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Chapter 48
Chapter 48: Xiao Ran: I don’t accept His Majesty’s suggestion!
“That’s correct!” Empress Zhangsun nodded.
Empress Zhangsun usually wouldn’t share these concerns with Li Lizhi, but she did it intentionally this time. The reason was the master behind Li Lizhi.
Let’s see if this expert can intervene.
Empress Zhangsun also noticed this, and telling Li Lizhi was like informing the expert behind her.
“I borrowed before, and we had an agreement. What’s the issue now?”
“The Bureau of Astronomy predicted colder days, making this winter colder and longer. Unfortunately, this information leaked, causing influential families to raise prices again.”
Li Lizhi couldn’t help but frown, realizing the situation was more serious than expected.
“Mother, no need to worry. The expert has a solution.” Li Lizhi, now in control of the coal mine, spoke confidently.
Empress Zhangsun was noncommittal but uncertain.
“It’s even more serious than you think…”
Empress Zhangsun then relayed Li Shimin’s concerns to Li Lizhi. The more Li Lizhi heard, the angrier she became.
“Don’t worry, Queen Mother! There will be a solution!”
While eating, Empress Zhangsun continued discussing the matter with Li Lizhi.
Finally, Empress Zhangsun said, “Your father is pleased with the thermal underwear. Thank the master for your father. Also, he suggests selling thermal underwear for fifty taels of silver per set.”
Li Lizhi’s eyes widened and asked, “Isn’t that too expensive?”
“Considering the cold winter, firewood now sells for forty coins, and a thermal undergarment, a necessity, is priced reasonably at fifty taels of silver.”
“Only the expert behind you has thermal underwear. Others don’t. The pricing is at the expert’s discretion.”
Li Lizhi felt Empress Zhangsun had a somewhat vengeful attitude towards the wealthy.
“The quality is good, and the wealthy won’t mind the cost,” Empress Zhangsun continued.
Li Lizhi nodded, “I understand. I’ll convey this to the expert.”
“It’s late. Return home early, and be careful on the slippery roads!”
Empress Zhangsun emphasized the need for caution.
“Mother, I got it!”
Seeing Li Lizhi depart, Empress Zhangsun stored the remaining food and covered the food box.
“Xiu Niang, take it to His Majesty!”
Xiu Niang, initially hesitant, was now numb, as Empress Zhangsun couldn’t forget Li Shimin when it came to good things.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
…
The palace maids from Lizheng Hall delivered the food box to the Taiji Palace and left. Zhang Anan entered the Taiji Palace with the food box.
In a calm tone: “Your Majesty, Empress sent this. She suggests you try it while it’s hot.”
Li Shimin smiled upon hearing Zhang Anan’s words.
He put aside the unread memorials, saying, “Open it for me!”
Unaware before, now Li Shimin understood. The food sent by Empress Zhangsun was a delicacy beyond the capabilities of the imperial kitchen. Even though it’s leftovers, Li Shimin didn’t mind! He finished all the food sent by Empress Zhangsun.
The taste is simply irresistible.
…
Excitedly pushing open the bedroom door, Li Lizhi was surprised to find Xiao Ran squatting next to the brazier in her chamber.
“Why are you here?”
“I’m back! I came to check on the coal. It’s great – after so long, it’s only half burnt. It will last a long time. Charcoal can’t compare to this,” Xiao Ran said with a smile.
Li Lizhi moved closer to the brazier, pleasantly surprised by its quality.
“It’s even better than expected – a delightful surprise.”
“That’s great! It can help Father,” Li Lizhi said, thrilled.
Xiao Ran was also happy, anticipating a windfall with two mines in the family. Both sit by the brazier, observing the burning coal.
“Earlier, the Empress mentioned that His Majesty doesn’t recommend selling a set of thermal underwear for twenty-five taels of silver.”
“I don’t accept His Majesty’s suggestion!” Xiao Ran thought the old man must find his price too high.
“Father suggests we sell it for fifty taels of silver!” Li Lizhi added.
Xiao Ran agreed, thinking it would be fine if Li Shimin said so.
“Really? Settled on selling it for fifty taels of silver?”
Xiao Ran nodded, “Your Majesty’s suggestion is good. I think it’s okay.”
“It’s settled then. We’ll redistribute. I get six, you get two, and His Majesty and the Empress each get one percent.”
“Sounds good!”
Five hundred yuan for thermal underwear, selling for five taels of gold – it’s a lucrative prospect.
“We’re going to get rich!”
“Ah!” Li Lizhi sighed.
“What’s wrong? We’re getting rich. Aren’t you happy? Why the sigh?” Xiao Ran asked.
“My mother mentioned that it’ll get even colder in a few days…”
Li Lizhi relayed Empress Zhangsun’s words to Xiao Ran. Understanding, Li Lizhi hopes Xiao Ran could help. With no one else to rely on, Xiao Ran was her only hope.
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