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

Chapter 247 They are going to destroy the Tang Dynasty, and destroy me!
"Injustice! Injustice!"

"I want to report this! I want to report this!"

"Wen He, you've gone against the tide, you'll get what's coming to you..."

"Snapped!"

A resounding slap made the person who was cursing Wen He see stars and knock out several teeth.

Dugu Chen withdrew his fist and looked at him coldly: "Take him away. I will personally search this person's home. You think you're worthy to scold Wen He? Father hasn't even done it yet."

The people from the Ministry of War stood there trembling, heads bowed, not daring to utter a single word of protest.

After so many years in office, who dares to say they are absolutely innocent?

Those who were swept away felt relieved, but also worried that Wen He might be waiting for them behind.

The public hall before them had become Fengdu, and Dugu Chen had become the ghost messenger who captured people's souls.

Of those he selected to enter, eight or nine out of ten were escorted away by a hundred riders.

There were also some, such as Chen Gui, the newly arrived secretary of the Treasury Department, who rarely came out smiling.

"Shouldn't we investigate whether Chen Gui accepted bribes?"

Huang Chun was somewhat surprised that Wen He let him go so easily.

At the very least, we should send a hundred riders to his house to investigate.

Wen He put the account book aside, took a sip of tea, and explained, "If we really take this seriously, then there will be no officials in the Tang Dynasty. Old Huang, you and Old Xu will probably have to go to the Hundred Cavalry Prison."

"Cough, nonsense, I'm penniless." Huang Chun felt a little uncomfortable.

Xu Jingzong, however, disagreed, saying, "Being an official inevitably involves dealing with interpersonal relationships and worldly affairs. Some things are hard to distinguish. If subordinates give gifts, how can one tell whether it's a gift or a bribe?"

Wen He also laughed and said, "There are no saints in this world. Even His Majesty would be happy to eat an extra piece of mutton. It's nothing for an official to take some money, but it's a person who takes money but does nothing, and greedily exploits the people. Such a person deserves to die."

“Not bad.” Xu Jingzong nodded in agreement.

Huang Chun felt somewhat helpless.

Only Wen He would dare to say something like that.

What do you mean by "Your Majesty will be happy if you eat an extra piece of mutton"?
Is Your Majesty such a vulgar person?

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. Next, it's time to get to the doctors."

Previously, those interrogated were all officials in charge, minor clerks, and assistant ministers.

Chen Gui was the first doctor to be called in for questioning.

Another clerk in the Treasury Department has already been arrested. After the matter with the Ministry of War is settled, people will be transferred from the Ministry of War to confiscate his property.

The Ministry of War was divided into four departments.

The Bureau of Military Affairs was responsible for the assessment of military officials, border defense and garrison, and the drawing of maps and topography of various regions.

There was one physician, one assistant physician, and two clerks in total.

Except for that one official, all the others were captured by the Hundred Cavalry.

The Department of Carriages was responsible for warhorses, royal carriages, and the vehicles used by officials. This department was previously supervised by Jing Junhong, but now it is personally overseen by Li Jing.

Except for one person in charge who embezzled ten catties of horse feed, everyone else was fine. Wen He only made the person in charge who embezzled the ten catties of horse feed pay money back.

Apart from Chen Gui and his two direct subordinates, the remaining Assistant Director and two other officials from the Treasury Department were all taken to the Hundred Cavalry.

The last one is the Military Affairs Department.

This was directly under the Ministry of War, and was also known externally as the Ministry of War Division.

It was personally overseen by Lü Shiheng, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, who was responsible for military administration, military orders, and rewards for soldiers.

As he watched his men go in one by one, and then be carried out by a hundred riders, Lü Shiheng's face grew increasingly ashen.

Lu Chengqing, standing beside him, held a cup of tea, seemingly enjoying it, but actually observing Lü Shiheng's expression.

He couldn't help but be surprised.

This magistrate of Gaoyang County is both a former member of the Prince of Qin's household and the Emperor's son-in-law, yet he is so ruthless in dealing with the Prince of Qin's faction.

The entire Military Affairs Department is about to be wiped out.

"Minister, Minister, save me! Minister, Minister!"

When the Secretary of the Ministry of War was dragged away by a hundred cavalrymen, the Ministry of War fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone involuntarily held their breath and looked at Lü Shiheng.

His face was so dark it looked like he'd just come out of a coal mine.

Lu Shiheng suddenly stood up and strode towards the government office.

Dugu Chen, who was blocking the doorway, immediately gripped his sword.

As a scion of a prominent family, he was fearless, except for Wen He and Zhang Wenxiao, who were among the hundred riders.

"Minister Lü knew we were leaving and came especially to see us off. You are being too kind."

Then, Xu Jingzong's teasing voice could be heard.

The three leaders of the Hundred Riders emerged from inside at almost the same time.

"Is this the end of the three of you?" Lu Chengqing walked over, greeting them with a smile.

This time he escaped unscathed.

Only three of his men were arrested; the rest were not involved in the embezzlement of military funds.

As for giving gifts privately, it's harmless.

"Yes, after all, His Majesty only granted me the discretionary power to interrogate officials below the fifth rank. If it is a fourth-rank official, then I may have to stay for a while longer."

Wen He squinted and smiled.

At that moment, he regretted telling Li Shimin about Lü Shiheng.

He's only been serving as Vice Minister of War for three months.

Li Er is probably going to be heartbroken this time.

“Gaoyang County magistrate, let’s talk in private.” Lü Shiheng understood Wen He’s meaning; he hadn’t expected Wen He to be so ungrateful.

They both came from the Qin Prince's Mansion, so couldn't he just turn a blind eye?
"I haven't slept well these past few days and am feeling a bit tired. Besides, there are so many things to do at the Ministry of War, so I won't stay any longer. Farewell."

"Wen He!"

"I am here!"

Wen He gave a cold shout.

The hundred riders around him immediately became alert and gripped their swords.

The officials from the Ministry of War around them were all taken aback.

Is this a prelude to taking action here?
"Ahem, Minister Lü, His Majesty is still waiting for us." Huang Chun coughed lightly and stepped forward to ease the atmosphere.

Lu Shiheng glared at Wen He, gritting his teeth, and said, "We have no grudges against each other, and we both serve His Majesty. Don't try to kill us all!"

This is practically a plea for mercy.

But Wen He didn't even glance at him, and strode outside.

"Walk."

“You from Gaoyang County, I’m seeing you off.”

Lu Chengqing chased after him with a beaming smile.

If Lü Shiheng were to step down, there would be a vacancy in the Ministry of War.

If the Vice Minister of War were to appoint someone from one of the five prominent families and seven prestigious clans, perhaps they could use this opportunity to place their own family members into the army.

"Shiheng."

Inside the Lizheng Hall, Li Shimin looked worried.

For every person from the Ministry of War arrested by a hundred cavalrymen, a name would be sent to Li Shimin.

But upon seeing these people's names, Li Shimin knew that the situation was getting out of control.

"Pharmacist, if it were Shiheng... alas." Li Shimin sighed helplessly.

After all, he was a former member of the Prince of Qin's household.

Moreover, in the original history, Lü Shiheng died in battle to protect Xuanwu Gate.

In this life, his life was spared, and he was even made the Vice Minister of War.

I hope he won't disappoint me.

Li Jing remained silent. In the past few days, besides going to the Taiji Hall and the Liangyi Hall, he had been coming to the Lizheng Hall.

To avoid suspicion, he didn't even get close to the Ministry of War.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Minister Lü will not disappoint you."

Seeing that Li Shimin was in a bad mood, Changsun Wuji spoke up to comfort him.

Li Shimin nodded, then suddenly remembered something and asked Changsun Wuji, "I heard that the Ministry of Revenue was going to conduct a self-inspection. Has the Assistant Minister found anything?"

Strangely enough, nearly 40% of the officials in the Ministry of War have been imprisoned, but the Ministry of Civil Affairs has not made any move.

He thought that Changsun Wuji didn't want him to worry, so he kept it to himself. Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji smiled and said, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Civil Affairs' accounts are still being checked. After all, the accounts are complicated and involve a long period of time, so it will probably take some more time."

"Hmm?" Li Shimin stared at him intently.

"But why did Wen He investigate the Ministry of War's accounts so quickly?"

"Quickly?" Changsun Wuji asked, puzzled.

He had indeed been diligently investigating the Ministry of Civil Affairs' accounts these past few days, so he didn't know much about Wen He's affairs in the Ministry of War.

He had previously served as Vice Minister of War, so he understood that if those accounts were to be investigated, it would take at least a month.

Why did Your Majesty say "swiftly"?
"You don't know?" Seeing his confusion, Li Shimin couldn't help but frown.

Changsun Wuji was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

"Wen He investigated all the accounts of the Ministry of War from the sixth year of the Wude era to this year in just five days, and yesterday he began to arrest the officials involved in the Ministry of War."

"Although the Ministry of Civil Affairs' accounts are complicated, if we use the method he taught us to calculate them, it shouldn't be this much slower, right? Could it be that that brat is deliberately hiding his abilities and hasn't put in the effort to teach the Ministry of Civil Affairs' accounting methods?"

"Quack."

Changsun Wuji's heart trembled slightly.

But he immediately wanted to come up with an explanation.

"Your Majesty, I sent people to consult with the magistrate of Gaoyang County, but unfortunately, he was too busy with other matters, so they were sent back."

He's shifting all the blame onto Wen He.

He seemed to be saying that Wen He was busy, but in reality he was accusing Wen He of being lazy and not doing his job.

"You mean those few frustrated and marginalized officials? Isn't the calculation work supposed to be done by the Department of Revenue and Expenditure? Why not let them do it?"

Li Shimin learned of the news as soon as those officials left the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

He has been giving Changsun Wuji a chance, but he still hasn't sent anyone to learn from Wen He.

Even though you know Wen He comes from the future and knows about future events, you, Changsun Wuji, are still so arrogant.

Li Shimin's hand, which was under the table, was clenched tightly into a fist.

"I am guilty."

Upon seeing this, Changsun Wuji immediately confessed his guilt.

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes and slammed his palm heavily on the table.

“You know you are guilty, and I know you have a grudge against Wen He, but this is a matter of state. When did you become such a person who disregards state affairs? How can I entrust you with my future?”

Towards the end, Li Shimin spoke with particular earnestness.

Changsun Wuji lowered his head, his heart filled with horror.

How could I forget that I would one day be a minister entrusted with the care of the young emperor?

"Alas, it seems you still need to gain some experience." Li Shimin shook his head.

Changsun Wuji's expression changed drastically. He looked up at Li Shimin and heard him slowly say, "Have the Secretariat draft an edict and the Chancellery issue it, promoting Dou Jing to Minister of Civil Affairs."

"His Majesty!"

Changsun Wuji's eyes widened immediately.

Prior to this, everyone assumed that, including Changsun Wuji himself, knew.

After the reign title is changed, he will definitely become the Minister of Revenue.

But now His Majesty has appointed Dou Jing as Minister of Civil Affairs, so what does that make him?

"Fuji, I hope that you and I, as ruler and subject, will strive together and not let personal matters disrupt the administration of the state!"

That statement is undeniably heavy.

Changsun Wuji stood there blankly for a long time.

He doesn't seem to have adapted yet.

The person sitting on that throne now is no longer the King of Qin.

Instead, he was the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and he was already a subject of the emperor.

Everyone in the Lizheng Hall held their breath and focused.

No one dared to gloat.

Because they didn't know whether His Majesty the Emperor was doing this to protect Changsun Wuji.

Who knows how many people will be implicated in this case of embezzlement of military funds?

The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Civil Affairs were the first to be affected.

"Your Majesty."

Just then, a palace attendant walked in.

Seeing this, Changsun Wuji could only step aside.

"What happened?" Li Shimin asked, his anger somewhat subsiding.

After the eunuch stepped forward and bowed, he said, "Your Majesty, Xu Jingzong, the Hundred Cavalry Advisor, and Huang Chun, the Supervisor, request an audience."

"Oh~ Is this a matter concerning the Ministry of War? Hmm, where is Wen He?"

Li Shimin paused in stroking his beard, then realized that the eunuch had forgotten to mention one person.

The eunuch shook his head blankly.

"Let them in."

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes, already guessing where Wen He had gone.

Before long, Xu Jingzong and Huang Chun entered the hall and bowed deeply to Li Shimin.

The two had just stood up when they heard Li Shimin ask, "Where is Wen He? Has that brat gone home?"

Xu Jingzong and Huang Chun were taken aback.

It must be said that His Majesty really knows Wenxianzi very well; he guessed it right away.

"Your Majesty, the magistrate of Wen County has been working tirelessly day and night for several days, sleeping only one or two hours a day, in order to investigate the matter of the Ministry of War. He is still young, so he has been sleeping in."

Xu Jingzong recited from memory.

Li Shimin snorted and pointed at Xu Jingzong and Huang Chun, saying, "You both know that he is still young, how can you let him do whatever he wants?"

"Gao Yue, quickly send the imperial physician to his house to take a look and prescribe some mild tonics. That brat's body is already weak."

"Yes, sir." Upon hearing this, Gao Yue bowed and withdrew.

Everyone felt somewhat helpless upon hearing this.

His Majesty's favor towards Wen He seems a bit excessive.

I'm afraid even the crown prince doesn't receive this treatment.

"How is the matter concerning the Ministry of War?" Li Shimin continued to ask.

Huang Chun took out a scroll from his sleeve.

"Your Majesty, all the Ministry of War's account books from the sixth to the ninth year of the Wude reign have been thoroughly investigated, and all the officials involved in the embezzlement of military funds have been arrested and are currently being held in custody up to one hundred cavalrymen."

Since Gao Yue was not present, Huang Chun took the initiative to hand over the scroll.

Li Shimin took it, opened it, glanced at it a few times, and his face suddenly turned furious.

"Corrupt officials, a bunch of corrupt officials! Forty percent of the officials in my Ministry of War are involved! They are going to ruin the Tang Dynasty and ruin me!"

He slammed his palm down, and the table shook.

Upon seeing this, everyone quickly stood up.

"Your Majesty, calm down."

"As the Minister of War, I have failed in my duty of oversight. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Li Jing got up and knelt down in the middle of the main hall.

Seeing this, Li Shimin calmed down a bit: "Pharmacist, what are you doing? You're new to the Ministry of War, this matter has nothing to do with you, get up quickly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Li Jing and Li Shimin were just putting on an act; no one would really blame him for the crime.

But Jing Junhong is likely to be implicated.

"Your Majesty, I have something else to report."

Xu Jingzong then took out another document from his sleeve.

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "There's no need to bring it up. Just say it."

"Here."

Xu Jingzong responded, glanced at Changsun Wuji, and then opened the scroll.

"Your subject Wen He impeaches Lü Shiheng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, for colluding with Wei Tai, Fan Jialiang, Qin Hai, and Zheng Yuan, the Directors of the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, to embezzle 1,365,200 guan of military funds and 8,025 shi of grain."

(End of this chapter)