Chapter 121: A Reminder

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Luo Tong’s words served as a wake-up call for Li Zhi. The Chamber of Commerce was still in its infancy, only cooperating with ordinary merchants, and daily tasks involved simple registrations and wholesale transactions. But when the aristocratic families intervened and confronted the Chamber, the situation would become extremely difficult. At that time, someone would be needed to offer strategies and support to sustain the Chamber.

“Li Ji… that probably isn’t his original name, right? If I’m not mistaken, he is Xu Maogong, isn’t he?” Li Zhi asked.

“Yes!”

Li Zhi was well aware of the story behind Li Ji, also known as Xu Maogong, changing his name. Emperor Taizong had granted him the Li family name and the given name Shiji, but because the character “Shi” was taboo within the imperial family, it was later removed, leaving him as Li Ji. Names may change, but the person does not. He remained the tactician full of schemes, the rogue Taoist wandering the world.

Li Zhi smiled softly. “Alright, I’ll seek Father Emperor’s opinion and see if we can send General Qin Qiong to command the army and bring him back to Chang’an. If that’s possible, I won’t have to worry about the Chamber’s affairs anymore.”

…

This matter would be extremely difficult to accomplish because it required Emperor Taizong’s approval. Only if he consented to recall Li Ji could the plan proceed; otherwise, no one could simply replace the army’s commander at will. For the future of the Chamber, Li Zhi was willing to try.

The next day, before the morning court session began, Li Zhi stood in front of the Ganlu Hall, waiting for Emperor Taizong to rise.

“Summon Prince Jin!” came the eunuch’s announcement outside the hall.

Li Zhi hurried over to see Emperor Taizong emerging barefoot, without even his shoes, his expression anxious. “Zhi’er, what’s the matter?”

“Father Emperor, are you alright?”

“I am worried, entrusting the state’s great affairs to a mere child like you… After some thought, I realize I was too impulsive! I didn’t sleep all night, fearing something might happen to you!”

Li Zhi’s heart skipped a beat, sensing trouble. Could it be that Emperor Taizong was having second thoughts?

“Father Emperor, you worry too much. Nothing has happened. I came to pay my respects and… to borrow someone,” Li Zhi finally said, as Li Ji was crucial to the Chamber.

“Borrow someone?”

“Father Emperor, could you put on your shoes and let’s discuss in the Imperial Study?”

“Alright!”

Emperor Taizong returned inside to dress properly.

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They went to the Imperial Study together.

“Now you may speak!” Emperor Taizong was contemplating whether to replace Li Zhi. The previous afternoon, the aristocratic families had sent envoys, pleading for peace with the court. This gave Emperor Taizong face, removing the need for a deadly struggle with the aristocrats.

Li Zhi read the emperor’s thoughts and said, “Father Emperor, do you still not trust me?”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you… since the aristocrats seek peace, why shouldn’t I go along with it?”

“Father Emperor, you mustn’t! Why would the aristocrats truly want peace? Even if they say so, it’s insincere! Please don’t fall for their trickery!” Li Zhi urged.

…

Emperor Taizong found himself in a dilemma: unwilling to make peace with the aristocrats yet worried that Li Zhi might mishandle the situation. Should he trust the aristocrats’ peace overtures, or rely on Li Zhi to destroy them? Neither seemed reliable.

“Haah…” Emperor Taizong took a deep breath. “Tell me, what brings you here so early?”

“My Chamber of Commerce lacks capable people, so I want to borrow one from you.”

“Who do you want to borrow?”

Li Zhi tentatively asked, “How about Li Ji?”

“Who?” Emperor Taizong’s eyes widened, as if hearing something shocking, tinged with hesitation.

“Li Ji! Is that not possible? I want him to serve as the Chamber’s president in the capital for a while. The Chamber’s affairs are heavy and crucial. I can’t think of a better candidate; only Li Ji fits! If it is difficult for you, Father Emperor, just consider I never said it…”

“No!” Emperor Taizong waved his hand. “I also think he is suitable!”

“Father Emperor, you mean… you agree?”

“Ha ha ha!” Emperor Taizong suddenly laughed heartily. “After thinking it over, you are the best person to handle the aristocrats’ matter!”

Emperor Taizong’s change of attitude was puzzling. He had just been reluctant and hesitant about Li Ji, but now he reversed his decision. Could it be that Emperor Taizong wanted Li Ji to go to the Chamber, or was he unwilling to let Li Ji command the army?

“Zhi’er, will you help Father Emperor stage a little play?”

“Please enlighten me, Father Emperor!”

“At the morning court, in front of all the officials, you will explain the importance of the Chamber and why only Li Ji can manage it well. Initially, I did not want to release Li Ji, but due to the aristocrats’ matter being too important, I had no choice but to agree. If you assist me, I will permit Li Ji to join your Chamber. How does that sound?”

…

Li Zhi was stunned. Why did Emperor Taizong want to replace Li Ji and not let him command the army? Did he suspect Li Ji’s loyalty?

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Historical records show Li Ji was loyal to the Tang Dynasty all his life, with glorious military achievements and no acts of disloyalty.

“Well? Will you agree to Father Emperor’s plan?”

“All right!”

The purpose was achieved, and Li Zhi was too tired to ponder further.

Li Zhi followed Emperor Taizong to the court. As instructed, he requested borrowing Li Ji to help manage the Chamber. Emperor Taizong feigned reluctance to release him, and the officials repeatedly advised against it. Yet Li Zhi insisted, refuting their arguments one by one until they were silenced.

In the end, a consensus was reached: Qin Qiong would take over command of the two hundred thousand troops in Luoyang, and Li Ji would be recalled to Chang’an to oversee the capital’s Chamber of Commerce.

…

After the morning court ended, Emperor Taizong, beaming, drank a little wine and went to the harem. Li Zhi, puzzled, followed behind, wanting to understand the truth.

In the Lize Hall, Emperor Taizong held Empress Zhangsun’s hand, happily saying, “Finally, I replaced him. It has been a thorn in my side!”

“Who?” she asked.

“Li Ji!”

Empress Zhangsun frowned. “Your Majesty dismissed Li Ji? The ministers in court must have opposed that?”

“You are right! The ministers opposed fiercely, making a great uproar! Fortunately, Zhi’er helped me smooth the way, and I managed to replace Li Ji, ha ha ha…”

Emperor Taizong laughed so hard he could barely close his mouth.

“How strange…” Li Zhi crouched by the door, overhearing their conversation, utterly baffled. Li Ji was a battle-hardened, loyal man. Why did Emperor Taizong always want to remove him? It didn’t make sense.

“Your Majesty still can’t forget that matter?” Empress Zhangsun asked.

“More than just forget! For so many years, it was like a thorn piercing my heart, only today finally removed!”

“Sigh…”

The empress hesitated, then said slowly, “I must defend Li Ji—he did not participate in that battle and was not disloyal to Your Majesty. Perhaps he was just frightened and hesitant when the moment came, after all…”

“Enough!” Emperor Taizong suddenly stood up. “I have thought it over clearly. Regardless of his reasons, it does not change the fact that he betrayed me!”