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

Chapter 334 Not bowing down for five pecks of rice, but willing to bow down for six.
The criminals scattered in all directions, some to investigate the identity of the deceased, others to gather information at the surrounding post stations, and the south bank of the Wei River suddenly became bustling with activity.

Wen He glanced at the sky; the sun was gradually sinking behind the distant mountains. She then said to Li Chengqian, "It's getting late. Let's go back to Chang'an first and check on the progress of the investigation tomorrow."

Although Li Chengqian was still somewhat reluctant to leave, he knew it was getting late and nodded in agreement. The two rode side by side, chatting and laughing as they discussed the suspicious points they had discovered during the day, and they didn't find the journey boring at all.

But as soon as they entered Mingde Gate, before they could even turn towards the East Palace, a person dressed as an eunuch quickly came to greet them.

The man had a forced smile on his face, but it was more like a grimace. His eyes and brows betrayed a hint of bitterness. Upon seeing the two, he immediately bowed and said, "Your Highness, Prince Gaoyang, His Majesty invites you. He has instructed this servant to wait for you here."

Wen He and Li Chengqian exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness of "as expected" in each other's eyes.

It seems Li Shimin is still angry and has specially sent people to block this place, so there's no way he can escape now.

"Thank you, father-in-law."

Li Chengqian responded politely, while Wen He curled her lip in disapproval.

I should have stayed outside the city a little longer, so I wouldn't have been arrested as soon as I got back.

The two had no choice but to follow the eunuch into the palace, passing through layers of palace gardens, and finally arriving outside the Lizheng Hall.

Just as they arrived at the palace gate, Gao Yue came out. He glanced at Wen He and Li Chengqian and said in a flat tone, "His Majesty has decreed that His Highness the Crown Prince be summoned for an audience."

Li Chengqian's heart tightened, and he subconsciously looked at Wen He, only to see Wen He cup his hands in greeting to Gao Yue and ask with a grin, "Zhong Gao, what about me? His Majesty didn't say I could go in too?"

He had his own plans in mind.

If he is only called Li Chengqian, can he sneak back to his residence first?

Gao Yue was amused by him but did not expose his thoughts. She slowly said, "His Majesty said that you should stand outside the palace until His Highness the Crown Prince finishes speaking before he summons you in."

"Standing?"

Wen He's smile vanished instantly, like a wilted eggplant.

"High-ranking official, look at me, I've been running around all day, my legs are about to break, can't you make an exception and let me find a stool to sit on for a while?"

"This is His Majesty's decree; this servant dares not make such a decision."

Gao Yue shrugged, but a hint of a smile lingered in her eyes.

Who told you to always anger His Majesty? Now you deserve a lesson.

Seeing Wen He's distressed expression, Li Chengqian quickly stepped forward to comfort her: "Don't worry, sir. When we go inside, if Father asks about the study tour, I'll just say it was my own decision and has nothing to do with you. I'll take the blame for you if anything happens!"

Upon hearing this, Wen He couldn't help but roll her eyes: "Come on, you should protect your little bottom first. If your father gets really angry, he might beat you so badly you can't get out of bed. Then you won't even be able to walk the road to study, how will you help me carry you?"

Li Chengqian was taken aback by what he was told. He subconsciously touched his buttocks and couldn't help but shudder when he remembered being flogged by Li Shimin for making a mistake when he was a child.

But he still forced himself to say, "Then...then I'll tell Father that the Duke of Dai and my uncle both agreed to my study abroad. The teacher is just helping me convey my thoughts."

Looking at Li Chengqian's righteous expression, eager to take the blame for her, Wen He chuckled inwardly at the boy's honesty, but waved her hand helplessly, saying, "It's better not to. Your father is very perceptive and has already guessed that I instigated this. If you go in and take responsibility now, you'll only be asking for trouble."

Li Chengqian pouted. Although he was unwilling, he knew that Wen He was right, so he could only follow Gao Yue into the Lizheng Hall dejectedly.

Wen He stood on the stone steps outside the hall.

He strained his ears to hear what was happening inside, but the palace doors were heavy, and he could only vaguely hear a few indistinct words of conversation, the contents of which were completely inaudible.

This stand lasted for nearly half an hour, until my legs went numb and my toes ached, before the palace doors finally opened again.

Just as he was about to step forward to greet Li Chengqian, two eunuchs approached and bowed to Li Chengqian, saying, "Your Highness, the Empress has prepared dinner in Wanchun Palace and invites you to come over."

Li Chengqian had no choice but to turn around and wave to Wen He before hurriedly leaving with the eunuch.

Immediately afterwards, Gao Yue stepped forward and gestured to Wen He, saying, "Your Majesty summons you, Viscount of Gaoyang."

Wen He's heart skipped a beat, she had a feeling that something bad was about to happen, but she could only grit her teeth and walk in.

Just as I stepped across the threshold of the Lizheng Hall, before I could even bow, a white object flew straight toward my face!

"Oh no, a hidden weapon!"

Wen He instinctively turned sharply to the side, and with a loud "clang," the object crashed heavily to the ground and shattered.

It turned out to be a white jade brush washer, with porcelain shards scattered all over the floor.

He looked around, still shaken, only to find that the imperial guards and eunuchs in the hall were all expressionless, as if nothing had happened.

Wen He instantly realized that this was not a hidden weapon at all, but clearly something Li Er had deliberately thrown!
"Hehe, Your Majesty, this humble subject Wen He pays his respects."

He chuckled dryly, kicked away the broken porcelain shards at his feet, and bowed respectfully, but in his heart he cursed Li Shimin to the core.

Let's talk this out. What kind of skill is it to throw a pen washer like that?
"The young man from Gaoyang County has quite the refined taste."

Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne, his fingers lightly tapping the table. His tone was calm, yet it carried a chilling undertone.

"You took His Highness the Crown Prince out of the palace to investigate the case. I wonder how your investigation is going?"

Wen He understood the implied meaning in those words perfectly.

This isn't about investigating a case; it's clearly about interrogating him for leading the Crown Prince on a reckless trip!
"Your Majesty, I know nothing about investigating cases."

Wen He quickly pretended to be stupid, bowing his head and not daring to raise his head.

"I was just playing along with His Highness the Crown Prince because I saw his curiosity about criminal matters. The Ministry of Justice will handle the follow-up to this case. I was just there to make up the numbers and accompany the Crown Prince around to broaden his horizons."

As he spoke, he secretly thought: I mustn't let Li Er catch me doing anything wrong, or he might punish me in some way.

Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, Li Shimin sneered, a laugh that sent a chill down Wen He's spine: "Nonsense? But I heard from the Crown Prince that you have quite a bit of insight into criminal matters, and that you can tell something is amiss in a case from the manner of death and clothing. Is this also nonsense?"

"No! Absolutely not!"

Wen He shook her head vigorously, her unease growing stronger.
"Your Highness is exaggerating. I was just making things up on the spot. I have no real insights of my own. I was just repeating what the people from the Ministry of Justice were saying!"

"Snapped!"

A sharp crack suddenly rang out as Li Shimin slammed his hand on the table, causing the memorials on it to jump.

He glared at her, his voice suddenly rising: "I say you have it, so you have it! Enough with the nonsense!"

Wen He: "..."

Fine, you're the emperor, you're the biggest. If you say it's there, then it's there. Can I argue with that?
He thought to himself, but obediently replied, "Oh."

Seeing his defiant and defiant demeanor, Li Shimin became even more furious. He pointed at him and said, "I'll give you two days to solve the case on the south bank of the Wei River! If you can't, you won't get a single penny of your salary this year!"

Wen He's heart tightened.

Two days?

The case has just started to make progress, and the identity of the deceased has not even been found out yet. How could it possibly be solved in two days?
This is clearly using public office to settle personal scores!

Li Er, you old man!
Before he could retort, Li Shimin added, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority: "Furthermore, you must accompany the Crown Prince on his study tour. Don't think that while your students suffer outside, you can enjoy a leisurely life in your residence."

Wen He: "..."

Well, he finally understood. Li Shimin had planned this all along, using the case as a pretext to "tie" him to the Crown Prince's study tour group.

but……

He didn't feel any resistance.

Even if Li Er didn't say anything, he planned to offer to accompany him. It was Li Chengqian's first time leaving the capital, and he was really worried about not having a reliable person with him.

Moreover, the study tour allows you to travel all over the vicinity of Chang'an, which is equivalent to a free "publicly funded trip".

Why not?
Having figured this out, Wen He immediately put away his distressed expression and bowed, replying, "Yes, Your Majesty! I will solve this case within two days and will also escort His Highness the Crown Prince on his study tour, ensuring that His Highness does not make any mistakes!"

"roll!"

Seeing his "opportunistic" attitude, Li Shimin was furious. He waved his hand dismissively, his face full of disdain.

"Just looking at you makes me angry. Get back to investigating the case and stop getting in my way!"

"Wei Chen resigns!"

Wen He couldn't wait to leave this place of trouble, so he quickly bowed and turned to walk out of the Lizheng Hall, his steps even faster than usual.

However, just before he was about to leave Rissei-den.

Li Shimin's voice came from behind again: "Also, remember, next time if you have any problems, come directly to me. Don't be like those people and play any tricks."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have remembered."

Wen He turned around, bowed, and then ran away.

Watching his retreating figure disappear outside the palace gates, a barely perceptible smile subtly crept onto Li Shimin's lips. "That brat, he still doesn't trust me."

Wen He was unaware that this was the biggest reason for Li Shimin's anger today.

If it's about trust, why bother sending messages to Changsun Wuji and Li Jing?

But Li Shimin himself knew that this was difficult.

Once he takes this position, he is destined to become a lonely figure.

The next morning, the aroma of rice porridge filled the dining hall of the Gaoyang County government.

Wen He was slowly picking up a piece of green vegetable with her chopsticks, chewing slowly and deliberately, showing no sign of being in a hurry to go to the Ministry of Justice to investigate the case.

Sunlight streamed through the window and fell upon him, making him appear even more relaxed, as if Li Shimin's order to "solve the case in two days" yesterday had been nothing more than a passing breeze.

"Brother, His Majesty said that if the case isn't solved, he'll fine you this year!"

Wenrou sat opposite her, holding a celadon bowl. Watching Wenhe's leisurely manner, she couldn't help but frown, her almond-shaped eyes filled with worry.

"Why are you still so relaxed?"

Wen He glanced at her, put down her chopsticks, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and asked nonchalantly, "Is your brother short of money?"

Gentle shook her head.

It seems there's nothing lacking.

That meager salary was nothing to him.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs wanted to place a large order with him, and with soap and glass, he and Wenrou could live a life of comfort.

Besides, the family also owns so much land.

Li Er is still too naive to think he can be controlled with such a small salary.

As the saying goes, "Neither power nor poverty can sway one's will."

Today, Wen He will learn from Tao Yuanming and refuse to bow down for five pecks of rice!
Six dou of rice is something I might consider.

"But……"

Gentle blinked, her little face full of confusion.

"Last time I heard Granny Zhang say that it will cost a lot of money to marry your sister-in-law, with things like a ten-mile-long dowry and buying a big house... Brother, if you lose your salary, how will you marry your sister-in-law?"

"Cough cough!"

Wen He choked on the tea, and her cheeks instantly felt hot.

He hadn't expected the little girl to bring this up suddenly, so he quickly put down his teacup, picked up a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, and tried to calmly change the subject.

"The weather is nice today. I'll go out for a stroll and see if I can find any clues to help me solve the case."

After saying that, he got up and walked quickly out of the dining hall, leaving Wenrou sitting there, tilting her head and thinking.

Why did you run away as soon as you mentioned marrying your sister-in-law?

Is it because he can't afford to get married?

If I can't afford to marry her, I'll just ask Lizhi to ask for less dowry, hehe.

Wen He had no idea that his younger sister was going to pull strings for him.

They were leisurely riding horses around.

He did not go to the Ministry of Justice.

He rode his horse slowly through the streets and alleys of Chang'an, finally stopping in front of the Wannian County government office.

Yesterday, Fan Biao said he wanted to investigate the identity of the deceased. Today, he came to the county government office and might be able to get some information. It's better than facing a pile of old case files at the Ministry of Justice.

As soon as they got off the carriage, they saw a group of men dressed as outlaws gathered at the entrance of the county government office. Each of them had a curved knife at their waist and a bag on their back, looking ready to go.

The leader was Fan Biao. When he saw Wen He, his eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Prince of Gaoyang County? What brings you here!"

Wen He raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over the thugs behind Fan Biao, and chuckled, "Where are you guys headed? Judging by your posture, it looks like you're going to catch a thief?"

"Reporting to the magistrate!"

Fan Biao's face was full of excitement, and his voice was several decibels higher than usual.

"We've identified the deceased from yesterday! He was Chen Gui, a silk merchant from the south of the city. I'm about to take my men to Chen's residence to search for any clues!"

Wen He's heart skipped a beat.

Could this be the will of Heaven?

This was not because he succumbed to Li Er's pressure; it was clearly a huge injustice waiting for him, the "Upright Judge Wen," to clear his name!

Of course, this also helps to preserve his salary for that year.

Sigh, marrying a princess isn't an easy thing these days.

"it is good!"

Wen He waved his hand decisively.

"Come on, I'll go with you to take a look."

Fan Biao and the thugs behind him exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

The magistrate of Gaoyang County is a favorite of His Majesty, yet he is willing to personally investigate a case at a merchant's house.
But no one dared to utter a single word of dissent. Fan Biao was overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying, "This humble servant will lead the way for the county magistrate!"

He was secretly calculating that if he could use this investigation to build a relationship with Wen He, his life in Wannian County would definitely be much better in the future.

The group rode their horses in a grand procession toward the Chen residence in the south of the city.

Along the way, Fan Biao kept telling Wen He about the information he had found.

Chen Gui was a well-known silk merchant in Chang'an. He was wealthy and had remarried last year after his wife died two years ago.

As Wen He listened, she pondered in her mind.

Before long, the Chen residence came into view.

This is a mansion that is not luxurious but very exquisite. The vermilion gate is tightly closed, and a plaque with the words "Chen Family" hangs above the gate.

Fan Biao stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a moment, a young man came in.

When the young man saw Wen He and the others, he was clearly surprised.

After inquiring about their purpose, he was taken aback and quickly invited Wen He and the others into the mansion.

Soon after, the sound of a woman crying was heard, mixed with the comforting voices of a maid.

After the door opened, a beautiful woman dressed in plain clothes came out, supported by her maid. Her face was pale, her eyes were red and swollen, and there were still tear stains on her face. When she saw Fan Biao, her crying became even louder: "Sir, what has happened to my husband?"

"We've come today to inquire about Chen Gui, who was discovered yesterday on the south bank of the Wei River..."

Before Fan Biao could finish speaking, the beautiful woman's body went limp and she almost fell over. The young man quickly caught her.

She choked back tears and said, "My husband, how could you leave me like this!"

The woman was crying so sadly that the young man quickly comforted her.

"Stop crying. We didn't say Chen Gui was dead. Why are you crying so much?" Wen He's voice rang out.

The weeping woman was stunned, and her voice abruptly stopped.

Seeing this, the young man beside him quickly explained, "My wife heard yesterday that someone drowned on the south bank of the Wei River, which is why she made this connection. It's a pity that my husband died young."

Why is Chen Gui going there? How long has he been gone?

Wen He, like a heartless machine, asked coldly.

"My wife is pregnant. When my husband heard that Sun Simiao was in Huazhou, he rushed there overnight three days ago, but unexpectedly..." The young man sighed heavily.

Wen He was stunned.

Sun Simiao in Huazhou?!

The Medicine King has finally made his appearance.

(End of this chapter)