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

Chapter 332 I asked you to make peace, and you immediately joined forces?
Changsun Wuji still had concerns. His Majesty and the Empress had always doted on the Crown Prince and might not be willing to let him suffer the hardships of studying abroad.

He looked at Li Chengqian and said solemnly, "Your Highness, have you thought this through? Life during your studies abroad is not the same as that in the Eastern Palace. If you want to go, you will have to hide your identity and live a life of hardship like other scholars. You may even have to endure hunger and cold and venture into dangerous places. Are you really willing to do this?"

He was afraid that Li Chengqian would be deceived by Wen He and wouldn't know the hardships of studying abroad. If he regretted it later, it would be too late.

In any case, Li Chengqian had lived a life of luxury since childhood.

Even though His Majesty and the Empress were very frugal, they never wronged him.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian smiled and shook his head, his eyes clear: "Although you did not mention this matter to me before, I remember you once said, 'Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles.'"

He was still somewhat confused about the deeper meaning of these eight characters, yet he inexplicably felt that they made sense.

As for why we need to both study and travel.

Wen He didn't tell him that he had to figure this out on his own.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji raised his eyes and gave Wen He a meaningful look.

His gaze was complex, containing both approval and a hint of helplessness.

This kid's casual remark has actually made the pampered Crown Prince take it so seriously.

However, he was certain that Wen He herself did not say such a thing.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered to himself.

If it weren't for the prior knowledge that Wen He came from the future and that he possessed extraordinary insight, anyone else would likely have been impressed by his profound reasoning.

What a pity.

Life is but a hundred years, and he will never see the "brilliant era" that Wen He spoke of.

"Your husband is right."

Changsun Wuji snapped out of his thoughts and nodded slightly, which was considered a sign of relenting.

Now it was Wen He's turn to be surprised.

He suddenly turned his head to look out the car window, as if to confirm something.

Damn, is the sun not rising from the east today?
Changsun Wuji actually praised me?
Seemingly noticing Wen He's exaggerated reaction, Changsun Wuji immediately snorted coldly, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction at being told he was making a fuss over nothing.

Wen He quickly looked away and said with an awkward smile, "To be honest, His Majesty and the Empress probably won't agree to this easily, but if you, Uncle, were to persuade them, they probably wouldn't refuse."

Changsun Wuji didn't reply, but just stared at him, his tone somewhat probing: "I'm afraid relying on just one person isn't enough, is it?"

"Cough cough."

Wen He coughed lightly twice, her eyes somewhat unfocused.

"The Duke of Dai, Li Jing, will also help put in a good word."

This was the second reason he went to the Ministry of War.

Besides having Li Chengqian listen to Li Jing's lectures on military strategy, it was also to bring up the matter of studying abroad with Li Jing in advance and to win the support of this military genius.

Li Jing holds immense importance in His Majesty's heart; with him speaking up, the chances of victory are greatly increased.

Changsun Wuji stroked his beard, a half-smile playing on his lips: "With you, Pharmacist Li, and myself, the three of us working together can persuade His Majesty and the Empress, can't we?"

"And His Highness the Crown Prince is also there."

Wen He gestured with her eyes to Li Chengqian beside her and added with a smile.

"If the Crown Prince insists, His Majesty and the Empress will likely soften their hearts."

Changsun Wuji looked at Li Chengqian and saw that the young crown prince was nodding vigorously, clearly determined to go.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Very well, I am only doing this for the Crown Prince's good, but... about Chong'er..."

Changsun Wuji was worried that if he brought it up directly, it would inevitably arouse the emperor's suspicion.

I think he had ulterior motives.

Wen He had anticipated that he would bring this up, and immediately smiled: "A scholar traveling for study should naturally have a companion. I recommend one, and you, Uncle, should also recommend one. It is fair and reasonable to treat everyone equally. The journey of studying is arduous, and it would be a wonderful story to have cousins ​​accompany each other."

His recommendation was naturally Li Yifu.

By appointing Li Yifu as the Crown Prince's study companion, he could not only get closer to the Crown Prince, but also receive more help during the prince's travels.

It is reasonable for Changsun Wuji to recommend Changsun Chong, and it will not cause any controversy.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji nodded silently.

Wen He's arrangement was considerate, giving him face without showing favoritism.

Li Chengqian, standing to the side, was somewhat stunned as he watched the two of them settle such a big matter in just a few words.

He stared blankly at Wen He, then at Changsun Wuji.

Is this really settled?
No wonder the gentleman said before that he and his uncle could never be on good terms.

If the two of them really team up, everyone except Aye will be fooled by them.

The carriage slowly crossed a stone bridge, the river below shimmering with the golden light of the setting sun.

Changsun Wuji looked out the window and suddenly said, "If this matter succeeds, I will ask His Majesty to secretly entrust the safety of the students on their journey. Although your Hundred Cavalry Division is elite, it is more skilled in arrests. In terms of military escort, the Xuanjia Guard is more reliable."

Upon hearing this, Wen He smiled and nodded.

It must be said that although Changsun Wuji had his own selfish motives, he always put the Crown Prince first. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Uncle."

"No need to thank me, I only did it for the Crown Prince." Changsun Wuji waved his hand, his tone still indifferent, but less distant than before.

Seeing the atmosphere between the two gradually easing, Li Chengqian couldn't help but laugh and said, "Uncle, Master, if you had spoken to each other like this earlier, you wouldn't have had to keep arguing."

Wen He and Changsun Wuji exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of mockery in each other's eyes.

The two avoided each other's gazes with perfect understanding, their expressions gradually turning cold.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian pursed his lips, a sense of powerlessness welling up inside him.

The following morning, inside the Liangyi Hall.

The high-ranking officials of the three provinces and six ministries, holding their official tablets, stood solemnly awaiting Li Shimin's deliberations.

After Dou Jing, the Minister of Civil Affairs, finished reporting on the distribution of grain and fodder for the border troops.

Changsun Wuji suddenly stepped out from the ranks of civil officials, lifted his robe and bowed, his voice steady: "Your Majesty, I have something to report, concerning His Highness the Crown Prince's growth, and also concerning the future of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne, lightly tapping the armrest with his fingertips, and glanced at him: "Fuji, please speak your mind."

"I believe that His Highness the Crown Prince is getting older. Although he studies the classics and history diligently in the Eastern Palace, he rarely comes into contact with the hardships of the common people or the realities of the border regions. If this continues, I fear he will find it difficult to understand the difficulties of the people and the weight of the military and the nation."

Changsun Wuji paused, then looked up at Li Shimin, his tone becoming increasingly earnest.

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that His Highness the Crown Prince conceal his identity and travel with the students to various counties of Chang'an. Whether it is enduring hardships or visiting the lives of ordinary people, it will be a good opportunity to temper his character and broaden his horizons, so that he can better understand the hardships of the people and the students in the future."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly fell silent.

The ministers looked at each other, all feeling that the matter was too risky.

The Crown Prince is the heir apparent of the country, a man of immense importance. How could he easily leave the capital to endure the hardships of travel?
Li Shimin was even more surprised, and his brows furrowed slightly.

He knew that Changsun Wuji was always cautious, and he would never make such a bold suggestion in public unless he was absolutely certain.

Just as he was about to ask for details, Li Jing suddenly stepped forward, the corner of his black robe sweeping across the ground. Although his movements were slow, they carried an undeniable air of authority: "Your Majesty, what the Duke of Qi said is absolutely right. This old minister seconds it."

The court officials were in an uproar.

This Duke of Dai is usually very sparing with his words, and he rarely expresses his opinion in court discussions. It is quite unusual that he has publicly endorsed the matter of the Crown Prince's study tour today.

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly; he had a keen sense that something was wrong.

His gaze swept between Changsun Wuji and Li Jing, and the image of that man who always caused trouble immediately came to mind.

Yesterday, that brat Wen He went to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and met with Li Jing and Changsun Wuji.

They brought up this matter at this small court assembly today...

It's that little rascal again!
He gave Changsun Wuji a special glance.

I asked you to make peace, and you immediately united?
So they've already started working together?

He suppressed his dissatisfaction and did not express his opinion on the spot. He simply said, "This matter involves the safety of the Crown Prince and is of utmost importance. Please allow me to consider it. All of you may leave now."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji and Li Jing said no more.

This is something Your Majesty needs to think about before making a decision.

If you talk too much, it will become less pleasant.

Although the officials were curious, they dared not ask any questions and bowed as they withdrew.

After they left, Li Shimin frowned and said to Gao Yue, "Gao Yue, go and summon Wen He to see me."

Gao Yue received the imperial decree and hurriedly left the palace, but less than half an hour later, she hurriedly returned, her expression somewhat troubled, and knelt down in the hall: "Your Majesty, this servant... this servant could not find the magistrate of Gaoyang County."

"Where has he been fooling around again?" Li Shimin asked calmly, but a hint of unease flickered in his eyes.

"Ah Dong, who was driving, said that the magistrate of Gaoyang County went to the Ministry of Justice early this morning, saying that he had received a report and that the case was urgent. He had already left Chang'an and was heading towards the south bank of the Wei River." Gao Yue lowered her head, and her voice grew softer and softer.

"what?"

Li Shimin sat up abruptly, his calm expression instantly replaced by rage.

"Why isn't he doing his job properly in Chang'an? What case is he running off to investigate!"

Gao Yue shrank back in fright and quickly whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? The Viscount of Gaoyang County... already holds the position of Principal of the Ministry of Justice, and according to regulations, he should participate in the important affairs of the Ministry of Justice."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, leaving Li Shimin stunned and frozen in place.

He then remembered that he had given Wen He the title of Chief of the Ministry of Justice so that it would be easier for him to investigate the embezzlement of military funds. Now that Wen He was handling the case, it was perfectly legitimate for him to do so.

Li Shimin gritted his teeth in anger and grabbed a celadon brush washer from the table.

He raised his hand to smash it to the ground, but stopped abruptly halfway up his arm.

Looking at the brush washer in his hand, he suddenly felt powerless: "Never mind, there's no point in throwing it away."

That brat Wen He wasn't even around, yet he wasted all the good stuff.

Li Shimin reluctantly put the brush washer back in its place, his chest still heaving.

Seeing that Li Shimin's anger seemed to have subsided somewhat, Gao Yue slowly rose and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, there is one more thing, but I am not sure if I should say it."

"Speak!" Li Shimin's anger had not subsided, and his tone was somewhat impatient.

(End of this chapter)