The beginning of the story of the Tang Dynasty's Imperial Son-in-Law: A rhinoceros comes knocki

Chapter 109 Wang Zhihuan's Flaw

Du, the advisor, lowered his gaze, looking at the clear tea in the teacup, his thoughts drifting back to the scene at the Duke of Zhao's mansion a few days ago.

The reason he was called Zhang Jian was because after the court meeting that day, all the officials had left, but he stayed behind to organize the documents.

Changsun Wuji suddenly asked casually: "I heard that a young talent has recently arrived in Lantian. Is it quite lively?"

At the time, he took it as just casual conversation and casually replied that the new rice was growing well.

Now, upon careful reflection, I suddenly understand its profound meaning.

Lantian, Xindao, Qicai, and He Xungui befriended and secretly hid children.

Each and every single incident, though seemingly scattered, is actually all part of this whole scheme.

The word "lively" is never a compliment or a sign of happiness.

Is it a test, a reminder, a subtle warning, or—

The specifics remain unknown; the Duke of Zhao's heart is as deep as the sea.

Can--

Du, the advisor, snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at Yuwen Ren, who was sitting quietly with his head bowed.

This person was quite frank, neither hiding nor concealing anything, and directly pointed out the relationship with Cheng Yaojin.

This actually saves trouble and shows that the person is not reckless or brainless; they know what they are doing and what they are gambling on.

Besides, even if it doesn't work out, it won't have anything to do with the Changsun family.

"What are your plans to do?"

Yuwen Ren had already thought it through and calmly replied, "My intention was to observe the situation first."

If he voluntarily goes to the authorities to complete the necessary registration and abides by the law, this matter will be let go, and other legal avenues will be pursued. But there's always a second chance for something to happen.

"But if he becomes arrogant because of his reputation, ignores the rules, and delays in doing so—I will act in accordance with the laws of Lantian."

Upon hearing this, Du, the advisor, slowly picked up his teacup, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

"Yes, you are the magistrate of Lantian County. It is your duty to regulate local customs and supervise laws and regulations."

Just handle it according to the law, and I believe no one can say a word against it.

Each word is calm, yet it contains hidden wit.

Do not instigate others to make false accusations or instruct others to frame someone.

No specific instructions were given; it was an option to attack or defend.

Everything was done in accordance with the law, uprightly and honestly, and no one could find any fault in it.

Yuwen Ren understood everything at once, a huge weight lifted from his heart. He bowed and said, "This humble official understands."

"Remember, things need to be followed up."

Du, the advisor, picked up his teacup, no longer looking up, his voice calm and distant: "Don't let carelessness cause delays. Also, if things change, you must know how to adapt."

"yes!"

Yuwen Ren acknowledged the order and withdrew, steadily walking out of the main hall.

Step out of the secluded courtyard and stand at the entrance of a bustling alley.

The sun blazed high in Chang'an, the light was blinding, and the city was bustling with carriages and people.

No one knew that a minor county magistrate in Lantian had already wielded a sharp blade and quietly laid out an invisible net.

This move may have gambled away all the chips he had laid in wait for six years.

The gamble was that Changsun Wuji's power and influence were deep-rooted enough to suppress Cheng Yaojin's anger.

The bet was that Wang Zhihuan was negligent and failed to complete the necessary procedures.

The gamble is on whether this double-edged sword of yours can pave a path to success, rather than backfiring and hurting you.

He clenched his fists under his sleeves, his eyes revealing an ambition and sharpness that had been suppressed for six years.

After six years of lying low, he finally got a chance to rise to the top.

He turned around and rode back to Lantian.

Lili Lili Lantian Farm, a peaceful and tranquil place, untouched by worldly strife.

In the past few days, Wang Zhi has been focused on farming and managing the miscellaneous affairs of the village, completely unaware of the turbulent undercurrents lurking outside.

The warm afternoon sun was just right.

He squatted beside the chicken coop fence, holding thin bamboo strips in his hand, carefully repairing the wooden fence that had been loosened by the geese, his movements calm and efficient.

Tie Dan squatted down beside him, holding a small iron hammer in his hand, obediently waiting to be handed something, his eyes full of admiration.

"Master of the Manor".

The boy suddenly scratched the back of his head and whispered, "Big brother, he said that learning characters is too difficult. He forgets many characters after only memorizing them once, and he gets more and more anxious as he learns."

Wang Zhihuan didn't even look up, his fingers flying as he carefully fixed the bamboo strips: "If it's difficult, then learn more and write more."

"If memorizing it once isn't enough, memorize it ten times. If memorizing it ten times isn't enough, memorize it a hundred times."

"Reading and learning to read are like farming. With persistent, dedicated effort, day after day, things will naturally take root and bear fruit; there are no shortcuts. How can one rise above others without enduring hardship?"

Tie Dan nodded, seemingly understanding, then asked with expectant eyes, "So, will I be able to read and write in the future?"

Wang Zhihuan straightened up, brushed the sawdust from his palm, looked at the boy's honest face, and smiled gently: "First, raise the geese well and cultivate the land well. Be down-to-earth. There's plenty of time for studying and learning to read and write; there's no rush."

The cicadas chirped incessantly, and a gentle breeze blew through the courtyard.

The jujube tree leaves rustled, and the warm sunlight shone like scattered gold dust on the ground.

The children in the yard live peacefully, the chickens and ducks roam freely, and life is gentle and serene.

no one knows.

In the county government office, a hundred miles away.

Yuwen Ren sat upright at his desk, looking at the reports his subordinates handed him day after day.

On the first day, Wang Zhi went to the fields to check on the rice and its growth during the grain-filling stage.

The next day, he took Zhou Xia into the mountains to collect medicinal herbs, and returned with a full load, which they then processed.

Day 3

As the days went by, Wang Zhi still had to farm, practice medicine, teach children to read, and manage the farm's miscellaneous affairs. From beginning to end, he never stepped into the county government office.

He was completely unaware that he had repeatedly missed the best opportunity to complete the necessary procedures.

Little did they know that this seemingly ordinary act of kindness in taking in others had been used by a county magistrate who had been lying low for many years as a stepping stone to climb the social ladder and gain favor with the Changsun family.

The invisible net is slowly tightening.

Beneath the tranquil farm, a turbulent undercurrent has already quietly begun to surge.

Time is like an hourglass that cannot be held back; it always slips away unnoticed.

Five days, a full five days.

The wheels of the carriage returning from Chang'an rolled over the dust on the official road, and Yuwen Ren's heart, along with those wheels, rolled over the anxiety of the past five days.

Every morning and evening, the constable Wang Hu would punctually enter the signing room. His footsteps were so light they seemed to tread on one's heart, and each time he brought news of the activities at the riverside farm outside Lantian City.

The news was so boring that Yuwen Ren almost laughed.

Wang Zhihuan, the man he had been watching for almost half a month, was living a more peaceful life than the old millstone at the village entrance.

He went to the fields in the morning light and returned home at dusk; during the day he went up the mountain to gather herbs and brew medicinal pastes, and in his spare time he taught a few children to read and write. He also repaired the chicken coop.

A person with close ties to the Duke of Lu's mansion was actually squatting in the courtyard repairing a chicken coop.

Yuwen Ren almost doubted whether his judgment in Chang'an that day had been wrong. But he wasn't the type to doubt himself.

Having served as the county magistrate of Lantian County for six years, he had seen too many people who concealed their talents. The more ordinary the days seemed on the surface, the more likely there were turbulent undercurrents beneath.

As dusk settled on the fifth day, the sweltering cicada chirping, no longer as noisy as during the day, became dull and oppressive.

The summer heat mingled with the twilight, blocking the space between heaven and earth, like a huge rock pressing down on one's heart, making it hard to breathe.

After Wang Hu finished speaking, he stood respectfully with his hands at his sides, not daring to utter a sound.

Yuwen Ren loosened the wolf-hair brush from his fingertips, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his official chair.

He was thin with slightly high cheekbones and a shallow line between his eyebrows, as if carved by a knife, left by years of frowning.

When he passed the imperial examination in the first year of the Zhenguan era, his fellow scholars all said that he had the appearance of a good official—upright, dignified, and authoritative without being angry.

But this good-looking official remained in the position of Assistant Magistrate of Lantian County for six years without any change.

Six years. Enough for an ambitious scholar to understand one thing: in officialdom, talent is never worth anything.

What's valuable is a strong backer, someone who provides support.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze clear, devoid of any patience.

"I'm not waiting anymore."

These three simple words, spoken lightly, convey a sense of finality and resolve.

Wang Hu's back stiffened, and he lowered his head even further, quietly waiting for what would follow.

"Tomorrow morning, take two people to the farm to deliver a message."

Yuwen Ren’s voice was calm, and his words were so neat that there was not a single mistake. “Just say that I have official business to inquire about and invite Wang Zhihuan to come to the county office.”

Be polite and courteous; do not be violent, and do not disturb the other residents of the farm.

"Yes, sir!"

Wang Hu bowed in response, without asking the reason or inquiring about the details, and turned to quietly leave the signing room.

He was a trusted confidant whom Yuwen Ren had personally promoted from a county clerk. He had followed him for four years and understood one principle best: when Lord Yuwen said something, just do it; asking any more questions would be a mistake.

The room fell silent again.

Yuwen Ren picked up his pen again and began reviewing the backlog of official documents. His strokes were firm and steady, each line precise and deliberate, without the slightest hint of emotion. But after only a few lines, the pen abruptly stopped. The sound of the wolf-hair brush resting on the pen holder was remarkably clear in the empty document-signing room.

He got up and walked to the window.

In the twilight of the backyard, the branches and leaves of several old locust trees remained motionless, and a thin layer of dust settled on the gray-blue floor tiles.

It was an ordinary evening scene, utterly devoid of any scenery. Yet he stood there, for a long time.

Seemingly admiring the scenery, but actually plotting a scheme.

Summon Wang Zhihuan. How should he be questioned after he arrives? What should be done after the questioning is completed?

Is it a dignified release, or an opportunity to keep someone and gain leverage over them?

If we stay, what pretext or reason should we use to make our actions legitimate and watertight?

He had mentally considered these questions countless times, for this might be the greatest opportunity and the greatest crisis of his life.

Every path, every variable, and every response lingered in his mind.

Yuwen Ren had a habit when he was an official: "If you are prepared, you will succeed; if you are not prepared, you will fail."

Every step he takes must be based on thorough preparation; for him, even the slightest mistake is unforgivable.

He had thoroughly investigated Wang Zhihuan's background. He had moved from Taiyuan to Lantian in just one year, where he cleared wasteland for farming, brewed wine and made ointments, practiced medicine and taught, and took in three orphans.

Three orphans.

This is the flaw.

Yuwen Ren knew the truth perfectly well.

The matter of taking in orphans without registering it with the government is a matter that can be considered a big or small issue, entirely up to the official's judgment.

To put it mildly, it was nothing more than an unintentional oversight by ordinary people in the countryside who were unfamiliar with the law.

Simply obtain a replacement filing document, pay a fine, and receive a few slaps on the backside, and the matter can be easily dismissed—it's a painless affair.

However, if the judgment is taken too seriously, the phrase "privately keeping an orphan without a registered household" can generate countless arguments.

Repeated summons, repeated verifications, and repeated harassment left people exhausted and mentally drained.

He served as the assistant magistrate of Lantian County for six years, deeply entrenched in officialdom and well-versed in its ways.

When he decided to do it, he never intended to make a big deal out of it.

It's not that I dare not, it's just that it's not worth it.

A mere farm owner was far from being Yuwen Ren's target.

What he truly desired was either the Lu family, the connection behind Wang Zhihuan, or other powerful figures in Chang'an who had yet to surface.

He wanted to use this pebble to test just how turbulent the undercurrents were beneath the surface.

Yuwen Ren's fingers tapped lightly on the window frame.

Having held this position for six years, he knew better than anyone else that the greatest skill in officialdom was not getting things done, but leveraging power.

The Changsun family was the power he had his eye on.

Lady Changsun, the maternal uncle of the current emperor, wielded immense power in the court.

If one can climb this line, let alone a mere magistrate of Lantian County, one might even be able to contend for a lucrative post in Chang'an City.

Wang Zhihuan, however, was targeted by the Changsun family. Although the reason was unknown, he clearly did not care about it.

All he knew was that this was a golden opportunity.

He needs a pledge of loyalty.

Wang Zhihuan was the best stepping stone. But he was just a stepping stone.

Yuwen Ren was never a reckless person.

He wanted to use the brick to knock on the door first, see what the reaction was, and then make his next move.

Therefore, he would never use torture instruments, forcibly detain people, or leave any evidence of "officials abusing their power and persecuting the innocent."

All procedures were conducted in accordance with regulations, including inquiries, verifications, and orders to complete the necessary formalities.

Upright and lawful. No matter who comes to find fault, it is flawless.

As for whether this routine inquiry would disrupt Wang Zhihuan's peaceful life, delay the harvest, or cause him to lose face in front of the powerful figures in Chang'an, that was not within his consideration.

In the power struggles of officialdom, it's all about leveraging external forces and going with the flow. Since Wang Zhihuan has already entered the game...

Whether intentional or unintentional, one should be prepared to enter the game.

Let the world see that although Yuwen Ren lived in Lantian for six years, he never showed weakness to anyone.

He gently closed the wooden window, shutting out the twilight and evening breeze.

The last rays of the setting sun shone through the cracks in the window, falling on the files and casting the three characters "Wang Zhihuan" in flickering light, as if foreshadowing the rise and fall of this man's fate.

Yuwen Ren sat back down at his desk, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and continued to review official documents. He wrote each stroke carefully and calmly.

The game is set. The pieces are in place. Now, all that remains is for the opponent to respond.

At dawn the next day, morning mist filled the fields.

The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the dew was dampening the rice stalks on both sides of the official road.

The glistening water droplets reflected the rising sun, spreading out a trail of shimmering golden light.

Wang Hu took the lead, riding his gray gelding horse at the very front.

Two constables followed closely behind, their steps steady. The three of them proceeded at a leisurely pace toward the riverside farm.

Wang Hu had an old leather belt tied around his waist, an old item he had accumulated over many years of service.

The waist badge hanging from the leather belt swayed gently with the rhythm of the horse's hooves, making a series of dull thuds—the unique sound of officials arriving.

Ordinary people felt their hearts sink when they heard this sound.

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