Chapter 56: Freeloading from Eldest Uncle Li Chengqian!
Li Lizhi picked up a set of pink thermal underwear and remarked, “This color looks good!”
“Keep it if you like it,” someone suggested.
Li Lizhi shook her head, “Two sets are enough. I bought this one for Yushu!”
“You’re welcome! Just take it,” came the response.
Li Lizhi smiled, “Alright, I’ll keep this one. The rest will be sent to the Mother Empress.”
“Good!”
Concerning the coal matter, Li Lizhi turned to Xiao Ran for input, saying, “I can’t handle it personally, and your involvement isn’t suitable either. What do you think?”
Li Lizhi sought Xiao Ran’s opinion on various matters.
“It’s not possible for me to go. My status is too low, and I lack influence. You wouldn’t be suitable with no official status,” Xiao Ran explained.
“We’ll have to approach my father, then!” Li Lizhi suggested. “No, no, there’s another excellent candidate. This person is capable, influential, and willing to help,” Xiao Ran proposed.
“Who?” Li Lizhi inquired.
“Your elder brother, the Crown Prince!” Xiao Ran revealed.
“My brother?”
“Your Majesty has invested a lot in his education. Dealing with these matters should be well within his capabilities,” Xiao Ran reassured. “It’s a chance for him to enhance his prestige, win favor with the people, and gain recognition from His Majesty and the ministers.”
“That makes sense. But is he willing?” Li Lizhi wondered.
“This matter is related to the refugees. If your brother handles it well, it will boost his prestige, win the people’s favor, and gain approval from His Majesty and the ministers. It’s an opportunity for him to shine,” Xiao Ran explained. “Do you think he’s willing?”
“Understood! It’s a chance to impress Father!” Li Lizhi exclaimed.
“Exactly, an opportunity to earn merit!” Xiao Ran continued. “Let the Crown Prince go to Changan City to select suitable refugees for settlement in Yujiagou. Simultaneously, provide housing and food for these refugees. It’s a way to help Changan City’s refugees, and they’ll be grateful to the Crown Prince.”
“In the early stages, we need funds. The Princess Mansion doesn’t have much money. What should we do initially?” Li Lizhi asked.
Xiao Ran pointed to the thermal underwear on the sofa, “Well, how about these?”
“That’s true. These should sell out quickly.”
“We’ll also need His Majesty’s help. The security of Yujiagou should be handled by the Imperial Guards initially. We can take over later, but for now, we need His Majesty’s assistance.”
“Father will definitely agree.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“Isn’t half of it mine? I gave 30% to my father. He’d be the last to want trouble.”
What a spendthrift!
Xiao Ran thought to himself, his wife’s possessions… which meant his possessions, unexpectedly ended up in his father-in-law’s hands.
Xiao Ran, being cautious in every aspect, failed to guard against his father-in-law!
Xiao Ran gave a thumbs up, “Well done! This takes care of the safety aspect.”
Coal can address the winter heating issue. Even if Li Lizhi doesn’t contribute 30%, Li Shimin will likely still be willing to handle it. Now, with 30% from Li Shimin, things are even better.
This is a significant sum of money!
So, leave this matter to the future brother-in-law and father-in-law. Xiao Ran only needed to provide the technology, and the rest just counted the money.
Exciting just to think about it!
“I’ll find time to go to the East Palace and inform my elder brother.”
“It’s not suitable for you to go; don’t go!” Xiao Ran advised.
“Why not?” Li Lizhi’s relationship with Li Chengqian was quite good.
“Let the Empress go. It’s most appropriate. If you go, it might feel like begging your elder brother or ordering him around.”
Although it’s a freebie for the brother-in-law, he shouldn’t feel like he’s being ordered around.
“That makes sense. A slight mention from the Mother Empress, and my elder brother will surely be grateful!” Li Lizhi realized.
Empress Changsun’s words would make a difference. It’s not about ordering him to work but giving Li Chengqian a chance to shine in front of Li Shimin and the court officials.
Li Chengqian will surely work hard and do a splendid job.
A win-win situation for everyone!
“That’s right, that’s how it is.”
Li Lizhi looked at Xiao Ran with a different gaze.
Though they haven’t known each other long, Xiao Ran has been incredibly helpful. Li Lizhi felt a growing appreciation for him.
In her heart, Li Lizhi didn’t realize how much she was relying on Xiao Ran.
Lately, Xiao Ran had been surprising her with unexpected delights. Li Lizhi found herself increasingly dependent on Xiao Ran.
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