Chapter Five, The Eccentric Cen Wenten.

Right here, he heard a frightening report that the Prince of Changsha was coming to visit.

Cen Wenteng heard Li Ke calling him "Mr.", knowing that Li Ke, as a prince, still served him as a disciple. He was slightly moved in his heart and immediately bowed to greet him, saying, "Your Highness, please."

Busy getting up, the steward from the mansion came forward to greet and pay respects, saying, "Minister Cen Wenben pays his respects to Your Highness."

Li Ke indeed feels that the description of Chang'an City in history is indeed true, and it is not an exaggeration to say that all nations come to pay tribute.

After taking a sip of tea, Li Ke consulted Cen Wentong about some academic matters, and Cen Wentong patiently answered his questions. After the conversation, Li Ke felt that there was still some distance between them. If this barrier was not removed, it would be difficult for Cen Wentong to truly belong to him. So he spoke up and said, "Besides congratulating you today, Ke has come to ask for your help with a matter, sir."

Mr. has just arrived in Chang'an. Are you getting used to the living environment?

Due to Yang Fei's intercession, he was recommended by Feng Deyi to become a writer in the Historical Records Office. Although at the time, Feng Deyi asked Cen Wenben whether he wanted to be recommended for either the position of a sixth-rank Assistant Minister of Revenue or a seventh-rank Historiographer.

As Li Ke's teacher, he devoted his whole life to helping Li Ke ascend to the Eastern Palace. It can be said that he put in tremendous effort, but in the end, he was defeated and died with resentment by Changsun Wuji. It's not that Cen Wenben lacked strategic wisdom, but rather Li Ke's behavior was too stubborn and ostentatious, which ultimately led to Cen Wenben's failure.

Hurry up and take me away.

In history, in order to be proclaimed as the crown prince and eventually ascend to the throne, there were two essential conditions: obtaining the emperor's approval and gaining the support of civil and military officials. However, during the Tang Dynasty, in addition to these two essential conditions, there was another requirement, which was to obtain the support of prominent and influential families.

But he chose the position of historian, because in his view, although the position of Assistant Minister of Revenue was a good one, it was difficult to be promoted without someone to look after him in the Ministry of Revenue, where there were senior secretaries, assistant ministers, and deputy ministers.

Cen Wenten was a bit moved, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. At first, I was not used to it, but now I have become accustomed to it."

Therefore, Li Shimin knows what he has done and has no way to deal with it.

However, seeing the heavy burden on Li Kexin's mind, it is obvious that his thoughts are not on the bustling West Market in Chang'an in front of him.

So, he asked Xiao Baozi, "Do you know where Mr. Cen lives?"

Li Ke happily asked, "Did that gentleman agree?"

The bloody history made him understand a truth: a prince without power and influence cannot compete against a powerful court official. Therefore, if he wants to contend for the throne against Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi, he must have power.

A top-notch political strategist must first and foremost be a capable person. This is actually a rule in many industries. Your skills keep you grounded, while your ability to handle situations allows you to move forward. And Cen Wenben is such a capable person. He is loyal to the Great Tang and loyal to Li Shimin.

However, it is different for historians. What every emperor cares most about is the impact that their actions will leave in history. Li Shimin is no exception. This is a position where the emperor can easily be seen, and even if he cannot be seen, he can still showcase his talents. Therefore, he carefully weighed the pros and cons and decided to become a historian.

Mr. Cen said, "Your Highness, there is no need for such a grand gesture towards your servant. Your Highness has shown such great favor to your servant at hetushu.com, how could your servant not respond?"

During the top-level dialogue in the play where Emperor Taizong notified Cen Wenben of his appointment, Li Shimin spoke up, "For over a decade, I have known that you were in Cao Ying but your heart was with Han. You gave up all desires and endured unbearable humiliations. I really wanted to expose you, but I couldn't find any handle on you. Now, I have no choice but to give you this position. Otherwise, the history books will say that I cannot employ the virtuous."

Looking at the man in his thirties in scholarly attire in front of him, Li Ke secretly sighed at his talent and loyalty. Seeing Cen Wenten bowing to himself, he hurriedly took a few steps forward and returned the gesture, saying, "Sir, with such a grand gesture, how can Ke bear it?"

Then, after taking a sip of tea, he continued, "My mother asks me to convey her greetings to you, sir."

Li Ke is thinking that if he wants to become the crown prince and the future emperor of the Great Tang Empire, he cannot afford to ignore these three forces.

After speaking, he stood up and performed a long bow, saying, "Please, sir, you must agree."

And today he suddenly left the palace, ostensibly for a stroll, but mainly to go and see Cen Wenben, wanting to pull him into his own camp ahead of time.

Cen Wenten humbly said, "I am unworthy of receiving such praise. It is all thanks to the guidance of the goddess and the recommendation of Lord Feng."

Yes, it's him.

Aside from that, the primary issue is to develop one's own strength. No one can accomplish anything alone, and currently what Li Ke lacks the most is people. He doesn't have anyone he can truly trust by his side, let alone someone who can offer him advice and strategies.

So, what he needs is a group that is loyal to himself, a group of civil officials that is loyal to himself, and a group of military forces. Only with such power can he have the ability to compete for the throne with them and qualify to embark on the path of dominance.

Li Ke looked at Cen Wen's simple and plain mansion, and asked with concern.

Seems to be in Yongxingfang.

The Li Tang Dynasty was established by three forces: one was the Guanlong Group, another was the Shandong Group, and the third was the Jiangnan literati.

After leaving the palace, Li Ke followed the guidance of Xiao Baozi and arrived at the bustling West Market in Chang'an City.

Li Kexin was delighted in his heart. He knew that Cen Wenben wanted to repay the favor of Yang Fei's guidance, so he agreed so readily. Otherwise, with his strategic mind, how could he be easily recovered by Li Kexin?

Speaking of the civil official group, the first person he thinks of is Cen Wenben. He is depicted as a top-notch political mastermind in "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow".

Upon arriving in the living room, the maid served tea and then left. Xiaobaozi sensibly stood outside the door. Li Ke explained in advance, "Ke was injured from falling off a horse and has only recently recovered. Today, after seeking permission from the Empress Mother, I am able to leave the palace to visit you, sir. I hope you can understand."

During the reign of Zhenguan, due to Li Shimin's previous position as the Prince of Qin, the position of the Minister of Works had been vacant for over ten years. In the end, this highest official title of prime minister was bestowed upon Cen Wenben, which was a result of his loyalty and wisdom that made Li Shimin yield in such a manner.

The Shandong Group consists of two parts: the Shandong aristocracy and the Shandong heroes. The Shandong aristocracy has a long history, strong economic strength, and a strong clan and local foundation, which generates tremendous political power. They can control the court when advancing and dominate the local area when retreating. On the other hand, the Shandong heroes are a group of lower-class landlords who rose to power during the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty. In other words, they rapidly gained influence during the turbulent period at the end of the Sui Dynasty. They are local strongmen who emerged in the midst of the chaos. The so-called Shandong heroes are those who use violence to elevate their social status, in other words, they are the underworld. The Shandong heroes are a group of lower-class landlords who rose to power during the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty. In other words, they rapidly gained influence during the turbulent period at the end of the Sui Dynasty. They are local strongmen who emerged in the midst of the chaos. The so-called Shandong heroes are those who use violence to elevate their social status, in other words, they are the underworld.

The Guanlong Group is a military group composed of Xianbei nobles from the Northern Wei Dynasty, as well as Sinicized Han people and Hu people from the Western Regions. Most members of the Guanlong Group are distinguished relatives of the Li family, some of whom have made military achievements during the founding of the Tang Dynasty, such as Li Shentong, Li Daozong, and Li Xiaogong.

Jiangnan literati were prominent aristocratic families that existed before the unification of the southern region during the Sui Dynasty. On one hand, they participated in the establishment of the political system and regulations of the Tang Dynasty. On the other hand, they continued to exert influence in the Jiangnan region. These three forces played a significant role in the establishment of the Tang Dynasty and the restoration and growth of national strength in its early period.

"Who are you referring to, the scholar who follows Lord Feng?" Xiao Baozi asked in confusion.

Cen Wenten is the foremost literati in Jiangnan, leading the entire literati group in Jiangnan during the late Zhenguan period. Moreover, he himself is a scion of a prominent family in Jiangnan.

Mr. Cen ?

Li Ke today is no longer the same Li Ke from history. Since he has been given the chance to become Li Ke again, he will let Cen Wenben fully utilize his strategies and make him see the day when he ascends to the Eastern Palace. Thinking of this, Li Ke couldn't help but feel proud.

Li Ke urged Dao to hurry to Yongxingfang. At the residence of the Cen family, Cen Wenben is reading in the study, waiting for an appointment from the court.

Cen Wenben was very respectful towards Consort Yang, Li Ke's consort. Upon hearing Li Ke's words, he quickly bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty and Your Highness, for your concern. Wenben is deeply grateful."

White tea caravans walking on the street, men and women linking arms, leisurely overseas visitors, and employers bargaining in various accents.

The bustling scene before us can be described as reaching its peak, with shops and bookstores lining both sides of the street, and occasional calls from merchants from the Western Regions.

He stood up and bowed to Mr. Cen Wenben, saying, "I respectfully greet you, sir."

Then Li Ke walked ahead, and Cen Wen followed him slowly into the Cen Mansion.

Therefore, obtaining his support is equivalent to the support of the literati and aristocratic families in Jiangnan.

Li Kedao said, "I wish to inform my father and ask you to be my teacher. I hope you will not refuse."

Cen Wenben was deeply moved by Li Kuo's behavior. They met through Chai Shao's introduction in the Chai Shao army. Li Kuo admired Cen Wenben's talent very much and hoped that he would be his teacher. At that time, Cen Wenben thought that Li Kuo was just impulsive and not sincere, so he did not agree. Unexpectedly, Li Kuo came here today still for this matter. If Li Kuo directly asked the emperor to issue an edict, Cen Wenben would not dare to disobey the imperial order. However, Li Kuo did not use his power to pressure him, but came to ask for his opinion in person, which shows Li Kuo's respect for him. Cen Wenben was just a scholar, a secretarial officer of the seventh rank, and being invited twice by a prince with sincerity was similar to Liu Bei's three visits to the thatched cottage. What else could be more touching for him? He choked up and said, "Your Highness, if you don't mind my shallow knowledge, I will personally guide Your Highness in your studies."

However, while emphasizing their importance, it is not something that can be achieved in a short period of time to gain recognition and support from these three forces. It requires careful consideration and a long-term strategy.

Cen Wenben was startled by Li Ke's move, and quickly supported him, saying, "Your Highness, what's the matter? As long as Wenben can do it, I will definitely do my best."

Li Ke urgently asked, "Do you know where he lives?"

Li Kedao, "Mr. was appointed as the Secretariat Clerk by the Emperor, dedicated to walking between the Zhongshu Province and the Hongwen Hall. Ke congratulated Mr.."