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

Chapter 182 The Duke of Zheng has passed away.

Time flies by.

Inside Li Yichen's residence, the charcoal brazier burned brightly, dispelling the winter chill.

Zhao Xiaoman knelt before a rough wooden table, on which were placed several oddly shaped iron and wooden parts.

There was also a sand table that Li Yichen had specially prepared for him, for calculations and drawing.

“My dear teacher, I’ve been thinking about the ‘leverage’ you talked about last time for a long time.”

Zhao Xiaoman raised her head, her eyes shining with focused attention.

His previous timidity largely dissipated when he explored these subjects that truly interested him.

"I think the crossbow arm is actually a kind of lever? The foot pedal is the point of force, the crossbow arm itself is the lever, and the point where it hooks the bowstring is the point of force? It's just that this lever is curved..."

Li Yichen nodded slightly, inwardly approving.

This child is indeed extremely talented, able to connect the abstract principles he teaches with familiar real objects.

“It’s good that you think this way. The crossbow arm is subjected to complex forces and is not a simple lever, but the principle of saving effort is indeed similar.”

"You don't need to get bogged down in the nouns; the key is to understand the transmission and transformation of their power."

He picked up a piece of charcoal and drew a simple lever diagram on the sand table.

"You see, if you want to move the heaviest object with the least amount of force, what other method is there besides lengthening the lever arm?"

Zhao Xiaoman stared at the sand table, her brows furrowed, her fingers unconsciously gesturing in the air.

"Reduce...reduce the weight arm? Like moving the fulcrum closer to the big rock you're trying to pry?"

“Exactly,” Li Yichen affirmed.

"This principle can also be applied elsewhere. For example, what I asked you to consider is: when soldiers dig and build camps individually, what tools are more labor-saving?"

"It's not simply a matter of lengthening the shovel handle. Perhaps we can work on the shape of the shovel head and the angle at which it enters the soil to reduce soil adhesion, which also reduces the 'heavy arm' effect."

Zhao Xiaoman suddenly realized what was going on and hurriedly started sketching on the sand table to record this moment of inspiration.

"I understand! And what you said... um, 'friction'? If the shovel head is smoothed out, or wetted a little, wouldn't that also reduce the effort required?"

"You can try it yourself and compare to verify."

Li Yichen did not give a direct answer, but instead guided him to explore on his own.

He knew that for a practical talent like Zhao Xiaoman, knowledge gained through hands-on verification was far more solid than knowledge instilled in him.

During this month, Zhao Xiaoman spent almost all of her spare time in Li Yichen's small study and workshop.

Learn the basic concepts of mechanics and geometry explained by Li Yichen in simple language.

He devoted more of his energy to improving weapons and field equipment.

Guided by Li Yichen's principles of "easy to carry," "durable," and "multi-purpose," Zhao Xiaoman's ingenuity, which stemmed from her life and work, was fully unleashed.

He improved the short-handled hand axe commonly used in the army, adjusting the blade angle and counterweight to make it more efficient at chopping, and added an armor-piercing spike to the back of the axe.

Based on Li Yichen's description of the "pulley system" concept, he simplified the design to create a portable rope lifting tool that would make it easier for soldiers to climb or drag heavy objects.

He even used scraps to create a small, multi-functional iron buckle that combined prying, wrenching, and chiseling functions. Although crude, it already had the beginnings of a modern multi-functional tactical tool.

Looking at these "small inventions" that bore obvious signs of handcrafting yet contained practical wisdom, Li Yichen felt a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep emotion).

He didn't provide the blueprints directly, but only the ideas and principles. Zhao Xiaoman, however, was able to transform them into tangible objects based on his familiarity with the materials and processes.

This might be more suitable for the current Tang Dynasty than simply copying weapons that are ahead of their time.

Meanwhile, deep within the Eastern Palace, on a training ground that was under strict seclusion.

Li Chengqian, wrapped in a thick fur robe, stood in the cold wind, with fifty elite soldiers standing before him.

These people were secretly selected by Dou Jing and Du Zhenglun from the guards of the Eastern Palace and some loyal and reliable descendants of the border troops. They had clean backgrounds, pure family history, and showed extremely high loyalty to the Crown Prince.

The person in charge of daily drills was a taciturn, scarred-faced brigade commander named Chen Zhen, a veteran of the Longxi border defense with rich experience.

However, the actual training outline came from Li Yichen's "Essential Principles of Surprise Attacks," which was treasured by Li Chengqian.

The training content was completely different from that of ordinary soldiers.

There were no large-scale military drills; instead, the focus was on honing individual skills and developing teamwork.

Loaded cross-country running, stealth and covert movement, climbing and obstacle crossing, finding directions and water sources in the wild, and even simple tasks like wound bandaging and poison identification.

Li Yichen also specially compiled several close-quarters combat techniques targeting the vulnerable parts of the human body.

Every time Li Chengqian came to visit, he could feel the change in the temperament of this small team.

Their eyes became sharper and calmer, their movements carried a cat-like agility and vigilance, and their cooperation became more and more tacit. Often, a gesture or a glance was enough for them to understand each other's intentions.

"Your Highness, when we first started practicing according to the method you taught us, many of the brothers didn't understand and thought it was not the right way. Now, after more than a month, although it is extremely difficult, the results are remarkable."

Chen Zhen reported to Li Chengqian, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible admiration.

"Especially nighttime stealth and squad harassment, if it were on the battlefield, it would be impossible to defend against them."

Li Chengqian nodded, his old right ankle throbbing slightly in the cold, but his heart was burning with passion.

He seemed to see the future; this small "surprise force" might really play a role in turning the tide of battle at a crucial moment.

"Continue training, proceed according to plan. Report the required supplies directly to Dou Jing, and I will approve them all."

"Yes!"

Time slipped away quietly amidst the intense preparations and clandestine training.

Before we knew it, it was January of the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era.

The city of Chang'an was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. Preparations for the Lantern Festival had begun, and colorful silks and lanterns were displayed in various markets and neighborhoods, dispelling some of the winter gloom.

However, a sudden piece of news, like a boulder thrown into a seemingly calm lake, stirred up huge ripples.

Duke Zheng and Special Envoy Wei Zheng have passed away.

When the news arrived, Li Yichen was instructing Zhao Xiaoman on adjusting the tenon structure of the multi-functional iron buckle.

Li Yichen's hand paused, the small file in his hand stopping in mid-air.

He slowly straightened up and looked out at the gray sky.

Despite being mentally prepared, hearing the news still stirred up a complex mix of emotions within me.

Historically, Wei Zheng did indeed die of illness in the first month of the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era.

This minister, known for his outspokenness and courage in offering advice, and praised by Li Shimin as a "mirror of humanity," ultimately reached the end of his life.

He recalled that in the original historical trajectory, Wei Zheng was appointed as the Crown Prince's tutor before his death.

Although the period was short, his immense prestige caused the faction of Prince Wei, Li Tai, to temporarily restrain themselves, giving Li Chengqian a rare respite.

With Wei Zheng dead, attacks followed one after another, and the Crown Prince's situation deteriorated rapidly.

"But... things are different now."

Li Yichen silently recited it in his heart.

This butterfly that stumbled in unexpectedly has already flapped its wings.

Unlike in history, Li Chengqian did not completely give up on himself. Instead, under his guidance, he gradually gained a foothold and even began to have the power to fight back.

Although Li Shimin also intended to leverage his prestige to assist the crown prince, perhaps because the crown prince's changes made him feel that the situation was still under control, or perhaps for other considerations, the appointment of "Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince" was ultimately not announced before this loyal minister passed away.

At this point in history, a subtle shift occurred.

Wei Zheng's "mirror of humanity" shattered, but the crown prince was not immediately exposed to the storm.

He has established his own foundation.

"Master?" Zhao Xiaoman noticed Li Yichen's unusual behavior and called out softly.

Li Yichen came to his senses, put down the file, and spoke calmly.

"It's nothing. A respected old minister has passed away. That's all for today. After you go back, think about the ideal of 'stable center of gravity' that I told you before, and how to apply it to improving the soldiers' load-bearing baggage."

"Yes, my mentor."

Zhao Xiaoman bowed respectfully, packed up her tools and precious parts, and silently withdrew.

Li Yichen stood alone in the room for a long time.

The death of Wei Zheng marked an era, signifying the disappearance of a unique voice in the Zhenguan court.

The Liangyi Hall and the East Palace sent envoys to offer condolences at almost the same time, with very high ceremonial arrangements.

This expressed the emperor and crown prince's condolences for this meritorious official.

Officials from Chang'an flocked to the Wei residence to offer their condolences, creating a scene of profound sorrow and honor.

However, amidst this somber atmosphere, another sense of unease began to quietly spread throughout Chang'an, especially among the powerful families who had purchased government bonds.

Initially, it was just sporadic attempts.

At a private banquet hosted by a prominent family under the guise of appreciating snow, after several rounds of drinks, a doctor surnamed Wang casually brought up the topic.

"I've heard that the imperial court has been busy with matters concerning Goguryeo lately. I wonder if the interest payment of the 'Zhenguan Yuguo Bonds' will be affected?"

An official surnamed Cui, standing nearby, took a sip of wine and said calmly, "Brother Wang, aren't you overthinking this? How could the court's reputation be damaged because of border affairs?"

Despite his words, his eyes flickered.

The other person lowered his voice: "That's true, but these bonds... have been sitting in my hands for almost a few months now. I initially planned to sell them after a few months of use, but now it seems there aren't many people willing to take them on the market."

The atmosphere at the banquet was slightly tense.

Everyone understood without saying a word.

The initial rush to buy bonds was driven by two factors: first, pressure from the emperor and the crown prince; and second, a belief in their short-term profit potential, with the intention of hoarding them and waiting for a higher price.

However, after news spread that the imperial court might launch a military campaign against Goguryeo, many wealthy merchants and small and medium-sized families who had originally intended to take over the business began to wait and see.

War is a bottomless pit; who knows what the imperial court might do to fund the war?
This has increased the risk of defaulting on the bond.

"Perhaps... it's just because the year-end is approaching and money is tight."

Some people tried to ease the tension.

But once the seed of doubt is planted, it will quickly take root and sprout.

In the following days, similar conversations were repeated in different forms in the studies and private rooms of various prominent families' teahouses.

"Have you inquired? Is there really no one on the market willing to take it over?"

"I asked a few familiar money market funds, and they are quite cautious about these bonds now, saying that it depends on the situation after the spring next year."

"If the imperial court really launches a major military campaign against Goguryeo, this 500,000 strings of cash is probably just the beginning!"

"At that time, the national treasury will be empty. What will we use to pay the interest?"

"Sigh, if I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have..."

In stark contrast, the Crown Prince's bonds remained completely unaffected.

As for bonds that were originally issued in cash, they have become a common form of currency.

Panic spread like a silent plague among bondholders.

They suddenly realized that the certificate, which had originally been seen as a golden goose, seemed to have become a hot potato.

They want to sell, but can't find enough buyers.

Keeping it in hand, I worry about losing everything.

A suffocating feeling of being trapped made this January particularly difficult to endure.

This sentiment naturally reached the Eastern Palace as well.

Inside the Xiande Hall, Dou Jing reported to Li Chengqian with a worried expression.

“Your Highness, I have noticed recently that there are many rumors circulating in the market about bonds. Several major pawnshops seem to be secretly tightening their lending practices for ‘Zhenguan Bonds’ as collateral, and some aristocratic families have also begun to inquire privately about whether there are any ways to… redeem them in advance or exchange them for Crown Prince bonds.”

Li Chengqian had just returned from watching the "surprise troops" training at the drill ground, his face still flushed from exercise. Upon hearing this, he frowned slightly.

"Early redemption? The contract clearly states a three-year term. How can it be paid out early?"

"Do they think the imperial court is a bank that allows you to deposit and withdraw money at will?"

“They naturally wouldn’t dare say it outright,” Dou Jing said.

"However, if this wait-and-see and panicked sentiment continues to spread, it may be detrimental to the creditworthiness of bonds and may even affect the creditworthiness of the imperial court."

Li Chengqian remained silent for a moment, tapping his fingers on the table.

He recalled Li Yichen's discussion on "credit" and "anchoring".

The credibility of the Zhenguan Coupons was anchored in the prestige of the imperial court.

Today, the shadow of war is shaking this anchor.

Li Chengqian nodded.

"I understand. Continue to monitor market trends and report any unusual activity immediately. As for those aristocratic families... since they chose to buy in the first place, they must now bear the corresponding risks."

"The imperial court acted in accordance with the contract and has a clear conscience."

"As for wanting to exchange for Crown Prince bonds? Hmph! We'll talk about that later!"

"Yes," Dou Jing replied, though she wasn't entirely optimistic.

Financial markets are often not entirely rational; panic itself is enough to destroy trust.

After Dou Jing left, Li Chengqian pondered alone.

With Wei Zheng's death, the court lost a heavyweight balancer.

The volatility in the bond market reflects public concerns about the government's finances and war potential.

On the Goguryeo side, the strategy of "wearing out the enemy" is being carried out in secret, and the results are yet to be seen.

At the beginning of the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era, the atmosphere in Chang'an was indeed eerily calm.

On the surface, it is about preparing for the festival and mourning the meritorious, but underneath it is a rebalancing of various forces and an undercurrent of restlessness.

He summoned the palace attendant.

"Go and invite Master Li, I have something to discuss with you."

He needed to hear the gentleman's opinion, whether it was about the fluctuations in the Zhenguan era or the increasingly complex political situation.

(End of this chapter)