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

Chapter 69 Conferring a Title, Moving House

Li Shimin took the curved plow with him, along with Yan Liben, the craftsmen, and the blueprints he had drawn for the seed drill.

In return, two days later, the officials of the Secretariat sent someone to announce the imperial decree.

Feng Wenhe was appointed as the Viscount of Gaoyang County.

In addition, there are 1,200 mu of fertile land in Gejiazhuang.

"Young Master is the first person His Highness has bestowed this title upon; his future is surely limitless." The official from the Secretariat flattered him, trying to curry favor.

Wen He chuckled dryly. He wondered if he should give the official something, but he didn't have a single penny on him.

The land deed in his hand was valuable, but even if he dared to give it away, the official in front of him wouldn't dare to accept it.

"His Highness previously instructed that a residence has been arranged for the young master in Yonglefang. All the servants, maids and furniture have been arranged. If the young master is willing, he can move there today."

The official then handed over a property deed, which clearly stated the address of the Yonglefang residence.

He looked at the land deed, making no attempt to hide the envy in his eyes.

"Thank you very much."

Wen He was somewhat surprised, not expecting Li Shimin to make the arrangements so quickly.

However, it's definitely better for him to move out sooner rather than later.

This is the Prince of Qin's residence. He has no relation to Li Shimin. If he stays here for a long time, there will inevitably be some gossip.

You should know that even Changsun Wuji and others no longer come here.

The injured Jing Junhong also left the place.

If he doesn't leave soon, some people might still think he's Li Shimin's illegitimate son.

After seeing off the officials from the Ministry of Personnel, Wen He returned to the courtyard and told Wen Rou about the matter.

The little girl looked somewhat dejected upon hearing this.

"Can Lizhi come with us?" she blinked, her face full of anticipation.

Wen He shook her head and gently rubbed her little head: "No, she'll be living in the palace from now on."

"The palace? The village chief said that the palace is very big and beautiful. The people who live there can eat five bowls of soup noodles a day, and lots and lots of meat."

As she spoke, saliva was almost dripping from the corner of her mouth. She took a deep breath and immediately blushed.

"Pfft."

Suddenly, a laugh came from outside. The brother and sister turned around abruptly and saw four little heads perched outside the yard.

It was Li Shimin's three sons and Li Lizhi.

Upon realizing they had been discovered, the three children and Li Lizhi sheepishly came out.

"Hearing that you are moving to a new residence, I have brought my two younger brothers and sisters to see you off."

Li Chengqian spoke in a serious and methodical manner, increasingly resembling a little adult.

During this period, quite a few people must have been talking to this child.

"Are you really leaving?" Li Tai couldn't believe that happiness had come so quickly, so he asked anxiously to confirm.

Wen He rolled her eyes at him.

"You're happy?"

“No.” Li Tai immediately stood up straight.

"It's no use being happy. I'm still your teacher. Even after you go to the East Palace, I will still be teaching you."

Even though Li Shimin didn't say it explicitly, Wen He knew she couldn't escape it.

How could he possibly let go of a time traveler like himself so easily?

"Ah!" Li Tai's eyes widened in despair.

He now understood why Li Chengqian and Li Ke had both remained calm upon hearing the news.

It turns out they had already guessed it.

“I’m afraid it will be hard for you, teacher, when you go to the East Palace to teach in the future.” Li Chengqian bowed, and Wen He couldn’t help but frown at his pretentious manner.

“Speak properly. Don’t try that on me. Do what you’re supposed to do at your age. Being so rigid and formal only earns you a reputation for being steady, not a good one.”

After all, he was her student, and Wen He naturally didn't want to see him being led astray.

He thought that doing so would be befit his status.

You're already pretending to be mature and shrewd. Are you in such a hurry to learn from your father and rise to power as soon as possible?

"This……"

Li Chengqian hesitated, pursing his lips, unsure whether to agree or refuse.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Wen He was too lazy to pay attention to him and turned to tell Wen Rou to pack her things.

Unexpectedly, when I turned around, the girl was gone.

Li Lizhi has also disappeared. "Did those two girls go off to have a private talk?"

After today's farewell, these two little girls will not see each other for a long time, so it's good to let them meet.

"Hey, where did you go just now?"

He turned around and suddenly realized that Li Ke was not in the same spot, but had come in from outside.

I remember the three brothers came together just now.

"I went to see the scenery," Li Ke replied earnestly.

This kid's up to something.

Wen He didn't believe it. This courtyard belonged to his family; there was nothing beautiful about it.

But upon closer reflection, there was nothing in his courtyard that Li Ke could possibly covet.

He stopped thinking about it and, after finishing tidying up everything, patted the dust off his hands.

"Alright, you three don't need to stand here like idiots anymore. I'll be leaving as soon as I'm done packing. I'll invite you all to my housewarming party in a few days."

Li Tai pouted, clearly meaning, "I'm not going."

Li Chengqian and Li Ke bowed to him politely.

"The students will surely come to congratulate us."

……

After leaving the Qin Prince's mansion, Wen He took with her a team of ten Xuanjia guards, as well as the original steward of the Qin Prince's mansion.

These were all arrangements made by Li Shimin.

"Your Highness knows that the young master does not know any brokers in Chang'an, so he asked this old servant to accompany him to save him trouble. These soldiers are also here to protect you."

"His Highness has decreed that the young master may move freely within Chang'an City from now on, but for your safety, these soldiers must accompany you."

The butler, seemingly worried that Wen He would be dissatisfied, quickly explained.

"Good work."

Wen He didn't ask any further questions.

There are some things you don't need to ask. These people say they're here to protect him, but they're really here to monitor him.

Fortunately, Li Shimin did not restrict his freedom; he could still move freely within Chang'an City, and he was accompanied by many more bodyguards.

Don't let his current position as a county magistrate fool you; in this vast city of Chang'an, a single brick thrown could easily hit a powerful and influential person.

With the Xuanjia Guards as his bodyguards, Wen He was the only one in the entire Chang'an city besides Li Shimin.

Yonglefang is located on the left side of Zhuque Avenue.

It seemed that the magistrate had known all along that a distinguished guest was moving today, and he was already waiting at the door early in the morning.

"I am Zhao Da, and I greet you, esteemed sir."

Fang Zheng looked young, with a goatee, dark skin, and wearing a worn-out silk robe.

He was clearly surprised when Wen He appeared.

It seems they didn't expect Wen He to be so young.

"Thank you for your help, Fangzheng."

She knew she would inevitably have to deal with him in the future, so Wen He exchanged some polite words with him.

Fang Zheng quickly suppressed his surprise and humbly bowed again.

Those who can live in Yonglefang are definitely not ordinary people.

This place is close to the capital, so anyone who can settle here must be either a founding county magistrate or a county magistrate.

He naturally dared not offend them.

A troubled look suddenly appeared on his face. Before Wen He could ask, the butler in front of him spoke up for him.

"Now that you know our identities, why won't you let us in?"

Wen He then noticed that there were still people blocking the gate of the market.

The shopkeeper said with difficulty, "Your Excellency, I am truly sorry, but the Duke of Ying's family is also staying here today and is unloading things inside."

"Duke of England?" Wen He didn't hear clearly and frowned. Wasn't that Li Ji's future title?

Could it be that there was also a Duke of Ying at this time?
Seeing his confusion, the butler leaned closer and explained.

"The Duke of Ying, whose personal name was Wu Shiyue, was an old minister who assisted His Majesty in entering Chang'an back then."

Samurai Go?
Wu Meimei's father?!

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(End of this chapter)