LFHYB -Chapter 12 Gaining Fame Through the Zheng Family

“Good!” the middle-aged man praised, then swept his stern gaze across the young men of the Zheng family present.

Zheng Dalang lowered his head as soon as their eyes met.

Zheng Xuanyi followed behind his father, Zheng Renji, wiping the sweat that had formed from running.

Zheng Renji was filled with anger.

The Zheng family of Xingyang, as a prominent local clan, held considerable power in the region.

Not only in Xingyang, but nearly every branch of the Zheng family had someone serving as a local official, from county magistrates to provincial governors.

However, for many years, no one from the Zheng family held a high position in the central court.

Originally, the Zheng family of Xingyang had achieved great merit when Emperor Wen of Sui replaced Northern Zhou. At that time, the Zheng family’s representative in the court was Zheng Yi, who had studied alongside Emperor Wen (Yang Jian). This relationship should have been solid.

Yet Emperor Wen repeatedly suppressed and undermined Zheng Yi, citing moral failings as an excuse, and by extension weakened the Xingyang Zheng family. The Zheng family was furious but powerless.

Although Emperor Wen restored Zheng Yi’s rank and post shortly before his death and granted him posthumous honors, the Zheng family was effectively pushed out of central power and never had the chance to return.

After Zheng Renji’s father passed away, his branch remained distant from the court. Zheng Renji’s elder brother, Zheng Qianyi, was stationed on the frontier defending against the Turks, unable to return to central China. Zheng Renji himself relied on the family’s protection to serve as a Tongshi Sheren (a sixth-rank official in the transmission of imperial edicts).

The Tongshi Sheren oversaw the transmission of imperial decrees, typically held by well-known figures. It was in this role that Zheng Renji met Li Yuan. He also facilitated the marriage alliance between Li Yuan and the Zheng family of Xingyang.

Now, the emperor was building the Eastern Capital, Luoyang. Zheng Renji sought connections everywhere to secure a position for his elder brother as Yingyang Langjiang of Hanyuanyuan Prefecture.

Although the rank of Yingyang Langjiang was not much higher than his elder brother’s current position, it meant returning to the prosperous central regions rather than enduring the frontier’s hardships.

With the emperor’s own brothers either dead or imprisoned, the only close relative of the same generation was his cousin, Li Yuan. Although Li Yuan had yet to hold a high court position, the emperor, wary yet favoring relatives, would surely trust and employ his only cousin.

Moreover, the emperor prided himself on filial piety. The more rumors spread that he had murdered his father, the more he would show respect toward his living elders.

The only surviving elder close to the emperor was the Old Lady Dou. Though she rarely requested anything from him, if she spoke a few favorable words to the emperor on behalf of Zheng Qianyi, the Yingyang Langjiang position would be secure.

If Zheng Qianyi and Zheng Renji had suitable daughters of their own, they would have taken the position themselves instead of offering it to family.

Zheng Renji looked at the young men of the Zheng family, both frustrated and disappointed.

Most capable members of the Xingyang Zheng family held office in other regions. They educated the children they valued closely, while the children remaining at the ancestral home were either too young, inattentive, or from minor branches.

Had these young men stayed too long at the ancestral home, thinking themselves rulers of the land, looking down on the prestigious Duke Tang mansion?

Or perhaps they simply overestimated their own talent, only to be outmatched by two six-year-old prodigies, and thus lost control of their temper?

Perhaps both.

Zheng Renji glanced at his son.

Zheng Xuanyi shrank his neck even tighter.

Hearing that the family intended to test the talents and temper of the two legitimate sons of the Duke Tang mansion to gauge whether the household was easy to deal with, Zheng Renji immediately recommended his son to “take charge” of the situation.

He feared these pampered young Zhengs would look down on Li Yuan’s second and third sons.

He hadn’t expected his own son to be so useless!

Fortunately, his son remembered his instructions and had brought him in time; otherwise, he wouldn’t have known how the matter would end.

“I had long heard that the two young masters of the Duke Tang mansion were prodigies, famed throughout Daxing City. Lord Li often boasted about them when drinking with me. Today, seeing them in person, they do live up to their reputation,” Zheng Renji said with a kind smile, first praising Li’s second and third sons, then clasping his hands toward Lady Dou: “Lady Dou, my apologies for any rudeness today.”

Zheng Renji had visited the Duke Tang mansion before. Knowing he was a friend of her husband, Lady Dou gave him face and calmly said: “Greetings, Zheng Sheren. Erlang and Sanlang, Zheng Sheren is a friend of your father. You should address him as Uncle.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba clasped their hands: “Uncle Zheng.”

Seeing that Lady Dou did not seem angry, Zheng Renji breathed a sigh of relief: “The Zheng family has a tradition of poetry and learning. From the moment they could speak, they began studying, and the young ones all pride themselves on talent. In Xingyang, they have indeed had no rivals. At first sight of capable competitors, they become hot-blooded and lose their composure. Alas, their fathers serve in distant offices, only bringing their studying children along. At home, only women are left, indulging them too much.”

After speaking, Zheng Renji glared at the young men: “Do you think this is just brotherly play? Among three, one may be your teacher; even a child younger than you may be worth learning from. At home, you may compete in letters behind closed doors, judging only by talent, not age. But these are guests! Did you really intend to spread rumors that the Zheng family sent a dozen people to compete in literary skill against two six- or seven-year-olds, one of whom is already grown?!”

When Zheng Renji appeared, all the young men of the Zheng family—who had been acting like fighting cocks—instantly retracted the feathers they had been flaunting on their necks.

After hearing Zheng Renji’s reprimand, they repeatedly cupped their hands and apologized to Li Shimin and Li Xuanba.

Zheng Dalang was no exception.

He repeatedly cupped his hands to Li Shimin and Li Xuanba: “It is my fault. I should have persuaded my younger cousins, but seeing them upset, I lost my reason.”

The second, third, and fourth sons of the Zheng family who had come with Dalang also said, “Friendship and brotherhood are important, but treating guests slowly is disrespectful. We neglected our manners, and this punishment is well deserved.”

Lady Dou’s expression remained calm, while Li Shimin looked a bit bewildered.

He didn’t understand—just moments ago, everyone had been on edge, and now the situation had turned around so abruptly it was as if the carriage itself might topple.

When in doubt, turn to A-Xuan. Li Shimin immediately looked at Li Xuanba with his eyes for guidance.

Li Xuanba: **[This Uncle Zheng is smoothing things over. He’s apologizing to us, but he’s also giving the young Zheng men a way to save face after their serious breach of etiquette. This shows he probably supports a marriage between our families. Don’t speak—just listen quietly.]**

Li Shimin couldn’t believe it!

After all this, the Zheng family still wanted to form a marital connection with his family?!

He looked at his mother.

Lady Dou had already restored her previous composed smile: “That the young men of the Xingyang Zheng family, whose literary reputations travel across the land, would overlook age and compete with them in literary skill—although I feel for the Erlang and Sanlang, I also feel proud. I can’t even stay angry. Erlang, Sanlang, aren’t you going to thank Uncle for the praise?”

Li Shimin still pouted and refused to comply.

Li Xuanba: **[Listen to Mother. Don’t be stubborn.]**

Li Shimin took a deep breath, pushed down his frustration, and together with Li Xuanba, in perfect synchronization, cupped his hands: “Thank you for the praise, Uncle.”

Zheng Dalang’s expression darkened. Were these two really going to rise to fame over his head?!

Though displeased, he couldn’t defy his elders in the Zheng family without facing family law. So he suppressed his feelings and prepared to write a private letter to his father to complain.

Lady Dou said, “You also need to thank the young Zheng men. It was they who gave you both the chance to demonstrate your talents. Quickly, thank your elder brothers.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba cupped their hands: “Thank you, elder brothers of the Zheng family.”

This time, Zheng Xuanyi didn’t disappoint his father’s hopes. He immediately returned the gesture: “Not at all. It was our fault for being rude.”

With Zheng Xuanyi leading, the other young Zheng men also returned the gesture and apologized once more.

Lady Dou said, “Alright, return the jade pendants. Play is play, but taking others’ belongings is wrong. Even if someone else started it, you must not let your character be compromised.”

Li Shimin: “!!” What?! I won this jade pendant fairly, why must I return it?!

Li Xuanba: **[Listen to Mother.]**

Li Shimin reluctantly swallowed his protest and, together with Li Xuanba, personally returned the pendants one by one.

One by one, they returned them and bowed.

The young Zheng men had no choice but to apologize to Li Shimin and Li Xuanba again, one by one.

Li Xuanba: **[Exhausting.]**

Li Shimin: **[Ah!!!!!!]**

Li Xuanba: **[Hahaha.]**

Li Xuanba couldn’t hold back and was amused by his second brother’s earth-shattering “ah.”

All eyes turned to him.

Li Xuanba quickly made up an excuse: “I was angry before, but thinking back, the game just now was fun. I just feel sorry for my brother. I wonder how many days his throat will be hoarse.”

Li Shimin fully played along, putting on a wronged expression: “A-Xuan, are you mocking me?”

Li Xuanba nodded: “Yes.”

Li Shimin tugged at Lady Dou’s skirt: “Mother! Look at A-Xuan! Discipline him!”

Lady Dou chuckled: “Alright, Mother will teach him a lesson. Sanlang, extend your hand.”

Li Xuanba extended his hand.

Lady Dou lightly tapped it: “There, Mother has disciplined Sanlang on behalf of Erlang.”

After this playful exchange between Lady Dou, Li Shimin, and Li Xuanba, the atmosphere relaxed a bit.

At that moment, a silly child stepped forward, completely breaking the remaining tension.

A chubby child, about the same age as Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, hesitated, then pulled off the jade plaque around his neck and eagerly held both the pendant and the plaque toward them: “You’re both so amazing. Could you accept my jade pendant and plaque and be my elder brothers? Father always says I’m foolish, and without elder brothers, I’ll surely be carried off by wolves someday.”

Li Shimin and Li Xuanba: “??”

Zheng Xuanyi quickly pulled the silly child back: “What are you saying? You already have so many elder brothers, why do you need more?” Who was this younger cousin again? Didn’t ring a bell.

Just as the child was about to answer, a slightly older female family member, dressed more modestly than the others, rushed over, scooped up the child, and repeatedly apologized to everyone: “My child has always been foolish and clumsy, even can’t recite the Thousand Character Classic properly. Lady Dou, please forgive him. You big fool, you’ve done it again!”

The child bit his finger, looking completely bewildered.

His silly antics successfully made everyone laugh.

Li Shimin couldn’t help but smile.

Li Xuanba didn’t find it funny, but seeing everyone laughing, he politely curved his lips in a faint smile.

The silly child glanced at the smiling faces around him and lowered his head.

Li Xuanba sighed inwardly: **[Brother, clean that broken coin we found and give it to him.]**

Li Shimin, though unsure why, complied.

He carefully polished the coin on his sleeve, then stood on tiptoe to hand it to the child in Dou’s arms: “This is for you.”

The child’s eyes lit up and he quickly grasped the coin tightly.

Li Xuanba said, “When the Tang Duke’s household and the Xingyang Zheng family become connected by marriage, I and my second brother will truly be your elder brothers. When you grow up, come visit our house.”

He remembered that this silly child had originally been hiding at the back of the crowd, pushed forward by all the elder brothers to compete with him. Indeed, he couldn’t even recite the Thousand Character Classic properly.

During the contest, the silly boy clutched the jade pendant tightly, tears welling up in his eyes. But after losing, he handed over the pendant with a face full of admiration, causing everyone present to laugh heartily.

While Li Xuanba was boiling water, the silly boy also tried to help, but Li Xuanba stopped him.

With that kind of clumsy behavior, Li Xuanba genuinely worried that he might get burned.

But at least the boy had good intentions. Compared to the arrogant and rude children of the Zheng family, he was foolish but kind-hearted.

Li Shimin watched as Li Xuanba took the initiative to invite the silly boy to their home and understood the situation.

Although A-Xuan would come up with all kinds of excuses to hide his soft side, it was clear that he simply couldn’t bear to see this group of people mocking an innocent, foolish child.

“What’s your name?” Li Shimin asked the silly boy, showing his trademark cheerful smile.

The boy said, “Zheng Guang! Brother, my name is Zheng Guang!”

Li Shimin nodded with a smile. “I’ll remember it.”

The boy gave a goofy grin, and snot ran from his nose, prompting another round of laughter from everyone.

His mother joined in the laughter and quickly wiped his nose.

Zheng Renji, seeing that this child was likely from a distant branch of the family, quietly relaxed.

The boy’s foolishness had successfully lightened the entire atmosphere.

Later, they would find out which household he belonged to and provide him with some financial support.

Li Xuanba, listening to the laughter around him, lowered his gaze slightly.

Li Xuanba sent a message to his brother: **[Brother, tell Mother you have a terrible sore throat and want to go home.]**

Li Shimin ran back to Lady Dou, whining: “Mother, my throat hurts a little. Can we go home? I miss Father. Father is waiting for us and promised to personally roast a little lamb for A-Xuan and me tonight.”

Li Xuanba: “……” What little lamb? Second Brother really says whatever comes to mind.

Li Xuanba said, “Mother, I miss Father too.”

Lady Dou handed the ladder over to Li Shimin and Li Xuanba, saying: “Erlang and Sanlang are still young, and their father hasn’t seen them for a long time. Before leaving today, he carefully instructed that you must return in time for the lamb roast. I shall take my leave now.”

Zheng Renji gave Madam Cui a look.

Madam Cui immediately stepped forward: “Let me escort you, Madam.”

Lady Dou hurriedly replied: “I couldn’t possibly trouble you, Madam.”

Madam Cui smiled: “It’s no trouble. I can see how much these two children adore you—they must wish to spend a bit more time with you.”

Lady Dou said: “Then I shall accept your kindness.”

Madam Cui personally escorted Lady Dou out.

Zheng Renji, being an outsider, though he had just mediated earlier, still could not personally see Lady Dou off.

He stayed behind. Once Lady Dou had left, his expression darkened.

“What on earth were you doing?!” Zheng Renji scolded. “If I hadn’t happened to be in the house today, how would you have ended this? Do you even remember that the Zheng family is supposed to be marrying into the Tang Duke’s household?! Go back and reflect! I will write to your father and have him deal with you!”

Zheng Renji swept his sleeves and left.

Zheng Xuanyi, under the knowing glances of the Zheng family boys who were subtly acting as “informers,” hunched and jogged after his father.

The women led their own children, comforting them with sympathy, telling them they had been wronged.

Only the silly boy’s mother quietly stepped aside, wiping her tears.

Little Zheng Guang held out his hand, the coin in his palm damp with sweat. “Mother, I have a new older brother. He’s really amazing. You don’t need to find me a brother anymore; go sew clothes for others instead.”

The woman’s tears, just stopped, surged again.

She kissed her son’s forehead—her son, slower than the others due to a high fever—and did not answer his words.

…

“I remember now!” Li Xuanba slapped his forehead.

Li Shimin, curious, asked: “A-Xuan, what did you remember?”

Li Xuanba said: “Nothing. I’ll tell you when you turn sixteen.”

Li Shimin: “??!”

He pounced and started tickling Li Xuanba, but Lady Dou pulled him away: “The carriage is moving fast. Don’t play around.”

Li Xuanba hid behind his mother.

He certainly couldn’t tell his Second Brother that the silly boy named Zheng Guang might very well, in the future when Jin Yang rises in rebellion, at just sixteen, join the Qin Prince’s mansion alone as a soldier—becoming one of your future most trusted men.

During the Zheng family’s time in the reign of Zhenguan, Zheng Guang did not hold a high political position and appeared infrequently in historical records. Under Emperor Gaozong, he once commanded an army on his own, but the glory went to his deputy Xue Rengui. His talent and family connections were modest.

Yet, every time Emperor Taizong promoted meritorious officials, he would mention Zheng Guang’s rank and title, and even reminded Gaozong to let Zheng Guang accompany him in the burial at Zhaoling, showing how fond he was of him.

Although Zheng Guang was from the Yingyang Zheng clan, he loyally followed the Qin Prince, starting as a lowly soldier and junior officer. He had found this historical record puzzling.

Judging by today’s events, could it be that Zheng Guang had also crossed paths with the Second Brother in the original history?

Seeing Li Xuanba ignoring him, Li Shimin changed the subject: “Sigh, isn’t the Yingyang Zheng clan a prestigious family? Don’t prestigious families know etiquette? Is this their idea of etiquette?”

Li Xuanba said: “Mother, Father will still marry into the Zheng family, right?”

Li Shimin’s eyes widened: “Mother, the Zheng family is so awful! Are we really going to marry into them? No! I hate them!”

Lady Dou smiled wryly.

Li Xuanba said expressionlessly: “Brother, now you know why the Zheng family is so arrogant. Even if they are unreasonable, others won’t dare offend them because of the prestige of the Yingyang Zheng family. People will still continue to marry into them.”

Li Shimin shook his head, holding it. “I won’t listen! I won’t! I hate the Zheng family! I don’t want a Zheng girl as my elder sister-in-law!”

Li Xuanba said: “Father wants the prestige and influence of the Yingyang Zheng family. Thanks to Mother’s cleverness today, the Zhengs agreed that we could use the reputation of their children to gain fame as compensation. The Tang Duke’s household doesn’t lose out and even gains a small advantage. Father should be pleased with today’s outcome.”

Li Shimin held his head and continued shaking it. “What small benefit? Do you think that without the Zheng family, you and I wouldn’t be able to make a name for ourselves? We are the Second and Third Sons of the Duke of Tang, and we know plenty of powerful people! If one has talent, how could there be no chance to gain fame? Why would we need the Zheng family to make us famous? At worst, there’s the emperor’s uncle! If the emperor’s uncle praises us personally, isn’t that better than the Zheng family? Why does it sound like we’re taking advantage of the Zheng family!”

Li Xuanba shrugged. “That’s how the world works. Second Brother, have you not read history up to the Northern Qi yet?”

Li Shimin’s shaking paused mid-motion. “Almost… almost… sigh, A-Xuan, don’t rush me.”

Li Xuanba said, “I’m not rushing you. Every generation of the Xingyang Zhengs selects the most outstanding talent and, with the full support of the clan, sends them into the imperial court. They act as the Zheng family’s representatives in government. During the Northern Wei, the Zheng representative was Zheng Daozhao, the leader of the contemporary literati, praised by everyone for his exemplary conduct.”

Li Shimin held his head. “And then?”

Li Xuanba rolled his eyes. “His legitimate eldest son, Zheng Yanzu, was greedy and lustful, committing adultery with his cousin; his granddaughter first married Prince Yuan Ti of Guangping, then married Gao Huan, and committed incest with her own child. Their debauchery and impudence were infamous.”

Lady Dou covered her face. “A-Xuan, you… sigh!”

Li Shimin clutched his head in shock. “Wah!”

Li Xuanba continued, “When the Sui dynasty was first established, the Zheng family’s top official in the court was Zheng Yi. Zheng Yi’s greed was unparalleled, and he was extremely unfilial to his stepmother, refusing her return to her family and refusing to support her, driving her out of the household to fend for herself. Even Emperor Wen of Sui could not tolerate it; he gave him the Classic of Filial Piety and stripped him of his office.”

Li Shimin again clutched his head. “Heavens!”

Li Xuanba said, “While Zheng Yanzu held the position of General of Agile Cavalry and Minister of Ceremonies, after his death he was posthumously titled Governor of the Three Prefectures of Yu, Yan, and Ying, Minister of Works, and Prefect of Yuzhou. Zheng Yi had his positions restored while alive, and after death was given the posthumous title ‘Da.’ Their notorious reputations were known to all, yet people still praised the Xingyang Zhengs as having pure family ethics and noble households, and their children as models for the literati.”

Li Xuanba took a deep breath. “Even the daughters of Zheng Yanzu’s line were sought after for marriage, despite everyone cursing Zheng Yanzu and Zheng Dache for their depravity. People praised the Zheng women for their virtuous conduct, suitable as wives and mothers.”

“Do you understand now? Brother, the prestige of a noble family comes from their signboard. People praise them because of the signboard, not because they are truly virtuous or talented. Noble families control the most pen power; the fame they achieve comes from boasting about each other.”

“Others must prove their virtue and talent to join them, but they themselves do not need to.”

“It’s like the Nine-rank system. Lower-class scholars must be extremely talented to be noticed by the emperor, while high-ranking noble families can have even a mentally challenged member considered top-tier.”

“Hah, pure family ethics? The higher the nobility, the fewer rules they follow, because they don’t need rules—they are the ones who make the so-called rules!”

Li Shimin put down his arms, moved close to Li Xuanba, and patted his head.

Li Xuanba: “…What are you doing?”

Li Shimin said, “A-Xuan, don’t get worked up. I know you’re angry, but don’t get upset. Your health isn’t good; too much excitement will harm you, and talking too much tires you. Come, breathe deeply with me.”

Li Xuanba: “…I’m not worked up.”

Li Shimin nodded. “Yes, yes. Breathe deeply, calm down. Why not just close your eyes and lean on me for a nap?”

Li Xuanba turned his face away. “Not sleeping.”

He took slow, shallow breaths. Li Shimin used his sleeve to wipe the sweat off Li Xuanba’s face.

Lady Dou sighed deeply, feeling exhausted.

Summoning her strength, she said, “I’ve looked into your future elder sister-in-law’s reputation. She’s a virtuous and good woman, not someone who relies on the Zheng family’s false reputation. Don’t worry. Today, your mother will ensure justice is done, won’t let the Zhengs have their way, and will not give up.”

Li Shimin nodded. “I trust mother. A-Xuan, say you trust mother! Don’t be angry, and don’t get worked up.”

“I’m not angry, nor worked up,” Li Xuanba said weakly. “Of course I trust mother… ha… hm.”

Having calmed down, he was genuinely sleepy.

Li Shimin gestured to his shoulder. “Sleep.”

Li Xuanba lay his head on their mother’s lap and closed his eyes.

Li Shimin laughed and scolded, “A-Xuan, still complaining my shoulder is uncomfortable, huh?”

Li Xuanba’s lips curved slightly.