The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Doesn't Chapter 117 confirm the rumors?

"In addition, the censors who are close to the Prince of Wei’s residence may be instructed not to impeach openly, but simply to mention to His Majesty, under the pretext of being concerned about the country and the crown prince, some doubts about the ability of the people to repay the bonds, and stop there."

Li Tai nodded repeatedly, inwardly admiring Du Chuke's scheming.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his excited emotions, his eyes gleaming with a determined light.

"That's settled then! I want to see how Li Chengqian's seemingly flawless open scheme will be rendered utterly ineffective by these undercurrents!"

He paused, looked at Du Chuke, and spoke with a hint of dependence in his voice.

"Everything is thanks to your planning, sir."

Du Chuke bowed.

"It is my duty. However, breaking their salt policy and destroying their credibility is only the first step. We still need to observe the situation and wait for them to reveal more flaws."

Li Taishen agreed and gave a heavy "hmm".

Du Chuke's analysis and arrangements were like a bucket of cool water, calming Li Tai's anxious mind slightly.

He followed the plan, and within a few days, the forces of the Prince of Wei's faction quietly began to move.

On the one hand, they used the financial resources and connections of the Prince of Wei's mansion to secretly enter into private agreements with relevant merchants.

On the other hand, he instructed several censors who were close to the Prince of Wei's mansion and good at reading people's expressions.

Prepare to raise "cautious questions" about the bond repayment capacity at an appropriate court assembly, in a seemingly concerned manner regarding national affairs.

The first to launch an attack was a censor in the Secretariat, an official known for his caution.

He did not directly refute the detailed articles of association concerning the development of Xizhou and bond financing that were forwarded from the Crown Prince.

Instead, in accordance with regulations, several "rebuttals" were issued, questioning the details involved.

Their arguments were all based on classical texts and closely adhered to the Tang Code and the old regulations of the Ministry of Revenue.

It is said that "while it is understandable for the crown prince to raise funds for the country, the circulation of the bonds, the fixed amount of interest, and the guarantee of repayment are all related to the national system and the people's trust. We must carefully examine the details, lest we open the door to usurpation and start disputes."

This procedural questioning is in accordance with regulations.

Even Li Shimin could only order officials from the Secretariat and Chancellery, along with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Court of Judicial Review, to review and decide on the matter.

This has inadvertently slowed down the progress of the Eastern Palace.

Immediately afterwards, during a meeting of officials after a regular court session, a censor who was on good terms with Wei Ting stepped forward to speak.

He did not mention the word "bonds," but instead reported to Li Shimin with great concern.

"Your Majesty, there have been many rumors circulating recently that the 'jade salt' produced by the Crown Prince's Palace, though exquisite, seems to be produced in insufficient quantities. I do not doubt the Crown Prince, but I am afraid that the common people are ignorant and will spread false information, which will damage the reputation of the imperial family."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you perhaps order the Director of the Imperial Household Department to send an official to assist in this matter, so as to demonstrate fairness to the world and also to share Your Highness's burdens."

These words, seemingly out of concern, actually brought the rumor that "the Crown Prince's palace has not much refined salt" to the forefront of the court for the first time.

Moreover, by using the pretext of protecting the crown prince's reputation, it was difficult to condemn them.

When the news reached the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian was overcome with anger and slammed the report in his hand onto the table.

"It's those parasites again! They can't stand to see me do anything practical! And that censor, he seems concerned, but he's actually plotting against me! His heart deserves to be condemned!"

Li Yichen, who was standing to the side, waited for him to stop venting before speaking calmly.

"Your Highness, please calm down. This was expected. It is the authority of the department to refute and reject proposals. This is a good opportunity to further improve the regulations and silence any dissent."

"As for the rumors circulating..."

A faint hint of coldness appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Let them spread their word; Your Highness only needs to proceed according to plan. Salt will continue to be given as a reward, not sold. Moreover, the scope and frequency of the rewards can be slightly reduced to create the illusion that the salt is scarce and therefore valuable, and that the stock is indeed running low."

Li Chengqian was taken aback: "Yichen, why is that? Doesn't this confirm the rumors?" Li Yichen shook his head.

"Your Highness, the most urgent task at present is to proceed with the affairs of Xizhou step by step."

Li Yichen knew that the situation would soon be reversed.

For the next month, the Xiande Hall of the Eastern Palace almost became another small government office.

Li Chengqian demonstrated unprecedented diligence and focus.

He would rise before dawn every day, first studying the classics and histories for an hour, and then summon the officials of the Eastern Palace to handle daily affairs.

At the hour of Si (9-11 AM), he would move to Xiande Hall to begin the core work of the day.

According to the Tang system, the Crown Prince could make decisions on ordinary matters, but for major issues such as finances, personnel, and changes in laws, a written report was required, along with the opinions of the officials under the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince's decision, to be submitted to the Emperor for review and approval before it could be implemented.

Li Chengqian strictly followed this system.

Regarding the final articles of the bond issuance, he ordered officials from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Left and Right Spring Palaces to repeatedly review them, and to debate and revise them clause by clause with officials from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Court of Judicial Review.

He personally reviewed each agreed-upon clause, annotated any questions with vermilion ink, and summoned relevant personnel to clarify the issues before finally stamping it to form a formal memorial and sending a special person to deliver it to the Liangyi Hall.

With Li Shimin's consent, the date for bond issuance was finally set.

This process was tedious and time-consuming, but Li Chengqian enjoyed it.

He enjoyed the feeling of having power and being able to strategize.

He watched as documents bearing the seal of the Crown Prince were issued from his office, and as officials who might have previously looked down on him now respectfully presented their opinions before him, awaiting his judgment.

The pent-up frustration in his heart caused by his foot ailment and past setbacks completely dissipated.

As for Li Yichen, he seemed to have completely become a shadow during this month.

He continued to enter the palace on time to accompany Li Chengqian in his studies, appearing before him at fixed times.

When Li Chengqian was alone with him and asked about bonds, Xizhou, and even the movements of court officials, he could always give clear and calm analysis and advice.

But once he left that secluded little hall, he reverted to his taciturn and unremarkable companion-reader persona.

He never interacted much with other officials, and he always brushed off any inquiries, whether overt or covert, with the excuses that he "did not know" or that "Your Highness will make his own decision."

At the same time, the rumor that "the imperial palace's jade salt reserves are running out" spread silently through the streets, alleys, restaurants, and teahouses of Chang'an, like a thin mist in early winter.

At first, it was just whispered talk, but later even some officials who had received rewards expressed in private that "His Highness's rewards seem to be less than before," which added to the credibility of the rumors.

However, unlike the uproar during the previous Liu Shi case, this time, the court was unusually silent.

The powerful ministers from prominent families, led by Cui Renshi and Wang Yu, as well as prime ministers such as Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling, all tacitly maintained a wait-and-see attitude.

They no longer openly questioned the matter, nor did they secretly encourage the censors to speak out; it seemed as if they had collectively agreed with the strategy of "waiting for the crown prince's next move."

During court assemblies, no one mentioned salt affairs again, and during audiences, they avoided discussing the ability to repay bonds.

All eyes were focused on the Eastern Palace, and on the Crown Prince who had recently become increasingly composed.

The question remains: how will he promote this first "Xizhou Development Bond" to the world, and how will he deal with the seemingly already shaken foundation of credit?

Everyone held their breath, waiting for that day that was destined to be recorded in history.

However, just five days before the bonds were officially issued.

A fast horse from the north, carrying an urgent official document from the Bingzhou Grand General's Office stamped with the wax seal, rushed into Chang'an City in the twilight and headed straight for the Imperial Ministry of Personnel.

"A report was sent from Bingzhou via an urgent dispatch, six hundred li away."

(End of this chapter)