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

Chapter 360 As expected, it still has to be Li Shimin.

Zhou Fu quickly led the servants in the mansion to tidy up their appearance and stand in rows on both sides inside the central gate, their clothes neat and their expressions respectful.

Qi San carefully smoothed out the wrinkles in Wen He's long gown and straightened the collar.

Since the Crown Prince is here in person today, we must not be negligent in our etiquette.

Wen He took a deep breath and strode towards the gate of the mansion. Wu Shiyue and Wu Erniang took a half step back and stood behind him with great restraint.

According to the etiquette of the Tang Dynasty, even if they were nobles, they could not stand shoulder to shoulder with Wen He to greet him.

Who told him to be Li Chengqian's nominal teacher?

Only Wenrou, Li Ke, Li Tai, and Li You followed Wen He, skipping and hopping around, completely disregarding the Crown Prince's entourage.

The gates of the mansion slowly opened, and the scene outside instantly came into view.

Li Chengqian, dressed in a bright yellow prince's everyday robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a Jinxian crown on his head, stood tall beside the carriage, followed by more than ten eunuchs and imperial guards in court attire, carrying ceremonial weapons.

Although not as extravagant as an emperor's procession, it was still undeniably solemn.

"Student Li Chengqian greets you, sir!"

Before Wen He could bow in greeting, Li Chengqian bowed slightly in accordance with the etiquette between teacher and student, his movements crisp and decisive, with a touch of youthful playfulness.

Wen He's bent-over waist froze in mid-air, staring at him in astonishment.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian winked slyly, leaned closer and whispered, "Sir, Father sent me here. He said it's your birthday today, and we need to make a good impression on you and not be impolite."

Wen He straightened up helplessly, bowed again, and said with a deliberately respectful tone, "Your subject Wen He welcomes Your Highness the Crown Prince. Your presence is an honor to my humble abode."

Now it was Li Chengqian's turn to be at a loss. He quickly reached out to help him, muttering softly, "Sir, please don't do this, I'm not used to it..."

"You're here, why make such a big fuss?"

Wen He lowered her voice and glared at him irritably.

Such a grand birthday celebration, with so many ceremonial entourages, it's as if they're going to bestow a title upon him.

Li Chengqian scratched his head, feeling wronged: "It really wasn't my idea. It was Father who instructed me to do it. He said that since you are now the magistrate of Gaoyang County and also my teacher, we need to let everyone in Chang'an know your status."

Wen He's gaze swept over the carriage not far away, piled high with gifts, including gold, silver, jade, and rare books. She couldn't help but click her tongue and say, "The elegance is secondary; your father's generosity is quite impressive."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian grinned and said, "Many of them were moved out of the Eastern Palace by me."

Upon hearing this, Wen He couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

At this moment, Li Ke, Li Tai, and Li You also stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your subject pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Looking at his three younger brothers whom he hadn't seen for a long time, Li Chengqian deliberately put on a stern face, carefully examined them, and nodded in a serious manner: "You've all grown quite a bit taller in just a few days."

Wen He, who was listening nearby, couldn't stop her lips from twitching. She leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Where did you learn this old-fashioned manner from?"

"Oh? My uncle always said that whenever he saw me, saying it made him seem more mature."

Li Chengqian answered honestly, completely unaware that he had learned the wrong occasion.

"That's how they handle things in court. What are you doing, little brat, trying to act so mature?"

Wen He was completely speechless and reached out to flick his forehead.

This child, of all things to learn, he has to learn these superficial things.

Li Chengqian rubbed his forehead in pain, gave an embarrassed smile, and was about to explain when Wenrou stepped forward and gave a crisp bow: "Wenrou greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon seeing Wenrou, Li Chengqian's eyes lit up, and he subconsciously gave Li Ke a knowing look, the teasing in his eyes almost overflowing.

Wen He happened to witness this scene, and alarm bells immediately went off in his mind: 'Could Gao Ming really have some inappropriate feelings for Xiao Rou?'

Li Ke's face also turned cold, and he stared sharply back at Li Chengqian with a clear warning.

If you dare to try anything gentle, don't blame me for being ruthless.

Li Chengqian felt uneasy under their gazes and quickly composed himself. He turned to Wen He, intending to smooth things over, but found Wen He staring at him warily, as if guarding against a thief.

"Sir, why are you looking at me like that?"

Li Chengqian touched his face and asked in confusion.

"His Majesty has already arranged a Crown Princess for you. You'd better behave yourself and stop thinking about such things."

Wen He spoke seriously, paused, and then added,

"If I'm not home, don't come to my house unless it's absolutely necessary."

The sudden warning left Li Chengqian completely bewildered; he scratched his head, looking utterly lost.

I didn't do anything, so why is my husband suddenly wary of me?

Before he could ask any further questions, Wu Shiyue, who was waiting respectfully to the side, stepped forward to pay his respects: "Your subject Wu Shiyue greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Wu Erniang also curtsied, her voice soft: "This humble girl, Wu Erniang, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Chengqian quickly dismissed his doubts and smiled as he raised his hand: "Duke Ying, no need for formalities. Lady Wu, no need for formalities. Today is your birthday, sir. I'm here to offer my congratulations. There's no need for such formalities."

As he spoke, he stepped into the mansion, his gaze sweeping over the congratulatory gifts piled up in the courtyard. He then looked at Wen He and teased with a smile, "It seems that you're going to make a fortune today, sir. With so many congratulatory gifts, the storerooms will probably be overflowing!"

Wen He glanced at Li Chengqian, secretly cursing in her heart.

If you weren't currently holding the title of Crown Prince, I would have slapped you on the back of the head long ago!
And what's with all this talk about getting rich? It's like I'm taking bribes on my birthday.

But as his gaze swept over the mountain of gifts piled up in the courtyard, he couldn't help but worry: "But there really are a lot of these things."

Gold, silver, jade, and rare calligraphy and paintings filled half the courtyard. These items are neither suitable for daily use nor easy to sell. In the end, they will probably just gather dust in the warehouse, which is a real waste.

"By the way, have you eaten? If not, how about we grab a bowl of noodles?"

Wen He turned to look at Li Chengqian, her tone returning to its usual casualness.

"Row!"

Li Chengqian nodded without hesitation. He had come out of the palace early in the morning and hadn't had time to eat. As soon as he heard that there was Suisui Noodles from Wenhe Mansion, his appetite was whetted.

Just as everyone was about to walk towards the main hall, a loud shout suddenly came from outside: "Little one! I've come to wish you a happy birthday!"

Wen He knew it was Li Daozong without even hearing the voice a second time.

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. Turning around, he saw Li Daozong stride in through the side door, still wearing his court robes, clearly having come directly from the Court of State Ceremonial.

Li Daozong first bowed to Li Chengqian and said, "Your subject greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

He wasn't surprised that Li Chengqian was here.

Just now, seeing the main gate wide open and guards on duty outside the mansion, I guessed that someone from the palace had come. However, after inquiring, I learned that Li Shimin had not come, and I immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Uncle, you may dispense with the formalities."

Li Chengqian offered a helping hand, and Li Daozong immediately straightened up, turned around and approached Wen He, saying with a boastful expression, "Today I brought you three foals from the Western Regions. They have glossy coats and gentle temperaments, perfect for that little girl to ride. What do you think? Am I generous enough?"

Wen He looked at him, expressionless, and stretched out her hand: "Where's my land deed?"

Li Daozong's smile froze instantly. After a moment of stunned silence, he coughed awkwardly twice: "Ahem... It's nothing, nothing! I'll have someone deliver the land deed to you tomorrow. I definitely won't forget this time!"

Wen He immediately let out two cold laughs.

He had heard Li Daozong say this three times already. If he could really receive the land deed tomorrow, he would write Wen He's name backwards.

"Alright, alright, it's just a few acres of land, it's not a big deal!"

Li Daozong quickly changed the subject and patted Wen He on the shoulder.

"I, the King, have come personally to congratulate you on your birthday. There are very few people in the entire Chang'an who have the honor to do so!"

Wen He shook her head with a chuckle and said helplessly, "There's no banquet at the manor today, only New Year's Noodles. If Prince Rencheng doesn't mind, would you like to eat with us?"

"That's perfect! I haven't had lunch yet!"

Li Daozong, without any hesitation, immediately gave the order in a loud voice.

"Oh, right, have someone prepare some garlic for me! What's the point of eating soup noodles without garlic!"

He spoke casually, as if he were the master of the mansion.

"If you're eating garlic, don't talk to me later."

Wen He frowned.

He doesn't have any major dietary restrictions, but he never touches onions, ginger, or garlic, especially the smell of raw garlic, which makes him feel nauseous.

And then there are the whole boiled eggs and tea eggs, which are even more unbearable to eat, not even by taste.

Just smelling it makes me feel nauseous and want to vomit.

"You little rascal, you've got a lot of problems!"

Li Daozong chuckled and cursed, then took a few steps before noticing Wu Shiyue standing to the side. He exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? Isn't this the Duke of Ying? You've come too!"

Wu Shiyue had been standing to the side for a long time. When he saw that Li Daozong was only now noticing him, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, Prince Rencheng."

"No need for formalities! We're all here to celebrate the little one's birthday; we're all family!"

Li Daozong waved his hand, then turned to Wen He and shouted, "Little brat, didn't you say you wanted soup dumplings? Quickly have someone bring them up! I'm starving!"

Wen He's lips twitched uncontrollably as she lowered her voice to remind him, "The Crown Prince is still here, can't you be a little more reserved?"

"Uh... alright, alright, I'll be more reserved!"

Li Daozong verbally agreed, but his eyes showed no respect.

Although he was the crown prince, very few people in the past few hundred years had been able to successfully hold the position and eventually ascend the throne, so he didn't feel the need to be overly reserved.

However, out of respect for Wen He, he restrained himself somewhat and gestured to Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, please."

Li Chengqian, holding his breath, deliberately straightened his chest and walked at the front, repeatedly encouraging himself in his mind: 'I am the Crown Prince, the heir apparent of the Tang Dynasty, I must not let my teacher and uncle look down on me!' He walked steadily, trying his best to imitate Li Shimin's usual calm demeanor, but the tension in his eyes, which he was trying to hide, could not be completely concealed.

Looking at his precocious demeanor, Li Daozong couldn't help but chuckle. He deliberately slowed his pace, pulled Wen He behind him, and asked in a low, mysterious voice, "Little one, I have some news to share. Do you want to hear it?"

"what news?"

Seeing his mysterious demeanor, Wen He immediately became interested.

Li Daozong didn't answer at first, but instead raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is the Cui family of Qinghe also involved in the Lu family's affairs?"

Wen He narrowed her eyes slightly, not answering directly, but only glancing at him indifferently.

But in Li Daozong's eyes, this silence was already an admission. He snorted lightly, with a hint of smug satisfaction: "You little brat, are you still trying to play dumb in front of me? With that old fox Cui Yushu's temperament, if the Lu family dares to touch a scholar, he must be the one instigating it!"

Then, he changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious: "You just returned to Chang'an and don't know yet, but a few days ago, Cui Yushu took the initiative to submit a memorial, saying that he was willing to offer His Majesty a thousand hectares of fertile land within the pass, saying that he would 'set an example for farmers across the land and help the court fill its granaries.'"

"A thousand hectares?"

Wen He suddenly stopped, her voice rising several decibels, emphasizing the last word "顷" (qǐng).

He knew that in the Tang Dynasty, one qing was equal to one hundred mu, and one thousand qing was a full one hundred thousand mu of fertile land!
This is no small sum. Even for the wealthy Cui family of Qinghe, giving up so much fertile land within the Great Wall would be like cutting off a piece of their own flesh.

Seeing his surprise, Li Daozong felt relieved and continued, "That's not all! After the Cui family donated their land, the Wang family of Taiyuan followed suit. A few days ago, the heads of both families wrote to His Majesty, saying that they had discovered hidden households within their clans. The Cui family discovered 2,000 households, and the Wang family discovered 3,000 households, totaling more than 60,000 people! They also said that their family management was not strict enough, which affected the court's household registration system. They took the initiative to apologize to His Majesty and handed over all these hidden households to be included in the court's household registration system."

"hiss!"

Wen He gasped, her eyes filled with shock.

Is it possible for the gentry to hand over their hidden households?
There are so many people all at once.

Perhaps this is their way of showing sincerity in compromising with Li Er.

"They actually have such great courage?"

He originally thought that the five clans and seven noble families had a century-old foundation, and even if the Lu family had a problem, the Cui and Wang families would still stand up to Li Shimin. He did not expect them to give in so quickly and make such a big concession.

Upon hearing this, Li Daozong chuckled lightly, a sly glint in his eyes: "Courage? He's just afraid. A few days ago, His Majesty summoned Cui Yushu and specifically ordered me to personally escort him out of the palace with over a hundred Left Guardsmen."

Wen He instantly understood, and a knowing smile appeared on her lips.

This is a naked threat.

The Left Commander was an elite member of the Imperial Guard, escorted by more than a hundred soldiers. Ostensibly, it was for protection, but in reality, it was to inform Cui Yushu.

I have the power to control your life and death at any time. If the Cui family does not submit, the Qinghe Cui family may follow in the footsteps of the Lu family, and may even be removed from the list of the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families.

Moreover, Li Daozong was the one leading the charge.

This man was a staunch supporter of Li Shimin.

Wen He sincerely admired Li Er at this moment.

No wonder he wouldn't let me investigate before; from the very beginning, he probably intended to use this matter to intimidate the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families.

Now, the court has gained fertile land and hidden households, bolstering its strength, while also preventing the gentry from completely breaking ties and avoiding turmoil in the court. It can be said that this is a win-win situation.

As expected, it has to be Li Shimin.

He simply couldn't handle all that complicated stuff.

This emperor is truly terrifying.

For the first time, Wen He felt a sense of awe.

"Then let this matter rest. What about those scholars who died in vain?"

Wen He frowned slightly.

Upon hearing this, Li Daozong paused for a moment, pondered for a moment, and then smiled.

"Lu Ziye, Lu Hong, Lu Gui, and the officials involved in the case have all been exiled. Those powerful figures have been sentenced to be executed in the marketplace. Their properties in Chang'an have also been confiscated. His Majesty has personally issued an edict to provide relief to the scholars who were wronged. But this is still not enough."

He laughed heartily, as if this was already a great compensation.

But Wen He felt a chill in her heart.

that's it?
It's just exile!

Did they just kill those bandits?
"Anything can happen on the road to exile."

Wen He's eyes narrowed slightly.

Li Daozong glanced at him, pretending not to hear anything, and shouted at Zhou Fu.

"Where is the Sui Sui Noodles? Why hasn't it been served yet? I'm hungry."

"Here he comes, here he comes. Prince Rencheng will be here shortly." Zhou Fu wiped his sweat.

He didn't dare to prepare only noodles, so he had someone roast a lamb on short notice.

'Young master is too frugal; he only ate soup dumplings on his birthday.'

……

A few days later, the Gaoyang County government was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a lively scene.

Wen He sent out invitations as per custom, inviting all those who had given gifts on her birthday.

Firstly, it was to reciprocate the gift of gratitude, and secondly, it was to fulfill the proper etiquette.

He even prepared invitations for Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun, knowing that the emperor and empress would not attend in person, but he could not fail to observe the proper etiquette between ruler and subject.

Just as the banquet began, a horn sounded outside the mansion gate, announcing an imperial decree. Everyone immediately stood at attention.

It turned out to be a palace eunuch.

Upon seeing this, everyone stepped forward to pay their respects.

Gao Yue, holding a bright yellow imperial edict, walked steadily into the front courtyard and loudly proclaimed: "I have heard that Wen He, the son of Gaoyang County, is intelligent and loyal to the emperor and the country. He has made many meritorious contributions since entering officialdom. Today, on the occasion of his childhood birthday, I hereby bestow upon him five hundred bolts of silk, five hundred taels of gold, and ten thousand taels of silver to recognize his achievements. This is my decree!"

After the decree was read aloud, everyone present was in an uproar.

This reward is exceptionally generous! It is the first time since Li Shimin ascended the throne that he has bestowed such a large sum of money and gifts upon his subjects on their birthdays.

Previously, only founding fathers such as Li Jing and Qin Qiong had received this honor.

Wen He was merely a newly appointed county magistrate, yet he received such great favor, which shows how highly His Majesty regarded him.

"Your subject Wen He, along with my younger sister Wenrou, kowtow to express our gratitude for Your Majesty's great favor!" Wen He immediately pulled Wenrou to bow and accept the imperial decree.

He thought to himself, 'Li Er is quite generous.'

Gao Yue stepped forward and handed over the imperial edict, smiling as she said, "Congratulations to the County Magistrate of Gaoyang! His Majesty specially instructed me to personally deliver the reward to your residence, which shows His Majesty's thoughtfulness."

"Thank you for your trouble, sir."

Wen He accepted the imperial edict and took the opportunity to extend an invitation.

"A banquet is being held at the mansion today. Why don't you stay and have a drink, esteemed officials?"

"This servant must return to the palace to report back to the emperor, so I will not trouble the county magistrate any longer."

Gao Yue bowed in thanks, and then greeted Li Jing, Li Daozong and other important officials present before leaving with his eunuchs and palace attendants.

As soon as Gao Yue left, Li Jing stepped forward, patted Wen He on the shoulder, and earnestly reminded her: "Jia Ying, you must keep this honor in mind. The more His Majesty values ​​you, the more cautious you must be in your future actions. Never take his favor for granted."

He was an experienced man and knew that although the Emperor's favor was great, one had to be constantly vigilant in order to maintain it for long.

"Your humble servant will keep in mind Lord Li's teachings." Wen He nodded in agreement.

He understood Li Jing's good intentions, but he also had his own considerations.

If he were to act as cautiously and restrainedly as an ordinary minister, it would only arouse Li Shimin's suspicion.

His special qualities were one of the reasons why Li Shimin valued him, and appropriately displaying his talents was the safest way to get along with him.

So he has to do something tonight.

The banquet in the front courtyard was attended by important officials of the court, including dukes, prefects, and county marquises.

Therefore, Wenhe specially set up several tables in the back garden for the brothers of the Hundred Riders.

Zhang Wenxiao, Fan Biao, and others had followed him through thick and thin, so naturally, he couldn't forget them at today's banquet.

After offering several rounds of toasts in the front yard, Xu Jingzong and Su Dingfang secretly slipped away to the back garden.

One was a civil official, and the other was a military general. They felt somewhat uncomfortable socializing with the old ministers in the front yard, and preferred to drink and enjoy themselves with the cavalry in the back garden.

"Hey? Where are Zhang Wenxiao and Fan Biao?"

Xu Jingzong had just sat down when he glanced at the hundred cavalrymen present and immediately frowned.

"Today is the return banquet for the Wen County Magistrate, why didn't the two of them come?"

Su Dingfang also looked around, then added, "Not just the two of them, where are the team leaders from team one to team five?"

Four banquet tables were set up in the back garden, but two of them were empty at the moment, clearly missing more than ten people, all of whom were core members of the Hundred Cavalry.

As Xu Jingzong was puzzled, Huang Chun, who was already quite drunk, chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "Military Advisor Xu, General Xu, you...you're all drunk, aren't you? Those people...aren't they just sitting there..."

Before he could finish speaking, he slumped onto the table with a thud, completely drunk and passed out.

Xu Jingzong and Su Dingfang exchanged glances, their doubts deepening.

Huang Chun's words were clearly incoherent; those team leaders weren't even present!
They exchanged a glance, both seeing wariness in each other's eyes.

The absence of the core members of the Hundred Riders is no accident; something big must have happened!
At that moment, on the official road outside Chang'an City, more than ten figures dressed in tight-fitting clothes and riding fine horses were galloping westward.

The two leading figures were Zhang Wenxiao and Fan Biao.

(End of this chapter)