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

Chapter 331 Going to find Changsun Wuji
Wen He nodded awkwardly, scratched his head and said, "Duke Dai, you are a recognized master of military strategy. I know nothing about these things, so I brought the Crown Prince here to ask you for some advice, especially about the situation with the Turks."

He knew in his heart that what he knew was only the records in the history books, and those texts were inevitably revised by later generations, so there were bound to be omissions and errors.

Having Li Jing, a firsthand witness, personally teach us is far more effective than simply studying from books.

The military genius personally lectured the Crown Prince on military strategy; such treatment was probably only bestowed upon Li Chengqian in the entire Tang Dynasty.

Wen He secretly thought that she could take this opportunity to audit a class and learn more practical information.

Li Jing gave Wen He a meaningful look, as if he saw through his thoughts, but he didn't point it out.

When he turned around, he saw that Li Chengqian was already sitting upright, his eyes shining brightly and looking at him expectantly, like a student waiting for the teacher to start the lesson.

He couldn't help but chuckle, stroked his gray beard, and nodded, saying, "Very well, the official business is almost done. Bring three bowls of mutton soup."

Before long, the guards brought over three large, rough porcelain bowls. The steaming mutton soup was glistening with oil and sprinkled with bright green scallions. The aroma instantly filled the entire government office.

"The border troops are most lacking in warmth during the winter. A bowl of hot mutton soup can keep them warm for half an hour."

Li Jing picked up the bowl, stirred it gently with a spoon, and smiled at Li Chengqian.

"Your Highness, please try this. It's a sheep sent from the northern desert, and it's even more resilient than the sheep from within the Great Wall."

Li Chengqian followed his example, picked up the bowl, blew on the steam, and carefully took a sip.

The rich broth, mixed with the savory flavor of mutton, melted on the tongue, and the warmth flowed down the throat into the stomach, dispelling the chill from sitting for so long.

His eyes lit up, and he couldn't resist taking another big gulp.

Wen He also held the bowl and drank heartily, secretly feeling moved.

This military genius even provides food during his lectures; the treatment is truly excellent.

Looking at the two men, Li Jing's smile deepened. He cleared his throat and said, "To discuss the situation in the Turkic Khaganate, we must first talk about Khagan Jieli. Although he is brave, he is also very suspicious. In recent years, he has relentlessly suppressed the Xueyantuo, Uyghur, and other tribes, and has long lost the hearts of the people..."

From situational analysis to strategic planning, and then to dissecting the recent Battle of Huizhou, Li Jing knew that if he explained too much in just half a day, Li Chengqian would find it difficult to digest even if he listened. Therefore, he specifically chose the Battle of Huizhou.

That was the first time Li Chengqian had indirectly participated in a war, so the impression was always deeper.

"In the Battle of Huizhou, the reason I ordered the army to hold their ground was twofold: first, because Huizhou was well-defended and our army would not have to fight the Tuyuhun people to the death in the open field; and second, to wear down their morale."

Li Jing tapped his fingertips lightly on the table.

"As the saying goes, 'One should strike while the iron is hot, but the second will be weaker and the third will be exhausted.' Later, when Jieli led his troops to attack the city, our army used gunpowder and the Divine Arm Crossbow to severely damage his vanguard. This was to take advantage of his demoralized state to completely break his army's spirit. However, in my opinion, at that time, gunpowder had not yet truly exerted its due power..."

At this point, he glanced at Wen He.

The latter was holding a bowl of mutton soup, savoring the taste, and listening only intermittently.

Seeing that Li Jing and Li Chengqian were looking over, Wen He blinked, put down her bowl and smiled, "The Duke of Dai is right. There is still a lot to learn about firearms. Next time you go to war against the Turks, I guarantee I can make something that will impress you."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing laughed heartily and nodded, saying, "Excellent! Jia Ying has such boldness; I'll be watching with bated breath!"

"The Duke of Dai has profound insight, which I greatly admire," Wen He said with a cupped hand and a smile.

I have no knowledge of what happened after that, I've only seen gunpowder a few times.

Li Jing was able to sense that there was more to it than met the eye.

Such keen insight truly impressed Wen He.

The old man and the young man exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding evident.

Only Li Chengqian was completely bewildered, looking at this one and then at that one, not understanding why the two of them were suddenly laughing so heartily.

Inside the Li Zheng Hall.

"Jiaying took Gaoming to the Ministry of War?"

Li Shimin was reviewing the memorials when he heard this and looked up in surprise at Gao Yue, who was standing beside him.

Gao Yue's face was still a little pale, and the twenty blows she had taken last night were still throbbing.

This morning he forced himself to come to work despite his injuries. Li Shimin, understanding his serious condition, suggested that he rest in a side hall, but he insisted on refusing.

Having finally managed to oust Huang Chun and secure this personal service job, if I slacken my efforts now, wouldn't that give others an opportunity to take advantage of me?
"Yes, Your Majesty, I just received the news."

Gao Yue bowed.

Do you know what they said inside?

Li Shimin's tone was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Gao Yue relayed the information from her informant verbatim: "The Duke of Dai told His Highness the Crown Prince about the situation with the Turks and mentioned firearms. The Prince of Gaoyang said that next time we fight against the Turks, we will definitely be able to produce firearms that will impress the Duke of Dai."

"Where is the Crown Prince? What did he say?"

Li Shimin put down his vermilion brush and asked in a deep voice.

"His Highness the Crown Prince said that if we were to wage war against the Turks next year, he would definitely go with the Duke of Dai to personally capture Jieli alive and present him to His Majesty."

As Gao Yue spoke, she couldn't help but smile.

Li Shimin abruptly stopped what he was doing, put the letter on the table, and sneered, "How dare a mere child utter such arrogant words?"

Although he was blaming someone, Gao Yue clearly saw the subtle curve of his lips.

That was an undisguised sense of pride.

"With his small frame, he can't even mount a horse, yet he thinks he can capture Jieli alive?"

Li Shimin shook his head, his tone full of disdain, but the joy in his eyes was almost overflowing.

He looks like an ordinary father.

While saying "My son is good-for-nothing," they secretly wish the whole world knew how capable their child was.

It's like when someone comes over for a casual chat, the parents always pretend to complain: "My kid is such a disappointment. He wants to go to Tsinghua or Peking University, but he has no ambition at all... Oh? Your kid wants to go to Lanxiang Vocational School? Learning to operate an excavator is a good idea, it's much more practical."

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince secretly practiced riding skills in the Eastern Palace before, with the Imperial Guards watching over him. Now he can ride a pony."

Gao Yue quickly reported this.

Li Shimin's brows furrowed suddenly.

He suddenly remembered what Wen He had said before.

It is said that Li Chengqian may become lame in the future.

Thinking of this, I became somewhat angry, but then I thought, the Crown Prince is the heir apparent. If he can't even ride a horse, won't he be laughed at by the court and the public in the future?

Horsemanship skills must be learned eventually; we can't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

After a moment's thought, Li Shimin said, "Send more doctors skilled in traumatology to the Eastern Palace to take good care of him. Also, have the Hundred Cavalry Division hurry up and find Sun Simiao. Tell Huang Chun that if he can't be found within two months, he should report to the Clean Clothes Bureau."

"Yes, sir." Gao Yue quickly agreed, but secretly she was gloating.

Huang Chun, you're in for it now.

"And then, where did Jiaying and Gaoming go?" Li Shimin asked again.

“Yes, he went to the Ministry of Civil Affairs,” Gao Yue replied.

Li Shimin was puzzled upon hearing this.

"Going to the Ministry of Revenue? What would he do there?"

He thought about it silently in his mind as he spoke.

Currently, Wen He is in charge of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Works; he has no position in the Ministry of Civil Affairs. "Sir, what are we going to the Ministry of Civil Affairs for?"

On the road, Wen He rode his horse alongside Li Chengqian's carriage.

Li Chengqian had been pondering this question ever since Wen He mentioned going to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and now, unable to contain his curiosity, he finally asked.

Although His Majesty has already issued an edict to transfer Changsun Wuji to the Ministry of Personnel, official transfers are always complicated and require handover and arrangements; they cannot be accomplished with just a few words.

"Of course I'm going to find Changsun Wuji," Wen He replied casually.

"Is it for him?"

Li Chengqian gestured towards the outside of the carriage, his gaze falling on Li Yifu, who was following closely behind, his face full of surprise.

He remembered clearly that this was the first time his master had ever taken the initiative to go to his uncle, Changsun Wuji, and judging from the situation, it seemed to be related to Li Yifu.

Upon hearing this, Li Yifu, who was walking behind the two cars, suddenly stopped in his tracks and froze on the spot.

A warm current suddenly flowed through his heart, like being doused with a basin of hot water in the cold winter, warming him from the soles of his feet all the way to his heart.

He never imagined that his master would take the initiative to seek out the Duke of Qi, who had always been at odds with his master, for his sake.

Li Yifu's eyes welled up with tears, and his nose tingled with a soreness.

"It wasn't entirely for him."

Before Li Yifu could fully savor this feeling, he heard Wen He's soft voice coming from behind the carriage curtain.

He was somewhat taken aback; the warmth that had just welled up in his heart seemed to have been doused with cold water. While he was still in a daze, he heard Wen He continue, "And because of you."

"I?"

Li Chengqian pointed to his own nose, looking completely bewildered.

"What does this have to do with me?"

He wanted to press for details, but Wen He seemed to be deliberately keeping him in suspense, only saying "You'll know when we get there" and then said nothing more, leaving Li Chengqian scratching his head in the carriage.

As we walked to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, unlike the solemn atmosphere of the Ministry of War, the people coming and going here were mostly clerks carrying account books and abacuses, each with hurried steps, and the air was filled with the scent of ink and paper.

When the servant at the door saw Wen He and his entourage approaching, although he didn't recognize Wen He's face, he could tell that he was dressed in extraordinary clothes. He immediately put on a fawning smile and rushed over to greet them: "Esteemed guests, are you here to handle some business or to find someone? I'll show you the way."

"We have come to visit Vice Minister Changsun."

Wen He sat on his horse, his voice neither loud nor soft.

"Go in and tell him that Wen Jiaying and Li Gaoming have arrived."

The servant was stunned. The two names sounded familiar, as if he had heard them somewhere before, but his mind was a mess and he couldn't remember them for the time being.

He rubbed his hands together, somewhat hesitant.

How can one just see the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs so easily?

What if these people are here to cause trouble? Wouldn't I be in trouble?
As he hesitated, Wen He seemed to read his mind, took out a brocade pouch from her sleeve, and casually handed it to him.

The brocade pouch felt heavy in his hand. The servant squeezed it and knew it contained something valuable. His smile widened, and he quickly bowed to accept it, saying, "Oh! Please wait a moment, sir, I'll go and inform him right away!"

Having said that, he tucked the brocade pouch into his pocket and dashed into the government office, moving more than twice as fast as usual.

Li Chengqian, watching from inside the carriage, found it amusing: "Sir certainly knows how to save trouble. Father said you were stingy, but now it seems Father was wrong."

Wen He smiled and said, "You can't reason with this kind of person. It's better to be practical. Don't always try to intimidate them with your power. Sometimes this not only fails to solve the problem, but also creates a lot of unnecessary trouble."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian nodded silently.

Li Yifu, who followed behind, also kept these words in mind.

"What about people?"

A moment later, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from inside the Ministry of Civil Affairs office, and Changsun Wuji ran out in a panic.

He caught a glimpse of Wen He, but instead of stopping, he glared at him and walked straight past him, rushing to Li Chengqian's carriage in a few strides.

Immediately afterwards, he braced himself against the carriage shaft, lightly pushed off with his feet, and jumped onto the carriage, his movements so swift and agile that they were unlike those of a civil official.

Wen He stood there, watching this scene, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Impressive skill!"

The carriage wasn't very spacious, and it immediately felt a bit cramped when Changsun Wuji entered.

He first bowed to Li Chengqian, and when he stood up, his face was full of reproach, but his tone was full of undisguised concern: "Your Highness, Wen Jiaying is too reckless! He brought you out without even sending someone to inform you beforehand. There are many people and eyes around the Ministry of Civil Affairs. What if bad guys sneak in!"

"Uncle is overthinking it."

Li Chengqian looked at his nervous appearance and couldn't help but laugh and cry.

“There are Xuanjia Guards outside, and besides, sir is a man of principle and won’t let anything happen to me.”

He couldn't quite put his finger on whether his uncle was timid or overly protective of him.

Ever since he could remember, Changsun Wuji had always protected him, and even if he fell down, his uncle would ask him a few questions.

Changsun Wuji naturally dared not show his dissatisfaction to the Crown Prince, so he could only vent his anger on Wen He, who had just boarded the carriage.

Seeing Wen He leisurely straightening his robes and sitting down opposite him, he immediately frowned and questioned, "Wen Jiaying, why aren't you accompanying the Crown Prince to study in the Eastern Palace? What are you doing bringing him to a place like the Ministry of Civil Affairs?"

"Naturally, it's for official business," Wen He said with a faint smile.

Changsun Wuji, however, felt that he was being fooled.

What official business could there be if the Crown Prince were brought along?
Seeing his disbelief, Wen He continued, "It's about studying abroad."

Changsun Wuji frowned: "What does this have to do with the Crown Prince?"

“He is also one of the scholars who traveled abroad,” Wen He pointed at Li Chengqian.

The latter was stunned.

Changsun Wuji's eyes widened in anger, and he roared, "Absurd!"

“Wen Jiaying…”

"Hey, Duke Qi, don't be angry. I'm here to discuss this with you. Besides, you wouldn't want His Highness the Crown Prince to become someone who can't distinguish between the five grains and is lazy, just like Emperor Hui of Jin, would you?"

Wen He smiled slyly.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji hesitated.

He knew that it wouldn't be a bad thing to let Li Chengqian go out and broaden his horizons.

His Majesty traveled extensively from a young age.

But it was still too small.

"Don't worry, I will personally accompany His Highness the Crown Prince this time, and your son can also come along."

Wen He's suggestion immediately caught Changsun Wuji's eye.

He understood that this was a deal.

Wen He then presented him with a condition he couldn't refuse.

only……

(End of this chapter)