Chapter 51: Li Shimin Shocked, Surprised!
Li Shimin’s expression became complex.
It’s common knowledge that there are coal mines, and all the prominent families know it. The court is also aware.
If that resource could be utilized, that land wouldn’t be so widely criticized. Li Shimin awkwardly smiled, unwilling to dampen Li Lizhi’s spirits, as it was well-intentioned.
Late at night, the wind and snow arrived.
“Lizhi, coal can’t replace charcoal. This approach might be inadequately considered,” Li Shimin delicately expressed.
“Father Emperor, burning coal produces toxic smoke, it can be fatal. Your ministers are well aware,” Li Lizhi asserted.
Observing Li Lizhi, Li Shimin thought to himself… you’re aware, yet you suggest using coal instead of charcoal?
“What does this mean, daughter?” Li Shimin struggled to comprehend.
His beloved daughter wasn’t naive. She knew burning coal could be lethal, yet she approached him with this proposal.
“Experts have a method to eliminate the toxic smoke from coal. There’s practically no visible smoke during combustion,” Li Lizhi nodded.
Li Shimin was surprised again, “Is this true? Is such a thing possible?”
Li Lizhi nodded, “I dare not deceive Father Emperor. I’ve already experimented. Coal can be used, and its burning time far exceeds charcoal’s. It’s much more cost-effective.”
Li Shimin was genuinely unsettled now. He felt his worldview was collapsing – the disregarded coal could now replace charcoal.
It’s more cost-effective than charcoal!
Li Shimin finally realized that the coal mine in Yujiagou was a gold mine!
Li Lizhi’s unusual behavior earlier would be explained if coal could replace charcoal. It made Li Shimin envious – that was a colossal sum of money!
“Can Father Emperor witness the burning of coal tomorrow?” Li Shimin wanted to see it firsthand. Otherwise, it seemed too unbelievable.
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll send it to Mother Empress,” Li Lizhi assured.
Li Shimin nodded, “Father will make time to see it in the morning.”
“Father, there’s one more thing.”
In a great mood after learning about coal, Li Shimin quickly asked, “What else?”
“The expert said aristocratic families’ resources can be borrowed, and we should borrow as much as possible.”
Li Shimin didn’t fully grasp it, “Is there some significance to this?”
Li Shimin grew increasingly curious about the mysterious master behind Li Lizhi.
“Borrowing charcoal is not borrowing money…”
Li Lizhi conveyed Xiao Ran’s words to Li Shimin.
“Hahaha!” Li Shimin burst into laughter, “Brilliant! This plan is truly ingenious!”
“Father Emperor, do you find it feasible?” Li Lizhi inquired.
“As long as the coal matter remains confidential, this is foolproof. No one would think that the coal in Yujiagou could replace charcoal. So, this plan is entirely feasible!” Li Shimin responded.
Li Shimin finally grasped the idea of using coal as a surprise tactic against the aristocratic families.
“That’s excellent!” Li Lizhi was also delighted. If Li Shimin approved, then there was no issue.
Li Lizhi held great admiration for her father.
“This time, I’ll make a good fortune!” Li Shimin couldn’t help but feel relieved at the thought of taking advantage of the aristocratic families.
These people inflated prices and intentionally hinted at borrowing with high-interest rates. Now that Li Shimin had found a way to deal with them, he couldn’t afford to be lenient.
“Father, this time, the master achieved three goals in one!” Li Lizhi excitedly shared.
Li Shimin couldn’t hide his smile. He became interested, “Solving heating supplies, outsmarting the aristocratic families, what else?”
“The expert mentioned using labor instead of relief to address the refugee issue in Changan City,” Li Lizhi explained.
“Wonderful! I overlooked that. Coal mining and transportation will undoubtedly require a significant workforce. This will alleviate the problem of refugees in Changan City,” Li Shimin exclaimed.
The more Li Shimin thought about it, the happier he became!
Li Shimin increasingly desired to meet this mysterious expert.
“The expert also said that the emperor should send the imperial guards to assist in management, maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of coal in Yujiagou from clandestine extraction,” Li Lizhi added.
Li Shimin’s eyes narrowed, “I will deal with anyone who dares to touch the coal in Yujiagou!”
With Li Shimin’s promise, Li Lizhi was elated, “Thank you, Father!”
“Li Zhi! Is that land yours or the expert’s?” Li Shimin was now more concerned about this matter.
That area was a cash cow.
“Previously, when Mother Empress’s old ailment recurred, the expert helped a lot, so I mentioned giving it to the expert,” Li Lizhi explained.
Li Shimin’s heart shattered! That was a massive sum of money!
Li Shimin was envious of that enormous sum of money!
Li Lizhi noticed Li Shimin’s distressed expression, took his arm, and reassured him, “Father, no need to worry. The expert said half of it belongs to the son.”
“Really?” Li Shimin felt relieved that half of it still belonged to him. At least half of it was his.
“Occupying 50%, if the father sends people over, I’ll share 30% with the father. How about that?” Li Lizhi suggested with a smile.
“Agreed!” Li Shimin didn’t expect such a benefit. “Fortunately, I didn’t reward the Chen family. That Chen family is truly ominous! In the future, let your older brother stay away from that kid from the Chen family.”
Li Lizhi couldn’t help but laugh.
“The matter of thermal underwear is settled – it’s fifty taels of silver per set,” Li Lizhi continued.
Li Shimin nodded, “That’s right. When earning money from these aristocratic families, there’s no need to be soft.”
“Emperor father and queen mother each get 10%, and sons and ministers get 20%!” Li Lizhi proposed.
“I also get 10%?” Li Shimin found another unexpected joy.