Chapter 101: The Spark Can Ignite a Prairie Fire

Shiny golden millet, pink sweet potatoes!

Two crops that seem inconspicuous, ubiquitous in later times, in the Tang Dynasty were the only ones!

They were like sparks from the stars; with time, they would surely set the world ablaze!

...

After Su Huailin was relieved of his duties, the Ministry of Personnel dispatched another official, reportedly the top scholar of the previous imperial examinations, with excellent literary talent. He had also served as Minister of Rites. This time, he was transferred to fill the vacancy in Hongnong Commandery.

"What is the name of the newly appointed prefect?" Li Zhi inquired.

"It seems to be surnamed Zhou. Zhou Zhuo! Does Your Highness wish to summon him?"

"No need!"

Li Zhi estimated that after Zhou Zhuo assumed office, he would certainly come to pay his respects voluntarily.

It would be better to wait for him to come to the door rather than summoning him.

The guards carefully arranged the piles of millet.

Li Zhi inspected them thoroughly and instructed, "These millet seeds, as well as the sweet potatoes stored in the underground cellar, are invaluable treasures. You Golden Blade Guards must guard them with utmost care! No accidents whatsoever!"

"Please rest assured, Your Highness. I have assigned Lou Sixteen, Lou Seventeen, and Lou Eighteen to oversee the guards, along with two teams of the Imperial Guards. They are more than capable of handling any situation!"

"Hmm!"

The combined strength of three Golden Blade Guards could effortlessly defeat formidable opponents like Cheng Yaokin.

Two teams of Imperial Guards were even more loyal and dependable.

Li Zhi had no cause for concern.

News of the matter quickly reached the capital.

Su Dingfang was indicted by the Ministry of Justice on charges of embezzlement, deceiving the emperor, and undermining military morale, among other offenses. He was punished severely, resulting in the extermination of his entire clan!

This included Su Zhi, Su Huailin, and others.

Li Shimin, in remembrance of Su Dingfang's meritorious service in campaigns, specially issued a pardon. The sentence was commuted to immediate beheading for Su Dingfang, Su Zhi, Su Huailin, and the involved parties; the male descendants of the Su family were exiled to the frontier regions, while the women were to serve as official courtesans!

All property of the Su family was confiscated!

Although the full extermination of the three clans did not occur, key members of the Su lineage were executed, and their offspring, wives, and concubines were also banished to the borders to serve, never regaining their former status or pride in life. This was tantamount to death.

Thus!

The Su family was utterly destroyed!

"Thank you, Your Highness... You have avenged the deep-seated enmity of the Luo family. In the future, if Your Highness has any commands, I, Luo Tong, will comply without hesitation!"

Luo Tong returned to Hongnong County. His first act was to pay respects to Li Zhi.

Without Li Zhi's assistance, the Su family would not have been implicated in the crime!

He would never be able to seek revenge in his lifetime!

"Get up, get up... I presume it is because General Luo's spirit in heaven is safeguarding your avenging of the blood sea enmity. It has little to do with me!"

"No! Your Highness's grace, Luo Tong will cherish it for a lifetime!"

Luo Tong was unusually serious.

His face was etched with resolve.

Li Zhi nodded and said, "After this incident, you will undoubtedly receive heavy employment from your father the emperor. If I were to entrust you with commanding the army, would you accept?"

"Why does Your Highness ask that?"

"Because I have a feeling!"

Luo Tong rolled his eyes and chuckled lightly, "Your Highness's premonitions have never been accurate! The court is teeming with talents; how could the emperor choose me to command the army? This seems rather odd. I don't believe it!"

"I only ask this... If your father the emperor assigns you to command the army, would you go?"

"No! I must protect Your Highness!" Luo Tong declared resolutely.

"Good brother... I knew I could count on you!"

As Li Zhi had anticipated.

On the third day after Su Dingfang's capture, Li Shimin summoned Luo Tong into the palace, intending for him to serve as an adjutant under Li Ji to hone his skills.

Luo Tong secretly marveled, "His Highness's premonition is truly alarming! How could he know that the emperor would heavily utilize me?"

"Luo Tong?"

Noticing his daze, Li Shimin continued, "You have now avenged your great wrong and are ready to fulfill your father's legacy by serving the state loyally. I have sent you to Li Ji's side merely as a first step; I will employ you again later!"

Without Li Zhi's influence, Luo Tong would have readily agreed.

Now, however...

Luo Tong cupped his hands and replied, "Reporting to His Majesty, your subject is still young and fears that I may delay the emperor's important affairs. Moreover, the Prince remains outside the palace, and I must guard him. If I leave and something befalls His Highness, I would regret it eternally!"

"The Emperor can recall Zhi'er! After all, he has been outside the palace training for several days. Uncovering evidence of Su Dingfang's embezzlement would be a great accomplishment! Not in vain!"

"Recall? This..." Luo Tong understood Li Zhi's schemes regarding the aristocratic families. Hongnong County was a crucial hub for stockpiling grain and funds; how could he be recalled?

He quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, allow me to protect Your Highness for a time. I will also receive training, and afterward, dispatch me at Your Majesty's pleasure!"

"Very well!"

Li Shimin smiled bitterly and said, "You are only fourteen years old; there is no need to hurry. Once you mature, I will arrange for you to command the army. For now, accompany Zhi'er and watch over him for me, lest he stir up trouble!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Afraid that Li Shimin might change his mind, Luo Tong hastily withdrew.

...

Hongnong County.

Li Zhi was still awaiting the arrival of the new prefect.

Several days had passed, yet he had not come to pay respects.

"This fellow... Is he forcing me, the grand Prince of Jin, to go pay my respects?" Li Zhi's patience was nearly exhausted.

Luo Tong grunted, "I'll go to the prefect's residence right now and drag that young rascal here!"

"Don't! At the very least, he is the prefect. What authority do I, a mere county magistrate, have to arrest him?"

"Then we cannot allow him to act so brazenly!"

"Forget it. Since he won't come see me, I will go see him. It's all right!" Li Zhi chuckled, "I have a premonition that this newly appointed prefect must be an upright and honest official, or else he would have come to see me long ago!"

What ridiculous logic was that?

"Prepare some food; we are going to visit this lord!"

"Still bringing food?"

Luo Tong found it somewhat excessive. The grand Prince going to see him uninvited was already the height of courtesy; why bother with gifts?

Li Zhi replied, "Since he is not coming to see me, I shall go to see him—and do so in a grand, exaggerated fashion. I want to gauge how thick-skinned he is and whether he dares to accept my gifts!"

To avoid the other party rejecting the gifts on grounds of 'bribery', Li Zhi specifically designated the gifts as food!

This could hardly be considered a bribe, could it?

In the back kitchen of the county office, there were several stir-fry chefs, all transferred from the premier wine house, with exceptional culinary skills and inheriting the true mantle of Cheng Chubi. They prepared several dishes of stir-fried delicacies and a pot of immortal wine, which they handed to Luo Tong.

"Sigh... ." Luo Tong sniffed at the box in his hand throughout the journey.

The aroma of the food wafted out, captivating the senses.

Luo Tong said indignantly, "Such delicious fare given to that newly appointed prefect is truly a waste! A pity! Your Highness, may I make a request?"

"What request? Go ahead!"

"We eat half and send half... ." As he spoke, his hand nearly reached into the box.

"Get lost!" Li Zhi snatched the food box and rolled his eyes, "I'll take it myself, to prevent some weak-willed individuals from secretly snatching it. By the time we arrive at the prefect's residence, there will likely be nothing left but crumbs!"

"Hehe... ."

Luo Tong was indeed famished.

However, he despised stealing food.

Soon, they reached the prefecture gate.

The stationed soldiers recognized Li Zhi and Luo Tong and knelt in greeting: "Paying respects to Prince Li Zhi, paying respects to Young Lord... ."

"Arise!"

"Where is your lord? Quickly summon him to welcome us! He truly understands no manners. Does he intend for the prince to enter uninvited?"

Luo Tong planted his hands on his hips, exuding an air of arrogance.

However...

His words were not without reason!