Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 423 Li Zhi's Punishment

When the three of them came out of the palace, they all hung their heads and knelt facing the wall in the corridor. Li Yong muttered, "You two have really ruined me!"

Li Xiao snorted, "That's what you deserve. Who told you not to tell Father about our affair?"

"You...you can even say something like that?"

"Is there something wrong with it? I thought my father had abandoned me, so I started cockfighting for fun. If you had told my father earlier, I would never have done it again!"

Li Lian and Li Xiao shared similar feelings.

What he feared most was his father's neglect and indifference. Now that his father was willing to punish him, he appeared dejected but was secretly delighted.

The three of them knelt for more than an hour, and it was past noon. No one brought them food, and their stomachs were growling with hunger.

They were used to a life of luxury and had never experienced hunger before, so they found it hard to bear.

At that moment, a head popped out from the corner of the corridor. It was the Sixth Prince, Li Xian, who was gnawing on a chicken leg.

Upon seeing him, Li Lian quickly waved and said, "Sixth Brother, come here for a moment."

Li Lian bent over and carefully walked over, asking, "Fourth brother, were you punished by Father to kneel?"

Li Lian looked at the chicken leg in his hand and said, "Sixth Brother, why are you here again?"

Li Xian noticed that he was hungry and said with a smile, "I was worried about you, so I came to check on you."

Li Yong asked, "Don't you need to go to Chongwen Academy for school?"

Li Xian laughed and said, "I already know everything the instructors teach me, so they don't really care about me anymore. I'll go get you some food." He then dashed off.

When Li Xian returned, he was carrying a food box and was followed by two tagalongs.

It was Princess Taiping and Li Dan.

Although Li Xian had skipped school, he dared not let Wu Meiniang know. After returning to the Lizheng Palace, he did not dare to go in. Instead, he sent his eunuchs to call out Li Lingyue and Li Dan and ask them to bring some food.

The two men thought Li Xian was hungry, so they brought him some food. But Li Xian said it wasn't enough and asked them to take more. He also told them about how Li Yong and the other two had been forced to kneel as punishment.

Li Lingyue and Li Dan rarely saw their three older brothers, so they insisted on coming together.

The three of them reached the corner of the corridor. Li Xian handed the food box to Li Lingyue and said, "Little sister, take this over to your three brothers."

Princess Taiping was not familiar with the three men and was not happy about it, saying, "Why doesn't brother go by himself?"

Li Xian said, "Father loves you. If he finds out that we were the ones who sent food to our three older brothers, he will definitely blame me and Xiao Lao Jiu. He won't blame us if you go."

Li Dan nodded his head in agreement.

Princess Taiping smiled broadly and said, "Alright, I'll go run the errand for my brother."

When she took the food box, it felt heavy in her hand, and her small body almost couldn't stand up.

Li Xian asked, "Can you lift it?"

Princess Taiping was very strong-willed. She used both hands and finally managed to lift it up, saying, "It's alright, it's alright."

She looked like a little penguin, struggling to carry the food box, and wobbled as she walked towards Li Yong and the other two.

Princess Taiping was exquisitely beautiful, and the three of them were overjoyed to see that it was their younger sister who had brought them food.

As soon as she approached, Li Xiao hurriedly reached out and took it, saying to her, "Little sister, thank you so much."

Princess Taiping smiled, her eyelashes curved, and asked, "My three brothers, what mistakes have you made that Father is punishing you by making you kneel?"

As Li Yong took the food out of the food box, he muttered to himself about how the two of them had been playing around, and that he had been implicated.

After hearing this, Princess Taiping chuckled and was about to ask another question when she suddenly heard Li Zhi's voice coming from inside the room.

"No talking while facing the wall!"

Princess Taiping was startled and, like a frightened rabbit, turned and ran away.

In fact, Li Zhi already knew everything that was happening outside, and he deliberately turned a blind eye to Li Xian and Princess Taiping's act of sending food.

As for how to educate his three sons, he already had an idea in mind, but he needed to carefully consider how to implement it.

He pondered for a long time in the room, and then ordered Wang Fusheng to summon Wang Jishan to an audience.

Before long, Wang Jishan arrived, and Li Zhi asked him, "Minister Wang, what shops does the Inner Palace Administration operate in Chang'an?"

Wang Jishan replied, "Your Majesty, we have pharmacies, tea shops, and restaurants."

Li Zhi asked, "Are there any places that offer good training opportunities?"

Wang Jishan was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding.

Li Zhi then said, "I want to send my three sons to a shop so they can experience some hardship and earn their own living. Where do you think would be a good place?"

Wang Jishan was startled and hesitated, saying, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince is of noble birth. Sending them to such a place... I'm afraid..."

Li Zhi raised his hand and said, "No need for further words, my mind is made up. I chose the Inner Commandery because it can both temper their character and ensure their safety."

Wang Jishan thought for a moment and said, "Then why don't we send them to a restaurant called Mojiaxuan in Pingkangfang? There are many Hu people there, which should broaden the horizons of the three princes."

Li Zhi said, "Alright, you arrange this matter. I will take them there tomorrow."

Wang Jishan said, “Your Majesty, the three princes have all established their own residences, and many people in the common people know them. I am worried that they will be easily recognized.”

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "It's alright, I have a way to deal with this."

Wang Jishan said no more, took his leave, and went to Mojiaxuan to make arrangements.

As the sun set and dusk fell, the sound of drums signaling the end of the official business could be heard outside.

Li Zhi then ordered the three to end their meditation in seclusion, but forbade them to leave the palace and instead sent them back to the Daji Palace to stay.

That night, Li Zhi went to Chengxiang Palace again and favored Consort Zheng.

Consort Zheng had heard that Emperor Li Zhi had summoned several princes to the palace and punished them by making them face the wall to reflect on their mistakes. She was very grateful for this and served Emperor Li Zhi with all her might.

The next morning, after Li Zhi got up, he issued an edict summoning the three princes to an audience, instructing them to come to Chengxiang Palace and have a meal with Consort Zheng.

The three arrived quickly, all bowing their heads to greet the two.

Li Zhi snorted and said, "Second Prince, if I hadn't summoned you, would you have almost forgotten that you have a mother?"

Li Xiao whispered, "I dare not."

Li Zhi said sternly, "Then why don't you go to the palace to see your mother? Our Tang Dynasty was founded on filial piety, and I even named you with the character 'Xiao' (filial piety). Have you fulfilled your filial duty to your mother?"

Li Xiao knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Consort Zheng, saying, "Your son is unfilial, please forgive me, Mother."

Zheng Cairen's eyes were slightly red. She did have some dissatisfaction with this son, but seeing his dejected appearance, she softened.

"Get up quickly."

Li Xiao did not move.

Li Zhi sneered, "Didn't you hear what your mother said? Get up now!"

Li Xiao then stood up.

"Alright, everyone, sit down and have your meal." Li Zhi waved his hand.

After the meal was finished quietly, Li Zhi said to Consort Zheng, "Bring out the clothes, and I and the others will change into them."

Consort Zheng responded, clapped her hands, and ordered her servants to bring up the clothes.

The three brothers were wondering what was going on when they saw that Li Zhi had changed into a white robe and looked like a scholar, as if he was about to go on an incognito tour.

Li Zhi instructed, "You all should change quickly too."

The three of them quickly changed into ordinary clothes, all of them were brown clothes made of coarse cloth. They had to change both the inner and outer garments, and they also changed their shoes to hemp shoes. This set of clothes was extremely uncomfortable to wear.

It's true that clothes make the man. After the three princes changed into ordinary people's clothes, they looked no different from ordinary people.

However, that's not enough; you're still easily recognized.

Li Zhi ordered someone to fetch coal ash and instruct them to smear it on their faces. The three men dared not disobey, and after smearing it on their faces, their three fair skins instantly turned dark black.

The three looked at each other, still unaware of the seriousness of the problem. Upon seeing each other's appearance, they all found it novel and amusing.

Li Zhi ordered someone to bring Liu Chong'ai over, pointed to the three men, and asked, "Chong'ai, do you recognize these three people?"

Consort Liu stared wide-eyed for a long time before shaking her head and saying, "I don't recognize her." Emperor Gaozong smiled and said, "That's good."

Liu Chong'ai looked at Consort Zheng with a puzzled expression.

“Sister, these are Erlang, Sanlang, and Silang,” Zheng Cairen reminded her.

Liu Chong'ai looked again and recognized it, exclaiming in surprise.

Li Zhi immediately led the three out of the palace, heading south along Zhuque Street, then turning east, and entering Pingkang Ward, arriving at a magnificent restaurant on the north street.

Li Zhi stood outside the restaurant and asked the three men, "Do you know what this place is?"

All three nodded; they had all been here before to drink tea, play chess, and enjoy singing and dancing.

Li Zhi led the three into Mo Jia Xuan.

Under Xue Niang's management, the restaurant quickly returned to its former business. On the wooden stage in the center of the first-floor hall, several dancers were gracefully performing.

Viewed through the screen, their graceful dance moves were even more captivating.

The restaurant is now openly managed by Xue Niang, while Peroz remains hidden in the shadows.

Xue Niang had already received Wang Jishan's instructions and had been waiting for a long time. When she saw Li Zhi enter with three others, she went up to greet them and said with a smile, "Greetings, distinguished guests. Would you like a private room or a seat on the first floor?"

Li Zhi asked, "Shopkeeper, do you hire people here?"

Xue Niang said, "Our shop has only recently reopened and we are short-staffed. We need help right now. Are you here to work as a curtain worker?"

Li Zhi pointed to Li Yong and the other two behind him.

"These are my three sons. They are all in good health. I'd like them to work for you. What do you think?"

The three of them changed their expressions after hearing this.

They are princes, yet their father made them serve others in a restaurant.
Xue Niang glanced at the three of them and nodded, saying, "That's fine, but let me make it clear first: our wages here are four hundred coins a month, excluding food and lodging. If you want to stay here, it'll be three hundred coins a month."

Li Zhi said, "Three hundred it is, but I have one request."

"You say."

Li Zhi said, "They don't have a single copper coin on them, so their wages have to be paid daily."

Xue Niang said, "Alright."

Li Zhi asked, "Do you have a rule here that deducts money for being late?"

Xue Niang paused for a moment, then said, "Well..."

Li Zhi reminded them, "Even if you're late because you overslept in the morning, you still get a few cents deducted from your wages, don't you?"

Xue Niang was determined to cooperate with Li Zhi, so since Li Zhi said yes, she had no choice but to say, "Yes."

Li Zhi said, "Very good, then it's settled."

At this moment, Li Lian, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but say, "Father, how can we do such a thing..."

Li Zhi glanced at him and said coldly, "At least you can earn a wage and support yourselves by working here. Isn't that much more meaningful than what you did before?"

"But my son is not even fifteen years old yet..." he muttered to himself.

Li Zhi said, "It's alright, you're tall, others might not be able to tell."

Li Lian looked up at Xue Niang, only to see her smiling, as if she hadn't heard him. He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "These barbarians are really no good; they even use child labor!"

Li Xiao hesitated and asked, "Father, may I work as a farmhand at the brothel?"

Li Zhi glared and asked, "Are we going there to continue cockfighting?"

Li Xiao immediately fell silent.

Li Yong said urgently, "Father, I am different from them. I have no time for playing. I have been studying and practicing martial arts diligently!"

Li Zhi said calmly, "You keep an eye on them for me."

Li Yong was dumbfounded and speechless.

Li Zhi didn't wait for them to mentally prepare themselves. He handed the three of them over to Xue Niang, helped them sign six-month long-term labor contracts, and then hurriedly left.

Before leaving, he whispered a warning: "Don't blame me for not warning you. If you don't behave, or if someone recognizes you, I'll send you to Japan next time so you can experience life there!"

The three of them turned pale with fright.

Li Zhi ignored them, left the restaurant, took a carriage, and soon returned to Ganlu Palace.

As soon as they entered the room, they saw Wu Meiniang sitting on the couch, holding a chess manual and fiddling with the chess pieces.

Li Zhi asked, "Meiniang, did you come to play chess with me?"

Wu Meiniang gracefully rose, bowed, and said, "This concubine has come to apologize to Your Majesty."

Li Zhi sat down next to her and asked, "What offense do you wish to plead guilty to?"

Wu Meiniang said softly, "As the Empress, I have failed to discipline Erlang, Sanlang and Silang well, and have caused Your Majesty to worry. I am guilty of dereliction of duty."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "In this matter, you and I both bear responsibility. I have already sent them to labor reform. You will also keep an eye on them for me from now on."

Upon hearing the words "labor reform," Wu Meiniang paused for a moment and asked, "Where did Your Majesty send them?"

Li Zhi then told them about sending them to Mojiaxuan.

Wu Meiniang was greatly surprised after hearing this.

Sending a prince to work as a shop assistant was something unheard of in any dynasty.

"Meiniang, do you think what I'm doing is inappropriate?" Li Zhi asked.

Wu Meiniang thought for a moment and smiled, "I admire Your Majesty's determination. Only by experiencing hardship can one understand the difficulties of life and gain a clear understanding of the ways of the world. I support Your Majesty."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "That's good. Consider this incident a lesson. When you teach Xian'er and the others in the future, you can be more hands-on and not spoil them too much."

Wu Meiniang glanced at him and said, "I'm afraid that if I really try to discipline him, Your Majesty will feel sorry for him."

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "From now on, you just need to discipline them. As long as it's for their own good, I won't feel sorry for them!"

……

At dawn, a ray of sunlight broke through the darkness.

In a simple room inside Mojiaxuan on Pingkangfang North Street, a shout suddenly came from.

"Second brother, fourth brother, get up quickly, or we'll dock your wages again!"

"Oh well, fine, I'll just starve to death. I wiped tables all day yesterday, and my arms are so sore I can't move them. Don't worry about me."

"Second brother, your health is really bad! I'm perfectly fine!"

"Sanlang, never mind him, let's hurry up and not be late."

Li Yong and Li Lian quickly finished washing up, put on brown linen clothes, and went to the counter to report to Xue Niang.

I managed to report before Chenshi (7-9 AM) so my wages weren't docked.

Mo Jiaxuan doesn't provide meals, so they have to eat out. The daily wage is ten coins, but if they are late, three coins will be deducted, so each person can only get seven coins.

With only seven coins, it's not even enough for a day's food.

Next to Mo Jia Xuan, there are various snack stalls. A sesame cake costs three coins, a steamed bun costs one coin, and a bowl of ba tuo costs five coins.

The three of them overslept yesterday, so they only ate one sesame seed cake each in the morning and evening. At noon, they could only make do with steamed buns. They couldn't even afford tea from the street vendors and could only drink well water from Mojiaxuan.

In just two days, they began to grasp the concept of money for the first time.

Li Xiao woke up late and only had seven coins today. When he watched Li Yong and Li Lian eat batu at noon, he was extremely envious.

Li Yong and Li Lian exchanged a glance, then shared some of the bread from their bowls with him.

As Li Xiao ate, his eyes suddenly reddened. At that moment, he finally felt the deep bond of brotherhood that is thicker than blood.

The next day, the three brothers got up early and ate ba tuo (a type of flatbread) together at a street stall at noon.

The sky was bright and sunny, and the streets were bustling and lively. Although life was a bit tough, they felt a sense of satisfaction they had never experienced before.

(End of this chapter)