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

Chapter 386 You are the one who becomes Huo Guang

"The false Liang dynasty is finished!"

Changsun Wuji abruptly stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening instantly, his voice filled with disbelief.

When Li Shiji led the army into battle, he knew that Li Shiji was a brilliant strategist, and that he was also assisted by Li Daozong and Xue Wanche. The troops of the two guards and the Lingzhou garrison were even more elite.

However, Liang Shidu had been entrenched in Shuofang for many years, and with the Turks supporting him, he was always worried that the war would become a stalemate. The long-term war preparation plan made by the court for this reason was still on the desk of the Ministry of Personnel.

Unexpectedly, just a few days later, news of the country's destruction arrived.

"So the cavalry that just entered Chang'an must have been there to report a victory."

Wen He suddenly remembered the figure she had seen in the hot air balloon earlier.

The yellow flag on the horse's back was originally a "bill flag" used for reporting victories. However, the distance was too far at the time, and the details of the flag could not be seen clearly. Now that I think about it, the cavalryman must have been carrying the news of the defeat of Liang and galloping into the palace.

"Yes!"

Gao Yue's voice trembled with excitement, and her face was beaming with pride.

"The good news has spread throughout Chang'an! Coupled with the 'auspicious omen' that just flew up from the palace, now all the people of Chang'an are saying that the Mandate of Heaven has returned to the Tang Dynasty and to His Majesty! Today, outside the Vermilion Bird Gate, people are spontaneously coming to congratulate His Majesty, and even the merchants in the market have set up incense tables to pray for His Majesty's well-being!"

As he spoke, his eyes reddened.

What's with setting up an incense table?

Did the Tang Dynasty still have this custom?

Wen He glanced at Li Shimin discreetly.

Seeing his calm expression, it seemed he wasn't surprised at all.

However, both Gao Yue and Changsun Wuji were quite excited.

Changsun Wuji clenched his fists tightly.

Liang Shidu colluded with the Turks and raided the border for many years. The retired emperor was troubled by this and sent troops to suppress him many times, but failed to eradicate him. Now, under Your Majesty's rule, he has finally been completely eliminated, and the northern border of the Tang Dynasty can finally be more peaceful.

However, Li Shimin showed little joy on his face. He turned around calmly, his gaze passing over the crowd and looking in the direction of Li Yuan.

Gao Yue's voice wasn't quiet just now. He was only a few feet away from Li Yuan, so his father must have heard everything clearly about the "destruction of the false Liang" and the "congratulations from the people."

"Mother! The Tang Dynasty has unified the land!"

Li Chengqian grasped Empress Zhangsun's hand and jumped up excitedly, his little face full of excitement.

"Aye is mighty!"

"Yes."

Empress Zhangsun gently patted her son's hand and nodded with a smile, but a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.

The unification of the world is a good thing, but she also knew that Li Yuan's mood at this moment was probably not too relaxed.

She quietly turned her head to look at Li Yuan behind her, and sure enough, she saw him standing there with an inscrutable expression.

"Xia Prefecture, Sheng Prefecture, Shuo Prefecture, Huaiyuan and other places will all belong to our Great Tang. In the future, our military might can directly point to Yinshan and perhaps we can destroy it in one battle."

Li Yuan spoke slowly, his voice slightly hoarse, but his eyes remained somewhat gloomy.

If we were to ask who in this world hates the Turks the most, Li Yuan would undoubtedly be second to none.

In order to appease the Turks, they sent gold and silk and promised to trade with them.

Although there was no formal submission, there was a de facto submission.

He will never forget those humiliations in his life.

"Second Brother, the Turks have always been arrogant and ambitious. They will never sit idly by and watch Xia Prefecture and Shuofang fall into the hands of our Great Tang. They will definitely take action next. You must not underestimate them."

Li Yuan gave a solemn instruction, his tone no longer casual but rather serious.

After he finished speaking, he stopped looking at the crowd and turned to walk towards the direction of Da'an Palace.

The figure appeared somewhat thin in the sunlight, yet remained upright, without the slightest hunchback.

Li Shimin gazed at his father's retreating figure, slowly bowed, and said in a respectful yet firm voice, "Your son will remember your teachings, Father."

"go Go."

Li Yuan's voice came from ahead, light and airy, as if he were speaking to Li Shimin, or perhaps talking to himself.

Go and enjoy the glory that belongs to you; this world was rightfully yours.

He didn't say the second half of the sentence aloud; he simply put his hands behind his back, walked away step by step, and never looked back.

His era had long since ended, just as he had said to Wen He in the bamboo basket before, the future belonged to Li Shimin, and to Gao Ming.

Wen He stood to the side, watching Li Yuan's figure gradually disappear around the corner of the palace wall, and suddenly felt a sense of emotion.

This former founding emperor eventually relinquished his obsession with power and truly became a retired emperor enjoying his later years.

"Gao Ming, come with me."

Li Shimin suddenly beckoned to Li Chengqian, his tone unusually gentle.

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, and before he could react, Empress Zhangsun gently pushed him.

"Go quickly and go with your father."

He then came to his senses, quickly ran to Li Shimin, and looked up at his father with his little face.

Li Shimin bent down and gently took his son's hand.

He gripped his fist tighter, his tone solemn: "Come, today I will take you to see this magnificent world."

His father did not teach him how to be an emperor.

But he will teach his children well how to be a good emperor.
Although Li Chengqian was still somewhat bewildered, he could sense the seriousness in his father's tone. He nodded vigorously, his small hand tightly gripping his father's large hand, and followed Li Shimin toward the Vermilion Bird Gate.

"The Tang Dynasty is mighty!"

"Your Majesty is mighty!"

The cheers in front of the Vermilion Bird Gate surged like a wave. As soon as Li Shimin and Li Chengqian disappeared from the city wall, Wen He took two steps back, leaned against the blue bricks of the palace wall, and glanced at the crowd, landing on the rooftops of the market in the distance.

Changsun Wuji, who was behind him, did not follow. He stood with his hands behind his back under the corridor, and the shadow fell on his face, making it impossible to see his expression.

Why don't you go?

Changsun Wuji's voice broke the silence first, carrying a hint of inquiry.

Such occasions, where the emperor and his subjects celebrate together and show favor, are usually eager for ordinary officials to participate, but Wen He avoids them like the plague.

Wen He turned her head, a faint smile playing on her lips: "This is His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince's moment of glory. If a mere subject were to join in, it would only seem like I'm overshadowing them."

Changsun Wuji chuckled upon hearing this: "I thought you would say, 'It is a subject's duty to serve the emperor and share his joy,' which is the kind of talk a court official should make."

Do you think I'm the kind of person who would say such polite things?

Wen He glanced at him indifferently, her tone carrying a hint of blunt mockery.

The smile on Changsun Wuji's face gradually faded, and a look of seriousness appeared between his brows.

“You are indeed not like that. Because you have no ‘reverence’ in your heart, no reverence for imperial power, no reverence for aristocratic families, and no reverence for court rules, just like when you first met His Majesty, you were so frivolous and casual.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Wen He's face, his tone softening slightly.

"However, you have changed a lot. In the past, your words and actions always carried a sense of alienation, but now you are becoming more and more like a Tang Dynasty person."

Wen He's smile instantly faded.

Changsun Wuji's words sounded like a sigh, but they were clearly a test for him!

But I wonder if it's meant to make him tone down his brilliance?
Or should I warn him not to cross the line?

Given the mindset of this Vice Minister Changsun, he would never have said these "intimate words" without a reason.

Before Wen He could think it over, Changsun Wuji said in a deep voice.

“In a few months, you will turn twelve. His Majesty said he would bestow upon you the title of Earl of Kaiguo County. A twelve-year-old Earl of Kaiguo County, holding the position of Chief of Four Ministries, will be the de facto ruler of the Hundred Cavalry and will often be by the Crown Prince's side. Do you know what this means?”

Wen He understood.

So this is the crux of the problem.

He was too young, yet his rewards were too high, making him a special figure in the court. Even Changsun Wuji couldn't help but come to warn him.

"Is Vice Minister Changsun worried that I will become too powerful and become a second Wang Mang?"

Wen He met his gaze calmly, her tone tinged with self-deprecation.

"Are you still worried that my achievements are too great and that I might be disliked by His Majesty or the Crown Prince in the future? But given our 'relationship,' I guess you are more worried about the former."

Changsun Wuji scoffed at this, his tone full of disdain.

"Wang Mang? You overestimate yourself. Wang Mang was able to usurp the Han throne because of the prestige he had cultivated over decades, the support of powerful families, and the tacit approval of the court and the public. What about you?"

He pointed his finger and said, word by word, "You have offended the Guanzhong nobles, the Five Clans and Seven Families, and the Shanxi nobles. Although these people may not hate you to the bone, they will definitely attack you as soon as you make the slightest mistake."

amount……

After being told this by Changsun Wuji, Wen He also felt that she had made a big fuss.

It feels like the entire court is full of enemies.

"Scared?" Changsun Wuji looked at his slightly changed expression and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"There's nothing to be afraid of."

Wen He quickly regained her composure and her tone returned to calm.

“A true man acts with courage and responsibility. Besides, it wasn’t me who offended them. Minister Changsun should know better than me that the one who is truly on the opposite side of them has never been me, but His Majesty.”

He met Changsun Wuji's solemn gaze and continued speaking.

“From the moment His Majesty ascended the throne, there has been no room for easing the conflict between the imperial power and the aristocratic families and nobles. His Majesty wants to rule the world alone, while they want the aristocratic families to rule together with the imperial power. These are two completely different paths. I am just a knife in His Majesty's hand, cutting away the thorns that hinder the concentration of imperial power for him.”

"No, you're wrong."

Changsun Wuji suddenly interrupted him, his tone somewhat solemn.

“There was room for compromise. His Majesty needed the power of the Guanzhong nobles, the five clans and seven noble families to appease the people, and the Jiangnan aristocratic families to provide financial support. He would have taken ten or twenty years to gradually balance the various parties and reclaim power.”

His gaze fell on Wen He, with a complex expression.

"But your appearance has disrupted this balance."

Wen He was slightly taken aback by these words.

Before Wen He could savor the words, Changsun Wuji spoke again, his tone even more somber than before.

"Of the five surnames and seven noble families, three can be said to have been defeated by you. The rest, whether in court or out of office, only have some remaining influence. Although the Guanzhong region still has influence, your distribution methods have temporarily quelled their discontent. Members of the imperial clan have had their titles stripped or been dismissed from their posts. Apart from family connections, the sons of nobles have no easy way to enter officialdom. Those aristocratic families and prominent families in Jiangnan can no longer stir up any trouble."

He paused here, his gaze fixed on Wen He.

"The current court can be said to have reached a tacit balance among all parties, and there is no need for knives anymore. Therefore, I have a request."

Wen He did not avoid his gaze, but looked directly at him, her tone calm: "Please speak, Vice Minister Changsun."

"I would like to ask you to leave the court temporarily. Ten years later, I can grant you the position of physician in any of the six ministries."

Changsun Wuji lowered his voice even further.

"During these ten years, you can still teach the Crown Prince and do what you want to do to change the Tang Dynasty, such as improving tools and building workshops. However, you cannot interfere with the Hundred Cavalry or any affairs of the court."

When he said "we can't interfere," he emphasized it, his gaze fixed on Wen He's face, trying to catch a hint of wavering in his eyes.

But Wen He's face remained expressionless; she simply listened quietly.

So this old schemer wants him to leave the court.

Do you really think I want to do this lousy job?

But can he walk?

He simply couldn't believe that Changsun Wuji hadn't considered that Li Shimin wouldn't allow it.

Seeing that he did not react, Changsun Wuji frowned and added, “I know that such a request is indeed unfair to you, but you are too young. At the age of twelve, you have such power, which makes the aristocratic families wary and also makes His Majesty uneasy. Taking a step back is a good thing for you, for His Majesty, and for the court.”

"Heh." Wen He suddenly sneered, interrupting him, her tone full of sarcasm.

"Just now, Vice Minister Changsun said he wasn't worried about me becoming like Wang Mang, so why is he now saying I'm too young and making His Majesty uneasy?"

Changsun Wuji looked at Wen He, his brows furrowing even deeper.

"You will not become Wang Mang, but one day you may become Huo Guang."

Upon hearing this, Wen He abruptly interrupted him.

"Hey, hey, hey, please don't curse me, Minister Changsun. Huo Guang's ending wasn't good. If I could, I would really like to become Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of the Shu Han Dynasty, whose name will be remembered for all time. It's a pity that I can't do what I did and die for him."

Haha, you're the one who'll become Huo Guang, aren't you?

Changsun Wuji looked at Wen He's cold, hard profile, gave a soft snort, and slowly shook his head.

The argument just now was like a thin layer of ice between the two of them. He remained silent for a moment, but finally could not suppress the doubts in his heart and spoke.

There's something I've always wanted to ask you.

I don't want to answer.

Without even thinking, Wen He simply pursed her lips.

His relationship with Changsun Wuji was already bad.

Just now, the other party was trying to force him to withdraw from the court, but now they are asking him all sorts of questions.

How could something be so cheap?

"I don't think I need to answer your question about my relationship with Vice Minister Changsun."

These words left Changsun Wuji speechless, so he simply shut up.

The corridor fell silent, with only intermittent cheers drifting in from outside the Vermilion Bird Gate, making the atmosphere between the two even more awkward.

Just then, the silence was broken by footsteps.

Li Shimin walked over with Li Chengqian, the young prince still showing signs of excitement.

Li Shimin glanced at Wen He and Changsun Wuji, noticing that both of them looked somewhat tense, and couldn't help but ask in confusion.

"What are you two doing here? I just saw you standing together by the palace wall on the city tower. Why are you acting like strangers now?"

Just as Changsun Wuji was about to step forward to pay his respects and explain the earlier argument, Wen He spoke first, her tone tinged with a hint of mockery.

“Your Majesty, my uncle just invited me to eat beef, but I refused. As you know, although the Tang Dynasty now has beef cattle entering Chang'an, it is still against the rules to privately invite people to eat beef. As a public servant of the Tang Dynasty, how can I do such a lawless thing?”

"you!"

Changsun Wuji turned his head sharply and stared at Wen He in astonishment, never expecting that this kid would come up with such an outrageous reason.

Wen He grinned at him, her eyes full of cunning.

I'm so mad at you!
Looking at Changsun Wuji's ashen face and then at Wen He's mischievous expression, Li Shimin could easily guess that the two must have had another unpleasant argument. He suppressed a laugh and waved his hand.

"It's alright. I am aware that a considerable amount of beef cattle have indeed been transported from the north to Chang'an recently, but..."

He changed the subject abruptly, looking at Wen He with annoyance.

"You brat, don't talk nonsense. Fu Ji has always been strict with the rules. Why would he invite you to eat beef in private?"

Wen He chuckled and said no more.

The objective has been achieved; it is wise to stop while you're ahead.

Li Chengqian, standing behind Li Shimin, peeked out and winked at Wen He.

Wen He didn't reply to him, but bowed to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, the hot air balloon demonstration is complete. I was thinking of taking the craftsmen back to the workshop first, to avoid any mishaps if it remains in the palace."

"Well, let's go."

Li Shimin waved his hand, but just as Wen He turned around, he suddenly called him back, his tone becoming more serious.

"Wait. Wen He, although I have instructed you to focus on improving the hot air balloon, do not forget the training of the Hundred Cavalry. As the captain of the Hundred Cavalry, you cannot neglect your duties, do you understand?"

He emphasized the last few words, his eyes carrying a subtle, unspoken meaning.

Wen He's heart skipped a beat, and she instantly understood Li Shimin's meaning.

With the fall of the pseudo-Liang dynasty, the focus of the Tang dynasty would undoubtedly shift to the Turks in the north.

It is likely that the hundred cavalry will also have to go on the expedition with the main army.

Thinking of this, Wen He couldn't help but feel excited. The war in which the Tang Dynasty destroyed the Eastern Turks was a founding war that would be recorded in history!
After this battle, the Tang Dynasty completely reversed the balance of power with the Turks, ushering in a golden age that lasted for decades.

Being able to personally participate in it, and even command a hundred cavalry in battle, was the best opportunity for him to witness history!
"The minister obeys the order!"

Wen He bowed respectfully, her voice louder than before, her excitement barely concealed.

Li Shimin watched his bouncy figure as he skipped away, and shook his head with a helpless smile.

"This Wen Jiaying, she's not very old, but she's got a lot on her mind, and she can never hide her emotions."

After saying that, he turned to look at Changsun Wuji, who was still somewhat sullen, and softened his tone.

"Fuji, don't take what happened earlier to heart. That's just how that kid is. You're his elder, so you should be more tolerant of him."

Changsun Wuji took a deep breath, suppressing his displeasure, and bowed.

"I understand. Your Majesty is magnanimous, and I will not take it to heart."

"As long as you know."

Li Shimin patted him on the shoulder and invited him with a smile.

"Guanyinbi has prepared a meal in the palace today, and she even made your favorite flatbread. How about we go over for a meal together later? It's also a good opportunity for me to talk to you about the upcoming handling of Shuofang."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji's gloomy expression eased somewhat, and he quickly bowed in response.

"The minister obeys the order."

The father and son led the way, followed by Changsun Wuji, and the group headed towards the inner palace.

……

As Wen He led her horse out of Xuanwu Gate, the setting sun cast its rays obliquely on the palace walls, turning the blue bricks into a warm gold.

The commotion from the direction of the Vermilion Bird Gate could still be faintly heard several streets away, so he simply mounted his horse and rode along the path outside the palace wall toward Vermilion Bird Avenue.

If you were to exit through the main gate, you would likely be surrounded by a throng of revelers, making it nearly impossible to move. As soon as you turned onto Zhuque Avenue, the noise surged in like a tidal wave.

In the taverns and teahouses along the street, customers banged on the tables and talked loudly, their voices so loud they could drown out the sound of horses' hooves on the street.

Even the peddlers carrying their goods forgot to hawk their wares and gathered around the tea stall to listen to the story of the downfall of the pseudo-Liang dynasty.

But the detailed battle report is still in the Ministry of War.

Even Li Shimin hadn't seen it yet.

There were even scholars standing under the trees, waving folding fans and improvising frontier poems, which drew cheers from passersby.

"Now that the world is unified, we can finally live in peace!"

A man dressed in coarse cloth shorts held a wine bowl and exclaimed loudly.

"It's not that easy! The Turks to the north are still eyeing us covetously!"

Someone nearby objected, but their tone didn't show much concern.

"But there's nothing to fear! In the previous battle at Huizhou, even Khagan Jieli barely escaped with his life. When His Majesty sends a large army north in the future, we will surely be able to capture him and bring him to Chang'an to perform a dance!"

"Well said! Come on, bottoms up!"

As Wen He rode on his horse, listening to the laughter and chatter around him, and feeling the excitement and pride in the air, a warm feeling suddenly welled up in his heart.

This is the Tang Dynasty.

Even after the war, the people still have hope for the future.

Even with powerful enemies all around, the entire nation exudes a tenacious spirit that refuses to admit defeat.

He suddenly remembered what Changsun Wuji had said, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up.

Perhaps, I really am becoming more and more like a Tang Dynasty person.

After passing through the bustling streets, Wen He led the craftsmen back to Wanhu Residence.

After instructing the kitchen to prepare wine and meat tonight to reward the artisans who had worked hard for days, he changed into a light carriage and headed towards his own residence.

As soon as they arrived at the gate of the mansion, they saw Wenrou, Li Tai, Li You, and Li Ke standing on the steps, eagerly waiting.

Li Yifu stood to the side, dressed in a blue official's robe, his face showing some fatigue, but he still greeted them with a smile.

He is currently working as a minor official in the Ministry of Personnel. Although he has no official rank, he knows that Wen He is giving him experience, so he is happy to do so.

In addition, Meng Zhou and the other two also came out to greet him.

"Brother!"

Wenrou was the first to see the carriage. She skipped over and grabbed Wenhe's sleeve, her little face full of curiosity.

"Was that big red bag that flew up from the palace just now made by you? People on the street are saying it's an auspicious omen that will protect the Tang Dynasty!"

Wen He smiled and ruffled her hair, her tone teasing.

"How come our Ah-Rou is so smart? She guessed it right away."

Wenrou's eyes lit up when she was praised, and she grinned and giggled, her little chin slightly raised, full of pride.

"Because my brother is the smartest and most capable person!"

Li Tai, who was standing next to her, couldn't help but come closer, tilting his little face up and looking at Wen He with expectant eyes.

"Sir, could we try that flying thing too?"

Li You nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with longing.

When Li Tai and the other two saw him smile, they thought there was hope, and their anticipation grew even stronger. They even unconsciously softened their breathing.

But the next second, Wen He gently shook her head and uttered two words: "No."

Li Tai's smile froze instantly, and Li You and Li Yun also drooped their heads, looking like wilted eggplants.

"Let's go eat, I'm starving! Your father has been keeping me busy all morning and hasn't even provided food."

Wen He muttered to herself.

But apart from Wenrou, no one present dared to respond to her words.

“Then next time His Majesty comes, we won’t give him lunch either.” Wenrou looked righteous and awe-inspiring, as if she were standing up for her brother.

Wen He was amused.

Just as he was about to tease Wenrou, he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves coming from the street.

Judging from the noise, it seemed to be coming towards him.

He turned around and, sure enough, saw a cavalryman in armor standing in front of his mansion.

"Is it the county magistrate of Gaoyang in person?"

The cavalryman looked at the group of children in front of him, but he didn't know which one was Wen He.

"I am, but who are you?" Wen He looked at the cavalryman in front of her with suspicion.

Upon hearing this, the cavalryman immediately dismounted and quickly walked to Wen He.

"I have met the Prince of Gaoyang. I am a personal guard of the Prince of Rencheng. I was ordered to go to Chang'an to deliver His Highness's personal letter to the Prince of Gaoyang."

Li Daozong's letter?
Wen He's doubts deepened.

Why would he write a letter when he's perfectly fine at the front lines?
(End of this chapter)