Chapter 205: Li Shimin's Sudden Assault

Mid‑May, the scorching summer.

After Chen Yan had Xiao Shunzi transfer the funds from the accounts of Chang'an City's taverns, tea shops, and wineries, he began massive hiring and purchasing in the county town.

Between the East Market and West Market, countless workers bustle here, already laying the foundation of the library, a scene of bustling activity.

At the same time, an unremarkable carriage slowly entered the county town; driving it was a tall, stern man who constantly watched his surroundings.

If Chen Yan were here, he would certainly recognize him: the man is Left Guard General Li Junxian.

If he can drive, there's no need to guess who sits inside the carriage.

"Guanyin Maid, look, we have arrived at Weinan County; I wonder what that boy is up to. By my calculation, he's been in office for over half a month, and I've heard his actions are significant. Today I intend to take a good look."

Li Shimin peeked out through a slit in the carriage curtain, his tone inexplicable.

Empress Changsun chuckled, "Why didn't Er Lang inform Zi An in advance?"

"We know little about Weinan County; wouldn't it be better to have Zi An guide and introduce it to us?"

"Why notify him?" Li Shimin said seriously, "That boy is now an official; if he falls into bad habits and, like other officials, puts on a façade and deceives me with false matters, what shall I do?"

"The reason I do not inform him is to catch him off guard and see the true state of Weinan County myself."

"Moreover, whether we notify him or not, that boy should be pleased that His Majesty and you come to Weinan County personally."

"Hmm, yes, Er Lang is right," Empress Changsun said with a smile, fully aware of Li Shimin's scheme, yet she had no intention of exposing it.

It's simply because the trouble arising in Weinan County caused him a huge loss, and additionally his daughter silently came with his son to Weinan County to meet Chen Yan.

The old father felt displeased and wanted to sneak into Weinan County to scare Chen Yan.

Li Shimin cleared his throat; he obviously understood that after so many years of marriage, this little thought of his could not be hidden from Empress Changsun.

"Cough… um, Li Junxian, first go to the Wei He dock and have a look; from the information I have, that boy's first move was the Official Ferry."

"Go see what that boy actually put together."

"Yes, sir." When he arrived, Li Shimin had instructed him to conceal his identity, so Li Junxian did not address him as His Majesty.

Empress Changsun gently lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, gazing at the countless bustling villagers outside and the alternating cries of vendors, her eyes momentarily complex.

"Speaking of it, I haven't left the palace in a long time; now that I'm out, I suddenly feel a lightness throughout my body, even my breathing is a bit smoother."

"I suddenly understand why Xiao Sizi, after going to Zi An, was reluctant to return to the palace."

Hearing this, Li Shimin felt a twinge of guilt.

The woman beside him had followed him since she was thirteen, as if she had never had a single good day.

Even though she has ascended to the throne of ninety‑five, as the nation's Empress she, for various reasons, lives frugally each day, constantly toiling and exhausted.

She has always lived in a palace that appears grand and noble but is actually stifling beyond measure.

This visit to Weinan County, Li Shimin does not truly intend to see what achievements Chen Yan has made.

After all, how long has Chen Yan been here?

He mainly observed that Li Chengqian had once brought the Crown Princess here, and Empress Changsun had a similar situation, wanting to take Empress Changsun out for a walk to get some fresh air.

Secondly, he wishes to see the movable‑type printing.

That is Li Shimin's purpose.

Inside the carriage, there was a moment of silence.

Empress Changsun snapped back to herself, immediately realizing that her subconscious murmuring had given Li Shimin too much to think about; she slowly extended her delicate fingers to grasp the back of his broad hand.

It seemed both comforting and conveying something.

Only a happy smile graced her face.

She said nothing, yet it was as if she said everything.

Li Shimin saw this, his eyes reddening slightly, feeling a sense of "having a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"

Before long, Li Junxian's voice came from outside, "Sir, the Wei He dock has arrived."

"Er Lang, let's get off."

"Alright."

Both were dressed in ordinary wealthy‑family attire; though not particularly eye‑catching, their outstanding bearing still attracted many glances as they alighted.

But most merely glanced and looked away, for the Wei He dock sees a daily flood of people, among whom are some of distinguished status.

"Huh, are they… repairing the road?" As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, Empress Changsun noticed many villagers repairing the other half of the dock road.

"They are repairing the road, probably half by half; look, the half beneath our feet is clean and even. I estimate it was just finished not long ago," Li Shimin said, stamping firmly on the blue‑stone pavement.

At that moment, a clever‑looking child, about ten years old, suddenly ran before them: "Honored guests, is this your first time in Weinan County?"

"May I offer to guide the two of you? It only costs two wen."

Li Shimin sized up the child, seeming intrigued, "How do you know this is our first visit? And how do you know we need a guide?"

The child scratched his head, a bit shy, "I grew up at the dock; I've seen many of the people who come and go, but you two I have never seen before."

"Moreover, I just saw you both seemed interested in the road‑repair over there, so I guessed you were just learning about it."

"Thus, the likelihood that this is your first time is quite high."

"As for why I know you need a guide…" the child chuckled, "I'm just asking; if you need one, I can earn two wen, and if not, I lose nothing."

"A young master once told me that opportunities are seized by oneself; I want to support my sister, so I can't pass up any small chance to earn money."

With that remark, Li Shimin and Empress Changsun exchanged glances, both guessing that the child may have lost his parents and lives dependent on his sister, which is why he is earning money at such a young age.

Li Shimin pondered briefly, "Very well, today I wish to take my wife for a stroll around Weinan County. Be my guide for a day; I'll give you fifty wen. How does that sound?"

"Really?" the child's eyes lit up instantly.

"Would I dare deceive you?" Li Shimin laughed helplessly.

He, the supreme ruler of ninety‑five, would never cheat a child.

"Then fine, where would the two honored guests like to go first?" the child, overjoyed, pounded his chest, "In Weinan County, there's nowhere I don't know."

"......."