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

Chapter 400 You couldn't figure it out even if you racked your brains.
"Why is Fan Biao getting more and more flamboyant?"

In a side room by the window on the second floor of Tianranju, Wen He held a bowl of steaming mutton soup, looked down at the men shouting and hawking their wares on the street, and shook her head helplessly.

"And then there's Chen Dahai. He's supposed to be a captain in the Hundred Cavalry Second Squad, but his acting is way too obvious."

Indeed, the ones who deliberately started arguing to attract the crowd were Fan Biao and Chen Dahai from the Hundred Riders.

Wen He originally only asked them to arrange for people to spread the news of immigration in the city, but unexpectedly, these two took the lead themselves and even put on a show to counter their actions.

"The young master didn't say beforehand that they couldn't come in person."

Zhang Wenxiao, who was standing to the side, tried to smooth things over while suppressing his laughter.

"However, the results were better than expected; many people downstairs were tempted."

Upon hearing this, Wen He lowered his head and took a sip of mutton soup. The warm broth slid down his throat, dispelling the winter chill, and he chuckled softly.

"It has had some effect, but it's not enough. Brothers, put in a little more effort. By evening, I want the news to spread throughout the East Market, West Market, and alleys of Chang'an."

After saying that, he gently put down the bowl of mutton soup, the bottom of the bowl making a soft sound as it hit the table, his tone carrying an unquestionable seriousness.

Zhang Wenxiao immediately cupped his hands in response.

"Yes, sir! I'll make the arrangements right away. Have the brothers go to various markets in batches to spread the news, making sure that everyone hears it."

After Zhang Wenxiao turned and left, Wen He looked downstairs again.

The crowd had already begun to surge towards the county government office, their steps hurried and their faces showing a hint of urgency.

He knew this was only the first step. The next step depended on the cooperation of the county government, especially Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei, these two newly appointed protégés. Whether they could withstand the pressure depended on today.

Meanwhile, inside the county government office in Chang'an County, the atmosphere was rather cold.

"Oh, Magistrate Meng is here again?"

County Magistrate Wang was reviewing documents with his head down when he heard footsteps. He looked up and saw Meng Zhou. A contemptuous smile appeared on his lips, and his tone was sarcastic.

"Today is just like yesterday, only six people have come to register. I say, Magistrate Meng, if you don't handle this immigration matter well, your future prospects will be bleak."

These words sounded like expressions of concern, but the gloating beneath them was impossible to hide.

How are the students from Gaoyang County?
What good is it if you win His Majesty's favor in the palace examination?
Taking on such a mess as immigration will most likely make you the scapegoat in the end, and you might even be exiled.

Upon hearing this, Meng Zhou forced a dry laugh, bowed to Magistrate Wang, and did not reply.

Although he later became a county magistrate, he was essentially a subordinate of the county.

This county magistrate was from Chang'an County, and in terms of rank, Meng Zhou was one level lower than him.

He silently walked to his own makeshift desk in the corner.

He and Zhao Lei haven't officially taken office yet, but they've already experienced the full spectrum of human nature in officialdom.

After the palace examination, the Ministry of Personnel notified them to go to the county government offices of Chang'an County and Wannian County respectively to assist in handling immigration affairs.

When they first arrived, because of their status as "Wen He's disciple," everyone from the bailiffs to the county magistrate greeted them with smiles and inquired about their well-being. People even rushed to serve them tea and water.

However, a month after the immigration notice was issued, fewer than a dozen households registered. The attitude of the people in the county government gradually changed, becoming indifferent and distant, and some even made sarcastic remarks in private.

"I think Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei are just sent out by the magistrate of Gaoyang County to take the fall."

"That's right! His Majesty must be afraid that the magistrate of Gaoyang County would mess up the immigration process and lose face, so he sent these two novices to take the blame."

"This immigration plan seems doomed to fail. Who would give up a life near Chang'an to go to that harsh and cold place, Shuofang?"

Meng Zhou had heard these comments more than once.

Even he and Zhao Lei couldn't help but have doubts.

Is the gentleman really going to give up on them?
Wu Sheng went to Yongzhou to officially take up his post as county magistrate early on, while the two of them were still doing temporary jobs in the county government office in Chang'an County.

The master hasn't summoned them during this time, nor has he given them a single word of advice.

The two of them tried several times to seek advice from Wen He.

But the latter avoided meeting him.

During this period, they weren't even invited to meals.

Last night, Zhao Lei even cried secretly at his residence, his eyes red and swollen.

"Brother Wenyan, have we become abandoned pawns? Does the master think we can't handle things well and doesn't want to take care of us anymore?"

Thinking of this, Meng Zhou sighed helplessly, sat down with his heel propped up, and reached out to open the yellow book on the table.

Only thirteen names were registered on it, and the sparse handwriting stood out starkly against the blank page.

As he looked at those names, his eyes welled up with tears, but he blinked hard to force them back and silently recited them in his heart.

"No, Master would never abandon me and Zizhong. He always has a plan; perhaps he's just waiting for the right opportunity."

"Wenyan, let me give you a piece of advice: stop worrying about immigration."

County Magistrate Wang put down his wolf-hair brush, put on a concerned look, and looked at Meng Zhou behind the desk.

"In my opinion, you should submit your resignation directly to the Ministry of Personnel. Perhaps His Majesty will remember your merit in the palace examination and arrange a leisurely minor official position for you. It's better than wasting your time here and ending up being accused of incompetence."

County Magistrate Wang is nearly forty years old this year. He has studied hard for many years, and his temples have turned gray. He is still only a county magistrate of the seventh rank.

According to the official system of the Tang Dynasty, if he did not achieve any outstanding political achievements at his age, he would at most retire as a minor official of the seventh rank.

Meng Zhou, so young, gained the Emperor's favor immediately upon entering officialdom, being appointed as a county magistrate and even becoming a disciple of the magistrate of Gaoyang County.

This situation fueled the jealousy in Magistrate Wang's heart, which grew like wildfire.

Seeing Meng Zhou struggling with immigration matters, he naturally couldn't help but mock him.

"Everyone thinks they can climb to a high position, but sometimes, those high positions are full of thorns."

County Magistrate Wang picked up the celadon teacup on the table, gently blew away the foam, and couldn't hide the sharpness in his tone.

"Do you think you can use this to rise to the top in the future? Little do you know that immigration is a hot potato. If you don't handle it well, not only will you stumble, but you might also implicate your husband. Then you'll become a laughing stock."

"County Magistrate Wang!"

Meng Zhou slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, his face flushed red, his hands clenched tightly under the table.

He had endured Magistrate Wang's cold words for a long time, but the other party dared to slander the gentleman, which he could not tolerate.

"Sir, you have the world in your heart; how can you presume to know such things? Immigration is a difficult matter, but I will certainly handle it well; you need not trouble yourself!"

"What? Does Magistrate Meng think I'm wrong?"

County Magistrate Wang put down his teacup, sneered, and looked at the teacup with disdain.

"You're eager to do a good job, but after a month, less than twenty households have registered. If His Majesty blames you in a few more days, let's see how you handle it!"

As the two were locked in a stalemate, a sudden burst of noisy footsteps came from outside the government office.

It was as if countless people were surging in on the bluestone path, accompanied by the shouts of the bailiffs.

"Make way! Don't push! Those who want to register for immigration, please line up in order. Every household can register!"

County Magistrate Wang frowned, got up impatiently, and walked out, muttering to himself.

"Who's the blind fool who dares to make a scene in front of the county government office?"

As he walked, he straightened his robes, thinking he would give him a good scolding when he got out, but as soon as he stepped out of the government office and saw the scene outside, he froze.

The open space in front of the county government office was crowded with people, including young men with bare chests wearing only coarse cloth shorts, and middle-aged men with weathered faces carrying old bundles.

Everyone's eyes were filled with urgency, and they surged toward the county government office like a tide.

A young man in his early twenties squeezed to the front and loudly asked the bailiff at the door.

"Shangguan, my name is Zhao Erlang. I'm twenty-five years old and still unmarried. I heard that the Shuofang government is going to help people find wives. Is that true? Where do we fill out the application? I heard that aristocratic families are scrambling for a spot, so we rushed here before dawn!"

A man in his thirties standing nearby also chimed in.

"Yes, Shangguan! My wife passed away last year, leaving me all alone. I make a living in Chang'an by hauling goods for others, and I don't even own a piece of land. I heard that if I go to Shuofang, I can get twenty acres of land and ten sheep. If that's true, my life will be secure for the rest of my days! Tell me quickly, where do I register?"

The celadon teacup in Magistrate Wang's hand crashed to the ground with a loud bang, shards scattering everywhere. Warm tea dripped down the hem of his robe, soaking his boots, but he was completely unaware.

He stared wide-eyed at the massive crowd before him, muttering to himself.

"What...what's going on? Why are so many people here all of a sudden? What...what are they doing here?"

Meng Zhou also walked out of the government office, and when he heard someone ask him a question, his eyes were filled with shock.

Why is the county government office, which was deserted just a moment ago, suddenly filled with so many people?
Without thinking, he quickly stepped forward and shouted loudly at the chaotic crowd.

"Don't panic, everyone! Line up! Those who want to register for immigration, come over here first to fill out your household registration information. As long as you meet the requirements, every household can register, and no one will be missed!"

A widower in his forties, leaning on a wooden cane, asked shakily.

"Young man, are you the county magistrate? I'm the only one left in my family, and my health isn't very good. If I go to Shuofang, will I really be allocated land and sheep? And if the government gives me a wife, will she think I'm too old?"

Meng Zhou walked up to him and softened his tone.

"Don't worry, old man, the imperial decree is absolutely true! Whether you are a young man or an old man living alone, you will be allocated twenty acres of fertile land, fifty acres of pasture, ten sheep and two cows when you go to Shuofang. You can receive them as soon as you arrive."

"As for marriage, the government will match people according to their age and family background, and there will be no discrimination. Moreover, you will be exempt from taxes for two years. You can just focus on farming and raising sheep. Your life will definitely be better than in Chang'an!"

"Even if you can't manage it all, you can rent out the fields and pastures and hire people to farm them for you."

After shouting, he turned to the bailiffs and clerks beside him and gave them instructions.

"Quickly! Bring out all the blank household registers from the storeroom! Find a few literate clerks, have them sit in two rows, and register each household one by one, carefully checking the names, places of origin, and number of people in the family, especially those who live alone or are unmarried, making sure they are clearly marked!"

The bailiffs and clerks realized what was happening and quickly got to work.

Some people moved tables, others took booklets, and some even stood by the line to maintain order, gradually bringing order to the originally chaotic scene.

Those people kept asking questions.

"When can we depart after registration?"

"Once we arrive in Shuofang, how long will it take to find a wife?"

Meng Zhou answered patiently, beads of sweat gradually forming on his forehead.

County Magistrate Wang stood aside, looking at the scene before him, still in astonishment, unable to believe it.

How could things have changed so much in just half a day?

He quietly pulled aside a passing bailiff and asked in a low voice.

"What's going on? Why are all these people suddenly registering for immigration?"

The soap seller replied while wiping his sweat.

“Magistrate Wang, don’t you know? It’s all over Chang’an City that Shuofang is not only giving away land and cattle and sheep, but also helping single men find wives. However, powerful families are scrambling for immigration slots, and these people are afraid they’ll miss their chance if they’re late, so they’re all rushing to the county government office!”

Magistrate Wang frowned, his mind filled with even more doubt: "Where did this news come from? How did it suddenly spread so widely?"

The bailiff shook his head: "Nobody knows exactly who spread the rumor. All we know is that it started in the East and West Markets. They say that someone who went to Shuofang not only got land but also married a local girl and is living a better life than he did in Chang'an!"

Just then, a series of orderly footsteps came from afar. A dozen or so people dressed in black tight-fitting clothes and carrying curved swords walked quickly towards them. The leader was a valiant-looking rider who walked up to Meng Zhou and bowed.

“Magistrate Meng, I am Chen Wu, the sergeant of a hundred cavalrymen. I have been ordered to come here to assist you in maintaining order and registering immigrants.”

Meng Zhou looked at the hundred riders before him.

The Hundred Riders are His Majesty's personal guards and are not usually dispatched easily, so why are they suddenly here to assist me?
He was suddenly jolted, and his previous doubts were instantly resolved.

A hundred riders!
That must be the gentleman!

A warm feeling suddenly welled up in his heart.

Meng Zhou bowed deeply to Chen Wu with immense gratitude.

"Thank you for your trouble, Squad Leader Chen. Thank you for your hard work, brothers."

Chen Wu straightened up and smiled.

"Magistrate Meng, you're too kind. It's my duty. Brothers, spread out and help maintain order. Don't let everyone crowd together!"

A dozen or so riders immediately dispersed and stood orderly on both sides of the line. Seeing that there were soldiers maintaining order, the men's initial panic subsided, and they registered much faster.

As Magistrate Wang watched this scene, his face flushed red and then turned pale.

He finally realized that he had not only underestimated Meng Zhou, but also the man from Gaoyang County.

Looking back now, his previous sarcastic remarks seem like a joke.

He thought Meng Zhou was just a pawn to be discarded.

But now it seems that this was not the case at all. All that had happened before was clearly a trial for him by the magistrate of Gaoyang County.

Meng Zhou turned around and saw him, her tone calm but with a hint of determination.

“Magistrate Wang, I will not argue with you today, but I will prove in the future that you, sir, have not misjudged me, nor has His Majesty. I, Meng Zhou, will certainly handle the immigration matter well, and will not let down your trust or the expectations of these people!”

County Magistrate Wang opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he only snorted sullenly and turned back to his office.

He was so full of vigor and ambition back then.

But now.

Half a lifetime has passed, yet I'm becoming increasingly muddled and confused.

Looking at his hunched back, Meng Zhou couldn't help but clench his fist.

'I will not become that kind of official.'

"He's right, I did climb the social ladder, but I will never think of taking a shortcut to success. I must do practical things for the people, absolutely!"

A similar scene also occurred in Wannian County.

Looking at the throng of people, Zhao Lei burst into tears and cried out, "Sir!"

……

As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the vermilion gate of the Wen family mansion, casting dappled light and shadow on the bluestone slabs.

Wen He had just returned to the mansion from Tianranju and hadn't even had time to take off her outer robe when A Dong rushed over, looking somewhat anxious.

"Young master, something terrible has happened! Young Master Meng and Young Master Zhao are kneeling in the main hall, and no matter how much we, Uncle Zhou, try to persuade them, they refuse to get up!"

Upon hearing this, Wen He was taken aback at first, then shook her head with a laugh.

He roughly guessed the reason.

He waved his hand: "It's alright, I'll go take a look."

Walking along the long corridor towards the main hall, just after turning through the moon gate, you see Wenrou squatting under the corridor, surrounded by Li Ke, Li Tai, and Li You.

The four children, in unison, rested their chins on their hands, staring wide-eyed at the two people kneeling at the entrance of the main hall, their little faces full of confusion.

"Brother!"

Upon seeing Wen He approach, Wenrou immediately stood up and skipped over to greet him, her clear voice as melodious as a wind chime.

"Welcome back home, elder brother!"

After saying that, she winked playfully and giggled.

Li Ke, Li Tai, and Li You also stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, sir."

Wen He ruffled Wenrou's hair and asked with a smile, "You little rascal, where did you learn this? I've never seen you so polite before."

"My neighbor's stepmother taught me!"

She tilted her head gently, her tone tinged with a hint of pride.

"My second aunt came to visit me today and said that this is how she usually greets her father."

Upon hearing "Second Aunt," Wen He suddenly remembered.

It had been quite some time since I'd seen Wu Zetian.

Even though they're only separated by one street, it feels like they're a long way apart.

We haven't seen each other recently.

"gentlemen!"

Just then, two respectful shouts came from the entrance of the main hall.

Upon hearing Wen He's voice, Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei immediately turned around and solemnly kowtowed to him, their foreheads touching the ground: "Disciples greet Master!"

Seeing this, Wen He smiled at Wenrou and the three little ones.

"You guys go play in the backyard first."

She nodded gently and skipped away.

After bowing to Wen He, the three children left, glancing back curiously at Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei before departing.

After the children had gone far away, Wen He stepped into the main hall and knelt down on the prayer mat in front of the table.

He looked at the two people still kneeling on the ground and asked them directly.

"Lately, you've probably all harbored resentment towards me, haven't you?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Zhou stiffened slightly and then lowered his head.

Zhao Lei quickly waved his hand, urgently explaining, "Sir, I had no such intention! It's just... it's just that I'm incompetent and can't do the job well, so I'm anxious!"

Wen He picked up the honey water that A Dong had just brought, took a small sip, and the sweet taste dispelled some of her fatigue.

He put down the porcelain bowl and looked at the two of them calmly.

"You are my disciples. From the day you became my disciples, it was destined that when you entered officialdom, you would be looked up to, receiving both genuine praise and insincere flattery."

"But you must understand that no one in this world can have a smooth journey, especially in officialdom, let alone your teacher, who has now offended almost half of the powerful and noble families in the court."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious.

"Can you tell how much of the so-called goodwill you're facing is a smile hiding a knife, and how much is mere pretense?"

Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei hung their heads, their faces full of shame.

When they first arrived at the county government, they were indeed blinded by the flattery of their colleagues, thinking that they had the backing of the teacher and the emperor’s favor, and that they would surely rise to prominence in the future. They never thought about how much of this was fake.

If it weren't for this setback in the immigration process, they would probably still think that everyone in the government is a good person.

"This is the first lesson I will teach you after you enter officialdom: the fickleness of human relationships and the coldness of the world."

Wen He's voice softened, and she waved to the two of them.

"Get up, the ground is cold, don't kneel and hurt yourself."

Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei then stood up.

Wen He looked at their expressions and chuckled.

"However, I am very pleased that you have finally made it through. You did not resign from the Ministry of Personnel because of temporary difficulties, nor did you give up because of the ridicule of others. This is more important than anything else."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone solemn.

"From now on, you must remember one thing: without infringing on the interests of the people, try your best to unite the majority. Never think that you are special. In fact, in the eyes of many people, you may be worthless."

These words struck Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei like a heavy hammer blow.

They looked up, their eyes filled with shock.

The gentleman was only a little over ten years old, yet he had such profound insights into the principles of being an official and conducting oneself in society!

They seemed to understand but not quite, yet they knew that the master's words were for their own good, so they quickly bowed and responded.

"Your disciple will remember your teachings!"

Wen He couldn't help but smile as she looked at their serious expressions.

"Alright, stop looking so serious. It's getting late. Stay and have dinner with us. Uncle Zhou, have the kitchen prepare a few more dishes and warm up a pot of wine."

"I'm too young to drink with you."

He smiled and patted their arms.

"Don't worry, your husband has no flaws, except that he's protective of his own. If they dare to use any underhanded tactics, I'll go and fight them for you."

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei's eyes, and a warm current seemed to flow through their hearts.

……

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the sound of orderly court boots echoed in the Taiji Hall.

The civil and military officials, dressed in court robes, lined up on both sides according to their rank. As the eunuchs loudly announced their greetings, they bowed and paid their respects, and the elaborate court ceremony came to an end.

Li Shimin, sitting on the throne, suddenly slammed his hand on the dragon table, the sound like a thunderclap.

"A bunch of shameless scoundrels!"

The emperor was furious, and the Taiji Hall fell silent instantly.

Those officials from aristocratic families felt a chill run down their spines, each one feeling insecure, and instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to meet Li Shimin's gaze.

Cui Dunli stood at the front, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with doubt.

During this period, whether it was the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families or other small and medium-sized aristocratic families and clans, they all behaved themselves and did not oppose the court's policies or form factions in private. Why would His Majesty suddenly become angry?
Officials like Wen Yanbo and Xiao Yu, who came from lower-ranking aristocratic families, looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.

They have been fully cooperating with the court's administration recently and have never disobeyed it. They really can't understand why His Majesty's anger has turned against the aristocratic families.

The entire court was completely bewildered, standing with their heads bowed, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Even though they didn't know the reason, the officials were well aware of the principle that if the emperor was angry, the ministers would be guilty, so they all knelt down and kowtowed.

"We deserve to die!"

Li Shimin looked down at the sea of ​​court officials below, his cold gaze sweeping over the aristocratic officials, his tone carrying a hint of mockery and questioning.

"A noble family, a respected clan, receiving a salary from the imperial court and the emperor's favor, yet they shamelessly try to steal the quota for immigration to Shuofang!"

“Those quotas are reserved for landless, jobless people who struggle to make ends meet, to fill the frontiers. You have thousands of acres of fertile land and a large retinue of servants, yet you still want to join this frenzy? Do you think I haven’t given you enough?”

He paused, his voice growing even colder: "Since you all like the North so much, then I won't go to fight the Turks. Instead, I'll let you lead your guards and servants to attack Jieli. In return, I'll give you all that grassland."

These words left the officials in the court completely bewildered.

Who's scrambling for immigration spots?

They may have thought that way, but they haven't done it yet.

After all, Wen He's two students are now in charge of this matter.

Aside from Wen Yanbo, how many of those aristocratic families would be inclined to send political achievements to Wen He's students?

Are you crazy?

Officials from the five noble families and seven prominent clans, including Cui Dunli, instinctively looked at the lower-ranking gentry with questioning eyes.
Those from the lower-ranking aristocratic families then turned to look at the officials of the Guanlong Group, their faces showing confusion.

Officials from the Guanlong Group, on the other hand, looked to the Shandong gentry.

Then the Shandong gentry looked at the Five Surnames and Seven Families.

Those from the three provinces and six ministries looked at each other in bewilderment.

Many of them came from aristocratic families and prominent clans, but the brothers Yan Lide and Yan Liben, for example, had a good relationship with Wen He and would naturally not interfere.

Dou Jing, the Minister of Revenue, was even less likely to do so. He had been so worried about the immigration issue that his hair had turned white, and he would never show favoritism to those people.

Doulu Kuan, the Minister of Rites, is from Guanzhong, so this matter has nothing to do with him.

It's even less likely that he would become Minister of Justice Jing Junhong; he still owes Wen He his life.

Li Jing, the Minister of War, goes without saying.

Gao Shilian, the Minister of Personnel, was from a prominent family in Shandong, but he was the Empress's maternal uncle.

Therefore, the six officials of the six ministries remained calm and composed.

Those people from the three provinces were much more nervous than they were.

As for the military officers, they were completely detached from the matter and seemed to be watching the show with amusement.

"We deserve to die!"

For a moment, the atmosphere inside the Taiji Hall became extremely eerie.

The same question lingered in the minds of all the officials: 'Who did this?'

Looking at their bewildered expressions.

Despite his outward appearance of anger, Li Shimin couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

"Guess! You could rack your brains and still not figure it out."

(End of this chapter)