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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 271 Wa Country
"There are over two million people who built this city in just one year."
The Tang Dynasty Courtiers walked ahead, amused by the occasional gasps of surprise from the Outer Domain envoys behind them, which only fueled their arrogance.
"Listen, Barbarians!"
After the banquet and performances had concluded, the envoys of the Courtiers left the palace, yet the city remained bustling with activity. Most of the foreign envoys were well-off and could indulge in the city's splendor, except for a few.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was spending New Year's Eve with his wife and children. Li Chengzong had grown another year older. He had begun learning to read two years ago and was now studying the Analects and the Classic of Filial Piety.
In terms of literacy, Chengzong showed considerable talent and was indeed learning better than other children his age.
The small figure wore a round-collared robe adorned with intricate patterns symbolizing longevity and health. Standing firmly with his feet apart, he held a book in his hands, swaying slightly with his chubby little head: "The Master said: Those who love their parents do not dare to be unkind to others; those who respect their parents do not dare to be negligent towards others.
To love and respect one's parents is to fulfill one's duty to them, while virtue and education should be extended to the people; punishment should be administered throughout the realm; this is the filial piety of the Son of Heaven."
"Good! Zong'er reads very well and has made great progress. Your father is very pleased."
Li Jian Cheng nodded with a smile after listening to his son, choosing not to test him further; it was New Year's after all, not a time to put pressure on a child.
"Then Father, can I have a pony now?"
The Queen watched quietly, letting out a silent sigh. This girl was flawless; no wonder His Majesty favored her.
Encouraged by his father's praise, Li Chengdao felt braver and approached his father. Li Jian Cheng opened the Analects and pointed out a few slightly difficult characters, which Chengdao answered smoothly.
Chengzong, being the Legitimate Eldest Son, had more opportunities to see Li Jian Cheng than others did, so he was relatively comfortable; the rest inevitably felt unfamiliar and fearful.
Although Li Chengzong was still quite young himself, he naturally exhibited an elder brother's demeanor. He stepped forward to reassure his younger brother: "Just a few days ago, the teacher praised you for being clever. There's no need to be afraid. You wanted a little fish, right? If you answer well, you'll get one."
"Alright, I'll take you to choose one tomorrow."
Perhaps she could still be considered a consort outside, but at home, she was merely a concubine.
Li Jian Cheng waved his hand, and Li Chengdao, the son of the Zheng Clan, stopped smiling and glanced back at his mother with a hint of fear.
"That's wonderful!"
"Can I have a puppy?"
Li Jian Cheng was never strict in front of his children, but children had an innate ability to read the room. They sensed the respect others had for Li Jian Cheng and instinctively felt a bit intimidated.
As the instructions became simpler, the children's confidence grew, and their voices naturally became louder, ringing with youthful exuberance.
Seeing their brother's joy, the other little ones also perked up, foolishly nodding and laughing along.
The Queen reminded them from the side, "In front of your father, you must refer to yourselves as 'your son' and not forget."
Li Jian Cheng smiled at his two sons; these few days were the easiest of the entire year.
Thus, she remained silent, only offering gentle encouragement through her warm gaze directed at her son.
Zheng Clan had already attained the rank of Noble Consort, second only to the Queen in the palace, yet she was known for her propriety and adherence to decorum.
However, she was not one to make things difficult for the children. With a nurturing demeanor befitting a proper mother, she comforted Li Chengdao: "Don't be afraid. Your father will only test you on a few characters to see if you have been studying well with your teacher."
"Chengdao is indeed very clever."
Li Chengdao's little face flushed red, but he still hesitated to ask for any rewards; Li Jian Cheng did not press him either.
Next came the examination of the princesses. They also needed to learn to read, but their progress was not urgent. Their teacher had no strict demands on them, so their pace was much slower than that of the two princes.
Li Wanshun, the eldest daughter born of Lady Yu, stepped forward in her splendid attire. Her large eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she was adorably delicate like a finely carved jade figure.
Li Jian Cheng gently embraced his daughter, the little princess naturally wrapping her arms around her father's neck, her watery eyes gazing up at him, which soon curved into crescent shapes.
"I want to too!"
In the arms of Consort Ashina, the Second Princess could no longer contain herself. She wriggled free and rushed to her father's side, wanting a hug just like her sister's.
The princess was named Li Wanxing. She had skin like her mother and was growing quickly, already reaching the height of her brother, with glass-like eyes and a high nose.
The emperor smiled as he lifted his youngest daughter onto his lap. The Queen reached out to support the princess's back, ensuring she wouldn’t topple backward.
Xiao Chanyan, who did not yet have a daughter of her own, doted on the two little princesses: "You two are being mischievous; you can't be so unruly in the future."
The emperor chuckled as he selected the simplest characters from the Analects. At first, it was Li Wanshun who answered correctly, but soon it was Li Wanxing who responded.
Unlike the obedient Eldest Daughter, the little one would wiggle excitedly every time she answered correctly. Fortunately, the Queen was there to support her; otherwise, she would have surely fallen.
Li Jian Cheng vaguely sensed that the Eldest Daughter probably recognized more characters than Cheng Dao did; she just didn’t want to show it.
...
After the New Year celebrations, the court resumed normal operations and actively prepared for the Imperial Examination. Li Jian Cheng established rules to prevent favoritism according to later practices.
For instance, there were regulations regarding avoidance, sealed envelopes, anonymous submissions, transcription, and secure storage, all publicly announced to gain the trust of scholars and make them understand that the emperor truly valued talent over birthright.
As preparations for the Imperial Examination intensified, the emperor also summoned the Outer Domain Emissary still lingering in Luoyang.
Most were simply hoping for trade relations, wishing to leverage Tang Dynasty's prestige to intimidate neighboring countries or hoping for direct military intervention from Tang.
Li Jian Cheng found both approaches perfunctory; the Tang Dynasty was far from being able to impose sanctions on neighboring countries. Instead, he opted to send envoys to ease tensions.
But what if the other party refused?
Should troops be dispatched thousands of miles away to subdue the disloyal, in order to uphold the majesty of the Tang Dynasty? But what would the Tang gain from such an endeavor?
Establishing regional hegemony centered around the Tang is essential, but not at this moment.
The nation still needs to recuperate and thrive. As for the Turkic tribes to the north, there will inevitably be a battle sooner or later. Moreover, the territories acquired in the east and west require time to assimilate; we cannot afford to overextend ourselves.
The most peculiar visitor is the envoy from Wa Country, a short but robust man who bows in an overtly submissive manner.
He has brought a translator with him, and his entourage carries many treasures of gold and silver into the palace.
"Emperor of the Tang Dynasty," he says, "I come at the behest of our Empress Suiko to pay my respects. Here is the state letter personally inscribed by my sovereign."
Li Jian Cheng furrows his brow slightly, recalling that during the Kaihuang Era, Wa Country had sent envoys in a similar manner, which had angered Sui Wendi.
Upon receiving the state letter and examining it, he finds it indeed states, "The Eastern Emperor respectfully addresses the Western Emperor."
The emperor snorts coldly and casually tosses the so-called state letter before the envoy: "Wano is arrogant."
………………
(End of Chapter)
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