#149: Entrustment

Wu Laosan was unaware of Yunyi’s inner turmoil. While busy with his tasks, he remarked, “What else is there to talk about? It’s all about the conscription.” He sighed, shaking his head. “I’ve been thinking these past two days—after this round of conscription, only half the villagers will remain, and they’re mostly elderly, women, and children. The fields will likely go untended. Who knows how we’ll manage in the future? I hope after this war ends, there’ll be no more fighting. Otherwise, I fear one day there won’t be a single man left in the village.”

Yunyi felt a deep pang of sorrow. Wu Laosan’s words reflected the thoughts of countless others. She hoped that upon returning to the capital, she could persuade her father—the Emperor—to cease hostilities and alleviate the suffering of the people.

The next day, Yunyi accompanied Wu Laosan to the county office for registration. As he pressed his fingerprint onto the document, Wu Laosan’s hand trembled. If Li Shimin couldn’t find the original household registry, in ten days, he would be sent to Luoyang along with the others. His fate would then be uncertain. He wasn’t afraid of death—he had lived long enough—but he feared never seeing his only daughter again and being unable to protect her.

On the third day after registration, Wu Laosan arrived alone at the Taishou’s mansion. After hesitating near the gate for a while, he mustered the courage to approach one of the guards stationed there. “Brother, I… I’d like to see Second Young Master. Could you announce me?”

“Second Young Master?” The guard scrutinized Wu Laosan. “What’s your name, and why do you wish to see him?”

“I’m Wu Laosan. I have something important to discuss with Second Young Master. Please help me.” As he spoke, he hastily pulled out a small string of copper coins and handed them over with a forced smile. “A token of appreciation for you both to buy some wine.”

The guard discreetly weighed the coins in his hand, pleased with Wu Laosan’s tactfulness. “Alright, I’ll announce you. But whether Second Young Master will see you or not, I can’t guarantee.”

Wu Laosan nodded repeatedly. “I understand. Thank you, brothers.”

The guard turned and entered the mansion. After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, he returned and said to Wu Laosan, “Second Young Master has agreed. Follow me.”

Wu Laosan quickly thanked him and followed him inside. It was his first time entering such a luxurious residence, so he didn’t dare look around too much, obediently following the guard. After walking for a while, the guard stopped. “This is where Second Young Master resides—Jingji Pavilion. Follow Manager Qi inside.”

Wu Laosan acknowledged and followed the indicated Manager Qi into the eastern reception hall. Once seated, Manager Qi politely said, “Second Young Master is meeting with guests. Wait here—I’ll have someone bring you tea.”

Shortly after, a servant brought tea, served in delicate porcelain cups Wu Laosan had never seen before. He carefully held the cup, terrified of breaking it.

Not long after, Li Shimin walked in. Wu Laosan hurriedly set down the untouched teacup and bowed, saying, “Greetings, Second Young Master.”

Li Shimin quickly helped him up. “Uncle Wu, no need for such formalities. Please sit.” Once seated, he asked, “Did you come to see Meixue?” After accompanying Wu Laosan to complete the registration, Yunyi had returned to the Taishou’s mansion. Though Li Shimin had smoothed things over, she couldn’t stay home indefinitely.

Wu Laosan hastily waved his hands. “No, no. I came specifically to see you, Second Young Master.” After a pause, he continued, “Meixue has been without parents since childhood. I found her in a tiger’s den and raised her. For over a decade, we’ve relied on each other. Though life has been hard, we’ve been happy. Meixue often says she’s lucky I found her, but I think I’m the lucky one—to have such a thoughtful and obedient daughter, allowing this lonely old man to enjoy family happiness. From the moment I first held her, I’ve treated her as my lifeline. If it means her happiness, I’d even give my heart.” As he spoke, he suddenly knelt before Li Shimin, startling him. “Uncle Wu, what are you doing? Get up!”

Wu Laosan refused to rise, his voice choked with emotion. “Second Young Master, you’re a good man. If I truly can’t escape this conscription, I beg you to take care of Meixue. I know this request is abrupt, but… aside from you, I don’t know who else to entrust her to. Please.”

“I’ve already instructed Zhiming to investigate Lu Sheng and the Feng family’s collusion. We should soon find the hidden household registry. You’ll be fine.” Despite Li Shimin’s reassurances, Wu Laosan remained kneeling. Finally, Li Shimin relented. “Alright, I promise. Now get up.”

Relieved, Wu Laosan rose, deeply grateful. “Thank you, Second Young Master. I, Wu Laosan, will repay this kindness in my next life, even if I have to become an ox or a horse.”

“Uncle Wu, you flatter me.” Just then, a servant entered and announced, “Second Young Master, the Taishou requests your presence in the study.”

“Alright, I’ll go now.” After dismissing the servant, Li Shimin said, “Uncle Wu, return home for now. I’ll send word as soon as there’s news.”

After seeing Wu Laosan off, Li Shimin headed to the study. Li Yuan was seated at the desk, penning a document. Li Shimin stood quietly by, waiting until Li Yuan set down his brush before bowing and addressing him. “Father.”

“You’ve arrived.” Li Yuan glanced at him. “How’s the conscription progressing?”

“Father, we’ve gathered over thirty thousand men, but…” Li Shimin hesitated. “Based on your calculations, conscripting one man per household, we can gather at most another ten thousand. That leaves us short by ten thousand to meet the court’s quota of fifty thousand. Unless we expand the conscription, I truly can’t think of a way to make up the shortfall.”

Li Yuan nodded slightly and gestured. “Come, take a look at this memorial I’m drafting.”

“Yes.” Li Shimin stepped closer. After reading the unfinished draft, he smiled faintly. “As you predicted, Wang Wei and the others secretly withheld the hunting eagles and the two falconers.”

Li Yuan stroked his beard and chuckled. “Those two sought revenge for my refusal to present that dancer. They accused me of harboring disloyal intentions after I was injured. But they didn’t know I’d already submitted a report to the capital. When the Emperor saw no eagles or falconers presented, he realized they were hoarding resources and deceiving him. He was furious and rebuked them harshly, dismissing their accusations entirely. Recently, he issued an edict for me to recover well. Consort Shunyi also confirmed this in her letter. Thus, we’ve weathered this storm.”

Li Shimin exhaled in relief and smiled. “They’ve reaped what they sowed.”