Chapter 54: Confused Zhangsun Wuji!
The brazier had just been set down. Li Shimin gestured, and Zhang Anan tactfully led the others out of the hall. Only Empress Zhangsun, Li Shimin, and Li Lizhi remained. Although several people from the Princess Mansion were involved in the coal-washing process, they were clueless about its purpose. They had no idea that the coal, once washed, could be burned.
Only Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi witnessed the burning of the coal. The others had no chance to see it. This matter required utmost secrecy to avoid jeopardizing their plan to deceive the aristocratic families.
Li Shimin eagerly opened the brazier lid, revealing flames that surprised him and Empress Zhangsun. It differed from the coal they knew, emitting no smoke or poisonous gas—resembling charcoal.
Relieved, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun smiled. Li Lizhi’s credibility was affirmed, and the worry in their hearts dissipated.
Empress Zhangsun, despite not witnessing the expert Li Lizhi spoke of, shared Li Shimin’s trust in her.
“Father, these can burn for a long time, much more durable than charcoal. Even if the price matches charcoal, people will prefer this long-lasting coal,” Li Lizhi explained.
“Absolutely! What a talented individual!” Li Shimin praised Li Lizhi, growing increasingly curious about the master behind her.
Li Lizhi felt pleased with the praise like it was directed at herself.
“Father, Mother, let’s eat before it gets cold!” Li Lizhi suggested, holding a food box.
“Good!” Li Shimin agreed, in high spirits. Soon, the breakfast prepared by Xiao Ran was brought out.
“Why isn’t the girl eating?” Empress Zhangsun inquired.
“Mother, I have already eaten,” Li Lizhi replied, enjoying the breakfast and pondering the coal matter.
“Empress, let’s see how long this brazier can burn later,” Li Shimin instructed.
“Okay, I’ll keep an eye on it,” Empress Zhangsun assured.
Li Shimin quickly finished his meal and declared, “Now that I’ve seen it, I need to go back and plan how to borrow charcoal.”
Li Shimin is determined to deceive the aristocratic families!
Venting frustration!
…
Exiting the Lizheng Hall, Li Shimin immediately commanded, “Summon Zhangsun Wuji to Taiji Palace!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The young eunuch hurriedly left.
This matter surely required careful consultation with Zhangsun Wuji. Not long after Li Shimin returned to Taiji Palace, Zhangsun Wuji hurried over.
“Minister, greetings, Your Majesty!”
“Wuji, come here!”
Zhangsun Wuji noticed the change in Li Shimin. Today, he seemed different. He was visibly troubled days ago, but today, his mood appeared exceptionally good.
Kneeling beside Li Shimin, Zhangsun Wuji inquired, “Your Majesty, what urgent matter brings you here?”
“Didn’t the aristocratic families propose lending materials with interest?”
Zhangsun Wuji nodded, “Yes, I’ve heard about it.”
“Now, I entrust you with an important task.”
Zhangsun Wuji’s expression turned serious, “Your Majesty, please instruct.”
“Visit the aristocratic families, borrow charcoal as much as possible. Don’t worry about the interest.”
Zhangsun Wuji was shocked, “But, Your Majesty, the interest in the future will likely be astronomical…”
“No matter!” Li Shimin dismissed the concern, “Follow my instructions. I have a plan.”
“Borrow as much as possible, only charcoal, and disregard the interest?” Zhangsun Wuji clarified.
Li Shimin nodded, “Exactly. However, make it clear that it’s borrowing charcoal, to be returned in the future. Document it to avoid complications—put it in writing.”
This left Zhangsun Wuji perplexed.
Thinking of the exorbitant interest rates later on made him uneasy.
“Your Majesty, what does this mean?” Zhangsun Wuji wondered if Li Shimin was acting hastily, seeking desperate measures in a crisis.
Li Shimin continued, “It’s okay! Just follow what I’ve said. I have my own plan.”
“Borrow as much as you can, only charcoal, and don’t worry about the interest?” Zhangsun Wuji repeated.
Li Shimin affirmed, “Yes, but let me clarify—borrow charcoal, return charcoal in the future. Document it, so there’s no ambiguity.”
Zhangsun Wuji became even more unsure. Li Shimin burst into laughter, leaving Zhangsun Wuji utterly bewildered.
He continued, “You go handle it according to my instructions. When you come back, I’ll explain further. Also, bring Fang Xuanling along!”
Zhangsun Wuji, seeing Li Shimin’s joyous demeanor, decided to follow the order.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Watching Zhangsun Wuji depart, Li Shimin’s happiness only grew.
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