Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 425 The Wisdom of Sages

Today was the busiest day for Li Yong and his two companions since they arrived at Mojiaxuan. They were busy until 9 PM before they could finally take a break.

They had already eaten by mid-You Shi (5-7 PM), but after being busy for more than an hour, they were hungry again, so they wandered the streets in search of food.

Although it was late at night, there were still many food stalls on the street. The three of them looked at this and that, and their mouths were watering.

Unfortunately, they've used up all their money for today and can't afford to buy anything.

Li Xiao rubbed his belly, unable to contain himself any longer, and complained, "When will this ever end!"

Li Yong muttered, "It should be at least three months. Father has already signed a contract with Manager Xue."

Li Xiao gritted his teeth and said, "Third Brother, Fourth Brother, I want to sneak back to the manor and bring some food over for a big meal. What do you think?"

Li Yong exclaimed in shock, "Are you crazy? If Father finds out, he'll definitely send you to Japan!"

Li Xiao said in a deep voice, "If we are discovered, I will take the blame myself. It's better than starving to death now!"

Li Lian suddenly walked up to a flatbread stall, bought three flatbreads, then returned to the two men and handed one to each of them.

Li Xiao asked in surprise, "Fourth brother, where did you get this money?"

Li Lian laughed and said, "A few days ago, a guest came to the restaurant. When I served him tea, I overheard him talking and learned that he was a fan of insect fighting. So I chatted with him about insect fighting and even taught him some insect fighting techniques. The man was delighted and rewarded me with ten coins."

Li Xiaoyi patted him on the shoulder and said happily, "You really have a way!"

She took a bite of the pancake, eating it so quickly that a strand of hair hanging down beside her ear ended up in her mouth. She quickly reached out and brushed it away.

After the three of them finished eating, they returned to the backyard, drank some well water, and then washed themselves.

As soon as Li Yong lay down on the bed, he heard Li Lian snoring.

He was actually very tired, but whenever he thought about the scene when Wang Bo saw him during the day, he felt that things were not going well.

Wang Bo was his best friend. After Li Yong established his residence, the two met almost every day. Li Yong often invited Wang Bo to stay overnight at the residence, and the two slept side by side.

Judging from Wang Bo's reaction just now, he clearly recognized him.

If he comes looking for me tomorrow and exposes my identity, my father will definitely be furious.

"Oh dear, what should I do? Should I secretly go to Wang Bo and ask him to keep my secret?"

Just as Li Yong was pondering this, he suddenly heard a soft "snap" sound. Someone sat up, then got up and started getting dressed.

Li Yong glanced to the side and was startled, thinking to himself, "Why is my second brother up? If he's just getting up in the middle of the night, why is he putting on clothes? Is he planning to sneak back to the Prince's mansion?"

Li Yong remained motionless until Li Xiao gently pushed open the door and left the room. Only then did he quickly put on his clothes and follow him.

As expected, Li Xiao wasn't there to get up in the middle of the night. He quietly went to the back door, unlatched it, and quietly left Mo Jiaxuan. After going around to the main street, he sped away.

Li Yong stamped his foot and said, "Has Second Brother gone mad? The gates of the ward are closed now. If he wants to return to the Prince's Mansion, he can only do so by revealing his identity. Isn't he afraid that Father will find out? No, I must stop him!"

Li Yong quickly chased after him.

Just then, a carriage drove up the quiet street, seemingly heading towards Li Xiao.

Li Yong exclaimed in surprise, "Second brother, you've even prepared a carriage? What exactly is he planning to do?"

Unexpectedly, the carriage did not stop and passed Li Xiao directly, only stopping when it was right in front of him.

It turned out the carriage was coming for him.

The carriage curtain was pulled open, revealing Wang Bo's head, who waved to him and said, "Fourth Prince, come up quickly."

Li Yong was overjoyed. Wang Bo secretly came to see him, which was a good opportunity to keep the secret.

He couldn't care less about Li Xiao for the time being, and quickly got into the carriage. As soon as he got in, he smelled the aroma of meat. It turned out that Wang Bo was carrying a food box.

"Your Highness, are you hungry? Eat up, there's your favorite bear paw inside," Wang Bo said with a smile.

Li Yong swallowed hard, but didn't reach out. He said in a deep voice, "Wang Bo, have you told anyone that you recognized me?"

Wang Bo shook his head and said, "No, I guessed that Your Highness was punished by His Majesty to work here, so I dared not tell anyone."

Li Yongxi said, “You are indeed clever. That’s exactly the situation. You must not reveal my identity to anyone, and you are not allowed to come looking for me again!”

Wang Bo sighed, "Your Highness, what exactly did you do wrong that His Majesty must punish you like this?"

Li Yong said, "You don't need to ask any more questions. I'm leaving now. Remember my words, don't come looking for me again." After saying that, he jumped off the carriage.

Wang Bo watched Li Yong walk away, a strange feeling rising in his heart. In just half a month, the Fourth Prince had changed.

When Li Yong returned to the house in the backyard of Mo Jiaxuan, Li Lian was still fast asleep, and Li Xiao was nowhere to be seen.

Li Yongqiang fought off his sleepiness and sat on the bed to wait.

After an unknown amount of time, the crowing of roosters could be heard outside, and Li Xiaocai finally returned.

He seemed to be carrying something in his hand, but it was unclear in the darkness.

He placed the item in the corner and then lay down on the bed to sleep.

Li Yong was too tired to stay awake any longer. He thought that since the man was willing to come back, things couldn't be too bad. He would ask him about it tomorrow, so he lay down and went to sleep.

The next morning, Li Yong was awakened by a delicious aroma. He sat up and saw Li Xiao and Li Lian squatting in front of a small stove, stewing something.

Seeing that he had gotten up, Li Xiao waved to him and said, "Sanlang, come quickly, there's chicken soup today!"

Li Yong jumped up and went to the stove, where a pot of chicken soup was indeed simmering. He hurriedly asked, "Where did the chicken come from?"

Li Xiaodao: "A few days ago, a guest came to the building. I heard him talking about cockfighting, so I chatted with him for a bit. We got along very well, and yesterday he sent someone to deliver a chicken to me."

“I originally planned to eat it secretly, but didn’t Silang distribute cakes to us yesterday? So I thought I’d take it out and let everyone eat it together.”

Li Lian laughed and scolded, "Second brother, you're really not being fair. If I don't buy you cakes, are you not going to share any meat with us?"

Li Xiao laughed and said, "Stop talking nonsense, it's cooked, let's eat!"

Li Lian was about to reach for his chopsticks when Li Yong stopped him.

"Third brother, what are you doing?" Li Lian asked.

Li Yong, his face grim, stared directly at Li Xiao and said, "Second brother, you have disappointed me greatly."

Li Xiao's face paled slightly as he asked, "What's wrong?"

Li Yong said, "This chicken of yours wasn't a gift from someone else; you secretly went back to the Prince's mansion yesterday to get it, didn't you?"

Upon hearing this, Li Lian was greatly surprised, and he dropped his chopsticks on the ground.

Li Xiao's face grew even paler, and he lowered his head without making a sound.

Li Yong snorted, "Father told me to keep an eye on you, and now that this has happened, I have no choice but to tell Father!"

Li Lian said urgently, "Fourth brother, let it go. Second brother's first time was also just this."

Li Yong shouted, "If there's a first time, there will be a second time. Don't you understand? He's completely unrepentant!"

Li Xiao's expression changed drastically, and he said to Li Lian, "Fourth brother, there's no need to say anything. I will take responsibility for my own actions and will not implicate you."

After saying that, he stood up and strode out of the house.

When Li Yong and Li Lian chased after him, Li Xiao had already left Mo Jiaxuan and was on the main street.

The two men, no longer caring about deducting his wages, hurriedly chased after him and stopped him on the street.

"Second brother, where are you going?"

"I will go and tell my father everything, and I will absolutely not involve either of you!"

Li Lian said urgently, "Third brother, that's not what I meant! Third brother, say something!"

Li Yong coughed and said, "Second brother, as long as you promise not to do this kind of thing again, I won't tell Father."

Li Xiao coldly replied, "No need."

Li Yongqi said urgently, "You made a mistake, and you still think you're right?"

The three of them chattered and made noise all the way to Anshang Gate. Just as they were about to go in, a eunuch suddenly came out of the gate. It was Xiaolou, Li Zhi's personal eunuch.

Upon seeing the three, Xiao Lou quickly approached and said, "Your Highnesses have arrived at the right time; His Majesty has summoned you for an audience."

The three of them turned pale instantly.

Their argument was originally just a matter of pride; Li Xiao planned to make a scene at the city gate, and if Li Yong backed down, he would go back. Unexpectedly, Li Zhi suddenly summoned them, clearly aware of what had happened the previous day.

Li Xiao's face was ashen as he followed Xiao Lou into the palace. Li Yong and Li Lian were also dejected to see him like this.

Before long, the three of them bypassed Ganlu Hall and continued towards the inner palace.

Li Lian couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Lou, where did Father summon us?"

Xiao Lou said, "His Majesty is in Chengxiang Hall."

Inside Chengxiang Palace, Li Zhi was having breakfast with Consort Zheng, and this morning they were having chicken soup.

As soon as the three entered the hall, they smelled a wonderful aroma. The imperial chefs from the Imperial Kitchen were naturally far more skilled than they were. The rich and mellow aroma of the chicken soup made their mouths water.

The three bowed in unison and said, "Your children greet your father and your mother, Aunt Zheng."

Li Zhi glanced at the three of them and said, "You should have had chicken soup this morning, right? Well then, I won't invite you to drink it. Get up."

The three of them were even more terrified after hearing this.

Li Zhi even knew that they were going to drink chicken soup in the morning, which clearly meant he knew everything.

“Father, I was so hungry that I urged my second brother to go back to the palace to get a chicken. It’s all my fault. Please punish me!” Li Yong knelt on the ground again and kowtowed heavily.

Li Xiao stared at Li Yong in astonishment, never expecting him to take the blame for him.

"No, I was hungry yesterday, so I asked my second brother to find me something to eat. Father, please punish me!" Li Lian also knelt down.

Li Xiao took a deep breath, knelt on the ground, and solemnly said, "Father, this is my own decision. It has nothing to do with my two younger brothers. No matter how you punish me, I will have no complaints!"

Li Zhi put down his chopsticks and bowl, stared at him, and said, "Then tell me, why did you go back to the Prince's Mansion to get the chicken?"

Li Xiao lowered his head and said, "Last night, Si Lang used the money he earned to buy me a pancake. I felt ashamed because as the elder brother, I had to rely on my younger brother for care. That's why I risked going back to the mansion to get a chicken for my two younger brothers to have a treat."

Li Yong suddenly raised his head and looked at Li Xiao, only then realizing that he wasn't doing it for his own sake.

Li Zhi then asked, "I know you have many chickens in your household. Which chicken did you choose?"

Li Xiao said in a low voice, "It is the Flying General that Father mentioned last time."

Li Yong and Li Lian were shocked again upon hearing this.

Li Zhi asked, "Isn't that your favorite chicken? Why did you kill it?"

Li Xiaodao: "I have realized my past mistakes and I deeply abhor cockfighting. Therefore, I want to kill the Flying General first to show my resolve!"

Li Zhi said slowly, "I am pleased that you were able to kill the Flying General, but you have indeed broken your promise to me, and I must punish you!"

Li Xiao's nose tingled with emotion. He glanced at Li Lian and Li Yong, gritted his teeth, and said, "Your son is willing to go to Japan!"

Upon hearing this, Li Lian and Li Yong hurriedly kowtowed and begged for mercy.

"Stop arguing, I haven't said I'm going to send him to Japan yet."

Li Zhi stopped the two men and said to Li Xiao, "Second son, considering that you killed the Flying General, I can spare you from going to Japan. However, I originally planned to punish you with three months of labor, but now I'm going to increase it to a year. Are you satisfied with that?"

Upon hearing that he didn't have to go to Japan, Li Xiao was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Father!"

Li Lian and Li Yong said in unison, "Father, your children are willing to share the blame for your elder brother!"

Li Zhi glanced at the two men and said, "Alright, then I'll give you three extra months each, and punish you by making you work at Mo Jiaxuan for six months. Any objections?"

Li Yong and Li Lian replied in unison, "We have no objection!"

Li Xiao glanced at his two brothers and choked up, saying, "Your son thanks you, Father!"

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "Alright, you probably haven't had breakfast yet. Sit down and have a meal before leaving the palace. I'm leaving now." He got up and left the room.

As soon as he walked away, the three of them jumped up, hugged each other, and cheered with joy.

Seeing the three of them, Consort Zheng smiled slightly, ordered someone to bring three sets of chopsticks, and said with a smile, "Stop jumping around, sit down and have your meal!"

The three sat at the table, drinking the chicken soup in big gulps. It was black chicken soup that they had drunk before, but now it seemed like a delicacy they had never tasted before.

Consort Zheng sat to the side, watching Li Xiao drink the soup, and gently wiped his mouth with a silk handkerchief.

Meanwhile, Li Zhi returned to Ganlu Palace and, after handling the morning's affairs, a palace attendant reported that Hei Chi Changzhi was requesting an audience outside the palace gates.

Jiang Ke once submitted a memorial to Emperor Gaozong, strongly recommending Heichi Changzhi, saying that he was loyal and courageous and could be of great use.

Even without Jiang Ke's memorial, Li Zhi would have still given Heichi Changzhi an important position.

According to the original history, after Xue Rengui, this man was considered one of the most valiant generals of the Tang Dynasty, and also the Tang general most feared by the Tibetans.

Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) received Heokchi Changji in the main hall, greatly encouraged him, and inquired about the current situation of Baekje.

Hei Chi Changzhi said, "Your Majesty, the situation in Baekje has stabilized and there are no hidden dangers."

Li Zhi said, "I've heard that there are still some rebellions in Baekje."

Hei Chi Changzhi solemnly replied, “Your Majesty, there was a county general named Chi Shouxin who incited many people to rebel in Rencun City. Before I left Baekje, this man had already been defeated by General Jiang Ke’s troops.”

Li Zhi nodded and said, "That's good."

Hei Chi Changzhi said, "Your Majesty, there is one more thing. General Jiang Ke asked me to report to you."

Li Zhi said, "Speak."

Hei Chi Changzhi said, "In late February, Goguryeo suddenly increased its troops in a key border town with Baekje. I don't know why."

Li Zhi's eyes flashed, and he asked, "What do you think?"

Hei Chi Changzhi said, "I have discussed this matter with General Jiang Ke, and we both find it very strange."

“When we attacked Buyeo Boksin, my biggest fear was that Goguryeo would send troops to help us. But Goguryeo did nothing until Boksin was defeated and fled.”

"Now that Baekje has stabilized, Goguryeo should not make any further moves. However, they have suddenly reinforced their troops on the border. General Jiang Ke and I do not understand what the Goguryeo people are thinking."

Li Zhi laughed and said, "Actually, this is not hard to understand. There are only two possibilities for Goguryeo to increase its troops: either they want to send troops to attack, or they are afraid of being attacked."

Hei Chi Changzhi was startled and said, "Your Majesty, are you saying that they are worried that the Tang Dynasty will send troops from Xiongjin Port to attack them?"

Li Zhi countered, "Is that not possible?"

Hei Chi Changzhi hesitated and said, "But the Xiongjin Governor's Office has not reinforced the border. Logically speaking, they wouldn't suddenly increase their troops!"

Li Zhi said with a burning gaze, "Since it's not an external cause, it can only be an internal one."

Hei Chi Chang asked, "Internal reasons?"

Li Zhi turned his head and stared at the northeast direction, saying word by word: "If I am not mistaken, Yeon Gaesomun is either seriously ill or already dead. Goguryeo is afraid that we will take the opportunity to invade, so they are taking precautions in advance!"

Hei Chi Changzhi was secretly surprised. The emperor deduced that Quan Gai Suwen was in trouble based on just one border troop movement. Wasn't that a bit too far-fetched?
Just then, a palace attendant came to report that Minister of War Hao Chujun was waiting outside the palace to present an urgent military report.

Li Zhi raised his hand and said, "Summon them!"

A short while later, Hao Chujun entered the main hall, and after exchanging greetings, he said, "Your Majesty, an urgent report from Yingzhou!"

Li Zhi said: "Speak!"

Hao Chujun said, "In late February, Goguryeo reinforced its troops on the border. Governor Liu found this strange and ordered his spies to go to Pyongyang to investigate. They learned that Yeon Gaesomun was seriously ill and had not appeared in public for two months. He was afraid that he would not live much longer!"

Li Zhi slapped the dragon table, said "Good" twice, and smiled at Hei Chi Changzhi, saying, "Hei Chi Qing, I was right."

Hei Chi Changzhi opened his mouth wide, feeling both surprised and impressed, thinking to himself, "The wisdom of a sage is indeed beyond my comprehension."

Li Zhi said loudly, "Issue an edict to Liu Rengui, instructing him to prepare for war, but not to send troops without authorization, and to await my decree!"

He then addressed Heichi Changzhi, saying, "Heichi Qing, you must immediately return to the Xiongjin Governor's Office and tell Jiang Ke to prepare for war and await my decree!"

Hei Chi Changzhi solemnly replied, "Yes."

Li Zhi waved his hand, signaling the two to leave.

He prevented Liu Rengui from sending troops because if Quan Gaisuwen died, the three Quan brothers would kill each other.

If the Tang Dynasty attacks too early, it may force them to unite and fight against the foreign enemy.

Li Zhi rose and left Ganlu Hall, returning to his bedchamber. He then issued another decree, ordering Xue Rengui and Li Ji to have an audience at Shenlong Hall.

(End of this chapter)