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

Chapter 325 We must ensure that the teacher's official rank is higher than the uncle's.

Changsun Huan saw Changsun Chong walking towards them from afar, paused, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him, cupping his hands in greeting, "Greetings, elder brother. What brings you here today?"

As he spoke, he had already caught a glimpse of the carriages following behind Changsun Chong out of the corner of his eye.

The carriage was packed full, with several large, sharp-edged boxes covered with red silk, which looked quite heavy.

'This is...a gift?' Changsun Huan's heart sank, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Father still favored his eldest brother in the end, and in order to pave the way for him, he even allowed him to bow down to Wen He.

"I have come to find the son of Gaoyang County."

Changsun Chong's gaze fell on Changsun Huan. When he saw Changsun Huan's green official robe, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, as if the color was particularly glaring to him.

"You, on the other hand, are dressed very smartly."

"These official robes are quite troublesome to wear; they're not as comfortable as everyday clothes."

Changsun Huan seemed oblivious to the sourness in his words, and smiled faintly, his tone casual.

Changsun Chong snorted lightly, not replying, but instead asked, "I heard that the Hundred Cavalry is going to be expanded. So, you, the Chief Clerk, are probably going to be promoted a rank?"

Changsun Huan sighed, feigning distress, but his words carried a hint of deliberate intent: "I should be able to get a minor promotion, but it's really exhausting. Just look at those files for over a thousand people... Ah, I misspoke!"

He quickly raised his hand in a gesture of respect.

"This matter concerns the affairs of the Hundred Cavalry, and I dare not speak recklessly. I hope my elder brother will forgive me."

As soon as he finished speaking, he changed the subject, and the envy in his tone sounded particularly genuine: "But it's still better for you, brother. You can be so carefree and leisurely. I really envy you."

These words were clearly meant to stab Changsun Chong.

In the past, this eldest brother was the father's most valued son, and his younger brothers, even though they were all born of the same mother, were ultimately inferior in their father's eyes.

Now that he has gained the upper hand among the hundred cavalry, he inevitably wants to turn the tide.

Changsun Chong's lips twitched a few times, and his hands clenched tightly at his sides.

How could he not understand the implied meaning?
But he remembered his father's instructions and suppressed his surging anger, saying in a deep voice, "Since the magistrate of Gaoyang County values ​​you, you must not slack off and should do your best in your work."

He maintained the demeanor of an elder brother, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Huan chuckled twice and bowed respectfully, saying, "What you say is true, elder brother. I will remember it."

He knew very well that etiquette and manners placed great emphasis on seniority and hierarchy, especially in a prominent family like theirs.

If there is even the slightest error in etiquette, and it gets out, one will inevitably be branded as "disrespectful to one's elder brother," which will be detrimental to one's career.

The two stood in front of the mansion gate, speechless for a moment.

A cold wind swept past, carrying snowflakes. Changsun Chong tightened his brocade robe, while Changsun Huan adjusted the lapel of his official robe.

Despite being brothers born of the same mother, they seemed separated by an invisible ice wall, clearly showing a degree of estrangement.

The side door opened shortly afterward.

Adong walked out confidently, and looking at the two men outside who looked somewhat alike, he asked in confusion, "May I ask who you two young gentlemen are?"

"I am Changsun Chong, and I have come today to pay my respects to the magistrate of Gaoyang County."

Changsun Chong spoke first, his words carrying a hint of arrogance.

Changsun Huan, standing to the side, was completely different.

"Please inform him that Changsun Huan, the Chief Clerk of the Hundred Cavalry, requests an audience with the young master."

Among the hundred riders, apart from Huang Chun and Su Dingfang, everyone addressed Wen He as "Young Master" instead of "County Boy," a fact that A Dong was also aware of.

Given Changsun Huan's polite manners, A Dong naturally developed a better impression of him and bowed, saying, "Please wait a moment, Chief Secretary Changsun, I will go and inform him right away."

"Please wait a moment." A Dong bowed to Changsun Chong again, but his words were somewhat cold.

Although Changsun Chong was of noble status, he was the rival of his young master, so Adong naturally wouldn't give him a friendly look.

On the other side, Wen He had just finished breakfast and was assigning today's lessons to Li Chengqian and the three little ones, Li Tai, Li You, and Li Ke.

Several sheets of hemp paper covered with writing were spread out on the table. On them were arithmetic problems he had stayed up all night to come up with. The handwriting was neat and elegant, yet it exuded an undeniable seriousness.

"You should be able to solve more than half of today's math problems."

Wen He tapped the table, her gaze sweeping over several dawdling figures.

"Anyone who slacks off will not get any mutton soup tonight."

Li You clicked his tongue, gripped his pen, and muttered, "Sir, using food as bait is so unoriginal..."

Even so, the movements of his hands became a few times faster.

Li Tai and Li Ke were relatively quiet, one with his head down grinding ink, the other with his paper spread out, clearly accustomed to Wen He's rules.

Just then, A Dong lifted the curtain and came in. Seeing that Wen He had changed into a blue official robe, he quickly bowed and said, "Young master, the Chief of the Hundred Cavalry, Changsun Huan, and... Changsun Chong request an audience."

"Ok?"

Wen He paused, her hand holding the jade belt tethering, and her brows furrowed slightly.

"Why did these two brothers come together today?"

Li Chengqian, who was sitting on the far side, immediately put down his pen upon hearing this and leaned over to whisper a reminder: "Sir, it seems that Changsun Chong has come to apologize."

Wen He glanced at him sideways, her tone slightly teasing: "Did your father send you a message?"

Li Chengqian had been staying at the mansion these past few days, yet he was able to accurately guess Changsun Chong's intentions. There was no other possibility than Li Shimin secretly giving him a hint.

Li Chengqian, having his thoughts exposed, chuckled awkwardly, scratched his head, and nodded honestly: "Father sent someone to deliver a message yesterday, saying... saying that Uncle intends to ease the tension between the two families."

'Heh.' Wen He chuckled coldly to herself.

What reconciliation? It's nothing more than a temporary ceasefire.

But that's fine, now neither he nor Changsun Wuji can do anything to each other.

It would be better to maintain a superficial peace.

"Bad man! Brother, don't let him in!"

Little Wenrou, clinging to Wen He's arm, frowned and let out a soft, childish hum.

Although she didn't know Changsun Chong, she knew that this was the person who had bullied her brother.

"Xiao Rou".

Seeing this, Li Chengqian was somewhat embarrassed, so he quickly walked up to Wenrou, half-squatted down, and softened his tone.

"He's here today to apologize for his past mistakes, so we should give him a chance to make amends."

He was secretly anxious.

Her husband dotes on Xiaorou the most, and if the little girl insists on opposing it, he might really shut Changsun Chong out.

But Father had specifically instructed that Wen He must repair his relationship with the Changsun family.

"Cough cough."

Li Ke suddenly coughed twice, then reached out and subtly tugged at Li Chengqian's arm, pulling him back half a foot.

Li Chengqian turned around and looked at him blankly, only to see Li Ke say something with a cold face.

"too close."

Li Chengqian was pulled so hard he stumbled. He turned around and looked at him, his bewildered lips twitching a few times.

The distance just now was clearly two feet apart, how could it be close?

This Sanlang is just being inexplicably jealous!

It's over, he's completely finished.

"Xiaorou doesn't like him, just kick him out."

Li Ke ignored his astonishment, simply glancing at Wen He with an indifferent tone.

In his view, whoever makes Xiaorou unhappy should get lost, regardless of whether it's the Changsun family or the Li family.

"This is Father's decree!" Li Chengqian reminded him in a low voice, his forehead almost sweating.

Li Ke glanced at him without saying a word, but his eyes clearly said, "The imperial decree has nothing to do with me."

'Sanlang's temperament is hopeless.'

Li Chengqian sighed and rubbed his forehead, turning to look at Wen He with a pleading expression, his voice softening: "Sir..."

This little brat has even learned to act cute?
Wen He was amused by his appearance and waved her hand, "Alright, alright."

He bent down and gently patted Xiaorou's head, saying softly, "Xiaorou, be good. Go to the study to practice calligraphy first. If you can write three good calligraphy pieces today, I'll make you your favorite mutton soup tonight, and add two quail eggs, okay?"

Gentle blinked her big, watery eyes, thought about the aroma of mutton soup, and then looked at Wen He's expression before finally nodding obediently: "Then... okay."

Wen He asked Xiao Mei to take her away.

"You three should all go to the study. I'll check your homework when I get back tonight." Wen He patted the books on the desk, her gaze sweeping over the dawdling Li Tai and Li You, finally settling on the expressionless Li Ke.

"what"

Li Tai clutched his round belly and wailed, his chubby fingers twisting the hem of his clothes, his face full of resistance.

Li You also sighed, while only Li Ke nodded silently. His expressionless face looked rather old-fashioned.

Looking at his icy expression, Wen He couldn't help but mutter to herself.

This kid always has a cold face. I wonder if he'll develop some kind of germophobia or a strange quirk that he can't stand women when he grows up?
He sighed inwardly, then turned to A Dong and said, "Have Changsun Chong wait outside the mansion. I will take the Crown Prince out to see him."

Li Chengqian was taken aback: "Sir, shall we meet at the residence?"

"Do not."

Wen He said calmly, and took the lead in stepping out of the courtyard gate.

A cold wind swirled with snowflakes, and Changsun Chong, who was outside the courtyard, was rubbing his hands, which were red from the cold. When he saw Wen He and Li Chengqian come out, he quickly bowed and greeted them: "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince, greetings, Magistrate of Gaoyang County."

"My two cousins, please don't stand on ceremony."

Li Chengqian tried his best to put on a stern face and adopt the solemn demeanor of a crown prince.

Both Changsun Chong and Changsun Huan were somewhat surprised, not expecting to run into the Crown Prince here.

"What brings you two here today?"

Wen He stepped forward, a faint smile on her face, but her eyes held no warmth.

Changsun Huan hurriedly took out a scroll from his wide sleeve and presented it with both hands: "Reporting to the magistrate, I have come to deliver the list of selected personnel. These were selected according to the standards previously set by the young master. If you agree, the general can then begin to transfer the personnel to the camp."

Wen He took the scroll, unfolded it, and quickly scanned the names, hometowns, and resumes on it. After confirming that they were all reliable candidates who had been selected earlier, he closed the scroll and handed it back to him: "Thank you for your trouble, Chief Secretary Changsun. Go back and report."

"I dare not complain of my hard work; I shall take my leave."

Changsun Huan took the scroll without offering any further pleasantries, then turned and left with a swift, graceful movement.

Even though the Crown Prince was right in front of him, he showed no intention of currying favor, which surprised even Changsun Chong.

Is this younger brother mentally challenged?

With the Crown Prince in front of him, why didn't he take the opportunity to make himself known?
“Gaoyang County”

Changsun Chong suppressed his surprise, put on a sincere smile, and pointed to the carriages behind him.

"I have come here today specifically to apologize. I was confused last time and was provoked by others to offend the magistrate. This is a small token of my apology, and I hope the magistrate will not hold it against me."

The red silk on the carriage fluttered in the cold wind, clearly indicating that it contained valuable items.

The carriage was noticeably lowered by the weight on it.

"Oh, I know."

Wen He merely responded with a faint sound, not even lifting her eyelids, and walked straight past him as if those gifts were nothing more than pebbles on the roadside.

"This……"

Changsun Chong's lips twitched suddenly, and his fist, hidden in his sleeve, clenched tightly, his fingernails almost digging into his flesh.

He had been forced to apologize, and Wen He's completely dismissive attitude was like a slap in the face. But seeing Li Chengqian beside him, he could only forcefully suppress his surging anger and quickly chase after her, saying, "Gaoyang County Magistrate, please wait!"

"gentlemen."

Li Chengqian also quickly tugged at Wen He's sleeve, his eyes full of pleading.

Wen He frowned and turned around to look at Changsun Chong, who had caught up with her. Her tone was clearly impatient: "I've already said I know. You can go back now."

The undisguised annoyance made Changsun Chong abruptly stop in his tracks.

He took a deep breath and felt his cheeks burning.

To move any closer would only invite humiliation.

But the crown prince is still here, so the show has to go on.

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

Changsun Chong forced a smile and cupped his hands in greeting to the carriage.

"If Your Highness the Crown Prince and the County Prince have some free time in the future, I hope you can visit the Duke of Qi's residence for a chat. My father will certainly welcome you with open arms."

"Understood, Adong, have someone accept all the items."

Wen He's voice came from in front of him, still in that calm tone.

He didn't say he forgave me, nor did he mention reconciliation; he simply asked me to accept the gift.

To outsiders, this appears to be a sign of a willingness to ease tensions.

Since it was all just for show, Wen He was too lazy to be hypocritical.

Adong quickly responded and directed the servants to move the boxes from the carriage.

Wen He and Li Chengqian boarded the carriage one after the other, and the curtains fell with a "whoosh," blocking the view from the outside.

Li Yifu whipped his horse, the wheels crunching over the snow, and soon disappeared around the street corner.

Changsun Chong was left standing there, gazing in the direction the carriage had gone, his clenched fists turning white at the knuckles.

"gentlemen?"

Inside the carriage.

The sound of wind and snow outside the carriage was blocked by the thick brocade curtains, and the only sound inside the carriage was the occasional soft popping of the charcoal brazier.

Li Chengqian twisted his fingers, his little face full of struggle.

"What's wrong? Can't figure it out?"

Wen He turned to the side, looking at his scrunched-up little face, a hint of a smile in her eyes.

Li Chengqian nodded vigorously, his clear eyes filled with confusion: "Father said that Uncle and Teacher are all family, but why... why do family members act so distant? Just now, my elder brother was so formal, but Teacher was still so cold..."

This is what he can't understand the most.

When he was in the Eastern Palace, his mother had told him that his uncle was the person his father trusted most, and his teacher was the person his father had personally entrusted to raise him. They should have been as harmonious as a family.

But the standoff in front of the mansion gate just now was colder than the winter wind and snow.

Wen He picked up the teacup on the table, her fingertips tracing the warm rim of the cup, and suddenly asked, "Given His Majesty's trust in us, what positions do you think your uncle and I will hold in the future?"

"They will surely become pillars of the nation!"

Without a second thought, Li Chengqian blurted out the answer, his eyes shining.

“My uncle is now the Duke of Qi, and he will surely become an important minister in the court in the future; you, sir, are so capable, you will at least become the Grand Secretary in the future, and perhaps... perhaps you will even be granted the title of Duke!”

He secretly added a sentence in his mind.

When he becomes emperor, he will definitely make sure that the teacher's official position is higher than that of his uncle.

Wen He was amused by his serious expression and reached out to rub his little head: "Even if, as you say, your uncle and I become powerful ministers in the future, have you thought about it? If two high-ranking ministers get along well and even advance and retreat together, neither you nor your father will have a peaceful life in the future."

Li Chengqian shook his head blankly, his brows furrowing even more: "Why? Wouldn't it be better to govern the country if family members joined forces? Just like... just like what you taught me, brothers united can break metal."

"The imperial court is not a home, and high-ranking officials are not brothers."

Wen He put down her teacup, her tone becoming more serious.

"Your father is the emperor. What does the emperor fear most? He fears his subjects forming factions and his power falling into the wrong hands. If your uncle and I were to truly get along well and think alike on everything, what do you think your father would think?"

He paused, looking at Li Chengqian's bewildered eyes, and continued, "He might wonder, are these two people in cahoots? Are they trying to usurp the imperial power? Are they... likely to threaten your position as heir apparent one day?"

Li Chengqian's eyes widened slowly, and his small mouth opened slightly, as if he were hearing such words for the first time.

He never imagined that "harmony" could be a mistake.

"But...but my uncle and my teacher are both loyal ministers!"

He instinctively retorted, but his voice was much softer.

Whether someone is a loyal subject or not is not important.

Wen He's voice was soft, yet it was like a pebble thrown into Li Chengqian's heart.

"The important thing is that the imperial power cannot tolerate the slightest threat, even a 'possible' one. Your father is an emperor who fought his way out of Xuanwu Gate. He knows better than anyone what it means for powerful ministers to join forces."

Silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the occasional crackling of sparks from the charcoal brazier.

Li Chengqian lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously picking at the pattern on the cushion, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

Seeing his expression, Wen He didn't say anything more.

Some truths are better left unsaid too early; he needs to figure them out on his own.

Wen He knew better than anyone that Changsun Wuji would become a pillar of the court in the future.

Li Shimin's current arrangements, such as promoting Changsun Wuji to the Ministry of Personnel and letting him take over the study tours of scholars, are undoubtedly paving the way for him to become an important force in counterbalancing the Guanzhong region and stabilizing the court.

If he and Changsun Wuji were to actually rise to high positions in the future and "work hand in hand," Li Shimin would probably not be able to sleep soundly at night.

The art of rulership has always revolved around the concept of checks and balances.

Having two capable ministers check and balance each other, preventing either from becoming too powerful, is the only way to ensure the stability of imperial power and allow Li Chengqian, the crown prince, to smoothly ascend the throne in the future.

Therefore, it was destined from the beginning that he and Changsun Wuji could never truly reconcile.

Accepting those gifts today is merely a show for outsiders, a way to inform those in Chang'an who are watching them.

Wen He is going to join forces with Changsun Wuji and His Majesty.

As for private matters, let's just forget about that.

The more he quarreled with Changsun Wuji, the less Li Shimin would fear him in the future.

"gentlemen……"

Li Chengqian suddenly raised his head, his eyes still somewhat confused, yet with a clear understanding that seemed to grasp something yet not quite.

"Is it... like the arithmetic problem you taught me? The weights on both sides must be equal for the scale to be stable?"

Wen He smiled and nodded: "That's pretty much the idea."

Although he wasn't entirely right, at least he understood what balance meant.

Outside the carriage, Li Yifu, the driver, overheard most of the conversation inside and silently memorized it.

As Wen He and Li Chengqian were talking, the carriage had already rolled over the bluestone pavement of Zhuque Street and slowly entered the imperial city.

Today was his turn to report to the Ministry of Works. Counting the days, he had already rested for several days. If he didn't go soon, he was afraid that the censor would really impeach him for "absenteeism".

After getting off the carriage, Wen He asked Li Chengqian to follow her inside.

Although this was Li Chengqian's second visit to the Ministry of Works, he had deliberately concealed his identity last time, dressing as an ordinary servant.

The minor officials and low-ranking officials in the Ministry of Works either had never seen the Crown Prince's true face or had only caught a glimpse of him from afar.

Seeing him dressed in plain clothes, following closely behind Wen He, they assumed he was a newly arrived servant and didn't think much of it.

"Jiaying is here?"

A slightly urgent shout came from inside the duty room, and Yan Lide hurried out to greet him. He hadn't even put his shoes on properly, and there were still some wood chips stuck to the corner of his robe.

Judging from his appearance, he must have just taken a stroll around the workshop.

At the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Industry is at its busiest.

Ritual vessels used in sacrifices.

The Ministry of Works also has to make the new uniforms that the army needs to replace this year.

Yan Lide, the Minister of Works, was arguably the most overworked of the six ministries.

He just managed to squeeze out a little time to rest.

The official Zhao Kai went to his office to deliver the message.

Upon hearing that Wen He had arrived, he was both anxious and overjoyed. He rushed to Wen He and grabbed his wrist.

"Jiaying, your leave has been canceled for several days now, why are you only coming today?"

He dragged Wen He into the government office, his tone tinged with resentment.

"If you don't come soon, I'm going to personally go to your house and block your door!"

He was in such a hurry that he didn't even notice Li Chengqian beside Wen He; he was only focused on pulling her into the house.

"Hey, Minister Yan, slow down, slow down!"

Wen He staggered a few steps after being pulled, almost bumping into a pillar, before quickly regaining her balance.

"What's the rush?"

"What else could it be? Horseshoes, of course!"

Yan Lide turned around and glared at him, saying irritably.

"The iron ore arrived five days ago. I thought you were on leave and didn't want to bother you, but you actually forgot about such an important matter! If I hadn't made sure you were on duty at the ministry, the censor's impeachment memorial would probably already be on His Majesty's desk by now!"

Hearing this, Wen He suddenly remembered her college roommate from her previous life.

Before roll call, someone always calls in a panic: "Wake up! Roll call is here! If I hadn't answered for you, you would have failed this course!"

He couldn't help but chuckle, and said awkwardly, "Yes, yes, thank you for troubling you, Minister Yan. I was so busy with trivial matters these past few days that I completely forgot about this..."

With his memory, how could he have really forgotten?
He was just thinking of taking a few days off, but he didn't expect Yan Lide to be even more anxious than him.

Yan Lide was so angry that he laughed. Just as he was about to say a few more words, he suddenly caught a glimpse of Li Chengqian behind Wen He out of the corner of his eye.

The more I look at the outline of those eyebrows and eyes, the more familiar they seem.

He paused abruptly, his pupils contracted sharply, and he swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth, his face turning deathly pale instantly.

"too……"

He had barely uttered half a syllable of the word "Crown Prince" when he hurriedly covered his mouth, quickly glanced around, and seeing that no one was paying attention, rushed forward to invite Li Chengqian into his official residence, then closed the door.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince has arrived! Your subject... Your subject was unable to greet you from afar, and deserves to die!"

"Minister Yan, please rise."

Li Chengqian quickly offered a helping hand, his voice calm.

"I am here today with the magistrate of Wen County, there is no need for formalities."

Yan Lide then dared to get up, his forehead already beaded with cold sweat.

He glanced at Wen He furtively, his eyes full of accusation.

Why didn't you tell me sooner that His Highness the Crown Prince was coming?
If you lose your manners, it's no laughing matter!

Seeing his expression, Wen He burst into laughter.

Yan Lide immediately glared at him, and Wen He suppressed his laughter and said.

"Minister Yan, don't panic. I specially invited His Highness the Crown Prince here today so that he can see for himself what it means for technology to change lives."

(End of this chapter)