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

Chapter 406 You think you can leave after offending the master?
"What did your father say?"

Wen He shifted her gaze from the arrogant Li Yin to Li Tai and Li You, her eyes narrowing slightly, her tone carrying a subtle scrutiny.

This question was clearly not directed at the newcomer Li Yin, but at an old acquaintance among the three boys who had come with him.

Li Tai immediately dropped his previous gloating and put on a fawning smile, leaning forward and rubbing his hands together as he chuckled.

"Father said that Sixth Brother is young and doesn't know any better, and he has a wild and impulsive personality. He told the teacher not to worry about his status as a prince. He should treat him the same way he treated me, Third Brother, and Fifth Brother. Discipline him and teach him as needed, and don't show any mercy!"

Li You quickly nodded in agreement, fearing that Wen He would take her anger out on them.

"Yes, yes, yes! Father even said that if Sixth Brother dares to disobey, he should be punished the same way the teacher punishes us, without giving face to anyone else!"

Wen He snorted lightly, glancing at the two of them with a half-smile: "Was I really that bad to you before?"

Li Tai and Li You exchanged a glance, and almost without a moment's hesitation, they shook their heads in unison, their movements so synchronized as if they had rehearsed it a thousand times beforehand.

"No, no! Sir is the best to us!"

"Exactly!" Li You quickly added, eager to shower Wen He with every compliment he could muster, "Sir, you are incredibly learned and talented, far surpassing those scholars in the court."

Wen He smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this.

His gaze then returned to Li Yin, who looked bewildered, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable resolve.

"Since you're new here, you have to follow the rules. There are a few pigs in the backyard, so you can start by raising them. Make sure they're well-fed and the pigsty is clean every day. Consider it your introductory lesson."

"what?!"

Li Yin was as if struck by lightning; his eyes widened instantly, and his voice changed tone.

"You actually made me, a prince, raise pigs? Do you know who I am? I am the sixth prince of the Tang Dynasty! You dare to make a prince do such a vile thing? Aren't you afraid that the Emperor will punish you for insubordination? You...you are simply audacious!"

He lived for seven or eight years, always being waited on hand and foot in the palace. He had never even seen the direction of a pigsty, let alone raised pigs himself.

In his eyes, raising pigs was a dirty job for servants, and for Wen He to make him do it was an utter disgrace to his status as a prince!
Before Wen He could retort, Li Tai suddenly panicked, took a step forward, and said urgently.

"Sir! You want him to raise my Jieli? That won't do! Absolutely not!"

His exclamation startled everyone present.

Li Tai's face turned red with anxiety, and he said stiffly.

"What if he's clumsy and manages to raise the Jieli to death?"

Seeing Li Tai jumping up and down in a panic, Wen He was speechless and shook her head helplessly.

"What's the panic? Didn't we just buy a few piglets from the farmers a while ago? Let him raise the piglets, we won't touch your Jieli."

I wonder if Jieli from the grasslands would be so angry he'd die if he came to Chang'an and found out about this.

"That's good, that's good!"

Li Tai finally breathed a long sigh of relief, patting his chest and putting his mind at ease, as if the tense look of having his treasure snatched away had never appeared. However, there was a hint of wariness in his eyes when he looked at Li Yin.

"Then you'd better keep a close eye on him, lest he kill the piglets too!"

Li Yin didn't understand anything about Jieli, but he knew clearly that Wen He was determined to make him raise pigs.

He lived a life of luxury in the palace, rarely even touching pork himself, let alone raising pigs. He was now extremely anxious.

"You actually want me, the prince, to do such a sordid thing! I won't go!"

Wen He seemed not to hear his resistance and continued speaking.

"Not only will you have to raise pigs, but you'll also have to go hungry. You can eat when the pigs are full. From now on, you'll be called Li Liu in the manor. Don't mention your prince status anymore. Li Si, you'll be in charge of keeping an eye on him. If he dares to slack off or bully the piglets, just tell me."

Wen He had plenty of ways to deal with this spoiled, dissolute prince. Having Li Tai, who was fiercely protective of his pigs, keep an eye on Li Yin was more reliable than anyone else.

After all, Li Tai would definitely keep a close eye on Li Yin for the sake of his Jieli.

"Brother! Help me!"

Upon seeing this, Li Yin panicked and turned around, wanting to rush to Li Ke's side for help.

In his view, Li Ke was his own brother, and he would never stand by and watch him be bullied.

But Li Ke merely glanced at him indifferently, his tone calm and undisturbed.

"Go ahead, the master is a good man and will not harm you. It's better to follow the master and learn the rules than to cause trouble in the palace."

Li Yin was completely stunned, standing there dumbfounded for a long time, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

"Brother, what did you say? You're actually helping him? He wants me, the prince, to raise pigs! Have you forgotten we're brothers?"

"Precisely because we are brothers, you should be taught how to be a good person."

After Li Ke finished speaking, he turned his head away and stopped looking at Li Yin, clearly determined not to help him.

"No! I'm not going! I want to go back to the palace! I want to find my father!"

Li Yin was so anxious that tears were almost in his eyes. He turned around and ran towards the gate of the mansion. He didn't want to stay here and suffer such humiliation.

But he had only taken two steps when he heard Wen He shout coldly, "Close the door!"

Ah Dong, who was guarding the side door, was already prepared. Upon hearing the order, he immediately had the heavy wooden door slam shut with a creak and locked securely.

"Where are the Xuanjia Guards?!"

Wen He's voice came again, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Several burly men with broad backs and thick waists walked out from under the corridor. They were all dressed in gray short jackets, their muscles so muscular that they seemed to burst out of their clothes. They were the Xuanjia Guards of Wenhe Mansion.

They approached Wen He and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your subordinates are here!"

"Take Li Liu to the pigsty in the backyard and let him learn to feed the piglets first. If he dares to resist, starve him for a day. When he understands, he can start feeding the pigs again."

Wen He gave the order without the slightest hesitation.

"Yes!"

The Xuanjia guards responded in unison, quickly stepped forward, and grabbed Li Yin's arms on either side.

Li Yin was no match for these burly men; he struggled like a chicken waiting to be slaughtered, shouting incessantly.

"Wen He! How dare you treat me like this! I will make sure Father Emperor dismisses you from your post and exiles you! I will make sure your family is wiped out! Wen He! Let me go! Let me go!"

But the Xuanjia Guards ignored his shouts and dragged him toward the backyard, where they quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor, leaving only Li Yin's shouts growing fainter in the distance.

Seeing that Li Yin had been taken away safely, Li Tai breathed a long sigh of relief. Then, remembering his little piglet, he quickly went to Wen He's side and asked.

"Sir, may I go to the backyard to keep an eye on them? I'm afraid he's clumsy and might let the piglets go hungry."

Li Ke looked at Wen He and asked softly.

"Sir, are you accepting him?"

Li You also looked at Wen He, his eyes filled with a hint of nervousness.

If Wen He doesn't accept Li Yin, they might have to send him back to the palace, and then Li Shimin will inevitably question them.

Wen He chuckled twice, her tone tinged with helplessness.

"Do I have any other choice? Your father sent the person over without even consulting me. It's clear he doesn't intend to give me a chance to refuse."

Li Shimin's move clearly meant that he was throwing Li Yin to him. Li Yin had no choice but to accept it, so rather than being hesitant, he might as well accept it.

"I have to go out for a while, so I'll leave the affairs of the manor to you."

Wen He waved his hand and said.

"Li Si, you stay in the manor and keep an eye on Li Liu, and also take care of your Jieli, so he doesn't really mess up the little piglets."

"Li San, Li Wu, take Xiao Rou out to the West Market to see the sugar paintings she wants to eat, and buy some fresh vegetables while you're at it. We'll have hot pot tonight."

Upon hearing this, the three little ones' eyes lit up, and joyful smiles appeared on their faces.

Li Tai patted his chest in agreement and turned to run towards the backyard.

Li Ke nodded expressionlessly, but his face clearly showed signs of impatience.

It seems like I don't want to go at all.

Li You, however, was rather impatient. He grabbed Li Ke and dragged him away, muttering to himself.

"Sanlang, let's go."

Wen He looked at them and shook her head helplessly.

He had actually thought that Li Ke liked gentleness.

It seems to be an illusion.

That makes sense, though. These little kids are too young to understand what liking is.

Wen He was unaware that as soon as they arrived in the backyard, Li Ke's impatience vanished, replaced by a faint smile.

……

In the afternoon in Chang'an, the snow stopped, and sunlight shone through the clouds onto the bluestone road. Melted snow dripped from the eaves, forming small puddles on the ground.

After bidding farewell to Li Ke, Li Tai, and the others, Wen He, accompanied by two Xuanjia Guards, headed towards the Hundred Cavalry Division.

As soon as he reached the vermilion gate of the Hundred Riders Division, he saw a familiar figure pacing back and forth beside the stone lions at the gate.

"Xiao Langjun."

When Zhang Wenxiao saw Wen He arrive, he immediately stopped and quickly went to greet her.

He was dressed in a black cavalry uniform, with a sword at his waist. His face showed some respect, but there was a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Wen He raised an eyebrow, dismounted, handed the reins to the guard behind her, and asked, "You waited for me here on purpose? Did something happen?"

Zhang Wenxiao nodded, leaned closer, and lowered his voice.

"Just now, Supervisor Huang came out of the palace with a somewhat solemn expression. After entering the Hundred Cavalry Division, he went directly to the government office and is currently talking with Military Advisor Xu and General Su. I guess His Majesty has some important instructions."

Upon hearing this, Wen He immediately understood about 70-80% of what was going on.

It is likely that Li Shimin has already informed Huang Chun about the situation in Hebei Province and instructed the Hundred Cavalry Division to cooperate with Wei Zheng.

He nodded slightly and said, "I understand. Let's go in."

Zhang Wenxiao responded with a "yes," but did not immediately set off. Instead, he looked at Wen He, the corners of his mouth gradually turning up, and the smile in his eyes could no longer be hidden.

Wen He felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and frowned: "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

"I dare not!" Zhang Wenxiao quickly suppressed his smile and bowed.

"I haven't even had a chance to congratulate the young master on his promotion to Earl of Gaoyang County yet!"

As soon as he said this, several guards on duty gathered around and congratulated Wen He all at once: "Congratulations, young master!"

"Young master is the first young nobleman to be granted a title after His Majesty ascended the throne. He is truly remarkable!"

"From now on, our Hundred Cavalry Division will have even more prestige when we go out!"

Wen He smiled helplessly and waved his hand: "Alright, alright, he's just a county magistrate, there's nothing to congratulate him on. Don't mention this to me, I don't have any money to give you as a reward."

"Look what the young man said!"

Zhang Wenxiao said with a smile, "We're not doing this for the reward money, we just feel honored! You've made so many contributions at such a young age and are so highly regarded by His Majesty. We feel proud to be with you!"

The other guards echoed this sentiment, their voices filled with admiration.

Wen He knew that most of the Hundred Cavalrymen came from military backgrounds or humble families, and they respected capable and hardworking people the most. Therefore, he also recognized those who were capable.

Although he was only a captain of a hundred cavalry, in the hearts of the hundred cavalrymen, he was the leader.

He laughed and said, "Alright, let's stop talking here. In a few days, I'll treat you to a drink at a restaurant in Pingkangfang as a celebration and to thank you all for your hard work during this time."

"Thank you, young master!"

Upon hearing this, everyone beamed with joy, and even Zhang Wenxiao couldn't help but show a genuine smile.

Wen He said no more, and led Zhang Wenxiao through the gate of the Hundred Cavalry Division, across the courtyard, and toward the government office.

As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the government office, I heard Xu Jingzong's voice coming from inside, as if they were arguing about something.

He gently pushed open the door and saw three people sitting at the desk in the office. Huang Chun, dressed in the blue-green official robes of the Inner Palace Secretariat, was holding a teacup and frowning in thought.

Xu Jingzong, dressed in a scarlet court robe, was talking to Su Dingfang opposite him.

Su Dingfang was dressed in black general's armor, with a long sword at his waist, and his face showed some impatience.

When the three of them saw Wen He enter, they all immediately stood up.

Xu Jingzong stepped forward first, cupped his hands and smiled, "Oh, isn't this our newly promoted Earl of Gaoyang? Congratulations! I didn't expect His Majesty to act so quickly. He conferred a title on you right after the New Year. It seems His Majesty values ​​you much more than the rest of us!"

Su Dingfang also stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Congratulations, Lord Wen! Your Hundred Cavalry will have an extra layer of prestige in the future."

Although he was a military officer, he knew Wen He's abilities and respected him greatly.

Huang Chun then composed himself and revealed a gentle smile: "This servant congratulates Lord Wen on being so highly regarded by His Majesty. He is sure to have a bright future ahead of him."

Wen He quickly returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "You are too kind, everyone. It is only because of His Majesty's kindness that I have done my duty. I really do not deserve your congratulations."

"Jiaying, you're just being too modest," Xu Jingzong chuckled.

Wen He looked at him and chuckled, "Old Xu, you're just jealous."

"Look at what you're saying! You're the first county magistrate among our Hundred Cavalry, and I feel honored. How could I be jealous? You don't appreciate my good intentions."

Xu Jingzong rolled his eyes at him.

I do feel envious, but not to the point of jealousy.

Xu Jingzong knew that with Wen He's merits, he should have been a county marquis long ago, let alone a county earl.

However, he was too young and lacked the military merit required.

Wen He was just joking with Xu Jingzong, and then got down to business.

"I overheard you talking at the door just now. Were you discussing matters concerning Hebei Province?"

Huang Chun nodded, his smile fading, his expression turning serious again: "That's right. I just returned from the palace, and His Majesty specifically instructed the Hundred Cavalry Division to cooperate with Vice Minister Wei to supervise the planting of Huanwang Rice in Hebei Province."

"The situation in Hebei is complicated, with local powerful clans deeply entrenched. His Majesty is worried that Vice Minister Wei may be in danger, so he has ordered our Hundred Cavalry Division to send some men to secretly protect Vice Minister Wei's safety, and at the same time keep an eye on those who may obstruct the planting of Huanwang Rice."

Xu Jingzong added, "Not only that, His Majesty also said that if anyone dares to openly oppose Vice Minister Wei, or secretly hoards grain seeds or damages paddy fields, the Hundred Cavalry Division can execute them first and report later, without having to report everything, so as not to delay the opportunity."

Su Dingfang frowned and said, "Those powerful figures in Hebei Province are all not to be trifled with. Back when Dou Jiande was in power, they joined in the rebellion. Even after they surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, they have never been peaceful."

"Sending Wei Zhongcheng this time will likely cause him a lot of trouble. In my opinion, it would be better for me to lead a hundred cavalrymen with Wei Zhongcheng so that we can look out for each other."

Huang Chun shook his head: "General Su, you are the General of the Hundred Cavalry, in charge of the troops. If you leave Chang'an, there will be a gap in the defense of the Hundred Cavalry, and His Majesty will not agree to it."

"Moreover, given your special status, if you were to accompany Vice Minister Wei to Hebei Province, it would easily arouse the suspicion of local officials and bring trouble to Vice Minister Wei."

Xu Jingzong echoed, "Supervisor Huang is right. General Su is indeed not suitable to go. In my opinion, we should find someone who can adapt to changing circumstances without attracting attention."

All three of them turned their gazes to Wen He.

In the past, Wen He personally handled tasks that required acting in secret and adapting to changing circumstances, and he always managed to complete them successfully.

But Wen He shook her head and said, "I can't go this time. There are still many things to deal with in Chang'an. The bronze cannon experiment is not yet complete, and the Flying Fish Guard's hot air balloon also needs improvement. All of these require manpower."

"Moreover, I have just been granted the title of Earl of the County. If I were to suddenly leave Chang'an, it would easily arouse speculation from others, which would be counterproductive."

He paused, looked at Xu Jingzong, and said, "I think it's most appropriate to send Old Xu this time. Firstly, he and Wei Zhongcheng are old acquaintances, and it will be convenient for the two of them to cooperate."

"Secondly, Lao Xu is flexible and adaptable, and can respond promptly to unexpected situations."

"Thirdly, since Lao Xu is a civil official, accompanying Vice Minister Wei to Hebei Province will not arouse the suspicion of local officials, making it more suitable for carrying out operations in secret."

Huang Chun and Su Dingfang both nodded upon hearing this.

Huang Chun said, "Lord Wen is right. Military Advisor Xu is indeed the most suitable candidate."

Su Dingfang also said, "That's right. Although Military Advisor Xu is a civil official, he also knows some martial arts and can handle ordinary minor troubles. Moreover, he is quick-witted and is indeed more suitable than me."

"Is that the decision?" Xu Jingzong was pushed forward before he could even say a word.

Wen He and the other two smiled and looked at Xu Jingzong, nodding in unison.

"That's it."

Xu Jingzong's lips twitched a few times.

Going to Hebei may seem easy, but it's actually not a good job.

Anyone with eyes to see could see that Wei Zheng's trip to Hebei was to win over the hearts and minds of the people.

However, the powerful clans in Hebei would never sit idly by.

So there's bound to be some troublesome things happening then.

Moreover, he and Wei Zheng did not actually get along back then in Wagangzhai.

The two even found each other somewhat disagreeable.

However, it seems that besides him, there really isn't anyone else suitable to go to Hebei.

Thinking of this, Xu Jingzong no longer declined and cupped his hands in thanks.

"Since everyone thinks I am suitable, then I will accept."

“However, I can’t go alone. I need to bring some men with me. In my opinion, let Zhang Wenxiao bring a few men from the second team with me. Zhang Wenxiao is familiar with the way the Hundred Riders operate and knows how to protect people secretly. With him there, I can feel more at ease.”

Xu Jingzong was also putting himself on insurance.

Wen He nodded: "Okay, it's settled then. Zhang Wenxiao, go and select a few skilled and discreet men to accompany Military Advisor Xu to Hebei Province. Make sure to protect Military Advisor Xu and Vice Minister Wei. Report any incidents promptly and do not make decisions on your own."

Zhang Wenxiao quickly bowed and replied, "Your Excellency obeys!"

After the matter was settled, the group talked about Wen He's promotion to a noble rank.

Su Dingfang said with a smile, jokingly.

"Lord Wen, you've been promoted, you can't just let it go like this. You have to treat us to a drink, right? I heard that Zuixianlou has recently had a lot of Hu girls, their dances are graceful and their songs are beautiful. How about we go to Zuixianlou?"

Xu Jingzong chimed in, "That's right! The Hu girls at Zuixianlou are indeed famous. I've wanted to go see them for a long time. Let's take advantage of Jiaying's promotion to a noble title and have some fun!"

Wen He raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "I can treat you to a meal, and I can go to Zuixianlou, but I won't go. I'm still young and it's not suitable for me to go to such places. Otherwise, if His Majesty finds out, he'll say I'm not doing my job properly."

He's going to marry a princess someday.

How could one possibly dedicate oneself to such a place?

Besides, he wouldn't be able to do anything even if he went there now.

It's better not to go.

Upon hearing this, Huang Chun's face flushed red instantly, and he said somewhat awkwardly, "I...I have something to do, so I won't go."

Xu Jingzong and Su Dingfang exchanged a glance, both trying not to laugh.

They all knew that Huang Chun was a eunuch, so even if they went to Zuixianlou, they could only watch.

Wen He noticed Huang Chun's embarrassment and quickly changed the subject.

"Alright, alright, stop talking about drinking. Xu Canjun, you're leaving for Hebei Province in a few days, so you need to prepare properly. Chen Dahai is back, right? Let him select a few shrewd people from the second team."

The group discussed some details before dispersing.

Wen He ate lunch at the Hundred Riders' canteen, rested briefly, and then got up to go home.

Before going to find Chebihol, he needed to make some preparations.

As soon as he got home, he saw Adong rushing over.

"Young master, please go and take a look in the backyard."

Upon hearing this, Wen He knew that something must have happened to Li Yin.

He rubbed his forehead helplessly.

That's why he didn't want to take in Li Shimin's sons.

None of them are normal people.

He reluctantly let A-Dong lead the way, heading towards the backyard.

Before he even got close to the backyard, he heard a heart-wrenching wail.

"Father, Mother! I want to go home! I don't want to raise pigs here! These pigs are so smelly and dirty! I want to go back to the palace! I want to find my father!"

Wen He frowned and quickly walked into the backyard. There, next to the pigsty, Li Yin was sitting on the ground, crying and shouting. His face and clothes were covered in mud, and he looked miserable.

Li Tai stood to the side, holding a small whip in his hand, frowning as he looked at Li Yin, muttering to himself.

"What are you crying about! It's just feeding pigs! What's there to cry about! The master said that if you don't feed the piglets well, you won't get any food today!"

Several servants responsible for looking after the pigsty stood by, watching the scene with helpless expressions, wanting to offer advice but not daring to.

Wen He stepped forward and asked, "What happened? Why is he crying?"

Upon seeing Wen He, Li Tai quickly put away his whip and bowed.

“Sir, you’re back. This Li Liu is outrageous. I asked him to feed the piglets, but he not only refused, he also spilled the pig feed. I said a few words to him, and he sat on the ground crying and said he wanted to go back to the palace.”

Wen He looked at Li Yin, who raised his head, his face covered in tears and mud, his eyes red and swollen. Upon seeing Wen He, he cried out.

"Wen He! I don't want to raise pigs! These pigs stink! I want to go home! I want to find my father! If you don't let me go home, I'll tell my father and have him dismiss you from your post and exile you!"

Okay.

Wen He originally wanted to ask him a few more questions.

Let him go take a shower and have a meal.

I never expected this kid would dare to act tough with me.

It seems they've been living too comfortably.

Wen He frowned and said in a flat tone.

"You can go home, but only after you've fed the piglets and cleaned the pigpen."

“If you keep crying here, you won’t be able to go home, and you’ll go hungry.”

"I won't feed them! I just won't feed them!"

Li Yin shouted, his neck stiff.

"That's something only servants do, I, the prince, will not do!"

This kid is really stubborn.

No wonder it has such a bad reputation throughout history.

But I refuse to believe I can't handle you.

Wen He ignored him and turned to Li Tai, saying, "Keep an eye on him. If he still doesn't feed the pigs, then really don't feed him. With his physique, he won't be in any trouble if he goes hungry for two or three days."

Li Tai nodded: "Don't worry, sir, I'll definitely keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't slack off!"

Seeing Wen He about to leave, Li Yin immediately became anxious.

"Wen He, come back! This prince wants to return! Mmm..."

He was only halfway through his sentence when Li Tai covered his mouth.

"Stop shouting! You think you can just leave after offending the sir?"

Li Yin's eyes widened suddenly, and he shoved Li Tai away, shouting in despair.

"Ugh, Li Tai, you just touched the pig feed with your hand!"

Li Tai put his hand to his nose and sniffed it; the smell was indeed rather unpleasant.

However, seeing Li Yin's exaggerated reaction, he snorted dismissively.

"It's just pig swill, it won't cause any problems for people to eat it anyway."

(End of this chapter)