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

Chapter 423 Why did all the Hundred Riders end up in his hands?
Inside the main hall of the Wen residence, the dishes on the sandalwood dining table were still steaming.

Li Shimin put down his chopsticks and gently tapped the edge of the table with his fingertips, making a soft "tap-tap" sound.

His face wore his usual gentle smile, and the fine lines at the corners of his eyes held a hint of kindness, but his deep, cold eyes suddenly revealed an undeniable seriousness.

"I need the loyalty of the Qibi tribe."

These words only elicited a look of utter bewilderment from Qibi Heli.

The ten-year-old boy's brows furrowed, and his bright black eyes were filled with confusion.

“But the Qibi tribe has already moved to the Tang Dynasty. Isn’t that pledging allegiance?”

He clearly remembers that on the night before he left the grassland, his mother held him in her arms and repeatedly gave him instructions in a voice weathered by the grassland.

“He Li, our Qibi tribe has been herding on the grasslands for generations, but now Jieli is tyrannical. We can only survive by relying on the Tang Dynasty. Moving the entire tribe to the territory of the Tang Dynasty and abandoning our pastures and tents is the only way to reassure the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty.”

His mother's words still echoed in his ears: they had already handed over all their bargaining chips, so why was His Majesty still not satisfied?

Li Shimin was amused by the childish question.

"The migration of tribes is an act of submission,"

Li Shimin's voice was gentle, yet every word was clear: "What I want is loyalty. I want to control the warriors of the Qibi tribe, to incorporate them into the Tang army, to fight alongside me in all directions, and to serve the Tang Dynasty. Do you understand?"

Qibi Heli's little head turned for a while, then his eyes suddenly lit up, and he clapped his greasy little hands.

"I understand! His Majesty the Emperor wants the Qibi tribe to be an ally of the Tang Dynasty! Just like Khagan Jieli, they can gather warriors from various tribes to fight together in times of war!"

He grew up on the grasslands and was used to the war patterns of tribal alliances. Every time Jieli went south to raid, he would summon troops from tribes such as Xueyantuo and Uyghur.

In his view, Li Shimin's demands and Jieli's actions were no different.

Wen He, who was listening nearby, was secretly alarmed.

Isn't this the prototype of the Tang Dynasty's auxiliary military system?
When Emperor Wu of Han launched his northern campaign against the Xiongnu, he made extensive use of surrendered Xiongnu soldiers, appointing them as vanguards.

Li Shimin's current strategy of winning over the warriors of the Qibi tribe is precisely the same one he is using.

The Turks were already formidable fighters, having grown up on horseback since childhood and were skilled in archery and horsemanship. If they could be tamed, it would both weaken the power of the steppes and strengthen the military strength of the Tang Dynasty, achieving two goals at once.

However, knowing how to strike the right balance is a complex subject.

Wen He couldn't help but think of the An Lushan Rebellion in later generations. Li Longji was so indulgent towards An Lushan and Shi Siming, bestowing official titles and fiefs upon them, granting them almost every request. In the end, he nurtured a tiger that would become a menace, causing a great disaster.

It's like putting a salted fish next to a cat's pillow; how can you expect the cat not to be tempted?
To win the loyalty of foreign armies, one must provide them with sufficient benefits, but not so much that they become overfed. They must understand that the Tang Dynasty's favor is a blessing, not something to be taken for granted.

"Your Majesty, the Great Tang Dynasty."

Qibi Heli stood up, his small body ramrod straight. Although his face still showed signs of immaturity, his tone was unusually calm.

“I cannot agree on behalf of the entire tribe; I need to discuss it with my uncles and elders. But I believe they will agree. It is an honor for the warriors of the Qibi tribe to fight for the Tang Dynasty. Moreover, Jieli is our common enemy.”

He didn't readily agree; instead, he displayed a caution beyond his years, which Wen He greatly appreciated.

Grassland tribes have always valued their promises. If they easily make a promise and then fail to keep it, it will damage the reputation of the Qibi tribe.

"Good! That shows responsibility!"

A hint of approval flashed in Li Shimin's eyes; he admired children who knew their place the most.

"Your clansmen are now settled in Lingzhou. I will issue an edict to have your uncles and aunts bring their families to Chang'an. I will allocate residences in the east of the city for you to settle down and build your homes."

Upon hearing this, Qibi Heli's eyes instantly lit up like stars on the grassland, and his previous composure vanished.

He took a sudden step forward, pressed his right hand tightly against his left chest, and performed a standard grassland salute to Li Shimin. His childish voice trembled uncontrollably as he said, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Wen He could see clearly from the side that the child's joy was not at all about fighting for the Tang Dynasty, but about seeing his family in Chang'an.

Since his tribe moved to Lingzhou, he had been left in Chang'an and had not seen his tribesmen and siblings for half a year.

A ten-year-old child's longing for family affection is ultimately impossible to hide.

Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction and chatted with the others for a few more minutes, mainly inquiring about Li Tai and the others' studies and martial arts progress.

Taking the opportunity, Li Tai talked at length about the "European sights and sounds" that Wen He had taught him, saying that there were blond-haired, blue-eyed people there, as well as large ships capable of long voyages.

Li You, not to be outdone, said that he would be able to build a carriage that does not require horses in the future.

Li Shimin listened with great interest, nodding in approval from time to time, his eyes filled with satisfaction as he looked at Wen He.

Although this brat is unconventional in his actions, he has a knack for teaching children.

However, he knew about that Europa; wasn't it just those barbarians from the west?

But what is that carriage that doesn't use horses?

This brat has never said that before.

If such a vehicle really existed, wouldn't all the horses in the Tang Dynasty be able to be used as warhorses?
As the sun began to set, Li Shimin rose to prepare to return to the palace.

Li Chengqian looked reluctant to part with Wen He, clutching her sleeve tightly, but he also knew that the Crown Prince's status was special and he could not stay outside for long.

Before leaving, he suddenly turned to look at Wen He, his tone sly: "Teacher, you haven't come to the East Palace to teach me in a long time. Teacher Yu has asked me several times, saying he wants to test the knowledge you taught me."

Wen He was struck dumb, almost choking on her own saliva.

The reason he avoided going to the East Palace was precisely because he was afraid of facing Yu Shinan's rigid personality!
Yu Shinan was a former official of the previous dynasty. He was well-read and upright, but he was too conservative. When Wen He taught Li Chengqian that "the earth is round," Yu Shinan found out and specifically asked him to debate for a whole hour.

In the end, neither of them could convince the other.

Unless you let him see it with his own eyes, it's really hard to convince an old scholar who has believed in the concept of a flat earth for decades.

If there's a chance in the future, Wen He thinks she could take Yu Shinan out to sea to see the world.

Of course, this is all on the premise that his body can hold out until then.

However, Wen He also knew that although Yu Shinan was old-fashioned, he was truly thinking of the Tang Dynasty.

After the successful test flight of the hot air balloon, Yu Shinan wrote a memorial to Li Shimin, stating that "craftsmen are the foundation of the nation, and their treatment and status should be improved in order to stimulate their ingenuity."

It was precisely because of this letter that Wen He's application for research and development funding from Li Shimin went much more smoothly later on.

Li Shimin indeed stopped and looked at Wen He with a half-smile.

Wen He's heart tightened, and he quickly explained, "Your Majesty, I've been incredibly busy lately! The Jishi Academy has just started enrolling students and we need to select the best ones. The Flying Fish Guards' training is also at a crucial stage, and that kid Zhao Qin is waiting for me to give him some guidance..."

"I know you're busy."

Li Shimin interrupted him, but his gaze swept over the fleeting cunning on Li Chengqian's face, and he instantly understood.

This kid clearly finds the Crown Prince's studies boring and wants to keep Wen He company to relieve his boredom. He probably learned his wicked ways from that brat Wen He.

He deliberately put on a stern face and said.

"Alright, I won't make things difficult for you. From now on, you will go to the Eastern Palace every three days to give a lesson to Chengqian on some practical knowledge."

"It just so happens that Duan Zhixuan gave you a horse lance a few days ago. I will personally teach you, so that you won't say that you don't have time to practice martial arts and lose face for my Great Tang County Earl."

Li Chengqian's eyes lit up instantly, and he couldn't help but smile. He didn't care about Wen He's depressed expression and quickly replied.

"Thank you, sir! I'll be waiting for you at the East Palace tomorrow!"

After saying that, he excitedly followed Li Shimin into the carriage.

Wen He sighed helplessly, then turned around and saw Li Tai and Li You leaning against the pillars, winking at him.

Li Ke, meanwhile, was still looking up at the crabapple tree in the courtyard, seemingly lost in thought.

"If you keep looking up at the sky all the time, you'll develop cervical spondylosis sooner or later!"

Wen He walked over and slapped Li Ke on the head, the force was not strong, more like a joke.

Li Ke bowed his head in pain, but only gave a faint "Yes" in response, without any dissatisfaction in his eyes.

Just as Wen He was about to say something more, Li You suddenly came up to him, tugged at his sleeve, and asked expectantly.

"Sir, can we do the water boiling experiment you mentioned earlier today? You mean the one where the steam lifts the lid off? I've already prepared the kettle!"

"Memorize the theoretical knowledge first!"

Wen He tapped his head and took out a handwritten copy of "Elementary Physics" from his sleeve.

"You've memorized all the chapters on force and motion here? Last time I asked you about the lever principle, you couldn't even answer. You're already thinking about doing experiments; you're aiming too high!"

"I've memorized it!"

Li You's face turned red with anxiety. He quickly snatched the book, turned to the corresponding page, and began to recite it fluently.

"Force is the cause that makes an object move or remain still; a lever is a lever that can save force or change the direction of force..."

He actually studied it seriously?
This surprised Wen He.

He thought Li You was just doing it on a whim, but he didn't expect the kid to actually put his heart into memorizing it.

Just as Wen He was about to praise him, Li Tai suddenly became anxious, stepped forward to stop Wen He, and shouted.

"Sir! You promised to talk about Europe today! You said there are pyramids there, seafaring nations, and scholars who can calculate solar eclipses!"

Li You immediately became displeased and turned to glare at Li Tai.

"Li Si! What's there to say about that godforsaken place? They're just a bunch of barbarians! As the master said, technology changes the fate of a nation. The most important thing is to build the steam engine first! With the steam engine, we can build big ships and mine, making us much more powerful than those barbarians!"

"What do you know!"

Li Tai crossed his arms and pointed his nostrils at Li You.

"As the master said, 'He who does not plan for the whole will not be able to plan for a part!' If the Tang Dynasty wants to expand its territory in the future, it must understand the outside world. I want to be a general like Huo Qubing, leading the Tang Dynasty's iron cavalry to Europe and conquering a vast territory for the Tang Dynasty!"

"You can't even beat Qibi Heli, yet you want to be a general and expand territory?"

Li You ruthlessly sabotaged their efforts.

"Last time you were thrown three times by Qibi Heli, and you even cried!"

"As the master said, technology is the primary productive force. No matter how much territory we have, we can't defend it. We should first build steam engines and cannons, and then we can make the barbarians surrender without even fighting!"

"I was just letting him have his way!"

Li Tai was so anxious that his face turned red, and he rolled up his sleeves, ready to take action.

"I am your elder brother, how dare you talk back to me?"

"Being born a few years earlier is no big deal!"

Li You, not to be outdone, adopted a fighting stance.

"If you can't win an argument, you use your older brother to intimidate me. If you're so capable, go and fight Li Ke! He's older than you!"

The two men stared at each other like two roosters fighting fiercely, spitting as they spoke.

Li Ke stood aside, gazing indifferently at the distant city wall, as if the dispute had nothing to do with him.

To be precise, his gaze bypassed the two of them and looked toward the long corridor not far away.

'Is she unhappy?'

"Xiaomei, let's go play with Second Aunt this afternoon. She was beaten by her mother yesterday, and she must be very sad now."

Under the long corridor, Wenrou puffed out her little face.

It seems that Wu Erniang was unhappy because she was beaten and scolded.

“Young lady, Wu Er Niangzi has her father and mother by her side, so she is not pitiful.”

“But she got beaten up. That mistress of the Wu family is really wicked. She even made fun of my brother before.” Wenrou snorted twice in dissatisfaction.

Xiao Mei couldn't help but laugh at her righteous indignation.

"So she got her comeuppance and gave birth to a baby girl last year."

"Isn't it good to have a girl?" Wenrou didn't understand.

Xiaomei paused for a moment, and after thinking for a while, she explained.

"This is not good for the matriarch of the Wu family."

But Wenrou still doesn't understand why it's not good.

However, she didn't dwell on the matter and simply nodded silently.

But I still decided to go and play with Wu Erniang.

Wen He was at her wits' end. She stepped forward and kicked each of them once. The kick wasn't hard, but it was enough to quiet them down.

"Shut up, all of you! What's all the noise about! If you want to learn how to expand territory, you must first master military strategy; if you want to learn technology, you must first lay a solid foundation in arithmetic! Go to the study and wait."

"Yes……"

The two dared not refute, bowed reluctantly, glared at each other, and then walked towards the study unwillingly.

"gentlemen."

At this moment, Li Ke suddenly spoke, breaking the brief silence.

Wen He assumed he was going to make a request as well, and said irritably.

"What? Don't tell me you want to make a sextant. I've already drawn up the blueprints for you, with the dimensions and materials marked on them. Figure it out yourself first, and then come ask me if you don't understand anything."

He had seen through it all; these princes were all problem children.

Li Tai was ambitious but unrealistic, his mind filled with thoughts of expanding territory.

Li You was impatient for quick success and focused solely on inventions.

Li Ke was a deep thinker, and no one knew what he was thinking all day.

There's also Li Yin, who's always causing trouble.

“No.” Li Ke shook his head.

"I'd like to ask for leave today to go to the West Market to buy some things and also to visit my mother."

"Mother wrote that a batch of lychee cakes were sent as tribute from Lingnan. I think Xiaorou will like them, right?"

"go Go."

Wen He waved her hand, her tone softening considerably.

They miss their mother; you can't just stop them.

Besides, Li Ke had indeed not entered the palace for a long time.

"Go early and come back early, and be careful."

"Thank you sir."

Li Ke bowed and left, his steps lighter than usual.

He walked to the door and happened to run into Wenrou and Xiaomei, so he stopped and asked somewhat awkwardly.

"Xiaorou, do you... want to eat lychee omelet?"

Wenrou was puffing out her cheeks and talking to Xiaomei when she heard this, so she looked up and her eyes lit up.

"I want to! My brother said lychee omelet is sweet, I've never had it before!"

Li Ke's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

He hummed in agreement, then turned and walked away quickly.

Xiao Mei watched his retreating figure and smiled as she said gently, "My lady, Sanlangjun is so good to you."

Wenrou nodded gently, seemingly understanding, but already planning in her mind that once Li Ke bought it back, she would give half to Wu Erniang.

After Li Ke left, Wen He finally breathed a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to go back to her room to rest, she discovered that Wen Rou was also nowhere to be found.

Only a small figure remained in the corridor, his shoulders shaking as if he were crying.

Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of the crabapple tree, casting dappled shadows on him, making him appear even more lonely.

"Did you suffer some injustice?"

Wen He walked over quietly and found that Li Yin had tears on her face and her lips were bitten red. When she saw Wen He coming over, she quickly wiped her tears with her sleeve and said with a stiff neck.

"I didn't cry! It was the wind! Sand got in my eyes!"

Looking at his stubborn expression, Wen He sighed inwardly.

Li Yin's situation is actually quite awkward.

He was the sixth child in his family, with the crown prince Li Chengqian above him and favored elder brothers Li Tai and Li Ke.

His mother, Consort Yang, was a princess of the previous dynasty. Although she was deeply respected by Li Shimin, she focused most of her attention on her eldest son, Li Ke, always thinking of raising him to be the most outstanding prince.

Li Shimin was busy with state affairs and had no time to pay attention to his mediocre son.

This child is always causing trouble, bullying this person today and provoking that person tomorrow.

She was just trying to gain attention in this way, but unfortunately she used the wrong method, which only made Li Shimin more and more displeased.

"Are you hungry?"

Li Yin immediately shook his head: "I'm not hungry!"

Wen He didn't expose his lie and turned to leave.

Li Yin paused for a moment, then remained silent, clenching his fists and standing there, his nails digging deep into his palms.

He felt deeply wronged.

Aye punished him by making him face the wall.

His elder brother, Li Ke, ignored him completely.

Li Tai and Li You even teamed up to make fun of him.

Even Wen He treated him like this!

They even made him raise those pigs.

Thinking of this, tears welled up in my eyes again.

But not long after, a rich aroma wafted over, the smell of his favorite mutton stew.

Li Yin subconsciously swallowed, and his stomach rumbled loudly.

He quietly turned around.

Then Wen He walked over carrying a steaming bowl of Bo Tuo.

Two golden fried eggs rest in the bowl, topped with a large piece of stewed mutton until tender, the broth rich and fragrant.

"Eat,"

Wen He handed the bowl to him, her voice gentle.

"Wow!"

Li Yin could no longer hold back, and tears fell like beads from a broken string. He threw himself into Wen He's arms and cried loudly.

"Sir! They don't like me! My father doesn't like me! My mother doesn't like me either!"

Wen He quickly put down the bowl and patted his back to comfort him.

The little one cried for a while before stopping, and asked through sobs.

"If I study hard and practice martial arts well, will my father like me? Will my mother praise me?"

"of course."

Wen He patted his head and wiped away the tears on his face with her sleeve.

"Your father doesn't dislike you, he's just too busy and hasn't seen your efforts."

"Once you've mastered your skills and rendered meritorious service to the Tang Dynasty, he will definitely be proud of you. Your mother is the same; she just focuses more of her attention on Young Master Ke, not because she dislikes you."

"really?"

Li Yin raised her tear-streaked face, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

"of course it's true."

Wen He pointed to the crabapple tree in the courtyard.

"Look at this crabapple tree. Some of its flowers bloom early, and some bloom late, but His Majesty likes them all."

"You are like a flower that blooms late; as long as you work hard, you will one day bloom in the most beautiful way."

Li Yin nodded as if he understood, then looked at the bowl of broth and swallowed.

Wen He smiled and handed him the bowl: "Eat quickly, it will get cold if you don't eat. After you finish eating, go and wash my clothes."

Li Yin, who was deeply moved, looked up in surprise and blinked a few times.

It was as if they were asking Wen He why she was washing clothes.
Wen He pointed to her chest.

"It's all covered in your snot and tears, if you don't wash it, who will!"

"..."

Looking at him, Li Yin suddenly felt that all the emotion he had just felt had gone to waste.

……

Meanwhile, on the ancient Baqiao Road outside Chang'an City, a weary caravan was slowly approaching.

The wheels rolled over the rutted dirt road, raising clouds of dust that stood in stark contrast to the majestic silhouette of the Vermilion Bird Gate in the distance.

The lead carriage, though not luxurious, still exuded an air of official authority. The curtain was lifted by a hand with distinct knuckles, revealing a face that looked somewhat tired but couldn't hide its excitement.

"Xu Jingzong has finally returned to Chang'an!"

Xu Jingzong took a deep breath of the air, which carried the unique atmosphere of Chang'an. Even the dust that rushed into his nostrils felt familiar.

He rubbed his back, which was stiff from the jolting of the carriage, his eyes filled with relief at surviving the ordeal.

More importantly, even if you work tirelessly and achieve remarkable political results outside, His Majesty may not be able to see them with his own eyes, while rumors and gossip in the court can reach the Emperor first.

Only by returning to the emperor's feet can one truly feel the pulse of power.

Wei Zheng, who was riding in the same carriage as him, was not at all as excited.

He sat upright on the other side of the carriage, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in his hands, but his brows remained furrowed the entire time, and he did not even raise his eyes to respond to Xu Jingzong's remarks.

The scenery of Chang'an outside the car window flashed by, with its red gates, high walls, and fluttering wine flags. These scenes, which used to evoke feelings of emotion in him, could not dispel the heaviness in his heart at this moment.

Seeing his appearance, Xu Jingzong also calmed down a bit and coughed lightly.

“Brother Xuancheng, although this trip to Hebei was not perfect, the merits outweighed the demerits. The Zhenguan rice was successfully promoted, 30,000 soldiers were registered, and the people’s hearts are gradually stabilizing. His Majesty will surely reward you and me.”

His words were partly to comfort Wei Zheng and partly to encourage himself.

Wei Zheng finally put down the bamboo slips and sighed.

"Yan Clan, as an official responsible for remonstrating with the people, I must prioritize their livelihood. Although we have managed to stabilize public sentiment this time, there are still thousands of newly released unemployed people in Hebei Province who are homeless. If they are not properly resettled, I fear this could lead to disaster."

"Furthermore, although the promotion of Zhenguan rice has been successful, it has also affected the interests of many people, and there may be further turmoil in the future."

He was known for his outspokenness and willingness to speak out, and even with his achievements, he never relaxed his self-discipline.

Xu Jingzong was somewhat helpless, but he just laughed it off.

“Brother Xuancheng is absolutely right. We will explain it to His Majesty in detail when we meet him.”

As they spoke, the convoy arrived outside the Vermilion Bird Gate. The two men straightened their clothes and, guided by the guards, went straight into the palace to the Hall of Establishing Government.

Inside the Lizheng Hall, Li Shimin was staring intently at a military report when Gao Yue announced that Wei Zheng and Xu Jingzong were requesting an audience. He immediately put down the report and a smile appeared on his face.

"Let them in!"

Although the two of them almost failed in their previous trip to Hebei Province.

But he later made amends for his mistakes.

"Your subject Wei Zheng (Xu Jingzong) pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

The two bowed in greeting.

"No need to pay tribute."

Li Shimin raised his hand to signal, his gaze sweeping over the two men. Seeing that their clothes were still covered in dust, he gave the order.

"Gao Yue, please offer seats and tea to my two beloved ministers."

He only spoke slowly after the two had sat down.

"You two have worked hard on this trip to Hebei. I have learned that the promotion of Zhenguan rice has been successful, the registration of the Fubing (military service) has been completed, and the people of Hebei are at peace. This is a great achievement!"

Wei Zheng quickly stood up and bowed again, saying, "Your Majesty flatters me! This is due to Your Majesty's wisdom and benevolent governance, as well as the miraculous Zhenguan rice. I was merely acting in accordance with Your Majesty's decree."

"I have another matter to report. There are still several thousand refugees in Hebei who need to be resettled, and the hidden households released by aristocratic families also need to be rectified. I humbly request Your Majesty's wise decision."

A hint of approval flashed in Li Shimin's eyes; Wei Zheng's integrity and uprightness were exactly what he valued most. He nodded.

"I have ordered the Ministry of Revenue to handle the matter of resettling hidden households!"

"Xuancheng has made great contributions this time, and I will certainly reward him accordingly later."

"I am frightened!"

Wei Zheng quickly declined.
"Your Majesty, I was merely fulfilling my duty!"

"My mind is made up, there is no need to refuse."

Li Shimin waved his hand and then looked at Xu Jingzong standing to the side.

"Yanzu, your assistance to Xuancheng in promoting Zhenguan rice and pacifying aristocratic families in Hebei Province is also invaluable."

Xu Jingzong was overjoyed; he was content with just a word of praise from the emperor.

He quickly rose and bowed, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! I will serve you with all my heart and soul!"

Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject and suddenly brought up another matter.

"By the way, Yan Clan, during the time you were away from Chang'an, there were some changes on the Hundred Riders' side."

“That brat Wen He has been transferred from the Hundred Cavalry and is no longer serving as the Hundred Cavalry Captain. From now on, I will entrust the Hundred Cavalry to you and Su Lie.”

"What?" Xu Jingzong's smile froze instantly. He stood there stunned as if struck by lightning, forgetting even to retract his bow.

He stared wide-eyed at Li Shimin in disbelief, as if he hadn't heard what he had just said.

Wen He has left the Hundred Riders?
Seeing his loss of composure, Li Shimin did not blame him.

After letting the two rest for a while, they were dismissed.

After leaving the Lizheng Hall, Wei Zheng originally wanted to call Xu Jingzong back, but saw the latter running away as if his eyebrows were on fire.

"This Xu Jingzong."

Wei Zheng flicked his sleeves in dissatisfaction.

Little did he know, Xu Jingzong was more anxious than if his eyebrows were on fire!
Why did all the 100 Riders end up in his hands?

(End of this chapter)