The Idle Man of Zhenguan Intercepts Wu Zetian at the Start

The following afternoon, around 3 PM, lanterns hung from the eaves of all the palace halls, and inside the halls, it was as if a starry river stretched to the ground, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and prosperity.

Outside the hall, imperial guards stood solemnly with halberds in hand, while palace maids carried in one after another gilded warming platters. As usual, Emperor Taizong's family banquet was held in the Lizheng Hall.

The Empress, four consorts, and one concubine each brought their children, totaling more than forty people. Empress Zhangsun, dressed in plain clothes, sat beside Li Shimin, holding the three-year-old Princess Xincheng in her arms, while the five-year-old Xiao Sizi nestled obediently beside her.

Li Zhi was nine years old at the time and had not yet left the palace. He lived with the Empress in a side hall of the Lizheng Hall and often met with the Crown Prince, and their relationship became even closer. At this moment, he stayed obediently by Li Chengqian's side.

Li Shimin was in his prime. He had already drunk two cups of the fine wine that Changsun Dan had sent him. Looking at his many children, wives and concubines, he felt very comforted. However, when he thought about the reports from the Hebei Circuit Inspector in the past two days, that heavy snow had frozen the winter wheat in Jizhou and Youzhou, that half of the houses had collapsed, and that three or four out of ten oxen had died, causing a disaster, he was afraid that there would be no harvest this autumn. He couldn't help but feel a headache coming on and his brows furrowed repeatedly.

These two places have suffered from disasters year after year, and are also important border towns. For many years, the wisdom of the ministers has been gathered, but no solution has been found. Although it seems to be a prosperous era, the national treasury is always empty at the end of the year.

The Empress, being perceptive, asked softly:

"Second Brother, it's the Lantern Festival today, and you're still worried about state affairs."

Li Shimin glanced at the Crown Prince, but Li Chengqian dared not meet his gaze. He quickly straightened up, sat upright, and looked serious.

He then turned his head to look at Li Tai, who was leaning to one side, chatting and laughing with Princess Chang Le. A slight smile finally appeared on Li Shimin's tense face.

"Chengqian, Qingzhi, Hebei Province has suffered another snow disaster this year. The river is now frozen, making the canal transport impossible. The official roads are also covered with three feet of snow, making it difficult to deliver supplies. This autumn, I'm afraid there will be no harvest again. The more disastrous the year, the more the small groups of Khitan and Xi cavalry take advantage of the chaos to harass and plunder the border. Tell me, what should I do?"

Li Chengqian rose and bowed, a fine layer of sweat appearing on his forehead.

"Father, I believe that we should order all the soldiers of the Zhechongfu in Youzhou and Jizhou to guard the border to suppress the rebellious intentions of the Khitan and Xi tribes. We should also open the Yingzhou granary and send light cavalry to transport grain to aid Youzhou and Jizhou. After the ice melts, we can then arrange for grain to be transported by canal."

Li Shimin nodded. Although Chengqian was too timid, he was still quite proper in his actions.

Li Tai, who was sitting to Li Shimin's left, moved even closer with his food tray, a smile on his face.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Khitan's disturbance on the border is nothing more than a small band of bandits causing trouble. Sending light cavalry to patrol the border is sufficient to prevent it. As for the rest of the troops and civilians, we should carry out work relief. Some of them should repair the collapsed houses, some should clear the official roads, and some should transport grain from the rich areas. In this way, we can reduce the pressure on the national treasury considerably."

Li Shimin laughed heartily and said, "Qingzhi is really good at calculating. We'll go on a trip soon. I don't think those old guys can come up with a better idea than that."

A look of joy flashed across Li Tai's face, and then he raised his wine cup in a simple and honest manner: "Disasters have struck Youzhou and Jizhou one after another, but there has never been any trouble because Grandpa always takes precautions in advance. We don't need to think of any solutions. I toast Grandpa and Grandma."

Li Chengqian looked dejected, his body ramrod straight, but his eyes were vacant as he stared at the ground.

Empress Zhangsun also raised her wine cup:

"Gan'er, your father has sent Dan'er along on our outing tonight. He's a bit timid, so please take good care of him."

Li Chengqian's expression softened slightly, and he quickly agreed, feeling much more relaxed.

At the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), several carriages stopped outside the plum garden. Uncle Fu directed everyone to carefully carry the dragon and phoenix lanterns onto the carriages section by section. Because the lanterns needed to be lit at the same time, thirty or forty craftsmen were selected to follow along.

Changsun Dan also needed to rush to the capital soon, and he had to accompany the emperor on his outing at dawn. Wang Susu had finished copying the book, and tonight was the day of the lantern festival, so there was no reason for her to stay in the plum garden any longer. She felt a little reluctant to leave. In the past few days, she and Chun Dong had become very close, and she had also learned how to play the wooden cards. When she returned, she would definitely promote it well at Yuxianlou.

After instructing Chun Dong on some matters concerning the lantern-lighting, Changsun Dan also instructed Da Niu and Tie Zhu to accompany them. Perhaps the two of them combined couldn't beat Dong Yao, but at least they were tall and knowledgeable, and having them around would make people feel much more at ease.

"Susu, there's no curfew tonight. Once the dragon and phoenix lanterns fly into the sky, your master should also keep his promise. We'll bring the person back tonight."

Changsun Dan looked at Wang Susu with a smile:

"Otherwise, I really will file a complaint with the emperor."

Wang Susu gave a slight bow, her expression unreadable.

"I will go back immediately to make arrangements. When it is done, the county magistrate can come and take the person away."

Uncle Fu listened with excitement; his beloved mother was finally coming home. His eyes filled with tears, and he turned back to bow in greeting.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. We'll go to the vicinity of the Tower of Babel to make preparations. You just need to stay and accompany His Majesty."

Changsun Dan nodded slightly, then turned and smiled at Wang Susu:

"If Susu doesn't mind, you can ride in my carriage. It's on the way, and I'll give you a ride."

Wang Susu didn't refuse; she lifted her skirt and got into the car first.

Changsun smiled and said that people become more natural and friendly once they let go of the pretense and formalities.

As if suddenly remembering something, she said to the driver:

"Wait for me a moment."

He turned and ran towards the south courtyard. Su Su also curiously lifted the window curtain and peeked back.

After a while, Changsun Dan came running over, panting, carrying a jar of Immortal's Wine.

"Fine wine has always been given to beautiful women. If Susu likes to drink it, send me a message later and I will have Chunchan deliver it to you."

Wang Susu looked at Changsun Dan in disbelief. Just for this?

Changsun Dan, however, felt that this wave of defeat only cost the cost of a jar of wine, so he couldn't miss the opportunity.

The coachman cracked his whip: "Giddy up..."

Despite his usual jovial demeanor, Changsun Dan felt somewhat embarrassed to be alone with Wang Susu in the carriage. He awkwardly stuck his head out the window. The streets were already filled with lanterns, and various opera and acrobatic performers were flocking to the streets to perform. All kinds of snacks and delicacies were also being sold on the streets, and each stall was surrounded by crowds. The rich aroma of roasted meat filled the air, adding a vibrant touch to this prosperous scene.

Seeing the county magistrate's discomfort, Wang Susu chuckled and teased him intentionally:

"If I ever crave the red-scaled fish caught in the county town, can I still come to Meiyuan again?"

Changsun Dan looked embarrassed and had no choice but to pull his head back.

"Susu can come whenever she wants. Once the first batch of books is printed, I'll ask Susu to come back and sign them."

Wang Susu covered her mouth and chuckled, her left hand, tucked into her sleeve, clutching a small porcelain bottle, her palm clenched tightly and sweaty.

The alleyways were already difficult to navigate. When the carriage reached Zhuque Avenue, the twenty-meter-wide street was so narrow that there was no room for the carriage to pass. It was not yet dark, but almost everyone was carrying a lantern. The Imperial Guards rode their tall horses and moved slowly through the crowd.

Changsun Dan was getting a little anxious. If he had known it would be this congested, he should have left earlier. If he missed the Emperor's imperial procession out of the palace, he didn't know how Li Er would punish him.

He simply jumped down from the carriage:

"Old Qian, after you've seen Miss Su Su off, wait for Uncle Fu at Yu Xian Lou. Don't worry about me."

After saying that, he took off running towards the imperial city. Wang Susu poked her head out and called out, but had no choice but to get back into the carriage. After all, she couldn't show her face in public.