Chapter 47: The Locust Plague Within the Borders

The marriage of Princess Nanping was originally no great news; the court ministers were all aware of it. However, the wedding ceremony held at Wang Gui’s residence became a major event. Wang Gui demanded that the princess kneel to her parents-in-law, and even Li Xiaogong, who spoke on matters of propriety, found himself powerless to refute this. Yet no one expected that a mere child, Prince Ji, would leave everyone speechless and even compel Wang Gui to offer a toast in apology. The political implications at stake were significant enough to command the attention of all officials. If Wang Gui had succeeded, the imperial family’s status would have been lowered by a tier, bringing them closer in rank to the civil and military officials. This was precisely why scholars desperately sought to elevate Confucianism; everyone stood to benefit. Now that the attempt had failed, and with Li Shen exposing the matter plainly, future affairs would become much more difficult.

In the Ganlu Hall, Emperor Taizong of Tang was deep in thought after receiving Li An’s report. Li An had reported every detail accurately, with written records to back it up, causing the emperor to ponder the meaning behind Li Shen’s words. Crown Prince Li Chengqian was also studying there that day and was astonished upon hearing the report. He hadn’t expected Li Shen to so thoroughly silence the Minister of Rites and even compel him to apologize.

“Gaoming, what do you think of this matter?” Emperor Taizong wanted to test Li Chengqian’s understanding.

“Father, my tenth brother is extremely capable and bold to openly reprimand the minister in public,” Li Chengqian replied.

“Gaoming, one must see the essence of the matter. Li Shen acted to uphold the dignity and status of the imperial family. I was wrong. In the past, I believed in being close to the people, showing kindness, and respecting worthy ministers. But Li Shen was right: we are the imperial family and should have the status befitting royalty. The ruler is the ruler, and the ministers are ministers. I can grant you what you deserve, but you must also be loyal and consider my interests in all things. Wang Gui overstepped his bounds. Does he truly wish to equal me? Li Shen spoke rightly. If this door is opened, the imperial family will lose prestige before the ministers. They will find all sorts of reasons to diminish our authority. Alas, why did I not foresee this? If this continues, will the imperial family still have respect? Will it still have status? How are we different from commoners? I nearly endangered future generations,” Emperor Taizong reflected on Li Shen’s words, grasping their meaning, unaware that Li Shen spoke chiefly to preserve the nobility of his own prince.

“So my tenth brother is so far-sighted and dares to speak openly in public. I am no match for him,” Li Chengqian sighed after hearing the emperor's analysis.

“Gaoming, do not belittle yourself. Li Shen is greedy and lacks ambition. I’ve asked him to attend court numerous times, but he always refuses, claiming he is too young to understand. Later, I asked Consort Wei, who told me that Li Shen sleeps until the sun is high. She said he avoids court simply because he doesn’t want to rise early. Can you believe it? Such a disobedient son, so lazy! I had hoped that when you ascend the throne, he might assist you, but that seems unlikely,” Emperor Taizong lamented.

Li Chengqian chuckled. His tenth brother indeed had some talent, thinking differently from ordinary people and often cutting to the heart of matters with blunt simplicity. Yet, his nature was lazy and greedy, aspiring instead to the ways of commerce.

“Enough of that disobedient son. Today, the official of Guannei Circuit urgently reported that seven of the twenty-seven prefectures there suffer from a massive locust infestation, causing widespread crop failures or drastic reductions. The affected areas are expanding, especially Huazhou, Tongzhou, Fangzhou, and Danzhou, with Huazhou and Tongzhou close to the capital Chang’an and Jingzhao Prefecture. They may soon be afflicted. What do you think should be done?” Emperor Taizong asked Li Chengqian.

Since ancient times, natural disasters have been a major cause of population decline. Locust plagues, too, are considered acts of Heaven’s punishment, often accompanied by rumors blaming local officials or even the emperor’s virtue.

“I believe we should first stabilize the people's hearts and control the disaster. Then issue decrees exempting taxes in the hardest-hit prefectures and distribute grain,” Li Chengqian said after some thought.

“Hmm, that’s conventional and reasonable, but you forgot one thing: preventing scoundrels from inciting rebellion amid the chaos,” Emperor Taizong added.

He then instructed Li Chengqian on how to manage disaster relief, with detailed discussions to follow at the court the next day.

Early the next morning, Li Shen was rudely awakened by Shitou and was visibly displeased.

“Shitou, if it’s not important, go clean the cesspit,” Li Shen said.

“Your Highness, I just heard that Guannei Circuit is suffering a locust plague in several prefectures, and it’s spreading. They say it will soon reach us. Our imperial estate spans tens of thousands of mu; we should prepare early. We have enough grain to feed the estate for years,” Shitou reported.

“A locust plague? Several prefectures affected?” Li Shen suddenly became alert. The opportunity to deal with the Princess of Li Mengjiang had arrived; he had been waiting for a chance.

“Let’s hurry to the Taiji Hall. The court hasn’t convened yet.” He quickly washed and changed into his princely robes, ready for court.

“Oh, Shitou, you must now go outside the palace and have Wang Hongfu purchase as much grain as possible from grain and wine merchants. Arrange transport at our expense. But tell them if they try to raise prices, our wine prices to them will double. Have Wang Hongfu compile a list of reliable partners for future limited supplies. Go quickly!” Li Shen ordered before hurrying to the Taiji Hall.

At that moment, the ministers at the Taiji Court were discussing countermeasures. Minister of Revenue Tang Jian was reporting to Emperor Taizong.

“Your Majesty, seven prefectures are affected. Many counties have lost crops. Over 100,000 households suffer. It’s estimated that 300,000 strings of cash are needed, but as the plague spreads, the final toll is uncertain. The priority is to control the locust disaster. The treasury is currently depleted, with only about 600,000 strings of cash, of which 300,000 are allocated to the Ministry of War. Should we delay military funding until after the disaster is managed?”

“No. Military pay is already three months in arrears. Morale is low. How can the army fight if they aren’t paid?” Minister of War Hou Junji objected fiercely. If this continued, he would be blamed for incompetence.

“Hmm, we cannot delay paying the troops. Is there another solution?” Emperor Taizong asked.

“Your Majesty, that’s all the treasury has. If the locust plague worsens, 300,000 strings won’t suffice,” Tang Jian replied.

“Minister Fang, do you have any ideas?” the emperor asked Fang Xuanling.

“Your Majesty, at this critical moment, controlling the locusts is paramount. The people believe the plague is divine punishment and are afraid to catch them. The court should issue a decree encouraging people to catch locusts and bury them. However, it is uncertain how many will comply,” Fang Xuanling explained. During the Tang, locusts were dried and buried as a control method.

“Sigh, locust plagues are so difficult to manage. People starve every time. Issue a decree: if anyone embezzles disaster relief funds, regardless of the amount, they shall be executed without mercy, and all their property confiscated,” Emperor Taizong declared, resigned.

At that moment, Wang De approached and whispered in the emperor’s ear. Emperor Taizong looked toward the hall entrance and said, “Let him enter.”