Case closed. Changsun Shunde is to be protected.

The influence of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans was immense both among the common folk and within the imperial court. Even though Li Shimin had been striving to alter the court’s environment through the imperial examination system in recent years, the rigid control these clans exercised over books and education made it nearly impossible for ordinary families to educate their sons. Despite Li Shimin’s vigorous efforts to develop public schools, the high cost of paper and ink meant that the number of talented individuals who could be cultivated remained extremely limited.

With Li Shimin’s implicit approval, this assassination attempt implicated a great many people. Not only were all members of the Cui and Zheng families residing in Chang’an affected, but even several family members holding official posts in the capital were stripped of their positions. As for the leader of the Hidden Dragon Society and other involved minor families, they were utterly exterminated, leaving not a single survivor.

The only person who posed a real dilemma for Li Shimin was Zhangsun Shunde. Upon hearing that her own uncle had participated in the plot to assassinate Li Zhi, Empress Zhangsun was so overcome with grief that she wept inconsolably. The ministers of the court split into two factions over this matter. One, led by Fang Xuanling, Zhangsun Wuji, Li Jing, and Wei Zheng, insisted on severe punishment for Zhangsun Shunde. These men were either Li Zhi’s teachers and elders, or had interacted with him and approved of his conduct. The other side, consisting of Wang Gui, Hou Junji, and several officials supporting Li Chengqian and Li Tai, urged Li Shimin to spare Zhangsun Shunde’s life in recognition of his long-standing service and achievements.

As the two sides quarreled fiercely, it was Li Zhi himself who stepped forward to plead on Zhangsun Shunde’s behalf. For several days in a row, whenever he went to the palace to pay his respects to Empress Zhangsun, he found his mother secretly in tears. Out of deep affection for her, he decided to ask for Zhangsun Shunde’s pardon. Li Shimin, feeling for the Empress as well, seized this opportunity to demote Zhangsun Shunde to the status of commoner, and also refrained from punishing his two sons.

With this, the matter was considered fully settled. However, Fang Xuanling and the others again sought out Li Zhi. Zhangsun Wuji reproached him, saying, “Zhinü, it’s not that your uncle is nagging, but you truly acted improperly in this matter.” Li Jing added, “Your Highness must know that the ministers will not charitably assume you are merely benevolent-hearted.” Fang Xuanling snorted coldly, “In my view, Your Highness is simply weak and easily bullied.”

Li Zhi repeatedly bowed and apologized, and replied, “I know my handling of this matter was improper, but I truly could not bear seeing my mother weep day after day.” As he personally poured tea for his three teachers, he continued, “What I value most is filial piety; how could I let my mother fall into utter despair over a mere false alarm?”

These words struck a chord with the three elders. Their willingness to admonish Li Zhi stemmed from their sense of duty as his mentors. Now, hearing his reverence for filial piety, they realized that he would surely treat them well in the future. Given Li Zhi’s intelligence and wisdom, his prospects would not be low, and they and their families would certainly benefit from his care in time.

With this reassurance, their attitudes softened considerably. Fang Xuanling was the first to advise, “Even so, Your Highness must not be overly compassionate in the future. People’s hearts are unpredictable; too much softness will only encourage them to overstep their bounds.” Zhangsun Wuji added, “Filial piety is important, but it must not be blind. Elders like Zhangsun Shunde, who lack respect, are best left behind.” Li Zhi nodded to both in agreement.

To shift the subject, he said to the three, “At present, several of the ironworks in Great Tang have been upgraded, and I believe the production of steel is now sufficient to meet the army’s needs.” Fang Xuanling nodded, “Indeed, there is now a significant supply of steel for civilian use, and prices have dropped considerably.” Li Zhi continued, “Since there is an increase in steel for civilian use, I propose we organize people to develop some everyday tools, so the people can truly experience the benefits.” Fang Xuanling asked, “Does Your Highness have any specific ideas?” Li Zhi replied, “I wish to start with agricultural implements, to improve the efficiency of farming among the common people.” Zhangsun Wuji said, “The Ministry of Agriculture may have some useful experience in this regard. You might consider discussing your ideas with them.” Li Zhi agreed.

At first, he had not intended to alter the state of agriculture in Great Tang too soon. In his view, the existing arable land should be sufficient to support a population of under ten million. However, as his understanding of Tang society deepened, he realized the grain yield was not as high as he had imagined. The main reason was that most commoners did not possess fertile land, as the best fields were concentrated in the hands of the royal family, officials, and powerful landowners.

Furthermore, the people had to surrender a large portion of their yield each year in taxes, leaving them with little surplus. Should a string of disasters strike, their very survival would be in jeopardy. At such times, it would be all too easy for agitators to incite rebellion against the court.

There was another reason Li Zhi decided to improve agriculture. Though he was familiar with many modern agricultural practices, he lacked expertise in the field. Thus, he could only propose such ideas and encourage the masses engaged in agriculture to explore these avenues themselves.

The Ministry of Agriculture was a department as important as the Ministry of War. Its head was Zhang Ru, a middle-aged man in his forties, who, together with Vice-Minister Liu Hui—also about the same age—came to greet Li Zhi. After exchanging formalities, Li Zhi spoke first, “I have some thoughts on agronomy that I wish to consult with you, Lord Zhang, and hope you will not hesitate to enlighten me.” Zhang Ru replied, “Your Highness flatters me. I have long heard of your renowned erudition; it is our great fortune to receive your guidance today.”

As they conversed, they entered Zhang Ru’s office, where Zhang Ru promptly invited Li Zhi to take the seat of honor. As he sat, Li Zhi said directly, “Lord Zhang, now that Great Tang has ample steel for civilian use, have you considered applying it to agriculture?” At this, Zhang Ru replied with some embarrassment, “Forgive me, Your Highness. We have not yet made any such plans.” Li Zhi waved it off, “The increase in steel production is only just beginning; it is understandable you are unprepared.” Zhang Ru answered, “Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. I am truly ashamed.”

Li Zhi then asked, “The Ministry of Agriculture oversees farming—do you have any agricultural tools here? I would like to see them for myself.” Zhang Ru replied, “Your Highness has come at just the right time. We have just discovered a new type of plow in Hebei and are preparing to promote it throughout the realm.” Li Zhi responded with interest, “I would be grateful if you could show it to me, Lord Zhang.”