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

Chapter 401 We won't send troops, but we can provide some assistance.

As dawn broke, two men were already standing in front of the Ministry of War at the foot of the imperial city.

Feng Ji and Cen Hao, dressed in light green official robes, with their hands tucked into their sleeves, occasionally tiptoed to look at the distant street, their brows furrowed with anxiety.

Yesterday, when he left the yamen, Duke Li Jing of Dai called the two men to his presence, speaking in a serious tone.

"Tomorrow at 3:45 AM, you will wait for Wen He at the gate. If he hasn't arrived by then, take some men to the Gaoyang County government office to invite him here."

These words made the two of them feel bitter.

They were merely ordinary officials in the Ministry of War, while Wen He was the Viscount of Gaoyang County, personally appointed by His Majesty. Let alone bringing people to "invite" him.

Even when you urge someone face-to-face, you have to think twice.

However, they dared not disobey Li Jing's orders, so the two could only arrive early and silently pray that Wen He would come to the Ministry of War to report for duty today.

"Look, a carriage is coming!"

Cen Hao suddenly tugged at Feng Ji's sleeve, his tone tinged with excitement.

The two quickly looked into the distance and saw a covered carriage heading their way.

Before their smiles could even bloom, the carriage turned a corner at the entrance of the Ministry of War and headed straight for the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which was not far away.

Feng Ji sighed and stamped his foot: "It's almost 3:45 AM, why hasn't the magistrate of Gaoyang County arrived yet? Are we really going to have to go to his residence to 'invite' him?"

Cen Hao also frowned, his heart filled with anxiety: "Let's wait a bit longer. Maybe we'll be delayed on the way. If we really go to the manor and offend the magistrate of Gaoyang County, we'll both be in trouble."

They certainly didn't want to be guests at the Hundred Riders' home.

Just as the two were getting anxious, Cen Hao's eyes suddenly lit up, and he grabbed Feng Ji's arm and pointed towards the entrance of the imperial city.

"They're here! It's the magistrate of Gaoyang County!"

Feng Ji looked in the direction he pointed and saw Wen He riding a small black pony, slowly walking towards them.

The boy was dressed in a light blue casual outfit, with obvious resentment on his face, and he yawned from time to time.

Even the way he urged the horse on revealed a hint of impatience.

No one would be happy to be dragged to work at the Ministry of War when life was perfectly fine.

Upon seeing Wen He arrive, Feng Ji and Cen Hao instantly felt relieved and, without even caring about being late, rushed to greet her.

Before they could get close, a rapid sound of hooves suddenly came from the side, accompanied by a loud shout.

"Urgent report! Urgent report from Liaodong!"

Wen He instinctively reined in his horse. He saw a cavalryman in black armor, holding a document, rush past him like an arrow, heading straight for the entrance of the Ministry of War. He dismounted hastily.

"Urgent report from Liaodong?"

Wen He frowned slightly.

In case of an emergency, the Hundred Cavalry should have received the message first. Why did the Ministry of War receive the urgent report first?
He hesitated for a moment, then patted the horse's neck and quickened his pace toward the entrance of the military department.

"My name is Feng Ji, and I greet the magistrate of Gaoyang County!"

"My name is Cen Hao, and I greet the magistrate of Gaoyang County!"

The two men quickly stepped forward, and Cen Hao even took the reins by hand, his face beaming with a respectful smile.

Wen He dismounted and looked at the two unfamiliar yet somewhat familiar officials before him, asking them in confusion.

"What brings you two officials to wait here?"

Although he had never met Feng Ji and Cen Hao, he had seen their names in the official roster when he investigated the Ministry of War before, and knew that they were officials in the Ministry of War.

Feng Ji quickly bowed and replied.

"We two are here on the orders of the Duke of Dai, to wait for the magistrate of Gaoyang County and guide you."

Wen He suddenly realized.

It seems that Li Jing was afraid he wouldn't come, so he specially arranged for someone to wait for him.

He couldn't help but chuckle, and bowed to the two of them, saying, "Thank you both for your trouble."

"No, no, please, Magistrate Gaoyang."

Cen Hao quickly stepped aside to lead the way, his tone becoming increasingly respectful.

Although they were both in charge, Wen He held the title of county viscount, making his status far superior to theirs.

It should be noted that although the title of "County Viscount" at the founding of the Tang Dynasty was second to last in the hierarchy of nobility, it was a height that many officials could not reach in their entire lives.

Just like Kong Yingda, a famous Confucian scholar in the court, who was learned and highly respected, he only received the title of Founding County Baron, which was one rank lower than Wen He.

Wen He didn't presume to be arrogant. He smiled at the two of them and followed them into the Ministry of War compound.

The courtyard was paved with blue bricks, and signs for various departments of the Ministry of War hung on the pillars on both sides. When the minor officials who came and went saw Wen He, they all stopped and bowed, their eyes full of curiosity.

This is Gao Yangxianzi, who has recently gained fame, and today he has actually come to the Ministry of War.

However, many people couldn't help but feel nervous when they saw Wen He.

They hadn't forgotten that Wen He had previously led a hundred cavalrymen to investigate the embezzlement of military funds.

Even the former Vice Minister of War, Lü Shiheng, suffered as a result.

Is this guy here to investigate again today?

Thinking of this, almost everyone who passed by avoided Wen He as if he were a plague.

"The Duke of Dai has not yet returned from court today. Shall we two lead you to... the county seat of Gaoyang?"

Feng Ji was about to introduce the layout of the Ministry of War when he turned around and found that Wen He had not followed.

He turned his head and saw Wen He walking towards the council hall not far away, her steps firm and without the slightest hesitation.

"Gaoyang County Magistrate! Wait a minute!" Feng Ji and Cen Hao hurriedly chased after them, their faces full of anxiety.

"This council hall is no ordinary place. Only officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel, as well as vice ministers and ministers, are allowed to enter. No one else is permitted to enter without authorization!"

Wen He stopped and looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression.

"Which department did that Duke assign me to? It couldn't be the Department of Carriages and Horses, could it?"

Feng Ji and Cen Hao looked at each other, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.

Li Jing only told them to wait for Wen He, but didn't say which division Wen He would be assigned to. Cen Hao spoke cautiously.

"The Duke of Dai did not elaborate, but you, the Count of Gaoyang, certainly would not go to a leisurely place like the Ministry of Transportation."

"The Ministry of Transportation? Who would dare to send the son of Gaoyang County to the Ministry of Transportation?"

Just then, a hearty laugh came from behind.

Wen He and the others turned around and saw Duan Zhixuan, dressed in a scarlet official robe and with a jade belt around his waist, striding towards them. Beside him was a refined-looking official, Lu Chengqing, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Upon seeing this, Feng Ji and Cen Hao immediately lowered their heads and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Duke Fan and Right Vice Minister!"

"Greetings to Duke Fan and Vice Minister Lu."

Wen He also composed herself and bowed to the two of them.

He was an old acquaintance of Duan Zhixuan and Lu Chengqing.

Duan Zhixuan stepped forward, looked Wen He up and down, and said with a smile.

"I heard from the Duke of Dai yesterday that you were coming to the Ministry of War today, but I didn't take it seriously. I didn't expect to actually see you."

He paused and added.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you. You seem to have grown quite a bit taller. You used to only reach my waist at most, but now you're almost up to my chest."

"It's normal to grow faster during puberty."

Wen He smiled and replied, then changed the subject, pointing to the council hall not far away, her tone somewhat urgent.

"I just heard an urgent report from Liaodong. What is it about? May I participate in the discussion?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhixuan smiled without saying a word, but turned to look at Lu Chengqing beside him. Lu Chengqing felt his gaze, a faint smile appeared on his lips, and he slowly spoke.

"If Duke Fan has no objection, then I naturally have no objection either."

"Then let's go in!"

Duan Zhixuan put his arm around Wen He's shoulder and pushed him toward the council hall, his tone tinged with curiosity.

"Speaking of which, didn't your Hundred Cavalry send spies over to Liaodong a while ago?"

Lu Chengqing wisely stepped back half a step and followed behind the two without interrupting.

Feng Ji and Cen Hao stood there until the three figures disappeared at the entrance of the council hall before they dared to raise their heads and wipe the cold sweat from their foreheads.

As expected of the scion of Gaoyang County, he is so friendly with the Duke of Fan.

They usually didn't dare to breathe loudly when they saw a doctor, let alone these two vice ministers.

Inside the council chamber, several desks were neatly arranged, and a map of the Tang Dynasty's territory hung on the wall, with the Liaodong region marked in red ink.

Duan Zhixuan released his hand, gesturing for Wen He to sit down. He then walked to the desk, picked up the urgent report, and asked questions as he read it.

"What exactly did the scouts of the Hundred Riders find out? You'd better tell me the truth, stop hiding things from me."

Wen He knelt down in front of the table, picked up the teacup beside her, took a sip, and smiled slyly: "Guess."

This was clearly a reluctance to disclose anything. Duan Zhixuan glared at him irritably and put down the urgent report.

"You, don't forget you're now a high-ranking official in the Ministry of War, and I'm your superior. Be careful, or I might make things difficult for you!"

“I have a superior officer in the Hundred Riders, and his position is higher than yours.”

Wen He put down her teacup and replied in a calm tone.

Duan Zhixuan snorted dismissively.

"Who is it? Su Dingfang? He's just a general of the fourth rank, while I am a vice minister of the Ministry of War of the fourth rank. In terms of rank, I am higher."

Wen He raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a half-smile.

"Do you think Su Dingfang can control me?"

Duan Zhixuan was stunned for a moment, then as if he suddenly thought of something, his expression changed slightly, and he quickly changed his words.

"Alright, alright, forget I asked anything! You can talk if you want, or forget it if you don't. I don't care to hear it anyway!"

He cursed inwardly, "Damn it!"
How could I have almost forgotten?

The one who truly commands those hundred riders is the one currently seated in the Taiji Hall.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel arrived at the council hall one after another.

First, several doctors dressed in blue robes of fifth-rank officials and wearing court boots strode in.

Following closely behind were several junior officials of the sixth rank, each carrying thick maps and documents.

But as soon as they stepped into the council hall, everyone stopped in their tracks, their eyes all falling on Wen He, who was sitting at the table, their faces full of shock, as if they had seen a ghost.

Wang Kai, a secretary in the Ministry of War, instinctively clenched the document in his hand, his fingertips turning white, and his heart skipped a beat. How could this "Hundred-Rider Killer" be here?

Last year, he led a hundred cavalrymen to investigate and confiscate military funds embezzled, and even the former Left Vice Minister Lü Shiheng was brought down.

Now that he has suddenly appeared in the Ministry of War's council hall, could it be that he is investigating some case again?
Li Mo, the Assistant Director of the Bureau of Personnel, shrank back even more quietly, beads of sweat instantly forming on his forehead, his heart pounding.

"I haven't dared to take too many bribes lately, only two bolts of silk from a subordinate. Hopefully, I won't be caught."

The doctors and the wealthy man looked at each other, their eyes filled with panic, and finally they all tacitly looked down at each other and kept their eyes down.

Wen He noticed the gazes directed at her and smiled kindly at them, trying to ease the tension.

Unexpectedly, this smile only made everyone more nervous.

Wang Kai suddenly straightened his back, and Li Mo even secretly swallowed, then quickly returned the greeting with a forced smile that looked more like a grimace.

Duan Zhixuan and Lu Chengqing sat in the main seats, taking in the whole scene, but pretending not to see it.

Wen He's investigation of military pay last time did indeed intimidate many people. Now that some people are afraid of him, it can actually make the Ministry of War's atmosphere more upright. Why not do it?
"Everyone, take a seat."

Duan Zhixuan cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence in the hall.

"I have called you here today because of an urgent report from Liaodong. Let's take a look at the map first."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and quickly found seats.

But no one dared to approach Wen He.

There were originally two empty seats next to Wen He, but Li Moning would rather squeeze next to Wang Kai, with half of his body hanging outside the table, than sit next to Wen He.

Other officials also stepped aside, leaving the area around Wen He completely clear, as if an invisible wall had been erected between them.

Wen He didn't care about this, but picked up the Liaodong map on the table and examined it carefully.

The maps were marked with different colored ink marks indicating the territories of various countries.

Silla was located in the southeastern part of the peninsula. Its capital, Geumseong, was circled in red, with the words "The allied forces of Baekje and Wa are approaching" written in small characters next to it.

Goguryeo, located in the northern part of the peninsula, had the largest territory, yet there were no signs of any troop movements.

Baekje was located in the southwest, and its connections with Wa (Japan) were numerous, indicating frequent exchanges.

Duan Zhixuan pointed to Jincheng on the map and said in a deep voice.

"An urgent report came from the Governor of Yingzhou: the allied forces of Baekje and Japan have captured three cities of Silla and are now less than a hundred miles away from Jincheng. King Kim Baekjeong of Silla has sent people to Goguryeo for help, but King Go Geonmu of Goguryeo has not yet made any move and his attitude is unclear."

He paused and continued.

"This urgent report needs to be presented to His Majesty as soon as possible, but before that, we need to make a judgment: should we advise His Majesty to send troops, or should we sit idly by?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Kai spoke first.

"Duke Fan, in my opinion, we can sit idly by. Although Silla and our Great Tang have an alliance, the situation on the peninsula has always been complex. Baekje, Wa, and Goguryeo are in a tripartite balance. Even if Silla falls and Wa's power increases, Goguryeo will never sit idly by and allow Wa to become dominant. Goguryeo will definitely send troops to counterbalance it. At that time, the peninsula can still return to balance. Our Great Tang has no need to waste military and financial resources on Silla."

Upon hearing this, the other officials echoed his sentiments.

"What Physician Wang says makes sense! Our Great Tang has just recovered Shuofang and needs to recuperate. It is not advisable to get involved in the Liaodong war again."

"Japan is far overseas. Even if it occupies Silla, it will be difficult to pose a threat to our Great Tang. Letting them check and balance each other is the best strategy."

Lu Chengqing nodded, his tone gentle yet firm: "The Zuo Zhuan says, 'Do not be tempted by profit, nor fear harm.' In the current situation in Liaodong, the benefits are small while the harms are great."

“Sending troops would require mobilizing border troops and consuming supplies. If Goguryeo interferes again, it could lead to a protracted war. By not sending troops, we can preserve our strength and observe the changes in the situation on the peninsula. We can then act when the situation becomes unbalanced, which would be more effective.”

Everyone agreed with Lu Chengqing's point and nodded in agreement, making the atmosphere in the council hall more relaxed.

But just then, Wen He suddenly looked up at everyone and asked, "What does the Great Tang need a peninsula for balance?"

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and the hall fell silent instantly.

Everyone was stunned, turning to look at Wen He with eyes full of confusion.

Since ancient times, the Central Plains dynasties have hoped that the surrounding regimes would check and balance each other to prevent the emergence of a dominant force that threatens the border. Could Wen He's words be an attempt to break this tradition?

Duan Zhixuan was also somewhat surprised, then smiled and asked, "Do you think the Tang Dynasty should send troops to support Silla?"

"There's no need to send troops."

Wen He shook his head and pointed to the Goguryeo territory on the map.

“Silla cannot be destroyed. Although Gao Jianwu is indecisive, he is by no means a fool. He knows that once Silla is destroyed, Baekje and Wa will deal with Goguryeo next.”

“Even if Gao Jianwu is truly confused, Daemoliji Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo will not stand idly by.”

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of certainty.

“Yeon Gaesomun is an ambitious and farsighted man. He knows better than anyone that Japan is the biggest threat than Silla and Baekje.”

“Japan is skilled in naval warfare. If it gains a foothold in the southern part of the peninsula, it will definitely move north and threaten the security of Goguryeo.”

"So his current inaction is not because he doesn't want to rescue them, but because he's waiting."

"What are you waiting for?"

Lu Chengqing frowned and asked. He knew Yeon Gaesomun well and knew that he was indeed not easy to deal with, but he did not expect Wen He to see through his thoughts so clearly.

"Wait for the Tang Dynasty's reaction."

Wen He looked up at the crowd.

Yeon Gaesomun wanted to know what the Tang Dynasty's attitude was toward the peninsula: did it really want to protect Silla, or did it just want to sit idly by?

"If I'm not mistaken, it won't be long before envoys from Goguryeo and Silla arrive in Chang'an at the same time, one seeking aid and the other testing the waters. His Majesty's attitude at that time will be the key to determining the situation on the peninsula."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked surprised.

How could Wen He be so sure?
Only Wen He herself knew.

Of course, it was because of the message sent back by Zheng Yuanzhu.

Lu Chengqing pondered for a moment, then suddenly frowned and spoke in a serious tone.

"If Jincheng can really hold out until the envoy arrives in Chang'an, then it means that Yeon Gaesomun and Kim Baekjeong are likely deliberately slowing down their offensive in an attempt to drag our Great Tang into the game."

"Kim Baekjeong wanted to use the power of the Tang Dynasty to defeat the allied forces, while Yeon Gaesomun wanted to use the attitude of the Tang Dynasty to judge the subsequent strategy, and may even want to make the Tang Dynasty and Japan enemies so that he could reap the benefits."

Wen He glanced at Lu Chengqing secretly, inwardly admiring him.

This person was indeed farsighted!
Although Duan Zhixuan was a military general, brave and skilled in battle, he was slightly inferior in terms of political strategy and scheming.

Although Lu Chengqing was not good at fighting, he could see through the calculations behind the situation, which made him much better than other officials.

In fact, Wen He had already guessed this when he saw the secret letter sent by Zheng Yuanzhu. Now that Lu Chengqing had the same idea, it saved him a lot of trouble.

"Since that's the case, then our Great Tang Dynasty will simply refuse!"

Duan Zhixuan said with a frown.

"Whether it's Goguryeo's probing or Silla's plea for help, we will not accept them. Let them handle it themselves, so as not to be dragged into the situation."

Wang Kai and others echoed his sentiments.

"Duke Fan is right! If our Great Tang doesn't get involved, they naturally won't dare to set their sights on us."

But at that moment, Wen He and Lu Chengqing shook their heads at the same time and said in unison, "No."

Everyone was taken aback and quickly looked at the two of them, their eyes full of doubt.

Why can't we refuse? Duan Zhixuan was also puzzled: "Why not? Do we really have to send troops?"

Lu Chengqing spoke first, his tone tinged with worry.

“If the Tang Dynasty explicitly refuses, Goguryeo may completely abandon Silla. Yeon Gaesomun and Go Geonmu are not fools. They will worry that if Goguryeo goes to war with Japan, will the Tang Dynasty take advantage of the situation? In that case, Yeon Gaesomun may very well sit idly by and watch Silla perish.”

Wen He nodded and added, "Minister Lu is right. Yeon Gaesomun and Go Geonmu are more like gamblers. If the Tang Dynasty doesn't make a move, they definitely won't send troops to deal with Silla."

"Then what do you think should be done?"

Duan Zhixuan asked.

Wen He suddenly smiled slyly and pointed at the Silla capital, Geumseong, on the map.

“We won’t send troops, but we can provide some aid. We can sell them some things. Isn’t Silla short of food and weapons? We can sell them grain, armor, and even some outdated crossbows. We can sell them all at high prices.”

He paused, then deliberately sighed.

"Our Great Tang Dynasty is currently depleted of funds and needs money to replenish its military, support the immigrants in Shuofang, and sell some goods to Silla. This will not only earn us some money but also buy them time, and we won't even need to send troops. Wouldn't that be killing three birds with one stone?"

Upon hearing this, the officials in the council chamber were stunned, and their lips twitched uncontrollably.

Was the Tang Dynasty poor?

"Poor? Of course we're poor. We, as your subjects, must consider His Majesty's well-being."

Wen He smiled.

Since Goguryeo and Silla wanted to take advantage of the Tang Dynasty.

So let's just go along with it.

Duan Zhixuan dared not make the decision and looked towards Lu Chengqing.

Although the two had not gotten along well in the past, they would not disregard the overall situation because of personal grudges when it came to matters of state.

"We only plan, we don't make decisions, let's go to the palace."

Lu Chengqing said.

Duan Zhixuan nodded without hesitation and said, "Okay."

Upon hearing this, the doctors and officials prepared to rise and take their leave.

Seeing this, Wen He also got up.

He had just come to gather some information, and besides, he had already given his advice.

As for what happened next, that was a matter for Duan Zhixuan, Lu Chengqing, and Li Shimin.

"Gaoyang County magistrate, wait a moment."

But just as he was about to leave, Lu Chengqing called him back.

Duan Zhixuan suddenly appeared beside him, smiling broadly.

"You were the one who made that suggestion earlier, so we'll trouble you to come with us to the palace."

"Forehead……"

Wen He was immediately stunned.

Duan Zhixuan didn't give him a chance to refuse. He grabbed his wrist and pulled him outside.

"Wait a minute, I'm still waiting for the Duke of Dai."

"The Duke of Dai is also in the palace now. I'll take you directly to see him."

Fearing that Wen He would run away, Duan Zhixuan simply rode with him on the same horse and entered the palace.

(End of this chapter)