Chapter 27: The Curved-Shaft Plow

Li Shimin was sitting in the Eastern Palace as usual, handling state affairs alongside Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui.

At that moment, a member of the Black Armor Guard entered and handed a document to an attendant, who then placed it on Li Shimin’s desk. Li Shimin picked up the urgent report, read it immediately, and slammed it shut upon finishing.

"Your Majesty, has something happened?" Fang Xuanling asked, observing Li Shimin’s reaction.

Li Shimin replied, "Jieli sent Tuli to attack Xueyantuo, but the Turks suffered a crushing defeat, with only Tuli escaping with his life. Jieli whipped Tuli and attempted to seize his military authority. Now, Tuli has fled to our Great Tang seeking asylum!"

"Internal strife among the Turks is a good thing. Why is Your Majesty so solemn?" asked Dou Lu Kuan, the Minister of Rites, who was standing nearby.

"His Majesty regrets that we must watch such an excellent opportunity to strike the Turks slip away," Du Ruhui sighed, though he added, "However, I ask that Your Majesty grant Tuli asylum and treat him with honor."

"Why?" Li Shimin asked Du Ruhui.

"First, to divide the internal forces of the Turks. Second, to demonstrate the imperial majesty of the Great Tang. And third, most importantly, Tuli has always been Jieli’s confidant and understands his strength. To wage war, one must know both oneself and the enemy," Du Ruhui replied.

"That matches my intentions exactly!" Li Shimin nodded. "Draft an edict appointing Tuli as General of the Right Guard and bestowing upon him the title of Prince of Beiping. Furthermore, since Yinan has withstood this Turkish offensive, it proves he is a hero of our time. Appoint him as Zhenzhu Piga Khan and grant him drums and banners so he may continue to stir up trouble for Jieli. It is a pity that our Great Tang is suffering from drought and locust plagues, leaving us unable to launch a campaign; otherwise, we might have taken advantage of Jieli’s predicament."

Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling exchanged helpless, bitter smiles. Ever since Li Shimin ascended the throne, there had been no respite. The first year brought war, and the second year brought drought and locusts to Chang'an. They hoped for a better year ahead, for otherwise, life would be truly unbearable. In reality, the hardships of the Zhenguan era were far from over, but it was precisely by enduring these trials that the golden age of the Great Tang would be forged.

The entire Great Tang was gritting its teeth through these difficult times, maintaining order while fostering renewal.

In the first month, the examinations were held; in the second, the results were posted. Lü Cai waited from early morning, but after scanning the list from top to bottom, his name was not there. "Perhaps it is for the best; this way, I can focus on my duties as the head of the Music Department," he consoled himself. Yet, seeing those around him ecstatic at the sound of their names, he felt deeply that their joy had nothing to do with him.

Returning to the Agricultural Academy, Lü Cai patted his face, forced himself into a spirited posture, and threw himself back into his work. Though the semester hadn't begun, he had already started composing the academy’s anthem and gathering materials for the "Twenty-Four Solar Terms" songs, looking as if he were hungry for overtime. Seeing this, others, thinking they were doing him a favor, began offloading their tedious tasks onto him.

It was then that Lü Cai’s talents began to shine; nearly everything he touched was handled quickly and perfectly. Only then did everyone realize the vast scope of his knowledge. Literature, mathematics, medicine, and engineering—all were handled with ease. They had never seen such a versatile "jack-of-all-trades."

"What has gotten into Lü Cai lately?" Li Tai asked when he arrived at the academy, noticing Lü Cai working incessantly. In Li Tai’s mind, the Music Department’s tasks were limited, but the documents Lü Cai was reviewing were clearly mathematical, having nothing to do with music.

"He failed the exam, so he’s using work to mask his sorrow," Ma Zhou remarked. "He has an incredible grasp of things and is adept at drawing inferences. When we ask him to help with our departments, he handles everything smoothly. It feels like whatever is placed in his hands, he arranges perfectly."

"He’s that capable?" Li Tai looked at Lü Cai in disbelief. He knew Ma Zhou was destined to be a Prime Minister of the Tang. If Lü Cai had such potential, why hadn't he heard of him? Was this a talent missed during the Zhenguan era? Had he, like a protagonist in a novel, stumbled upon an unrecorded commoner genius?

Theoretically, with the right platform and opportunity, talent from a single county could become the backbone of an entire nation—like the heroes of Pei County for Liu Bang or the fellow townsmen of Fengyang for Zhu Yuanzhang. But in peacetime, finding a genius among the common people was like finding a needle in a haystack. Everyone who left a mark on history was a giant who had risen above countless others.

"How to put it..." Ma Zhou stroked his chin. "He handles tasks differently. Normal people deal with things one by one, but the more chaotic things get, the more orderly his process becomes, as if every detail is already arranged in his mind."

"He has such an ability?" Li Tai was astonished.

Ma Zhou explained, "It’s as if every fragmented task is merely a musical note to him. Individually, his efficiency might not surpass ours, but when integrated, it becomes a perfect movement. He is quite a strange person, but that makes it harder for him to pass the imperial examinations."

"Oh?" Li Tai asked, confused.

Ma Zhou shook his head. "His ability doesn't translate to exams. Aside from music, his foundational knowledge is not outstanding. Perhaps excellent for a commoner, but the exam candidates are no ordinary people. Since he doesn't come from a noble family, passing is nearly impossible."

"Should I provide a recommendation?" Li Tai pondered.

"Your Highness, I advise against it. Once recommended by you, who would dare fail him?" Ma Zhou said.

"..." Li Tai fell silent for a long moment before laughing bitterly. "That cuts deep!"

Ma Zhou smiled; this was what he liked about Li Tai. He possessed his father’s virtues, accepted advice, and could occasionally self-deprecate to ease the tension.

"So we just leave him as he is?" Li Tai asked.

"Certainly not!" Ma Zhou shook his head. "We cannot waste such a talent. I will give him heavier burdens to show him that while the imperial exams may not care about him, we do!"

"...Are you planning to push your own work onto him?" Li Tai’s mouth twitched.

"No, I am cultivating him," Ma Zhou said sternly. "Cultivating him to be the head of the Agricultural Department!"

Li Tai didn't know how to respond, so he changed the subject. "What about Department Head Du? I want to know how the curved-shaft plow is progressing. It is already the second month; we need it for the spring plowing."

"He is in the fields testing the latest version," Ma Zhou said. "We must wait for the results."

"I cannot wait," Li Tai said. "Take me there!"

Li Tai arrived at the fields in an ox cart and saw the plow in action. Du Chuke hurried over to greet him. Li Tai inspected the plow, which was constructed with wooden mortise-and-tenon joints, giving it a seamless feel. Though he wished for iron, salt and iron were state-monopolized, and even obtaining iron for tools was strictly recorded. As a prince, it was best to avoid such scrutiny. Fortunately, wood was sufficient.

Du Chuke praised it, "Your Highness, this plow is exceptionally easy to operate. It is maneuverable and lightweight, allowing for both deep and shallow plowing. It will save the people a great deal of effort!"

"If it works, have Li Chunfeng calculate the dimensions and weight. Instruct the Engineering Department to manufacture parts with precision so that any damaged part can be replaced instantly. We shall promote this plow during this year’s spring planting. Once we have results, I will present it to my father for nationwide distribution!"

Li Tai’s plan was methodical. Du Chuke agreed, believing it was better to perfect the invention through their own usage before presenting it to the court.

Ma Zhou watched the plow in wonder and asked, "With this treasure, our cultivation won't be as rushed as last year. Your Highness, have you decided what to plant?"

Li Tai pondered, "On land prepared for wheat in the autumn, we will plant legumes to improve soil fertility. Where we don't plant wheat, we will plant medicinal herbs for blood replenishment and wound care. I will discuss the specifics with Liu Shenwei."

He knew that a medical camp required more than just doctors; it needed a robust logistics system, starting with medicinal supplies.

Li Tai patted the plow. It was an invention that shouldn't have appeared until the end of the Tang Dynasty. By introducing it early, he had boosted productivity. Yet, he felt it wasn't enough. He turned to Du Chuke: "Can the Engineering Department research a plow that requires more force but can cultivate more land?"

"More force for greater efficiency?" Du Chuke frowned, having never considered this.

Li Tai nodded. "The current plow is for a single family. But for our academy, we have vast lands and access to government resources. We can use oxen, which have more power. Can we design a plow specifically for large-scale cultivation?"

"I have never thought of this. Please give me time, Your Highness!" Du Chuke acknowledged his own limitations, yet he felt invigorated. He realized that for wealthy, land-owning families, such an invention would drastically increase their efficiency.

Du Chuke looked at Li Tai, thinking to himself: *It seems the Prince hopes to win the support of the noble families. It makes sense; as a second son, he must rely on them if he harbors ambitions for the throne.*

If Li Tai knew what Du Chuke was thinking, he would only have had two words in response: "Heh, heh."