Volume Three: The Turmoil at the Gate of the Black Tortoise Chapter Seventy-Seven: Li Mingyu, Radiant with Righteousness

Mingyu, with Li Zhi in tow, placed the double-skin milk before Lady Changsun like presenting a treasure. Li Zhi piped up in her childish voice, “Mother, this was made by Brother himself. It’s called double-skin milk. It’s delicious—sweet and fragrant. You should try it.”

Lady Changsun, who had been reading, looked up and smiled, “Very well. My sweet child’s thoughtful gift—I shall have a taste.”

With that, Changsun lifted her slender hand and took a small spoonful, nodding slightly in approval. Yet she chastised Mingyu, “The taste is passable. Mingyu, you squander your wit and talent on these oddities—neglecting your proper duties. You would do better to spend this effort on your books.” Though her words were stern, her eyes brimmed with pride.

Li Mingyu replied dutifully, “Your advice is sound. I’ll return to my studies and bury myself in learning. I swear not to rest until I become the top scholar!”

Changsun laughed in exasperation, “Such reckless words! With your skills, you think you’ll become the top scholar? I’d be grateful if you don’t embarrass me!”

Mingyu went through the motions of agreeing, but inwardly he scoffed. If not for coaxing your precious daughter, would I ever bother with this? I have endless money-making schemes, and I’m still perfecting my grand plan for wealth.

If I truly put my mind to it, plagiarizing a couple of celebrated poems could make me stand out. Besides, I never said which examination I’d top. Once my second uncle ascends the throne, I’ll persuade him to launch the military exams, and with my skills, it will be as easy as picking something from a pocket. Then you’ll see me in a new light and never look down on me again!

For several days, Mingyu’s plans for fortune remained unsettled. He had no shortage of clever ideas, but lacked capital and was too embarrassed to ask Lady Changsun for help. The worry made him consider pawning the jade pendant Li Shimin had given him as a first meeting gift.

His mood soured, and the weather followed suit. For days, the cold deepened, the clouds over Chang’an grew leaden and thick, promising a heavy snow soon.

The instructor at the academy, who had fallen ill with chills, hadn’t recovered. Lady Changsun had sent imperial physicians and rare medicines, but to no avail; the illness worsened with the cold, and it seemed the elderly man might not survive the winter.

With no teacher, the academy students studied on their own. Only the three Li brothers, under Lady Changsun’s strict orders, remained diligent. The other children were left to their own devices, and Mingyu spent his days chatting and joking with Cheng Chumo and Changsun Chong, making the days less tedious.

“Chumo, tell me, if I wanted to earn some money, what should I do?” Mingyu leaned against the pillar, feet propped up on the table, addressing Cheng Chumo.

Cheng Chumo misunderstood entirely, laughing heartily, “Boss, you need money? That’s easy. I haven’t spent much these past months, I’ve saved three taels of silver. Just take what you need.”

His voice was loud, so everyone nearby heard. Yuchi Baolin turned his head and said honestly, “I’ve got four taels stashed under my bed. I’ll fetch them when I get home.”

Mingyu was exasperated. “What’s with you lot? I’m asking about ways to make money, not asking you for cash. Besides, you’re all paupers, poorer than me.”

Cheng Chumo’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Boss, why do you suddenly need money? Isn’t your monthly allowance enough? The Prince of Qin’s household should give three or five taels at least.”

Mingyu rolled his eyes. “You know nothing. With money, you can go anywhere; without it, you’re stuck. Everything costs—food, drink, amusement. Last time, a single meal cost eight taels. If it weren’t for Gao the Fifth footing the bill, we wouldn’t have made it out. I’m grown now; how can I shamelessly ask my family for money?”

Cheng Chumo grinned, shaking his head like a rattle drum. “Making money? I wouldn’t know. But my father always said the best way to get rich is with no capital—just take it! He often tells me stories of the old days, how the Wagang Army conquered cities and looted granaries for the people, and how they plundered the Sui army’s supplies.”

Mingyu sighed. “No point asking you then.” He mused, Cheng Yaojin truly has the bandit spirit—never leaves his trade behind. Still, he’s right: war profits are the greatest, but I have neither power nor troops, just you few, so who am I to rob?

Cheng Chumo poked Changsun Chong in the front row. “Chong, you’re clever. Give the boss an idea—find a way to make some money?”

Changsun Chong thought for a moment. “There are many ways, especially in Chang’an. Wealthy families open shops, buying low and selling high. Nobles, besides their estate revenues, buy land and lease it to tenants. Or they send caravans to the Western Regions—one journey can yield tenfold or hundredfold profits.”

Mingyu listened in silence. He knew all this, but lacked the capital to start.

After pondering, he asked, “Chong, if I wanted to take over a prime location, a restaurant with several floors, how much silver would I need?”

Changsun Chong replied, “I don’t know exactly, but at least a hundred taels, I’d think.”

Mingyu calculated—about what he’d expected. If he could open a restaurant, with his novel cooking methods, business would surely thrive. But how to raise that first bucket of gold?

Hou Jie interjected slyly, “Boss, if you want quick money, I have a way. West of the market, past the West Gate, inside Qunxian Lane is the Prosperity Gambling House. If your luck’s good and you dare to bet, you can turn one into a hundred.”

Mingyu shook his head. “Gambling? Never. Haven’t you heard—nine out of ten gamblers are cheated. No amount is enough to fill that pit.”

Though he refused Hou Jie’s suggestion, Mingyu’s eyes lit up. He’d suddenly thought of a brilliant idea and exclaimed, “Jie’s words have given me inspiration. These gambling houses are nothing but dens of deceit, destroying countless families; every coin carries the blood of the people. But surely there’s plenty of cash in those places? If I smash one up, I’d pocket a sizeable sum.”

Changsun Chong turned pale at the thought, waving his hands frantically. “Boss, you mustn’t! Every gambling house and brothel in Chang’an has powerful backers, and they employ bodyguards. If you cause trouble, anger the big shots, even the Prince of Qin might not be able to protect you!”

“Oh? I am the prince’s nephew. Would they dare storm the Prince of Qin’s mansion for me?” Mingyu stroked his chin, weighing the possibilities.

“They wouldn’t dare storm the mansion, but they might play dirty—hire assassins, thugs, and rogues. Open attacks are easy to avoid; secret ones are hard. You can’t stay inside the mansion forever, on guard every moment. Besides, your uncle’s faction is embroiled in conflict right now. You shouldn’t make enemies lightly.” Changsun Chong smiled wryly, still pleading.

Mingyu nodded in understanding. “What if I smash up the gambling house backed by the Dugu family? We’ve already torn off the mask, and it’s to the death between me and Dugu Jie. Might as well offend them thoroughly—what’s one more flea when you’re covered in them, or one more debt when you’re already laden? If it comes up later, I can call it a personal feud with Dugu Jie.” He clapped his hands. “It’s settled! Come on, Jie, let’s go find out which gambling house the Dugu family supports!”

Hou Jie, always eager for trouble, had long admired Mingyu for beating up spoiled heirs. Hearing Mingyu say this and wanting to bring him along, Hou Jie jumped up with excitement. “Great! Let’s make trouble for the Dugu family and show them what we’re made of!”

Changsun Chong hadn’t expected Mingyu to be so audacious—saying and doing without hesitation. He hurriedly spread his arms to block their way. “Boss, don’t go! Every gambling house has bodyguards—you can’t fight them all. If my aunt finds out you’re robbing Dugu’s gambling house, she’ll be furious!”

“Bah! What nonsense! Who says it’s robbery? I’m carrying out justice, eliminating evil for the people! Go about your business, and don’t let word slip!” Mingyu declared righteously.

He had no desire to linger at the academy, so he brushed aside Changsun Chong and dragged the excited Hou Jie out.

Changsun Chong nearly fell from Mingyu’s shove, staggering to regain his balance as Mingyu and Hou Jie disappeared.

“Oh dear! What should I do?” Changsun Chong fretted, sweat breaking out, and asked Cheng Chumo, “Chumo, should we report this to my aunt? If she hears of it, Mingyu wouldn’t dare act rashly!”

Cheng Chumo rolled his eyes and shot him a look. “My father always said gossiping behind people’s backs is the mark of a petty man. Stay far away from such people, lest you sully your own reputation.”

Changsun Chong flushed at the rebuke, but couldn’t retaliate. He stamped his foot in frustration, “Fine! A good heart wasted! Let him be! Live or die, I don’t care!”