Chapter Ninety-Nine: Pressure

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Li Ji’s title was stripped, Lady Wang of Britain was disgraced, and the news that Li Yue’e, once an obscure and insignificant woman, had suddenly become the new principal wife of the Li household spread throughout Chang’an within a single day, rapidly reaching the surrounding prefectures and counties.

At the residence of the Duke of Lu Guo.

Cheng Yaojin grabbed a jug of Hero’s Brew and took a swift gulp. The four small dishes neatly arranged on the table remained untouched, their chopsticks undisturbed.

Before Cheng Yaojin stood Cheng Huaimo and Cheng Huailiang, both standing solemnly in a moment of crisis. Their small frames were rigid and upright, faces marked with a trace of confusion and helplessness.

Nearby, on a chair, Cheng Yaojin’s wife, Lady Cui, held their infant son, only a few months old, watching Cheng Yaojin with a puzzled expression. Her elegant brows furrowed slightly as she asked, “You’re acting strangely today. What’s wrong?”

Cheng Yaojin twitched the corner of his mouth before saying, “Don’t go out for a while. If anyone comes to the house, don’t see them. Let’s wait until this passes.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing much… forget it. There’s no use explaining. Just remember, I’m your husband—I won’t harm you.”

“No, you have to explain clearly today. What? Now that you have official power, you even control whom I can see from my family?”

“That’s not what I mean. Enough. Just remember, whoever comes to see you, don’t meet them. Otherwise, our entire family will be doomed!”

With that, Cheng Yaojin rose and left. He still needed to check on a few old brothers. Over the years, women from the five great surnames and seven distinguished clans had become too precious, so many of his comrades had married daughters of prominent families. Even if not from the five or seven clans, they were from other aristocratic households—some chosen themselves, others bestowed by Li Yuan. Among these marriages, Li Ji’s was a typical example.

Lady Cui watched Cheng Yaojin’s retreating figure, a heavy seriousness crossing her face. Though just a housewife, she was no fool. Once regarded as the favored daughter at home, a female prodigy, she keenly sensed a crucial point despite Cheng Yaojin’s vague words: the great aristocratic families were about to suffer.

“What should I do?” That was the question.

On one hand was her natal family, difficult to disregard; on the other, her husband’s family, which could not be ignored—especially since she had three sons here.

Moreover, in this era dominated by Confucianism, the doctrines of female obedience and virtues left Lady Cui feeling somewhat lost.

After a long pause, she sighed deeply. “You two may leave now. Don’t go out these days. Stay home and study well what your father has taught you.”

“Yes, mother!” Cheng Huailiang eagerly responded.

Though Cheng Yaojin was reputed as a rough-and-tumble hero, his literary accomplishments were considerable. Though not on par with some great scholars, he was far beyond ordinary talents. Among the founding heroes of the dynasty, most sent their children to schools or the Chongwen Academy, but Cheng Yaojin did not.

Partly because he deemed it unnecessary—he could teach them himself—and partly because he fundamentally wished to keep his sons away from the imperial princes and factional entanglements. Throughout the Zhenguan era, only Cheng Yaojin’s descendants survived unscathed; others faced punishment or death.

Lady Cui’s words revealed her resolve. Between her husband’s and her own family, she chose the former. Though this might be called unfilial by some, in the strict feudal order, what truly counted as filial piety?

Meanwhile, in the Taiji Palace.

Emperor Taizong summoned Li Kong once again into the Ganlu Hall.

Li Kong had some guesses about the emperor’s intentions but would have to wait for the decision to be sure.

“Your mother is now your father’s legitimate wife, making you a legitimate son of merit. How do you feel? Any different?”

Li Kong’s mouth twitched. “No. Your Majesty called me here this time—surely it’s just to ask if my status has changed?”

Emperor Taizong shot Li Kong a sharp glance, then picked up the memorials on the imperial desk, arranging them one by one.

“Do you know what these memorials are about?”

“Accusing my father?”

“Yes. These people are mostly disciples and members of the great aristocratic families. They include Censor-in-Chief, inspectors, ministers, mid-ranking officials, military officers—spread throughout every corner of the Tang Empire. They are pressing me to compromise.” Taizong’s words grew heavier, clearly revealing his growing fear and understanding of the aristocratic clans’ threat.

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This force was so powerful it could even overthrow his Tang dynasty.

Li Kong narrowed his eyes. “It seems some plans must be enacted quickly.”

“But I need time—at least three to five years. Yet these people refuse to give me any.”

Emperor Taizong leaned back on the dragon throne, his eyes clouded with hesitation for the first time.

Should he compromise? If so, he could calmly arrange matters; in three to five years, new talents would rise, and he could eradicate the aristocratic clans once and for all.

But Taizong also knew these clans were insatiably greedy. Having touched their bottom line this time, if he gave anything in exchange, they would only become harder to restrain later. Such a price he was unwilling to pay.

“Then we must strike them to buy ourselves time!” Li Kong’s eyes gleamed coldly. “Since ancient times, power belongs to those who wield the sword. Our Tang military is at its peak. I refuse to believe these clans dare to recklessly challenge us. Besides, we don’t need to wipe them all out at once—capture some, strike some, and use them as examples!”

“Capture some, strike some?” Emperor Taizong was momentarily stunned. This tactic had been used against the Xiongnu during the Han dynasty, but hadn’t appeared for centuries. Even now, the Tang had never considered using it against the Turks—otherwise, there wouldn’t be just the eastern and western Turkic tribes.

Thus, Li Kong’s strategy, though common in a past life, emerged anew. As a military sage, Taizong immediately recognized its terrifying brilliance.

“You never fail to impress me. Since that’s the case, write up a proposal and present it to me tomorrow...” Taizong paused, then added, “Also, settle your family matters and prepare to assume the position of Protector-General Middle Commander!”

Protector-General Middle Commander?

Hearing these words, Li Kong’s head shot up, his whole body trembling.

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