Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 410 The Tenth Prince Li Kuan

In the sweltering heat of July, the blazing sun and oppressive air make it hard to muster any energy.

On Chengtianmen Street in the Imperial City, officials walked in the shade formed by the eaves of buildings, and their walking speed was slower than usual.

At that moment, an official emerged from a side street.

Unlike others, he walked briskly in the middle of the street under the scorching sun, his face covered in sweat, attracting the attention of many people.

It turned out to be Zhang Jianzhi, the Vice Minister of the Secretariat and concurrently the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies.

Zhang Jianzhi traveled from north to south and turned east onto another side street.

After walking a short distance, you will reach the area where the Ministry of Personnel is located.

Zhang Jianzhi went straight to the Ministry of Revenue, made several turns, and soon arrived at an office. He knocked on the door and said, "Lord Li, Zhang Jianzhi requests an audience."

"It's Jianzhi, come in quickly." Li Yifu's voice came from inside the house.

As Zhang Jianzhi pushed open the door, he immediately felt a refreshing coolness.

Looking around, I saw a basin of ice in the corner of the room, and a pile of white stones next to it. These were saltpeter.

The method of making ice with saltpeter is said to have originated from the palace. Some say it was invented by Sun Simiao, others say it was first discovered by the current emperor, and still others say it was accidentally discovered by the empress while researching anti-aging remedies.

In any case, the nobles of Chang'an also learned to make ice with saltpeter to cool off in the summer.

Li Yifu certainly knew how to enjoy life; he not only made ice with saltpeter but also sat in his room playing chess with Du Fu.

Zhang Jianzhi frowned and said, "Lord Li, it's still time to go to the yamen, why are you all..."

Du Fu hurriedly explained, "Minister Zhang, Li Gong and I have finished our official business and were about to leave the office when we saw that there were still some ice blocks in the room that hadn't melted. It was a pity, so I suggested that we play a game of chess."

Li Yifu beckoned to Zhang Jianzhi and said with a smile, "Jianzhi, tomorrow is Qixi Festival. Princess Changshan's residence is holding a chess tournament. Would you like to participate?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Lord Li, let's talk about this later. I have something to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, Du Fu cupped his hands and said, "This humble official will take his leave now." He got up and left, closing the door behind him.

Li Yifu then asked Zhang Jianzhi what was going on.

Zhang Jianzhi walked to the spot where Du Fu had just sat down and said, "Lord Li, I have been thinking carefully these past few days and have finally come up with a few ways to increase the national treasury's revenue. I would like to hear your opinion."

Li Yifu gave a wry smile, poured him a cup of tea, and said, "You really have a stubborn streak. Tell me, what method have you come up with?"

Zhang Jianzhi said: "Establish government-run commercial companies."

Li Yifu was taken aback and said, "This is competing with the people for profit. Aren't you afraid of being ranked as a low-performing employee in the year-end assessment?"

In the Tang Dynasty, the evaluation of officials was based primarily on virtue, with ability being secondary. Those who competed with the people for profit would inevitably suffer a decline in public opinion, which would affect their year-end evaluation.

Zhang Jianzhi said, "My method will not cause ordinary people to suffer losses, and may even benefit them, but will only cause the rich to suffer losses."

Li Yifu hurriedly asked, "Tell me about it."

Zhang Jianzhi said, "The trading company I want to build is not for ordinary people's livelihood, but for those industries controlled by wealthy merchants, such as coal."

Li Yifu stroked his beard and pondered, "Do you want to set up a new department in the Ministry of Revenue specifically to deal with coal?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "That's right. Coal is different from salt. It has high operating costs and ordinary people cannot access it. Even if the government operates it, it will not have much impact on the people."

Li Yifu sighed, "The coal trade route was first pioneered by those merchants. To discard them now after they've served their purpose will likely damage the credibility of the imperial court."

Zhang Jianzhi said, "What I mean is not to completely take over the coal business, but to allow both government-run and private coal operations at the same time."

Li Yifu asked curiously, "If we can't directly confiscate their businesses, it won't be easy for the Ministry of Revenue to rebuild an office there."

The coal market is now nearly saturated, and even though the government has an advantage in operating it, it is extremely difficult to get involved.

Zhang Jianzhi laughed and said, "Has Lord Li forgotten the White Horse Trading Company?"

Li Yifu's eyes flashed, and he said, "You want to restart the White Horse Trading Company and turn it into a government-run enterprise?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, “That’s right. All of Baima Trading Company’s assets were confiscated, but I checked and they still exist. Using the foundation of Baima Trading Company, it shouldn’t be difficult to start over and establish a government-run coal trading company.”

Li Yifu pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "If that's the case, then this matter does have some feasibility."

Zhang Jianzhi continued, "The government-run coal mines can prioritize supplying the imperial palace and major government offices. With these demands, government-run trading companies can develop rapidly, and the court will have a source of revenue."

Li Yifu said, "The method is correct, but those merchants will definitely still be dissatisfied."

Originally, when the imperial court needed coal, it would purchase it from major coal trading companies. Now that the imperial court is producing and using it itself, it is equivalent to taking away the market from these merchants, so of course they will be dissatisfied.

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Merchants are driven by profit and their desires are insatiable. It is said that some coal trading companies in Hedong have joined forces to raise the price of coal. It might be better to establish government-run trading companies to restrain them."

Upon hearing this, Li Yifu said, "If that's the case, I can support you. However, I'm afraid the Coal Trading Company alone won't be enough."

Zhang Jianzhi held up two fingers and said, "I also want to establish two more government-run trading companies."

Which two?

Zhang Jianzhi spoke to him in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Li Yifu was taken aback and asked, "You want to deal in horses and weapons?"

"Yes."

“No, absolutely not!” Li Yifu objected repeatedly.

Zhang Jianzhi explained in detail for a while, and as he continued to explain, Li Yifu's expression gradually changed from resistance to suspicion.

After a long while, he sighed, "Jianzhi, it's easy for you to convince me, but I'm afraid it won't be easy to get past His Majesty."

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Increasing the national treasury's revenue is not an easy task. Doing this is better than raising taxes on the people."

Li Yifu sighed, "That's true. Well then, whether His Majesty agrees or not, let's give it a try. Even if His Majesty disagrees, at least he'll know you've done your best and won't blame you."

The two immediately left the Ministry of Revenue and headed together towards the Ganlu Hall.

Upon arriving at Ganlu Gate, they announced their arrival. After a long while, a palace attendant reported that the emperor had summoned them to Linhu Palace for an audience.

The two arrived at Linhu Palace and paid their respects to Li Zhi.

Li Zhi had just woken up and was still a little groggy. He raised his hand and said, "No need for formalities. What brings you two ministers to my court?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Your Majesty, I have come up with several ways to increase the national treasury's revenue, and I have come to report them to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing the words "increase the national treasury revenue," Li Zhi's spirits lifted, and he said, "Tell me about it."

Zhang Jianzhi then told Li Zhi about the situation of the government-run coal mine.

After hearing this, Li Zhi was stunned. Wasn't Zhang Jianzhi's idea simply to develop state-owned enterprises?

Moreover, he knew how to use the White Horse Trading Company as a starting point, not only proposing the idea but also figuring out the implementation method.

Seeing that Li Zhi's expression was unusual, Li Yifu assumed that the emperor was displeased and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, it is not easy to increase the national treasury's revenue. Minister Zhang has only proposed a plan, which does indeed have the appearance of competing with the people for profits..."

Li Zhi raised his hand and said, "No, I think this idea is very good and we can try it."

Zhang Jianzhi and Li Yifu were both taken aback, not expecting the emperor to be so supportive.

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "Tell me any other methods you have."

Zhang Jianzhi was greatly encouraged and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the state can also establish trading companies to deal in horses and military equipment."

Li Zhi's heart stirred, and he said, "Tell me in detail."

Zhang Jianzhi said, "This is what I think. The court already has more than a dozen ranches. Although these ranches can provide the country with warhorses, the Imperial Stud needs to spend a lot of money every year to operate them." "If we could establish a government-run horse cooperative to sell horses, we could not only save this expense, but also increase the country's revenue."

Li Zhi hesitated and asked, "If we sell the horses, won't the army's supplies be insufficient?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Your Majesty, the number of horses in the imperial pastures is currently limited because the Taipusi (Imperial Stud) has limited annual funding, and therefore cannot expand."

Li Zhi understood.

Simply put, the Tang Dynasty now spends money to raise horses. The annual allocation to the Imperial Stud is fixed, so the Imperial Stud can only raise this many horses; it cannot afford to raise more.

If Zhang Jianzhi's method is followed, the horse farm can become profitable on its own, and its scale will no longer be limited. In this way, the horse farm's production capacity can be fully released.

After pondering for a long time, Li Zhi nodded and said, "We can first select a horse farm for a trial. If there are no major drawbacks, I think this method is feasible."

Li Yifu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this matter involves increasing the national treasury's revenue. Why not hand it over to the Ministry of Revenue?"

Li Zhi glanced at him and said, "Alright, you'll be in charge of this matter."

Li Yifu was overjoyed and bowed to express his gratitude, seeing this as an opportunity to make a contribution.

Finally, Zhang Jianzhi proposed the government-run military equipment.

This is similar to selling arms in later times, but the target market is foreign countries.

We are currently in the era of cold weapons. The Tang Dynasty does not have any generational advantage in military affairs, and its smelting technology is not mature enough for firearms that use gunpowder.

Therefore, Li Zhi was cautious about this matter and did not agree.

Zhang Jianzhi was satisfied to see that Li Zhi had agreed to the two proposals. He took his leave with Li Yifu and prepared to draft a specific plan to be submitted to the Secretariat for implementation.

Li Zhi stood in front of the viewing platform, gazing at the shimmering water. After pondering Zhang Jianzhi's suggestion for a while, he felt there was no major problem and then strode towards Penglai Palace.

A little over a month ago, Xu Jin gave birth to a son for him, named Li Kuan.

Li Zhi now has ten sons.

Having too many children is not a good thing either.

Because Li Zhi was too busy, he often forgot about his other children, except for the few he doted on.

Li Zhi could hardly feel the same joy he had when Wu Zetian gave birth to Li Xian, his tenth son.

To make up for his guilt, he has been visiting Xu Jin's Penglai Palace most often lately, besides Wu Meiniang's.

Before long, they arrived at Penglai Palace, only to find the entrance bustling with activity. Li Yong was standing in the spacious open space outside the palace, playing with a ball.

Xu Jin and Consort Yang were standing to the side watching. Xu Jin was holding a chubby little boy in her arms, who was none other than the Tenth Prince, Li Kuan.

Originally, Li Yong was showing off his skills with the ball to him, hoping to amuse him. Unfortunately, Li Kuan didn't give him any face and fell fast asleep in Xu Jin's arms.

When the group saw Li Zhi arrive, they all came over to pay their respects. Consort Yang hurriedly said to Li Yong, "Yong'er, stop quickly, your father has arrived."

Li Zhi shouted, "Yong'er, pass the ball!"

Li Yong was overjoyed and passed the ball high to Li Zhi so he could catch it.

Li Zhi launched a flying kick, but it went slightly astray, sending the ball flying diagonally and nearly hitting a eunuch, grazing his scalp.

The eunuch was quick-witted; he swiftly picked up the ball and handed it to Wang Fusheng.

Wang Fusheng took the ball, turned his head to observe Li Zhi's expression, and saw that Li Zhi would not look at the ball again, so he knew that the emperor had no interest in Cuju.

Li Zhi entered Penglai Palace surrounded by people and touched Li Kuan's chubby face, but unfortunately the boy was fast asleep.

Xu Jin shook him for a long time, calling out repeatedly, "Kuan'er, your father is here, wake up!" But Li Kuan just wouldn't wake up.

Seeing this, Li Zhi laughed and said, "Alright, let him sleep a little longer. Yong'er, play a game of chess with me. This time, I'll give you a four-piece handicap. Let me see if you've improved!"

Li Yong smiled and agreed, then sat on the couch and began to play with Li Zhi. Xu Jin and Consort Yang stood aside and watched.

After a game of chess, Li Zhi noticed that Li Yong's playing style had changed; he was now playing more steadily than before.

In the past, whenever Li Zhi placed a piece inside his abdomen, he would become very nervous, rushing to kill Li Zhi's piece, neglecting other areas, and allowing Li Zhi to easily gain the upper hand.

However, he is now able to remain calm and composed, dealing with Li Zhi's attacks in the heart of the territory while also engaging in entanglements with Li Zhi elsewhere.

After one game of chess, Li Zhi lost by one and a half lines.

Li Zhi laughed and said, "Not bad, you've made progress. Yong'er, have you recently hired a famous teacher to tutor you?"

Li Yong said, "As expected, Father, I recently hired a Go master to stay at home and have been learning from him every day. That's how I've made some progress."

Li Zhi was delighted at the prospect, thinking, "Within the palace, I have no equal. Apart from Yan Liben and Hao Chujun, the ministers are basically no match for me. It's time to test my skills against the experts outside the palace."

"What's that person's name?" he asked.

Li Yong said, "This person is named Wang Mingwu, and he is one of the eight great chess players in Chang'an."

Li Zhi had also heard of the eight great chess players of Chang'an. Hao Chujun was on the list, ranking sixth, while Yan Liben was not included because of his status as prime minister.

Li Zhi only knew that Hao Chujun and Yan Liben were deliberately throwing the game when they played chess with him, but he couldn't tell how much they were throwing.

If I could travel incognito and play a game with this man named Wang Mingwu, I might be able to find out his true chess skills.

At this moment, Xu Jin said, "Your Majesty, shall I play a game of chess with you?"

Li Zhi laughed and said, "Good, it's been a while since I've seen you challenge me."

Among the concubines in the imperial harem, Xu Jin was always the best at Go, with Consort Zheng ranking second.

As for Wu Zetian, Li Zhi only secretly saw her play chess. Every time he wanted to play chess with her, she would say that she didn't know how and refused to agree.

Xu Jin's playing style is very gentle, just like her personality. She doesn't engage in local battles with Li Zhi, but instead focuses on overall strategy.

She didn't have much solid ground at first, but as the game progressed, her strategy gradually took effect and began to turn the tide.

Unfortunately, she lost too many games in the early stages and was unable to make up for it in the end, losing to Li Zhi in four games.

Li Yong suddenly said, "Father, why don't you and Mother play a game too?"

Consort Yang hurriedly said, "Don't talk nonsense, how could I be a match for His Majesty?"

Li Zhi originally thought that Consort Yang didn't know how to play chess, so he asked Li Yong, "Does your mother know how to play chess?"

Li Yong said, "Of course I can. I've never beaten my mother before."

Li Zhi immediately became interested and insisted that Consort Yang play the next game with him.

Yang Cai Ren couldn't refuse him, so she had no choice but to sit down and play chess with him.

Not long after they started playing, Li Zhi discovered that Consort Yang was quite skilled, but unfortunately she lacked fighting spirit. Whenever Li Zhi made a slight attack, she would immediately retreat.

Almost wherever Li Zhi placed his piece, she would quickly dodge it, and before long, she fell far behind.

Knowing that she dared not compete with him, Li Zhi immediately stopped bullying her and let Li Yong, who was anxiously waiting on the side, finish the game for his mother.

After the three games were finished, it was already dark outside.

Li Zhi left Penglai Palace and walked slowly through the palace.

As they were walking, they suddenly saw a fire coming from beside a rockery ahead.

(End of this chapter)