Chapter 55: The Aristocratic Family Is Confused!
After careful consideration, Li Shimin had the three witness it personally to reassure Grandson Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Wei Zheng. Otherwise, they would surely harbor doubts, even if Li Shimin stated it.
Seeing it with their own eyes would make a difference, as even if Li Shimin spoke, it would be met with skepticism. Witnessing it firsthand would leave them with no room for doubt.
Li Shimin also wanted to boast a bit, as the emergence of coal had completely resolved the heating issue. “Come here!” He called.
“Your Majesty, I’m here!” Replied Zhang Anan.
Li Shimin instructed Zhang Anan to go to the Lizheng Hall, have the queen hand over the brazier, and bring it to the Taiji Palace. Li Shimin trusted Zhang Anan, considering him one of his confidants.
Empress Zhangsun, upon Zhang Anan’s return, decided to accompany him to ensure the task’s success. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that opening the lid would result in the death penalty.
In the Lizheng Hall, Zhang Anan quickly arranged for the brazier to be carried away by two eunuchs. “Your Majesty, I take my leave,” he said.
On the other side, Zhangsun Wuji followed Li Shimin’s instructions to visit prominent families in Changan City for supply borrowing. The first stop was the Wang family, who readily agreed to lend 100,000 catties of charcoal. Conditions included taking 90,000 catties immediately and returning 130,000 catties after a month. Upon Zhangsun Wuji’s departure, the Wang family was left bewildered. They hadn’t expected Li Shimin to borrow with such high interest rates. An elderly member of the Wang family found it unbelievable.
“This situation seems suspicious. Let’s inform the other families,” suggested the elder, contemplating the potential profit for all aristocratic families involved.
Looking at the documents in his hand, he fell into deep thought; this is clearly abnormal. Li Shimin’s family knows who he is. Normally, it’s impossible for him to do such a thing. Completely puzzled and unable to figure it out!
Zhangsun Wuji walked through the first house, followed by the second one, visiting all the renowned families in Changan City. Initially reluctant to borrow, they agreed when promised high interest, displaying generosity among aristocratic families.
Now, many in Changan City couldn’t afford charcoal. Earning money from the imperial court seemed preferable. With clear terms, they couldn’t play tricks, especially with so many prominent families involved.
The aristocrats and even Zhangsun Wuji were bewildered and unsure of Li Shimin’s intentions. Leaving Wang’s residence, he went straight to the Wei family’s residence in Changan. Despite finding it unbelievable, the Wei family granted a 100,000 quota. Concerned, Wei Kuangbo decided to inform Concubine Wei and seek clarity.
Wei Kuangbo sensed something amiss. This wasn’t something Li Shimin would typically do. He decided to consult Concubine Wei, the foremost among the four concubines.
…
Li Lizhi returned to the Princess Mansion, heading to the bedroom without much thought. “Xiao Ran, I’m back!”
Hearing Li Lizhi’s voice, Xiao Ran walked to the bedroom, “Changle, come and take a look. The thermal underwear is here and can be sold!”
“Okay, let me see!” Li Lizhi wanted to sell the thermal underwear quickly to start making money. In the living room, she found a massive pile on the sofa.
Xiao Ran used 20,000 yuan from his deposit to buy 50 sets, lowering the price slightly. “Fifty sets in total, twenty-five for men and women each. It’s time to sell. I’ll leave the thermal underwear sales to you; I can’t do much else.”
This is why Xiao Ran decided to share 40%, establishing good relations with Li Lizhi, Empress Zhangsun, and Li Shimin, making business in the Tang Dynasty more accessible. No troubles came their way, and they secured a strong alliance with the Tang Dynasty.
“Let the Queen Mother handle it later!” Li Lizhi suggested, recognizing that Empress Zhangsun best managed such matters.
“Good!”
Xiao Ran envisioned the first batch of customers in the palace as concubines, princesses, and princes.
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