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

Chapter 287: All the people are guilty, and the fault lies with me

Inside the Tai Chi Hall.

The hall was filled with crimson official robes that spread out like a tide.

Officials of all ranks stood in a row, and amidst the rustling of their clothes, a glaring green suddenly appeared.

Wen He huddled at the back of the line, his green robe, befitting a low-ranking eighth-grade scholar, standing out conspicuously against the surrounding crimson.

He subconsciously shrank behind Xu Jingzong, using the other's broad back to shield himself.

Xu Jingzong was wearing a brand-new scarlet round-necked robe today, and he was standing tall and proud, completely unaware that the young man behind him was using him as a shield.

Wen He squinted and looked around. The palace door was right beside him, so he leaned against the door, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes to rest.

Anyway, with his height, if the people in front of him block his view, even if he's lazy and doesn't bow, no one might notice.

"Snapped!"

Suddenly, a crisp crack of a whip rang out from outside the hall.

All the officials straightened their backs in unison, even their breathing became softer.

Wen He's eyelids twitched. Just as she was about to straighten up, she heard Gao Yue's signature high-pitched voice pierce through the palace gates: "The Emperor has arrived! All ministers, please pay your respects!"

The deep, resonant voices of the imperial guards followed closely behind, echoing along the palace path: "The Emperor has arrived."

"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome your presence!"

"May Your Majesty be well!"

The officials in the hall bowed and saluted, the hems of their robes brushing against the gold-brick floor, making a neat rustling sound.

Wen He bent down as well, and caught a glimpse of the bright yellow figure on the imperial steps out of the corner of her eye.

Li Shimin wore a beige round-necked robe today and slowly walked to the dragon throne and sat down.

May Your Majesty be well.

Gao Yue raised her voice again, and a chorus of agreement immediately followed.

Li Shimin's gaze slowly swept across the hall.

Since his ascension to the throne, today's grand court meeting has seen the most complete attendance.

With the New Year approaching, the officials who had been sent to pacify various regions returned to the capital one after another. Although some veteran generals, such as Qu Tutong, had not yet returned, it was enough to show the weight of the court assembly.

However, the atmosphere inside the hall was somewhat strange, as oppressive as the calm before a storm.

Wen He quietly raised her eyes, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Most of the officials from the five prominent families and seven prestigious clans looked solemn. Lu Cheng'an, the Vice Minister of War, stood at the front with a furrowed brow, glancing at the military officers from time to time.

Only Cui Dunli of the Boling Cui clan remained calm, standing in the ranks of civil officials, holding his official tablet in his hands, his eyes serene.

However, he still secretly glanced behind him.
When he saw Wen He huddled behind Xu Jingzong, her eyes half-closed, he couldn't help but chuckle.

How dare this young man slack off in the Taiji Hall?

The imperial guards standing watch over the palace clearly saw it, but pretended not to notice and didn't even lift their eyelids.

This young man is so carefree.

Today is his home turf.

However, Wen He was not the only one enjoying himself in this grand hall.

Those at the very front of the list, from the Ministry of Personnel, the Secretariat, and the Chancellery, all seemed to be acting as if it were none of their business.

It's as if they have no idea what will happen today.

But how could they not know?

The news of Zheng and his son being imprisoned in the Dali Temple had already spread throughout Chang'an. Liu Dewei's delay in announcing the verdict clearly indicated that he was waiting for the emperor's decision.

Today, all the aristocratic officials who usually didn't bother to attend court were present, and there was no doubt that they were all there for Zheng Yuanzhu.

Just as everyone held their breath, waiting for Li Shimin to speak, he suddenly curled the corners of his lips, his gaze sweeping over the ranks of civil officials and landing on the military officers: "Has the Right General of the Vanguard returned?"

"Your Majesty, I am here."

Xue Wanche stepped out from the ranks of military officers and clasped his hands in a salute.

The people in the hall were taken aback at first, but then they all understood.

When a military general returns to court, it is customary for the emperor to first extend his greetings, which is perfectly reasonable.

Li Shimin looked at Xue Wanche with concern in his eyes, and his gentle yet clear voice echoed throughout the hall: "How are things going in Hebei?"

"Your Majesty, all of Dou Jiande's former subordinates, including Tan Tong, have surrendered. As Your Majesty has decreed, I have incorporated them into the imperial guards and brought them back to Chang'an." Xue Wanche clasped his hands and bowed, his voice loud and clear, each word striking the golden brick floor. "However, the Cangzhou area has been hit by heavy snow, and the imperial guards of the twenty-five military commanderies are all short of winter clothing."

A small commotion immediately arose inside the hall.

The thirteen prefectures of Hebei Province have a total of only forty-one military commands, and now more than half of the soldiers in these commands lack winter clothing. This is no small matter.

Since the retired emperor killed Dou Jiande, there has been undercurrent of unrest in Hebei. If a mutiny were to be triggered by the issue of winter clothing, the consequences would be unimaginable.

What's even more alarming is the word "winter clothes".

These two words are now like a taut string in Chang'an, causing fear to run high for anyone who touches them.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin sighed deeply, his brows furrowed, and his tone was full of self-reproach: "Winter clothing... The previous embezzlement of military pay had already made it difficult for the soldiers to continue, and now we are lacking winter clothing. It is my fault."

"I am guilty!"

Yuwen Shiji was the first to exclaim in surprise, because his movement as he stepped out of the ranks was so forceful that he almost dropped the court tablet in his hand.

Immediately afterwards, the high-ranking officials of the three provinces stepped forward in unison, bowed deeply, and kowtowed, their voices in unison: "We have failed to share Your Majesty's burdens, and deserve to die!"

The king is worried about the humiliation of his ministers, and the king will humiliate his ministers to death.

Upon seeing this, all the officials in the hall stepped forward to apologize, forming a dense mass of bows and prostrations.

Yao said: "If any people are guilty, the guilt lies with me."

Li Shimin stood up, his gaze sweeping across the hall with a hint of sorrow.

"The Tang Dynasty has just been established, and everything needs to be rebuilt. It is up to all of you to work together with me."

These words were spoken so earnestly, it was almost as if he was about to issue an edict of self-reproach.

Those from the five surnames and seven noble families had their foreheads almost touching the ground, but their backs were already soaked with cold sweat.

They then realized what was going on.

His Majesty is not trying to appease the returning generals; he is clearly using the snow disaster in Cangzhou to block their path to defend Zheng Yuanzhu!

"Everyone, please rise." Li Shimin sighed softly again and raised his hand to signal everyone to stand up.

The ministers rose carefully and returned to their ranks, their movements as light as if afraid of disturbing something.

The hall fell silent for a moment, the only sound the breathing. Even Gao Yue held her breath, her eyes closed and her mind focused. Just then, a deep but slightly hoarse voice broke the silence: "Your Majesty, I have a report to make."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Qin Qiong holding a court tablet, slowly walking out from the ranks of military officers.

His face was still pale, clearly indicating that he had not yet fully recovered, but he walked with a steady and powerful gait.

Many people inside the hall were taken aback.

Since His Majesty ascended the throne, this Duke of Yi has rarely attended court. Although he holds the title of General of the Left Guard, the affairs of the Left Guard have always been handled by General Gongsun Wuda.

He had never appeared in any of the previous grand court meetings, but today he suddenly appeared in the hall and stepped forward after His Majesty mentioned the matter of winter clothing. The meaning behind this was self-evident.

The group of people from the Five Surnames and Seven Families felt a chill run down their spines, and cold sweat instantly broke out on their backs.

Qin Qiong was a highly respected veteran general in the army, and even Yuchi Gong and Cheng Zhijie respected him. His stepping forward at this moment was clearly to express the military's stance.

His Majesty is determined not to let Zheng Yuanzhu off easily.

"Shubao, please speak."

Li Shimin's voice carried a hint of warmth, and his gaze towards Qin Qiong softened considerably.

Qin Qiong, holding his court tablet, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the magistrate of Gaoyang County has recently acquired a method to weave warm winter clothes from sheep's wool."

“That wool is very affordable. The Turks often discard it carelessly. If it can be made into winter clothes, it would be a good value for money and would be just what the Cangzhou garrison needed.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall, his voice becoming more earnest: "If this method is truly feasible, then it will not only benefit the army, but ordinary people will also be able to have warm clothes to get through the winter."

Despite being a military general, Qin Qiong came from a distinguished family of officials, with generations serving in the imperial court. He spoke with the decisiveness of a military general and the meticulousness of a civil official.

These words, seemingly recommending Wen He's method, were actually setting the tone for the wool incident.

Such a beneficial thing for the country and its people, and someone actually wanted to secretly burn it. Their intentions are despicable!
The hall was completely silent; even breathing had become quieter. Qin Qiong's words were like a boulder thrown into still water, creating ripples in everyone's hearts.

Li Shimin nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face: "Oh? Is that so? If we can really turn wool from waste into treasure, that would be a great achievement."

Upon hearing this, Wen He, who was watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of her mouth.

Li Er actually put on an act.

This acting is a bit poor.

The courtiers were all speechless.

If His Majesty had not known about this beforehand, how could he have allowed Wen He to lead a hundred cavalry to raid Zheng Yuanzhu's residence?

However, his seemingly ordinary words actually confirmed Qin Qiong's statement.

Wool is a good thing; it can save soldiers and civilians from the cold winter. Therefore, those who sabotage this are naturally treacherous officials who bring disaster to the country and its people.

The group of people from the Five Clans and Seven Families turned pale, and Lu Cheng'an could barely hold onto his imperial tablet.

Only then did they realize that today's court assembly, from Xue Wanche stepping forward to Qin Qiong's speech, was all a scheme set up by His Majesty to gradually shut them down.

Wen He huddled behind Xu Jingzong, secretly glancing at the people from the Five Clans and Seven Families.

Suddenly, at that moment...

He clearly saw that Cui Dunli had stepped forward.

This scene surprised everyone.

Cui Dunli belonged to the Cui clan of Boling, and in principle, he represented the five surnames and seven prominent families.

That means he should be on Zheng Yuanzhu's side, but His Majesty has already made his decision. If he tries to defend him, he will surely be reprimanded by His Majesty.

How dare he stand up at this time?
"Your Majesty, Zheng Renji, the interpreter, requested me to convey your request last night. I hope Your Majesty will grant me an audience."

The Tongshi Sheren was a subordinate of the Menxia Sheng (a government office under the Chancellery), and was a sixth-rank official. Therefore, he could only stand outside the Taiji Hall.

If there was anything to discuss, they would usually request an audience themselves, and then a eunuch outside would relay the message.

But today, it was Cui Dunli who made the request on his behalf.

'interesting. ’

Wen He stroked her chin.

It wasn't because of this matter, but because of Jung In-ki himself.

He remembered that this person almost became Li Shimin's father-in-law.

Historical records state that in the eighth year of the Zhenguan era, Empress Zhangsun was searching for beautiful women for Emperor Taizong of Tang. Upon hearing that Zheng Renji's daughter was exceptionally beautiful, she recommended her to the emperor, who then betrothed her to the position of Chonghua.

When Wei Zheng heard that Zheng had been betrothed to the scholar Lu Shuang, he immediately submitted a memorial to Emperor Taizong, and the matter was dropped.

The term "遂寝" means to stop or cease operations.

However, Fang Xuanling and others later submitted a memorial stating: "There is no clear evidence that she was betrothed to the Lu family. The investiture ceremony has already begun and should not be stopped midway."

Lu Shuang also stated that there was no agreement to marry Ms. Zheng.

Li Shimin even asked Wei Zheng about this matter: "Perhaps the ministers are pandering to my wishes, and Lu Shuang himself has also expressed his opinion. Why is this?"

Wei Zheng replied, "He believes that although His Majesty outwardly expresses his refusal, he may secretly blame him, so he has no choice but to do so."

Li Shimin smiled and said, "Can't people believe what I say?"

As a result, Li Shimin harbored resentment towards Zheng Renji, and although Lu Shuang later passed the imperial examination, he was not given an important position.

This matter must have made Li Er feel unhappy.

Zheng Renji and Lu Shuang, in particular, seemed to think that he was too eager for sex. If this matter were to get out, what would become of his reputation as emperor?

However, Zheng Renji's request to see him today is certainly not about offering his daughter.

Wen He remembered that he was also from the Zheng family of Xingyang.

Then it must be for Zheng Yuanzhu.

Since Cui Dunli had already stepped forward, Li Shimin was obligated to grant his request, as was customary.

After all, the image of being a wise and benevolent ruler still needs to be maintained.

"Zheng Renji, a scribe in the Xuanmen Department."

A short while later, a middle-aged man in his early forties walked in from outside, bowing and taking small, quick steps.

Every step I took felt like walking on thin ice.

This person is Zheng Renji.

"What does the interpreter have to report?" Li Shimin asked.

Zheng Renji kept his head down, not daring to look directly at Li Shimin, and bowed, saying: "Your Majesty, I impeach General Zheng Yuanzhu, the Left Martial Marquis, for deceiving the emperor, framing loyal officials, and acting against the will of Heaven. I beg Your Majesty to issue an edict to expel Zheng Yuanzhu from the Zheng family's ancestral home."

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in uproar.

(End of this chapter)