In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

This is an organization that did not exist in history. In later fictional interpretations, the Qin Dynasty had this organization for surveillance, assassination, and infiltration.

Li Yuanchang copied it directly.

"In the early stages, you will be appointed as the chief envoy, and later a deputy envoy will be appointed, along with twenty directors."

"You can choose these twenty people later, from among the trusted guards of the Prince of Han's residence."

"As for your downline, that's up to you to develop."

"This is the starting capital for Black Ice Station. Spend it as much as you want, bribe people as much as you want, and turn people to defect. Anything that can be solved with money is not a problem."

"Don't worry about spending money. If you run out, just ask me for more."

"I don't care about the process, I only care about the result, and enough information!"

Distilled spirits became a treasure trove, and Li Yuanchang was no longer constrained, now displaying true boldness and prowess.

As he spoke, he swiftly and decisively kicked out a large box, which clattered loudly inside!

Half of it was gold beans, and the other half was three hundred strings of copper coins, a very large quantity.

Li Yi was stunned, completely overwhelmed and influenced by Li Yuanchang's imposing presence.

He paused for two breaths, then stood solemnly, and shouted loudly, "Yes!!"

At this moment, Li Yuanchang came down again and took out a thick booklet from his pocket.

"This is the Black Ice Platform's outline, and it's the most important thing. You must read it thoroughly."

"This is something I spent over a month compiling. It includes the Black Ice Platform's system, operating rules, taboos, reward and punishment system, and supervision system."

"You must remember this well: make the Black Ice Platform a true entity capable of eavesdropping on the entire world. No one but me can command you, and you need not obey anyone's orders."

"Also, remember, except for core members, the words 'Han Prince's Mansion' must not be revealed!"

Li Yuanchang was very serious; he knew that establishing such an organization was inherently extremely taboo.

Staff, guards, and even private slaves are all permitted as long as they are not excessive.

But what are you trying to do by forming a secret intelligence organization?

Li Shimin was one of the few most successful entrepreneurs, a pioneer-level figure. It would be strange if he could tolerate such behavior.

"yes!"

"Your Highness, rest assured, this humble servant will certainly complete the mission." Li Yi clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Go."

"Go and show your talents." Li Yuanchang smiled.

Li Yi gritted his teeth, bowed, and left quickly.

Silence returned to the scene. Their conversation was top secret; no one else in the world knew about it.

Li Yuanchang slowly walked to the threshold, gazing intently towards Chang'an.

He had been waiting for this day for a long time!

In fact, besides dealing with the Wei King's faction, he had another purpose in doing this: Li Yuanchang no longer wanted to be Li Shimin's pawn and obedient younger brother.

He wants to be the player himself!

"..."

After nightfall.

Li Yuanchang rushed to approve a large number of official documents for Liangzhou, and he had already spent half of the 6,500 strings of cash given to him by Chang'an.

Each of the six ministries received 200 strings of cash, which were used to repair government offices, purchase scarce materials, and replenish various office expenses.

That's how much 1,200 strings of cash went.

In addition, Li Yuanchang allocated another 300 guan for the reconstruction of Luoma Post Station.

Another major expense was disaster relief, covering the landslide and the insect plague from a year ago, all of which Li Yuanchang covered.

He didn't embezzle a single penny of the 1,500 strings of cash that Li Shimin gave him; in fact, he even took an extra 300 strings from his own pocket in Liangzhou Prefecture.

Interestingly, in the ancient, information-isolated environment, the imperial court's disaster relief funds were far more embezzled than in later generations.

Of the 1,500 strings of cash, to put it bluntly, after layers of exploitation, if the common people were to actually receive 100 strings, that would be considered a mere facade by officials who were clever enough to save face.

But Liangzhou was Li Yuanchang's territory. The highest-ranking official was incorruptible, and none of his subordinates dared to act recklessly. This was the reputation he earned through his exploits!

Just as Li Yuanchang was walking briskly towards the backyard.

"Your Highness, Your Highness!"

Li Yuanchang stopped in his tracks. It was Song Yu from the Prince of Han's residence, who had been promoted to steward and was now considered a minor head of ordinary staff and clerks.

"Your Highness, this humble servant pays his respects."

"This is a memorial handed to me by Hu Qian, the Military Advisor, concerning the selection of officials."

In the Tang Dynasty, the state had its own selection process, and the prefectures had their own selection processes.

The Gongcao is responsible for this, including but not limited to supervision, selection, religion, schools, etc.

Li Yuanchang glanced at it casually; it was basically a business plan and the required funding.

"Four hundred strings of cash?" He was slightly surprised.

Song Yu frowned: "Your Highness, you're not trying to make a quick buck, are you?"

Li Yuanchang shook his head: "Hu Qian doesn't have the guts; he's just incompetent."

"According to his idea, the four hundred strings of cash were indeed well spent, but many places were completely unnecessary, and the selection system was also an old-fashioned and outdated one."

"There's only one exam question: rote memorization, writing poems, and essays."

"Moreover, the selection targets are either the sons of noble families who entered the civil service through hereditary privilege, or they are restricted to those who passed the imperial examination."

At this point, Li Yuanchang expressed some reservations. As a person of the 21st century and a capable individual with business management awareness, he held such outdated and narrow-minded selection methods from feudal society in contempt.

Having education doesn't necessarily mean you can become an official.

The lack of family background does not mean a lack of ability.

But this is what was valued in ancient times; it was a symphony of the era, and even if Li Yuanchang disapproved of it, he couldn't change it.

Even Li Shimin couldn't handle this matter.

Even at his peak, he only suppressed the aristocratic groups, but the dynasty remained unchanged, and the powerful clans were eternal.

"Your Highness, will you grant it or not?"

"Lord Wang Hongzhi is awaiting your orders," Song Yu asked.

Li Yuanchang frowned.

The reason he dared to openly recruit some poor scholars and ordinary white-clad people last time was because it was a private matter for the Prince of Han's mansion. He could recruit even beggars if he wanted to.

But this time is different.

This was to replenish the talent pool in Liangzhou Prefecture. It should be noted that more than half of the officials in Liangzhou Prefecture had been dismissed by Li Yuanchang, resulting in a severe shortage of manpower.

Now that the imperial funds have arrived, the matter of selecting officials was brought up during the Liangzhou Prefecture meeting.

Because it was a selection process in Liangzhou Prefecture, Li Yuanchang was well aware that if he dared to openly select from the poor and commoners without giving priority to the sons of nobles, the consequences would be very serious.

Then it won't just be the Wei King's faction that's going to deal with him.

Zhang Juzheng of the Ming Dynasty was a powerful figure who legislated to collect taxes from nobles, and he met a tragic end. Despite his immense influence, he offended too many people and still met a terrible fate.

But Li Yuanchang really didn't want to recruit those noble sons to his side. Perhaps some of them were capable, but their core values ​​were different.

In later generations, when large companies recruited senior executives, values ​​were almost always the top priority. This may sound mysterious, but in certain situations, it can be a fatal factor.