Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Chapter 113 Li Shimin's Helplessness!

Wang Ji happily stayed, and both sides were satisfied with the outcome.

When San Niang heard that Princess Yuzhang and her two little princesses were also staying here, she became even more excited.

Help with all the preparations.

Xiao Ran thought of what Li Lizhi had said about the birthday celebration, and realized that they probably didn't need to go to Chang'an City; they could just stay here.

With the three little girls around, the courtyard was especially lively.

Wang Ji didn't bring anything with him. If he insisted he did, it was only the clothes he was wearing and the wine pot.

Sun Simiao and Wang Ji got along well. The two went out of the courtyard, and Sun Simiao took Wang Ji for a walk to learn about the situation in Kaolao Village.

Xiao Ran's place is naturally not comparable to the palace, but it's all new buildings, so at least it's clean and tidy.

Li Lizhi and the others didn't find fault with this issue.

After winter sets in, you can hardly see anyone working in the fields, but the people of Kaolao Village are basically never idle.

Everything that can move and work is busy.

There's always a suitable job to be found in the coal mines.

The people in charge of management are all from the village, and they are not too harsh on the older people.

Of course, we can't go too far, everyone else is watching!
Not many people outside know much about the coal industry.

There is no coal being sold to the public at the moment, so Wang Ji naturally doesn't know that.

Wang Ji was shocked to hear about mining and selling coal. "This is usable?"

"Yes, young master. Your family uses coal for cooking, but this coal can't be used directly. However, you have a solution. I've examined it carefully, and it's definitely usable; it's more durable than charcoal."

Wang Ji nodded. "Young master, you are truly remarkable."

Sun Simiao pointed to the coal blocks drying beside the coal yard in the distance and said slowly, "Young Master didn't keep the profits from this coal for himself. He took out a portion and distributed it to each household. Everyone from Kaolao Village gets a share."

He said, "Money that is hoarded in one place will rot, but money that is given to many will take root."

"The coal mine should be located in Kaolao Village, right?" Wang Ji asked.

"It belongs to Kaolao Village, but it used to belong to other people. This land was acquired by the young master through an exchange with others, so it is now considered his property."

Wang Ji had initially thought it was someone from the village, and that Xiao Ran was leading the development and providing the technology.

I never expected that he would be sharing his things with other people.

Wang Ji took a sip of wine from the flask, paused on the ridge of the field, and raised an eyebrow as he watched the smiles on the faces of the villagers passing by.

"In Chang'an, I have seen too many officials and merchants who are greedy and unwilling to let go of profits, wishing they could squeeze every last drop out of the land."

"He's quite something. He made a living by firing glass and making plowshares, but he squandered the profits from coal mining—his personality is even more 'reckless' than mine, who loves to drink."

Sun Simiao smiled: "He also left a reserve fund, which the village head and the elders managed. It was used to pay for anything that came up in need of a family or for the school."

"I only became interested in coming to see it because I saw that it was a school in the village. I didn't come to the wrong place." Wang Ji stayed, partly because of Sun Simiao.

"If you don't like Chang'an, coming here is definitely the right choice."

Sun Simiao continued talking about Kaolao Village.

Based on my own observations and feelings, the main point is the changes that Xiao Ran brought to this village.

The more Wang Ji listened, the more he realized he had underestimated Xiao Ran.

I discovered that this person is truly remarkable and genuine.

I took a stroll around and then returned home.

Everyone who followed Sun Simiao helped organize the medicinal herbs.

Empress Xiao was also one of them.

Everyone couldn't help but want to lend a hand.

Sun Simiao never found it troublesome, explaining these medicinal herbs again and again.

Learning more about these medicinal herbs, even if they aren't of great use, won't do any harm.

At first, Wang Ji had a so-so impression of Li Lizhi and the others, but he could tell that they were high-ranking officials and nobles.

Wang Ji disliked the imperial court and did not want to deal with high-ranking officials.

However, it was gradually discovered that Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang were impeccable in their interpersonal interactions.

There was no sense of superiority whatsoever.

This improved Wang Ji's impression of him considerably.

In the evening, Li Kecheng, Chu Mo, Qin Huaidao, and the others also returned.

Xiao Ran introduced the group to the others.

Wang Ji could tell that Li Kecheng and the others were not ordinary people.

Li Ke was quite happy that Li Lizhi and the others stayed.

Wang Ji looked at Li Wu several times, feeling that he looked familiar, but he couldn't quite place him.

Li Wu had also met Wang Ji, but couldn't remember him.

Li Shimin and Wang Ji certainly knew each other, but Li Shimin didn't come.

There were too many people, so we had to eat at two tables.

It was a bit cold at night, but the kang (heated brick bed) made it much warmer.

These dishes shocked Wang Ji.

Wang Ji tasted several dishes and found them all exceptionally delicious.

It was something I had never eaten before.

“Sir, the food here is better than any restaurant or tavern in Chang’an, or even the Imperial Kitchen.” Li Ke was telling the truth.

"Indeed, absolutely brilliant." For Wang Ji, this was an unexpected delight.

“Young Master and Second Mistress are both first-rate cooks, and the food here has always been like this. That’s why the old man is so reluctant to leave,” Sun Simiao joked.

"Haha! I really don't want to leave, the food is so delicious."

"Sir, I'm glad you like it." Xiao Ran smiled.

Zhang Dalang, Li Wucheng, and Chu Mo didn't talk much; they just ate their meals in silence.

The group has a good appetite, and it's a bit difficult for Zhang Erya to cook for herself all by herself.

Fortunately, Zhang Jinhe would lend a hand, as would Princess Yuzhang.

I originally wanted to bring two personal maids, but I felt it wasn't appropriate at Xiao Ran's house.

With so many people arriving at once, it felt wrong to bring palace maids along.

So I didn't bring it.

That evening, the three little girls played until they were sleepy before separating.

We originally planned to sleep together, but there wasn't enough space.

It was a bit crowded for Zhang Erya and Li Lizhi to sleep with three little girls.

Li Lizhi is just right to take care of two little princesses.

At night, Xiao Hei would sometimes follow Xiao Ran, and sometimes he might follow San Niang.

Back in their rooms, apart from Zhang Dalang, Cheng Chumo, and a few others, no one else went to bed early.

Sun Simiao studied the Compendium of Materia Medica and researched the gunpowder mentioned by Xiao Ran.

Sun Simiao didn't know what Xiao Ran wanted to do with gunpowder, but he felt that Xiao Ran valued this matter very much.

Sun Simiao felt indebted to Xiao Ran and wanted to help him as much as possible.

Sun Simiao felt that he had benefited greatly from Xiao Ran's teachings.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang were tidying up books and didn't go to sleep. The two sisters whispered to each other, afraid of disturbing others.

They were having a great time talking.

The next day, they all got up very early.

Wang Ji wanted to see what the others were doing in the morning.

I wanted to be earlier than everyone else, but I found out I was the last one.

Xiao Ran, Cheng Chumo, and Li Ke were all practicing Tai Chi with Sun Simiao by the pool, practicing health preservation.

The three little girls didn't understand and just followed along, gesturing wildly.

The way they learned it was a bit comical, but they were very serious about it.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang stood by and watched.

Wang Ji didn't see Zhang Dalang and assumed that Zhang Dalang hadn't gotten up yet, but later found that he had already gone to work.

Princess Yuzhang didn't consider herself a princess; she followed Zhang Erya around sweeping and tidying the courtyard.

"Big sister~ I'm here too~" The little princess loves to join in the fun.

"Okay, then Sizi will come from now on."

The little princess is too small, and the broom is a bit too big.

It's a bit tiring to hold.

Sun Simiao picked up a wood-chopping knife, gathered some branches and bamboo from the side, and made three brooms for the three little girls.

“From now on, Third Sister Sizi Fanyin will be sweeping the courtyard,” Princess Yuzhang said with a smile.

"Hmmmm~"

"it is good!"

The three little girls liked it very much and felt that they were being given an important role.

I don't see it as a burden.

Third Aunt has always fed chickens, ducks, and geese, but now this work is being shared between the two little princesses.

Wang Ji always had a smile on his face; this was the idyllic rural life he loved.

It was lively yet peaceful and harmonious.

With his daughters here, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun also wanted to come and see them.

Please also ask Sun Simiao to examine Empress Zhangsun's health.

Li Shimin didn't bring anything else, but he did bring a lot of books.

They all support the school in Kaolao Village.

Hearing the commotion, Xiao Hei was the first to run out.

Three little girls followed closely behind.

The little princess ran back again, "Big sister~ It's Dad and Mom~"

Only Zhang Anan was with them.

"Uncle is here!" Xiao Ran, Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, and the others also came out of the courtyard.

"Uncle, why did Madam bring so much stuff? It's alright that you're here."

"They're nothing valuable, just some books," Li Shimin said casually, though the value of these books was no less than that of the previous palace pastries.

As the group entered the courtyard, Li Shimin saw Wang Ji, and Wang Ji was startled to see Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

Previously, Wang Ji did not know Li Ke and Li Lizhi, but he had met Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

I haven't seen him many times, but I can't forget him.

"Grandpa, this is Mr. Wang, whom the young master invited."

Li Shimin, the "Mr. Wang," naturally knew Wang Ji.

Wang Ji was at a loss, and for a moment he didn't know how to address Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

Having previously heard Li Lizhi call Li Ke "brother," and now that she calls Li Shimin "grandfather," Wang Ji naturally guessed that Li Ke, Li Lizhi, and the others were princesses and princes.

The people here are a bit scary.

Empress Zhangsun did not rush to examine the patient's condition, but instead took Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang to see the room and other things.

Xiao Ran, Sun Simiao, Li Shimin, Wang Ji, and others sat down in the living room.

Wang Ji, who had been quite relaxed before, became a little reserved because of Li Shimin's arrival.

Li Shimin took a sip of tea. "Mr. Wang is a man of great learning and knowledge, a pillar of the nation. It's a bit of a waste to have him teaching here; it's a waste of his talents."

Li Shimin understood Wang Ji and knew his abilities.

The decision to let Wang Ji resign was also based on the feeling that Wang Ji's ambitions lay elsewhere.

"You flatter me, sir. I dare not claim to be a pillar of the nation; I am but a humble, uncultured man," Wang Ji said respectfully.

"The world is at peace now, His Majesty is wise, and the court is full of talented people. Compared with the officials in the court, I am not worth mentioning."

Li Shimin laughed, and Wang Ji's reply satisfied him.

Xiao Ran continued, "People always say they want to achieve great things and leave their mark on history, as if only in this way can they say they haven't lived in vain. But if you think about it carefully, how many of those great achievements written into history were driven by the times, and how many were truly done willingly by themselves?"

He looked out the window and saw the morning light spilling over the courtyard wall and falling on the young girls sweeping the yard, soft and warm like a cloud of mist: "It would be better to be like Mr. Wang, who doesn't want to be an official, and teaches children to read if he wants to. When he's free, he can have a drink and watch the clouds drift by."

"You don't need to carry anyone's expectations or deal with anyone's attitude. Just follow your heart throughout your life—even if you don't leave behind any achievements, you still have control over your life and live each moment clearly and steadily."

"This way of living may seem ordinary, but it is actually the most difficult. How many people in the world are bound by 'how should we do it,' and only when they get old do they think about 'how they want to do it,' by which time they are already too old to move. Being able to live according to one's own heart from beginning to end is more real than any great empire."

Sun Simiao stroked his beard and suddenly laughed, "Young master, you've hit the nail on the head."

"In this life, being able to follow your own nature and do what you love is the greatest blessing, regardless of history or historical records."

"His Majesty is indeed remarkable, but he also has many things beyond his control, preventing the old man and the teacher from being at ease." Xiao Ran deliberately looked at Li Shimin, "Uncle, what do you think?"

Li Shimin tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the bottom of his teacup, his gaze falling on the young maids sweeping the courtyard outside the window. His tone carried a faint, almost imperceptible melancholy, yet it also revealed an undeniable certainty:
"The way you're saying it's as if you're dissecting the principles of this world and showing them to people."

When he looked up, his smile was tinged with something heavy, like the weight of years of hardship: "Some people and some things are like horses pulling a cart; once they're on the road, the reins won't come loose on their own."

"Look at the peace and tranquility in this courtyard, how many people have risked their lives to protect it?"

"People in certain positions can't just look at the clouds and the sky; they have to keep an eye on whether the road is smooth and the car is stable. If they relax their guard even a little, it might not just make them uncomfortable, but also make the people behind them stumble."

He tilted his head slightly towards Sun Simiao and Wang Ji, lowering his voice as if speaking to himself:
"It would be a lie to say I'm not envious. The old man carries his medicine basket across the mountains and rivers, while Mr. Wang holds his wine jug and watches over the fields. Their carefree attitude is truly admirable."

"But some burdens, from the day you embark on them, are destined not to be easily relinquished."

“But it’s good,” Li Shimin changed the subject, his eyes brightening again with a self-deprecating smile, “Seeing you all living so steadily is like giving those who can’t be carefree a taste of freedom. There should be hundreds of ways to live in this world. Some people carry their burdens, some walk under the moonlight. As long as they walk steadily, that’s good.”

"Uncle, you're getting sentimental," Xiao Ran teased. "Your family is so big and powerful, you don't have to do all the work yourself, you can leave it to others, right?"

"There's no need for one person to carry all the burdens."

"Young master makes it sound so easy, but I'm not at ease!" Li Shimin shook his head helplessly. "There are some things that still need to be done personally."

Xiao Ran knew that after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin had become even more diligent and conscientious.

He wanted to prove that he was a qualified emperor, more suitable than anyone else.

Therefore, we have no choice but to work even harder.

Those who have gained their positions illegitimately are basically like this.

The others are no exception.

Li Shimin was even worse.

"Actually, there's no need for that. Many times, it's just that Uncle puts pressure on himself."

(End of this chapter)