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

Chapter 408 Personally Sending Jieli to Meet the Eternal Heaven
Gao Yue strode into the main hall, a perfectly timed smile on her face, and started a conversation from afar.

"What a coincidence, the Count of Gaoyang is also here."

Before he finished speaking, he had already strode forward, the hem of his bright yellow robe swaying gently with each step, followed closely by two eunuchs carrying brocade boxes.

Looking at his familiar demeanor, Wen He felt even more uneasy, but she still managed a light laugh, her tone slightly teasing.

"You're quite busy today, Senior Official. You just delivered the decree of conferring a title to my residence this morning, and now you're here at Qibi's residence. You're working even harder than the Hundred Cavalry Commander."

"It's not hard work, it's all what this servant should do."

Gao Yue bowed deeply, her smile growing increasingly obsequious, but a hint of premeditated cunning lurked in her eyes.

"It is my honor to serve Your Majesty and the Tang Dynasty. I dare not complain about the hardships."

Wen He knew the answer.

What a coincidence! It's obvious that Li Shimin knew I was here and specially sent Gao Yue over!

Otherwise, Gao Yue would have come at the exact time he was supposed to be here. If it weren't for Li Shimin's arrangement behind this, he would be ashamed.

He didn't want Li Shimin to give him any more new tasks, so he immediately got up and made a move to leave.

"Since the high-ranking official is here to deliver an imperial decree, I will not disturb you any longer and will take my leave now."

But as soon as he took a step, Gao Yue immediately stepped forward and stopped him, her tone urgent yet firm.

“Lord of Gaoyang, please wait! It’s good that you are here. His Majesty has sent me with an imperial edict that is related to you. If you leave, I will have to make another trip to your residence. It’s better to tell you everything today and save some trouble.”

Wen He paused, then sighed helplessly.

See? He guessed right.

When Gao Yue saw him stop, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly turned to Lady Guzang and Qibi Heli to pay her respects.

“This servant is Gao Yue. I have met Lady Guzang and Khan Heli. His Majesty asked me to come and inquire after you. I wonder if you are doing well in Chang'an these days? If you need anything, please let me know and I will report back to His Majesty.”

Lady Guzang quickly turned to the side, placed her right hand on her left chest, and returned the gesture in the manner of a nobility of the grasslands. Her movements were elegant but also somewhat cautious. At the same time, she tugged at Qibi Heli beside her and whispered.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My son and I are both well. We appreciate your care."

Although Qibi Heli was unwilling, she still imitated her mother, awkwardly bending over. Her little face was full of reluctance, but she still tried her best to restrain herself.

Lady Guzang glared at him, and he finally calmed down.

She then asked with a smile, "I wonder if His Majesty wishes to see us today? My son and I have been in Chang'an for quite some time now."

Gao Yue had visited once before, so Lady Guzang knew that he was someone close to the emperor.

Before Gao Yue could answer, Wen He spoke up first: "Madam, please don't worry, His Majesty has simply made other arrangements."

Gao Yue smiled and continued, "The Earl of Gaoyang is right, His Majesty does indeed have other plans."

Having said that, he cleared his throat, held the brocade box with both hands, slowly opened it, took out a bright yellow scroll of oral edict records, unfolded it with the utmost respect, and read it aloud.

"Your Majesty's decree states that Qibi Heli has just entered the Tang Dynasty and is unfamiliar with Han Chinese learning and Tang Dynasty etiquette. If he is to serve the Tang Dynasty in the future, he may inevitably make mistakes due to differences in customs. Considering his young age and his willingness to submit, I have specially found a teacher for him to teach him to read and practice etiquette, and to familiarize him with the Tang Dynasty's system, so that he can contribute to the Tang Dynasty in the future."

Upon reading this, Gao Yue suddenly stopped, turned her gaze to Wen He, and her smile instantly became even more obsequious, even somewhat ingratiating, as she bowed again.

"His Majesty said that this teacher..."

"The teacher Your Majesty mentioned, could it be... me?"

Wen He pointed at herself, her face full of astonishment, and subconsciously took half a step back.

Li Shimin, are you going too far?! Don't I have enough to do already?

Another guy came just now, and now another one is being delivered.

Even the donkeys in the production team aren't treated like this!
He couldn't help but ask, "Senior official, may I refuse?"

Gao Yue smiled gently.

"His Majesty said that the Earl of Gaoyang County is young and promising, and has extensive knowledge, so he is a perfect match for Mr. He Li."

"I do not want!"

A clear yet stubborn shout suddenly rang out, interrupting Gao Yue's words.

Qibi Heli suddenly took a step forward, broke free from her mother's hand, pointed at Wen He with her finger, her little face full of resentment, and loudly questioned him.

“He’s only a few years older than me, looks frail, and can’t even ride a horse properly. What makes him qualified to be my teacher? When I was on the grasslands, all the warriors in my tribe praised me for my riding and archery skills. What can he teach me? How can he teach me to read and write? What use are those things!”

"presumptuous!"

Gao Yue and Qi San shouted at each other almost simultaneously, their voices filled with anger.

Gao Yue suddenly straightened up, her face instantly darkening. Her eyes were sharp as she stared at Qibi Heli, her hands unconsciously gripping the edge of the brocade box as she rebuked him.

"How dare you! How dare you defy His Majesty's decree? What use are books and etiquette? If you don't understand the etiquette of the Tang Dynasty, how will you get along with the court officials in the future? How will you serve the Tang Dynasty? Are you defying the imperial decree?"

Qi San placed his hand on the horizontal sword at his waist, took half a step forward, glared fiercely at Qibi Heli, and said in a deep voice.

"You insolent brat! How dare you disrespect the Earl of Wen County and His Majesty's decree! If you dare to say another word, don't blame me for being impolite!"

If Wen He hadn't remained silent, he would have almost taken down this arrogant young man on the spot.

Lady Guzang was also startled by her son's actions. She quickly reached out and tugged hard on Qibi Heli's sleeve, pulling him behind her and scolding him in a low voice.

"He Li! Stop talking nonsense! Apologize to the high-ranking official and the county magistrate Wen right now!"

Then he bowed repeatedly to Gao Yue and Wen He to apologize, bending so low that his waist almost touched the ground.

"Please forgive me, sir! Please forgive me, magistrate! My son is young and ignorant, and does not know the rules. He has offended His Majesty's decree and also offended you, magistrate. I will definitely teach him a lesson when I get back and make him apologize to you!"

Qibi Heli, though being pulled along by her mother, still glared defiantly at Wen He, muttering in protest, "I didn't say anything wrong, he just looks weak..."

Lady Guzang glared at him, and only then did he quiet down.

“Madam, there’s no need for that.” Gao Yue didn’t seem to care about Qibi Heli.

They're just barbarians; it's normal for them to lack manners.

Seeing him say that, Madam Guzang felt a little more at ease, but she was still a little curious.

“Official, please forgive my bluntness, but why did His Majesty appoint the Earl of Wen as He Li’s teacher? Although the Earl of Wen is talented, he is still young, and my child is mischievous…”

Gao Yue, with a cold face and an unquestionable air of authority, bowed again to the air, as if Li Shimin were right in front of her.

"Madam Guzang, this is His Majesty's decree. How dare you question it so casually? His Majesty has his reasons for favoring the Earl of Wen County! Besides, which minister in the court doesn't recognize the Earl of Wen County's talent?"

"Moreover, the Earl of Gaoyang County is a captain of a hundred cavalry. It was his men who went to Lingzhou to pick you and your child up. The Taoist priest Sun who treated He Li is also a good friend of the Earl of Gaoyang County."

Gao Yue gave a soft hum, her tone carrying a hint of guidance.

"Nowadays, most officials in the court consider the surrendered Turks to be aliens and wish to stay away from you and your son, for fear of getting involved in trouble."

"Besides the Earl of Wen County, I'm afraid there's no one else who would be willing to genuinely accept you and speak on your behalf before His Majesty."

"Um, actually I..."

Wen He was about to explain that he didn't actually intend to accept Qibi Heli; he just felt that Qibi Heli had some value to him.

But before he could finish speaking, Gao Yue interrupted him.

Gao Yue took a step closer, lowered her voice, and said with a hint of enticement.

“Before I came here, His Majesty specifically instructed that if the magistrate of Gaoyang County accepts the task of instructing Khan Heli, you will not need to report to the Ministry of War for the next month.”

"Really?"

Wen He's eyes lit up instantly, and her previously somewhat reluctant expression immediately relaxed.

During this period, he was tormented by Li Jing, who kept him reading military books and interpreting the military strategies of generals from previous dynasties.

He also needed to analyze the battles fought by generals like Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and Dou Xian in their conquest of the grasslands. He was already at his wits' end.

He was just a time traveler, not a celestial being descended from the heavens.

“How dare this servant deceive the county magistrate?”

Gao Yue nodded, but secretly found it amusing.

His Majesty had long understood Wen He's temperament, and now he had indeed struck the mark with one blow.

"That's okay!"

Wen He waved his hand dismissively, looking as if he was reluctant.

"Anyway, whether it's one sheep or a flock, it's all the same. It won't make a difference if there's one more person to feed the family. At worst, it'll just mean one more person to help raise the pigs in the backyard."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yue's eyes widened in astonishment.

He happened to hear this morning that the Sixth Prince, Li Yin, had gone to Wen He's residence early in the morning. Judging from Wen He's words, could it be that His Highness the Sixth Prince was already raising pigs at the Wen residence? This Wen County Earl really dares to think and act, even dragging a prince to do farm work.

Just then, Lady Guzang suddenly knelt down with a thud, and grabbed Qibi Heli beside her, pressing him down to his knees as well. Her voice was filled with excitement and sobs.

"It was the magistrate of Gaoyang who saved my child! Thank you so much, magistrate!"

"What are you doing, Madam? Get up!"

Wen He was startled and quickly stepped forward to help her up.

"It's just a small favor, why make such a big gesture?"

Madam Guzang refused to get up, holding Wen He's hand tightly, her eyes resolute.

“We Qibi people believe in repaying kindness. He Li was seriously ill before, and it was Master Sun who saved his life. Now I know that Master Sun is from the county magistrate’s mansion. I will remember this kindness. From now on, I will entrust He Li to the county magistrate. You can teach him however you want, and I will have no objection!”

Lady Guzang regretted it; at this moment, she felt that she had mistreated Wen He.

If she had known there was such a reason, she should have greeted him with even greater courtesy.

"Mother?!"

Qibi Heli looked up at his mother in disbelief. He had just been arguing with Wen He, how could his mother suddenly sell him?
Before he could retort, Madam Guzang pressed the back of his head and forced him to kowtow to Wen He with a loud "thud," which made Wen He feel pain.

Well, now we're completely out of options.

Wen He looked at Qi Bi He Li, who was still in a daze on the ground, and sighed helplessly.

Now that the apprenticeship ceremony has been completed, even if he wanted to refuse, he couldn't.

When Wen He left the Qibi residence, she was indeed followed by a little tail.

Qibi Heli followed behind him, her little face full of confusion. After walking for a while, she finally couldn't help but ask.

"Did you really send someone to save me?"

“That Taoist priest, Master Sun, is currently living in my backyard.”

Wen He didn't turn her head, and replied indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Qibi Heli abruptly stopped, his gaze instantly becoming serious.

He straightened his round-necked robe and respectfully performed the Turkic nobleman's salute to Wen He.

He placed his hands on his chest, bowed slightly, and his eyes no longer held the stubbornness of before, but rather a sense of respect.

"Then, just because you saved my life, I'll acknowledge you as my teacher."

"hehe."

Wen He sneered, turned her head to look at him, and spoke with a hint of disdain.

"I haven't even acknowledged you as my student yet, do you think it's so easy to accept me as your teacher?"

"Why!"

Qibi Heli immediately glared defiantly and retorted with a stiff neck.

"I'm very skilled! I could ride a horse when I was three, and I could shoot arrows when I was five. Last year, I even hunted wolves with the warriors of my tribe! Look at that little colt by the door; the horse I ride is even taller than it!"

"So what if you ride a horse?"

Wen He glared at him.

Damn, that little pony is the one I rode!

"You know about the Battle of Huizhou, right?"

Qibi Heli raised his head, with a hint of smugness in his voice.

"Of course I know! When Khan Jieli sent troops to Huizhou, I even led the Qibi tribe to provide support! Unfortunately, we lost... Oh, were you in Huizhou at the time?"

"of course!"

Wen He puffed out his chest and said without blushing or skipping a beat.

"When your Turkic tribes suffered a crushing defeat and Jieli fled with his remaining troops, I was the first to charge ahead, and I almost shot Jieli off his horse with an arrow!"

He was silently adding to it in his mind.

Although he was riding the same horse as Li Jing at the time.

Although it was Li Daozong who finally shot that arrow, and he didn't even hit the target.

Although he just watched from the sidelines the whole time...

But at least he participated in the chase, so it's not exactly lying.

"I remembered!"

Qibi Heli's eyes suddenly lit up, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief.

"When I was in the rear, I saw that after Khagan Jieli's banner fell, a young man in a brocade robe was chasing the Tang army the most closely. Was that you?"

His gaze towards Wen He changed rapidly, from initial resentment to a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

Seeing his young master boasting, Qi San quickly stepped forward to chime in, praising Qibi Heli.

"Little one, do you know those grenades from the Battle of Huizhou that exploded like thunder when thrown? Those were made by my young master! When the Turkic soldiers saw the grenades, they were so scared that they didn't even dare to ride their horses!"

"Is that the 'Thunderclap' that can kill people?"

Qibi Heli's eyes widened in shock, his tone tinged with astonishment.

"I even picked up an unexploded one back then, but it was snatched away by the warriors of the tribe, who said it was something from the devil. So you made that one too?"

Were there any grenades that hadn't exploded yet?
Who else is the devil?

Your whole family are devils!
Qibi Heli's gaze towards Wen He completely changed.

It turns out that this seemingly frail young man not only saved his life, but also participated in the Battle of Huizhou, and even created such a powerful weapon!

Seeing his expression, Wen He felt secretly pleased and asked with a smile.

"Want to play with grenades? I can take you to see some next time."

"I don't want to play."

Qibi Heli shook his head vigorously, his eyes suddenly turning fierce, and he clenched his fists tightly, almost shouting the words.

"But I want to use that thing to personally send Jieli to see Tengri!"

Tengri is also known as the Eternal Heaven.

(End of this chapter)