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

Chapter 392 Your Majesty, are you not looking for a reason to execute me?
The next morning, as the sun rose above the eastern horizon, golden rays bathed the Wen family courtyard.

The steaming heat from the kitchen, carrying the aroma of rice porridge and steamed buns, filled the front hall. Wen He was sitting at the table eating, while Meng Zhou, Zhao Lei, and Wu Sheng sat opposite her, eating with great concentration.

They will be leaving the capital to take up their posts in a few days, and I feel a little reluctant to part with you today so that I can have one last breakfast with you.

"Young master, Minister Dou has arrived, and his carriage is waiting at the door."

Zhou Fu strode into the front hall and bowed to report.

Wen He put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and stood up: "I know, I'll go greet her right away."

Meng Zhou and his companions quickly put down their steamed buns and followed closely behind.

Li Yifu also got up and quickly followed.

Seeing Wen He leave, Li Ke, Li Tai, Li You, and Wen Rou all brightened up.

"Is the master going out again? Does that mean we don't need to do our homework today?" Li Tai's lips curled up, almost to his ears.

Li You also stopped what he was doing, his eyes shining.

Only Li Ke remained seated upright, not even raising his head upon hearing this, and said indifferently, "The teacher said this morning that we are going to the farm today, and we will have to do our homework when we get back."

"what?"

The steamed bun in Li Tai's hand fell onto the table with a "thud," and his smile instantly froze.

"We're going to a farm again? Are we going to have to do farm work? The fields are all muddy."

“You never minded getting dirty when feeding pigs, so why are you afraid of going to the farm?” Wenrou muttered gently.

Although the farm is now called Wenjiazhuang, it is a kilometer away from where she used to live.

But at least that place used to belong to Gejiazhuang.

And now it's also her and her brother's home.

Li Tai felt embarrassed; it wasn't that he disliked the dirt, but rather that he simply didn't want to work.

He went to Wenjiazhuang before, and he was so tired that he felt sore back and legs for several days.

“Feeding pigs is different,” Li Tai muttered.

He doesn't have to do the dirty and tiring work himself.

There are several eunuchs, including Atu, doing the work.

Li You also hung his head and asked listlessly, "Is it okay if we don't go?"

Li Ke looked up at him, his tone still calm: "Go ask the master."

Li You immediately deflated.

Last time, because he didn't want to do his homework and was lazy, Wen He punished him by making him organize books for an entire afternoon. Even now, thinking about it makes his arms ache, so how could he dare to make any demands?

He could only slump his shoulders and nibble on the steamed bun, taking bite after bite.

As Wen He led Meng Zhou and the others to the front yard, they saw Dou Jing being welcomed in. He was dressed in plain blue clothes and was looking around the mansion.

"Minister Dou, I've kept you waiting."

Wen He quickly stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Meng Zhou and Li Yifu also bowed quickly, saying, "Greetings, Minister Dou."

Dou Jing turned around, smiling as she reached out to help Wen He up: "No need for formalities. I'm sorry I arrived early; I hope I didn't disturb your breakfast?"

"No, we just finished using it."

Wen He responded with a smile.

"If Minister Dou hasn't eaten, there's still some hot porridge in the mansion. Why don't you have some more?"

"No need, I've already eaten at home."

Dou Jing waved her hand, glanced at Meng Zhou and the other two, and said approvingly, "His Majesty praised the three gentlemen's performance in yesterday's palace examination. When you take office, you must do your job well and live up to His Majesty's expectations."

Meng and the other three quickly agreed, their tone full of solemnity.

As they were talking, Wenrou and Li Ke came out from the backyard, followed by Li Tai and Li You, who looked reluctant.

Upon seeing the three little ones, Dou Jing immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

"Greetings to His Highness the Prince of Han, His Highness the Prince of Wei, and His Highness the Prince of Chu."

Li Ke stopped and nodded slightly: "Minister Dou is courteous."

Li Tai and Li You also suppressed their dissatisfaction and returned the gift properly.

Dou Jing straightened up, looked at the three children and smiled, "Your Highnesses are all young and handsome, and you have become disciples of the Prince of Gaoyang. You will surely become pillars of the Tang Dynasty in the future."

His words were a fair and unbiased compliment to the three boys, without making it seem like he was deliberately showing favoritism towards any of them.

After all, someone of his status is someone whose words are easily interpreted.

"You're a good person, and you have good taste." Li Tai accepted Dou Jing's praise without hesitation.

Li Ke didn't say anything, he just nodded at Dou Jing.

His appearance surprised Dou Jing somewhat.

"Everyone says the Prince of Han is young yet composed, and seeing him today confirms it. It's just a pity, though, that he is neither the eldest son nor the heir apparent, and is of the previous dynasty's bloodline."

Dou Jing remained calm despite her inner thoughts.

After some polite greetings...

Zhou Fulai reported that the carriage was ready.
Wen He then asked Dou Jing, "Minister Dou, shall we go sooner?"

"That's fine, that's fine too." Dou Jing nodded with a smile.

The group then headed towards the gate of the mansion.

Just as I arrived at the gate, I saw a simply decorated carriage approaching from a distance.

At the same time, the vermilion gate of the Duke of Yingguo's mansion across the street creaked open, and Wu Shiyue, dressed in a dark blue casual suit with a jade belt around his waist, stepped out.

He had originally planned to go out to visit an old friend, but as soon as he stepped out of the mansion, his gaze inadvertently swept across the opposite side, and he suddenly stopped in his tracks, frozen in place.

Several people were standing at the entrance of Gaoyang County Government, and among them was none other than Dou Jing, the current Minister of Civil Affairs!

Wu Shiyue was filled with doubt, but he dared not delay. He quickly straightened his clothes and stepped forward.

Upon approaching, Wu Shiyue immediately bowed to the three children, speaking respectfully: "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness Prince Wei, and Your Highness Prince Chu."

Li Ke nodded slightly and returned the greeting first: "Duke Ying, there's no need for such formalities."

Li Tai and Li You nodded in agreement and said in unison, "Greetings, Duke Ying."

Seeing the three children return the greeting, Wu Shiyue straightened up, turned to Dou Jing, and showed a hint of familiarity on his face.

He had served as Minister of Works in his early years. Although he and Dou Jing were in charge of different departments, they were old acquaintances who had served in the same court.

"Minister Dou, it's been a long time. How have you been? I heard the Ministry of Revenue was busy preparing for the autumn harvest a few days ago. I never expected to meet you here. If I had known, I would have prepared a warm welcome for you."

Dou Jing quickly returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, her tone tinged with humility.

"Greetings, Duke Ying. Thanks to you, all is well. The autumn harvest is a matter of great importance to the people's livelihood, and we dare not slack off. Back then, when you were in the Ministry of Works, you oversaw the repair of the canal and supervised the construction of granaries, which truly benefited the Tang Dynasty."

"It's just part of my job."

Samurai Yu waved his hand with a smile.

The two were exchanging compliments.

Wen He, who was listening nearby, felt goosebumps all over her body.

Indeed, there is still much for him to learn.

It's likely that Dou Jing and Wu Shiyue haven't met more than a few times.

When Wu Shihuo was the Minister of Works, Dou Jing was probably just a doctor.

He seemed to have noticed Wen He's gaze.

With a beaming smile, Wu Shiyue turned to Wen He, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings, Magistrate of Gaoyang."

"You're too kind, Duke Ying," Wen He said with a smile.

After another round of pleasantries, Wu Shiyue finally asked.

"Is the County Magistrate of Gaoyang, Minister Dou, and the three princes about to travel? Where are they headed?"

"The farm is having its autumn harvest today, so I'll take the three princes to take a look. We also invited Minister Dou before, so we'll go together today," Wen He said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Wu Shiyue's eyes.

It's utterly unbelievable that the Minister of Revenue would personally visit Wenhe's farm for the autumn harvest.

Although he was still curious, he knew he shouldn't ask too many questions, so he just smiled and said...

"What a coincidence! If I had known earlier, I should have prepared some small gifts and gone to share in the joy of the harvest."

Dou Jing smiled and replied, "If Duke Ying is interested, why don't you come along?"

Currently, Wu Shihuo holds no official position in the court.

But since he was a founding county duke, Dou Jing naturally couldn't refuse him.

Wu Shiyue had the same idea and was about to agree when he saw a carriage in the distance stop in front of the Wen residence. The driver was none other than Gao Yue, Li Shimin's personal eunuch!

Wen He, Dou Jing, and Wu Shiyue were stunned for a moment, and the three little ones also widened their eyes.

Gao Yue has served the emperor for many years, and everyone in Chang'an with a modicum of knowledge knows him. His presence here, doesn't it mean…?

Wen He was startled and quickly instructed Zhou Fu: "Quickly have all the Xuanjia Guards in the mansion come out, change into servants' clothes, and keep a low profile."

Zhou Fu didn't dare to delay and quickly turned around to make arrangements.

Wen He looked at the simple carriage and muttered to herself.

Why did Li Er suddenly arrive, and why did he do it so discreetly, without even bringing many guards?

As he was thinking, Gao Yue lifted the carriage curtain, revealing Li Chengqian's small head.

"Sir, Minister Dou, oh, the Duke of Ying is here too!"

Li Chengqian greeted him with a smile, but when he saw Wu Shiyue, his face showed surprise.

He never expected to encounter Samurai Go here.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Wen He, Dou Jing, and Wu Shiyue quickly bowed in greeting, and Meng Zhou and Li Yifu followed suit.

"Everyone, get up."

Li Chengqian smiled and waved his hand, gesturing towards the inside of the carriage.

“Father is inside.”

A soft cough came from inside the carriage, and Wen He and the others quickly bowed again: "Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome you."

Li Ke, Li Tai, and Li You also stepped forward quickly and bowed, saying, "Your subjects greet Your Majesty."

"Let's skip all of that."

Li Shimin's voice came from inside the carriage.

“Your bowing in public like this only draws attention.”

Everyone stood up, and Dou Jing glanced at Wen He quietly, her eyes full of doubt.

His Majesty's sudden arrival, was it you who invited him?
Wen He shook his head with a bitter expression; he wouldn't do something so self-defeating.

Besides, if Li Er really wanted to come, why would he need to invite him?

Samurai stood aside, feeling a surge of excitement.

Since returning to Chang'an, although he held the title of Duke of Ying, he had no real power and was not even qualified to attend the morning court sessions. He had long lost his former glory.

Seeing Li Shimin now might be an opportunity.

Li Shimin personally lifted the carriage curtain, revealing him dressed in ordinary clothes, still in coarse cloth.

This is a bit too low-key.

Samurai Go was even more surprised.

His Majesty is dressed like this. Could it be that he is also going to Wenhe's farm?

Although he was surprised, he did not show it and simply stood silently to the side.

Of the three boys, Li Tai and Li You were a little nervous.

They hadn't seen Li Shimin for a while, so they were inevitably a little reserved.

Only Li Ke remained calm, though his eyes held a newfound respect.

Li Shimin glanced at everyone, his gaze settling on Wu Shihuo, and invited him with a smile.

"Today is the autumn harvest at Wenhe Farm. If the Duke of Ying is interested, why don't we go and take a look?"

Wu Shiyue bowed almost without hesitation and replied, "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your grace and am willing to go with you."

He had been worried that His Majesty would send him away, but he never expected that His Majesty would invite him to accompany him.

This is a good opportunity.

Li Shimin nodded, his gaze falling on Wen He, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority: "You will ride in the same carriage as me."

After saying that, he raised his hand and lowered the carriage curtain, shutting out the light and shadows from the outside world.

The moment the carriage curtain fell, Li Chengqian poked his head out of the carriage and winked at Wen He, his eyes full of urgent pleading.

Looking at him like this, Wen He couldn't help but feel speechless.

He really didn't want to ride in the same carriage as Li Shimin; it was just too uncomfortable.

But Li Chengqian's little face was all scrunched up, as if he had grasped at the last straw, his eyes staring at him expectantly, as if to say something.

"Sir, please don't refuse! I feel a lot of pressure coming along with Father!"

Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; the ancients were right.

"The minister obeys the order."

Wen He sighed helplessly. Even if he didn't want to, he couldn't disobey the imperial decree. Hearing Wen He's agreement, Li Chengqian instantly breathed a sigh of relief, a secret smile creeping onto his lips, and quickly retreated back into the carriage.

Wen He straightened her clothes, bent down, and climbed into the carriage.

The carriage was spacious and covered with soft brocade cushions. Li Shimin sat upright on the left, holding a scroll in his hand, but he did not read it. His expression looked somewhat gloomy.

Wen He immediately sensed something was wrong.

Once Wen He was settled, the others also boarded their respective carriages.

Wu Shiyue left in a hurry and didn't have time to prepare a carriage, so he accepted Dou Jing's invitation and rode in the same carriage.

The three little ones and Wenrou squeezed into the carriage that Wenhe had prepared, while Qi San and Feng Dahu held the reins on either side, steadily following in the middle of the caravan. The carriage slowly started moving, its wheels rolling over the bluestone road with a steady "gurgle".

The carriage was completely silent.

After walking for a while, the three people in the carriage remained silent.

Wen He felt the atmosphere was a bit strange, but in order not to get into trouble, she decided to remain still.

Finally, Li Shimin broke the silence first, his tone carrying a hint of heaviness.

"This year's harvest in various places is not good. According to the accounts reported by the imperial estates, the best harvest was only one shi per mu, and the worst was only six dou."

Wen He then understood why Li Chengqian had been so afraid earlier.

Li Shimin isn't in a good mood today.

He's probably worried that this year's harvest will affect his plans to attack the Turks next year.

He quickly reassured him, "Your Majesty, although there was little rain this year, it did not cause a large-scale drought. It is already quite an achievement to have such a good harvest. Moreover, Your Majesty previously carried out water conservancy projects and pest control, so there will be no locust plague next year."

"Now that we've come, next year will definitely be a bumper harvest."

Li Shimin's face darkened, he gave a soft snort, and turned his gaze to Wen He.

"Do you know how the King of the Rings grain seeds that were previously allocated to the auxiliary machines are growing now?"

"Um... Your humble servant did not know."

Wen He was taken aback. He was usually busy with the workshop and farm, so how could he pay attention to the grain situation in Changsun Wuji's mansion?

Judging from Li Shimin's expression, the grain seeds were probably not growing very well.

"He did plant grain on his farm, but in the end, he only harvested nine bushels per acre."

Li Shimin's tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

"His farm was originally a prime piece of land, and irrigation was convenient, yet it didn't yield as good a harvest as my imperial estate. It's utterly absurd!"

"Isn't it?"

Wen He was somewhat taken aback.

Even if the Huanwang grain was not well cared for, the harvest should not have been so small. How could Changsun Wuji have handled things so badly?
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Li Chengqian quickly explained in a low voice: "Sir, it was the farmers in my uncle's mansion who were lazy. My uncle asked them to dig irrigation ditches, but the farm manager, relying on the reservoir, delayed doing so. Later, there was a drought, and the fertile fields cracked. Even after the irrigation ditches were repaired, not many rice seedlings could be saved."

"In a fit of rage, my uncle beat several managers of the farm to death, and the farmers also suffered as a result."

Li Chengqian seemed somewhat reluctant.

Wen He was even more surprised when she heard this.

Changsun Wuji has always been meticulous, so how could he be so careless in farming?
This is really inconsistent with his usual cautious and meticulous persona.

"Never mind, Fu Ji doesn't understand farming, so we can't blame him entirely."

Li Shimin shook his head, his tone softening, which was a way of giving Changsun Wuji a way out.

His trust in Changsun Wuji was unparalleled in the court, and even after such a mistake, he was unwilling to be too harsh on him.

Wen He remained silent and did not speak.

He knew in his heart that Li Shimin's trust in Changsun Wuji was already ingrained in his very bones.

Even in his later years, when Li Shimin was suspicious of many ministers in the court, he never doubted Changsun Wuji and eventually entrusted him with assisting Li Zhi.

As for the rumors circulating in later generations that Li Shimin harbored murderous intentions towards Changsun Wuji before his death, these are merely speculations by later generations and should not be taken seriously.

The carriage traveled along, passing through bustling markets and gradually moving away from the hustle and bustle of Chang'an.

Once we drove out of Mingde Gate, the view suddenly opened up before us.

The fields on both sides of the road are covered with golden wheat ears. Although they are sparser than in previous years, at least they have produced grain.

After an unknown amount of time, the convoy gradually entered the area of ​​Wenjiazhuang. As soon as they stepped into the village, everyone was stunned by the scene before them.

In the boundless fields, green rice leaves and golden rice ears intertwine, and when the wind blows, the rice waves roll, and the air is filled with the fragrance of rice.

Compared to the sparse crops outside Chang'an, the rice ears here are fuller and the stalks are thicker, presenting a scene of abundant harvest at a glance.

Dou Jing sat inside the carriage, lifted the curtain and glanced out. Her eyes widened instantly, her face filled with shock.

Having served as an official for so many years, he had seen countless crops in farms, but he had never seen a rice paddy growing so well.

And this happened during a drought.

As the convoy approached Wenjiazhuang, the thatched cottages on the edge of the village could be seen in the distance, and several faded flags were still stuck on the ridges of the fields.

Those were special marks made by the farmers, marking the first rice paddy to be harvested by Wenhe.

Feng Dahu jumped down from his position as the driver of the cart, clutching a bronze gong in his hand, and ran quickly toward the village, shouting as he ran, "Young master is here! Quickly bring out the sickle and the rice baskets!"

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

The crisp sound of a gong rang out in the village. The villagers, who were sharpening their sickles and weaving rice baskets in their own yards, lit up at the sound and put down their work, carrying their tools and running towards the village entrance.

"It's Steward Feng's gong! The young master has really arrived!"

"Quick! Reserve that most fertile rice paddy for the young master to harvest the first crop!"

Before long, the village entrance was crowded with people, men, women, and children, all carrying farm tools, some clutching gleaming sickles, others carrying woven bamboo rice baskets, their faces full of expectant smiles.

Several elderly farmers stood on the edge of the field, watching the convoy approaching in the distance, and couldn't help but sigh, "Our rice this year is much better than that of Gejiazhuang. The ears of rice are so heavy that they bend the stalks. Today, we must make sure the young man harvests the first crop and shares in the good fortune!"

"That's right! If it weren't for the young master teaching us how to compost and giving us seeds, how could we have had such a good harvest? We would have been worrying about food at home long ago!"

Some farmers had already gone to the selected rice paddies in advance, cleared the weeds off the ridges, and placed water jugs and coarse cloths by the fields.

Knowing that the young man was going to work in the fields, they specially prepared things to quench everyone's thirst and wipe their sweat.

The children ran around the paddy field ridges, holding freshly picked foxtail grass in their hands, eagerly anticipating seeing the young man harvesting rice.

As the convoy drew closer, the cheers of the villagers grew louder and louder.

Before Wen He and Li Shimin's carriage could even stop, everyone swarmed around it, shouting, "Young master! You've finally arrived! We've reserved the rice paddies for you, just waiting for you to harvest the first crop!"

"Young man, come down quickly! Look at our rice, it's much plumper than last year's!"

Inside the carriage, Li Shimin heard the cheers outside and couldn't help but chuckle. He looked at Wen He and said, "You certainly have the people's hearts."

Upon hearing this, Wen He's heart skipped a beat. She deliberately blinked and said in a joking tone.

"Um, Your Majesty, you're not looking for a reason to execute me, are you?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian, who was standing to the side, trembled instantly, his eyes widening in astonishment. He quickly looked at Li Shimin, fearing that his father would truly be angry.

Sir, you are too bold to say such a thing!

Li Shimin glared at Wen He in annoyance and reached out to slap him on the head.

"You brat, what nonsense are you spouting! Do you think I am such an indiscriminate ruler? The people respect you because you have brought them a good life, which is a good thing, and I am overjoyed."

"When you suddenly said that, it really startled my little heart."

Wen He rubbed her head, which had been slapped, and said, feigning grievance.

He was indeed a little apprehensive.

A minister who is too popular with the people is no small matter in the eyes of emperors throughout history. If he encounters a suspicious monarch like Emperor Wu of Han, he really has to think about how to get out of trouble.

The person in front of us isn't in that situation now, but who knows what the future holds?
Even Li Jing had to be careful, let alone him.

"Snapped!"

Li Shimin raised his hand and patted him again, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"You are the Crown Prince's nominal teacher, yet you behave so improperly! What, are you itching for a beating? Do you want me to punish you?"

He merely made a casual remark, and this brat took it as a sign of suspicion; he deserved to be beaten.

Wen He rubbed her head and noticed Li Chengqian laughing so hard he was doubled over. She couldn't help but lift her foot and gently kick his shin.

"What are you laughing at! Don't you understand the importance of respecting your teachers? Didn't you see your teacher being bullied by His Majesty?"

Li Chengqian quickly stopped laughing, his cheeks turning red, but his shoulders were still shaking.

Seeing Wen He bullying his son, Li Shimin raised his hand and slapped Wen He on the head again.

"Damn it, Your Majesty, you've gone too far! What good will it do you to make me stupid?"

That's three slaps already!

If you weren't Li Shimin, I would definitely never let you go!

"You bullied my son, and I can't even hit you? When we get back, I'll have Yu Shinan teach you a lesson about the proper relationship between ruler and subject!"

These words were purely to vent his son's anger. Li Chengqian could no longer hold back and burst into loud laughter, clutching his stomach, almost laughing until tears streamed down his face.

His laughter didn't stop until the carriage stopped and he got off.

The three little ones, Dou Jing, and Wu Shiyue had already gotten off the carriage. Seeing the villagers carrying farm tools around the carriage and hearing laughter coming from inside, they were all completely confused.

He was so quiet just a moment ago, how come His Highness the Crown Prince is laughing like this in such a short time?
Wen He rubbed her head, which had been hit several times, and pouted in annoyance. She called out to the person behind her, "Xiao Rou, come here."

Wenrou quickly ran over, took Wenhe's hand, and followed him down from the carriage.

As soon as he landed, a farmer handed him a sickle: "Young man, this sickle is sharpened. Would you like to try it out and see if it's easy to use?"

The sudden appearance of the sickle startled Wen He.

He instinctively stepped in front of Li Shimin and Li Chengqian to protect them.

He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw a plain-looking face.

Wen He took the sickle, weighed it in her hand, and said with a smile, "Okay, let's go to the field and harvest the first crop of rice!"

The villagers cheered and crowded around Wen He as they walked toward the rice paddies, completely ignoring Li Shimin and Li Chengqian behind them.

Li Shimin stood not far away, watching Wen He being surrounded by villagers as he walked towards the rice paddies, and the golden waves of rice on the paddy ridges. A slight smile crept onto his lips.

He had naturally noticed Wen He's subconscious reaction just now.

Although this brat still speaks so incoherently, he has the Emperor and Gao Ming in his heart.

He watched Wen He and Wen Rou gradually disappear into the distance, and said to Li Chengqian, who was still secretly laughing beside him.

"Can you see it? This is the will of the people. Just like that brat Wen He said before, these people don't care who sits on the dragon throne. They only care about who can provide them with food and clothing and who can let them live a good life. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian blinked, looked up at Li Shimin, and hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

“Speak your mind. We are father and son, there is no need for any reservations.”

Li Shimin noticed that he had something on his mind, so he softened his tone.

"Father, you don't really suspect the gentleman, do you?"

Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment, but still asked the question.

As soon as he finished speaking, the smile on Li Shimin's face vanished, and he kicked Li Chengqian in the buttocks.

"Like teacher, like student! Today you and Wen He will go to the field and harvest one acre of land. If you can't finish, you'll have to copy the Classic of Filial Piety one hundred times!"

Li Chengqian staggered a few steps before regaining his balance, then covered his backside and chuckled awkwardly.

However, the weight that had been hanging over his heart was finally lifted.

It seems that Father really has no suspicions about Mr.

Seeing this scene, Dou Jing and Wu Shiyue, who were not far away, couldn't help but have their own plans.

It seems His Highness the Crown Prince's position is as secure as Mount Tai.

"Harvest time!"

Suddenly, a long howl came from afar.

The sound of a gong rang out.

Farmers gathered around the rice paddies.

Wen He had already changed into his work clothes and, holding a sickle, began to hack at the rice paddy in the field that was tied with red cloth.

He then raised up an ear of rice.

Feng Dahu, standing to the side, led the villagers in shouting in unison.

"May the harvest be plentiful and the weather favorable!"

Wenrou skipped and hopped excitedly to the side, clapping her hands vigorously and shouting along with the villagers.

"May the harvest be plentiful and the weather favorable."

Upon witnessing this scene, Li Shimin couldn't help but sigh.

He turned to look at Dou Jing, who immediately bowed and stepped forward.

"Dou Qing, please write it down yourself later. If it's a little short, just make it up."

Dou Jing was stunned for a moment.

He understood what Li Shimin meant.

If the weight is less than expected when weighed, then report more.

The imperial court has been struggling for a long time to secure the grain for the Prince of Huan, and now many eyes are watching.

If the grain production is low, Wenhe will definitely become the target of everyone's criticism.

Dou Jing couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This scion of Gaoyang County is truly favored by the Emperor!

(End of this chapter)