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

Chapter 192 The investigation seems to have reached a stalemate.

He then reviewed the records of Li Yichen's selection as a companion to the Crown Prince.

Being a tutor in the Eastern Palace of the Tang Dynasty, though not of high rank, was no easy feat.

Those who passed the examination needed to be talented, and their family background also needed to be that of "descendants of upright officials".

Li Yichen's identity as a member of the "Longxi Li Clan" perfectly met this minimum requirement.

Records show that three years ago, 18-year-old Li Yichen passed the assessment set by the Eastern Palace. His score was in the middle range, not outstanding, but it met the standard.

However, while reviewing the scattered records in the relevant expenditure archives, Li Junxian discovered a subtle trace.

Around the time Li Yichen was selected, a piece of fertile land of about fifty acres located in the suburbs of Chang'an, owned by his father Li Quan, was secretly sold.

The buyer appears to be a steward of the Li family in Longxi.

At the same time, Li Quan also briefly borrowed a small amount of money from his colleagues at the Imperial Academy, which he soon repaid.

All signs point to one fact.

In order for his son to get this position as a study companion, Li Quan spent half of his family fortune and likely used connections within the family to make arrangements and influence things.

At the time, for a family like Li Quan's, this was undoubtedly a high-stakes gamble that cost them everything.

He placed his last hope for the family's return to glory on his son.

Li Junxian then reviewed the records of officials from the Danyang branch of the Longxi Li clan within the Eastern Palace.

Indeed, several members of the Crown Prince's clan served in the palace, holding official positions ranging from Registrar of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to Assistant Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Their ranks were all higher than Li Yichen's position as a tutor.

Li Yichen was in the most marginal and inconspicuous position among them, whether in terms of official rank, seniority or daily performance.

To further confirm this, Li Junxian dispatched two experienced subordinates to contact Li Yichen's childhood tutor and several of his childhood classmates who were still in Chang'an.

The feedback received was largely the same.

Li Yichen was indeed more intelligent than the average person when he was young, and he studied hard, but he was by no means a prodigy with extraordinary talent and photographic memory.

He is quiet by nature, dislikes fighting, and is not very active in socializing with his peers.

The enlightened man stroked his beard and thought for a long time before finally saying with certainty, "This boy is law-abiding and capable of maintaining the status quo, but not of pioneering talent."

Thus, Li Junxian's preliminary investigation into Li Yichen and his family background came to an end.

The conclusion is clear.

Li Yichen was born into a marginalized aristocratic family that was gradually declining. His father secured him the position of tutor in the Eastern Palace, hoping that he would bring glory to the family.

As for Li Yichen himself, he had been in the Eastern Palace for three years, and his performance was mediocre. His talent was average, and his background was so clean that it was almost transparent.

From any perspective, he is far removed from the "master" who could stir up storms and teach the crown prince astonishing knowledge.

Next, Li Junxian turned his attention to Zhao Tiezhu and his son Zhao Xiaoman.

He reviewed the artisan records of the Imperial Workshop.

The Zhao family's situation is a typical example of the hereditary model of government craftsmen in the Tang Dynasty.

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, artisans were divided into official artisans and common artisans.

Official craftsmen were subordinate to institutions such as the Imperial Household Department and the Imperial Workshops. Their status was hereditary, and they were registered in a special household register, and they could not leave the register or change their profession at will.

They regularly served the government, undertaking tasks such as the production of buildings, utensils, and weapons needed by the palace and government.

During their service, they could receive meager pay or rations, but their main source of income still depended on their own private farming or land grants, which was a heavy burden.

According to records, Zhao Tiezhu's grandfather had already worked as a craftsman's apprentice in a workshop under the Jiangzuojian (Imperial Workshop) during the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty.

They belong to the earliest batch of family-run craftsmen who were incorporated into the official craftsman system.

His father inherited the business and was highly skilled, especially in iron forging.

When it came to Zhao Tiezhu's generation, he followed in his father's footsteps and served in the Imperial Workshop under a nominal title.

Zhao Tiezhu inherited his family's craft and was quite skilled in iron forging, but because he was not good at scheming, his family remained poor.

Even in the Imperial Workshop, he remained an ordinary craftsman who buried himself in his work and never obtained a management position such as "Direct Officer".

The system of artisans under the Imperial Workshops in the Tang Dynasty was complex.

Except for a few highly skilled and outstanding craftsmen who could enjoy the treatment of officials, the vast majority of craftsmen lived in poverty and had low social status.

They not only had to complete the corvée labor assigned by the government, but also often had to find ways to make a living on their own.

The Zhao family is a microcosm of this vast number of lower-level artisans.

Zhao Xiaoman, as Zhao Tiezhu's only son, was destined to be registered in the artisan register from birth.

He will almost certainly take over his father's tools and become an official craftsman in the future.

Their circumstances changed about six months ago.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian began to get involved in the affairs of the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works, and implemented a series of policies aimed at improving efficiency and encouraging practical work.

One of these measures is to break down some seniority restrictions and promote skilled craftsmen to grassroots management positions.

It was amidst this trend that Zhao Tiezhu, a man of solid skills and integrity, was discovered by the Crown Prince's officials and promoted to Assistant Director of the Imperial Workshops.

Although the rank was low, it meant a change in status and an increase in salary, which was undoubtedly a great favor to the Zhao family.

Zhao Xiaoman, because of her talent in craftsmanship that far surpassed that of her peers, was given the opportunity to study and learn to read and write under the guidance of the officials of the Eastern Palace.

This subordinate official was Li Yichen.

Li Junxian carefully checked the timeline. Zhao Tiezhu's promotion and Zhao Xiaoman's beginning to study under Li Yichen both coincided with the time when the Crown Prince began to focus on managing the Ministry of Works and holding court in Xiande Hall.

This is more likely part of a series of political initiatives spearheaded by the crown prince to cultivate his own power.

Li Yichen appears to play only the role of a "schoolteacher" in the film.

Although the initial assessment suggests that Li Yichen is not a strong suspect, the emperor's decree must be carried out thoroughly.

Li Junxian decided to meet Zhao Xiaoman in person.

He did not choose the Imperial Workshop or the Zhao family, but instead ordered someone to take Zhao Xiaoman to a side room in his office.

The atmosphere here is solemn, quite different from the hustle and bustle of the crafts camp, and it can create an invisible pressure.

When Zhao Xiaoman was brought in, her face showed obvious confusion and a hint of unease.

He was wearing a faded coarse cloth short coat, and his hands still bore the marks of recent work.

He thought he had been summoned to make some urgent or special tool, and even secretly glanced at the furnishings in the room to see if there were any prepared materials.

When he discovered that there was only Li Junxian and two expressionless subordinates, confusion appeared on his young face.

Li Junxian was not wearing conspicuous official robes, but rather a dark-colored casual outfit.

But the air of someone who had long held a high position and the unique pressure of the government office made Zhao Xiaoman instinctively feel nervous, and her small hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.

"So you are Zhao Xiaoman?"

Li Junxian spoke, his voice steady, yet carrying an air of scrutiny.

"Yes...yes, it is Zhao Xiaoman."

Zhao Xiaoman quickly lowered her head, her voice slightly strained.

"No need to panic."

Li Junxian's tone softened slightly.

"I summoned you here today not for construction work. I heard you have been studying and learning to read under the tutelage of Li Siyilang, the Imperial Secretary of the Eastern Palace?"

Zhao Xiaoman raised her head, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes, but she quickly lowered them again.

"Yes...yes, Your Highness. I am grateful for His Highness's kindness and for Teacher Li's willingness to teach me to read."

"What books have you read?"

Li Junxian asked casually, but his gaze was fixed on Zhao Xiaoman's expression. Zhao Xiaoman's heart skipped a beat.

Although he was young, he came from a family of artisans and had learned from a young age the importance of being observant and cautious in his words and actions.

Li Shizeng had clearly warned him what he could say and what he couldn't say.

He tried hard to recall what Li Yichen had taught him, what he could say, and what Li had repeatedly emphasized he needed to "think about it himself."

"The main thing is...the main thing is literacy."

Zhao Xiaoman carefully considered the wording.

"Master Li first taught the Thousand Character Classic, and then... then the First Aid Manual. Sometimes, Master Li would find some... books about craftsmen and read them to the child, so that the child could recognize the characters and understand their meaning."

"Oh? A book about craftsmen?"

Li Junxian pressed for an answer.

"What kinds of books are they?"

Zhao Xiaoman tried hard to recall.

“There are… there are chapters in the Mozi that discuss defensive weapons, which Master Li selected and read aloud.”

"And... there's a section in the 'Illustrated Records of the Eastern Capital' that discusses surveying and construction."

"And... there are some methods for forging iron and brewing wine in the *Qimin Yaoshu*..."

The books he mentioned were indeed related to craftsmanship that Li Yichen had taught him.

Most of them are works from previous generations, and the content itself is not particularly special. The key lies in how to interpret and apply them.

Li Junxian listened carefully, and these book titles were indeed the kind of content a teacher would choose to instruct the children of craftsmen to read and write.

The focus is on the transmission of practical skills rather than on historical and philosophical principles.

"Will Li Siyilang teach you anything else? For example... some special principles? Or introduce you to other people?"

Zhao Xiaoman shook her head vigorously, like a rattle-drum.

"No! Teacher Li just teaches literacy and explains the principles in the books."

He said, "Only by understanding the characters can one comprehend the wisdom of our predecessors and make progress in oneself."

“When I went to Teacher Li’s house on my days off, I spent the whole day learning to read, reviewing, and practicing calligraphy. I never saw Teacher Li interact with anyone else.”

His tone was certain, with a childlike earnestness.

Li Junxian observed Zhao Xiaoman's expression; her answer, after her initial wariness, didn't sound like she was faking it.

If a child in their early teens has truly received rigorous training to deal with questioning, their eyes and subtle movements will inevitably give them away.

But what he saw in Zhao Xiaoman was more of a tension in a dignified environment, and a cautiousness in trying to recall what she was saying to avoid making a mistake.

"What does Li Siyilang do on his days off? Besides teaching you at home."

Li Junxian changed his perspective.

"I...I don't know."

Zhao Xiaoman answered honestly.

“When I am here, Master Li is always in his study. Sometimes when I take a midday break, I see Master Li reading a book, or... staring blankly at a chessboard by himself.”

"As for other things... I don't know. Master Li doesn't go out much, and I haven't seen any guests come."

The questioning lasted for about half an hour, with Li Junxian repeatedly asking questions from various angles.

Zhao Xiaoman's answers consistently revolved around reading and writing, and studying classic texts on crafts, without revealing any unusual information.

Regarding Li Yichen's social interactions, Zhao Xiaoman provided extremely limited information, almost portraying him as a young official who lived a reclusive and monotonous life.

Finally, Li Junxian leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp and imposing, and his voice lowered.

"You must not utter a word to anyone about the questions I have asked you today once you leave this house!"

"Including your father, and even more so, Li Siyilang! If I find out even the slightest leak..."

He paused, his tone chilling.

"Your entire family will have nowhere to stand in Chang'an! Do you understand?"

Zhao Xiaoman was so frightened by this sudden threat that her face turned pale, her whole body trembled, and she almost cried. She quickly knelt down with a thud.

"I...I understand! I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare tell anyone even if you killed me! I beg you for mercy!"

Seeing his fearful expression, Li Junxian waved his hand.

"Just remember that. Now you can go."

Zhao Xiaoman felt as if he had been granted a pardon and scrambled out of the side room. It wasn't until he was far away from the government office and a cold wind blew that he realized his back was soaked with cold sweat.

My heart was still pounding, and the threat from the benefactor still echoed in my ears.

He was young, but not stupid. He knew that a single word from those powerful figures could ruin a family like theirs, a family of artisans.

However, amidst the fear, an even stronger thought arose in his mind.

Teacher Li was incredibly kind to him, not only teaching him to read and understand principles, but also improving his and his father's lives.

Now that someone has come to inquire about Master Li, although the question itself seems innocuous, the nobleman's attitude and final warning make him feel uneasy.

"You must tell Teacher Li!"

Zhao Xiaoman clenched her fists. Although she was terrified, her resolve was unwavering.

He had to find a way to tell Teacher Li what had happened today!
In a side room of the government office, Li Junxian pondered for a moment and instructed his subordinates: "Continue to keep an eye on Li Yichen, especially his whereabouts on his days off, and see if he really lives a secluded life as this child said."

"We should also be mindful of the Zhao family, but there's no need to cause them excessive alarm."

The subordinate accepted the order and left.

Li Junxian sat alone behind his desk, carefully sorting through the information he had gathered that day.

From Li Quan's gambling spree and cautiousness, to Li Yichen's clear yet mediocre growth trajectory, and then to the Zhao family's hereditary artisan background and the Crown Prince's favor in promoting him.

Finally, there was Zhao Xiaoman's seemingly innocent statement, which actually revealed the limited scope of Li Yichen's teaching...

All the clues seem to point to one conclusion.

This Li Yichen may have some cleverness; he seized the opportunity presented by the Crown Prince's reorganization of the Ministry of Works and demonstrated some practical skills.

Thus, he gained some favor from the crown prince and was entrusted with the simple task of teaching the son of a craftsman.

He himself is most likely not that mysterious "master".

Could he be an insignificant messenger?
But even this point is currently unsubstantiated.

Li Junxian rubbed his temples.

The investigation appears to have reached a stalemate.

The "big fish" the emperor was looking for was hidden much deeper than he had imagined.

He could only continue to lay his net, waiting for the slightest clue that might not even exist.

At this moment, in his mind, the suspicion against Li Yichen had dropped to an extremely low level.

Li Junxian did not relax his surveillance on Li Yichen because of the preliminary investigation results.

after a few days.

All reports on Li Yichen's whereabouts, the people he contacted, and even some of his verifiable words and actions while on duty at the Eastern Palace were recorded one by one and compiled on Li Junxian's desk.

He tried to sift through this massive amount of seemingly trivial information to find a possible connection between Li Yichen and that "master".

Or at least, find some unusual clues about Li Yichen himself.

The first period to be examined is the time before Crown Prince Li Chengqian made that shocking "heart-piercing remark" in the Liangyi Hall last year.

(End of this chapter)