The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 185 Hmm, let's do it discreetly.

"In that case...I grant your request."

Li Shimin finally nodded.

"Your subject obeys the decree! I will certainly act cautiously and live up to Your Majesty's trust!"

Li Chengqian felt relieved; his long-trained "surprise troops" finally had a chance to prove their worth.

The father and son discussed specific matters such as the situation in Goguryeo and the allocation of provisions for a while before Li Chengqian took his leave.

Li Shimin's gaze was deep as he watched the Crown Prince's limping yet upright figure depart.

This son of his was becoming increasingly difficult for him to understand.

Those comments about credit, that mysterious squad... well, let's see what he can do.

Let it be as long as it benefits the country.

A few days later, the edict, drafted by the Secretariat, reviewed by the Chancellery, and sealed by the emperor, was officially promulgated throughout the land.

"The imperial edict reads: I, having received the mandate of Heaven and inherited the great legacy of my ancestors, have worked tirelessly day and night to govern the country, mindful only of the hardships of farming and the suffering of the people. Now, the Ministry of Works, following imperial decree, has studied ancient methods to create new tools and improved plows and hoes, with remarkable results. It requires little effort yet yields great benefits, deeply benefiting agriculture. Agriculture is the foundation of the state, and food is the people's heaven; efficient tools and skillful work are ancient wisdom. Therefore, I hereby order all prefectures and counties throughout the land to heed my will, promptly disseminate the promulgated plans to the villages, supervise the craftsmen to construct according to the regulations, and distribute them to all farmers. Ensure that the fields fully benefit and the granaries are filled. Those who effectively implement these measures and bring tangible benefits to the people will be rewarded with excellent performance records; those who are negligent, lazy, or outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant will be punished. This proclamation is made known far and wide. January, the seventeenth year of Zhenguan."

The imperial edict was sent to various prefectures, states, and counties as quickly as possible via the postal system.

Almost simultaneously, the Crown Prince's Palace also issued a more specific implementation document in the form of a decree from the Crown Prince.

"The Crown Prince decrees: To all the magistrates and officials of the prefectures and counties, and the officials in charge of the Ministry of Works: Recently, the Imperial Court issued new designs for agricultural implements, demonstrating its sincere intention to benefit the people. The Ministry of Works is hereby ordered to select skilled craftsmen to travel to the prefectures to supervise construction and instruct them on how to use the implements. All prefectures and counties must fully cooperate, allocate materials, gather craftsmen, complete the work within the specified timeframe, and distribute the implements according to the local household registration system. Special attention must be paid to Shandong, Henan, Hebei, and Guanzhong regions, as well as impoverished areas, ensuring no one is overlooked. During implementation, the people's sentiments must be considered, and no disturbances should be caused. Every ten days, a report on the progress and public feedback must be submitted to the Ministry of Works for verification. Any technical difficulties may be consulted with the craftsmen dispatched by the Ministry of Works. Strive diligently! Do not fail the high expectations of the Imperial Court and the Crown Prince. January, the seventeenth year of Zhenguan."

The two documents, one from the imperial court and the other from the Crown Prince's Palace, quickly caused a huge sensation.

Once the imperial edict was issued, it spread like a spring breeze across frozen ground, quickly penetrating every corner of the Tang Dynasty's territory.

The officials of each prefecture and county dared not slack off. The governors and magistrates personally supervised the work, and the clerks of the Ministry of Works went to the villages and towns to post pictures of the new agricultural tools and summon craftsmen within their jurisdiction to speed up the production according to the regulations.

The craftsmen from the Ministry of Works, dispatched by the Crown Prince, also arrived one after another, bringing with them more precise manufacturing standards.

In some southern regions, demonstrations were held directly in the fields to farmers, showing them how the new curved plow could plow more efficiently and deeply.

How can an improved shovel break ground more efficiently?

At first, the farmers mostly waited and saw, with a caution passed down through generations.

But after a few bold attempts, the results were immediate.

The old plow, which originally required strong laborers to pull, became much easier to pull with the new curved plow. It went deeper into the soil and turned up more evenly and broke up the soil clods.

The shovel's shape was adjusted to prevent it from getting muddy, making digging ditches and repairing field ridges much easier.

"Effort-saving! Really effort-saving!"

A smile spread across the old farmer's wrinkled face as he stroked the smooth plow handle as if caressing a precious treasure.

"I'm so good with this shovel, I can finish a day's work in half a day!"

The young man gestured excitedly.

The news spread like wildfire.

In the countryside, the desire for new farm tools is rapidly growing.

Official documents from various regions poured into Chang'an, all mentioning that "the people were all eager to receive the documents," "they vied to claim them," and "the emperor's boundless grace and the crown prince's benevolence were praised."

While the promotion of agricultural tools was in full swing, subtle changes were quietly taking place in the atmosphere of the east and west markets of Chang'an.

The previous rumors that the "Zhenguan Yuguo Certificates" might be difficult to redeem due to the Goguryeo war seemed to have been diluted by an invisible force.

Those wealthy businessmen who had privately inquired about the possibility of transferring bonds at a discount suddenly fell silent.

Instead, people began cautiously inquiring whether there were still ways to purchase Zhenguan coupons.

Or, have the sellers who were initially interested in making the purchase changed their minds?

This shift was not obvious at first, but astute shopkeepers and pawnbrokers quickly noticed the change in the wind.

The Cui family mansion.

The study was brightly lit by candlelight.

What are your thoughts on the recent market situation?

Cui Renshi spoke slowly, his fingers twirling a warm, smooth jade pendant.

"It's very strange. Not long ago, there were rumors that the bonds might become worthless."

"One of the stewards of the Cui family said with a puzzled look on his face."

"Now it seems the clouds have parted and the fog has cleared, with more and more people inquiring about prices, and those who own the stock are reluctant to sell."

Another elder of the Cui family frowned.

"The imperial court's promotion of agricultural tools has nothing to do with bonds, so how could it have such an impact? Could it be... that the imperial court has other appeasement measures that we have failed to notice?"

Cui Renshi shook his head, his eyes gleaming with worldly wisdom.

"Not so. After careful consideration, I have found that the promotion of agricultural tools can increase grain production, and the court should be able to fulfill its promise in three years."

He paused for a moment, then continued his analysis.

"The imperial court promoted agricultural tools that benefited the people, and their efficiency was remarkable, as everyone in the land knew. This move demonstrated to the people that the imperial court not only knew how to wage war, but also valued reproduction and had the ability to be pragmatic and innovative."

"When the common people see it, they feel at ease. When merchants see it, they think of it. A dynasty that can produce such fine products and benefit the common people must have a thriving national strength. Why should we doubt its ability to repay such meager bonds?"

Everyone was stunned.

That makes sense.

Cui Renshi nodded.

"Although they seem unrelated, they have subtly and gradually changed people's minds."

"Now it seems that these Zhenguan bonds are not a hot potato at all; on the contrary, their value may be more stable because of this turmoil. Those who sold them before are probably regretting it now."

The manager clapped his hands.

"In that case, we should hold on to our bonds even tighter. And... if the opportunity arises, we might even be able to acquire a few more."

The newly enthroned members of the Cui family exchanged glances and nodded, their minds already calculating.

They may not fully understand the modern economic principles of the "credit system," but with their years of accumulated political acumen and business intuition, they keenly sensed that the momentum of the Zhenguan Coupons had reversed.

The window for panic selling is closing; holding on for the rise, or even taking advantage of the dip, is the wise move.

This consensus quietly formed within aristocratic circles.

Previously sluggish bond trading has begun to pick up again, with prices steadily recovering in silence.

The Eastern Palace, Xiande Hall.

Upon hearing Dou Jing's report, Li Chengqian could not hide his shock.

"Your Highness, according to intelligence reports from various sources, the market price of Zhenguan bonds has stopped falling and stabilized, and is showing a slow upward trend."

"Most of the wealthy families that were secretly looking for ways to sell their properties have now given up and some have even started buying back their properties."

"The major pawnshops in the East and West markets have also relaxed the restrictions on the use of Zhenguan bonds for lending."

Dou Jing's tone carried a hint of disbelief.

Li Chengqian remained silent for a long time, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on the table.

Although he had already heard about the power of "credit" from Li Yichen, and understood the boost in confidence that promoting agricultural tools could bring.

But when all of this actually happened before my eyes, the impact was still incredibly strong.

"Sir... truly a divine being!" This was the only thought churning in his mind.

Li Yichen not only foresaw the risks but also accurately pointed out the solutions, and the results were so immediate that they far exceeded his expectations.

This is no longer the talent of a simple strategist, but a divine means that can see through the secrets of heaven and control people's hearts!

A mixture of relief, awe, and extreme dependence took deep root in his heart.

He dismissed Dou Jing and paced alone in the hall, his heart filled with turmoil.

It turns out that in governing a country, besides political maneuvering, military might, and official conduct, there is such a subtle and powerful force hidden among the common people, affecting the hearts and minds of the people, and causing a ripple effect throughout the whole.

In the past, I was truly like a frog in a well, with a limited view of the sky.

At the same time, Li Shimin, inside the Liangyi Hall, also received a similar report.

"Oh? The market has returned to calm?"

Li Shimin put down the vermilion brush in his hand, a knowing smile appearing on his lips.

"I have said it before, how much trouble can mere bonds cause? With the strength of my Great Tang and my prestige, how can there be any doubt that they will be repaid when they are due?"

"It was just some ignorant merchants and mediocre people making trouble for themselves before."

He attributed the improvement in the market entirely to his own authority and the credit endorsement of the imperial court.

In his view, the promotion of agricultural tools is a good thing, but it has no direct causal relationship with the resolution of the bond crisis.

It was merely a coincidence in timing, or perhaps those merchants finally understood and recognized the unshakeable strength of the Tang Dynasty.

"The Crown Prince was quite worried before, it seems he is indeed young and lacks experience."

Li Shimin thought to himself, a unique confidence of an emperor filling his heart.

He felt that his grasp of the overall situation was far superior to that of the Crown Prince.

This realization led him to make a decision.

After achieving a phased victory in the military campaign against Goguryeo in the spring of next year, bonds can be issued again as needed to raise more military funds and completely resolve the border troubles in the northeast.

In his view, with the experience of this "storm subsiding", the next issuance will surely be smoother.

He failed to realize that the key to calming this turmoil lay in restoring "confidence," rather than simply in the use of force.

Just as the atmosphere within the Tang Dynasty eased due to the resolution of the bond crisis, a secret operation against Goguryeo had already begun.

Li Chengqian personally summoned the representatives of the 200-man "surprise force" led by Brigade Commander Chen Zhen.

These soldiers, after months of rigorous and even brutal unconventional training, have developed a temperament quite different from that of ordinary soldiers, possessing the focus and composure of predators.

"You have three missions on this trip."

Li Chengqian's voice was deep and clear, echoing in the closed room.

"First, to gather as much intelligence as possible about the deployment of troops, the stockpiling of food supplies, and the defense of fortresses within Goguryeo's territory."

"Secondly, they will seize the opportunity to burn down their key grain and fodder storage points, thereby disrupting the morale of their army and the people."

"Thirdly, if there is an opportunity..." He paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Assassinate Quan Gaisuwen and his core followers! Whoever eliminates Gaisuwen will be rewarded with ten thousand gold pieces and granted a marquisate!"

Chen Zhen and the others knelt on one knee, their armor creaking softly, and said in unison, "We swear to complete this mission to the death!"

"Remember, you are not regular soldiers, so there is no need to engage the enemy head-on. Conceal your whereabouts, strike once and then leave, and prioritize your own survival."

"All operations must be kept absolutely secret. Infiltrate in batches, break into smaller groups, and once you arrive at the designated location, assemble or disperse as instructed."

"Make sure you remember the contact information and password."

Li Chengqian gave his instructions again.

"Follow the order!"

That night, this specially trained squad, under the cover of darkness, split into dozens of groups.

They used caravans, migrants, and even smuggling channels to cross the border unnoticed.

Meanwhile, another "soft knife" was used against Goguryeo—

The strategy of exchanging snowflake salt for grain was also quietly carried out within Goguryeo territory, and its scale was gradually expanding.

Goguryeo, Pyongyang and surrounding towns.

Snowflake salt from the Tang Dynasty is characterized by its snow-white color, delicate and pure texture, and pure saltiness without any bitterness or off-flavors.

It quickly won the favor of everyone in Goguryeo, from nobles to commoners.

Compared to the coarse, impurity-laden, and dark-colored sea salt or rock salt produced locally, snowflake salt is truly a gift from heaven.

Some daring Goguryeo merchants smuggled this precious salt into the country through private channels along the border or by using small caravans traveling between the two countries.

The transactions started sporadically and tentatively.

In a market west of Pyongyang, a merchant dressed in ordinary Goguryeo clothing had several small bags of snowflake salt on his stall.

It quickly attracted a large crowd.

"This salt...it's so white!"

An old woman stretched out her finger, carefully dipped it in, and put it in her mouth. Her eyes immediately lit up.

"It's so salty! There's no bitterness at all!"

"How to sell it?"

A commoner who appeared to have some wealth asked.

The merchant quoted a price, saying in Goguryeo, "It can be exchanged for grain. Millet or wheat are both acceptable, calculated at market price."

Bartering grain for salt was not uncommon in Goguryeo.

But the prospect of exchanging grain for such high-quality salt tempted many people.

The news spread quickly.

Not only ordinary people, but also some low- and middle-ranking officials, and even some wealthy households with ample grain reserves, began to privately exchange their grain for this rare snowflake salt.

The trading venues gradually shifted from public markets to more secluded private residences and estates outside the city.

Even some local nobles who were not part of the Quangesuwen regime got involved.

In a secluded room of a nobleman's villa, candlelight flickered.

"This salt is indeed extraordinary."

An elderly Goguryeo man stroked his beard, looked at a small pile of snowflake salt in front of him, and said to his trusted steward.

"The Tang Kingdom's intention in exchanging this for grain is treacherous. But... as far as I am concerned, I have plenty of grain stored up in my palace. Whether I use it or hoard it to wait for a better price, there is no harm in doing so."

"Moreover, this can also be used to... establish a connection with the Tang Kingdom."

The steward bowed and said, "Master, you are wise. However, you must be extremely careful not to let the people of the General's Mansion find out."

"Yes, do it discreetly." The old man nodded.

Large quantities of grain began to flow quietly from the granaries of the common people and even some nobles in Goguryeo to the border areas controlled or influenced by the Tang Dynasty through this seemingly voluntary and fair trade.

Or they might have been secretly stockpiled for future use by the Tang army.

This trend could not possibly escape the notice of Jeon Gaesomun.

(End of this chapter)