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

Chapter 412 First, let those people know how foolish they are.

Two hundred guards stood with their hands at their sides under the old locust tree, watching Wen He deep in thought, not daring to even breathe loudly.

After about half an incense stick's time, Wen He finally slowly raised her head, the doubt in her eyes fading away, replaced by a more resolute look.

"I will go into the palace to see His Majesty first. You all wait outside the palace gate. Remember not to make a sound, lest you alert the enemy."

He knew that the powerful clans and gentry in Hebei were deeply entrenched and impossible to eradicate in one fell swoop. The most effective way at the moment was to lure them with benefits.

The high yield of new grain varieties is used to incentivize farmers at the grassroots level, encouraging them to actively request the promotion of these varieties. In turn, the farmers' demands are used to suppress powerful clans.

The current chaotic situation is not entirely bad. The powerful clans can use public anger to deal with Wei Zheng, and he can also use public anger to fight back. However, those farmers who have been misled will inevitably suffer more injustice.

"Yes, sir!"

The two hundred-horse guards bowed in response, stood straight, and watched Wen He leave.

Wen He hurried back to Wenjiazhuang, changed into a dark blue brocade robe, and then found Li Chengqian to briefly explain the matters concerning the completion of spring plowing.

"I'm going to the palace for a meeting. You few, plant one more acre of land and then go back. Don't be lazy, wait for me to come back and check."

Li Chengqian quickly agreed, but watching Wen He's departing figure, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Immediately afterwards, Wen He and the hundred guards rode off to Chang'an City.

They sped all the way to Xuanwu Gate. When the guards saw that it was Wen He and that she was accompanied by a hundred cavalrymen, they let her pass without having to announce their arrival.

Inside the Liangyi Hall, the atmosphere was so oppressive it was suffocating.

Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne, his fingers lightly tapping the armrests, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

Below stood several high-ranking officials from the three provinces and six ministries, all with their heads bowed, no one daring to break the silence.

"Are they planning to build a state within a state in Hebei?"

Li Shimin's voice suddenly rang out, calm in tone, yet carrying a chilling edge.

"If they decide the pricing of grain and the control of salt and iron in the future, will Hebei still belong to the Tang Dynasty? Will they still recognize me as their emperor?"

The high-ranking officials present all understood that His Majesty was furious beyond measure.

The powerful clans of Hebei, in alliance with the gentry, resisted the new grain varieties and even incited farmers to besiege government offices, essentially challenging the authority of the imperial court.

If we back down now, the powers in Henan, Shandong and other places will surely follow suit, and the foundation of the Tang Dynasty's rule may be shaken.

These people probably all sensed that His Majesty was about to take action against the Turks.

That's why they dared to take advantage of the chaos.

But they have forgotten that the current emperor was once a powerful ruler who dared to charge an army of 300,000 with only 3,000 soldiers.

The person sitting on this throne is no longer the mediocre and aging retired emperor.

"Your Majesty, calm down."

Standing in the center of the main hall, Cui Dunli took a deep breath, stepped forward, bowed, and spoke with a hint of explanation.

"The powerful families in Hebei did not intend to oppose the imperial court; they were just worried that the new grain varieties would produce too much, and that the price of grain would be too low in the future, which would harm the farmers and ultimately the people."

"Their actions were also made with His Majesty's deep consideration. If they are not checked and balanced, I'm afraid it will be even more difficult for farmers to make a living."

"That sounds so high-sounding!"

Dou Jing suddenly stepped forward, veins bulging on her forehead, and pointed at Cui Dunli angrily.

“Lord Cui, do you think the Ministry of Revenue is just a figurehead? The court has its own regulations for controlling grain prices. When did it become the place for local powerful families to set prices privately? Today they dare to set grain prices privately in Hebei. Tomorrow, will all ten provinces be able to do as they please? Where will His Majesty be then? Where will the court be then?”

Cui Dunli remained unfazed, bowed to Dou Jing, and stubbornly insisted: "I believe this is a delaying tactic. The people of Hebei are currently unstable, and farmers are refusing to plant new grains. This is all due to the secret resistance of powerful families. If we forcibly suppress them, it will only exacerbate the conflict."

"As the saying goes, 'If you want to take something, you must first give something.' It would be better to grant some benefits to the powerful clans first and stabilize the situation before making any further moves."

"absurd!"

Changsun Wuji stepped forward abruptly and rebuked him sternly.

"Today we cede the benefits of a city, tomorrow we give up another piece of land. If this continues, how is it any different from selling out the country? Hebei is a vital territory of the Tang Dynasty. If we compromise with powerful clans, where will the dignity of the court be? How will the people of the world view Your Majesty?"

Cui Dunli dared not respond to such words, and could only lower his head, clench the hem of his court robe with both hands, and remain silent.

Silence fell once more in the hall, all eyes fixed on Li Shimin, awaiting His Majesty's final decision.

"Was this matter spearheaded by the Cui clan of Boling or the Cui clan of Qinghe?"

Just then, Li Shimin suddenly spoke, his sharp gaze fixed on Cui Dunli, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable sense of pressure.

This is already a serious attack on their moral character.

Is Your Majesty perhaps plotting murder?!

Cui Dunli's expression changed drastically, and he quickly bowed.

"Your Majesty, all my actions were motivated by public interest and were entirely for the sake of the Tang Dynasty, and had nothing to do with my family!"

"The people of Hebei were not at peace. At the beginning, we should have put the people first and implemented the policy from the bottom up. However, Wei Gong forced the policy to be implemented, which gave those powerful clans an opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

Cui Dunli dared not raise his head and forced himself to defend himself.

“I am not criticizing Duke Wei, but the situation is critical. If no gentry clans mediate, we may miss this year’s spring planting. I believe that the ‘lower’ clans, from the bottom up, should be the powerful clans of Hebei. If we can win them over, the farmers will naturally follow.”

Upon hearing this, most of the high-ranking officials in the hall, though silent, tacitly accepted this logic.

In their understanding, the so-called "people" have always referred to powerful and influential clans and gentry.

As for the farmers and common people who toil in the fields, they were merely tools to be used at will and could not be considered "people" at all.

Li Shimin stared at Cui Dunli, his gaze growing increasingly deep, as if the air in the hall had frozen.

After a long while, he slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, seemingly wanting to compromise: "Forget it, this matter..."

Just as he was about to speak, a palace attendant suddenly appeared outside the main hall.

The eunuch stood with his head bowed, waiting for Li Shimin to finish speaking before bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, the Earl of Gaoyang requests an audience."

Wen He?!
Upon hearing this name, everyone in the Liangyi Hall was stunned.

What is he doing here at this time?

Seeing that Li Shimin was willing to compromise, Cui Dunli had already secretly breathed a sigh of relief. But when he heard the words "Wen He requests an audience," his heart tightened and his fingertips instantly gripped the hem of his court robe.

'Wasn't he said he'd been resting outside the city recently and wasn't involved in court affairs?'

Cui Dunli muttered to himself, a fine layer of cold sweat beading on his forehead.

'Could it be because of the Hundred Cavalry? But this time, it was Xu Jingzong who accompanied him to Hebei, not Wen He...'

The more he thought about it, the more nervous he became, but he could only forcefully suppress the panic in his heart.

This time, various forces in Hebei joined together to put pressure on the imperial court.

They had calculated that Wen He hadn't gotten involved, and that Xu Jingzong's impulsive actions made him easily restrained.

But what if Wen He really gets involved...?

'If Wen He truly intervenes, the Cui family of Boling must withdraw as soon as possible, or they risk getting burned.'

The thought had barely surfaced when it took root in Cui Dunli's mind. He even had a hunch that as long as Wen He spoke, the situation in Hebei would completely change.

Just as he was feeling uneasy, Wen He's voice came from outside the hall: "Your subject Wen He greets Your Majesty."

"No gift."

Li Shimin nodded with a stern face, his gaze falling on Wen He, his tone carrying a hint of probing.

"Haven't you been farming in Wenjiazhuang outside the city these past few days? How come you have time to come to the palace today?"

The high-ranking officials in the main hall all looked at Wen He, their gazes varying.

Changsun Wuji narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly trying to figure out Wen He's intentions.

Yan Lide and Li Jing shook their heads slightly, subtly signaling him to mind his own business.

Dou Jing kept giving him meaningful glances.

Wen He smiled, meeting everyone's gaze.

"Your Majesty, I have been deeply troubled by the news of the situation in Hebei Province and have been unable to eat or sleep. I have rushed to the palace without stopping to share Your Majesty's burdens."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall looked on in disbelief.

Everyone in Chang'an knows that the Earl of Gaoyang County is the laziest of all. He never gets up until the sun is high in the sky and still can't eat or sleep properly.

Perhaps they're just bored and want to join in the fun.

Li Shimin also gave a light snort, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.

"With all the officials in the court here, and all the important ministers in the Liangyi Hall, do I really need a mere child like you to share my burdens?"

Wen He looked up at him, her eyes clearly saying, "Haven't you asked me to share enough of your worries?"

The sight of that made Li Shimin secretly grumble, but he changed the subject without feeling guilty at all.

"You haven't been to the palace for a long time. The Empress was talking about you the other day. Why don't you go to Wanchun Palace to pay your respects first?"

The meaning of this statement couldn't be clearer.

Don't interfere in Hebei's affairs, just leave.

Dou Jing wanted to stand up for Wen He, but before she could finish speaking, she said, "Your Majesty, since the Earl of Gaoyang County has come here, why not let him..."

He met Li Shimin's sudden, sharp gaze, and his heart skipped a beat; he instantly understood.

His Majesty is afraid that Wen He will be drawn into the complicated situation in Hebei, since there are too many powerful clans involved there, and the slightest mistake could cause even greater chaos.

Dou Jing could only retreat awkwardly, saying nothing more. "Your Majesty, now that I'm here, why don't you listen to my thoughts?"

Wen He was not about to leave easily. He knew he had already offended all the gentry in Hebei. With so many debts to repay, he had no worries.

Just then, an unexpected voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, I believe the Earl of Gaoyang County may have a brilliant plan. Perhaps we should let him speak."

It was Cui Dunli who spoke!

Li Shimin's gaze darkened, and he stared at Cui Dunli for a moment, seemingly trying to guess his thoughts, before finally speaking.

"Fine, go ahead and tell me."

Wen He stepped forward and said with bright eyes.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Li family of Zhao County and the imperial clan are both descendants of the Daoist ancestor and are of the same lineage. The fact that the Tang Dynasty has now achieved increased grain production is truly an auspicious sign bestowed by the Daoist ancestor upon his descendants. I suggest that the Li family of Zhao County be entrusted with the promotion of the new grain varieties in Hebei Province."

Li Shimin was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this.

Is this still Wen He?

he……

Well, back before the Xuanwu Gate Incident at the Qin Prince's Mansion, this brat was already spouting nonsense about phoenixes and Dao Ancestors.

However, he actually spoke up for people from the five prominent families and seven noble clans.

Although the Li family of Zhao County was an aristocratic family, they were close to the imperial family and had Li Jing in the court, so they were not afraid of any tricks the Li family might play.

This is something that can be done.

As Li Shimin pondered, he suddenly noticed the sly look on Wen He's face.

It's all about playing the media game.

If you spread rumors, I'll resort to metaphysics.

Don't you guys keep talking about the interaction between heaven and man?

Then why should I talk to you about science?

"What? How can this be!"

Dou Jing was the first to exclaim in surprise.

"The people of Hebei are waiting for the new grain seeds to increase production. If they are only given to the Li family of Zhao County, what will happen to them?"

"Naturally, we'll use the same grain varieties as before."

Wen He spoke in a flat tone.

"Since they don't believe it, how can the court force them? The seeds of the Huanwang grain should be given to those who trust the court to grow."

This is called retreating to advance.

His intention was to make those powerful clans who resisted the new grain varieties watch the Zhao County Li clan reap a bountiful harvest, thus undermining their alliance from within.

Are those people boycotting the King of the Rings seeds because they think they're inferior?

No, it's precisely because they all know that this type of seed has a high yield.

But if production is high, what will happen to the grain they previously stockpiled?
Once those farmers have enough to eat, who will lend them money?

No one comes to lend them money or to do unpaid labor for them; how can they pass on their family tradition of farming and scholarship?

"As for those farmers who are unwilling to plant new grain varieties, they are just unlucky." Wen He also felt that he was ruthless.

However, he adhered to one principle: never try to persuade ignorant people, as that will only make you a fool.

He is not that one, so he cannot make everyone believe in him.

If you want to change the situation in Hebei, you have to let those people know how foolish they are.

Cui Dunli's expression changed instantly, and he forced a dry laugh while trying to appear calm.

"Lord Gaoyang is joking. The quantity of new grain seeds is enormous. How can the Li family of Zhao County possibly plant them all by themselves? If we delay until next year, the seeds will probably spoil."

"It won't break, as long as it's stored properly."

Wen He smiled and waved her hand, then added before Cui Dunli could speak again.

"Of course, if other aristocratic families wish to plant it, they can purchase it from the imperial court at a fair price."

"No!"

Dou Jing quickly shook her head.

"Distributing grain seeds is a major matter for the imperial court. How can they be bought and sold? If the censors investigate in the future, it may cause trouble."

He wasn't against Wen He, but he was worried that this matter would lead to bad rumors in the future.

In particular, if the censors find out, they might impeach him.

"Who said it was sold to the people?"

Wen He chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over Cui Dunli with a meaningful look.

Li Shimin grew impatient with his roundabout way of speaking.

"Stop beating around the bush, keep going."

Wen He stood still.

You were just trying to get rid of me, and now you want me to talk and I'll talk?
Li Shimin could see through his thoughts, but as the emperor, how could he bow his head to his subjects?
He could only wink at Yan Lide and Li Jing.

Li Jing immediately stepped forward and advised, "Lord of Gaoyang County, His Majesty is also worried that the situation in Hebei will delay this year's tax revenue. It would be best to resolve this as soon as possible."

Yan Lide also tried to smooth things over, saying, "Yes, let's talk things out. His Majesty will definitely listen to you."

But Wen He remained unmoved, as if she wouldn't say a word unless he gave in.

Changsun Wuji couldn't stand it any longer and reprimanded him sternly.

"Wen Jiaying, this is the Liangyi Palace, how dare you be so insolent!"

"Then I'll go?"

Wen He gave a soft snort and made a move to turn around.

Changsun Wuji's lips twitched; he almost laughed out of anger.

That brat is truly impervious to both soft and hard approaches!

Li Shimin had no choice but to relent: "I misspoke earlier. You always complain that I assign you too many tasks, but now that I'm giving you a day off, you're unhappy? This matter concerns the people's livelihood, and the Ministry of Revenue happens to be short of an assistant minister, so I..."

"and many more!"

Wen He quickly interrupted him.

"There's no need for a promotion; I'll tell you how."

He cleared his throat and said seriously, "Actually, this matter is very simple. Commoners and farmers, as long as they have land and are free, can go to the county government to receive Zhenguan rice seeds and compost for free by presenting their household registration. At the same time, we will send censors to inspect the counties in Hebei Province. If they find officials harassing the people or violating the law, they will be arrested immediately."

"Send people to various villages to publicize His Majesty's benevolence and the true yield of rice grown with compost during the Zhenguan era. Of course, it is acceptable to exaggerate a little to make the data more attractive."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Shimin's eyes lit up instantly.

interesting.

In this way, they could also help the imperial court register households.

Oh, and there are also hidden accounts.

A glint suddenly flashed in Li Shimin's eyes; he had thought of something more than Wen He.

After receiving the seeds and compost, they must not transfer them or donate land.

"Furthermore, I think the name 'Huanwang Rice' doesn't sound good. Why not rename it 'Zhenguan Rice'?" Wen He gave Li Shimin a sly smile.

Changsun Wuji rarely agreed.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the name 'Zhenguan Rice' is excellent, while 'Huanwang Rice' is too difficult to pronounce and will not be easy to promote among the people."

Li Shimin immediately nodded: "Excellent! Let's call it Zhenguan Rice!"

"The ministers obey the order."

It's just a name change; the imperial edict will be issued later.

It's no big deal.

Just then, Cui Dunli suddenly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your subject begs for forgiveness!"

Everyone was taken aback and looked at him.

Cui Dunli's face was full of shame.

"What the Earl of Gaoyang said was like a blow to the head. I now realize that I was narrow-minded before and blinded by my family's private interests, which almost ruined important matters of the court. I am willing to persuade the Cui family members immediately to promote Zhenguan rice together and bring benefits to the people of Hebei!"

"And promote the Zhenguan rice to His Majesty!"

He trailed off.

The eyes of these important Tang Dynasty officials in the Liangyi Hall all held a hint of amusement.

What a fine Cui Dunli!

It seems that this generation of the Cui clan of Boling is going to surpass the Cui clan of Qinghe.

(End of this chapter)