Chapter Thirty: A Moment’s Carelessness

"That's not it! The six Northern Garrisons are only responsible for the area around the imperial palace; they've never set foot in the Tianyi Tavern. Even the sixteen Southern Guards only patrol the 108 districts, managing and protecting the officials. As for the Tianyi Tavern, it's located between the East and West Markets, far from their jurisdiction—they can't possibly oversee it!"

Cheng Chubi said, "Master, if you want to deal with the Tianyi Tavern, you need to go to the Wuhou Post; it's under their control. Or you could go to the Chang'an County Office and call for troops!"

No matter which you choose—Wuhou Post or the county office—you'd need an imperial edict.

Only with an edict can you mobilize troops!

Otherwise, why would anyone obey the orders of a mere child on your word alone?

Li Zhi stood up and said, "Let's return to the palace for now. Tomorrow evening, we'll meet at the county office. Then we'll call up the troops and head straight to the tavern to catch them in the act! No matter how powerful the owner behind the scenes is, I don't believe he would dare to openly violate the curfew. If I deal with him, he can't say a word!"

"Who knows, we might even end up with a free tavern out of it!"

…

The general plan was set; all that remained was the imperial edict!

Li Zhi recalled the task issued by the system: "Open a shop by imperial command." To do so, he must first obtain an edict—only then would it count.

"It seems I must visit the Imperial Library!"

Back at Lizheng Hall.

He happened to run into Emperor Taizong.

"Zhi'er, come here!" Emperor Taizong wore a dark expression. "Tell me honestly—where did you go this afternoon?"

"I left the palace, Father," Li Zhi replied without concealment.

There was no point hiding it; judging by his father's face, he already knew and looked as if he'd devour him whole. Better to be upfront than be exposed.

"And what did you do outside the palace?"

"To have fun! Father, you have no idea—it's so lively beyond the palace walls!"

"You are a prince! A prince cannot leave the palace without permission!" Emperor Taizong rebuked angrily. "It's dangerous outside. What if you run into assassins without guards?"

"Father, I'm standing right here before you, safe and sound. You needn't worry!"

"From now on, without my permission, you are forbidden—"

"Father, during my trip outside, I discovered something truly serious!" Li Zhi quickly changed the subject. "To be precise, I found that many people are violating the curfew without punishment!"

"Is that so? Where did you hear this?"

Li Zhi chuckled softly but did not elaborate.

"Why are you laughing?"

"I'm amused that all the commoners and officials in the city know these things, but you, the supreme emperor, do not! Isn't it rather funny when you think about it?"

Li Zhi began with a subtle provocation.

Emperors have always believed they control everything under heaven, only to discover that even matters right under their nose escape their grasp.

What a blow to the ego!

Sure enough.

Emperor Taizong's expression darkened and he demanded, "Zhi'er, who is it that broke the curfew, and how did you find out?"

To secure the imperial edict openly, Li Zhi had to take a gamble.

He replied, "The city folk gossip daily about who has violated the curfew and remains unpunished, suspecting that officials are playing favorites. If you, Father, walked the streets as I did, you'd see it all for yourself. But since you're busy with affairs of state, I can do it for you!"

"Hmph!"

"You just want an excuse to go out, don't you?" Emperor Taizong wasn't fooled—he saw right through Li Zhi's intentions.

Indeed!

If he agreed, Li Zhi would gain a legitimate reason to leave the palace.

But Emperor Taizong would not be so naive.

"Father, don't you wish to know who is defying the curfew? If you grant me the authority, I promise to bring them all to justice, so you needn't worry!"

"Enough," Emperor Taizong hesitated for two breaths, then said, "Zhi'er, you're still young. You should focus on your studies in the palace. When you grow older, I will send you out."

Li Zhi's eyes darted. He picked up brush, ink, and paper from the nearby desk. "Father, do you play chess?"

"I do!"

"Dare to compete with me? If I win, you let me handle the curfew violators. How about it?"

Li Zhi drew the river boundary on the teatable, using white paper in place of chess pieces.

Back in modern days, Li Zhi was a chess master, often defeating the toughest computer programs. If not for his busy career, he might have entered international tournaments.

When it came to chess, he was absolutely confident he could beat Emperor Taizong.

"You dare to challenge me to chess?"

"Why not?" Emperor Taizong was momentarily surprised, then laughed heartily. "Very well! I haven't met a worthy opponent in years. If you truly win, I'll grant your every request. But if you lose, you must stay in the palace and not leave without permission!"

"Agreed!"

At that moment, Empress Zhangsun arrived with tea. "Your Majesty, are you teaching Zhi'er chess?"

"No need for me to teach him…"

"Zhi'er, this chessboard of yours is incorrect!" Emperor Taizong suddenly noticed that the setup on the table—with white paper as pieces—differed greatly from the chess he knew.

To be precise, there were extra pieces—elephants and knights that shouldn't exist!

Li Zhi said, "This is a new variant I invented, with extra pieces and fresh rules. They're entirely logical. Are you afraid to gamble, Father?"

"How could I refuse?"

"Good. The rules are as follows…" Li Zhi explained, and Emperor Taizong nodded repeatedly, urging, "Let's begin!"

"Chariot to the center!"

"Knight forward!"

…

The battle was fierce between the two.

Empress Zhangsun was also a skilled player, often competing with Emperor Taizong. Though she never bested him, her skill was nearly equal.

Watching from the side, she was amazed by Li Zhi's astonishing skill.

Half an hour later.

Li Zhi routed Emperor Taizong completely—winning the wager in grand style!

Emperor Taizong sat stunned, unable to recover for a long while. "How…how is this possible?"

"Father, how did you learn chess? And how are you so skilled?"

Li Zhi grinned. "Father, chess takes talent and wisdom, not to mention a prodigious memory. With every move, I look five steps ahead and plan accordingly. Your chess is good, but in my view, still a bit lacking. Admit defeat, Father!"

"No—I demand a rematch!"

Emperor Taizong, fuming, declared, "If I lose again, I'll let you go out and handle the matter!"

"Father, a ruler's word is his bond. How can you go back on it?" Li Zhi walked over, clinging to Empress Zhangsun's arm and swaying. "Mother, look how Father is bullying me—where's the honor in breaking his promise?"

"Zhi'er, your father was careless just now. Can't you give him one more chance?"

Li Zhi could tell Emperor Taizong was deeply unwilling to accept defeat.

If forced to admit it, he'd be uncomfortable for days.

But since victory was all but certain, winning again would be no trouble at all.