 coins?"

The news quickly spread throughout Chang'an.

Changsun Wuji naturally received the news as well.

He slammed his fist on the table in anger.

'Is His Majesty telling him that he still needs Wen He?'

Thinking of what happened at the Lizheng Hall, Changsun Wuji's eyes darkened.

'We can't touch that brat these next few years, so we might as well have the rest of the family show him weakness first.'

Changsun Chong, standing to the side, said indignantly, "Father, could Wen He be His Majesty's illegitimate son? Why does His Majesty favor him so much? I am not convinced!"

"Snapped!"

Changsun Wuji slapped him across the face.

"You unfilial son, it's all your fault for being reckless and ignorant. If you dare to talk nonsense again, I will break your legs!"

Changsun Chong covered his face and stood there blankly.

As far back as he could remember, his father had never hit him, nor had he ever said a harsh word to him.

"Erlang."

Changsun Wuji suddenly called out.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Huan was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward.

"You can go to Wen He's place in three days. You've always been humble, so Wen He won't make things difficult for you."

This kind of thing was usually done by Changsun Chong, but today it fell to Changsun Huan.

The latter suppressed his elation and replied, "Father, rest assured, I understand."

"Aye."

Changsun Chong was unconvinced, but Changsun Wuji glared at him, and he immediately fell silent.

"From this day forward, you shall go to the school to study. If you dare to leave the house, I shall break your legs!"

Changsun Chong's face turned ashen.

Seeing his elder brother like this, Changsun Huan felt smug.

As for going to Wen He's residence, he was not worried.

It was his elder brother who offended Wen He, not him.

(End of this chapter)