Datang: Longevity for Thousands of Years, Exposed by Xiao Sizi

Chapter 82 Li Shimin was shocked, that person…

"Humph, merchants are lowly. I think they just want to make a fortune by selling at a high price before the imperial examination. This is already a violation of the court's laws. Let's sue them!!"

"Yes, yes, let the court decide."

A group of people shouted and went to the government office to report.

…………

Imperial City.

Tai Chi Palace.

Piles of memorials from bookstores all over Chang'an City were handed to Li Shimin's desk.

There are stacks of them, as thick as a fingernail.

"How could this be possible?!"

"These noble families, the Five Surnames and Seven Families, thought that the imperial examinations would be guarded by His Majesty's men, and that the imperial examinations could not be faked, so they closed all the bookstores in the city, but... they rebelled to such an outrageous degree."

"When did those noble families quietly take control of the entire Chang'an City's book collection?"

"Outrageous, extremely outrageous! The imperial examination has been promulgated, but there are no books to read in the world. If this problem is not solved as soon as possible, the imperial examination will inevitably become a joke, and the court will also become a joke, Your Majesty!"

Changsun Wuji's face was filled with anxiety and anger.

At this moment.

Li Shimin's face also looked extremely ugly.

Just now, he was still gathering Zhangsun Wuji and others, feeling complacent about his swift and decisive actions that prevented the aristocratic families from reacting.

It was expected that the imperial examination decree would be issued quickly and without any hindrance. The people of Chang'an City all knew that this had become a foregone conclusion and the aristocratic families could not stop it.

Very good action!
but!
Before they could be happy for a few hours, news came back that the noble family was closing all the bookstores in the city.

Family!

Family!

Family!

It's them again, obstructing his own policies!
Li Shimin could never have imagined that, except for a few scattered bookstores, all the bookstores in the entire Chang'an City were run by aristocratic families. All the bookstores in Chang'an City... and even in the whole world, might be run by aristocratic families!
"Assistant, now that things have come to this, do you have any ideas to help me turn the situation around?"

Li Shimin asked in a gloomy voice.

Changsun Wuji and others all shook their heads.

"Your Majesty, all the bookstores in Chang'an City are owned by aristocratic families. It took time to acquire all of them right under our noses."

"I believe they must have learned from the previous imperial examinations and planned for several years. Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, we have had too many things to deal with and our manpower is scattered. We don't have as much energy as them to focus on one thing. We... are not well prepared."

Changsun Wuji was very helpless.

Wei Zheng also shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, there is no solution to this situation. Once bitten by a snake, one will be afraid of ropes for ten years. The Five Surnames and Seven Hopes must understand this truth."

The words of the two ministers made Li Shimin feel cold in his heart.

Qin Qiong stood up at this time, extremely angry, his eyes red, and said: "Your Majesty! Let me lead the troops to smash their bookstore!"

"This is absolutely not allowed, General Qin! The imperial court is the embodiment of public credibility. The people of the world are watching us. If we smash their bookstore for no reason and commit such a robbery, the Five Surnames and Seven Famous Families will definitely use public opinion to impeach us. The people of the world will also be disheartened and think that the imperial court is a robber!"

Changsun Wuji was frightened and quickly spoke out to stop him.

Qin Qiong said angrily, "Then Zhangsun Pushe, what do you think we should do?"

"This... I don't know either."

Changsun Wuji's whole body revealed confusion.

When Li Shimin heard what the two said, his heart became even heavier.

Is it really true that there is no way at all?

silence.

Spreading in Taiji Palace.

This went on for a long time, and several court ministers still had no idea what to do.

They thought about it.

All the books in Chang'an City are controlled by the aristocratic families, and if they print the books themselves, it will take a long time.

And now, the imperial examination was promulgated.

The time for the first examination has already been set. If it is changed or cancelled at this time, the credibility of the court will be greatly damaged.

this matter,

It seemed that no matter how the arrangements were made, the imperial court would suffer losses.

"Now it seems that there is only one way left."

Wei Zheng sighed.

Others, including Li Shimin, looked at him with hope on their faces.

"What do you think, Minister Wei?"

Changsun Wuji asked.

Wei Zheng sighed again: "At this stage, I'm afraid... we can only cancel the imperial examination and discuss a new round of imperial examinations after the court is fully prepared."

Regarding the imperial examination system, Wei Zheng always held an opposing view.

Now the facts have proved that this is indeed not the right time to hold the imperial examination.

"this.…"

Changsun Wuji was stunned.

So does everyone else.

The imperial examination had only been open for a short time, less than a day, and it was cancelled?

How will people all over the world view the imperial court?
How do you view the struggle between the imperial court and the aristocratic families?
They would think that the aristocratic families are far more powerful than the imperial court!
As for the aristocratic families, they would also mock the imperial court unscrupulously.

I will be more confident in the future.

When I think of such a future...

Body cold!

Panic in my heart!

Grit your teeth!

Zhangsun Wuji and others did not want to cancel the imperial examination system.

But….
If we don't cancel it, what else can we do?!

All the readable books in the world are in the hands of aristocratic families, and printing books is not something that can be done overnight. Should we just let the imperial examination stand still like this?
What should we do when the time comes for the imperial examination?
"Let's go, all of you go down first."

As if realizing that there was no other good solution, Li Shimin waved his hand and dismissed everyone.

The arc of the waving hand was so powerless and helpless.

"Your Majesty, you..."

Changsun Wuji wanted to say something but stopped himself, as he was worried about His Majesty's condition.

"I'm fine, let's go."

"Everyone, go down and calm down. I, too, need some quiet time."

He waved again to dismiss everyone.

Changsun Wuji and others were unwilling but there was nothing they could do. This was the reality, so they had no choice but to leave Taiji Palace helplessly.

Not long after they left.

Li Shimin, who had suppressed his anger for a long time, punched the desk hard.

"Oh!"

The sound was so loud that the servants outside the Taiji Palace were all trembling with fear.

"Aristocratic family! Damn it!"

Li Shimin roared angrily, this was the first time he was so angry.

Then I began to think about how to solve the current dilemma.

….….….….….….
the other side.

Empress Changsun was having a heart-to-heart talk with Princess Changle.

"Mother, please...please don't talk nonsense!"

Princess Changle's face turned slightly red.

Because just now, Empress Changsun talked about her and Qin Changye, and she said it so bluntly, saying when she became moved.

This….
Princess Changle blushed immediately, and her originally pleasant mood for discussion collapsed at this moment.

Empress Changsun smiled and said, "Okay, then let's not talk about it. In fact, you also know that Master Qin has no achievements to his name at the moment."

"Although he is truly extraordinary, not only did he save you but he also became famous at the poetry meeting, but in the eyes of outsiders, there is still a certain gap in status between you two."

"Some other day...why don't you ask Master Qin if he has any plans to serve as an official in the court? It just so happens that His Majesty is holding the imperial examination today, which will be a good channel."

Princess Changle's eyes flickered when she heard this.

Imperial Examination….
Although she thought that with Qin Changye's literary talent, it would not be too difficult to gain some fame from it.

but….
She knew that Qin Changye regarded these as external things and most likely did not care about them.

Just thinking,

Then a maid came in.

"Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness Changle."

"His Highness Xiao Sizi is back, but... he seems a little distressed when he comes back today, and he is holding a book in his hand."

Princess Changle seemed to be thinking: "Troubled?"

If she remembered correctly, Xiao Sizi went to Qin Changye this morning. This was her favorite thing, so why would she be worried?
"Bluebird, bring Xiao Sizi here."

Empress Changsun smiled and didn't care about it.

Little guy, you are always in trouble.

She saw it all.

"clear."

The maid Qingniao bowed and quickly brought Xiao Sizi in.

When he saw the two people close to him, the little Sizi immediately cried, "Mother, sister, wuwuwu...save Sizi!"

She threw herself into Princess Changle's arms.

He looked aggrieved.

"Second brother, I don't know what's wrong with second brother. He actually let Sizi study!"

"You know, Sizi doesn't want to study! Just now, after coming back, he tried to read the book given by his second brother, but he couldn't understand it at all!"

Xiao Sizi tried to read hard, but he still felt bored.

The next time we meet,
Her second brother told her that he wanted to show her the results of her studies to prevent her from slacking off.

It’s over!

She really wants to slack off, what should she do now?
If her second brother knew that she was slacking off, would he not take her to the ancient tomb?

"Hmm? Little Sizi, isn't this good?"

Princess Changle laughed.

The little guy didn't study much and even she couldn't help him. Now Qin Changye came to treat him, so she was not very sad.

"Sister, this is not good! It's very bad!!"

Little Sizi said in a baby voice and stomped his feet angrily.

She was holding a book in her right hand, and perhaps she felt that she was holding it too tightly, so she quickly loosened her grip for fear of damaging the book.

"Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay."

"What book is it? Let me take a look."

Princess Changle became curious and wanted to see what Master Qin used as little Sizi's first book.

Sometimes, when reading a book to a child for the first time, one has to consider that person’s vision and ability.

"Sister, this is for you! Don't break it! Otherwise, Sizi won't be able to explain to his second brother!"

Little Sizi gave the book to him like a treasure.

Although she said that studying was not good and she was very angry, she still protected the book very well, only because the book was given to her by Qin Changye.

If it was given by someone else, she would just throw it away!
Princess Changle took the book, while Empress Zhangsun beside her didn't care and began to comfort her daughter.

This is an article called "The Rules for Disciples".

Although the language of "The Rules of Disciples" is not ornate, some parts of it are not quatrains.

However, "The Rules of Disciples" has extremely profound meaning, and contains more than 300 words, or even more than 1,000 characters.

Princess Changle is very talented in writing.

At this moment,
Naturally, we can see how talented the person who could write this poem is.

"This, Young Master Qin is really talented in writing."

Princess Changle couldn't help but sigh.

Sure enough, the person who was able to compose more than 30 poems in one breath last night was definitely not an ordinary person.

At the same time, this also made Princess Changle feel inferior.

Empress Changsun said that Qin Changye was not worthy of her, but she didn't think so.

Suspected to be the immortal, the medical talent, the literary attainments...
Qin Changye's many deeds made her feel more and more inferior, thinking that she was not worthy of him.

"Huh? This is..."

Looking at "The Rules of Disciples" again, Princess Changle frowned slightly and found something wrong.

【，】This symbol is a comma, which is used to separate verses or sentences at rhyme or pause.

For example, [Practice spear today, practice sword tomorrow. ]

【。】This symbol is a period, which is used at the end of a sentence to indicate that one has finished speaking.

For example, [I am full. ]

【？】This symbol is a question mark. It is used when there is confusion in a sentence. It means there is a question and needs others to answer it.

For example, [What nonsense are you talking about? ]

【！】This symbol is an exclamation mark, which is used when expressing surprise in a sentence, indicating that one is shocked by this matter or this object.

For example, [My child can do a backflip! ]

Note: [Little Sizi, remember which symbols you don’t understand, come to me, don’t force yourself. ]

……

There are also various explanations of the symbols below, up to sixteen in total.

"this!"

Princess Changle widened her beautiful eyes.

Nowadays, popular books in Chang'an City, and even in the entire Tang Dynasty, do not have punctuation marks.

It all depends on the individual to remember the content, and where to pause depends on personal understanding.

And these punctuation marks, punctuation marks….
Princess Changle looked solemn.

Try to use the symbols in the book to understand the content of the book that you are most familiar with, Mencius.

[Mencius replied: In bad years and famine years, your people, the old and weak, drifted into ditches, the strong scattered in all directions, and there were several thousand people in all directions.] As expected... the so-called full stops and commas are used perfectly to fill in the sentences.

It makes the poetry and books that originally had no symbols more easy to understand!

Simple symbols.

but!
The effect is shocking!
As she read on, Princess Changle felt that these symbols were used perfectly.

Just like the finishing touch, it brings all the articles to life.

"Mother, there is a great discovery!"

Princess Changle said subconsciously: "Mother..."

She looked back and found that Xiao Sizi and Empress Changsun were playing and didn't hear what she said at first.

Princess Changle thought about it and decided not to insist.

She continued to watch.

On the other side, after playing with little Sizi until she was tired and calmed the little guy down and sat him down to drink tea, Empress Changsun finally had time to come over.

"What's wrong with Changle? Why does it take so long to read a book?"

Empress Changsun couldn't help but ask.

This is not Changle's personality. She has profound attainments in literature and can understand the meaning of many books after just a few glances. She has also read various books in her early years, so she is familiar with all kinds of metals.

There are very few books nowadays that can keep her reading for so long.

"Mother, I have never seen the content of this book before. I think it was created by Master Qin. And the punctuation marks... are really thought-provoking! In the past, my Tang Dynasty books did not have any punctuation marks. This book uses punctuation marks. Master Qin... is really amazing!"

Princess Changle began to explain, her voice full of shock.

She watched it several times and still couldn't stop being shocked.

At present, a book or an article in Datang is all words connected together without any pause.

If you want to read it, you must read it all in one breath.

It is also long and difficult to understand.

It is extremely demanding on one's memory.

It is precisely because the whole article is difficult to read, with the words so densely packed together that it makes no sense to read.

Many people cannot stand reading this kind of books and turn away from them, which leads to very few people reading.

Even for readers who can accept this type of article, it is difficult to get started. They often finish reading and then forget what they have just read. However, a bunch of words are crowded together, and if they read the wrong line due to distraction, they have to look for the paragraph they just read again in the densely packed text.

All kinds of difficulties are very discouraging!

Now the emergence of punctuation marks can solve the problem of the entire article being difficult to understand. For example, a period can separate sentences. If the reader has a poor memory, he can just recite a single sentence and then continue with the next sentence after he is familiar with it.

"What, this... Let me see."

Empress Changsun took it quickly, looked at it for a while, and exclaimed: "This, that Qin Langjun is really talented, he can create such a magical thing!"

"If these punctuation marks are popularized, the help to the scholars in our Tang Dynasty will be immeasurable!"

At this time, Empress Chang Sun also saw it and was shocked.

She used to read books.
It's so crowded that I feel sleepy just reading it.

And with these punctuation marks, she didn't feel sleepy at all after reading it just now.

Those punctuation marks cleverly separate the sentences, making the overall look and feel dozens of times better.

"Yes! If this book becomes popular, with these books, the number of scholars in our Tang Dynasty will increase several times!"

"Moreover, these punctuation marks are not found in the books of the aristocratic families. I believe that these books will definitely beat those of the aristocratic families and become the mainstream of the market!"

"There are so many books here. We don't need to rely on the books in the hands of aristocratic families. We can sell books to scholars all over the world!"

Princess Changle was delighted.

She is always dignified and elegant, and at this moment her smile is so bright.

"Yes! But... it is difficult to popularize. After all, the craftsmanship and effort required to make a book are too complicated."

Queen Changsun sighed.

Upon hearing this, Princess Changle's excitement began to fade away.

“That’s true…”

"We can use this kind of punctuation in our future books."

Princess Changle spoke again.

To this, Empress Changsun nodded.

………………

evening.

Li Shimin returned to the palace with a depressed look on his face.

Seeing his appearance, Empress Chang Sun couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, Your Majesty?"

Li Shimin was upset because of the imperial examination. Now all the books were taken back by the aristocratic families. He thought about it for a whole day but couldn't figure out how to deal with it.

Empress Changsun had spent the entire afternoon with Princess Changle and Xiao Sizi, so she had no idea about this.

There is another reason.
She focused on the harem and handled various conflicts in the harem for Li Shimin. As for political affairs, she did not interfere much.

"Guanyin maid, today...ah."

Li Shimin looked at the bewildered Empress Changsun and originally wanted to perfunctorily let her bear the consequences himself, but after thinking about it, this might only make Empress Changsun more upset.

Just as Empress Changsun understood Li Shimin, Li Shimin also understood his wife better than anyone else.

So, I just said it directly.

Imperial examinations, books…
When Empress Changsun heard this, her expression changed slightly.

"This... noble family actually has such a trick up their sleeve!"

Empress Changsun was also surprised.

Li Shimin sighed, "Yes, now the power of the nobles and the court is almost the same. The court has to devote its energy to various parts of the Tang Dynasty every day, such as floods, food shortages, and foreign threats..."

"And the aristocratic families have only one goal, which is to ensure the safety and growth of their own clans."

"That's why they can think deeper and further, and control more things than the imperial court."

"Looking at this situation now, it seems like there is really no solution. The books can be redrawn, but I have asked Li Baiyao, and he said that at least one batch of books will take a month. By then, the situation will have been reversed."

Empress Changsun frowned slightly: "It is indeed difficult."

"Speaking of books, Your Majesty, please take a look at this book."

Empress Changsun took out the copy of "The Rules for Being a Good Pupil and Child".

Little Sizi treated this book as a treasure.

So in the evening, it was harder than climbing to the sky for her to get it. Finally, after repeated assurances, the little Sizi reluctantly left it with her for the night.

The reason why Empress Changsun left this book was very simple: she wanted Li Shimin to read it as well.

She knew that most books on the market were controlled by clans, and the punctuation marks that were not included in this book might be able to change the temporary status quo.

Just like when new products come out, old products will always be eliminated from the market.

But no one would have expected that the nobles would control books to such a terrifying extent.

Li Shimin took it and started reading it.

He seemed quite calm at first, but his expression became more and more serious the more I looked at him.

"Punctuation marks? This is the finishing touch to a book. I wonder which expert created it?"

Li Shimin was also amazed.

Empress Changsun laughed and said, "Your Majesty, we both know this person. He is very familiar to me."

"But it has never appeared before. It has only gained fame recently."

Hearing this, Li Shimin asked tentatively: "Qin...Qin Wenyuan?"

Empress Changsun smiled and nodded: "Not bad."

"This..." Li Shimin was shocked: "How could it be Qin Wenyuan! It would take at least a month to write this book. Where did he get the time? Or did he have it before?"

"Or was it that person... who gave it to him?"

Empress Changsun shook her head: "I don't know about this, but this book has indeed appeared, and it is more competitive than the old book."

"Can we change the current situation?"

Li Shimin thought about it, frowned and said: "It's difficult. Now is a time of racing against time. Students have begun to be disappointed with the imperial examination."

"It would take at least a month to produce a book of this volume, and even longer if you add the punctuation."

"The outcome of the imperial examination that I was competing against the aristocratic families had already been decided. Even if such a book were published, it would not affect the overall situation."

"This... Alas, if I had known about this book a day later, I could have kept a low profile and secretly found someone to produce this book in large quantities. The situation at that time would not have been so passive."

"I... was still too impatient."

Li Shimin's face was full of regret.

Empress Changsun touched his chest and said, "Your Majesty, how could you and I have predicted such a thing?"

"I can only say that fate is not on our side today."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin sighed.

Yes.

Destiny is not here, destiny is not here~

This book is indeed amazing, but the appearance of a book today cannot change the overall situation at all.

………………

at the same time.

the other side.

Little Sizi, carrying a bag of treasures on his back, tiptoed towards Wangyun Inn.

She was not in the palace today, but sneaked out of the palace.

That’s because as Qin Changye said, night... is the best time to enter the ancient tomb.

Because in the morning, there is a chance that we will be discovered.

So night is best.

Little Sizi kept these words in mind and sneaked out tonight while no one was noticing.

"Hehe, I'm very smart! I sneaked out of such a big palace and no one noticed!"

Little Sizi was a little proud.

However, if these words were heard by some people in secret, they would feel quite embarrassed.

Those people were the Jinwu Guards in the dark.

After that encounter in the ancient tomb,
How could Li Shimin dare to relax his protection of Xiao Sizi?

So at all times, there are Jinwu Guards nearby to protect Xiao Sizi.

Their mission is to protect Xiao Sizi secretly without him knowing.

And tonight,
After Xiao Sizi came out, he was also in their sight. Even in the palace, those who were supposed to be stationed where Xiao Sizi went were called away by them.

"Your Highness Xiao Sizi seems to have improved his stamina? The distance between the palace and Wangyun Inn is nearly two quarters of an hour, but Your Highness doesn't even feel tired."

"Yes, it seems that Qin Wenyuan gave His Highness Xiao Sizi something to drink, and then His Highness's physical strength improved a lot."

"I see. But don't we need to be on guard against those things?"

"Be on guard? We asked the commander, and he said it was arranged by the higher-ups. His Highness Changle's life was saved by that person, so don't stop him from doing anything."

"Tonight, His Highness Xiao Sizi went to see that person. What was he going to do?"

"I don't know. Anyway, the commander told me to wait and observe."

"...."

The Jinwu Guards gathered in groups of three or four, discussing and talking constantly.

the other side.

Xiao Sizi finally arrived at Wangyun Inn, and Qin Changye just happened to come out and wait outside the inn.

He arrived here by chance. Was it really a coincidence, or did he know it all along?
No one can know.

"Hehe, second brother, I'm awesome!"

"I told you I could find it!"

Little Sizi held his head high and said with pride.

Nowadays,

She and Qin Changye agreed to meet tonight. Originally, Qin Changye was going to come to the palace to find her, but Xiao Sizi refused.

Say that you can find Wangyun Inn.

Moreover, Wangyun Inn is closer to the secret passage.

"Yeah, I didn't expect our little Sizi to be so powerful."

Qin Changye laughed and couldn't help but touch the little Sizi's head.

Little Sizi's face puffed up like a balloon: "Second brother, what are you talking about! Sizi is very powerful!"

She looked a little angry, but didn't stop Qin Changye from rubbing her head.

"Uh...yes."

Qin Changye smiled awkwardly, thought for a moment, and continued, "Where's your book? How is it going?"

This made Xiao Sizi feel a little uneasy.

"Books? Oh, I left them in the palace and forgot to bring them out."

"As for studying... Sizi is studying very hard! Woo woo woo, but there is no result yet! Second brother, you have to believe in Sizi!"

Qin Changye rolled his eyes.

I don't believe you.

This little guy is so easy to tell when he lies.

Oh, if I had known this, I should have agreed to go to the ancient tomb together after some time.

Qin Changye felt helpless.

Now that I'm here tonight, there's nothing I can do.

"Okay, let's go to the ancient tomb."

Qin Changye led Xiao Sizi to the ancient tomb.

"Hehe, okay!"

Suddenly, little Sizi smiled happily and pulled Qin Changye's big hand with surprise.

And before leaving,

Qin Changye glanced around a few times, looking at them meaningfully.

Then, he continued to move forward with Xiao Sizi.

The direction he was looking,
It looks quiet, but... the Jinwu Guards are hiding there.

All of them, Jinwu Guards.

(End of this chapter)