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

Chapter 369 I have never seen such a shameless person.

Liangyi Hall
Fang Xuanling stood in the hall, his hands trembling slightly, his face full of heartache.

“Your Majesty, Wen He, the magistrate of Gaoyang County, has acted far too recklessly this time! He commands a hundred cavalrymen, yet instead of fulfilling his duties, he forcibly arrested students of the Hongwen Academy just before the imperial examinations. This act is lawless, and if it were to spread, the people of the world would surely say that Your Majesty indulges your close ministers and disrespects scholars, which would damage Your Majesty’s reputation!”

When he got emotional, Fang Xuanling wiped his eyes, his voice trembling with emotion.

"This old minister is old and knows that his intelligence is not as quick as Wen He's, but he cannot tolerate such humiliation! Wen He is just a child, yet he dares to ignore this old minister's order and even sent a messenger to tell this old minister to 'get lost'! Your Majesty, I have followed you for many years and have never suffered such humiliation!"

His words were filled with anguish, and the atmosphere in the hall grew even more somber.

Changsun Wuji lowered his head, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his face expressionless, as if Fang Xuanling were accusing someone unrelated.

Xiao Yu sat on a brocade stool to the side, his eyes vacant, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade belt, as if he were lost in thought and had not heard anything.

Du Ruhui frowned slightly, his face serious, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Fang Xuanling and Li Shimin, clearly weighing the pros and cons of the matter.

As Li Shimin, seated on the throne, listened to Fang Xuanling's accusations, his fingers tapping lightly on the imperial desk, his expression gradually darkening.

After Fang Xuanling finished speaking, he slammed his hand on the table, causing the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the imperial desk to tremble slightly, and shouted sternly.

"How dare this scoundrel insult my trusted minister like this! Guards, go to the Hundred Cavalry Division and summon Wen He to see me immediately!"

The eunuchs outside the hall quickly responded, but anyone with discerning eyes could tell that Li Shimin had said "call" rather than "grab".

This one word difference carries vastly different implications.

If it is "arrested," it means Wen He has been convicted and will be brought in for questioning.

The act of "calling" him was merely to summon him to the palace to give a reply, and the bias implied was self-evident.

As Li Shimin's most trusted eunuch, Gao Yue naturally understood the underlying meaning.

He accepted the decree, bowed, and quickly walked out of the Liangyi Hall.

But as soon as they stepped out of the palace gate, their pace slowed down noticeably, changing from a brisk walk to a leisurely stroll.

He even paused deliberately and adjusted the brocade belt around his waist.

The young eunuch following behind him was filled with doubt, but dared not ask directly. He could only cautiously approach and ask in a low voice.

"Eunuch, didn't His Majesty tell us to hurry and summon the magistrate of Gaoyang County? If we're slow and delay the appointed time, what if His Majesty blames us..."

Gao Yue abruptly stopped, turned her head to glance at the little eunuch, a cold smile curling at the corner of her lips, and snorted softly.

"Am I walking very slowly? What, do you think I have neglected His Majesty's decree? How about this, you go to the Hundred Cavalry Commandery yourself to invite the magistrate of Gaoyang County, and I will wait here, how about that?"

Upon hearing this, the young eunuch turned pale with fright and immediately knelt down with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly.

"This servant wouldn't dare! This servant was too talkative, please forgive me, eunuch!"

After saying that, he slapped himself hard across the face, the crisp sound particularly jarring on the palace road.

Gao Yue didn't even lift her eyelids. She neither told him to get up nor said anything to forgive him. She just left him kneeling on the ground with his back bent, while she turned around and led the other eunuchs, still slowly walking towards the Wude Gate.

After taking a few steps, he stopped, turned around and coldly swept his gaze over the crowd behind him, giving them a chilling instruction.

"Remember this: slow down and take each step carefully. Anyone who tries to be clever and moves even a fraction faster will have to go to the Hundred Cavalry Commandery and ask for help from the County Magistrate of Gaoyang. Don't drag others down with you!"

The eunuchs dared not utter a single objection and hurriedly bowed their heads, replying, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Everyone slowed down, afraid that they might accidentally become the first to stick their necks out.

They all seemed to be doing something in slow motion.

at the same time.

Inside the Hundred Cavalry Division at Wude Gate.

When Xu Jingzong learned that Wen He had detained the students of Hongwen Academy and had also criticized Fang Xuanling, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

He paced back and forth in the government office, muttering to himself.

"Jiaying, Jiaying, why can't you change your temper! Who is Chu Suiliang? He is Chu Liang's only son. Which student in Hongwen Academy isn't a son of a noble family?"

"By arresting them, you've offended half the powerful and influential people in Chang'an! You could have simply sent Lord Fang away to invite them; why make him deliver the message?"

Wen He sat on a chair to the side, her expression calm as if nothing had happened.

Hearing Xu Jingzong's mutterings, he looked up at Huang Chun standing to the side and asked with a smile.

"Old Huang, what do you think about this? Do you think I acted too impulsively, or do you think I did the right thing?"

Upon hearing this, he smiled faintly and bowed.

“You’ve asked the wrong person, Gao Yang County County Man. I’m just a servant of His Majesty. The Hundred Riders only brought their eyes. They only know what His Majesty tells me to do, and I do it. As for other matters, I dare not and have no right to speak on them.”

Xu Jingzong was already annoyed, and when he heard Huang Chun's ambiguous words, he glared at him irritably and cursed inwardly.

'You eunuch, all you do is play dumb! When it really comes down to it, you just stand by and watch!'

Seeing Xu Jingzong's furious expression, Wen He couldn't help but laugh and raised an eyebrow at him as she turned around.

“Old Xu, if you’re scared, you can submit a memorial impeaching me now. Just say that I, Wen He, have no respect for hierarchy and have abused my power. Maybe His Majesty will even praise you for your loyalty and promote you.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Jingzong became anxious and pointed at Wen He.

"You, Wen Jiaying! What kind of person do you take me for, Xu Jingzong? Do you think I'm the kind of person who changes sides with the wind and kicks someone when they're down?"

"So be it. Anyway, our Hundred Cavalry Division has offended quite a few people this year, so one or two more won't make a difference! At worst, we'll be punished together with you. What are you afraid of?"

Having said that, he seemed to have unloaded a huge burden, plopped down on the side stool, picked up the tea on the table and took a big gulp, then wiped his mouth and said.

"But speaking of which, you certainly delivered a satisfying slap to Chu Suiliang! That kid always flaunts his father's name and acts arrogantly in Chang'an. It's long overdue for someone to teach him a lesson!"

Upon hearing this, Wen He raised an eyebrow: "Oh? It seems you also dislike those students at Hongwen Academy?"

"It's more than just disapproval!"

Xu Jingzong snorted.

“Those people think they are superior because of their good family background, and they even try to get special treatment in the imperial examination.”

“We who come from poor families study hard for ten years, but they can easily enter officialdom just because of their ancestors’ connections. Your arrest of them this time is a way of giving a voice to all the poor students in the world!”

Looking at Wen He's nonchalant demeanor, Xu Jingzong's anxiety, which had been fueled by worry, was gradually replaced by a complex emotion.

It's impossible for him not to feel envy, jealousy, and resentment towards Chu Suiliang.

Back in the Qin Prince's mansion, he was one of the rightful "Eighteen Scholars," accompanying His Majesty through the most difficult years. In terms of talent and seniority, he believed he was second to none.

But now?

Chu Liang held a stable position as a scholar in the Hongwen Academy and was deeply trusted by His Majesty, while Xu Jingzong had previously been just a minor official.

What frustrated him even more was that even Chu Liang's son, Chu Suiliang, relying on his aristocratic background and his father's influence, would likely rise above him in status in the future.

The injustices of this world have always been so blatant.

Children from aristocratic families are born with a silver spoon in their mouths. Even if they are not particularly talented, they can easily enter officialdom by relying on their family's influence.

These officials from humble backgrounds, even if they studied hard for ten years and made contributions in the Prince of Qin's mansion, still had to endure hardship at the bottom, and would be ostracized and suppressed if they were not careful.

If it weren't for Wen He's discerning eye, recommending him to the Emperor for a position in the Hundred Cavalry Division...

He is probably still like other officials from humble backgrounds, spending his time in some inconspicuous government office, surrounded by piles of documents, with no hope of advancement whatsoever.

"Alright, you don't need to worry about this."

Seeing Xu Jingzong's ever-changing expression, Wen He waved her hand to interrupt his thoughts, her tone full of disapproval.

"At worst, I'll be dismissed from my post and go back to the countryside to farm. That way, I'll have some peace and quiet."

Anyway, he had long been tired of all the turmoil in officialdom, and being able to get away from this matter was a wish fulfilled.

As he spoke, he stood up and stretched, showing no sign of worry on his face.

"What time is it now?" Wen He turned to ask Zhang Wenxiao, who was standing to the side.

Zhang Wenxiao quickly stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Young master, it's about 1:45 AM."

Upon hearing this, Wen He smiled and nodded: "They've slept long enough, it's time for them to get up and stretch their muscles. Go, bring me the gong I used this morning!"

Zhang Wenxiao was taken aback for a moment, then smiled wryly and bowed, replying, "Yes."

He understood Wen He's meaning perfectly well.

This means another round of troop deployment.

Not long after, a clear and loud gong suddenly rang out in the Hundred Cavalry Division, followed by a chorus of wails.

"Why are they banging the gong again?! Are they trying to kill us all?!"

"My back is still not fully recovered!"

"Oh no, I'm going to have to run my legs off again today!"

Despite their wailing, the riders dared not delay for a moment, rushing out of their quarters and quickly lining up in the training ground.

The sun was high in the sky, scorching the ground and filling the air with heat, but no one dared to complain. They could only endure the blazing sun and begin training under Wen He's instructions.

Just then, Gao Yue, accompanied by several eunuchs, strolled leisurely to the entrance of the Hundred Cavalry Division. Upon seeing the scene in the training ground, he was immediately stunned.

He wasn't surprised by the rigorous training of the Hundred Riders.

To his astonishment, Wen He was still at the Hundred Cavalry Division, standing by the training ground, holding a riding whip in her hand, occasionally scolding the lazy Hundred Cavalrymen, her expression as calm as if nothing had happened.

Gao Yue quickly stepped forward and said with a wry smile, "Oh, Gao Yang County magistrate, what are you doing at the Hundred Cavalry Division?"

He deliberately slowed down and took several detours along the way, hoping to give Wen He some time to think of a solution or find a place to hide. Unexpectedly, he still ran into Wen He.

Previously, the magistrate of Gaoyang County was so clever. When he got into trouble, he would run to the Ministry of Justice and use the pretext of investigating the case to avoid trouble. Why is he so honest this time?

Wen He turned her head, seemingly oblivious to the implication in Gao Yue's words, and said calmly.

"What you're saying, Senior Officer, is strange. I am a Captain of the Hundred Cavalry, so naturally I have to stay in the Hundred Cavalry Division to be in charge of training. If I'm not here, do you expect me to wander around somewhere else?"

Gao Yue sighed helplessly, moved closer to Wen He, and whispered a reminder.

“Gaoyang County Magistrate, don’t play dumb with me. Minister Fang has already impeached you before His Majesty, saying that you abused your power and bullied the students. Although His Majesty did not explicitly say that he would punish you, he must be very unhappy. How about this, I will pretend that I did not see you. You can sneak away now, find a place to hide, and come back after the storm has passed?”

Upon hearing this, Wen He frowned and spoke in a serious tone.

“High-ranking official, that won’t do. His Majesty has summoned me to the palace. If I sneak away, that would be a crime of deceiving the emperor, which is much more serious than what’s happening now. Besides, what I’ve done is aboveboard, so there’s nothing to hide from. Since His Majesty wants to see me, I will go. We can make things clear face to face.”

Gao Yue looked at Wen He's serious expression and secretly grumbled to herself.

Well, this lad from Gaoyang County has really gone mad!
Even at a time like this, they're still thinking about being "upright and honorable".

Aren't you afraid His Majesty will be angry and punish him?

But he couldn't persuade Wen He, so he could only say helplessly, "In that case, please come with me to the Liangyi Hall, His Majesty is still waiting."

"Very good, very good."

Wen He smiled and nodded, then turned to Zhang Wenxiao and gave him instructions.

"I'm leaving the training here to you. Keep an eye on them and don't let them slack off, especially Su Dingfang. Tell him not to take advantage of his position as a Lieutenant General and make sure he doesn't miss any of the training he's supposed to do."

Upon hearing this, Su Dingfang, who was running past Wen He, twitched the muscles on his face.

They really treated him like a lowly soldier!
I can't blame anyone else for my own sharp tongue this morning.

Zhang Wenxiao quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, young master, don't worry."

Wen He then followed Gao Yue and slowly walked towards the palace.

Along the way, he would chat with Gao Yue from time to time, asking about trivial matters in the palace and inquiring about Li Lizhi's recent situation.

It was as if they didn't take Fang Xuanling's impeachment seriously at all.

Gao Yue looked at his composed demeanor and became increasingly puzzled.

Is this Gaoyang County magistrate truly unafraid, or is he just pretending?

Meanwhile, Wen He and Gao Yue were on their way to the Liangyi Hall.

The news that Wen He had detained the students of Hongwen Academy had already spread among the powerful and influential circles in Chang'an.

When Chu Liang learned that his son Chu Suiliang had been imprisoned by Wen He and had been slapped, he was so angry that his hands trembled.

But he quickly calmed down.

He immediately sent people to contact those nobles whose sons had also been detained.

There were officials from the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Rites, Grand Masters of the Palace, and several descendants of founding nobles.

These people were already dissatisfied with Wen He's way of doing things, and now that their own children had been wronged, they were even more united in their hatred and followed Chu Liang to the palace.

They requested an audience with Li Shimin to demand an explanation for their sons and brothers.

Li Shimin was pondering how to deal with Wen He's matter in the Liangyi Hall when he heard an eunuch report that Chu Liang and others were requesting an audience. He immediately frowned.

He knew these people were there because of the students of the Hongwen Academy, and if he didn't see them, he feared he would be accused of "favoring his close advisors."

If they meet, these people will surely unite to exert pressure, making things even more difficult.

Left with no other choice, he could only send a eunuch to deliver an imperial decree, ordering Chu Liang and the others to enter the Liangyi Hall to wait.

Soon, Chu Liang led more than a dozen nobles into the Liangyi Hall, their faces grim.

Chu Liang, who was in the lead, remained calm, as if nothing had happened.

When Fang Xuanling saw that Chu Liang and the others had arrived, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

With these nobles backing him up, Wen He will certainly not escape punishment this time.

Changsun Wuji, Du Ruhui, and others remained silent, observing the situation.

The atmosphere inside the Liangyi Hall grew increasingly heavy, with everyone's eyes fixed on the entrance, awaiting Wen He's arrival.

At this moment, Wen He had already reached the outside of the Liangyi Hall. He straightened his robes, took a deep breath, and stepped inside, where he was met with the angry gazes of Chu Liang and the others.

As soon as Wen He stepped into the Liangyi Hall, before she could even bow to Li Shimin on the throne, a furious shout suddenly rang out in the hall.

"You brat! You have no respect for elders!"

The speaker was a nobleman dressed in a scarlet official robe, his face contorted with rage.

His eldest son was the same student from the Hongwen Academy who had been detained by Wen He at the examination hall that morning.

Seeing Wen He enter the hall with a calm demeanor, his pent-up anger instantly erupted. He pointed directly at Wen He, his tone filled with undisguised contempt.

Wen He seemed not to hear the insults. She walked straight into the hall, bowed to Li Shimin on the throne and gave a standard military salute. After the salute, she straightened up and spoke in a calm but weighty tone.

“Your Majesty, as soon as I entered the palace, I was publicly insulted by this official as a ‘young brat.’ Although I am young, I am the Viscount of Gaoyang County and a Hundred Cavalry Commandant, personally appointed by Your Majesty, and I am responsible for inspecting the imperial examinations. Such insults are not only an insult to me, but also a disrespect to the position and title bestowed upon me by Your Majesty.”

He turned to look at the nobleman, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp as knives.

"According to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, anyone who insults an official of the court without cause in the imperial court shall be punished for great disrespect. This official has openly insulted me in front of His Majesty in the Liangyi Hall, which has already violated the law."

Wen He changed the subject and bowed again to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty! Such lawless individuals, if not severely punished, will hardly command respect. I humbly request Your Majesty to issue an edict to exile them to Shazhou!"

The nobleman's face turned ashen with rage, and he pointed at Wen He, his voice trembling.

"You, you scoundrel! You're spouting nonsense! I merely reprimanded you for your insolent behavior, Your Majesty. This boy is distorting the truth and is clearly deceiving the emperor!"

"Deceiving the emperor?"

Wen He sneered.

"You rebuked the magistrate of the founding county without cause; doesn't that mean you don't respect His Majesty?"

The nobleman was speechless, unable to find a rebuttal.

"Alright! All of you, shut up!"

Li Shimin, sitting on the throne, slammed his hand on the table, his face darkening, clearly extremely displeased with the noise in the hall.

"Wen He, I ask you, why did you order the Hundred Cavalry to detain the students of Hongwen Academy? Although you are young, you should not have acted so recklessly."

As soon as Li Shimin said this, the hall fell silent.

Du Ruhui's slightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and he quietly lowered his eyes, his expression returning to calm.

He understands His Majesty's thoughts all too well.

The words "young" and "mischievous" seem like a reprimand, but they are actually a way to save face for Wen He.

This is clearly an attempt to "raise it high and then put it down gently".

As expected, Fang Xuanling, who was standing to the side, immediately sensed that something was wrong. He quickly stepped forward and bowed to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty! This matter cannot be dismissed as mere 'nonsense.' The Hundred Riders are Your Majesty's personal guard, meant to protect the safety of the Imperial City. Yet, Wen He has used them to arrest scholars. If this were to spread, it would surely dishearten the officials in the court and disappoint the scholars of the land!" "Now, the Hundred Riders are known throughout Chang'an as fearsome tigers, and Wen He has even earned the nickname 'Little Killer of the Hundred Riders,' demonstrating just how arrogant and domineering he is!"

"Fang Xuanling, don't talk nonsense!"

Wen He suddenly interrupted Fang Xuanling, her tone tinged with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"That nickname 'Little Killer of a Hundred Riders' wasn't something I came up with myself, nor was it spread by the Hundred Riders. Doesn't Prime Minister Fang know who's been gossiping behind my back?"

"Furthermore, is the Hundred Cavalry truly arrogant and domineering? If the Hundred Cavalry were really as you say, how come those students from the Hongwen Academy were still imprisoned in the Hundred Cavalry Division unharmed? They should have been arrested and punished on the spot for trespassing!"

"presumptuous!"

Li Shimin slammed his hand on the imperial desk and glared at Wen He, scolding him.

"Xuanling is an important minister in the court and also your elder. How dare you address him by his name and contradict him in public? You have no manners at all!"

Wen He curled her lip indifferently, her tone carrying a hint of roguishness.

"Your Majesty, I am young and still a child. I do not understand the rules of the court. If I have offended the Prime Minister in any way, I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was speechless.

These were the very reasons he had used to defend Wen He earlier, but he never expected that this kid would turn around and use those same words to shut him up, leaving him speechless.

Fang Xuanling was so angry with Wen He that his face turned pale. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and turned to bow to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, I do not care whether Wen He looks down on me. What I care about is why he imprisoned the students of Hongwen Academy in the Hundred Cavalry Division prison!"

“Those students are all the pillars of the future of the Tang Dynasty. They come from prestigious families, are excellent in both character and learning, and will be the ones to share Your Majesty’s burdens and serve the Tang Dynasty in the future. If Wen He treats them like this, wouldn’t he be putting Your Majesty in an unjust position and making the world say that Your Majesty is disrespectful to talents?”

"To lead His Majesty into injustice?"

Upon hearing this, Wen He immediately let out two cold laughs, full of sarcasm, which caused the nobles in the hall to frown.

This brat actually dared to sneer at the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in His Majesty's palace; he's utterly audacious!

Wen He glanced at the nobles in the hall, whose expressions varied, and said with a hint of disdain, "What Chancellor Fang said is that His Majesty has been put in an unjust position. I think there is someone else who has put His Majesty in an unjust position."

He turned to look at Li Shimin on the throne, bowed, and asked.

"Your Majesty, I dare to ask, according to the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty, what is the punishment for candidates who trespass into the examination hall before the spring examination?"

The anger on Li Shimin's face gradually dissipated, replaced by a look of confusion. He looked at Du Ruhui standing to the side and said with a smile.

"Kemin, you are familiar with the law, especially the regulations related to the imperial examination. Why don't you tell Wenhe how to deal with this unauthorized trespassing into the examination hall?"

Du Ruhui seemed to be lost in thought, but when he heard Li Shimin's summons, he slowly raised his head with a hint of apology on his face.

"Ah? Your Majesty, this old minister has been feeling unwell since waking up this morning. I feel dizzy and lightheaded, and I can't remember many of the legal provisions very well. I'm afraid I might misunderstand and cause you trouble."

As soon as he said this, everyone in the hall understood perfectly.

Du Ruhui was trying to avoid suspicion and didn't want to get involved in this dispute.

"Really."

Li Shimin chuckled lightly, not exposing Du Ruhui's excuse, and turned to look at Fang Xuanling, speaking in a calm tone.

"Since Kemin is unwell, Xuanling, why don't you speak? As the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, you should remember the laws related to the imperial examinations, right?"

Fang Xuanling froze on the spot, his face turning pale and then red.

"What? Xuanling is now the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and he can't even remember such a small matter?"

Li Shimin's tone remained nonchalant, but to Fang Xuanling, it sent chills down his spine.

Fang Xuanling knew that His Majesty was forcing him to speak, so he took a deep breath and forced himself to remain calm as he spoke.

"Your Majesty, according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, anyone who trespasses into the examination hall before the spring examinations, if he is a candidate, will be disqualified from taking the imperial examinations for five years; if he is not a candidate, he will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for trespassing, and will be punished with caning for minor offenses and exile for serious offenses."

"Oh, I see. I had forgotten about this law."

Li Shimin's face showed a look of sudden realization, and he smiled warmly.

"It's fortunate that Xuanling is here, otherwise I wouldn't know who to ask."

But Fang Xuanling felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight up to the top of his head.

His Majesty didn't forget; he deliberately made him say it so that Wen He would have something to say!
Sure enough, Li Shimin turned to look at Wen He, his tone somewhat serious.

"Xuanling has already told you your question, but what does this have to do with the students of Hongwen Academy? If you can't explain it clearly, I won't let you off easily today."

Wen He's lips curled up into a knowing smile. He bowed deeply to Li Shimin and spoke in a loud voice.

"Your Majesty, it was at the examination hall yesterday that I apprehended a group of students from the Hongwen Academy, led by Chu Suiliang! Those students were all candidates for this year's spring examination, but before the examination, they broke into the examination hall without permission. According to the law, they should have been disqualified from taking the imperial examinations for five years!"

"what?"

Li Shimin feigned surprise, suddenly frowned, and looked at Wen He to question him.

"Wen Jiaying, you can't talk nonsense! The students of Hongwen Academy are all learned scholars, how could they do something like trespassing into the examination hall? Are you mistaken?"

For a moment, the hall was eerily quiet; you could hear a pin drop.

Chu Liang and the others lowered their heads, not daring to meet Li Shimin's gaze.

His Majesty is clearly putting on an act, but they have no choice but to play along.

Chu Liang knew that he had to step forward at this moment, otherwise things would only get worse.

He stepped forward, bowed deeply to Li Shimin, and spoke with a tone of respect.

"Your Majesty, since the establishment of the Xiuwen Academy by the Retired Emperor, the students of the academy have all been elites selected from the sons of nobles and officials. They are excellent in both character and learning, and their studies and conduct are of the highest caliber. On weekdays, they not only study the classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections, but also assist the scholars of the academy in repairing royal books, making great contributions to the cultural inheritance of the Tang Dynasty..."

"Chu Qing."

Li Shimin interrupted Chu Liang with a smile, his tone still gentle, yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"I am asking why students from the Hongwen Academy are present at the examination hall."

Chu Liang's expression changed slightly, and he quickly changed his words.

"Your Majesty, the students of the Hongwen Academy are different from those of the Imperial Academy or other places. They have received instruction from renowned teachers since childhood and have long since memorized the principles of governance and the teachings of sages. Their knowledge far surpasses that of ordinary students. Their participation in this spring examination is merely a formality..."

"Scholar Chu".

This time, it was Wen He who interrupted Chu Liang, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"His Majesty is asking you why the students of the Hongwen Academy broke into the examination hall without permission, not asking you to boast about how great they are. You said their knowledge far surpasses that of ordinary students. Does that mean they can disregard the laws of the Tang Dynasty and arbitrarily enter the examination hall?"

Chu Liang's face flushed red from Wen He's retort. He took a deep breath and said coldly.

"This is a tradition of Hongwen Academy! Since the establishment of Hongwen Academy, every spring when the imperial examinations are held, the students of the academy will go to the examination hall in advance to familiarize themselves with the environment, so as not to lose their performance due to unfamiliarity on the day of the examination."

"Standard practice?"

Wen He chuckled and glanced at the nobles in the hall.

"Then I shall ask, why don't the students of the Imperial Academy have this 'custom'? Why don't those poor scholars from remote prefectures and counties have this 'custom'? Is it because the students of the Hongwen Academy come from noble families that they can enjoy special privileges?"

"Is this customary according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty?"

"Does the existence of established practices mean that anyone can disregard the law?"

His tone suddenly turned stern, and his voice echoed in the hall.

"Today, students from the Hongwen Academy can sneak into the examination hall without permission. Will it be the same tomorrow for the sons of the five noble families and the seven prominent clans, as well as the sons of the Guanzhong region?"

"Can the sons of Shandong gentry or Jiangnan gentry be eligible the day after tomorrow?"

As he said this, Xiao Yu's expression changed.

Wen Jiaying, just say what you want to say, why involve other forces?

Wen He didn't notice Xiao Yu's expression and continued speaking.

"If things continue like this, why not just change the imperial examination system altogether and have all you noble families submit the names of your sons to His Majesty so he can appoint them to official positions!"

Wen He paused, as if suddenly remembering something, shook her head, and spoke with a hint of mockery.

"Oh, no, that's not necessary. I think you should just take His Majesty's seal and appoint yourselves to official positions, whatever positions you want. Wouldn't that be more convenient? It would save you from going through the imperial examination process and wasting time!"

"You rude brat!"

Li Shimin suddenly shouted, pointing at Wen He and yelling towards the outside of the hall.

"Where are you all! Take this brat out and make him stand at the palace gate to reflect on his actions. He is not to enter without my order!"

Wen He also got angry. He knew that His Majesty was protecting him, but he couldn't stand the faces of these nobles and gentry. He couldn't help but point at Fang Xuanling, Chu Liang and others and curse them.

"Let's go! What's the big deal!"

"Today you people are thinking about special privileges, and tomorrow your descendants will be thinking about special privileges too. Are the laws of the Tang Dynasty made for you noble families and aristocratic clans?"

"Should the empire of this Tang Dynasty be controlled by people like you?"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, his voice trembling slightly.

"Since the Qin and Han dynasties, how many dynasties have fallen? It's all because of land annexation, because of you parasites and beasts who have sucked the blood and sweat of the people, yet still dream of being high above and enjoying privileges!"

"Now that the Tang Dynasty has just been established, His Majesty is determined to make the world fair and give scholars from poor families a chance to rise up. But you, on the contrary, are always thinking about protecting your own interests and seeking special treatment!"

Wen He's words were like a sharp knife, piercing the vitals of the nobles in the palace. They glared at Wen He, yet were unable to refute her.

What Wen He said was all true.

But they didn't take Wen He's words to heart.

Because that's also a fact.

Your Majesty must rely on them to maintain peace throughout the land.

Even if Wen He were to pursue so-called fairness, it would be nothing more than an ant trying to shake a tree.

But the next moment, their expressions changed.

"screw you!"

"A bunch of sons who are born without an anus, sons who are cuckolded! May your whole family be infertile but have many children and grandchildren, you sons of bitches, a bunch of *****fuck******."

Wen He's insults became increasingly vulgar, and she used all sorts of crude language.

It can be said that this was a refreshing experience for these people from the Tang Dynasty.

"Get out!"

Li Shimin was so angry that his face turned ashen. He grabbed the brush washer from the imperial desk and threw it at Wen He.

Seeing this, Gao Yue, who was standing to the side, quickly reached out to stop him, but he was a beat too slow and the brush washer brushed against his arm.

With a "crack," it smashed into pieces on the gold brick at Wen He's feet.

Two imperial guards entered and gently supported Wen He's arms.

"Hey, Gaoyang County boy, stop cursing."

The two kindly offered a word of advice, and Wen He immediately snorted and followed them out.

Before leaving, he didn't forget to leave a message.

"While the rich wine and meat smell, the road with frozen bone."

After saying that, he left gracefully.

"His Majesty!"

Chu Liang suddenly crawled forward two steps on his knees and burst into tears at Li Shimin on the throne.

"This boy speaks crudely and has no respect for hierarchy. He even dares to insult high-ranking officials in the court. If such an arrogant person is allowed to remain in the court for a long time, he will surely become a disaster in the future and may ruin the Tang Dynasty!"

"Your Majesty, for the sake of the nation, please dismiss Wen He from his post, strip him of his title, and banish him from Chang'an to restore order and discipline!"

As soon as he said this, several nobles in the hall immediately understood and stepped forward one after another. Some wiped away imaginary tears, while others beat their chests and stamped their feet, even imitating Chu Liang's manner of crying and begging.

"Your Majesty! Scholar Chu is absolutely right! Relying on Your Majesty's favor, Wen He acts without any scruples. Yesterday he detained students from the Hongwen Academy, and today he insulted ministers in the palace. If this continues, how can we, his subjects, have the face to stand in the court? We beg Your Majesty to punish him severely!"

"Your Majesty! If this boy is not eliminated, he may even disregard Your Majesty's dignity in the future!"

Cries and screams rose and fell, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became eerie.

Fang Xuanling, who was standing to the side, suddenly changed his expression, his fingers gripping the tablet tightly until his knuckles turned white.

Although he was annoyed by Wen He's arrogance, which not only led him to call him by his name but also to contradict him in public, he dared not let Li Shimin actually expel Wen He.

But he couldn't utter a single word of these reasons.

If Wen He's identity were to be revealed, not only would hundreds of members of his Fang family suffer, but his Qinghe Fang clan might also be purged.

He could only sweat profusely with anxiety, looking up at Li Shimin on the throne with a complex expression in his eyes.

He sighed helplessly to himself.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, when you first revealed Wen He's identity to me and Ke Ming, wasn't it so that I could protect him in a crucial moment?"

Seeing that Li Shimin's expression was growing increasingly grim, Fang Xuanling knew he couldn't wait any longer, so he quickly stepped forward, bowed to Li Shimin, and reported.

“Your Majesty, Scholar Chu’s words are too harsh. Although Wen He is impulsive and his words are indeed crude, he is still a child and his mind is not yet mature. It is inevitable that he will act inappropriately. I hope Your Majesty will consider his original intention to uphold the fairness of the imperial examination and punish him leniently.”

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall except Du Ruhui and Changsun Wuji was greatly surprised.

Just now, Fang Xuanling was accusing Wen He of acting erratically, and seemed to intend to expel Wen He from the Hundred Cavalry and strip him of his authority.

How come you suddenly started pleading for Wen He and even defended her, saying it was just a child's nature?
Chu Liang looked up in astonishment, his face streaked with tears, staring at Fang Xuanling with utter bewilderment in his eyes.

"Brother Xuanling, you...didn't you just say that Wen He was lawless? Why are you speaking up for him now?"

Fang Xuanling dared not meet Chu Liang's gaze, and could only avert his eyes to continue speaking to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, although Wen He has made a mistake, his crime does not warrant dismissal and stripping him of his title. It would be better to punish him by confining him to his quarters to reflect on his mistakes, or to let him continue to manage the Hundred Cavalry and make amends through meritorious service. This would not only show Your Majesty's magnanimity, but also let him know that he has repented."

"Prime Minister Fang! How can you be so biased towards this scoundrel!"

One of the nobles couldn't help but cry out in rebuttal.

"Your Majesty, did you hear what Wen He said just now? He called us nobles 'parasites' and said that our descendants enjoying privileges is 'destroying the foundation of the Tang Dynasty.' Such humiliation will surely lead him to storm our gates when he gains more power. We beg Your Majesty to do us justice!"

Li Shimin remained silent on the throne, his gaze sweeping heavily over the wailing nobles in the hall. Suddenly, he chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in his laughter.

"What? My lords, do you think I would show favoritism or bias?"

"Or are you gentlemen plotting to force me to abdicate?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderclap that struck the hall, instantly silencing all the cries and screams.

The hall was deathly silent; even the sound of the wind whistling through the windowpanes could be clearly heard. Everyone's breath caught in their throats for a moment, and the tears on their faces, still wet, were replaced by fear.

Li Shimin slowly stood up, walked to the throne, and glanced at all the nobles in front of him, his tone still carrying a smile.

"Since you all feel that I have acted improperly, then why don't you all come up here? My imperial seal is right here on this desk. You can decide for yourselves what crime Wen He should be charged with and what punishment you want him to suffer. What do you say?"

"Just as Wen He said, why don't you just take my seal and appoint yourselves to official positions, whatever positions you want? Wouldn't that be more convenient?"

"Pfft!"

The first nobleman's legs buckled, and he collapsed to his knees, his forehead slamming heavily against the gold brick with a dull thud.

Immediately afterwards, no one in the hall dared to sit or stand. Whether they were nobles pleading or ministers in silence, they all prostrated themselves on the ground, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty deserves to die!"

Li Shimin stood on the imperial steps, the smile on his face gone.

He clasped his hands tightly behind his back, his eyes filled with a cold glint.

Just then, a loud shout came from outside.

"Death penalty? If you're so capable, go ahead and kill yourselves by crashing your heads into a wall. What good is all this talk? You bunch of sons born without an anus!"

"Die if you dare!"

"He's just a nobody scholar, and he doesn't do anything all day. He even lets his son call himself the academy master. How dare he take the court's salary and occupy the position without doing anything?"

"You white-haired scoundrel, you old thief with a gray beard, I have never seen such a shameless person!"

Inside the main hall, the faces of the nobles immediately turned red with embarrassment.

This is Wen He!
Not a son of man!
"puff!"

Chu Liang coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.

(End of this chapter)