Now I really have to marry the princess.

Chapter 113 Brilliant, I'm Going to Manipulate You Ruthlessly

When Li Chengqian heard that Yang Zhengdao had come to borrow money, his face immediately lit up with a radiant glow.

He was criticized by Yu Zhining today for not studying hard enough, which made him feel frustrated, but when money was mentioned, he became confident.

From the pre-Qingming green tea to the current stewed yellow tea, Donggong has made a fortune in the past two months.

The Crown Prince controls more than just the tea plantation at Xianyou Temple.

However, he also left 20% of the profits from the other tea gardens to Yang Zhengdao.

He was grateful to Yang Zhengdao because Yang would always think of him when he had profitable business opportunities.

Take that newly opened hot spring bathhouse for example. He only had Fang Yizhi go there once and deliver a piece of calligraphy, and he could get 20% of the profits.

So when Yang Zhengdao came to him to borrow money, he was very happy.

After all, if you make money but nobody knows, wouldn't that be like wearing fine clothes in the dark?

He picked up the cheese, suppressing a smirk, and said leisurely, "Tell me, how much do you need?"

Yang Zhengdao thought about it and decided to play it safe by doubling the amount.

He cupped his hands and said, "Ten thousand strings of cash."

"Ten thousand strings of cash?!" Li Chengqian's eyes narrowed, and he almost spilled the cup of cheese in his hand.

Yang Zhengdao was taken aback. "No! Brother-in-law, you can bargain!"

Li Chengqian couldn't help but get up and pace back and forth a few steps.

Yang Zhengdao's offer of ten thousand strings of cash instantly shattered Yang Zhengdao's confidence.

Sigh, what I'm doing is really just small-scale; Yang Zhengdao's business already involves tens of thousands of strings of cash.

He wanted to help Yang Zhengdao, but the Crown Prince really didn't have 10,000 strings of cash.

He couldn't bring himself to refuse outright.

Finally, he smiled apologetically and said, "County Commandant Yang, let's go to the side hall to discuss this in detail."

Upon arriving at the side hall, they dismissed those around them and sat down across a table from each other.

Li Chengqian then explained the current situation of the Eastern Palace to Yang Zhengdao.

"Ah Dao, the Crown Prince could have raised ten thousand taels of silver for you, but recently a batch of money was sent to Lizhou."

Yang Zhengdao then remembered that he had suggested that Wu Shihu pull the Eastern Palace to establish a tea plantation in Lizhou.

But Li Chengqian's words were a bit like putting on a brave face.

According to his estimate, even if the Crown Prince did not invest money in Lizhou, he would not be able to come up with 10,000 guan, and the most he could use directly would be 6,000 or 7,000 guan.

Moreover, Wu Shihuo established tea plantations in Lizhou to serve the Crown Prince, so how could he let the Crown Prince pay the price?

Since the brother-in-law wants to act like a tycoon, he should try to get as much of the benefits as possible.

If money isn't enough, there's always Li Hui.

If all else fails, you can go to Li Yuan.

Li Er and Empress Zhangsun are out of the question; they are too shrewd and know everything about his actions.

If Li Er found out that he was transferring money between his own hands and taking over the manure business in Chang'an County, Li Er would definitely snatch the business away from him.

Thinking of this, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said with a smile, "Gao Ming, please raise as much as you can for me. If this succeeds, the cement kiln can start making money."

"Oh!" Li Chengqian's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He had already witnessed the effectiveness of cement.

The cement mixed with sand and gravel, which was originally as soft as mud, can become as hard as a rock in just one day.

This new material is truly a divine find in construction.

This made him want to send someone to search for the "Complete Treatise on Agriculture," but when he heard that Li Hui had spent nearly a thousand strings of cash but had found nothing, he gave up the idea.

When he realized that Yang Zhengdao, the county magistrate, was in charge of judicial affairs, he understood that the money lent out in this way could probably be earned back from the cement business very quickly.

He made a rough estimate and told Yang Zhengdao the amount of money the Crown Prince could use: "He doesn't have 10,000 strings of cash, but he can still come up with 5,000 strings."

This was similar to what Yang Zhengdao had thought, and he had originally intended to borrow 5,000 guan.

He quickly clasped his hands in thanks, saying, "Excellent! Excellent! Thank you so much for helping me out of this predicament."

Li Chengqian waved his hand happily, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "In that case, may I inform Father Emperor about the cement?"

Which son doesn't want his father's approval?

Especially the crown prince.

However, Emperor Taizong (Li Er) was too demanding of Li Chengqian.

Yang Zhengdao specifically instructed Li Chengqian not to rush to report this matter, otherwise Li Chengqian, at his age, would definitely lose his composure.

Yang Zhengdao pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"Surprise! Surprise! A surprise is one that is both surprising and delightful."

Li Chengqian pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "That makes sense! Let's wait and see. Once we see results, we can then report this matter to Father."

He paused for a moment, then said with a smile, "In that case, County Lieutenant Yang will need to achieve new merits as soon as possible so that the wonderful uses of cement can be fully realized."

Yang Zhengdao's intention wasn't to surprise Li Er; he wanted to acquire and consolidate more lime kilns before Li Er learned about cement.

Anyway, once Li Er finds out about this technology, it's bound to be lost.

At that time, whoever gets the most lime kilns will make the most money.

But thinking about my brother-in-law, such an honest man, who always walks on thin ice and is too tense, I know that if he continues like this, something bad will happen sooner or later.

That's how it is in history. Li Chengqian was an obedient child in his early years, but he completely let himself go in his later years and eventually even had the audacity to plot a rebellion.

Yang Zhengdao decided to try to persuade him anyway.

He glanced around and then looked at Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian immediately understood: "Adao, please speak freely."

Yang Zhengdao then lowered his voice and asked, "Gao Ming, what do you think of comparing yourself to a sage?"

"This—" Li Chengqian's expression changed drastically, then he said with a look of dejection, "It is far from satisfactory."

"Among the former rulers of the Qin state, does Gao Ming know who reigned the longest?"

Li Chengqian didn't know what Yang Zhengdao meant, but he still thought for a moment and replied, "It should be King Zhaoxiang of Qin."

Yang Zhengdao nodded and continued, "The First Emperor unified the world by building upon the achievements of six generations. Among the six Qin rulers starting with Duke Xiao, King Zhaoxiang expanded the territory the most. He attacked the Chu capital, fought at Changping, destroyed the Yiqu, and seized the Nine Tripods. His achievements were outstanding and his name is recorded in history."

He then changed the subject, asking, "Does Gao Ming know why?"

Kong Yingda had addressed this question, and Li Chengqian gave his answer without hesitation.

"This was because King Zhaoxiang inherited the legacy of Duke Xiao and Duke Huiwen, and had virtuous ministers and generals like Fan Sui and Bai Qi to assist him. Therefore, he was able to form alliances with distant states and attack nearby ones, and his achievements were most remarkable."

Yang Zhengdao smiled and shook his head, leaning forward against the table and uttering five words.

"Because they live long."

Li Chengqian's eyes narrowed sharply, and his heart was instantly filled with turmoil.

Yes! It's just because they live a long time.

Ying Ji ascended the throne at a young age, and the government was controlled by Empress Dowager Xuan for a long time. For the next forty years, he was almost a puppet.

When he was nearly sixty years old, he followed Fan Ju's plan to depose the Empress Dowager and expel the four nobles, thus truly taking control of the government.

If Ying Ji had not lived to the age of sixty, history would probably only have recorded him as a resourceful and wise Empress Dowager Xuan.

No! It's not about living a long time!

It was because he endured it for so long! He tolerated the suppression of the royal family, he tolerated the four nobles' abuse of power, and he tolerated the affair between the Empress Dowager Xuan and the King of Yiqu.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian suddenly felt as if he had been enlightened, and everything became clear.

He suddenly remembered what Yu Zhining had told him about "making a name for oneself overnight".

That story isn't about "repenting and turning over a new leaf," it's clearly about "planning before acting."

If viewed from another perspective, King Zhuang of Chu did not do nothing during those three years.

He feigned incompetence to lull powerful ministers into a false sense of security; he secretly promoted virtuous officials, giving important positions to Wu Ju and Su Cong; he distinguished between loyal and treacherous officials, ascertained the true situation, and waited for the opportune moment before achieving his meteoric rise and dominating the states.

King Zhuang of Chu remained silent for only three years, while King Zhaoxiang of Qin remained silent for forty years.

Li Chengqian understood Yang Zhengdao's intention.

He was the crown prince, but compared to his father, he was unremarkable. He didn't need to think about making achievements; he just needed to follow the rules and wait.

Yu Zhining wouldn't tell him this, Kong Yingda wouldn't tell him, and neither would the ministers of the Crown Prince's palace.

He suddenly stood up, said nothing, and simply bowed to Yang Zhengdao.

When he stood up, his eyes were less blank and restless, and more clear and calm.

Yang Zhengdao knew that Li Chengqian had listened and understood.

He accepted the greeting with composure.

As long as he stays put and doesn't act recklessly, Li Chengqian's position is secure, and he doesn't have to wait until his hair turns gray like King Zhaoxiang of Qin.

If I remember correctly, Li Er only lived to be forty or fifty years old.

He suddenly felt a sense of accomplishment from being a teacher.

Is this what it feels like to be an imperial tutor?

It's like playing a strategy game!

Brilliant! I'm going to take you down hard!

He couldn't help but step forward, pat Li Chengqian's arm, and said meaningfully, "I'll wait for you!"

With his inner knot untied, Li Chengqian felt a sense of lightness throughout his body.

He completely disregarded Yang Zhengdao's overstepping move, smiled knowingly, and nodded emphatically.

After leaving Lizheng Hall, Yang Zhengdao was led by an attendant to Jialing Temple.

He was going to find Li Hui.

Although the 10,000 guan of funds had been secured, the brother-in-law, unaware that he intended to borrow 5,000 guan, hinted that the Wang family of Hejian was wealthy, and that Li Hui was still on duty.

Li Hui naturally accepted his brother-in-law's good intentions, and thus became the sheep that was conveniently taken advantage of.

Having more money on hand is a good precaution, and it also makes you feel more confident.

He won't pay a single penny in interest anyway.

Walking east along the palace road, one sees vermilion gates with continuous eaves, all belonging to the Eastern Palace government offices.

Soon we arrived at Jialing Temple. After entering the temple gate and passing the screen wall, we saw government offices lined up on both sides of the passageway.

The first office on the left is the Pawnshop Office.

The office is compact, with offices in the front hall and warehouses connected by a corridor in the back.

However, being a higher-level unit, Li Hui's working conditions were much better than Yang Zhengdao's.

This isn't some side room or detour hall for Li Hui; this is his proper place to sit.

The large table in the hall was covered with a plain felt mat, and to one side stood a huge wooden bookshelf piled high with official documents...

Account books.

When Yang Zhengdao entered, Li Hui was shaking his pen, listening to a subordinate in a light blue robe explain the documents to him. He must have been the acting clerk.

Upon seeing Yang Zhengdao arrive, the clerk immediately bowed and took his leave: "Sir, this matter is not urgent. Please take your time to read these documents. If you have any questions, you may call me at any time."

Yang Zhengdao couldn't help but want to laugh.

Li Hui, who was always lazy, unexpectedly came to the busiest department in the Eastern Palace, the Granary Office.

The Piancang Bureau was in charge of the storage of grains, condiments, and other food and beverages, as well as the management of warehouse operations and cash disbursement.

In other words, the Piancang Bureau was responsible not only for managing the land under Li Chengqian's name, but also for storing, purchasing, and distributing all the supplies for the Eastern Palace.

After the magistrate left the main hall, Li Hui slumped down and let out a long sigh.

Yang Zhengdao, intending to tease Li Hui, gave a proper bow.

"Greetings, Commandant Xuanjie, and Director Li of the Imperial Household Department."

Li Hui was taken aback, then stood up straight and returned the bow.

"Greetings, Colonel Xuanjie, and County Commandant Li of Chang'an County."

The two then looked at each other and burst into laughter, displaying an air of petty smugness and jubilation.

After the tea master served tea, the two sat down at the table.

Li Hui then asked, "Is the work of the judge really so leisurely? How come you have time to come to the Eastern Palace on your very first day in office?"

After saying that, he sighed again: "Unlike me, I haven't left this room all day. I eat my meals in the corridor here."

Yang Zhengdao really wanted to scold Li Hui, but he felt that Li Hui wouldn't understand.

Officials serving within the imperial city, regardless of rank, were entitled to meals served in the covered walkways. However, outside the imperial city, only officials of the fifth rank and above received such meals.

Therefore, in Wannian and Chang'an counties, only two county magistrates were entitled to a working meal.

Yang Zhengdao glanced at the huge bookshelf and asked in confusion, "Aren't all the general affairs handled by subordinates? As the superior in charge, you can't just do the paperwork and examinations."

Upon hearing this, Li Hui sighed again: "Ah Dao, Fang Dalang said that Zhang Jialing might come in a few days, and he wants me to finish reading the recent documents as soon as possible."

Fang Dalang was Fang Erlang's older brother, Fang Yizhi, who served as the assistant official of the Ren family's monastery and the Crown Prince's household steward, a seventh-rank official.

Zhang Jialing is Zhang Xuansu.

Historical records describe Zhang Xuansu as loyal and upright because he repeatedly submitted memorials to the emperor, criticizing Li Chengqian for being "extremely arrogant, extravagant, and licentious, unmatched by anyone."

Li Chengqian hated him to the core because of this, and even sent assassins to ambush him with large clubs at night, which almost cost him his life.

This shows that Zhang Xuansu is no good!

How could a truly good teacher who cares about their students call their parents so easily?

Moreover, since it was recorded in history books, it is evident that Zhang Xuansu's memorial was written as a formal memorial and made public in the court, which is equivalent to a public reprimand.

The teacher went down in history, but he drove his students to the brink of despair.

However, it was only the fifth year of the Zhenguan era, and Zhang Xuansu had not yet become the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince and concurrently the Right Vice-Minister, while Li Chengqian had not yet...

It grew crookedly.

However, Zhang Xuansu, who is now serving as the Crown Prince's Household Steward, is not so friendly to Gan Lihui.

Fang Yizhi's reminder was correct.

Given Zhang Xuansu's character, among all the officials under his command, Li Hui would definitely be targeted by Zhang Xuansu.

The reason is simply that Li Hui's family background is too good. By fiercely criticizing the son of the Prince of Hejian, he can establish Zhang Xuansu's glorious image of being upright and incorruptible.

Thinking of this, Yang Zhengdao tentatively asked, "How about we have your father change your office?"

"No way!" Li Hui shrank back. "My father said that he got this official position by crying in front of the sage."

Alright! To be an official during the Zhenguan era, you still have to learn how to act like a crybaby!

Li Hui is in for a rough time now.

At work, there are bosses nitpicking; after get off work, there are parents' iron fists.

Yang Zhengdao patted Li Hui on the shoulder, inwardly sympathized with the Liao brothers for three seconds, and then got down to business.

"Ah Hui! I've come here today to borrow money from His Highness the Crown Prince."

"Huh?! You're short of money!"

"Listen to me, His Highness the Crown Prince is short of money, so he asked me to come to you for a loan."

"Your Highness sent you to find me!? My father said that since I had a salary, he stopped my allowance. My only income now is the dividends from the bathhouse! And I still owe the bathhouse more than a hundred strings of cash."

How can you blame me for this?!

Yang Zhengdao was also helpless, he really didn't know when Li Hui and Ru Meng had developed such strange habits.

Every time they play, they have to invite several female musicians to join in the fun.

He shook his head with a wry smile, then lowered his voice and said, "Go back and tell your father the truth. Tell him that His Highness mentioned unintentionally that half of the new Silla maids who arrived in Chang'an went to the King of Hejian's household."

"Feasible?" Li Hui leaned back, his face full of disbelief.

"Of course it's feasible!" Yang Zhengdao coaxed patiently. "For every thousand strings of cash you lend out, I'll waive twenty strings of cash from the bathhouse bill."

"Fifty strings of cash!"

"make a deal!"

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