Chapter 200: Li Shimin Teaches His Son

After parting in the palace, Li Lizhi returned to the harem, and Li Chengqian originally intended to go back to the Eastern Palace with the Crown Princess.

However, the Crown Princess said, "Husband, regarding what you discussed today with the Marquis of Weinan, I think you should promptly report it to His Majesty."

"If what you say is true, the printing technique is of great importance and cannot be delayed. I'll go back on my own."

Li Chengqian glanced at the sky, hesitated briefly, and nodded in agreement.

At first he thought it was already night and would report to Li Shimin tomorrow, but the Crown Princess's words also made sense.

The matter of printing was too important; they had already delayed it in Weinan County for a long time, and after returning they should report it immediately.

"Then you go back first; I'll go find the Father Emperor."

"Alright."

"......"

"Huh~"

Watching Wushe's departing back, Li Shimin exhaled a puff of foul air, rose, and headed to Lizheng Hall.

During this period he had been worrying about the corruption in Weinan County and Du Ruhui's imprisonment in Dali Temple Prison, but after so much searching he found no clues.

The key figure Zhang Wenbo was dead, and Wang Shikuan's pawns were useless; no information could be gleaned.

Of course, the more so, Li Shimin became less hurried; he realized the people behind it were influential, and rushing against such hidden rats was futile.

He must proceed slowly, and he has always been a very patient person.

However, just as he stepped out of the hall, he encountered Li Chengqian.

Li Shimin, with a dark face, said, "Yo, isn't this the Crown Prince?"

"Weren't you out having fun? Why come back?"

Li Chengqian stammered, "Father Emperor, it's because Wan'er is pregnant; she rarely left the palace before, and with a big belly she'll be less mobile, likely never able to go out again, so I thought to take Wan'er out for a walk to relax."

"She has been married to me for so long; it's truly hard on her."

Li Shimin's expression softened slightly at the words, "Hmm, it's good you understand."

"The Crown Princess is a good lady; I won't bring up past matters, but if you continue to treat her like a servant, calling her here and there,"

"I'll beat you to death! Understand?"

"Understood, understood." Li Chengqian dared not refuse.

He kept nodding, promising to treat the Crown Princess well from now on.

At the same time, he realized something in his heart.

It seemed everyone knew he had previously treated the Crown Princess poorly......

"Sigh~"

Li Chengqian forced a bitter smile, realizing the sins he caused must be repaid by himself.

"Alright, if you have matters, speak now." Li Shimin snorted coldly, his face still unpleasing.

Li Chengqian could go out, of course with his approval; his daughter-in-law was pregnant, and he wanted to take her out for a walk, which was fine.

The problem is, this scoundrel Li Chengqian also took his beloved treasure away, bringing it to see that cabbage‑rolling pig.

It's no wonder Li Shimin couldn't keep a good face.

The two entered the hall; Li Chengqian didn't hold back, recounting everything he saw in Weinan County, first detailing what Chen Yan was currently doing and the initial results.

Li Shimin listened patiently, without interrupting.

He felt very gratified inside.

Indeed, he hadn't misjudged Chen Yan; this brat hadn't disappointed him.

Finally, Li Chengqian solemnly spoke of the printing technique proposed by Chen Yan.

Li Chengqian even brought two sheets of paper with characters written on them, using them as an example for Li Shimin.

Seeing the two characters reversed before him, Li Shimin's face changed dramatically, instantly realizing the importance of the printing technique.

"Father Emperor, the County Magistrate Chen says he needs many books and craftsmen who can carve, planning to build a structure called a 'Library' in Weinan County, and hopes Father Emperor can assist."

"Library?" Li Shimin suppressed his inner excitement, his lips moving slightly, "Does he understand the consequences of doing this?"

"Books and knowledge are the foundation of a noble family's standing."

"If he truly does this, it means books will appear in large, cheap quantities; perhaps the Tang Dynasty will produce more scholars, and they will not be controlled by the aristocratic clans."

"This would bring unprecedented shock to the clans; they will not allow such a situation to arise."

"By then, they will be capable of doing anything!"

Li Chengqian, upon hearing, had a strange expression, "County Magistrate Chen should know this, but he says, life and death are taken lightly…"

The atmosphere was quiet for two seconds, Li Shimin was silent for a moment, then let out a hearty laugh: "Hahaha, good, good, what a 'life and death taken lightly, if you disagree then do it'!"

"Well said, well said!"

In all the years since his enthronement, aside from Li Jing's great defeat of the Eastern Göktürks, this was his happiest moment.

Because he finally saw hope, within his lifetime, to eradicate the clans.

Li Shimin's smile faded, but a trace remained on his face, "I have a premonition that that boy will bring me more surprises in the future."

"Movable type printing? Tsk!"

"How could I not have thought of this before?"

"That kid Chen Yan did well; consider today a great merit, so I won't blame him for meeting Li Lizhi privately."

Li Chengqian: "......"

What does it mean?

Not blaming Chen Yan for meeting Li Lizhi privately?

So you're saying the merits and demerits cancel out?

Damn it......

Li Chengqian held his breath and said cautiously, "Father Emperor, this… this is not appropriate, right?"

"County Magistrate Chen has achieved so many merits, never asked for anything; at least his title should be raised a bit, right?"

He is standing up for his friend.

Li Shimin's smile faltered, he gave Li Chengqian a deep look, wanted to lose his temper, but then remembered Empress Changsun's counsel to be more patient.

He could only say helplessly, "First, it's not that I am unwilling to promote him, but that he himself does not wish it."

"Second, besides marrying Gao Yang to him, I also married Li Zhi to him; can that not be considered a reward?"

"You must know, he himself also consented to this."

"Finally, which is the most important reason," Li Shimin said gravely, "Given his merits, what does a title even matter?"

"A single fine salt would be enough for me to confer upon him the title of Duke."

"But if I actually grant it, what shall we do thereafter?"

"Suppose, the last time Chen Yan produced fine salt, and I then made him a Duke; he saved Sizi, saved your Mother Empress, saved Cai Duke—how would that be counted?"

"And now, he went to Weinan County, and in less than half a month made a remarkable impact, even unveiling movable type printing; how then should I confer a title?"

"In the many years to come, who can know how many merits Chen Yan will achieve?"

"Can we even keep granting titles?"

"Furthermore, have you considered, when I grow old and abdicate, what will become of you?"

"Don't forget, Chen Yan is younger than you; he is only eighteen."

The more Li Chengqian listened, the more his gaze grew vacant.

Li Shimin continued, "Cheng Qian, you must remember, a ruler must not look at issues only on the surface; whatever you do, think thrice before acting."

"You must see the three steps ahead before you can take a single step."

He paused, then laughed, "Of course, Chen Yan himself is very clever, having realized this, so each time he uses Gao Yang as a pretext to request the Death‑exemption Gold Medal from me."

"Sometimes he quarrels with Gao Yang, even deliberately in conspicuous settings, at home not stopping the servants from debating; is that not also an attempt to err, balancing merits and demerits?"

"Chen Yan is a clever man, yet not covetous of power; that is why I trust him so much."

"......"