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

Chapter 402 He will take cannons and the iron cavalry of the Tang Dynasty with him.
Duan Zhixuan, Lu Chengqing, and Wen He rode their horses to the Taiji Hall.

As soon as they arrived at the square outside the Taiji Hall, the carriage slowly came to a stop. Before the eunuchs could help him up, Duan Zhixuan had already lifted the curtain and jumped off the carriage. But when his eyes swept across the front, he suddenly froze.

The square was filled with officials in court attire, walking in twos and threes toward the palace gate, just as the court session had ended.

But the officials' expressions were unusually strange.

Especially those officials from the five noble families and the aristocratic clans, they were all dejected, their brows furrowed, their faces full of defeat, looking as if they had lost their parents.

"What's going on here?"

Duan Zhixuan stroked his chin, his eyes full of doubt.

"Today was not a grand court meeting, just a routine discussion. Why do you all look so grim after the court session ended? Could it be that His Majesty is angry?"

He was on leave yesterday and spent the morning dealing with urgent reports at the Ministry of War. He did not attend the court assembly and therefore did not know what had happened in the court.

Lu Chengqing also frowned, his gaze sweeping over the aristocratic officials.

Among them were members of his Lu clan, but at this moment they didn't even dare to greet him, only keeping their heads down and walking quickly, clearly in a state of great turmoil.

Wen He was also puzzled. He pondered for a moment, then suddenly a smile appeared on his lips, tinged with schadenfreude.

"Could it be that the people of the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families have offended His Majesty again? These people are always arrogant and incompetent; it's rare to see them like this."

As soon as he finished speaking, a soft cough came from beside him.

Wen He and Duan Zhixuan turned around at the same time and saw Lu Chengqing looking at them with a somewhat depressed expression and complicated eyes.

The two then suddenly remembered that this person was also from one of the five prominent families.

"Cough cough."

Wen He quickly coughed twice to change the subject, looking towards the other side of the square.

"It looks like the Duke of Dai and his entourage are ahead."

Duan Zhixuan looked in the direction he pointed and saw Li Jing, dressed in a purple official robe, standing under a pillar not far away, with Yan Lide, the Minister of Works, and Dou Jing, the Minister of Civil Affairs, standing beside him.

Yan Lide seemed to have seen them too, waving in their direction with a smile on his face.

"Jiaying!"

Yan Lide's voice came from afar, his tone carrying a hint of familiarity.

Wen He quickly stepped forward and bowed to the three men, saying, "Greetings, Duke of Dai, Minister Yan, and Minister Dou."

Duan Zhixuan and Lu Chengqing straightened their robes and stepped forward to greet them: "Greetings, Duke of Dai, Minister Yan, and Minister Dou."

Li Jing's gaze swept over Duan Zhixuan and Lu Chengqing, his brows furrowing slightly.

The Left and Right Vice Ministers of the Ministry of War came to the Taiji Hall at the same time, accompanied by the Prince of Gaoyang. Could it be that something major has happened in the Ministry of War?
He glanced at Wen He subconsciously, a question forming in his mind.

Since Wen He arrived in Chang'an more than a year ago, there has been no peace.

First, he distinguished himself in the Xuanwu Gate Incident, then he quelled Luo Yi's rebellion, and later he was implicated in corruption cases involving the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of War, which brought down Lü Shiheng.

Among the five surnames and seven prominent families, the Cui family of Qinghe, the Lu family of Fanyang, and the Zheng family of Xingyang all suffered greatly at his hands.

He was only sent to the Ministry of War to report for duty today. Could something have gone wrong again?
Li Jing wasn't afraid of trouble, but His Majesty had just lost his temper at the court meeting and reprimanded the aristocratic officials. If the Ministry of War were to have another problem now, it would probably upset His Majesty even more, and might even implicate him.

Yan Lide seemed to sense Li Jing's doubts and smiled as he smoothed things over.

"Duke Dai, don't overthink it. It's probably because Vice Minister Duan and the others have something important to report to His Majesty. By the way, His Majesty was angry at the court meeting just now. Do you know why?"

Duan Zhixuan quickly shook his head.

"I was just about to ask the Duke of Dai for advice when I saw the aristocratic officials in the square looking strange. I thought His Majesty was angry, but I don't know what it was about."

Dou Jing sighed, her tone tinged with helplessness: "It's all because of the Shuofang immigration issue. His Majesty heard from somewhere that some aristocratic families wanted to compete for immigration quotas, and he flew into a rage in court, even saying that he would give the grasslands to the aristocratic families. Those aristocratic officials were so frightened that they all apologized one by one, and they still haven't recovered from the shock."

Upon hearing this, Wen He smiled with a hint of schadenfreude.

Cough cough, I don't know anything.

Duan Zhixuan and Lu Chengqing were also stunned.

They hadn't expected His Majesty to be so angry about immigration.

A complex expression flashed across Lu Chengqing's face. Although he did not agree with the practice of clans vying for quotas, he still felt uneasy seeing aristocratic officials being reprimanded.

Li Jing glanced at Wen He, seemingly sensing something, but didn't point it out, only asking a question.

"What brings you to the Taiji Hall today to report to His Majesty?"

Duan Zhixuan stepped forward, his tone grave.

"Duke of Dai, this is an urgent report from Liaodong. The governor of Yingzhou sent word that the allied forces of Baekje and Japan are approaching Silla's Geumseong, while Goguryeo remains inactive. We have already discussed this at the Ministry of War and wish to report the situation to His Majesty and offer countermeasures. That is why I brought Gao Yangxianzi here. He also has unique insights into the situation in Liaodong."

"Urgent report from Liaodong?"

A hint of seriousness flashed in Li Jing's eyes.

"This matter is of utmost importance and should indeed be reported to His Majesty as soon as possible. His Majesty is currently handling state affairs in a side hall of the Taiji Hall. Please come with me."

With that, Li Jing turned and walked into the Taiji Hall. Yan Lide and Dou Jing also had matters to attend to, so they bid farewell to the group.

Wen He, Duan Zhixuan, and Lu Chengqing followed closely behind Li Jing, heading towards the side hall.

Upon reaching the entrance of the side hall, after the eunuch went in to announce their arrival, Li Shimin's voice soon rang out: "Let them in."

The group entered the side hall and saw Li Shimin sitting at his desk reviewing documents, his expression showing a hint of displeasure.

During the court meeting just now, seeing the aristocratic officials not daring to breathe loudly, he felt a little smug, but he also knew that this was just a warning in advance.

He knew that those aristocratic families would never easily give up their interests in the Hetao region, and today's warning was both a deterrent and a prelude.

If they dare to make a move again in the future, then a hundred cavalrymen will step in, and it won't be as simple as just a reprimand.

Seeing everyone enter, Li Shimin put down his brush and glanced around the hall.

Wen He, Duan Zhixuan, Lu Chengqing, and Li Jing quickly bowed and greeted Your Majesty: "Your subjects pay their respects."

"Get up, everyone." Li Shimin nodded, his tone calm.

"What is it you wish to report?"

Li Jing spoke first.

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of War has received an urgent report from Liaodong. Vice Minister Duan, Vice Minister Lu, and the magistrate of Gaoyang County have devised a countermeasure and have come to report to Your Majesty."

"The situation in Liaodong?"

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly, and the secret letter that Zheng Yuanzhu had sent back from Goguryeo flashed through his mind.

He glanced at Wen He secretly, then shook his head slightly.

He knew that Zheng Yuanzhu's information was a secret of the Hundred Cavalry, and Wen He would never easily reveal it to the Ministry of War. It seemed that this was new information received by the Ministry of War.

Li Shimin turned his gaze to Duan Zhixuan: "Speak, what has happened in Liaodong? What are your countermeasures?"

Duan Zhixuan quickly stepped forward and recounted the contents of the urgent report from Liaodong, then bowed and said...

"Your Majesty, we believe that the suggestion of the Prince of Gaoyang to sell supplies to Silla, including grain and military equipment at high prices, would not only replenish the national treasury but also buy time for Silla, without requiring our Great Tang to send troops. We beseech Your Majesty to make a wise decision."

When Li Shimin heard that it was Wen He who made the suggestion, he first said "Oh?" in confusion, then looked at him and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"You've never been friendly to these foreign powers, but today you're unusually generous, even suggesting support for Goguryeo and Silla?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhixuan and Lu Chengqing's expressions changed drastically, and they immediately lowered their heads in fear.

His Majesty's words sounded like a joke, but the probing in his tone was unmistakable. Could it be that he was blaming Wen He?

Wen He, however, remained calm and smiled as she bowed in response.

"Your Majesty, our Tang Dynasty's treasury is truly in dire need of funds. The old weapons and armor in the storehouses are just gathering dust and rusting. Why not use them to support our friendly neighbors? This would fulfill our alliance and also add some money to the treasury—a win-win situation."

"support?"

Li Shimin chuckled, a knowing look in his eyes.

"Just now, Vice Minister Duan said it would be sold at a high price. You're really good at patting yourself on the back."

Wen He did not argue, but simply smiled and replied, "Your Majesty is wise. The high price is also to let our neighbors know that the resources of our Great Tang are precious and should not be wasted."

Li Shimin shook his head, his tone tinged with helplessness: "But have you ever thought about how difficult it is to earn money from Goguryeo and Silla? They have always been poor, and even if they wanted to buy, they wouldn't have much money to spare."

If you can't come up with the money, then borrow it.

Wen He spoke casually, as if she were talking about something perfectly ordinary.

"Let them use their land as collateral, and set a repayment deadline. If they cannot repay by the deadline, the collateralized land will belong to our Great Tang."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Li Shimin's eyes, and his fingers unconsciously rubbed the corner of the table as he fell into deep thought.

Duan Zhixuan immediately felt uneasy.

His Majesty's silence suggests that he does not agree with this idea.

Lu Chengqing also frowned. Coming from a prestigious family, he always valued etiquette and law, and felt that mortgaging land to pay off debts was too forceful and might give rise to accusations of bullying the weak.

"I'm afraid this plan of the magistrate of Gaoyang is not very good."

Lu Chengqing hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Such a forceful demand for land violates etiquette and law, and if word gets out, it may cause dissatisfaction among neighboring vassal states.”

Upon hearing this, Wen He turned to look at Lu Chengqing with a kind smile on her face: "Minister Lu, I remember that the Lu family of Fanyang often sends people out for the imperial examinations, don't you think?"

"If borrowers fail to repay their debts on time, wouldn't the Lu family forcibly reclaim their land? Why is it that here, using land as collateral is considered against the rules?"

The practice of lending money privately by aristocratic families was common, but it was mostly done in secret.

These aristocratic families, who prided themselves on their tradition of farming and scholarship, were most averse to mentioning money in front of outsiders, let alone engaging in domineering acts such as forcibly seizing land.

Lu Chengqing was caught off guard and felt a little embarrassed. He coughed lightly and tried to explain.

“The family’s participation in the imperial examinations was merely to help the people with their livelihoods. The so-called forced land seizure was just a last resort, not their original intention.”

"hehe."

Wen He chuckled lightly, her indifference undisguised.

"Minister Lu's words sound grand and righteous, but those people who have lost their land because they can't repay their debts probably don't think that way, do they?"

Lu Chengqing was speechless, his face turning red and white in turns.

Seeing this, Li Shimin knew that continuing the argument would only lead them astray, so he glared at Wen He with a warning in his voice.

"Today we will only discuss matters concerning Liaodong. Do not bring up anything else, and do not use this opportunity to cause trouble."

Wen He pursed her lips and said nothing more.

He never intended to get entangled with Lu Chengqing; he merely wanted to take this opportunity to teach this aristocratic official a lesson, to make him understand that he shouldn't always use etiquette as an excuse.

You guys are the ones who have the least manners!
Just then, Li Jing stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, I believe that what the magistrate of Gaoyang said is feasible. Using land as collateral for debt is not only reasonable but also beneficial to the long-term interests of the Tang Dynasty. As for the matter of etiquette and law, it is sufficient to simply state in the document that the collateral is voluntary, and there will be no problem."

Li Shimin nodded. He already agreed with Wen He's idea, and now that Li Jing had endorsed it, he was even more determined.

He looked at Li Jing, his tone carrying a deeper meaning: "Pharmacist, what do you think is the repayment period if land is exchanged for provisions and weapons?"

This question, seemingly asking about a deadline, is actually a question.

How long will it take for the Tang Dynasty to prepare for the conquest of Goguryeo?

Li Jing was incredibly astute and instantly grasped Li Shimin's intention. He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Wen He as if considering something, before replying with certainty.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Great Tang will be ready within ten years."

"Ten years?" Li Shimin laughed, his tone tinged with confidence.

"I think five years will suffice."

Five years?

Wen He was taken aback.

He remembered that the first time the Tang Dynasty launched a campaign against Goguryeo was seventeen years later. How could Li Shimin and Li Jing be so optimistic?
He glanced at the two men instinctively, only to find that Li Shimin and Li Jing's gazes lingered on him for a moment, their eyes filled with expectation. Wen He suddenly realized what was happening.

These two old foxes have probably bet everything on themselves!
They must have thought that since they could create novel weapons like hot air balloons and hand grenades, they might be able to develop even more powerful weapons in the future. With the help of these weapons, the time required to conquer Goguryeo could be greatly shortened.

But that's all I know how to do.

If you can't defeat Goguryeo in five years, won't you blame me?
Just as he was about to say something, Li Shimin continued, "This matter will be coordinated by the Ministry of War and the Court of State Ceremonies. The Ministry of War will be responsible for inventorying the supplies and setting prices, while the Court of State Ceremonies will be responsible for liaising with the envoys from Silla and Goguryeo and drafting the collateral documents."

"Wen He, you've just joined the Ministry of War, so don't be lazy. Learn more from the pharmacist and participate more in the preparations for this matter."

This was to leave Wen He no chance to refuse.

Upon hearing this, everyone responded in unison.

Wen Hesheng bowed with a resigned expression: "Yes."

……

A few days later, snow began to fall in Chang'an. The fine snowflakes fell like willow catkins, and in the blink of an eye, a thin layer of frost covered the bluestone roads and vermilion eaves.

Snow had accumulated on the plum branches in the backyard of the Wen family mansion, creating a striking contrast of red and white that exuded elegance.

Wen He took the day off today because she wasn't feeling well.

He wasn't lying; when he woke up in the morning, he bumped his head on the side of the bed and got a bump, which was very uncomfortable.

The main reason is that the three children were taken into the palace by palace servants early in the morning, and Li Yifu was on duty at the Ministry of Personnel.

Meng Zhou and Zhao Lei went to the nearby county government office because of the immigration matter.

With only him and Wenrou left in the mansion, it was a rare moment of peace and quiet.

But just as dawn broke, Princess Chang Le, Li Lizhi, arrived through the snow, saying she was tired of staying in the palace and wanted to go to Qujiang Pool to admire the flowers.

Having been cooped up in the palace for a year, the princess, who was naturally lively, lost all manners as soon as she entered the Wen residence. She sent someone to fetch Wu Erniang from across the street, and then dragged Wenrou around the backyard, jumping and running about.

Three little girls chased each other through the snow, their laughter as clear as silver bells. They would make snowballs and throw them around, or play with the snow on the plum branches. They made a ruckus all morning before finally stopping.

Li Lizhi sat on the stone bench next to Wen He, holding a piece of malt candy, her legs dangling in the air, candy crumbs dripping down her chin.

She looked at the knitting needles flying in Wen He's hand and asked curiously.

"Ahe, I heard that many 'talented young men' came to the poetry gathering at Qujiang Pool today. What are 'talented young men'?"

Wen He was knitting woolen socks for Wenrou for winter when she heard this. Without even looking up, she replied casually, "He's just a refined scoundrel."

Wenrou has grown quite a bit this year, and last year's winter clothes are already too tight. These past few days, he has been taking time to knit woolen socks, feeling like he's both a father and a mother, and is very busy.

"why?"

She tilted her head gently and blinked in confusion.

Li Lizhi also stopped chewing the candy and looked at Wen He with a blank expression: "But Mother said that you are also a talented young man!"

"puff."

Wen He couldn't catch her breath and almost pricked her finger with the knitting needle in her hand.

He coughed twice.

"Um... it seems like the snow is about to stop."

Wen He quickly changed the subject, pointing to the gradually thinning snowflakes in the sky.

"Aren't you going to Qujiang Pool? If you don't go soon, the sun will come out and melt the snow."

Li Lizhi immediately became unhappy, grabbed Wen He's arm, and said in a slightly coquettish tone, "You promised to come with us! If you don't go, I won't go!"

Wen He chuckled.

Last year, he disrupted the poetry gathering at Qujiang Pool, leaving Shangguan Yi and others speechless. As a result, poetry gatherings in Chang'an became much less frequent, and this year there has been no news of Shangguan Yi at all.

He didn't want to join in the fun in the first place, and now that Li Lizhi was bothering him, he was in even more trouble.

"If I go, the poetry gathering will probably have to be canceled again."

Wen He said helplessly.

"Then I won't go!"

Li Lizhi gave a soft snort and turned her face away.

She came here to visit Wen He; if he doesn't go, Qujiang Pool won't be as lively as it used to be.

Wenrou nodded in agreement, and the two little girls turned to look at Wu Erniang.

Wu Erniang paused for a moment, then said calmly, "It's too cold, I won't go."

Wen He was immediately stunned.

He had been thinking of sending the three girls to Qujiang Pool so he could have some peace and quiet, but now he's stuck there.

“Lizhi, why don’t you take Xiaorou and Erniang to the palace? Your brothers are all in the palace, they can play together.”

Wen He made a final effort.

"do not want!"

Li Lizhi refused without hesitation, her tone resolute.

Wen He was completely at a loss. She put down her knitting needles, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Then I'll lead you to build a snowman, a snowman taller than a person."

"it is good!"

Li Lizhi and Wenrou's eyes lit up, and they instantly forgot their previous unpleasantness. They grabbed Wu Erniang and ran into the snow.

Although Wu Erniang was aloof, she couldn't resist the enthusiasm of the two girls and squatted down to roll a snowball.

Wen He sat on the stone bench watching them, making plans in her mind.

Children have a lot of energy. When they get tired of playing, they will naturally go to rest, and then you will have some peace and quiet.

Before he could rest for long, the butler Zhou Fu rushed over in a panic, not even bothering to brush off the snow.

"Young master!" Zhou Fu gasped for breath.

"The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial has sent someone to invite you, saying that envoys from Goguryeo and Silla have arrived and that you must go there immediately!"

His voice was loud enough that the three little girls playing in the snow immediately stopped what they were doing and all looked at Wen He.

Li Lizhi's eyes instantly reddened, tears welled up, and she pouted with a wronged expression.

"I'm off today..."

Wen He said weakly, cursing Tang Jian in her heart.

After Li Daozong left Chang'an, Li Shimin reinstated Tang Jian to his original position as Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies.

Moreover, he went astray just like Li Daozong.

He's just a little kid.

You are all historical figures.

Why do you keep coming to me?

Zhou Fu chuckled twice and cautiously added, "The messenger said that this is His Majesty's decree, and it cannot be delayed."

Damn you, Tang Jian!

Wen He cursed inwardly, but knew that the emperor's order was hard to disobey.

He stood up and forced a smile at the three girls: "I'll be right back. When I get back tonight, we'll have hot pot, and we'll even add lamb rolls, okay?"

Li Lizhi pouted, turned her head away from him, and huffed angrily.

Wu Erniang was quite obedient. She curtsied to Wen He and said softly, "May the county magistrate return soon."

After Wen He left with Zhou Fu, Li Lizhi could no longer hold back. She picked up a snowball and threw it towards the door, scattering snow chips all over the ground.

Wenrou quickly ran over and comforted him in her childish voice.

"Sister Lizhi, don't be angry! Your brother isn't here, how about I play with you? He made a game called checkers before, I'll teach you and your second aunt to play it!"

Li Lizhi slowly turned her head and gave a faint "hmm," but she felt awkward thinking to herself.

"I'm not angry because of Xiaorou, yes, that's right."

On the other side, Wen He was traveling by carriage to the Honglu Temple. Along the way, the snow melted, and the wheels splashed muddy water as they rolled over the muddy road.

When he arrived at the entrance of the Honglu Temple, he saw two groups of people dressed in foreign costumes in the distance.

The Goguryeo envoy wore a blue robe, a copper belt around his waist, and a feathered crown on his head.

The Silla envoys wore white short jackets, dark trousers covered with animal skins, and had wooden hairpins in their hair. Two honor guards lined up on either side, each with a solemn expression.

Not far away, Tang Jian, dressed in a scarlet official robe, stood on the steps, adopting the airs of an envoy from a great power, speaking to the envoys from Goguryeo and Silla with a stern face.

As soon as Wen He stepped off the carriage, Tang Jian, who was standing at the entrance of the Court of State Ceremonial, lit up and quickly came to greet him, grabbing his arm and saying with a tone full of urgency and relief, "Jiaying, you've finally arrived!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Goguryeo and Silla envoys standing behind Tang Jian quickly followed.

The Goguryeo envoy wore a blue brocade robe, a leather belt inlaid with copper around his waist, a feathered crown on his head, and a fawning smile on his face.

The Silla envoy wore a white short jacket and dark trousers, with a wooden hairpin in his hair. Although his expression showed some anxiety, it was hard to hide his anticipation.

Tang Jian stepped aside and introduced the two envoys, saying, "This is the magistrate of Gaoyang County, personally appointed by His Majesty. The magistrate of Gaoyang County has many unique insights into the Liaodong matter. You may ask him any questions you may have."

"So it's Gaoyang County!"

The Goguryeo envoy's eyes lit up immediately. He quickly stepped forward, bowed to Wen He, and rattled off a long string of words.

The interpreter quickly followed up, whispering, "I have long admired the magistrate of Gaoyang! Before my departure, my master Lu told me that the magistrate of Gaoyang is the youngest and most promising young talent in the Tang Dynasty, a rare pillar of the nation!"

These words were so flattering that even the Silla envoy standing nearby couldn't help but glance at them sideways.

Unexpectedly, Goguryeo valued this Prince of Gaoyang so much that even Da Dui Lu specifically instructed them to curry favor with him.

But Wen He's face showed no smile after hearing this; instead, she looked somewhat surprised.

You're the real scoundrel!
The Goguryeo envoy's heart skipped a beat, thinking he had said something wrong. Just as he was about to make amends, he saw Wen He slowly speak, her tone calm.

"Hehe, you flatter Lu too much. In my opinion, he is the real gem of Goguryeo."

In this context, "奇葩" (qípā) is a compliment.

Yes, that's true.

Therefore, the Goguryeo envoy was in a very good mood.

"You flatter me, Lord Gaoyang! My lord Lu truly has the heart of Goguryeo in his heart. He works day and night for the livelihood of the people. It is an honor to receive such praise from you!" the envoy said with a smile.

The envoy was certainly good at embellishing his image, but it was fine, and he was too lazy to point it out. He went along with the other party's words and continued, "Since you, sir, have such a magnanimous heart, I admire you."

Seeing that Wen He's attitude had softened, the Goguryeo envoy quickly seized the opportunity and bowed to Wen He again.

“Your Excellency Gaoyang, my master Lu has long admired you. Before I came to Chang'an, he specifically instructed me that if I met you, I must invite you to visit Goguryeo in the future. Goguryeo has the natural defenses of mountains and rivers and abundant resources, and we are confident that you will have a wonderful time!”

He wanted to use this opportunity to get closer to Wen He.

He told him that Goguryeo would be a good neighbor of the Tang Dynasty.

My family considers you a close friend, especially Lu.

After all, the Tang Dynasty's attitude toward the situation in Liaodong largely depends on the advice of this magistrate of Gaoyang County. If Wen He can be made to have a good impression of Goguryeo, things will go more smoothly in the future.

Wen He smiled kindly and returned the greeting to the Goguryeo envoy with a cupped hand.

"Yes, I will definitely go! If I have the opportunity in the future, I will definitely go to Goguryeo and have a good meeting with your country's Grand Secretary Lu."

He will bring cannons and the iron cavalry of the Tang Dynasty with him.

Go forth with high spirits and great strides!

(End of this chapter)