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

Chapter 415 I hope you will never forget your original aspirations.
If any other official had brought up this matter, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui would have reprimanded them long ago.

Water conservancy projects have always been extremely expensive, and I've never heard of anything that can be saved on this.

But it was Wen He who spoke, the young man who always managed to create miracles.

At this moment, when he spoke, Li Shimin and the other two felt a faint sense of anticipation.

Perhaps in later generations, people will actually solve this problem.

Fang Xuanling was the first to come to his senses. He coughed twice to break the silence, and said with a hint of seriousness, "Since the Earl of Gaoyang has a good plan to reduce expenses, please explain in detail so that the court can be relieved of its urgent needs."

He stroked his gray beard, his gaze fixed on Wen He, his eyes full of inquiry.

This kid's ideas often defy convention, and he might actually find a way to achieve the best of both worlds.

Seeing that everyone's eyes were on her, Wen He didn't intend to keep them in suspense.

Today, besides the water conservancy project, he also wants to collect a debt from Li Shimin. Time is precious, so he'll get straight to the point.

"Regarding labor, I thought that after the spring plowing in Hebei was over, most farmers would be idle. At that time, the court could conscript them to participate in water conservancy construction. There would be no need to forcibly conscript them for labor. They only needed to be provided with two meals a day and paid a dozen or so coins a day."

It wasn't that Wen He intentionally lowered wages; it was simply that the Tang Dynasty's treasury was currently strained.

Just a few days ago, Dou Jing was complaining about being poor in court. Li Shimin was even holding onto the imperial treasury more tightly than usual. Where would he find extra money to invest in water conservancy?
Even so, having food to eat and money to earn is far better than the imperial court forcibly conscripting laborers and making farmers work for nothing.

During the chaotic end of the Sui Dynasty, many people lost their homes and lives due to harsh labor. Now, providing some compensation can both motivate farmers and reduce public resentment, which is better than repeating the same mistakes.

Sure enough, everyone nodded in agreement.

As the Minister of Revenue, Dou Jing was most aware of the state of the national treasury. He breathed a sigh of relief and quickly agreed: "This method is feasible! In previous years, when labor was conscripted, farmers complained a lot, and some even fled to avoid it. Now, with wages and meals provided, farmers will definitely be willing. It can also help to resettle idle laborers, which is a win-win situation."

He paused and added.

“At a rate of a dozen coins per day, a thousand farmers would only earn three or four hundred coins a month to repair water conservancy projects, which is much more cost-effective than the losses caused by unpaid labor.”

Although Li Shimin didn't say anything, he still nodded.

Seeing this, Wen He knew that the artificial solution had been approved, so he changed the subject and turned his gaze to Yan Lide, the Minister of Works.

"As for materials, I have a new idea recently, but I need the Ministry of Industry's full support."

Yan Lide immediately stood up, a smile on his face.

"Lord Gaoyang, you are too kind. Water conservancy construction is a major event for the imperial court and is related to the livelihood of the people in Hebei. The Ministry of Works naturally has an inescapable responsibility. Whether it is finding materials or arranging craftsmen, the Ministry of Works will do its best to cooperate."

He was also curious.

What new materials can Wen He propose that would dare to claim it can reduce water conservancy expenses?

"The Ministry of Works needs to send people to find a type of ore called limestone, and also needs to prepare clay and loess."

Wen He said slowly.

"By mixing these three materials in a certain proportion, adding water and stirring, forming them into blocks, and then firing them in a kiln, we can obtain a new building material, which I call cement."

"cement?"

Li Shimin put down his teacup, paused in stroking his beard, and looked on with a puzzled expression.

The name was novel and had never been seen in any classical texts.

The ministers inside the hall looked at each other in bewilderment.

As the Minister of Works, Yan Lide was most familiar with building materials and immediately pressed for details.

"Lord of Gaoyang County, may I ask what the purpose of this cement is?"

"Minister Yan may not know this, but the greatest advantage of this cement is its extremely strong adhesion, as well as its water resistance and pressure resistance."

Wen He explained.

"If it is used to build dam stones, it is more solid than glutinous rice mortar. Even if it is soaked in water for a long time, it is not easy to crack. Moreover, it sets quickly and does not need to wait for many days like glutinous rice mortar, which can greatly shorten the construction period and save manpower."

He knew perfectly well that it was absolutely impossible to build the kind of pure concrete dams that would be built in later generations.

The main structure still needs to be supported by huge stones, and the cement only needs to serve the purpose of bonding and reinforcement.

As for the chemical composition of cement, such as the calcium oxide produced after limestone is fired, which reacts with the silicon dioxide in the clay to form calcium silicate, these complex principles cannot be clearly explained to the ancients. It would be more convincing to wait until the finished product is fired and let them see it with their own eyes and test it themselves.

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui exchanged a glance, both seeing approval in each other's eyes. Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment.

"If this substance truly has such an effect, then the cost of water conservancy projects can indeed be significantly reduced."

Du Ruhui added, "I think we should first have the Ministry of Works conduct small-scale firing tests to confirm the performance of the cement before it is widely promoted in water conservancy projects, so as to avoid any mistakes."

Their words perfectly captured Li Shimin's concerns. He pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"In that case, let's do as Keming said and have the Ministry of Works conduct the experiment first. Wenhe, you go to the Ministry of Works in person and tell Minister Yan in detail about the appearance of the limestone, the firing method, and the material ratio, and make sure the experiment goes smoothly."

"The minister obeys the order."

Wen He bowed and accepted.

Seeing that there were plans for water conservancy and cement projects, and good news about conscription and the promotion of grain varieties in Hebei, Li Shimin was in high spirits and immediately stood up.

"Today's meeting went very smoothly. You all have worked hard. I..."

He originally intended to go to Taiji Palace to report the good news to Li Yuan. After all, he had only been on the throne for two years, yet he had already won over most of the people of Hebei. This achievement was enough to prove that he was more suitable for the throne than the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng.

I am better than my elder brother!
But just as he took a step, Wen He suddenly called out to him, "Your Majesty, there is something else I have not yet reported!"

Li Shimin paused, his smile fading slightly, and his tone carrying a hint of displeasure.

"What else do you need? The court meeting has concluded today. If it's not urgent, you can speak another day."

He felt somewhat helpless.

Why does this kid always have so many problems?

Didn't you see that I was going to see my father?

Ignoring his expression, Wen He chuckled and stepped forward, saying...

"Your Majesty, this matter is not urgent, but it concerns something you personally promised last year. I'm afraid if I don't mention it now, you'll forget about it."

"Oh? The thing I promised you?"

Li Shimin frowned and thought carefully.

Wen He made many suggestions last year, including Zhenguan rice, composting, and hot air balloons... Could it be that there has been progress in artillery?
In the past year or so, this brat has taken away bronze from the Ministry of Works.

"It's a waterwheel!"

Wen He reminded her.

“Last year, I told Your Majesty that we could build a waterwheel that could automatically irrigate using water power, which would save farmers a lot of effort compared to watering by hand. Your Majesty even said that you would allocate funds to support this and let me develop it as soon as possible.”

"The first tubing is almost finished, but we've received news from the workshop that they've run out of funding. If they don't get the funds soon, they'll have to stop work."

When Wen He mentioned it, Li Shimin suddenly remembered.

Wen He mentioned this last year when we were in Wenjiazhuang.

It seems he also mentioned at the time that they could use this water truck to harness water power...

He stared at Wen He, his eyes scrutinizing her: "What else can that waterwheel do besides irrigation?"

Last year, Wen He specifically mentioned borrowing water power, but he didn't mention it at all this time. Could it be that the thing this kid made simply doesn't achieve the expected results and can only be used for irrigation?
Wen He had anticipated his question and immediately smiled.

"There are so many things it can do! In addition to irrigation, it can also use water power to drive the stone mill to grind rice and drive the bellows to blow air. Most importantly, it can greatly save manpower."

"Therefore, I have a suggestion: why not move the Ministry of Works' forging workshop to the banks of the Wei River, and use waterwheels to drive the forging hammers? This would double the efficiency of forging weapons and farm tools!"

After saying that, he even smiled at Yan Lide.

Yan Lide was indeed taken aback and quickly stepped forward.

"Does the Earl of Gaoyang mean that this waterwheel can also assist in forging? If that's true, then the Ministry of Works' efficiency will be greatly improved!"

Having been in charge of the Ministry of Works for many years, he knew that forging was the most labor-intensive process, especially when forging ironware, where craftsmen had to take turns pulling the bellows and swinging the hammer. If water power could be used, it would not only save manpower but also ensure stable heating and produce better quality products.

"That's natural."

Wen He shook his head smugly and quoted.

"As Lao Tzu said, 'Nothing in the world is more yielding and weak than water, yet nothing can overcome it in attacking the hard and strong. This is because nothing can take its place. Water may seem soft and weak, but it can exert a force stronger than human power. It is perfect for use on waterwheels.'"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin smiled helplessly.

"You little rascal, you know how to take things out of context. I was talking about the principles of Yin and Yang, and you've used them to describe the art of ink."

Despite this, a hint of a smile lingered in his eyes.

This kid is able to apply the principles from ancient books to real-world situations, which is quite a skill.

Wen He waved his hand dismissively.

"Anyway, that's roughly the idea."

Seeing that Li Shimin was about to refute him, he quickly quoted another sentence.

"Sun Tzu said: 'The victory of the people is like releasing accumulated water into a thousand-foot-deep stream; it is a matter of form.' You see, even Sun Tzu said that water has great power, so it is definitely right to use it on a waterwheel!"

When it comes to reciting classics, the ministers present were all well-read scholars, and Wen He was naturally no match for them.

But when it comes to applying classic concepts to practical use, he does have a rather unconventional talent.

However, when he quoted a sentence from "The Art of War," Li Jing, who had been silent all along, slowly nodded, his eyes showing a hint of approval.

It seems that Wen He's time in the Ministry of War was not wasted; he even knows how to use principles of military strategy to support his views.

Seeing this, Li Shimin smiled and said to Li Jing, "Pharmacist, it seems you've taught him quite a bit. This brat has made some progress during his time in the Ministry of War."

Li Jing stood up and solemnly said, "The Earl of Gaoyang County did not rely on my teaching, but rather on his own ability to draw inferences from one instance to another and his keen thinking skills. He is a rare talent." Upon hearing this, the ministers in the hall were all taken aback.

Li Jing was always meticulous and rarely praised others, let alone so solemnly praise a young man in front of so many court officials.

Even Li Shimin was somewhat surprised. He looked Wen He over again and secretly made his own calculations.

It seems that my decision to send him to the Ministry of War for training was the right one.

This brat is lazy and good-for-nothing. He needs to learn from experienced ministers like the Pharmacist and Xuanling to temper his character. When Gao Ming ascends the throne in the future, he will naturally be of use to him.

If he knew nothing, how could he assist Gao Ming in expanding the territory of the Tang Dynasty?
After he studies military strategy with the pharmacist for a few more years, he can then study governance with Xuanling and Keming. Perhaps he will become a capable minister in the future.

Wen He had no idea that Li Shimin had already planned for his future. At this moment, all he could think about was the funding for the waterwheel. Seeing that Li Shimin was not giving in for a long time, he couldn't help but urge him.

"Your Majesty, this waterwheel can help with both farming and forging; it's a wonderful thing. Please approve the funding as soon as possible!"

Li Shimin, exasperated by his urging, could only put on a stern face and say...

"As for how much funding you need, go and discuss it with Minister Yan and have him calculate it for you. However, I must remind you that if the waterwheels you build do not satisfy me, you will have to return to me the amount of money you took!"

His words seemed like a warning, but in reality, they were a deliberate attempt to put pressure on Wen He.

He knew Wen He's personality all too well. If he didn't put some pressure on him, he would definitely slack off and go back to sleep when they got back.

"Yes!"

Wen He curled her lip, secretly thinking: You, Li Er, are so stingy! Why are you being so petty?

But he didn't dare to argue, and could only obediently agree.

Seeing that the matter had been discussed sufficiently, Li Shimin adjourned the court session.

As soon as he left the Lizheng Hall, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Dou Jing, and Yan Lide surrounded him, all their eyes fixed on Wen He.

Fang Xuanling spoke first, his tone somewhat solemn: "Count Gaoyang, how confident are you about that cement? This is no small matter. If the experiment fails, it will not only delay the water conservancy in Hebei and waste money, but I'm afraid His Majesty will also be criticized."

Du Ruhui added.

"Yes, His Majesty is currently making every effort to prepare for the campaign against the Turks. The national treasury is already strained. If there is any mishap with the water conservancy project, it may affect the war effort at the front."

Seeing their worried expressions, Wen He smiled and waved her hand.

"Don't worry, Lord Fang and Lord Du, I'm absolutely confident about the cement. As long as the Ministry of Works can find limestone and quartz and fire them in the right proportions, it will definitely be successful."

Dou Jing quickly pressed for more information.

"The limestone is fine, but where can we find this quartz? If we can't find it, won't that delay the construction?"

"Quartz is actually what is commonly known as flint. It is found in many mountainous areas, but it needs to be selected for high purity."

Wen He explained.

"As long as the Ministry of Works can find enough quartz within this month, I guarantee that the water conservancy construction of the key sections of the river in Hebei can be completed before His Majesty attacks the Turks, at least enough to withstand ordinary floods."

He spoke with great conviction, but Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui exchanged a glance and both saw hesitation in each other's eyes.

It wasn't that they doubted Wen He's abilities, but rather that cement was such a novel thing that they had never seen it before, and they were really unsure of its capabilities.

But now that things have come to this, we have no choice but to trust Wen He.

After all, this is currently the only way to quickly advance water conservancy and reduce costs.

"Okay, then we'll trust you this once."

Fang Xuanling nodded.

"Thank you, Master Fang." Wen He bowed and expressed her gratitude.

Before leaving, Fang Xuanling took a special look at Wen He.

However, he ultimately said nothing, only letting out a long sigh.

Could it be that Fang Xuanling is still thinking about Chu Liang?

He was just speaking up for me?
Watching him and Du Ruhui leave, Wen He couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

"Don't worry, Fang Xuanling is a man who can distinguish between public and private matters." Yan Lide seemed to see Wen He's worries and patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

Hearing this, Wen He felt a little embarrassed.

Because he seems to be the one who doesn't distinguish between public and private matters the most.

"Let's go to the Ministry of Works," Yan Lide said.

Wen He agreed.

Just as the two were about to leave, they saw Li Jing slowly walking over, his expression much more serious than before.

"Duke of Dai." Yan Lide and Wen He bowed to him together.

"You shouldn't bring up the matter of building water conservancy projects at this time."

After returning the greetings to the two, Li Jing got straight to the point, speaking with a hint of concern.

"His Majesty is currently making every effort to prepare for the campaign against the Turks. Most of the national treasury's funds and grain are going to military supplies, leaving almost no extra money for water conservancy. If you do this, it will not only put His Majesty in a difficult position, but if the water conservancy project goes wrong, it will also damage your reputation."

He genuinely admired Wen He's talent but worried that Wen He might stumble due to his eagerness for quick success.

The campaign against the Turks was the Tang Dynasty's top priority. If the war were to be lost due to excessive use of water resources, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Upon hearing this, Wen He showed no panic, but instead smiled gently.

"Duke Dai, I understand your concerns."

"War must be fought, for the backbone of the Tang Dynasty, to prevent the border people from being harassed by the Turks. Water conservancy must also be built, for the Tang Dynasty to ensure food and clothing, and to ensure that the people have a stable harvest."

"Think about it, if the people in the rear can live and work in peace and have enough food, the soldiers at the front will have no worries. Wouldn't they be more courageous and more confident?"

Li Jing stood there, stunned for a moment.

He had never thought about the problem from this perspective.

He has always believed that the war is of paramount importance and that all other matters should give way to the war.

He is a soldier.

We shouldn't even be considering things outside of war.

After a long while, Li Jing laughed loudly, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"His Majesty should not have sent you to the Ministry of War. With your talents, it is a waste to only train in the Ministry of War. You are more suitable to go to the Ministry of Revenue or the Ministry of Works to seek the well-being of the people."

Wen He could tell that Li Jing was saying he wouldn't become a pure soldier.

This is not considered a denigration.

After all, Wen He himself didn't want to become a pure soldier.

"You flatter me, Duke of Dai."

Wen He said earnestly.

"Only by loving the people can one love the soldiers. If we cannot even guarantee the basic needs of the people, how can we expect the soldiers to serve the country? I may not be able to be a pure soldier, but I am willing to do what I can for the people living on this land. As long as it can make their lives a little better, I feel it is worth it."

Li Jing didn't speak, but simply gazed quietly into Wen He's eyes, those young eyes devoid of any ulterior motives.

After a long while, he slowly spoke, his tone somewhat solemn: "I hope you will not forget your original aspirations in the future, and not be tempted by fame and fortune."

After saying that, Li Jing turned and left, leaving Wen He standing there.

The latter was stunned for a while before he understood the meaning behind Li Jing's words.

He was worried that he would forget what he had said today in the future.

Like many others, they were once full of pure hearts, but in the end they still went along with the corrupt practices.

Wen He's gaze suddenly hardened, and she bowed deeply to his back, her voice filled with gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, Duke Dai. I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Watching Li Jing's figure disappear, Wen He finally breathed a long sigh of relief.

He turned around and saw Yan Lide smiling at him with his eyes narrowed.

amount……

"Brother Lide, why are you laughing so happily?" Wen He wondered, could this guy really have some ulterior motive towards me?

“Jiaying, just now I seemed to see my younger self.” Yan Lide couldn’t help but sigh, looking up at the sky with a face full of melancholy.

"Um, Brother Lide, you can't praise yourself like that. Were you as handsome as me when you were young?"

Wen He suddenly teased.

Yan Lide was taken aback, then immediately looked down and gave him a laugh and a scolding.

"You shameless bastard! When I was young, suitors would wear down my doorstep."

"What you're saying is even more shameless than what I'm saying."

Wen He immediately burst into laughter, and Yan Lide, seeing this, chased after him, laughing and cursing.

"Can we do something within our power for the people living on this land?"

Not far away, a bright yellow hem disappeared around the corner.

Early the next morning.

Gao Yue walked into the gate of Gaoyang County Government with a smile on her face.

(End of this chapter)