noveltune Chapter 32 Li Shimin: My dear minister, I've heard you're quite afraid of your wife!
Chapter 32 Li Shimin: My dear minister, I've heard you're quite afraid of your wife!
Although Li Shimin felt that Fang Xuanling's words were somewhat flattering, he still found them agreeable.
"So, according to you, these people are fortunate to have met me?"
"That's for sure. For a subject, the greatest fortune is to encounter a wise ruler. They are extremely fortunate to have met a wise ruler like Your Majesty," Fang Xuanling said slowly, taking a sip of his tea. "As the saying goes, 'When the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away; when the cunning rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked.'"
Throughout history, many emperors began to kill their meritorious officials after establishing their countries. A typical example is Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang. Liu Bang's empire was largely built by Han Xin, but in the end, Han Xin died in Weiyang Palace.
Although Han Xin was killed by Empress Lü, Liu Bang was also involved in the matter.
Ying Bu was originally a subordinate of Xiang Yu and a famous fierce general. Sui He persuaded Ying Bu to surrender to Liu Bang. Peng Yue was good at intercepting people's supply lines. It was with the help of these two that Liu Bang was able to succeed in the Battle of Gaixia.
Chen Xi, Han Xin, Zang Tu, and Lu Wan were also indispensable, but after Liu Bang became emperor, he almost wiped them all out. Even loyal ministers like Fan Kuai were killed by Liu Bang. Fan Kuai was also Empress Lü's brother-in-law. Liu Bang ordered Zhou Bo and Chen Ping to kill Fan Kuai.
Later, it was Chen Ping who prevented Zhou Bo from killing Fan Kuai and instead escorted Fan Kuai back to Chang'an, thus saving his life.
Li Shimin did not entirely approve of Liu Bang's execution of his founding ministers, but he could not say it aloud because he was the emperor himself: "Han Xin, Ying Bu, Peng Yue, and others were killed because they themselves had their own reasons for their deaths."
Fang Xuanling did not refute him, but continued: "As for Emperor Yang of Sui, Yang Guang was able to seize the position of crown prince because of the strong support of Yang Su, Yang Yue and Zhang Heng and others."
After Yang Guang became emperor, he fabricated charges and killed Zhang Heng and Xue Daoheng;
Yang Su fell ill at home. On the surface, Yang Guang sent people to inquire about his condition, but in reality, he secretly asked Yang Su repeatedly whether he had died. After learning this news, Yang Su stopped taking medicine and soon died of depression.
Emperor Yang of Sui then executed three ministers, Gao Jiong, He Ruobi, and Yuwen Bi, on the same day on charges of "slandering the court."
He almost wiped out all the old ministers of the Sui Dynasty;
However, His Majesty did not do so, and those meritorious officials all received the treatment they deserved. Wasn't that their good fortune?
Li Shimin was also very disgusted by the slaughter of meritorious officials. He was unwilling to do so unless the ministers had committed heinous crimes such as treason or rebellion.
In this respect, he greatly admired Qin Shi Huang. Although Qin Shi Huang was tyrannical, he was very tolerant of his meritorious officials.
Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said with emotion, "When I was the Prince of Qin, I fought on the battlefield every day. I didn't think about anything else but to eliminate all those feudal lords as soon as possible so that the Tang Dynasty could unify the world."
At that time, I could not understand my father's thoughts either.
I have four brothers from the same father and mother: Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji, Li Yuanba, and myself. Li Yuanba died young, leaving only the three of us brothers. However, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji persecuted me many times, and I endured it all.
But in the end, they not only targeted me, but also the people in the Prince of Qin's residence, transferring everyone there, including you and Du Ruhui, in an attempt to sideline me and then turn against me.”
Fang Xuanling was well aware of these matters: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I remember once, Li Jiancheng hosted a banquet for you at the Eastern Palace, but you vomited blood after drinking just one cup of wine. Don't you understand?"
You usually have an exceptional alcohol tolerance; not to mention, one or two jars of alcohol won't get you drunk.
He had poisoned the wine beforehand. Luckily you drank little and are in good health, otherwise you would not be alive.
However, you did not publicize this matter, nor did you cause him any trouble;
On another occasion, Li Yuanji held a banquet at the Prince of Qi's residence. He had previously planted axemen outside the gate of the Prince of Qi's residence, intending to kill you. Fortunately, you escaped under the protection of the generals, and you forgave the Prince of Qi.
However, on another occasion, under the pretext of conquering the Turks, they transferred all the civil and military officials of the Qin Prince's Palace away, intending to kill you when you were seeing him off. If it weren't for our earnest persuasion, you would still be stubborn and unrepentant.
At that time, all the civil and military officials in the Prince of Qin's mansion were in a state of panic, watching as the mansion was on the verge of collapse and falling apart. Your humble servant, Du Ruhui, and I were extremely anxious.
Li Shimin looked grief-stricken, tears welling in his eyes: "Yes, I truly cannot understand why they could be so heartless, showing no brotherly affection whatsoever? They've driven me into a corner!"
"There are no close relatives in the royal family. If you hadn't been born into the imperial family, you would definitely be loving brothers."
Li Shimin looked up at the roof and slowly said, "This matter is a pain that will never be forgotten in my heart, and I never want history to repeat itself."
Empress Zhangsun gave birth to three sons for me: Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi. I have already made Li Chengqian the Crown Prince, and I hope that the three brothers will live in harmony.
The Crown Prince is the heir apparent and the foundation of the nation. His education is of paramount importance. Therefore, I wish to appoint you as the Crown Prince's tutor to instruct him in his studies.
"Cough, cough," Fang Xuanling coughed twice. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust. However, my health is not as good as before. Due to years of fighting on the front lines, I have developed many chronic diseases, such as arthritis and lung disease. Moreover, the Crown Prince already has renowned teachers such as Kong Yingda, Lu Deming, and Wei Zheng to guide him. I am not very learned and cannot compare with these great Confucian scholars."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin understood that the old man could never become the Crown Prince's tutor.
"Alright, since that's the case, I won't force you."
So, which of my three sons do you think is the most outstanding?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of them?
Fang Xuanling felt that this question was difficult to answer, but he had to answer it. After thinking for a while, he replied: "Your Majesty, people often say that you can tell what a person will be like at three and what they will be like at seven. Although Li Zhi is still young, it is clear that he is intelligent and quick-witted. However, his personality seems to be a bit weak."
King Yue was exceptionally intelligent, brave and strong, well-read, and possessed extraordinary strategic skills.
As for the Crown Prince, I know little about him and dare not offer any comment.
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin thought to himself that this old man was indeed different from others, leaving only half of what he said.
Li Shimin nodded: "Your comments are objective and fair."
Some say that I have a great fondness for Li Tai. What do you think about this?
Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling thought to himself that it was yet another pointed question.
"The King of Yue's calligraphy skills are unparalleled, and he is also exceptionally talented. It is fitting that Your Majesty appoints him to compile the 'Kuodi Zhi' (Records of the Land), as compiling this book is a massive undertaking. Therefore, it is also necessary for the King of Yue to establish a literary academy."
Therefore, this humble subject does not believe that Your Majesty shows any favoritism.
From Fang Xuanling's words, Li Shimin could already sense that he was praising the Prince of Yue.
Li Shimin smiled and said, "To express my gratitude to you, I have specially selected ten beautiful women to serve you so that you can spend your old age in peace."
Before Li Shimin could finish speaking, Fang Xuanling was so frightened that he prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I am grateful for Your Majesty's great favor, but I absolutely cannot accept this matter."
Li Shimin looked down at him and asked, "My dear minister, why?"
"I'm not afraid to tell you this, but my wife, Lady Lu, is incredibly jealous, like a shrew. If Your Majesty were to bestow ten beautiful women upon me, I would surely be dead."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin laughed heartily: "You're exaggerating too much! With your current status, isn't it perfectly normal for you to have three wives and four concubines?"
"No, no, Your Majesty, I only have Lady Lu, and I do not have three wives or four concubines."
Li Shimin looked troubled and deliberately said, "But I've already selected beauties for you, are you going to send them back again?"
Fang Xuanling kowtowed again: "Your Majesty, I beg you to rescind your decree. I truly cannot accept such an honor."
Not only that, but when I return to my residence immediately, I request Your Majesty to issue an imperial edict to me.
"Oh, what does that mean?"
"You must prove that I am with His Majesty and not out seeking pleasure. Otherwise, Lady Lu will say that I returned late and will definitely interrogate me endlessly." Fang Xuanling looked terrified.
Li Shimin smiled again: "Very well then, let Wang De escort you back and convey my imperial edict, instructing your wife to come here to see me tomorrow morning."
Fang Xuanling had no idea what Li Shimin was up to, nor did he understand why he wanted to see Lady Lu. However, he dared not ask, and could only reply, "Your humble servant obeys!"
The next morning.
Li Shimin instructed Li Chengqian to prepare the necessary items in advance.
Li Chengqian bowed and said, "Father, I have done everything you asked me to do."
Li Shimin nodded slightly: "Alright! I have a question for you."
"Father, please speak."
"Has the matter of converting those three old houses in the East Palace into flower beds been completed?"
"Report back to Father, the project is already completed."
Li Shimin looked sharply at Li Chengqian and asked, "So, how much silver was spent in total?"
Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian's head was buzzing. He thought to himself, "Didn't I already make it very clear in my memorial that a total of ten thousand taels of silver were spent? Why is Father asking about this again? Does he suspect that there is some exaggeration in the amount?"
Li Chengqian was inwardly flustered, but outwardly he did not show it. He calmly said, "The construction of three flower beds, along with the purchase of mulberry trees, cost a total of ten thousand taels of silver."
"Really? Even if you spent a thousand taels of silver to build a flower bed, that's three thousand taels of silver. And then, did you buy a few more mulberry trees?"
Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian forced himself to say, "Six trees."
"Alright, even if each mulberry tree is worth five hundred taels of silver, six trees would be three thousand taels."
Li Shimin stopped there, but his meaning was clear: you spent at most six thousand taels of silver, so where did the remaining four thousand taels go?
Li Chengqian naturally understood his father's meaning, but he clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and said nothing.
Li Shimin asked Wang De, who was beside him, "You are very familiar with construction projects and the building of palaces. Can you calculate for me how much this project will cost in total?"
Wang De quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this is just a small project. Including the cost of materials, the wages of the craftsmen, and the cost of the mulberry trees, it will cost at most four or five thousand taels of silver."
Li Chengqian thought to himself, "This old eunuch is really shrewd. I'll treat you to a big meal another day!"
Li Shimin nodded after listening, then turned his gaze to Li Chengqian and asked, "Think again, how much money was spent in total?"
When Li Shimin said this, he thought to himself, "If you are so frightened that you kneel down and beg for mercy, demanding the extra money back, then you will have greatly disappointed me."
"Your Majesty, I have spent a total of ten thousand taels of silver," Li Chengqian said firmly.
"Just now, Eunuch Wang calculated it very clearly. You spent at most four or five thousand taels of silver. How dare you talk nonsense here? I will give you one more chance."
"Your Majesty, I don't know how Eunuch Wang calculated it, but I did spend ten thousand taels of silver." Li Chengqian's thumbnail had already cut into his flesh.
Li Shimin looked at Li Chengqian and secretly praised him, thinking to himself, "This is my son. Even if he's wrong, he'll be wrong to the very end!"
"Well, alright, since you say it's ten thousand taels, then it's ten thousand taels," Li Shimin sighed. "You might think I'm being too harsh on you, but I hope you can understand my good intentions. You are now the Crown Prince, and all the officials are watching you. You must be careful with your words and actions."
Back then, why was Yang Yong deposed as crown prince? Wasn't it related to his extravagant lifestyle?
I hope you will cultivate a habit of thrift and understand the suffering of the people. The people are like water; the ruler is like a boat. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Do you understand?
"Your subject will remember your father's teachings."
"Um."
At that moment, a young eunuch entered and announced, "Your Majesty, Lady Lu, the Lady of Wei, has arrived."
"Please let her in."
"promise!"
The young eunuch agreed and turned to leave.
Not long after, a woman entered through the palace gates. She knelt on the ground, repeatedly saying, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"No need for formalities, please rise!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" said Lady Lu as she stood up.
Li Chengqian glanced at Lady Lu and found that although she was ugly, she was dignified and knew how to behave properly.
Li Chengqian also heard that this woman was the daughter of Fang Xuanling's teacher. After Fang Xuanling passed the imperial examination, he tried to arrange a marriage for him, but Fang Xuanling remained unmoved and eventually married Lady Lu.
Following in her father's footsteps, Lady Lu read many books and became literate, making her a talented woman.
Li Shimin looked at Lady Lu and asked, "Lady of Wei, do you know why I summoned you here?"
"I do not know."
"I've heard that you are very domineering at home and particularly strict with the Duke of Wei. Is this true?"
Lady Lu had not expected that Li Shimin would ask her such a personal question. Her face flushed and she said, "I know that I am not good-looking and am not worthy of Fang Xuanling, but Your Majesty has been very kind to him."
As his position in the court continued to rise, the servant worried that he might develop other ambitions. Therefore, she controlled the time he spent out to prevent him from losing control and being seduced by those vixens, and she also forbade him from taking concubines.
Li Chengqian listened from the side and chuckled to himself.
"Among all the civil and military officials, not to mention someone of the same status as the Duke of Wei, even those a few ranks below him, how many of them do not take concubines?"
He's getting old and needs someone to take care of him. How can you manage to take care of him all by yourself?