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

Chapter 125 will be so overwhelmingly powerful. (Please vote with monthly tickets!!! Please subscribe!!!)

Inside the Chengen Hall of the East Palace, the medicinal smell had not yet dissipated, lingering in wisps between the pillars and curtains.

Li Chengqian sat back on the couch, his back supported by a thick cushion. His face was still pale from illness, and his lips were chapped.

But his eyes, those eyes that once often burned with anger or were clouded with malice, were now like a deep pool washed by rain, calm, even carrying a clarity that was almost bewildering and never before seen.

He had been awake for an hour.

In the instant his consciousness returned, a flood of memories washed over his still-weak mind.

Zhang Xuansu's rebuke, the Emperor's cold gaze, Li Tai's fake smile, the whispers of Hou Junji and others, and... Li Yichen's calm yet piercing words.

“The emperor’s aura is weak,” “Why become emperor?” “To shape the world into a certain ideal form in your mind”…

These sounds and images intertwine and collide, finally settling on those bizarre and fantastical dream fragments from a coma.

There are skeletons frozen to death in the wind and snow, the desperate eyes of farmers holding shriveled millet grains, the smoke signals from beacon towers in border states, and the figures of ministers such as Wei Zheng and Fang Xuanling passionately remonstrating in the court.

Chaos, yet strangely pointing to a certain core.

He was no longer the Li Chengqian who only cared about the throne and was driven by fear and anger.

Something larger, heavier, yet with a strange attraction, sprouted in his heart.

He wasn't quite sure what it was, but he knew the direction had changed.

"Your Highness, you have just woken up and need to rest. You must not overexert yourself."

An old eunuch sent by the Imperial Household Department carefully served a bowl of warm ginseng soup and offered words of comfort in a low voice.

Li Chengqian did not answer, but turned his gaze towards the palace gate. His voice was hoarse from a long illness, but it conveyed an undeniable stability.

"What's happening outside?"

The old eunuch hesitated for a moment, but still reported the truth.

"Your Highness, during your illness, His Majesty was deeply worried and increased the number of staff in the Imperial Medical Bureau... In addition, regarding the development bonds for Xizhou, the Ministry of Revenue... it seems that the Ministry of Revenue is preparing to issue a document announcing a temporary suspension of issuance."

"Postpone?" Li Chengqian repeated, without much surprise on his face.

With him in a coma, the Crown Prince's backbone is missing, and doubts in the court and among the people will inevitably resurface. The Emperor's decision is reasonable and also a form of protection.

but……

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the medicinal-smelling air.

There was still some stagnation in my lungs, but my mind was unusually clear.

Postponed?

No. It cannot be delayed.

Li Yichen once said that the foundation of credit lies in expectations and stability.

If things are put on hold, the fragile trust that was painstakingly built up with the help of "Jade Salt," "Dog Divination," and even Li Chengqian's personal reputation will collapse in an instant.

Rebuilding would be an impossible task.

The matter in Xizhou was his first step in putting his previously unheard-of knowledge into practice, accumulating strength, and even glimpsing the shadow of "Great Harmony," and it absolutely could not be aborted.

He recalled Li Yichen's calm, almost ruthless gaze as he analyzed "credit" and "anchoring".

He also recalled the confusion that filled his mind before he fell into a coma, the bewilderment about "why be emperor," and the faint thought that rose afterward... that he was not content with merely "being emperor."

power.

He needs strength.

It's not just the power to survive, but also the power to put that vague goal into practice.

This bond is the first cornerstone.

He suddenly opened his eyes, the confusion in them dispelled by a calm resolve.

"Issue my order." His voice was not loud, but it echoed clearly in the silent hall.

"Go to the Ministry of Civil Affairs and inform the relevant personnel that the bond issuance should proceed as planned. There must be no mistakes."

The old eunuch suddenly looked up, his face filled with astonishment and worry.

"Your Highness! Your health... and His Majesty's condition..."

"Go!" Li Chengqian interrupted him, his tone not harsh, but carrying an unprecedented air of authority.

That was the natural majesty of a crown prince, revealed after he had cast aside his impetuousness and tyranny.

"Do it immediately. If Father asks, say that this is the first imperial decree I have issued since I regained consciousness, and that my mind is made up."

The old eunuch was intimidated by the gaze and dared not say another word. He bowed and replied "Yes," then hurriedly withdrew.

Silence returned to the hall.

Li Chengqian slowly leaned back into the burlap sack, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him, but his spirits were strangely high.

He made a decision, one that was no longer based solely on fear or anger.

He recalled his past, his more than ten years as the crown prince, which seemed like a complete blur.

His eyes were fixed on the golden dragon throne, his ears listened only to the slander or flattery around him, and his heart was twisted and deformed by the sole goal of the throne.

Now, those constraints seem to have loosened somewhat. Li Yichen's words are like a key; though they haven't fully unlocked the door to a new world, they've allowed him to glimpse the vast expanse beyond the crack.

The Way of the Ruler?

It's more than just balancing the court and managing officials.
It's more than just expanding territory and leaving a mark on history.
He recalled Li Yichen's remarks about "allowing people from poor families to stand in the court based on their talents," "allowing farmers to protect their land," "allowing people in border areas to live in peace," and "reducing the number of tragedies of people freezing to death"...

These specific and subtle scenes subtly resonate with the sage's teachings he learned from childhood: "The people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important." Yet, they are far more moving than those abstract principles.

What he needs to learn about being a ruler should not just be about power tactics, but more importantly... practical knowledge of governing the country, ensuring the well-being of the people, and managing the world effectively.

He had a vague feeling that only Li Yichen could teach him.

A vague yet grand goal gradually took shape in his mind—to transform the Tang Dynasty into the image he envisioned.

That vision might be the "Great Harmony" described by ancient sages and wise men, but which has never been truly realized.

The road ahead is long and arduous, but he seems to have found the general direction to move forward, rather than going around in circles and wasting his time.

Liangyi Palace.

As Li Shimin was reviewing memorials, Wang De quietly entered and whispered the news that the Crown Prince had awakened and insisted on issuing bonds according to the original plan.

Li Shimin paused, leaving a small red dot on the memorial.

He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp.

"He really said that? As originally planned?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince's attitude is very firm."

Wang De carefully considered the wording.

Li Shimin remained silent for a moment, then placed the vermilion brush on the brush mountain and leaned back into his throne.

Are you pleased? Of course you are.

After all, he was his eldest son on whom he had placed great hopes. Hearing that he was out of danger, a huge weight was finally lifted from his heart.

But amidst the relief, there were also more complex emotions.

This bond matter is extremely complex. Despite his illness, the Crown Prince insisted on issuing the order immediately, and his determination was beyond my expectations.

Is this simply a matter of obsession with the affairs of Xizhou, or... is there something else behind it?
Did the "master" hidden behind the fog exert his influence again at this moment?
"understood."

Li Shimin simply said one sentence and picked up the vermilion brush again.

"By imperial decree, the Crown Prince shall be bestowed with a quantity of tonics such as bird's nest and wild ginseng, and shall be ordered to rest and recuperate. As for the bond matter... since it is his will, let him be."

He chose to observe discreetly. He wanted to see just how far this "different" son could go with this bond matter.

"Yes." Wang De bowed and accepted the order, then quietly withdrew.

Li Shimin's gaze fell on the memorial before him, but he could not put pen to paper for a long time.

Gao Ming... what exactly happened to you?
……

After a day of rest, despite the imperial physician's advice that he still needed to rest, Li Chengqian's spirits were noticeably better.

The day for the official issuance of the bonds arrived as scheduled.

At dawn, notices bearing the dual seals of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Crown Prince's Palace were already posted in front of the government offices of the East and West Markets of Chang'an, detailing the terms of the bonds. The gates of the government offices were wide open, and the officials were on high alert.

Unlike the calm and wait-and-see attitude that followed the news of the Crown Prince's serious illness a few days ago, the atmosphere in front of the government office today is subtle and tense.

Many people gathered in the distance, whispering among themselves, their eyes constantly glancing at the open gates of the government office and the clerks standing solemnly at the entrance.

"His Highness the Crown Prince... has he really woken up?"

"Absolutely true! News spread from the palace yesterday that His Highness personally ordered the bonds to be issued as scheduled!"

"The 'Jade Salt' is still in His Highness's possession, and the 'Heavenly Dog Divination' has come true... Now that His Highness has recovered, this bond..."

"But Your Highness's illness came on so suddenly, what if..."

The doubts have not been completely dispelled, but the news of the crown prince's awakening is undoubtedly a powerful reassurance.

The "credit" chain that had almost been broken due to the crown prince's illness seems to have been painstakingly reconnected.

At 9:00 AM, the bell rang, marking the official start of bond sales.

At first, the crowd hesitated, but a few big merchants who had made up their minds beforehand, carrying heavy money boxes, were the first to enter the government office to complete the formalities.

But soon, when the first batch of buyers emerged with bond certificates stamped with red seals and beaming with joy, the onlookers began to stir.

"Bought it? Really bought it?"

"Judging from that person's appearance, he doesn't seem to be faking it..."

"Since His Highness the Crown Prince is unharmed, and these bonds are guaranteed by the Eastern Palace and Yu Yan, with generous interest rates, why not buy them now?"

"Yes, yes, yes! This is an opportunity we can't miss!"

The crowd surged toward the government office gate like a flood bursting its banks.

The clerks shouted to maintain order, checked the copper coins and silk, registered them, and issued vouchers, working up a sweat.

Boxes of copper coins and bolts of silk were quickly carried into the back hall of the government office and piled up like mountains.

The clamor, the clinking of coins, and the announcements of officials combined into a massive wave of sound that swept through both the east and west markets.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the city.

"Quick! Get to the West Market Government Office! The bonds are almost all gone!"

"The East Market is packed! Bring plenty of money and silk!"

"I heard that some foreign merchants have already brought gold dust to exchange for it!"

A frenzied atmosphere spread.

All previous hesitation and observation vanished with the confirmation of the prince's awakening and the demonstration effect of the first batch of buyers.

People are only worried about one thing right now—not being able to buy it.

This buying frenzy continued until the yamen (government office) closed at the end of the day.

As the heavy wooden door slowly closed, keeping the still-reluctant crowd outside, all the officials involved were almost exhausted, but their faces were filled with disbelief, shock, and excitement.

Tang Jian, the Minister of Civil Affairs, held the preliminary summary of accounts, his fingers trembling slightly.

He practically ran out of the government office, boarded the carriage, and headed straight for the imperial city.

……

Inside the Liangyi Hall, the lights were just beginning to come on.

Li Shimin had just finished his dinner and was reviewing several border reports about the movements of the Tuyuhun.

A series of hurried but deliberately light footsteps came from outside the hall, and Wang De's voice trembled slightly as it rang out.

"Your Majesty, Minister Tang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs has urgent business to discuss with you."

"Announce it." Li Shimin said without even looking up.

Tang Jian staggered into the hall, disregarding his manners, and held a well-organized report above his head with both hands, his voice hoarse with excitement.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Bonds...bonds..."

Li Shimin put down the border report and frowned slightly.

"What's the cause of this panic? Is the bond issuance going poorly?"

He had already mentally prepared for a quiet first day.

"No! It's not disadvantageous!" Tang Jian suddenly raised his head, his face a mixture of ecstasy and immense confusion.

"Yes...it's because the sale was too large! Your Majesty, the first day...the first day's 150,000 strings of cash have all been raised! There are still many people who failed to purchase a ticket gathered outside the government office and refuse to leave!"

"What?" Li Shimin suddenly stood up, causing the imperial desk to thud.

He stared intently at Tang Jian, as if trying to confirm whether he had misheard.

"How much? One day? 150,000 strings of cash?"

"Absolutely true! Your Majesty... Your Majesty has verified it repeatedly! All the money and silk have been deposited into the treasury! All of it is in full!"

Tang Jian handed the report forward again.

Li Shimin grabbed the thin piece of paper and quickly scanned it for the densely packed numbers and the final total.

150,000 strings of cash! It's written in black and white, crystal clear!

His fingers, gripping the report so tightly that his knuckles turned white, remained silent for a long time.

The hall was deathly silent, save for the crackling of the candlelight and Tang Jian's heavy breathing.

one day?
Just one day?
He knew that someone would buy these bonds, after all, the Crown Prince's prestige, the magic of the "jade salt," and the fulfilled "dog divination" served as a prelude.

He also anticipated that the news of the crown prince's awakening would boost his confidence.

But he never imagined it would be so fast!
That's fast...it's illogical!
He thought it would be good if the bonds could be sold out within three months.

This goes far beyond the scope of "boosting confidence".

It's almost like... like some invisible force is driving all of this from behind the scenes.

The common people and merchants had such deep trust in the Crown Prince, or rather, in the credibility represented by the "jade salt".
Or is there... something more to this?

Could that master be so precise in calculating and controlling the hearts of ordinary people and the profit-seeking desires of merchants?

A chill, mixed with immense shock and deeper doubts, rose from the depths of Li Shimin's heart.

He considered himself to have a deep understanding of the people's hearts and to be an expert in political maneuvering, yet he was completely unable to comprehend what was happening before his eyes.

"I... understand."

After a long while, Li Shimin slowly sat down and gently placed the report on the imperial desk, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Tang Qing, you've worked hard. Go now and handle the follow-up matters properly."

"Yes, I will retire."

Tang Jian wiped the sweat from his forehead, bowed, and withdrew, his heart still churning with turmoil.

Li Shimin sat alone in the empty hall, gazing intently at the flickering candlelight.

One day, 150,000 strings of cash.

This number struck him like a heavy hammer blow.

He found himself increasingly unable to understand his son, and increasingly unable to understand the undercurrents within Chang'an.

……

East Palace, Cheng'en Hall.

Li Chengqian also received the news immediately.

When the eunuch reported with ecstatic joy, "Your Highness, the bonds sold out in one day, and all 150,000 strings of cash have been deposited into the treasury," he was sipping rice porridge.

Sold out in one day?
He anticipated success, and he kept in mind the "credit," "anchoring," and "expectation" that Li Yichen had repeatedly analyzed.

He also knew that the news of his awakening would reassure people.

But like Li Shimin, he never expected it to be such a devastating victory.

(End of this chapter)