Emperor Li leaned against a small table, idly unfolding a letter. He saw that the salutation wasn’t the usual address Li Yuanying used for him, but rather “Chengqian.” He raised an eyebrow, realizing that Li Yuanying had made a blunder.
Emperor Li never concerned himself with unnecessary formalities. Once the letter was in his hands, he would read it, of course. He glanced down at the content, finding that Li Yuanying had showered praise on Li Chengqian, requiring him to read ten sentences before finding a single point of substance. He snorted coldly, thinking this young rascal was too flippant, writing such nonsense!
He picked through the letter, finally understanding from its contents that their discussion centered around Xuanzang’s return from the West.
Xuanzang had not informed the court about his westward journey, but upon his return, he specifically requested official documents for passage because he brought back over six hundred volumes of scriptures and over a hundred relics. With such a large collection of scriptures, even if he devoted his entire life to the task, Xuanzang would struggle to translate them all alone!
Li Chengqian had also promptly sent someone to report this matter to Emperor Li, saying that he had selected a group of Buddhist disciples to assist Xuanzang in translating the scriptures and writing the *Record of the Western Regions*.
Both Emperor Li and Li Chengqian were more interested in the *Record of the Western Regions*, and even considered asking Xuanzang to return to secular life and help the court manage the Western Regions. However, Xuanzang himself clearly preferred to translate Buddhist scriptures.
Since the scriptures were valuable enough to motivate monks to travel thousands of miles, Li Chengqian believed that if there were sufficient incentives, many merchants would also be willing to traverse the Silk Road. Therefore, he planned to have the Fengtai Tower compile stories about the Western Regions for public dissemination. They didn’t need to be related to Buddhism, as long as they were engaging.
The Tang Dynasty’s territory was currently limited, and there was only so much grain that could be grown and wealth that could be accumulated. They needed to encourage those with talent and ambition to engage with the Western Regions, buying what they desired and learning what was useful, while also providing what the Western Regions lacked.
Even if they couldn’t achieve Li Yuanying’s boastful goal of “strengthening ties and cultivating harmony,” they could at least transform the neighboring countries into fertile ground for the Tang Dynasty’s development.
Through such mutually beneficial exchanges, the Tang Dynasty could truly flourish.
These ideas were the result of discussions between Li Chengqian and Li Yuanying. Li Chengqian, without holding back, had shared everything with Emperor Li.
Because the selected content was all information that Emperor Li already knew, he found the letter completely worthless, filled with nothing but empty words!
Every sentence elicited a cold snort from Emperor Li. When he read Li Yuanying’s expression of longing to play with his nephew again, Emperor Li felt even more that this rascal hadn’t grown up at all. He was grown, and yet still thought about playing.
Emperor Li promptly wrote a letter of rebuke, scolding Li Yuanying mercilessly, accusing him of being incompetent even to address a letter correctly, so how could he possibly excel in any other task? In the middle of writing, someone reported that the Crown Prince had arrived.
Emperor Li was in the middle of his tirade, feeling rather bad, and ordered for Li Chengqian to be admitted.
Li Chengqian was responsible for holding the fort in Chang’an, and shouldn’t have left, but upon seeing the letter delivered to him, he couldn’t sit still. Li Yuanying wouldn’t write anything inappropriate in his letter, but knowing his usual unrestrained nature, Li Chengqian felt it was necessary to personally retrieve the letter.
Driven by a desire to retrieve the misplaced letter, Li Chengqian didn’t rest for a moment, heading straight for the Cuiwei Palace. Along the way, he even thought of a few topics he could discuss with Emperor Li, preparing to bring up the letter matter as an afterthought.
Emperor Li surely wouldn’t have read Li Yuanying’s letter immediately!
Li Chengqian’s plan was perfect, and Emperor Li cooperated perfectly, not mentioning that he had already read the letter, and calmly listened to Li Chengqian’s list of contrived matters.
When Li Chengqian felt he had finished discussing the important matters, he tentatively brought up the issue of Li Yuanying’s misplaced letter.
“I noticed something wrong with the beginning, so I didn’t read further,” Li Chengqian spoke the truth. He truly had no reason to sneak a peek at Li Yuanying’s letter, since Emperor Li habitually read letters privately, there was no need for him to do so!
Emperor Li acted as if he had just remembered the letter, saying calmly, “I finished reading your *Yu Shu*’s letter.” He ordered someone to retrieve Li Yuanying’s misplaced letter and return it to Li Chengqian.
Li Chengqian: “…”
Li Chengqian silently took back the letter. If he had known that Emperor Li had already read it, he wouldn’t have rushed over to intercept it! He silently berated Li Yuanying, couldn’t he have checked the letter before sending it? Now, Emperor Li had read it openly!
Things being as they were, Li Chengqian could only pray that Li Yuanying hadn’t written anything he shouldn’t have.
Since his son had come, Emperor Li didn’t send him away, keeping him for a meal, while also finishing Li Yuanying’s misplaced letter. Li Yuanying’s letter was equally full of flattery. First, he mentioned how good Yan Lide was, whom he had borrowed, then how good Li Chunfeng was, whom he had also borrowed. With them by his side, his “Pearl of the East” plan was truly unstoppable! The rest of the letter detailed his plans for issuing bonds, stating that as long as everyone in Henan Road with spare money contributed a string of coins, the harbor could be built quickly!
After reading the letter, Emperor Li discovered a novel idea from Li Yuanying.
Such words were easily spoken, but difficult to achieve! If calculated properly, wouldn’t the Tang Dynasty citizens, if each contributed a string of coins, generate millions of strings? As for the profits Li Yuanying mentioned, building a harbor and training a navy were both expenses, how could there be profits?
Emperor Li said, “Your *Yu Shu* is too optimistic.”
Li Chengqian said, “Perhaps *Yu Shu* can do it?”
Emperor Li made the final decision, “Then let him go and do it.”
Since he had already permitted Li Yuanying to bring Li Dekian and Du He with him, he allowed Li Yuanying and Li Chengqian to form a navy.
The Goguryeo people had softened this time, not only returning most of Silla’s cities, but also presenting a sincere offering of tribute goods and coins. Emperor Li wanted to attack, but the civil officials couldn’t be persuaded. However, in Emperor Li’s heart, Goguryeo would eventually have to be conquered. Yeon Gaesomun never truly placed the Tang Dynasty in his eyes, and his current softening was only because they were surrounded by internal and external threats, and didn’t want to provoke the Tang army further!
If they were going to fight, they had to train their navy well, so that they could encircle Goguryeo on both land and sea, and take them down once and for all.
Emperor Li was confident in Li Yuanying, and also in Li Chengqian, and he was willing to let them try. Of course, if they betrayed his trust, he would not hesitate to punish them.
Li Chengqian understood the implication in Emperor Li’s words, and naturally, he made a statement of affirmation, “My *Yu Shu* will not disappoint Your Majesty.”
Emperor Li said nothing, and after they finished their meal together, he sent Li Chengqian back.
It was still early, so Emperor Li continued to write a reply to Li Yuanying. In the latter part of the letter, Emperor Li continued to scold Li Yuanying mercilessly, saying that he was boastful and unrealistic. It was fine to cause trouble in Chang’an, but did he think anyone in Henan Road would support him?
After a barrage of scolding, Emperor Li finally spoke: “If you can do it, then do it, but the court won’t give you any money. If Wei Zheng and the others scold you, you’ll have to bear it yourself!”
Having scolded Li Yuanying like this, Emperor Li felt a little better. However, thinking about the heap of praise Li Yuanying had given Li Chengqian, Emperor Li still felt uneasy. This rascal praised everyone, truly lacking principles, a blatant flatterer!
He was a dignified Tang Dynasty prince, how could he be so shameless and flattering to the Crown Prince? Those who didn’t know the truth might talk about him!
Emperor Li felt increasingly justified in his thinking, and immediately added a section at the end of the letter, sternly warning Li Yuanying to stop writing such letters to Li Chengqian. If he didn’t care about his own reputation, he shouldn’t drag Li Chengqian into the gossip!
As for his letters to him, they were simply expressions of a brother’s love for his elder brother. If others heard them, they would only think they were close siblings, not spread gossip!
In short, he couldn’t write to the Crown Prince, but he had to continue writing to him. Emperor Li finished writing the letter and reread it, finding no fault. It was simply the truth!
Emperor Li ordered the letter to be sent to Tengzhou, specifically instructing the messenger to have Li Yuanying read it carefully and reflect thoroughly!
Having been stirred by Li Yuanying’s antics, Emperor Li actually wanted to see Xuanzang. He ordered someone to convey his message to Hongfu Temple, asking Xuanzang to come the next day.
Although Emperor Li was not a believer in Buddhism, he was very interested in what Xuanzang had brought back from the Western Regions. He also wanted to personally persuade Xuanzang to return to secular life and serve the court.
Xuanzang had managed to travel through over a hundred countries in the Western Regions without the court’s support, proving his remarkable abilities. Such a capable person should not be left unutilized by the court, Emperor Li thought with regret!
The next morning, after Emperor Li and Wei Zheng had finished discussing matters of state, Xuanzang arrived.
Compared to his last meeting with Li Chengqian, Xuanzang now had a clearer understanding of the current situation in Chang’an, and had gained further insights into Li Yuanying as a person. He could discern that Li Yuanying, like Emperor Li, did not genuinely believe in Buddhist principles, they merely intended to use Buddhism as a tool.
This saddened Xuanzang.
He would have preferred not to have this honor of meeting the Emperor, if it wasn’t for the purpose of translating and spreading the true scriptures. He had no restrictions on entering official service, and had no interest in being admired by thousands. He only wished to impart the true teachings to more Buddhist disciples. Sadly, even among the Buddhist disciples, many were not willing to sincerely study the scriptures!
Among the multitude, those who truly believed in Buddhism were few, while many used the name of Buddhism for their own selfish gains, even the peaceful haven of the Buddhist monasteries was no longer peaceful.
Xuanzang sighed inwardly, entering the palace to meet Emperor Li.
Emperor Li predictably brought up his previous request, hoping that Xuanzang would return to secular life.
Xuanzang refused again.
Emperor Li was not surprised, and invited Xuanzang to have tea while discussing his travels in the Western Regions.
Perhaps influenced by Li Yuanying, Emperor Li now enjoyed listening to stories. As for the veracity of these stories, Emperor Li didn’t bother to investigate, as long as they sent more people to travel to the Western Regions in the future, they would naturally be able to determine the truth!
The two chatted quite well, and Emperor Li generously assigned Xuanzang a group of people, all of whom had recently returned from Tubo. They had experience in compiling the *Record of Tubo*, and were quite suited to participate in translating scriptures and writing the *Record of the Western Regions*.
Xuanzang gratefully accepted.
Emperor Li also presented Xuanzang with a watermelon, asking him to take it back to taste. He said it was found in a place west of Tubo by his *Yu Shu*, and was truly a refreshing treat.
Emperor Li mentioned his *Yu Shu* repeatedly, and Xuanzang quickly understood, and readily praised Li Yuanying a few times.
Emperor Li was very pleased and happily let him leave.
Holding a large, round watermelon, Xuanzang exited Cuiwei Palace, muttering to himself, “Twenty years ago, who could have imagined that Emperor Li would treat his brother like a son? He raises him like a son, and then even hints to others to praise him for raising him well! Such an annoying habit!”
**Author’s Note:** A close call during the trip!
Little Prince: What about me? What about me?
**Note:** The author’s note at the end is a humorous response to the character Li Yuanying’s absence in this chapter. He is essentially asking why he is not mentioned in the chapter.
**Glossary:**
* **Henan Road:** A major administrative region in Tang Dynasty China.
* **Emperor Li:** Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (Li Shimin).
* **The Pearl of the East:** A term used to refer to the coastal region of China.
* **Prince Tang:** Li Yuanying, the eighth son of Emperor Li.
* **Government Office or Official Residence:** A place where government officials worked or lived.
* **Li Yuanying:** The eighth son of Emperor Li, known as Prince Tang.
* **Li Tai:** The third son of Emperor Li.
* **Li Jing:** A renowned Tang dynasty general.
* **Xue Rengui:** A famous Tang dynasty general.
* **The Art of War by Wei Gong:** Refers to a military treatise written by Li Jing.
* **Tengzhou:** A city in Shandong Province, where Prince Tang was stationed.
* **bamboo-shoot dish:** A common Chinese dish made with bamboo shoots.
* **Yu Shu:** A term of endearment for a younger brother.
* **Teng Wang Pavilion:** A famous pavilion built by Prince Tang in Tengzhou.
* **Di Renjie:** A famous Tang dynasty statesman and judge.
* **Fanyang Lu Family:** A prominent and influential family during the Tang dynasty.
* **Tubo:** The Tibetan Empire, often referred to as Tibet.
* **Wei Wang Fu:** The government office or official residence of the Prince of Wei.
* **Tianzhu:** A historical name for India.
* **Chang’an:** The capital city of the Tang Dynasty.
* **Chengyang:** A city in Shandong Province.
* **Shangyuan Festival:** A traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, also known as the Lantern Festival.
* **Wu Mei:** A historical figure, commonly referred to as Empress Wu Zetian.
* **Imperial Examination Hall:** A place where the imperial examinations were held.
* **Li Zhi:** The ninth son of Emperor Li, who later became Emperor Gaozong.
* **Zhuangzi:** A famous Chinese philosopher and author of the *Zhuangzi*.
* **Li Chengqian:** The eldest son of Emperor Li, who was later deposed as Crown Prince.
* **Xiangzhou:** A city in Henan Province.
* **Left Prime Minister:** A high-ranking government official.
* **Min Gui:** Refers to a book of rules and regulations for officials.
* **Imperial Academy:** An institution for higher education, similar to a university.
* **Jin Wang Fu:** The government office or official residence of the Prince of Jin.
* **Honglu Temple:** A government office responsible for diplomatic affairs.
* **Changsun Wuji:** A powerful and influential figure during the Tang Dynasty, he was a close confidante of Emperor Li.
* **Wei Jiu:** A historical figure, possibly a woman of the Wei family.
* **Silla:** One of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
* **Liu Baolin:** A historical figure, possibly a person who served in the Tang Dynasty court.
* **Taishang Huang:** The Retired Emperor, a title given to an emperor who abdicates.
* **Yao’er:** A term of endearment for a younger brother.
* **Xuanzang:** A famous Buddhist monk who travelled to India and brought back Buddhist scriptures.
* **Hongfu Temple:** A famous Buddhist temple in Chang’an.
* **Record of the Western Regions:** A book written by Xuanzang detailing his travels to the Western Regions.
* **Hou Junji:** A prominent Tang dynasty general.
* **Empress Changsun:** The first wife of Emperor Li.
* **Li Chengqian:** The eldest son of Emperor Li, who was later deposed as Crown Prince.
* **The Wang Clan of Taiyuan:** A prominent and influential family during the Tang Dynasty.
* **Duke of Xun Guo:** A high-ranking noble title.
* **Princess Pingyang:** A daughter of Emperor Li who played an important role in the early Tang Dynasty.
* **Wei Zheng:** A prominent Tang dynasty statesman known for his honesty and integrity.
* **International Expo:** A large exhibition showcasing products, technology, and culture from various countries.
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