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

Chapter 230 My son-in-law is quite the literary talent, isn't he?
The following day, Wen He received a reply from Li Shimin.

He only wrote one sentence.

It's well-written, but it's not allowed to be released for the time being.

Gao Yue, who delivered the imperial edict, smiled and said, "His Majesty said that you should continue writing, but you must let him review it first. You can start writing the Romance of the Three Kingdoms first."

"hehe."

Wen He immediately let out a cold laugh.

Li Er clearly enjoyed reading it, but he was afraid that if the book got out, it would have a negative impact.

Especially the path by which the Tang Dynasty gained its kingdom.

Do you really think he doesn't know that Li Shimin wanted to read the Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties mainly to see what would happen in the future?

Having Wen He write this novel will also help him relieve his boredom.

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency."

Wen He saw Gao Yue off with a smile, and then went to teach the three little ones.

In the afternoon, I was alone in the study again.

It's from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The first chapter is naturally about the three heroes who swore brotherhood at the Peach Garden Banquet and the hero who made his first great contribution by slaying the Yellow Turbans.

In the novels I read in my past life, those time travelers almost wrote about the Three Kingdoms and Dream of the Red Chamber to death.

However, it must be said that in ancient times...

Writing novels is indeed the most reliable way to improve literacy, bar none.

Once the finished book is available, and some storytellers are hired, the book's popularity will soar as it spreads throughout the streets and alleys.

We'll sell it at a lower price then, so that even ordinary people can afford it.

You can learn to read by following those storytellers later.

There was no other way; the Tang Dynasty was poor, so this was the only option for now.

Only when public schools are established in each village in the future can this situation be changed.

The Three Kingdoms period was much easier to write than the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Wen He can simply copy it verbatim; there's no need to be as cautious as when writing about the Sui and Tang dynasties.

In just one night, Wen He wrote the first ten chapters.

He then had Wenzhong escort him to the palace.

"The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, its waves washing away the heroes of the past."

"Success and failure turn empty."

"The green hills remain, and the setting sun has reddened them many times."

"White-haired fishermen and woodcutters on the riverbank are accustomed to watching the autumn moon and spring breeze."

"A pot of wine brings joy to our meeting. So many things, past and present, are all just tales told with a smile."

"What wonderful lyrics! It's rare to see lyrics for this piece; they're truly magnificent and grand."

Inside the Liangyi Hall, Xiao Yu held the manuscript and was greatly amazed.

Quzici, which later became known as ci, originated in the Southern Dynasties. Generally, children of aristocratic families would learn poetry and ci from a young age.

Xiao Yu's ancestors were from the Southern Dynasties, and there was a family tradition of this.

"Is this Linjiangxian? I remember there was this piece of music in the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau)."

Gao Shilian, standing to the side, stroked his beard and said.

The format of lyrics is fixed, so just by looking at the content of the lyrics, it is not difficult to see that the lyrics should be set to music.

"Your Majesty should not have done that."

Xiao Yu suddenly shook his head and sighed.

Li Shimin, seated at the head of the table, was taken aback.

Is this old man Xiao here to make things difficult for me?
Everyone else in the hall was taken aback.

Xiao Yu and Gao Shilian came together earlier to discuss Li Chengqian's studies over the past few days.

Although Li Chengqian had previously studied with Wen He, he still needed to consult other teachers for classical texts and historical records.

Fortunately, Li Chengqian was quick-witted and eager to learn, and Xiao Yu, though an impatient person, was also a good teacher.

And Gao Shilian, his maternal great-uncle, was even more reluctant to be strict with him.

So the two thought it was time to go and praise the Crown Prince to Li Shimin.

Just then, Gao Yue delivered the first ten chapters of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

Upon hearing that it was written by Wen He, Xiao Yu became interested.

Sure enough, before the manuscript even reached Li Shimin's hands, he was given a preview.

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms, is this about the Three Kingdoms period at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty?"

"I never imagined that Wenxianzi was actually a novelist?"

Xiao Yu stroked his beard.

He had a particular fondness for this poem, "Linjiang Xian".

"That scoundrel said that now that we have printing technology and paper is cheap, why not write some educational and entertaining articles? So he wrote this Romance of the Three Kingdoms and wanted to send it to the palace as a tribute to the Emperor."

“I was worried about my son-in-law. If he didn’t write it well and published it, it would embarrass me. So I agreed to let him send it in so I could review it for him.”

Li Shimin stroked his beard, unable to contain his joy, and a wide smile appeared on his lips.

His words clearly implied that he was showing off to everyone present.

You see, this was written by my son-in-law.

Is your son-in-law a storyteller?

Does he possess such literary talent?

"Cough cough."

Changsun Wuji, sitting below, felt somewhat uncomfortable.

He knew that this must be Wen He plagiarizing some great talent from later generations.

But he couldn't say it out loud.

Moreover, even if he did say it, I'm afraid no one would believe him, and they would say he had hysteria because of jealousy and envy.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! At such a young age, Wenxianzi has already acquired such knowledge. If he can be properly instructed, he will surely become a pillar of the Tang Dynasty in the future."

Xiao Yu continued, "Your Majesty shouldn't have said that."

In his view, Wen He should not be allowed to behave so arbitrarily; he should be given more guidance.

Li Shimin couldn't stop smiling and said, "That brat is very unruly."

"Your Majesty, I also believe that the son of Gaoyang County does indeed need someone to teach him." Suddenly, a shrill voice rang out.

Li Shimin subconsciously looked at Changsun Wuji, who was suddenly looked at like that and seemed a little confused. He then quickly shook his head.

He didn't say those words just now.

On the right, Wei Zheng slowly stood up and bowed to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, the poem you just wrote was profound and steady, grand yet subtle, truly capturing the vicissitudes of history."

"If I hadn't never heard of this poem before, I would probably have thought that Wenxianzi copied it from somewhere."

Wei Zheng stroked his beard.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji, who was not far away, couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "It's Wei Xuancheng who dares to speak the truth."

That brat copied it.

"Although I do not know how well he wrote about the Three Kingdoms, this poem alone is enough to ensure that Wenxianzi will be remembered in history. However, I am also worried."

At this point, Wei Zheng suddenly sighed.

"What are you worried about?" Li Shimin stared intently at him.

For a moment, he didn't know whether Wei Zheng, this country bumpkin, should say something nice or impeach Wen He.

"I am worried that the young master of Wen County is too impulsive. Although he should have such a pure heart at his age, jade cannot become a useful object if it is not carved. If we let such a fine piece of jade run wild, I am afraid Your Majesty will regret it in the future."

"Moreover, Wenxianzi is actually the Crown Prince's mentor and friend. Your Majesty should be cautious."

Wei Zheng did not intend to belittle Wen He.

Instead, I felt it was a pity.

Such a genius, yet he had no renowned teacher to guide him.

If we were to accidentally lead him astray, wouldn't that be a loss for the Tang Dynasty in the future?

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

My opinion of Wei Zheng has changed considerably.

'This Wei Xuancheng is still loyal and upright. If it were anyone else, I might really have to worry, but that brat, apart from being a bit lazy, is of good character.'

“What Minister Wei said is exactly what I was worried about. However, Minister Wei need not worry, I have already found him several teachers.”

Li Shimin smiled. Everyone present was surprised, as they had never heard of this before.

Xiao Yu asked somewhat anxiously, "I wonder who Your Majesty has chosen to tutor him?"

He even considered taking Wen He as his student. With a student comparable to Gan Luo, he would surely be famous in history thousands of years later.

Li Shimin smiled meaningfully and said, "I sent him to the Ministry of War so that he could learn the ways of leading troops from Li Jing and others. I sent him to the Ministry of Works so that Yan Lide could teach him the art of craftsmanship. As for other knowledge and moral principles..."

Li Shimin paused suddenly at this point.

Xiao Yu's eyes widened as he stared at Li Shimin, frantically trying to convince himself.

Li Shimin chuckled and said, "I will personally teach him. I think there is no one more suitable than me. After all, I personally gave this boy his courtesy name."

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what was going on.

They had completely forgotten about it.

Since ancient times, it has been customary for teachers to choose one's courtesy name.

They all previously thought that Li Shimin had given Wen He the courtesy name because of his status as his father-in-law.

Only now do I realize that Li Shimin regarded Wen He as a student.

"No one is more wise than Your Majesty."

It was rare for Wei Zheng to agree with Li Shimin so much.

Upon hearing this, the latter couldn't help but laugh heartily.

Apart from Li Shimin and Wei Zheng, everyone else's smiles looked forced.

It is almost unheard of throughout history for an emperor to personally accept students.

If His Majesty's words today were to spread, the gates of Gaoyangzi's residence would likely be broken down by the crowds.

"Now that this brat has sent his manuscript, any of you gentlemen who are interested may circulate it for a reading. If the brat's writing is not good, please feel free to revise it."

Li Shimin smiled as he looked at the people in the main hall.

Wei Zheng felt that His Majesty the Emperor might be getting a little carried away.

This is the Liangyi Hall, a place for discussing government affairs. How can you watch storytelling here?

He was about to speak when Xiao Yu interrupted, "Thank you, Your Majesty. After reading the beginning, I wanted to continue reading, but I felt that this place was inappropriate. Since Your Majesty has granted permission, then I will not stand on ceremony."

Since Xiao Yu had said so, Wei Zheng had no choice but to shut up, feeling rather embarrassed.

Xiao Yu wasn't just saying it casually; he looked at it very seriously.

Du Ruhui and the others in the front row turned around and saw him sometimes serious and sometimes nodding, which made them curious.

Changsun Wuji, who had been secretly observing Xiao Yu, couldn't help but feel curious.

What's so interesting about the Three Kingdoms stories written by later generations?

"Xiao Qing, what do you think of the Three Kingdoms?"

After reviewing the memorials, Li Shimin got up to stretch and walked towards Xiao Yu.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu stood up and smiled, "It can be described as easy to understand. Compared to the obscurity of the Records of the Three Kingdoms, it is more interesting. There are a few errors, but it does not lose the interest of the story itself. After all, it is just storytelling, not official history."

When Xiao Yu reached the fifth chapter, he couldn't help but frown.

He remembered that the historical records clearly stated that it was Sun Jian's army that charged into battle and killed Hua Xiong, so how did it become Guan Yu killing Hua Xiong in Wen He's book?

Xiao Yu had also been on the battlefield, so he naturally knew that the so-called challenge on the front lines was nothing but child's play.

And what is this Green Dragon Crescent Blade? It's so long!

This type of weapon is not suitable for charging into battle on horseback.

"Oh, in that case, I shall take a good look. By the way, is there any other minister who would like to see this? I'm not in a hurry."

When Li Shimin asked about it, Fang Xuanling and the others became interested.

After reading these notes for most of the day, it's time to take a break.

Soon after, this copy of Romance of the Three Kingdoms began to circulate within the Liangyi Hall.

Almost everyone watched for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

"It is indeed written too bluntly, but it is still good as a storyteller in the streets."

"That opening poem was nice, what was it called again?"

"Linjiangxian" is a song lyric from the Jiaofangsi (a music and dance academy).

“Yes, yes, Linjiangxian. After we get off the yamen, why don’t we take this poem and let them sing it?”

Poetry loses some of its charm without the accompaniment of music.

Fang Xuanling's suggestion was praised by many people.

Even Li Shimin couldn't help but become interested.

But since he was the emperor, he naturally couldn't go to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution).

However, he can send a musician over.

"Since you gentlemen are in such high spirits, how about we hold a banquet in the Liangyi Hall today and have the palace musicians play for you?"

Li Shimin was in a good mood today.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall naturally expressed their support.

However, there was one exception.

"His Majesty."

"Minister Wei, that brat brought in a lot of money for my private treasury yesterday. I am very happy, so don't spoil the mood."

Li Shimin glanced at him with a smile.

This is to let him stop.

Seeing this, Wei Zheng was about to say something when Gao Shilian said, "Wei Xuancheng, when you're in a good mood, you might have a few more drinks. Don't spoil His Majesty's mood. Listening to music doesn't cost much."

Seeing this, Wei Zheng had no choice but to give up.

Soon after, the palace musicians were invited over.

How can there be music without a banquet?

Wei Zheng's objection was not to Li Shimin's desire to listen to music.

Rather, he knew that since musicians had been invited, His Majesty would naturally host a banquet in return.

Those present are all important officials, and the cost of this is not low.

But remembering what Gao Shilian had just said, he could only hold back.

Before long, soaring music filled the Liangyi Hall.

In less than two days.

This poem, "Linjiang Xian," then spread throughout Chang'an.

Inside Room B on the second floor of Wangchun Tower.

"Was this Wen He's doing it again?"

"Isn't he only ten years old?"

Several members of the aristocratic families sat together.

"Shangguan Yi, can you really control him?" Everyone turned their gaze to Shangguan Yi.

Shangguan Yi held a wine glass in her hand.

He has been an outstanding person among his peers since childhood.

Even though the Shangguan family is now in decline.

Many respected figures among the gentry held him in high regard.

This spring, Shangguan Yi applied for the Jinshi degree, determined to succeed.

However, after arriving in Chang'an, he was repeatedly attacked by a ten-year-old child.

Today's poem, "Linjiang Xian," made him feel ashamed of his own inferiority.

When he was ten years old, although he had already read extensively, he could not compose such vigorous and grand verses full of vicissitudes.

"I am not as good as him."

"Gentlemen, do not boost the morale of others; he is nothing more than a lucky country bumpkin."

Some people said disdainfully.

Shangguan Yi didn't speak, but gripped the wine glass tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

"Let's not talk about him anymore, let's drink."

But even though they didn't mention it, discussions about the Three Kingdoms and the "Linjiangxian" poem could be heard from downstairs from time to time.

The occasional noises made Shangguan Yi increasingly irritable.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out on the first floor.

"Gentlemen, the magistrate of Gaoyang County has acquired a shop, and it is said that he will open for business in three days to sell Romance of the Three Kingdoms."

(End of this chapter)