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

Chapter 228 How do you intend to describe the Xuanwu Gate?
"Are you testing me?" Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly.

Wen He was speechless: "Your Majesty, please don't try that on me. I'm not Fang Xuanling or anyone else."

As soon as he finished speaking, the former burst into laughter and then slapped him on the head.

"You brat."

"But I really don't know who you're talking about?"

Huh?
There were times when even Li Shimin couldn't see it.

Wen He thought that Li Er could see through her thoughts, but it turns out that there are times when he doesn't understand.

Wen He couldn't help but smile, but when he looked up, he saw that Li Er's gaze was unfriendly, so he immediately suppressed his playful smile and said, "I am a member of the imperial family or a prince, Your Majesty."

"imperial clan?"

Li Shimin had indeed not given much thought to the issue of the imperial clan.

Although he had tricked them once before, he believed that if they could go to sea in the future, the royal family would definitely benefit a lot.

But Wen He's sudden mention of it made him think about it.

Supporting the imperial family is indeed a very big problem.

The imperial court was short of money, but it still had to allocate a large amount of funds every year.

He had reduced it somewhat before, but the remaining amount was still astronomical.

"Your Majesty, the imperial family and the vassal kings are all your blood relatives. If you can control them, they will become your sharpest weapons in the future."

"Furthermore, what if we take this opportunity to get the royal family to support your collection of commercial taxes?"

Wen He winked at him.

He couldn't believe that Li Shimin wouldn't be tempted by such a large cake placed in front of him.

"Commercial tax?"

Li Shimin's brows relaxed.

He had mentioned it to Wen He a long time ago, but he himself rejected it.

Because those people in the court will definitely oppose it.

However, if the royal family supports it, then this matter might actually be able to proceed.

"I understand. I will discuss this matter with my uncle, and I am sure the imperial family will agree."

Li Er smiled.

But Wen He always felt that his smile made him feel like he had thorns in his back.

What if the royal family disagrees?
Forget it, that scene was too bloody and not suitable for children.

"The affairs of the imperial clan are of little concern. What I care more about now is talent and the imperial examinations. The examinations will begin after the reign title is changed, but when I think about how the participants will be scions of aristocratic families, I..."

His words came to an abrupt end, but Wen He understood what he meant.

Actually, he felt that Li Shimin was being a bit pretentious, or rather, a bit extreme.

So what if they are from a prestigious family? As long as they can be used by the emperor, that's enough.

But he insisted on getting stuck on this particular point.

Perhaps it was the events of the Sui Dynasty that left Li Shimin with lingering fears.

He can suppress these people now because of his military achievements, but what about in the future, or a hundred years from now?
Li Shimin viewed these powerful clans as a threat, not for his own sake, but for the sake of his descendants.

Back then, when Cao Cao was alive, would Sima Yi have dared to make any rash moves?

Back then, when Yang Jian was alive, didn't Yuwen Shiji also live a life of hiding and cowardice?
And the Li family too.

In fact, it still comes down to the saying: "Those who start such things will surely have no descendants."

"Your Majesty doesn't remember this matter, but it can actually be divided into two steps."

"Talk about it."

Li Shimin looked at Wen He meaningfully.

He knew this brat must have something up his sleeve.

Since the imperial examination system was able to survive for over a thousand years, it must have been reformed by later generations.

"The first step is to enable some people to afford to read and write. We have actually completed half of this step so far."

The availability of cheap paper, coupled with the advent of woodblock printing, made the spread of knowledge much faster.

However, there is another problem: the monopoly of knowledge by each company.

This practice began in the Han Dynasty; these aristocratic families kept their classic texts hidden away, regarding them as their exclusive possessions.

The situation was somewhat better during the Sui and Tang dynasties, as various aristocratic families allowed people from other surnames to serve them in order to advance their own development.

However, this comes at a price.

However, for many people from disadvantaged backgrounds, such a price can also be seen as an opportunity.

Some people don't even have the opportunity to acknowledge their ancestors, like Li Yifu.

The Li family of Longxi has never acknowledged that he is from the same clan.

"And what about the remaining half?" Li Shimin asked.

"Publish a book."

Wen He smiled.

"You mentioned those classic texts. There are indeed some in the palace. I have ordered the Imperial Workshop to handle this matter."

Li Shimin felt no surprise whatsoever, because he had already anticipated this.

He printed those books and sold them at low prices, but even so, he felt it wasn't enough.

Nowadays, most of those who can afford to study come from poor families.

Ordinary commoners have no chance to study; they spend most of their time working in the fields every day.

But this is for the best, at least it allows more people from poor families to get an education.

"Not just those classic books, but also stories, novels, fables, and the like. For example, write a novel about the Chu-Han Contention, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, or Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties... Hey, that's good, The Legend of Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties."

Wen He initially wanted to write about the Three Kingdoms, but after careful consideration, the latter seemed more interesting.

"Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties?" Li Shimin narrowed his eyes, staring at Wen He with hostility.

"You little rascal, are you trying to use this opportunity to slander me? No way. I am interested in that Romance of the Three Kingdoms you mentioned, but do you think you can remember it?"

Li Shimin stroked his beard.

Wen He pouted unhappily: "Your Majesty, this has been written to death. In the novels I read in my previous life, when you transmigrated to the Tang Dynasty, you wrote about the Three Kingdoms. Why don't you write about the Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties? I guarantee I'll portray you as wise and mighty."

"Really."

Li Shimin suddenly looked at him with a smile, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and asked, "Then how will the magistrate of Gaoyang describe the Xuanwu Gate?"

"Ahem, Your Majesty, I suddenly feel that what you said makes a lot of sense. Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a good historical novel and one of the future Four Great Classical Novels. I think it is necessary to bring it forward."

How could he forget that?

No wonder Li Shimin looked like he was about to devour him just now.

Li Shimin snorted, but after a moment of contemplation, he suddenly changed his mind.

"However, the events before the ninth year of Wude can be written down, which can be considered as me making those meritorious officials famous."

"So what should I write?!"

Why does Li Er change his mind so often?

"Can't you write both?"

"That won't do, Your Majesty. You don't know, I used to know an author who wrote 10,000 words a day, but he died of high blood sugar. Before he died, he was still begging for monthly tickets and rewards. How pitiful."

"What a mess."

Li Shimin was completely bewildered and had no idea what Wen He meant.

The latter was just a joke, but writing two books wouldn't be a problem.

Anyway, I'll just write it slowly. If all else fails, I'll just find a down-on-his-luck writer from a poor family to write my manuscript.

As for the content...

Having read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" for over a decade, he could even recite the entire book backwards... well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but he remembered most of the content.

If others can write "Dream of the Red Chamber" after time travel, why can't he copy "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"?

They're all plagiarists anyway.

"You write the Sui and Tang chapters first. I want to see them. I'll give you three days to write a few chapters."

Do you pay for the articles?

"How much do you want?"

Li Shimin asked casually.

Wen He held up one finger and laughed, "One string per time." "I'll give you a big slap!"

Li Shimin raised his hand to strike, but Wen He dodged it with a quick movement.

Seeing this, the former suddenly reached out and used his palm to form a claw to grab him.

Wen He waved his hand to block and restrain Li Shimin's arm. Upon seeing this, the latter couldn't help but smirk and swung his left hand, resulting in a loud "smack".

"You brat, you dare to resist?"

Li Shimin clapped his hands in satisfaction.

Wen He looked at him gloomily.

Never mind, he's Li Shimin, losing to him isn't shameful.

By the way, where did Li Tai go? I suddenly feel an itch to touch him.

"What do you mean 'you'? Go and write it properly. After you finish, go to the Ministry of War to report that Pharmacist Li and Shi Yi have something to discuss with you."

Shiyi is the courtesy name of Jing Junhong.

Although he is no longer the Minister of War, as the General of the Left Guard and a Pillar of State of the Tang Dynasty, he still assists Li Jing.

"Your Majesty, I know absolutely nothing about military affairs, are you really going to send me to the Ministry of War?"

Wen He had previously thought that Li Shimin was just looking for an excuse to give him another official position.

I never expected that he would actually think that way.

Li Shimin glared at him with annoyance.

"No one is born with knowledge. Everything must be learned through hard work. If you stay at home all day, you will naturally not know anything."

"What if I don't go?"

"The Left Garrison is recruiting soldiers for training soon. How about I send you there for some practice?"

"Haha, just kidding."

Training in the freezing wind is worse than just loafing around in the Ministry of War's office.

The banquet was almost over.

Wen Zhong called someone in to remind Wen He.

As the host, we should see them off.

Upon arriving at the front hall, one sees people from the five prominent families, the seven noble clans, the Guanzhong region, and the gentry all appearing to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

It seems everything has already been divided.

"It is truly an honor for me that you all have graced my humble abode today. If there is any inadequacy in our hospitality, please forgive me."

Wen He bowed to them.

The old man from the Cui family laughed loudly and said, "What are you saying, Wen County boy? Today's events are beneficial to the country and its people. It is truly a blessing for the country that Wen County boy has such talent at such a young age."

“Not bad, not bad. I was blind before. From now on, Wen County Boy will be a friend of the Lu family.” The old man from the Lu family stroked his beard, but there was still a hint of charity in his words.

It's as if it's saying, "From now on, you, Wen He, will be a friend recognized by the Lu family, and you should feel honored."

Wen He smiled faintly and ignored them.

"Please come here to pick up your goods next spring."

This phrase means to see the guest off.

Most of the people present did not intend to stay long, and after saying goodbye, they left.

However, two people did stay.

One was Wen Yanbo, and the other was a young man.

Wen He didn't recognize him, but the latter kept grinning at him.

However, since everyone is a guest, Wen He asked with a polite smile.

"you are?"

"Greetings, brother-in-law. I am Changsun Huan."

Before he could finish speaking, Wen He's smile vanished.

The Changsun family has actually sent people today.

I should have been more careful and taken a look at the visiting card earlier.

"So you are the son of Vice Minister Changsun. Now that we have met, I will not see you off."

Don't assume that just because you've replaced him with a son, he'll be all smiles and gentleness.

He feels annoyed whenever he sees members of the Changsun family.

“Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, my brother offended you before, but that was his fault alone. I am not as foolish as him.”

When Changsun Huan saw that Wen He was about to leave, he quickly stopped him.

Wen Yanbo, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but frown.

He had something he wanted to talk to Wen He about, and having Changsun Huan here was a complete waste of his time.

“Young Master Changsun, I also have something to discuss with Jiaying. Why don’t you come another day?”

Wen Yanbo stared at the former.

However, the former showed no intention of backing down and whispered to Wen He, "Brother-in-law, don't hold a grudge. I've never gotten along with that Changsun Chong. I should thank you for his misfortune."

This person... must be out of their mind.

"Then please go home and celebrate." Wen He's expression was not pleasant.

Changsun Huan, however, did not take it to heart and said with a smile, "I would never dare to go home to celebrate. I just want to ask my brother-in-law for a favor. If it can be done, I will be eternally grateful in the future."

Wen He stopped and looked at Changsun Huan.

He wondered if this was some kind of trap that Changsun Wuji had set for him.

There is no historical record of discord within the Changsun family.

However, with Changsun Wuji keeping them in check, these brothers dared not disagree.

Moreover, as the eldest son of the legitimate wife, Changsun Chong, whether due to etiquette or Changsun Wuji's favoritism, had virtually no opportunity for the other members of the Changsun family to stand out.

Wen He remembered that Changsun Huan was only mentioned briefly in historical records, and his final position was Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Duke of Shangdang.

Then he was implicated by Changsun Wuji and exiled.

Seeing Wen He hesitate, Changsun Huan quickly stated his request: "Please, brother-in-law, transfer me to the Hundred Cavalry."

"what?"

“Brother-in-law, as you know, my father has always favored my elder brother since childhood, and has ignored me and the other brothers. Last year, my father even refused to let me participate in the imperial examination, so I could only go to the Hundred Cavalry.”

He said he was going to the Hundred Riders; does that mean he wants to join me?

impossible!

Wen He shook her head.

There must be something fishy going on here.

“The Hundred Cavalry are His Majesty’s direct subordinates, and I also wish to leave a way out for the Changsun family.” Changsun Huan spoke sincerely and bowed to Wen He.

Looking at him, Wen He calmed herself down.

His eyes darted around, and he immediately flicked his long sleeves and scolded.

"What are you saying? I don't understand. His Majesty has shown great favor and trust to Vice Minister Changsun. In the future, Vice Minister Changsun will surely become a pillar of our Great Tang. How dare you talk about a way out? This is utter nonsense."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Huan paused for a moment before quickly apologizing, "Yes, yes, I misspoke. But please consider it, brother-in-law. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now."

He said no more, bowed to Wen He and Wen Yanbo respectively, and then took his leave.

Test?
Watching his departing figure, Wen He was somewhat confused.

Changsun Wuji is too dangerous.

Don't be fooled by the fact that he was killed by Li Zhi, making him seem weak.

But you should know that those who lost to Changsun Wuji's men were no less formidable.

If Li Zhi hadn't been the emperor and his nephew, the outcome of their contest would have been uncertain.

"Jiaying."

Just as Wen He was pondering, Wen Yanbo's peaceful laughter suddenly came from the side.

The former then remembered that there was still one person who hadn't left.

"Lord Wen, is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

Wen He smiled and bowed.

Seeing this, Wen Yanbo returned the greeting and said with a smile, "Jiaying, there is a private matter I would like to ask you about."

(End of this chapter)