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

Chapter 148 Even a centipede with a hundred legs will not fall down when dead.

He dismissed officials in Shandong, and Cui and others could only submit openly, except for secretly sabotaging him, precisely because they had no army!
Unable to carve out a territory like some powerful warlords of the previous dynasty!
"Secondly, the political monopoly was broken. Although the number of officials selected through the imperial examination system is still less than that selected through hereditary privilege or family connections, it has opened a crack!"

"It has given people from humble backgrounds a path to advancement, and it has also provided His Majesty with a powerful tool for selecting talent and checking the power of aristocratic families. Aristocratic families can no longer completely control the official career as they did in the past, and their absolute monopoly on political influence is gone forever."

Li Yichen continued his analysis, his tone becoming increasingly calm.

"Thirdly, the internal structure is not monolithic. There has always been a rift between Guanlong Group and Shandong Shijia, and there is also competition and even conflict within Shandong Shijia."

"They might be able to cause a lot of trouble if they unite, but once they are divided, their strength will be greatly reduced."

"Fourth, the moral dilemma. Although they control the cultural discourse, His Majesty has worked diligently and humbly accepted advice, creating the Zhenguan era of prosperity. The people's hearts are with him, and the world recognizes him."

“If a powerful family openly opposes the court, especially a monarch of such high prestige as His Majesty, it will lose the moral high ground from the outset.”

"Their reputation for 'passing down the family tradition of poetry and propriety' and 'being a noble and upright family' appears pale and powerless in the face of imperial power and the greater good of the people's livelihood."

"When Your Highness was in Shandong providing disaster relief and reassuring the people, they hoarded goods and engaged in speculation, defying government orders. If this gets out, it will be a major blow to their reputation. The people's hearts are gradually shifting from yearning for high-ranking families to being grateful for the Emperor's grace."

Li Chengqian felt as if layers of fog were being cleared from his mind, and his thoughts became clearer than ever before.

He excitedly clenched his fist and slapped it.

"What you say is absolutely right, sir! So, these powerful families, though seemingly enormous, are actually all bark and no bite? And His Majesty has already eliminated most of their henchmen?"

"Your Highness, that's one way to understand it, but we must not let our guard down."

Li Yichen offered a timely reminder.

"They are still like centipedes, dead but not dead. Their economic foundation, political connections, and cultural influence remain, enough to exploit the people in the localities, obstruct good governance, form cliques for personal gain, and even affect the struggle for the crown prince position."

"They are like invisible shackles, binding the empire's hands and feet, and eroding the nation's vitality."

He looked intently at Li Chengqian.

"As far as Your Highness is concerned, they may not have the ability to directly overthrow your position as heir apparent, but they have the ability to create enough trouble to ruin your reputation and support a prince who is more representative of their interests."

"This is their most real destructive power right now—not in overthrowing imperial power, but in distorting the political situation and maintaining their privileges."

Li Chengqian exhaled a heavy breath, his eyes becoming clear and resolute.

"The student understands. When dealing with powerful families, we must not be as blindly aggressive as Emperor Yang of Sui, attempting to achieve quick success and thus causing drastic changes."

"We should not be overly cautious or hesitant as before. We should take our father as an example, use power tactics skillfully, and combine firmness with gentleness."

“Use the imperial examination system and the common people to divide their power, use laws and supervision to control their abuses, and use imperial power and military might to intimidate their hearts.”

He gazed into the distance, as if he could see the intricate yet not invincible power of those aristocratic families.

"They are indeed shackles, but not unbreakable ones. And the process of breaking these shackles is one of the most crucial challenges that students will face in the future."

Li Yichen nodded slightly, feeling gratified.

The Crown Prince's realization touched upon one of the core threads of political struggle in the Zhenguan era and even the entire Tang Dynasty.

His understanding of aristocratic families finally evolved from simple fear or contempt to a strategic, dialectical perspective.

“It is excellent that Your Highness has this idea. The road ahead is long, and the struggle against these ‘paper tigers’ and ‘real shackles’ has only just begun.”

Li Chengqian's eyes gleamed as he repeatedly pondered Li Yichen's words, finding them increasingly insightful.

He clapped his hands sharply, his voice slightly high-pitched with excitement.

"Sir, your description of a 'paper tiger' is truly insightful and perfectly apt!"

He looked at Li Yichen with intense gaze.

"Through such layer-by-layer analysis, the weaknesses of these behemoths that have been entrenched for hundreds of years have been laid bare."

"They can still cause trouble, still cling to power and collude, obstruct good governance, and even stir up trouble in the succession struggle. As you said, they are invisible shackles that bind the empire's hands and feet."

"But the students have realized that these shackles are not unbreakable!"

Li Yichen nodded slightly, his tone steady yet guiding.

"Your Highness's insight into this matter will give you a better understanding of how to deal with others in the future. However, recognizing the opponent's weaknesses is not enough; a strategy to break the deadlock is also necessary. I wonder what Your Highness's plans are next?"

Li Chengqian took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and said in a deep voice: "Although my trip to Shandong has allowed me to initially establish a foothold, eliminate some corrupt officials, and place some people in positions of authority, my foundation is still shallow."

"Once the students leave, these local bullies will inevitably revert to their old ways. The students are thinking about how to further consolidate the results before they leave, at least to prevent Shandong from becoming a monolithic entity again so quickly."

This is exactly what Li Yichen was waiting for.

He leaned forward slightly.

"Your Highness's concerns are very valid. The key to breaking their monolithic structure lies in introducing new variables, supporting new forces, and further dividing them internally, so that Your Highness's influence can continue to take root here."

He paused briefly, and seeing that Li Chengqian was completely absorbed, he continued, "Your Highness might pay attention to those... those aristocratic families that are almost from humble backgrounds, or those middle-class families in the local area."

"A family that is almost from humble beginnings but is actually a prominent family?" Li Chengqian frowned slightly; this was a rather novel way of putting it.

“Exactly,” Li Yichen explained.

“Shandong is a place with a strong literary tradition. In addition to top families like the Cui, Lu, Li and Zheng families, there are many families that have been passed down for generations and have literate members, but for various reasons, their careers have been unsuccessful, their families have declined, or they have always been overshadowed by the top families.”

"They may still be riding on the coattails of a certain surname, but deep down they are practically from humble backgrounds, dissatisfied with the status quo, and yearning for upward mobility."

Li Chengqian seemed to be thinking about something.

"Are you referring to those families whose ancestors may have been prominent, but who now can only hold minor official positions in prefectures and counties, or are simply confined to their farmland?"

"Your Highness is wise."

Li Yichen nodded.

"In such families, the children are often literate and have the basic qualities to serve as officials, but they suffer from a lack of connections and powerful backers, making it difficult for them to rise in the ranks."

“They have long harbored resentment towards the top aristocratic families for controlling the interests, but they dare not speak out. If Your Highness can lend them a helping hand, it would be like sending charcoal in snowy weather.”

Li Yichen put the plan into practice.

"There are two excellent opportunities right now. First, the development of Xizhou is in dire need of a large number of literate clerks and even low-ranking officials."

"The conditions there are harsh, and the sons of high-ranking families like Cui and Lu may not be willing to go, but for these children from families that are almost from humble backgrounds, it is a rare opportunity for advancement!"

"Your Highness may openly encourage, or even recruit, ambitious individuals from Shandong in the name of the Crown Prince to serve in Xizhou, promising to promote them according to their merits."

"I believe that at this critical juncture, someone will surely respond! As long as someone goes, and Your Highness can keep your promise, their hearts will be firmly tied to Your Highness."

Li Chengqian's eyes lit up. "Xizhou... excellent! It's a perfect place to utilize talent and cultivate trusted confidants! This strategy is brilliant!"

"Secondly," Li Yichen continued.

"His Highness has dismissed a number of officials in Yanzhou and other places, and has temporarily replaced them with officials from the Eastern Palace and his accompanying staff."

"However, this is not a long-term solution. After Your Highness returns to the capital, these positions will eventually need to be filled by the Ministry of Personnel. Rather than waiting for the Ministry of Personnel to make choices that may still be influenced by aristocratic families, Your Highness should take the initiative to recommend talented individuals!"

His gaze sharpened.

"Your Highness can select those with decent talent and relatively clean backgrounds from these 'almost humble' aristocratic families, and recommend them to fill these vacant county and prefectural assistant positions under the pretext of familiarity with the local area and meritorious service in disaster relief, even if they start from the eighth or ninth rank!"

"In this way, Your Highness not only filled some vacant positions, but also tied the future of these families to Your Highness's favor."

"Having gained tangible benefits and hope, how could they not be grateful for Your Highness's kindness? Their hearts will naturally follow Your Highness!"

Li Chengqian felt a sudden roar in his mind, as if another door had opened before him.

He had only thought of placing his own people in the Crown Prince's palace, but he never thought that he could take this opportunity to support a force close to him in Shandong!

This is not just about sowing discord, but about planting the seeds of one's own on the opponent's territory!
"Wonderful! So wonderful!"

Li Chengqian couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, rubbing his hands together excitedly.

“Supporting these mid-sized clans means they have a certain level of education and harbor resentment towards the top clans. Once they gain power, they will become a force to resist the top clans’ arbitrary actions!”

"Moreover, they are scattered in various places, independent of each other, and there is absolutely no possibility of them forming a new united front! Your strategy, sir, can be described as killing several birds with one stone!"

He seemed to see countless small and medium-sized families rise up because of his promotion, forming a dense and loyal network throughout Shandong, checking and balancing the deeply entrenched top clans.

Seeing that the Crown Prince had fully grasped his intentions, Li Yichen seized the opportunity to push the plan to a more symbolic and far-reaching level.

“Your Highness, if we want to truly shake the foundation of aristocratic families, it is not enough to simply win them over, divide them, and assign them official positions. We also need to shake their cultural monopoly and discourse power, which they rely on for survival, from the root.”

Li Chengqian's expression hardened.

"Please elaborate, sir."

"Why are aristocratic families so proud? Besides land and population, it is their monopoly on the interpretation of classics and their boasting of 'passing down poetry and propriety,' as if all knowledge and morality belong to their clan."

Li Yichen's tone grew increasingly somber.

"Why doesn't Your Highness do the opposite? Before leaving Shandong, openly advocate for learning and encourage people to read more!"

Li Chengqian was slightly stunned.

“Encouraging reading? Sir, the books and teachers required for reading are extremely expensive, and cannot be easily afforded by ordinary poor families or even middle-class families. This move... may have little effect, or be regarded as empty talk.”

"It is precisely because it is difficult that Your Highness must make this gesture!"

Li Yichen's gaze was firm.

"Your Highness need not promise to resolve all difficulties immediately, but you must clearly express that scholarship is not the private domain of any one family or clan, and that the court thirsts for talented individuals from all over the world!"

"We must make a show of our attitude, so that all those who are eager to learn can see hope and feel His Highness's encouragement!"

"This in itself is a challenge and a declaration against the monopoly of aristocratic culture!"

He paused, his mind quickly searching for inspiring verses that fit the era.

"For example, Your Highness could proclaim to the four directions, saying:
"The wealthy need not buy fertile land, for they can find abundant grain in books."

There's no need for grand halls to provide a comfortable home; a wealth of knowledge can be found within books.

Don't lament the lack of companions when you go out; in books, carriages and horses are plentiful.

Don't lament the lack of a good matchmaker when looking for a wife; beauty can be found in books.

"A man who wishes to fulfill his life's ambition should diligently study the Five Classics by his window."

This poem, adapted from Emperor Zhenzong of Song's "Exhortation to Learning," may be somewhat straightforward, but the simple truth that "knowledge changes destiny," when spoken by Li Yichen at this moment, carries a strange persuasive power.

It avoided directly challenging the privileged class and instead used a more enticing and persuasive approach to depict the practical benefits of reading, which easily resonated with impoverished and lower-middle-class scholars who longed to change their fate.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian trembled violently.

He suddenly looked up at Li Yichen, his eyes filled with disbelief, shock, and admiration.

These verses... though simple in language, they speak directly to the heart, explaining the benefits of reading so clearly and so attractively!

"Sir...sir, this poem..."

Li Chengqian's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"Truly...truly words of warning, a guiding principle for learning! The words are straightforward yet powerful, fully expressing the hardships of studying and pointing out the path to success!"

"If this story were to spread, it would inspire countless impoverished students to study late into the night, holding onto hope!"

A complex and ashamed expression immediately appeared on his face.

"However... such beautiful lines, if uttered by a student, I... I am truly ashamed, fearing it might be considered plagiarism, and it would be difficult to gain the trust of others..."

He knew his own limitations and knew he could never compose such profound and widely circulated verses.

More importantly, he cannot reveal Li Yichen's existence and role yet.

Li Yichen smiled calmly, having anticipated this.

"Your Highness flatters me. A few proverbs are of value if they can benefit the world and people's hearts."

"Your Highness need not specify the source. Simply mention 'I have heard a wise man say' or 'An ancient saying goes' in appropriate situations, and spread this saying."

"The important thing is to let these words themselves, like seeds, fall into the hearts of those who aspire to be scholars."

"What Your Highness needs to do is to give these seeds hope for growth, and to let those who aspire to study see direction and a sense of mission!"

He further emphasized this point.

“Shandong, in particular, has a more flourishing literary culture and a relatively larger number of scholars. If we take the lead in promoting a culture of learning here, the results will surely be even better.”

"These inspired scholars, whether or not they will be able to enter officialdom in the future, will remember that it was His Highness the Crown Prince who gave them this encouragement and hope."

"This shift in public sentiment has a subtle yet profound and lasting influence."

(End of this chapter)