Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 186 How about we elope?
Yin Hongzhi was dismissed and expelled from the capital immediately.

The person who succeeded him as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel surprised everyone.

On the streets of Chang'an at this moment.

Inside a moving carriage.

"Han Zhongliang?"

When Yan Lide brought up this matter, Wen He was greatly surprised.

He remembered that Han Zhongliang was the Minister of Revenue.

He had served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in his early years, so this was essentially a lateral transfer back to his home province.

However, this time the Ministry of Revenue made such a big mistake that even Pei Ju resigned. He was transferred out of the Ministry of Revenue, which can be seen as Li Shimin protecting him.

Moreover, his promotion from Inspector of the Ministry of Civil Affairs to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel can be considered a advancement.

Yan Lide also felt that life is unpredictable, and said with a helpless smile: "In addition, Changsun Wuji has been transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs as Vice Minister. If there are no accidents, he should become Minister of Civil Affairs after the change of reign title."

Wen He was speechless.

Is it because of this butterfly again?
"Who will be the Minister of Personnel?"

Han Zhongliang is unlikely to become the Minister of Personnel. Li Shimin would definitely put his own people in such an important position.

“Gao Shilian, the Right Vice-Minister of the Crown Prince,” Yan Lide whispered.

This matter has not been made public yet; the Secretariat has not drafted a document, and it is only information circulating internally.

Therefore, Yan Lide dared not make a fuss.

"Gao Shilian."

In Wen He's memory, Gao Shilian should have taken office as Minister of Personnel in the fifth year of Zhenguan, but unexpectedly, it was five years earlier because of him.

However, this one is more reliable than Changsun Wuji, mainly because his nephew-in-law is far superior to the former's nephew.

Thinking of him, Wen He couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

In the original history, Gao Shilian played a significant role in the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

In order to support Li Shimin, he released prisoners, gave them weapons, and led them to Fanglin Gate to cooperate in launching the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

However, because of Wen He, Li Shimin launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident ahead of schedule, which prevented him from carrying it out in time.

However, this also brought a lot of peace to Chang'an that night.

Among those prisoners were many vicious and wicked individuals. If they were not brought under control, it would be an indelible stain on Li Shimin's record.

"in addition……"

Yan Lide gave Wen He a mysterious look, which surprised the latter.

He knew that Yan Lide's visit so early in the morning was not just to take him to Yong'anfang and to discuss the changes in the court.

"Brother Yan, stop keeping me in suspense," Wen He said with a laugh.

"His Majesty seems to intend for you to join the Ministry of Works," Yan Lide said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Wen He's eyes widened in disbelief: "This can't be, I'm only ten years old."

Even if it's a few more months, after New Year's Day, he'll still be eleven years old.

"This was hinted by His Majesty, who instructed me to find you a position in the Ministry of Works, which is a ninth-rank official post."

Yan Lide felt it was just a minor matter.

Those who held official positions through the gate were at least sixth or seventh rank officials, while Wen He was merely a ninth-rank administrator. If it weren't for Wen He's young age...

He even suggested that Wen He be made a local official or a doctor.

"Only with an official position can you work in the Ministry of Works. I, your foolish brother, have taken it upon myself to make the decision. Fortunately, I have a vacancy for a manager."

The Ministry of Works was divided into four departments: the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The two vice ministers oversee the three below them. The highest-ranking official in each department is the secretary, followed by the assistant secretary, and then the chief clerk.

However, although Yan Lide was in charge of the General Office, he also took charge of the Ministry of Works. Therefore, when Wen He went to the Ministry of Works to serve as the head of the department, it was equivalent to working under him.

Wen He was a little puzzled.

Why did Li Shimin, who was perfectly capable of doing this, assign him to the Ministry of Works?

Doesn't he still command a hundred cavalrymen?
This was already enough to keep him busy. Every morning when he got up, he would take his three little ones to the palace to practice martial arts with Li Shimin.

Then he was forced to go to court.

After court, he still had to go to the Hundred Cavalry Training Center to train those three纨绔 (sons of wealthy and powerful families).

Now, besides spending time with Wenrou every day, I also have to accompany Li Lizhi, who has come out of the palace to play.

There are still paper mills to be built.

He has now drastically reduced his daily afternoon nap time to one hour.

He's still growing!
Seemingly sensing Wen He's doubts, Yan Lide lowered his voice and explained.

"His Majesty intends to transfer the three copper mines belonging to the Yin family to the Ministry of Works. However, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has some objections to this, especially from Changsun Wuji. That's why His Majesty sent you to the Ministry of Works."

"That Changsun Wuji, has he no shame? That's my copper mine!"

Wen He couldn't help but feel annoyed. Last time in the Lizheng Hall, he felt that Changsun Wuji was coveting him.

Unexpectedly, before he even got his hands on the copper ore, he was already thinking of taking it to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Fortunately, Li Er did not listen to him.

"So His Majesty intends to use my name to transfer the copper mine to the Ministry of Works?"

"Yes."

Yan Lide laughed loudly.

Ultimately, the copper mine was given to Wen He by Consort De as a betrothal gift, and nominally it still belonged to him.

Therefore, Wen He has a say in who owns the property.

He gave Yan Lide a meaningful look.

No wonder he came so early in the morning; he said he wanted to take me to Yong'anfang.

Presumably, he was also worried that Changsun Wuji would go to him first.

And in fact.

No sooner had he and Yan Lide left than Changsun Wuji arrived at Wen He's house.

When he learned from Wenzhong that the two had left, his face turned ashen.

He then went to the palace.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Upon arriving at the Liangyi Hall, they found Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xiao Yu, and others present.

"The auxiliary aircraft has just arrived at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, but what difficulties have it encountered?"

Li Shimin deliberately teased him.

He transferred Changsun Wuji to the Ministry of Revenue for two reasons: first, to have him help him manage the Tang Dynasty's treasury; and second, to have him investigate corruption within the Ministry of Revenue.

Even with Xu Jingzong and Huang Chun's abilities, they were still somewhat lacking in ability to deal with those aristocratic families.

“Your Majesty, I did find some problems when I went to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, but I can handle them all. I am here today to discuss the matter of the Hundred Cavalry.”

After he finished speaking, the smile on Li Shimin's face immediately faded considerably.

Fang Xuanling paused for a moment as he was reviewing the memorials.

Du Ruhui, standing to the side, seemed not to have heard anything, busy with his own work, turning a note over and over in his hand, as if he had some enormous problem that was difficult to solve.

Xiao Yu exclaimed "Ouch!" and stood up, supporting his back. "I'm getting old and can't sit still anymore, Your Majesty. Please allow me to change my clothes."

After Li Shimin nodded, he strode outside.

He doesn't look old at all.

The others also got back to what they were doing.

One person raised an eyebrow, then narrowed his eyes and looked at Changsun Wuji.

Wei Zheng had previously intended to probe Li Shimin's attitude towards the Hundred Cavalry.

But Pei Ju's resignation made him temporarily suppress this idea.

Unexpectedly, Changsun Wuji jumped out at this moment.

"What is Fu Ji's opinion on the matter of the Hundred Cavalry?"

Li Shimin spoke in a calm tone.

But Changsun Wuji, who had known him for many years, understood that His Majesty the Emperor was angry.

He took a deep breath and said, “Your Majesty’s establishment of the Hundred Cavalry is justifiable. However, the tasks undertaken by the Hundred Cavalry are of great importance. They have the power to arrest and interrogate. I believe that the leader of the Hundred Cavalry should be a steady and reliable person.”

"Oh, so Fu Ji doesn't want to be the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, but wants to be the Commander of the Hundred Cavalry?" *Slap!*

Li Shimin slammed a letter heavily onto the table. His face remained calm, and his tone was not harsh, but it had already sent a chill down Changsun Wuji's spine.

The latter is somewhat unbelievable.

His Majesty has never treated him this way before.

Even when he said something wrong in the past, His Majesty would just laugh it off.

But why now...?

“Fuji, you are now a high-ranking official. You must not neglect the overall situation for the sake of immediate matters.”

This was a very harsh statement, practically a direct insult to Changsun Wuji: "You idiot!"

How could Li Shimin not know why Changsun Wuji suddenly attacked the 100 cavalry?

When he said that the leader of a hundred cavalry should be a steady person, he wasn't talking about Xu Jingzong or Huang Chun; he was clearly talking about Wen He.

It was for those three copper mines.

"I don't dare."

Changsun Wuji lowered his head even further.

He knew he had lost his composure, and he had been feeling rather smug these past few days.

"Ugh."

Li Shimin sighed inwardly. Now that he saw Changsun Wuji, he remembered the words Wen He had said to him.

This made him wonder: 'In the future, could Gao Ming possibly outmaneuver his uncle?'

But he knew he had no choice but to rely on his maternal relatives.

Just as Wen He had told him before that he should not give important positions to eunuchs, he had no choice but to let Huang Chun supervise the Hundred Cavalry.

He must maintain the balance of power in the court.

"Is Chong'er old enough to dance with elephants by now?"

Li Shimin suddenly mentioned Changsun Chong.

Changsun Wuji, puzzled, replied, "After New Year's Day, it will be the fifteenth."

"Well, it's time for him to gain some experience. Let him go to the Ministry of Rites and start as a junior official."

This is like giving someone a slap and then a sweet treat.

Of course, he did this to dispel Changsun Wuji's resentment and to let those people in the court know that he still trusted his brother-in-law.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji was secretly delighted.

When Changsun Chong entered officialdom, he was appointed to a principal position, which was an actual official post, not one of those honorary titles.

This shows His Majesty's favor.

He immediately bowed to Li Shimin and said, "On behalf of my son, I thank Your Majesty for your kindness."

"no."

Li Shimin forced a smile and offered a gesture of support, then said, "Fourth Sister is already eight years old this year. I intend to bestow upon her the title of Princess Suian, have her recognize the Empress as her mother, and marry her off to Chong'er. Would Fuji be willing to become my in-law?"

When Li Shimin said he would marry Li Lizhi to Wen He, Changsun Wuji was still feeling depressed.

Although Li Si Niang was not born of the principal wife, she had been raised by Empress Zhangsun's side since childhood, and now she had been granted the title of princess ahead of schedule.

Moreover, recognizing the Empress as one's mother is something that will be recorded in the imperial genealogy, which is equivalent to being born of the legitimate wife.

This is Li Shimin making Changsun Wuji proud.

The latter was extremely surprised and overjoyed, and quickly bowed to express his gratitude.

"Your Majesty's kindness is truly admirable. It is an honor for the Changsun family that the princess is to marry into the family."

"Yes, it's settled then."

Changsun Wuji bowed repeatedly to express his excitement.

In his joy, he failed to notice that the smile on Li Shimin's face remained rather indifferent.

After he withdrew and left the Lizheng Hall.

Li Shimin "accidentally" broke a teacup.

"A marriage has been arranged for Changsun Chong?"

Wen He learned of this news from Li Lizhi the following day.

"Yes, Mother told Fourth Sister herself yesterday. This morning, she summoned Cousin to the palace, but I don't like him, so I left the palace."

Li Lizhi pouted, looking somewhat resentful.

“He’s a really bad person. He used to bully me, steal my candy, and bully my older brother. He said he would teach him martial arts, but I could tell he was just hitting my older brother on purpose.”

"Haha, that's right."

Wen He gave a dry laugh.

This is also because of him, this butterfly.

Who did Princess Suian marry in her original history?

Wen He doesn't remember clearly, but it seems he was short-lived and died very early.

Oh right, he remembered.

It seems his surname is Dou.

Wen He remembered this because the daughter of Princess Suian's original husband's cousin had given birth to a son named Li Longji.

She never expected to marry Changsun Chong in this era.

Wen He squinted, her fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the stone table.

Changsun Wuji was clearly dissatisfied with him because of the copper mine incident.

Who knows what that scheming person might do to him in the future?

It seems we need to be careful.

To avoid being caught off guard.

"What are you thinking about?" Seeing that he was ignoring her, Li Lizhi waved her small hand in front of him a few times, then grabbed Wen He's clothes and climbed onto his lap.

"What are you doing?"

Suddenly, a pair of bright, watery eyes appeared in front of her, startling Wen He.

Li Lizhi pouted and snorted softly, "You said you would take me out for a spring outing, but it's been several days now."

"Um, well... I've been very busy lately."

If she hadn't mentioned it, Wen He wouldn't have even thought about it.

Li Lizhi immediately became unhappy. Seeing this, the latter quickly coaxed her, "This is His Majesty's fault. If he hadn't arranged so many things for me, I wouldn't be so busy. Look, I don't even have time for a nap now."

"Are you that pitiful?" The little girl blinked, touched Wen He's face with her small hand, and there was a hint of pity in her eyes.

Wen He chuckled dryly, "Uh, actually it's alright."

"Father is naughty. He won't let me, you, and Xiaorou go out to play. Humph." The little girl pouted, but Wen He didn't dare to respond to her words.

Suddenly, an idea flashed into her mind: "Why don't we run away and make sure Father can't find us? In the stories, this is called eloping."

"Are you going to elope with me?" Wen He asked in astonishment.

"Yeah, yeah, elope, go out and have fun together, hehe."

She jumped down happily, then grabbed Wen He's sleeve, trying to pull him outside.

"Uh, no, Princess, that's not what I meant by eloping."

If he really took Li Lizhi and eloped, not to mention what Li Shimin would do, Empress Zhangsun would definitely have him torn to pieces.

"What does that mean?"

Li Lizhi squatted down and stared at him blankly.

"Um, this is a very bad thing to do." Wen He didn't know how to explain it.

Li Lizhi, however, clung to his sleeve, saying, "No, we must elope today."

So unrestrained?
Wen He was speechless for a moment.

at this time.

A furious shout came from not far away: "What elopement?!"

Upon hearing this, Wen He looked towards the archway not far away and immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

(End of this chapter)